Summer Lovin'

Chapter Twenty-Four

(May 19th, 2009)

The fact that I was always late but also hated being late didn't escape me. What could I say, I was a walking contradiction.

This morning, all of the butterflies from the day spent in Gabriel's presence slowed me down. I had phantom sensations of his thumb running against mine, his lips caressing my own and his gravelly voice whispering in my ear.

I'm sure it would slow down even the most punctual person. A title no one would ever place on my head.

I pulled into the thankfully still-empty, recreation centre parking lot and was getting my swim bag out of my trunk when a truck pulled in next to me. I glanced over at the man who had occupied my thoughts endlessly through the night. His eyes were glittering as he got out, yet again carrying a coffee.

"You know, you should be careful. I could get used to this." He reached out the hand with the cup but when he reached for it he pulled it back, making me step closer and then bent down real quick, his lips lightly touching mine. It was so fast, I had to question if it had even happened.

He brandished the coffee like a grand prize, and then as I took it from his hands he explained, "That's the whole idea, Hails." My heart pounded. What had I signed on for here?

"I figured we were out a little bit later and you might want some  extra coffee in your life this morning." His words were accompanied by one of those panty-melting grins.

Lord, was I in trouble.

"I've got to meet Liam but I'll come by the bar for dinner tonight?" He leaned in for one more kiss, as if we'd been using our lips to say goodbye for years.

Then he was back in his truck, leaning out the door and giving one final wave before the truck backed away.

I blinked. On repeat. My brain  seemed to be backfiring but finally it gave my hand the message to return the wave with my free hand and then he was gone.

What the fuck was that?

I took one deep breath. Then another. I looked down and smiled at the coffee, allowing myself just for a minute to enjoy the thoughtfulness of the gesture.

I closed the trunk of my car and told myself to not overthink it. The years of self doubt and misunderstandings contrasted so heavily with the last few days that my head was spinning and I simply didn't have the mental fortitude at the moment to worry about it.

Instead, I walked through the door of the REC centre and made my way towards the pool, imagining a sign above ROMANTIC MUSINGS- NO LONGER WELCOME.

The pool was busier than normal, school was still in session but we had a couple of aquafit classes and before I knew it I was walking into the bar for the night shift.

As I made my way through the doors, and saw Jon, disappointment flashed. "You sir were supposed to get a couple of days off after the long weekend."

He shrugged and gave me a winning smile, "Day shift called in sick."

More so, he'd been kind enough to give everyone the day off yesterday and someone had too much fun. "You look good. Rested."

He gave me a smile, "You can report back to my daughter that I'm feeling much better. I see what you ladies are talking about and appreciate you forcing me to take a step back."

He gestured around the bar, "It's been really slow today though. If it continues into the night don't stay open. I think a lot of people are partied-out after the weekend."

I wasn't surprised, Tuesday was our slowest day anyway.

"Yah?" He nodded, the idea of more time off beckoned. I was exhausted and he must have seen it on my face.