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My heart raced as I directed Hayden to the little burger diner in town called Molly’s. I started playing with his radio looking for a song that I might like and to my surprise no music was playing, was the radio broken? Hayden started to giggle and clicked his little phone icon on the huge screen and music began blasting in the car. To my delight the song playing was a mixture of English and Spanish and had a decent beat. I started moving to the beat and humming along and Hayden looked over and started laughing louder. I told him to turn right at the stop sign and the sign for Molly's Bar and Grill will be on the left. I couldn’t wait to get a bacon avocado burger with zucchini fries and order the blue drink. I stepped out and could feel the cold night air brush against my skin causing goosebumps to arise. Hayden saw me shiver and gave me his suit jacket. I blushed and thanked him for lending me his jacket.
“I wonder what band is playing tonight. I hope it's a good one lately the bands have been hit or miss.” I said, trying to keep up the conversation. Hayden's colonge filled my nose a husky mix of the forest and cashmere an odd mix but it suited him. It was all I could smell now that I was wearing his jacket, it smelled so good. My mind couldn't help but to drift to Gale and what he said earlier and his kiss still lingered on my lips. Why did he have to kiss me today of all days? Hayden and I began walking into the little bar and I was nervous but excited at the same time. I hadn’t been out really since my mom beat her cancer last year. . It was nice to get out and have a handsome man on my arm.
“I hope so too. I'd like either some good country music or rock n roll no in between; I know they are like polar opposites but that's what I enjoy.” Hayden’s voice broke me away from my thoughts and the door to Molly’s place opened. I could hear “Feed The Machine,” by Nickelback, playing one of my favorites. I was pleased it wasn't one of the local bands and just a DJ. I haven't talked to my ex since my mom died. I just didn’t want to deal with the awkwardness of , why didn't you contact me. We sat at the bar and I ordered a Rum and coke right away before the bartender could ask if I wanted a drink. Hayden raised an eyebrow and ordered the same.
“I love this song, so what kind of business do you do in a small town like this?” I asked Hyden as I took a sip of my drink. I wondered why Gale told me to be careful of Hayden, so far he’s been nothing but a gentleman. I didn’t even know what I was looking for at this point. All I knew was that I needed a distraction and Hayden seemed like the perfect one. He was only in town for a few weeks or days I was guessing. Just enough time to have a little fun and go back to reality and decide how I felt about Gale.
“I run a small construction company that just started up like 3 years ago.” Hayden said. That didn't seem so alarming to me, just a bunch of manual labor. I wonder what needed to be built around here, maybe some new houses. He seemed normal to me. I pushed Gale's thoughts aside and just let my mind clear, so I could just be happy in the moment.
“ That sounds boring but kind of fun at the same time. Like you get to make buildings but destroy ones at the same time. I guess doesn't it get boring just doing the same thing all the time?” I asked. Hayden raised his eyebrow and just laughed. I just didn't think it seemed like a fun job to me.
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“It's not really fun but since I am the boss I only deal with any loose ends that need to be taken care of; or if issues arise.” Hayden responded. He took a sip of his drink and grabbed my hand and began walking to the dance floor. As if to change the subject off of work. I didn’t mind that I needed to not think of Gale at this moment. The music had slowed its pace and Hayden put a hand on my hip and one on my shoulder. He pulled my body closer and his scent filled my nose making sparks fly throughout my body. This was different then when Gale had touched me. Every fiber in my body wanted to touch him. I didn't want to ever let go, I knew it was just a dance. Maybe it was the mood and the song playing but something told me this man would be in my life for some time. I placed my head on his chest and danced to the beat of Worship You by Kane Brown. With him I felt safe in this moment, nothing could touch me. Hayden moved his hand from my waist up the middle of my back and I shuddered.
“You must be hungry, you have been working all day. What can I get you to eat and drink?.” I had almost forgotten how hungry I was. I still wanted a fat burger and my other favorite drink. My head still resting on his chest, his hand moved up to my chin lightly pushing as if he was asking to look at me. My hazel eyes met his and he smiled before continuing, “No telling me you’re not hungry either.”
“I’d like a bacon avocado burger with zucchini fries and the blue drink, please and thank you. How much do I owe you?” I asked as I reached for my money. He touched my hand and pushed it back into my purse with a smirk. I just looked up at him confused.
“Like I’d let a pretty girl like you pay for her own food and drinks with me around. Someone else might try and steal you.” Hayden winked as he walked back to the bar to order the food. His wink made heat rush to my cheeks. This was a new feeling, something that excited me to my core. I watched as he leaned over the bar, his arms asking for air against his shirt. He loosened his tie a bit and the bartender handed Hayden our drinks and he came walking back to me. His blue eyes sparkled in the light, making me catch my breath for a second.
Maybe it was the light or the smell of his cologne in my nose but I wanted to kiss him. I mentally shook my head; it was probably just the drink. I am a lightweight. Hayden handed me my drink and guided us to an empty table. My eyes didn’t leave his as we walked he just smirked and pulled the chair out for me and I sat down. He brushed another piece of hair out of my face before he went to
take his seat. Why was he being so nice? So proper? I asked myself but also longed for this. It still felt like his hand was there brushing my cheek and my body began to warm. I knew I was blushing and I couldn’t control it; I didn’t know if I wanted to.
“So what are your plans? I assume you don't want to work in a coffee shop your entire life? Hayden yelled over the music.
“I always wanted to go to school to be a lawyer but when my mom got sick I had to help my dad out. So I guess I’d like to go into real estate. I always wanted to sell houses.” No one really ever asked me what I wanted with my life. I was always just trying to help my dad keep the lights on. I wondered if I'd ever follow that path.
“ How cool, I'll build the houses and you’ll sell them. I know a bunch of people that could take you under their wing so to say. When did you want to start taking classes?” Hayden said.
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“As soon as possible I guess, I know there’s a test and what not.” I replied, wondering how I would tell Gale I was leaving his little shop. The waiter came to the little table with our food and to my surprise Hayden had ordered the ribs. Ribs are super messy and with what he was wearing I was waiting for some sauce to end up on his silky red shirt. I just grinned and said nothing.
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“What’s that grin for Missy, it’s the ribs isn't it don’t worry I can be neat and tidy.” He laughed as he started to pick away at the ribs in front of him. It was my turn for my food and I was more than ready to devour that burger. My tummy began to rumble, I was thankful the music above drowned it out. We both started to eat and I looked over at Hayden, his face was clean but there was a splash of some kind of sauce on his shirt. I let out a small giggle and he looked down at himself embarrassed I guess because his cheeks became a pinkish color.
“Real tidy indeed you are; your shirt is very clean.” I mocked him from moments before and couldn't help but let out a laugh. It was cute that he thought he could stay all tidy ordering the messiest dish on the menu.
“Hey what can I say these ribs are just so good. Haven't had any like this since my dad was alive.” Hayden giggled. My face dipped from the smile it once had to sorrow for Hayden. Losing a parent is always hard, I am thankful my mom beat cancer. My mind drifted to Gale and how much it broke him, for a period of time I didn’t think he’d make it another year. “Don’t be sad I am okay now it happened like 3 years ago, I miss him but life goes on. He will always be in my heart.” Hayden pulled me out of my thoughts. He was right. I knew it all too well.
“Well I am still sorry for your loss, I'm glad you're okay though. So what are you building here in texas?” I tried to change the subject to avoid an awkward silence. I took the last bite of my burger and started eating some fries.
“I am actually building a house for myself. I'd like to rent it out. My dad and I used to come here all the time when I was a kid. Rockport pier was our spot. We would fish and then rent jet skis.” Hayden smiled as he finished up the last of his ribs and dapped his mouth with a napkin. He stood up and took my hand in his and led me back to the dance floor. I wanted to place my head back on his chest, it felt nice just having someone hold me. He put his hand on my hip and the other up to my face, his thumb brushing against my lower lip. It was driving me insane. I just wanted him to kiss me, he smelled so good. His eyes looked into mine as if asking for permission before saying, “Can I kiss you?” I nodded and his lips connected with mine. His hand moved up my hip a little as his tongue asked for permission and slipped into my mouth. He pulled me tighter to his body and I moaned into the kiss as our tongues danced. I could feel him smirk in the kiss and that just turned me on more. Sparks flew through my body as his hand gently grazed my neck. He deepened the kiss but this time it was him that moaned. I pulled myself back, my knees weak.
“How long are you in town?” I asked, trying to catch my breath. I could still feel his kiss on my lips and it made them tingle. My lips were asking for more but my brain was telling me to be careful and protect my heart. I had just met this guy and I needed to figure out what I wanted despite what my body was telling me at that moment.
“Well the house that is being built for me will be done pretty soon so hopefully a really long time. I want to move here permanently.” Hayden smirked. I jumped as I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around to see Gale. I wondered if he saw that kiss, part of me cared the other didn’t mind at all. He looked worried and scared at the same time, causing my heart to jump. I wanted to know what was wrong. Gale's eyes moved from me to Hayden’s and then to his lips where some pink lipstick was left behind. I reached up to wipe away the evidence and Hayden just smirked. Gale now looked angry, the wrinkles on his forehead more prominent and his cheeks flushing red. In a way I felt bad he knew now and I could see the jealousy on his face. Here I was staring at a man I’ve known since I was a little girl with so many mixed emotions. I love Gale; I just don’t know if it's the way he wants me too. I’ve never seen him so mad. His hand squeezed my shoulder a little tighter as if asking if I was okay, he just wanted a reason to punch Hayden.
The red from Gale’s cheeks have calmed and he sighs, “I was hoping to steal you for a moment. Something urgent happened at the shop I need to discuss with you.” My mind instantly started going over the closing procedures to see if I had missed anything. I was pretty sure I hadn’t. I have closed the shop up like three times this week alone. I look over to Hayden and he just nods understanding.
“What is going on, I know I locked everything up before I left.” I asked Gale in confusion. I wondered what could have happened that was so urgent he went around town looking for me.
“I have to show you Jaz, I can’t describe it in words you have to just see it.” My heart began to pound with worry. What was so bad that he couldn’t say. He began pulling me away from Hayden towards the door. I just mouthed I’m sorry and followed Gale to the front entrance. My mind is still hot with Hayden’s kiss on my lips. His scent still lingering, almost asking me to come back. I wanted to. Gale interrupted my thoughts, “I really don’t know what you see in him Jaz he is only going to break your heart. Don’t think I will just give up without a fight, you mean everything to me Jaz, everything.” He whispered that last word, he must see the rose tint to my cheeks and smile. You aren't doing a good job hiding it Jaz. I mentaly scolded myself; you don’t need to rub it in.
“Gale I don’t know how I feel right now, I told you earlier you can't expect me to know right now. Let’s just focus on the shop.” I tried to change the subject back to the matter at hand. He opened the door to his car. I got and as he closed the door behind me. I had never really paid much attention to it before. It was an older ford truck 1975 F-250 a pretty blue topaz color. I only know because it was the last car he and his dad rebuilt before he passed away. They were both so proud of it, I remember taking the picture the day they finished it. The picture was now next to the speedometer which caused my heart to ache. This car was worth so much money it's in mint condition. It even has the blue leather seats. This is the last piece of his father that’s left. Gale went over to the diver’s side and got in. Thinking about his dad made me reach out and touch his hand, they looked so happy in that picture, so full of life. Gale was startled by my touch then saw me looking at the photo and relaxed.
“You know he always loved you Jaz, you were always the first one to be there for anything. He always joked I would see you differently one day. I never thought he would be right.” Gale has always been my best friend. Our parents had us playing together since we were babies. It also helped that they were best friends too. There was a very short time when I was like thirteen I thought we would end up together, but I quickly got over that. His fingers lingered over mine for quite some time and then he squeezed my hand. It felt more gentle then when he would playfully grab it before. I didn’t pull away.
“So you’re not going to tell me what happened at the shop?” I changed the subject, still not ready to deal with the tension in the air. I'm sure someone could cut it with a knife. I wanted to know what I was walking into if it was that bad Gale can’t even talk about it.
“Really Jaz don’t make me explain it, you’ll see why when we get there.” Gale took his hand back and placed it on the wheel, the other under his chin as he leaned his head against the window. He let out a stressed sigh and I knew to just wait until we got back to the shop. Whatever it was, I was scared now. Gale has never not told me about something, he always shares everything with me even if it is embarrassing. I began to tap my foot in suspense and worry. The car now had an awkward silence. I didn't know what to say and Gale was most likely thinking about the shop. I didn’t really know how to act around Gale anymore. Was he an ugly guy no, but do I feel what he wants me too? I turned the dial on the radio and music filled the car. I was thankful we were almost at the shop at least it would give us something to talk about other than his feelings for me. Gale took one last turn and there we were, Gale’s Coffee shop. My heart began to pound in its chest. I had no idea what we were about to walk into. Gale parked the car and walked over to open the car door for me even in times of stress he is always a gentleman. I smiled at him as we started walking toward the back door terror placed on face.
I screamed when I saw what he was so terrified of. There was blood across the floor and broken glass everywhere. The main window was smashed in with guts attached to the broken glass. I couldn’t tell if it was human blood or animal. There was a skull, some kind of animal one, in the middle of the floor placed carefully in a circle of blood. A message written within the blood, this is your only warning. Bloody hand prints were on the windows and a few on the floor. I looked behind the counter to see the body of a goat and almost passed out. I guess I know whose skull it belonged to now. My body began to shiver. I was relieved it wasn’t human blood but was still rattled by who could do that to a poor goat. For what reason?
“You need to call the cops Gale so at least it is documented. Who would even want to do that to you?” I asked Gale, my heart slowing its pace now.
“I know I just wanted you to see it first, I needed someone else so I know I'm not crazy.” He pulled out his phone and called the cops. I walked into the bathroom and my stomach was in knots from seeing the dead body of a goat. You see that kind of stuff on Tv but never think it’ll actually happen to you. I turned the water on and splashed some water on my face, I just wanted to go home. I looked at myself in the mirror and just sighed and dried my hands off. My mind drifted off to Hayden and Gale. Part of me wondered what Gale got himself into and why would someone target his shop?
A soft knock on the door pulled me from any more questions in my head. I grabbed the doorknob and smiled relieved to see Gale calm once again. I couldn’t help but think he is going home to no one at least I have my mom and dad, that made me sad.
“Don’t worry Jaz I will be fine, I’m used to being alone now. We will be closed tomorrow though, due to the remodeling.” Gale laughed trying to lighten the mood. “I should message Taylor to let her know too.” Gale reminded himself out loud. I just reached out and pulled him close and squeezed him until my arms hurt. I hated that everything bad in life always had to happen to him. “I’m okay Jaz really, just wait here a little longer so you can give your statement to the cops and you can go home.” Gale hugged me back, his shoulder pushed into my face as he squeezed and said “Thank you, for being here.” He released me and we walked over to the chairs and just sat in silence.
I heard the police sirens soon enough. Gale met them outside and gave his statement out there. They were in a normal police uniform with their guns strapped to the belt around their waist. I didn’t really care to look at their names just wanted to get tonight over with. Gale began walking inside and I knew it was my turn to explain what I had seen. I told the officers what happened and they said “Thank you for your time, miss any further questions we will contact you.” I could finally go home.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0uUpy4rSm
