Timing is Everything

Chapter Two

     Photo of Jamison on the side ------>                                                                          

                                                             Chapter Two

            When I told Meredith that I would help her plan the wedding, I wasn’t expecting this. I thought that she would be coming with me at least. Instead she has sent me to an antique store in the city where I will be picking up an order alone.

 I walk into the antique store a little anxious. I’m praying that I will be able to leave with all of the items in one piece. Cautiously I go to the check-out counter. Standing in front of me is a beautiful young girl with straight, frizz-free dark brown hair, big, bright hazel eyes, and gorgeous sun-tanned skin. I wish I looked like that when I was her age instead of being an awkward, boyfriend-less teenager.

            “Is there something I can help you with?” the teenage girl asks me. I look down at her shirt to see her name happens to be Natalie.

I smile at her and say, “I’m here to pick up a few things for a friend. Her name is Meredith Van Der Hooven.”

Natalie’s eyes get really big. My stomach knots get bigger. Oh gosh. Then it hits me why Natalie is so excited.

            “Oh my gosh! You’re friends with Meredith Van Der Hooven? Like the model turned business owner?”

            “That would be the one.”

Natalie continues to smile, giggle, and squeal. It’s a little annoying, but I let it slide. I understand why she’s overly excited. Meredith was (still is) a big deal.

            “So do you have the items?” I ask trying not to come off as an impatient bitch.

            “Yeah. Let me go get them in the back.”

Within seconds Natalie appears again with a box full of things. She walks me to my car and then asks me to tell Meredith she’s a huge fan. I promise to do as she says and then I get in my car.

Next stop Meredith and Hudson’s house.

***

I carry the box of antiques up the stairs and then ring the doorbell. After waiting for close to 30 seconds I turn around to see only one car in the driveway besides my own. I don’t recognize it. Maybe Hudson got Meredith an engagement present? No. She could buy herself her own car. Maybe they got a third car?

            “Can I help you?” a strangely familiar masculine voice asks behind me. I turn around to see a tall, handsome guy. He’s got to be at least six three or six four, he has dirty blonde hair that I would love to run my fingers through, and these warm blue eyes that are leaving me breathless. Something about him is so familiar. 

            “Hi, um well, Meredith sent me to the antique store to pick up some stuff. I didn’t think she would be out. I’m Lorelei,” my words come out in almost a whisper. I haven’t been this nervous to speak to somebody since the first evening I found out Meredith and Hudson were dating. Oh that was a memory.

            “Meredith and Hudson went out. I’ll take the box. Have a good day,” he says this sounding monotone and uninterested. What’s the matter with him?

I frown and hand him the box. He takes it rather sharply, practically shaking the whole box. “Be a bit more careful. There are antiques in there.”

            “I will. It was nice to see you again, Lorelei.”

His words leave me speechless. The again, there is something about him. I know I’ve seen him before.

            “What did you say your name was again?”

He laughs. Oh God. His laugh is incredibly sexy. It’s deep and raspy, but it the best way possible. It’s a great sound. Okay Lorelei, get your shit together. Stop checking this guy out!

            “You really don’t remember me?” there is a hint of sadness in the way he asks me this. Now I feel really bad.

            “You’re very familiar. I know I’ve seen you before. I’m sorry.”

            “Oh you’ve seen me before. I’m Jamison. Jamison Van Der Hooven.”

Oh shit. I was checking out my best friends’ older brother. Wow. He has really changed. Not that he wasn’t attractive when we were teenagers, but damn. He has some great genes.

            “I take it you regret checking me out now?!” the sarcasm in his voice hits me deep in the pit of my stomach. Dammit. He can read me too easily.

            “I guess I’ll see you around Jamison.”

He doesn’t say anything. He just turns around and walks back into the house. When I get into my car I stare at the house.

I wasn’t expecting this. When did this happen? I’m honestly surprised Jamison is back here. The last time I heard Meredith talk about him was when we graduated high school. She told me that he was starting up a company on the east coast.

She hasn’t said a word since.  And part of me wants to know why she never mentioned him or the fact that he’s here.