Loving Lennix

1. You can always go home

They say that fait has a funny way of working things out. I guess that's true in some cases. See, I grew up in Austin, Texas. That's where I met my first love, Zander Russo.

We grew up together. He was my best friend and first kiss at my first boy-girl party in 6th grade. It was spin the bottle, but in preteen that meant everything. I could have sworn he would be the only boy I'd ever kiss, but that was just the mindless, illogical dream of a naïve, 12 year old girl. My parents had us move to California after 8th grade ended.

Lucky me I got to go through all of the awkward high school stages as the new girl and... I missed him, but much like every childish romance that wasn't meant to be, I moved on. There were new boys and girls in my life that made me feel that same pitter patter and pause in breath. Until...

Thanksgiving break senior year of university.

We went back to see my grandparents in Austin.

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"Mom! I'm going for a run. Be back in a bit!" I shouted as I sprinted for the door.

"Make sure you're back by dinner." She hollered back.

I jogged down the sidewalk towards the park. There's a large track around the pond that I used to love playing at when I was a kid. Feeding the ducks and hide and seek with my cousins and friends. This was my home for every bit of my childhood. It brought me peace being out of the city and being back where I can just relax with family.

I turned on my earbuds to enjoy some music and block out the world.

By the end of my run I was slick with sweat and in need of hydration. I found a vender at the entrance of the park selling water and made my way to the line.

"That's $2.50." The gentleman said expectantly.

I pulled my card out of my pocket and held it out to the vender.

"I'm sorry miss. Cash only" he pointed at the small sign on the top of his stand.

"Oh, damn. I'm so sorry. I only have my card." I moved to walk away when a large hand gently caught  my shoulder.

"I got it. Make that two waters please, Drew." The man told the vender.

He was handsome. Tall. Tattooed. Muscled. So much changed, but those green eyes, I'd know those eyes anywhere.

I blushed when he caught me checking him out and retrieved my water.  "thank you. You didn't have to."

"No problem." He looked me over. His eyes studying my face with a furrowed brow. "Lennix?" He sounded surprised once recognition hit.

I smiled, "Long time no see, Zander."

Zander pulled me into a friendly hug "god it's been so long." He released me with a big smile. "How you been?"

"Great. We moved to Cali and I'm in university out there for marketing." I led the way to a bench off to the side. "Just visiting for the break. What about you?"

"You go to school in Cali?" He said with surprise. "I finished up out there last year and came back to Austin to start my business. I didn't know or I would have looked you up." He laughed to him self shaking his head.

My mouth fell open in shock. "Oh wow. Small world." I laughed.

He scratched the back of his neck. It's always been a nervous habit of his. "Listen, I know you're probably slammed with plans with your family for the holiday, but do you think we could, you know, go for coffee or something and catch up?" He asked looking hopeful.