All Is Fair In Love and War

Chapter 3: The Catch

Wind blew in my hair as I ran. I took a deep breath and felt like I was a part of nature. I was not much of a runner, but decided to start jogging with Ron. It was part of being "friends" and I wanted to do it for myself. I wanted to regain my confidence to start over after breaking up with Jeremy.

At this point, it's been a month after I caught Arlene with Jeremy. I had not spoke to either of them since. I spoke to my mom and aunt about what happened. Both of them took my side, which I know must have hurt Arlene. Even her own mom knew what she did to me was wrong.

As for Jeremy, for the first week he'd leave presents on my door. The first week I received 4 dozen roses, many more floral arrangements, teddy bears, letters/poems, jewelry and pretty much things I would find romantic. I was no longer that stupid girl he dated. I was not going to fall for his shit any longer.

As for Ron and I. Well that's even more complicated. We hung out, but I always felt like there was sexual tension between us after we made out. I did not have the desire to be with him in any way. He made the decision to be with my cousin a long time ago. I wasn't going to be his second choice, regardless of whether I was attracted to him.

As Ron and I jogged, he spoke about new recipes he wanted to add to the restaurant's menu. I was not really understanding what he was telling me because I was distracted. I was too busy reflecting on my life and remembering how Jeremy and I had met.
----

A year ago...

I was drinking at a bar by myself. I had a long day of work and had gotten into a verbal argument with the principal. We both had different views on teaching styles and methods. I loved teaching at my school, but I hated the administration.

"I'm guessing you got stood up." A masculine voice said next to me. I did not think the voice was talking to me, but when I looked to my side, the stranger was looking at me.

"You're asking me?" I looked at the man. He had a leather jacket on, which I found very sexy. He had the bad boy thing going on.

"Yeah. Doesn't look like you're having a good time." He responded.

I laughed. "I just had a long day at work...that's all."

"Ok. What do you do?"
"I'm a teacher at an elementary school."
"I'm guessing you get hit on all the time by dads."
I blushed. I was never really good at knowing whether guys liked me or not. Occasionally I would have dads who would talk to me all the time, but I wouldn't think much of it.

"I've never thought about it." I responded.
"If I were a parent, I'd find any excuse to talk to you."
I laughed. This guy was pretty smooth.
His green eyes twinkled as I laughed. Maybe he was interested?, I thought.

"So what is it that you do?"
"I'm a motorcycle mechanic."
"That's cool. I've never met a motorcycle mechanic before"

Things got awkward. I didn't know what to say to the sexy stranger. I was too nervous to even say anything else.

"I'm Jeremy." He extended his hand out and I shook it.
"I'm Kay. Nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine, beautiful"

I felt my cheeks burning. This was too good to be true.

"Well, I should get going. It's getting kind of late," I said.
"Wait." He held my arm. "Do you have a ride?"
"I was planning to call a cab. I don't drive when I plan on drinking."
"Let me give you a ride."

"Have you ever been on a motorcycle?" He asked me as we headed out of the bar. I was nervous.
"No, I haven't."
"I will get on first. You always get on in the left side of a motorcycle. You extend your right leg over until it reaches the foot peg and then you put your left leg on the left footpeg," he explained as he put down the passenger footpegs, "you have to wrap your hands around my waist."