20 Questions

Chapter 65

It's five o'clock, but Hunter and the guys aren't back yet. I have been engrossed in my book much of the day, but the last couple chapters have been a blur. I miss Hunter and I am dying of boredom. I get myself dressed and grab everything I need to go out for a while. Lasagna from the little Italian restaurant that Hunter and I went to on our first date is calling my name.

When I arrive, the hostess can't seem to grasp the concept of dining alone and asks me three times if I am expecting anyone to join me. I tell her no each time and decline her offer to seat me at the bar. Once I finally get seated, I take out my phone, but there are no new texts or calls from Hunter, but I honestly I hadn't expected to hear from him while he was out with the guys. That's not something I get too bent out of shape about because maintaining your own identity and friendships keeps a relationship healthy and successful.

I went out to lunch with a coworker of mine one day. Her boyfriend hadn't texted her in a couple hours and she was ready to burn his house to the ground. I attempted to console her, reinforcing that he would reach out soon and that time had probably just escaped him. She created this whole deranged scenario in her head of him messing around and it took an hour of my life that I'll never get back to convince her otherwise. He eventually called during our meal and she interrogated him to the point of making me really uncomfortable just sitting across from her. She ripped his ass, like he's-not-gonna-sit-right-for-a-week kind of ass-ripping. He told her he had been at his parents' house helping his mom with something. Because she's a co-dependent headcase, she didn't believe him and phoned his mom who, as it turned out, confirmed her son's alibi.

Spoiler alert: the relationship ended shortly thereafter. She tried to play it off like it didn't bother her, but the ice cream binge and Sleep in Seattle marathon said otherwise.

The server comes over to take my drink order, asking me twice if someone will be joining me. I'm starting to think only us Hoosiers dine alone because everyone in this restaurant looks at me like I have three heads when I'm flying solo. I eat alone, go to the movies alone, and go shopping by myself because the thought of having to wait on another person or keep them entertained is exhausting. Maybe I look pathetic or lonely or like a serial killer, but as long as I'm paying my bill, their opinion of my party of one is irrelevant.

My stomach is growling by the time the food arrives. It is just as incredible as the first time I was here. I have almost cleared my plate when I hear my phone chime, my stomach fluttering when I see an incoming text message.

Hunter: Hello, beautiful. The guys and I just got back to the lodge. I didn't want to bother you. I just wanted to let you know that I missed you today and that I love you very much.

I am grinning like a fool as I reread his words. I really love this man. He could have texted me, demanding to know where I am and what time I will be back. Instead, he gives me my space and simply sends me a message to let me know that he is thinking about me. I swipe my finger over my phone and respond back.

Jenna: Hey, baby. I missed you, too. I'm at the Italian restaurant where we had our first date. It wasn't the same without you. I hope you had a great time with the guys. I am going to head over to the mall, but I will be back in just a bit. I love you.

I hand the server my debit card when I hear my phone chime again.

Hunter: If you are drinking wine, make sure you come right back. I know how feisty you get and I would love to reenact last night. Now I am hard. Thanks for that. Be careful and I will see you when you get back.

His filthy words make me blush. I almost reconsider my excursion to the mall, but there are a few things that I want to get. I get my debit card back and head to the bathroom. Once I am in the stall with the door closed, I raise my shirt and send him a picture that he will not be disappointed with. Sending dirty pics is so unlike me but torturing him is fun...and mean...but mostly fun.