Starting Fires (28 page)

I tried to occupy my time, catching up on TV shows, playing video games with Charles, when his girlfriend, Priscilla, wasn’t around. Wally took me to another movie on Monday night. It was an old black and white foreign film. He ate it up, but I was completely bored. After work, I went grocery shopping or walking around the neighborhood. Paul avoided me, and I had the feeling that it was because he felt uncomfortable about Lucas’ accusations. I couldn’t blame him. If I were in his shoes, I’d do the same thing. I tagged along with Lacey and Nicole to get pedicures. They let me have the middle chair, but leaned forward and talked to each other about people I didn’t know through the whole thing.

It was nearly a week before he called me again, and I was asleep, but answered. “Hello,” I said groggily.

“Did I wake you?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I smiled. “But I don’t mind. How’s your trip going?”

“Long,” he sighed. “I had to get away from the house for a little while. What about you? Anything exciting happen this week?”

“No. Just work and finding things to fill the rest of the day.” I was a little annoyed that on the week Lucas was gone I didn’t seem to have a thing to do. It was my spring break, so not even studying could occupy me. “What time will you be home Sunday?”

“Well, it’s a
good
six hour drive, but will take longer in my car. I don’t want to push her.”

“Why didn’t you ride with your parents?”

“No way,” he laughed. “It’s bad enough staying with them for the week. A six hour car drive on top of that is asking too much.”

“Aww, I like your parents,” I said.

“I know. They like you, too, but you’ve only spent a day with them.
And
they were on their best behavior.” We both softly laughed. “The lake’s beautiful, by the way. My dad and I have gone out every morning. He fishes, and I sit and watch the sunrise. The water is so clear and calm.” Subconsciously, I started rubbing the hem of my pillow while I listened. Realizing, I sighed blissfully, but stilled my fingers. “I wish you could see it,” he said. “If the weather is good, the sun shining on the water is magnificent. We’ve been grilling and sitting around the fire at night. Mia is fed up with it now, but I really do love it. It’s just a little much being cooped up with them day in and out.”

It would be a different trip altogether if I were there. I imagined the two of us taking a boat out onto the water at dusk, or sitting on a dock talking and holding one another into the night. Would we share a bed even though his parents were there? I wasn’t sure how reserved they were, and I wouldn’t have wanted Helen to think less of me. Though, I did attack her son in their home only a few months ago—so maybe she should. “It sounds wonderful,” I said. “Maybe I’ll get to see it one day.”

“I hope- hang on a second…” He let out a frustrated sigh. “Uh, my mom is calling me. I better head back.”

“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”

“Night, Marzy.”

“Goodnight.”

Once our call ended, I went to my camera reel and pulled up the only picture of him that I had—the one I used for his contact photo. He wasn’t even looking at the camera, but he was smiling, knowing that I was taking it. His fingers held the guitar, his legs stretched out in front of him. My bedroom wall was in the background and the light from my desk lamp illuminated his head, making him look like he had a halo. I smiled and turned off my phone.

As I was getting ready for work the next day, I received a text message from him. It was a picture of the sunrise. He was right. It looked magnificent. The caption said,
Wish you could be with me
. Mia’s feet peeked into the corner of the picture, and I admired her tattoo. It was extravagant musical notes, with whimsical and flowing ends that stretched from her toes to her ankle.

Me, too! It IS beautiful.

I didn’t hear from him the rest of the day, but didn’t let it bother me. He’d be back soon, and hopefully we could sort everything out. And when the timing was right, I’d tell him how I felt.

Wally talked me into going with him to a bar that night. He said he needed a wingman, and even though I told him that I wouldn’t be any good, he insisted. Deciding to try a different place, he didn’t take me to Burns. It didn’t feel right without Lucas there anyway. We went to a dance club. Not my scene, but they had tables and a bar, so I didn’t
have
to dance. “If you think I’m getting out on that floor with you, you’re crazy,” I told Wally as we walked to the bar.

“If I need you to, you will,” he said.

“What does that mean?”

“It means, that if I ask, you won’t tell me no,” he said with a wink.

“You’re awfully sure of yourself.”

“If you were me, wouldn’t you be?”

I chuckled and shook my head. After we ordered our drinks, we sat down at a booth that had a clear view of the dance floor. Wally was eyeing all the women, moving from one to another. “Are you looking for somebody?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said. “I just don’t know who she is yet.” We drank in a comfortable silence while he watched the women and I watched the people dancing. Most of them were talented, but there was one guy flailing around all over the place, not even to the beat. I dug his style. If I had to call it anything, it would be interpretive. His eyes were closed, and his hands floated around in the air. I was watching him with a smile when Wally asked, “Heard from Lucas?”

“I’ve talked to him a few times.”

“Me, too.”

“Really?” Curiosity set in. “How many times?”

“Maybe four.” More times than I had.

“I’ve only talked to him twice.”

He eyed me over the rim of his beer. “Well… he’s been busy.”

“But just too busy to talk to me. Not you.”

Wally sighed. “I don’t know. You weren’t exactly nice to him the other night?”

“Are you kidding me?” I leaned towards him. “He accused me of sleeping with Paul, I got upset about it, and
I
wasn’t nice to
him
? That’s insane.”

“I’m seeing both sides here,” he said. “You don’t wear your thoughts on your sleeve. It’s hard to read you. If he got insecure, who can really blame him?”

“I don’t blame him!” I took a breath and looked away from him. “I’ve tried talking to him,” I said more calmly. “He kept telling me he was going to come by before he left, and I was going to try to make it right, but he avoided me. And I guess he’s avoided me the entire time he’s been gone.”

Wally scooted around the booth, until he was sitting next to me. “Lucas isn’t used to this,” he said. “He’s never done serious. Or commitment.”

“How is that possible?” I asked. “He’s nearly 30. You’re telling me that he has
never
committed to a single person in his entire life?”

He chuckled. “Well, maybe just not in the last five years or so. I’m sure there have been girls that he dated for extended periods of time, but nothing substantial. You’re the longest I’ve seen.”

“Besides Candace.”

“Besides Candace.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into a side hug. “He wants you,” he said. “He just doesn’t know what to do about it. Give him some time.” I grumbled and brought my beer to my mouth.

Two hours later, Wally was out on the dance floor with a pretty redhead. His dancing was all over the place too, but it was confident, so even though he was comical, it was hard not to find him endearing. His eyes were flirtatious, and his smile was laid-back. The girl was eating out of the palm of his hand.

A man over his shoulder was standing still, just at the edge of the floor. His eyes bore into me and I looked at him. It was Fontenot. He smiled when we made eye contact and I rolled my eyes. Would he just go away already! Without an invitation, he walked over and slid into the booth. “What do you want?” I asked exasperated.

“You’re all alone. I thought you’d like some company.”

“I’m fine. Really.” Was there no one else he could give his creepy eyes to?

“Where’s Lucas?” he grinned.

“Out of town.”

“Wanna get out of here?”

“No!” I laughed, like he was crazy.

“Are you still with him?”

“Yes.”

He sighed and pulled his phone out of his pocket. Ignoring him, I stared back at the dance floor. Wally and the girl were gone. I brought my drink to my lips, as I surveyed the crowd, looking for them. They were huddled in a dark corner, her hands all over his chest, and his tangled in her hair. When they locked lips, I decided that I was right. I was a horrible wingman. I literally did absolutely nothing to get him that girl.

Fontenot was staring out at the crowd, too, hopefully looking for new prey. While he was occupied, I studied him. He had dark eyes, with long thick eyelashes. His hair was spiky and all over the place. He had full lips, the bottom pouting out. His body was in good shape, not overly muscled or skinny, falling somewhere in between. He was a good-looking man, so why did he always act so sleazy when he tried to pick up women? It shouldn’t be hard for him.

While I was thinking, he smiled with amusement. “What?” he asked, obviously sensing my stare.

“Why do you and Lucas hate each other?” I asked, instead of telling him what was on my mind.

He shrugged. “We don’t
hate
each other. Just don’t really get along.”

“Why?” I leaned forward.

His eyes cut to me. “Do you know his sister?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, then maybe I shouldn’t tell you.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like it’s going to make me think less of you,” I said.

He studied me, trying to decide if he should proceed. “We were… together a few years ago. She’s a great kid, but a little young for me so I ended it. Lucas didn’t like the way things went down.”

“How old was she when you dated?”

“Nineteen.”

So three years ago. “And how old were you?”

“Twenty-six.”

“Do you still talk to her?”

“I see her every now and then, but not in that way.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I took it out. It was a text from Lucas. Looking at the screen, I smiled.
What are you doing?
it said.

At a bar with Wally. You?

“Is that Lucas?” Fontenot asked.

“Yeah,” I said, still wearing a grin.

“You really like him, don’t you?”

“Yes,” I answered with annoyance. Why did everyone keep asking me that?

“Well then, I’m sorry.” He stood from the table and walked off. Did he finally understand that I didn’t want anything to do with him? I hoped so.

A few minutes later, Wally walked over. “I’m gonna be heading out soon, but I’m getting a
ride
from someone else.” His cheeky smile made me purse my lips.

“You’re so gross,” I said.

“Yep.” he grinned, ruffling my hair before he walked back to the redhead.

Not really seeing the point in staying, I left. In my car, I checked my phone. Lucas hadn’t responded to my last message. Remembering what Wally said, I tried not to let it bother me. He was working some things out. Maybe trying to decide how he wanted us to proceed. I shouldn’t push him. I should let him figure it out on his own.

Saturday afternoon no one was at the bar when I arrived. I went in, did the books and left. Charles and I met up and had a late lunch together. Priscilla was all we talked about. I wanted to discuss Lucas with him, but his eyes were lit up with so much happiness, that I didn’t want to break the spell he was under. She had already met his parents, and he was going to meet hers next weekend. I was happy for him.

At 6 p.m., Lacey called wanting me to go out with her and Nicole, but I declined. One night out was enough for my weekend, and instead I watched Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. By the end, I missed Lucas even more.

To pass some time, I took a long shower. After finishing, I put on some tight black leggings, and Lucas’ shirt, curling up in my bed with a book. I was sitting cross-legged, the book in my lap, my elbows propped on my thighs when my phone rang. Excitement bubbled inside me as I reached for it.

Nicole flashed on the screen. “Hello,” I answered, sounding a little disappointed.

“Where are you?” She exclaimed. “Get your butt up here right now!”

I looked at the clock on my nightstand. 10:30 p.m. “It’s late,” I said. “I’m already in my pajamas.”

“God, you are such a party-pooper! I want you to meet my guy. He’s going to be here soon!”

I laughed at her excitement. “Can’t it be another night?”

“No,” she whined. “Five minutes. That’s all. You can meet him, give me your opinion and leave.”

“Why does my opinion matter?”

“You’re my friend. Of course it matters. He’s going to be gone for a month, some overseas work thing, and I need to know if I should wait for him.”

“That’s it?”

“Yep.”

“Well, do you like him?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then wait for him,” I said, surprised that I was giving out love advice.

“Do you really think so? A month is a long time. What if-”

The sound of my door creaking drew my attention. While she continued talking I watched Lucas slowly pushing it open all the way. My eyes bulged out, and then I smiled. “Nicole, I gotta go.”

“But-” Not letting her finish, I ended the call and tossed my phone away.

“You’re back!” I said. “When?”

“Just now.” His eyes were intense and his jaw was tight. Noticing that I was wearing his t-shirt, he took a deep breath and stepped into the room, kicking my door closed. Before I even had time to process his unexpected arrival, he’d pulled his shirt off and tossed me back on the bed.

His mouth came to mine and I was just as frantic as he was. Touching him everywhere. Running my fingers through his hair and down his back. Cradling his jaw, wrapping my legs around him. His hands squeezed and grabbed every inch of me. Leaving no part untouched. His intense desire and needy movements had be bucking and moaning against him.

His hand went to the hem of my shirt, and he leaned back to pull it over my head. I was bare beneath it, and he spared only a second to admire me before he flipped me over onto my stomach. He fisted my hair and gently pulled it to turn my face. His mouth ran up and down my cheek and neck as he worked the zipper on his jeans.