Evelyn

Chapter 7 - Just grabbing my toothbrush

We had been walking for what seemed like a long time when we came to a small fifties style diner. We decided to stop and get some breakfast.

We were greeted by a sweet old lady, her face plastered with a smile and a large amount of flour. "Table for two?" She beamed.

She seated us near the back in the only empty booth.

" It seems very busy in here for a diner in the middle of nowhere." I stated.

"The food here is amazing, and the service is fantastic." He said loud enough for the woman to hear and winked at her. She seemed very pleased with Marks comment and busied herself making coffee with a loving smile on her face.

" Do you come here a lot?" I asked whilst perusing the menu.

"As much as I can. I feel so welcome in here, it's like a second family. Mary, the woman that seated us, is the owner. It's a family run business. Her husband Todd is the chef and their daughter Tia works out front on the weekends."

Watching Mark closely, I couldn't help but feel guilty for not being there for him. He was obviously affected more than he was letting on from his breakup. He looked, tired. He looked like he hadn't shaved in a while and he had dark circles under his eyes.

I reached across the table and covered his hand with mine. "How are you really?" I coaxed.

He sighed, "To be honest? It's been rough. I haven't been sleeping much, every time I close my eyes I see them together. I mean, they didn't even attempt to look guilty!" He was shaking. "James insisted I come out here to get away, but he works a lot and keeps to himself. It gives me a lot of time to my thoughts, which is not what I need right now." He gave me a meek warm smile and softly said, "It means a lot to me that you girls came out to see me. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Tears started forming in my eyes and I felt an overwhelming urge to grab him and tell him everything would be ok, but I knew it wouldn't help. After all, it was Mark. He never let his emotions get the best of him and wouldn't appreciate me making a big deal about his confession. All I could do was be here and let him heal in his own way.

"So what's there to do around here? Anything fun?" I asked to lighten the mood.

"Well there's a hospital fundraiser on tomorrow, but you're going home today right?"

"I think we could stay a few more days. I have vacation days to take in work and Vi is home from college so she doesn't have any commitments." He instantly perked up and I knew we couldn't leave him yet. "I'll sort everything out when we get back to the house."

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When we got back to the house Violet was up and had cleaned the whole house from top to bottom. She was still in the clothes Mark had left for us and I realised I'd forgotten to bring some clothes for her.

Remembering my bag in the car, I went out and brought it in. Surely there's something in here that would fit her. Violet was a lot shorter than me and had a smaller frame, but if anyone could make something look good she could.

I left her with the bag and hopped in the shower. The warm water felt amazing and I instantly remembered the last time I was in here.

James. How did he have this effect on me? I thought. I know I'm attractive and never short of male attention, but I wanted his attention. I remembered the way his hair trickled water down his face so it dripped onto his well sculpted chest, and those abs!

I didn't get far into my thoughts when someone tapped on the door. Sighing I reluctantly stepped out of the heavenly shower, wrapped my towel around me and opened the door. It was James.

Suddenly my whole face went bright red. "We have to stop meeting like this." I teased. Which got me a chuckle in return.

His eyes twinkled when he realised I was just in a towel and stepped in so he was inches from me. Leaning in so his breath caressed my ear, he reached out behind me and then he stepped back into the hall.

"Just grabbing my toothbrush." He winked.

That man will be the death of me.

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Not sure if my chapters are long enough, would really appreciate some feedback and criticism.

Kat x