Authors: V. M. Holk
~~~
Anne
I didn't sleep well last night. I kept tossing and turning,
ever time I closed my eyes I saw that beautiful smile. This is crazy, I have to
stop thinking of him. My divorce isn't even final yet. I am not ready to jump
into a relationship right away. It's fine to look, but no touching. I need to
focus on the girls and being by myself.
I head downstairs to start baking. A few hours later I hear
my phone going off, I look and it's my dad.
"Hello, dad." I answer.
"Good morning, baby. I wanted to let you know what was
going on with your car." he says.
I had a feeling that it wasn't as easy as I thought it would
be. My dad explains, "Wyatt looked it over, you need a new starter. We
don't have it in stock. You also need an oil change, new spark plugs and wires.
So, let me have it for a couple of days. We will get it as good as new."
I sigh, "Ok. Thanks, let me know when it's done."
"Ok, baby. Good-bye."
"Bye," and we hang up.
I can't believe my luck, at least I don't need my car. I
shake my head and get back to work.
As I am working in back on our Christmas menu for orders. I
am thinking about yesterday with Wyatt. I haven't been able to get him out of
my mind since we met. I wanted to ask my dad about him, but I didn't want to
make it obvious. I really have to stop this, I am so not ready for a new
relationship. Not that he is interested in me anyway, right?
As I am lost in thought, Jaylah comes up behind me.
"SURPRISE!" she yells.
I jump, "What the hell Jay," I chuckle.
"We are going to the hair salon," she says smiling
from ear to ear.
"What are you talking about?"
"Amanda is here to take over. This is my Christmas
present to you. After we are going to dinner."
"Thank you. This is awesome," I smile back at
her. I am really excited to have this change. I hope by changing my outside, it
helps with how I am feeling inside.
I grab my coat and purse, so we can head out. Jaylah is
making sure Amanda has everything she needs until Kayla comes in later today. I
have a little spring in my step, getting into Jaylah's car. She looks over at
me and chuckles.
"SO, what was going on with Wyatt and you, yesterday? I
saw the way you looked at him." she asks.
I look over at her and she winks. "Nothing is going
on, I'm not even divorced yet. Don't get me wrong, he is nice eye candy."
She starts laughing, "You aren't fucking kidding there,
talk about Dirty Yummy!"
We both start laughing as we pull up to the salon. Thank god
for small miracles, I didn't want to linger on that subject anymore. Jaylah has
a way of looking right through me.
We walk into the salon arm in arm, excited about our
afternoon. Once they get me in the chair, Jaylah takes over. She knows me
better than I know myself sometimes, I have complete faith in her. She tells
the lady how to cut my hair. I have long brown, curly hair. I don't do much
with it. I usually throw it into a ponytail so I don't have to deal with it.
"Ok, you trust me right?" Jaylah asks.
I am a little afraid of the change, but I need this. I nod
my head.
She laughs, "It will be great, you don't have to look
so scared. Karrie is going to color, highlight, then cut your hair. She is
great!"
"How much of my hair?" I ask. Jaylah looks at me
and then at the lady.
"Alot, but you are going to love it, promise."
I sigh and nod my head. I don't come to salon's to get my
hair colored. I do alot of it myself. So this is a really nice change for me, a
girl could get use to this.
As she cuts my hair off, I feel a weight lift off my
shoulders. She gets it cut shorter, but then puts the dye in my hair. Once that
is done, she puts highlights into my hair.
Jaylah get her nails done as they work their magic on me. I
never realized how long it takes to get this all done. I was glad to have
brought my kindle to read as they work all this magic.
Once the highlights are finished, she finishes cutting my
hair. She doesn't let me look as she blow dries and styles it. She spins me in
the chair to face the mirror.
Karrie turns to me, "Your all done."
I am so excited to see. Jaylah comes up next to me, and looks
into my eyes. I have to take a second look. I can't believe the reflection
looking back at me. It's really short layers in the back and long layers in the
front. The color and highlights are vibrant instead of my natural dull color.
My natural curls have come back to life, and I feel 10 years younger.
"I LOVE it JayJay!! I can't believe my hair looks this
good." Jaylah comes up to me and gives me a big hug.
"I'm glad you love it. You look beautiful, toots. I
knew you would."
"I can't believe how great I look."
"Ahh, ye with little faith. Let's get out of here, I am
starving." she says.
We laugh and head out to dinner. I was thankful Jaylah
didn't bring up Wyatt again. She realized that the subject was closed. I am
thankful for that. We had a nice dinner, more like old times. It was the
perfect ending to our day, what a great Christmas gift.
~~~
Wyatt
Well that was harder than I thought. I tried not making it
too obvious when asking Rick about Anne. I did find out that she is going
through a divorce and recently moved out on her own. Which means she is off
limits. I know how hard this time is for a person. The first six months are
the hardest when getting divorced.
That's fine, it's probably not a good idea to date the boss'
daughter. Maybe if I keep telling myself that, I will listen. I will work on
her car and hopefully forget I ever met her. I shake my head, knowing that will
be easier said than done.
I try to work the rest of my day without thinking of her.
Rick keeps looking over at me and smiling. I knew I should have kept my stupid
mouth shut. "Stay focused you ass," I say to myself. Great now I'm
talking to myself. I really need to focus.
That night, I tossed and turned. I really need to get some
sleep. How can someone I just met, fill my thoughts like this. I have to keep
reminding myself that she is off limits. I need to get out of this house more
and meet people.
On my way to work, I find myself wanting a great cup of
coffee. Before I can change my mind, I am pulling up to "Sweet
Pleasures" for a cup. I shake my head. I don't know who I am trying to
fool, but I'm not fooling myself. There is nothing wrong with getting a cup of
coffee, we can be friends.
I walk in to the coffee shop and up to the counter. Anne's
friend Jaylah sees me and nudge's the woman next to her. I realize its Anne,
she looks different. Her hair is shorter and colored. I didn't think she could
be more beautiful. Maybe this was a mistake, friends...who am I trying to fool.
I can see a mix of emotions on her face. She smiles finally
and walks up to the counter.
"Hi Wyatt, how are you?" God she has a beautiful
smile.
"I'm great, how about you?" I ask. She looks
down, then back up at me. "I love your hair, it's beautiful."
"Thanks. Can I get you anything?" she smiles.
I'm disappointed that we can't talk more, but more people
have walked in behind me.
"Yeah, whatever kind of coffee you made for me the
other day." I answer.
I pay and walk down to the other counter. I stand and watch
her work. I can't keep my eyes off her, she is breathtaking. This is taking a
turn for the worse, I can feel sleepless nights ahead of me. She hands me my
coffee and absently touches her hair.
"Thanks." I say. Our hands touch and I feel that
electricity between us. She must have felt it too, she pulls her hand away.
"I really love your hair."
"Thank you," I see her blush. "Oh, do you
think my car will be done today?"
"Yeah I think so, we will call you later and let you
know. Have a great day, Anne."
"Okay. Have a good day." She turns and starts
making another order.
As I am walking out, I look over to see Jaylah wink at me. I
shake my head and smile back at her. I have a feeling that this wasn't a smart
idea on my part.
I get in the truck and head to work. I would love seeing
that smile every morning. I shake my head. I have to stop thinking like that,
she is off limits. I take a sip of my coffee, turn on the radio to distract me
on my short drive to work. I pull up to work and park my truck.
I walk into the shop with my coffee in hand. Rick and Dan
are standing there talking about some parts that need to be ordered.
"Good morning, guys." I say. Rick looks at my cup
of coffee and lifts his eyebrows in question.
"Mornin' Wyatt," Dan replies.
Rick and Dan have worked for Tom for over fifteen years, and
think of Anne as a neice. They are a little younger than Tom, but not by much.
Dan has salt and pepper hair, with a round belly in the front. Where Rick's
hair is a light blonde, and he is thin as a rail. They both grew up together
and are good old country boys.
Damn, I know they realize where I went for coffee. I am
willing him not to say anything about it.
"So, how is Anne this morning?" Rick asks.
I put my head down and shake it, "Fine."
I can hear them laughing at me, as I hurry to the back to
punch in. This is going to be a long day.
~~~
Anne
I couldn't believe Wyatt noticed my hair right away. He made
me feel so beautiful, his smile is to die for. If it was a different time, I
would jump all over that. But I'm not divorced and I am not ready for a new
relationship. I am so thankful that we had a small rush, as soon as he walked
in.
Later that day my dad called to let me know my car was done.
I am thankful, he takes such good care of me. He doesn't charge me to have it
fixed. My dad has always spoiled me. He lets me know that Dan and him will
drive it over.
I can't believe Christmas is in only two days. These last
couple of weeks flew by. We worked out that I would have the girls on Christmas
Eve night and Christmas morning. I am so excited to be able to wake up wit
them on Christmas morning. Thankfully I have everything bought and wrapped,
hiding out at my dad's house. I plan on having an early dinner at his house
Christmas Eve and pick up all the gifts before Kyle drops the girls off.
Jaylah invited us to Christmas dinner at her parents. My
girls haven't seen them in a while, they are excited to be going. My dad is
coming over for brunch on Christmas to see Katie and Shannon.
I told Kyle he could have the girls tonight, so that way he
has more time with them. It was such a busy day today. We are only open for
half a day, most of that is for people to pick up their orders. I figure I will
take it easy tonight. I go through drive thru, order my food and head home to
watch a movie.
When I get home, I put on my pj's. I get myself comfortable
and decide to veg out on the couch with my dinner. Sometime during the movie I
fell asleep.
~~~
Christmas Eve morning, flew by. We were so busy with orders
and people stopping by to wish us a Merry Christmas. That's one of the great
things about living in a small town, everyone knows each other. Yet sometimes
its one of the worst things as well.
We get everything cleaned and locked up for the day. I turn
to Jaylah and give her a hug.
"I will see you tomorrow afternoon," I say.
Jaylah smiles at me, "See ya tomorrow toots."
I run upstairs to take a shower and get ready to go to my
dad's house. As I am getting dressed I send a text to my dad, even though he
hates when I do. He always tells me it takes him to long to type on these darn
phones. I smile to myself, I like to keep him on his toes.
Anne 3:32pm
Almost ready. I will see u soon. :)
Dad 3:34pm
OK. Be careful.
Anne 3:34pm
Do u need me to pick up anything?
Dad 3:37pm
No
I take one last look at myself in the mirror. I am still
getting use to my new haircut, but I love it. I am glad it is going to be only
dad and I, tonight. I don't really need to fuss on how I look. I put on a
little makeup and grab my things to leave.
~~~
I pull up to my dad's three bedroom brick ranch. He lives on
ten acres of property, with about six of them woods. This will always be my
home, no matter where I am in my life. I get out of my car and smile at the
house. I always get a warm feeling when I am here.
I walk up onto his large porch that goes along the whole
front of the house. I always knock once, so dad knows I am here as I walk in.
Lucy, his five year old Weimaraner, comes and greets me with kisses of her own.
I bend down to give her a proper greeting. She is such a lover and I am
thankful my dad has her.
I walk down the hall to my dad's room, drop off my coat and
purse onto his bed. His room has never changed much. With it's dark oak
furniture and a bathroom attached. I make my way into the kitchen and give him
a kiss on the cheek.
"Hi dad. Mmmmm, smells great."
Lucy walks into the family room to reclaim her spot on the
couch. Dad is making prime rib, baked potatoes, a caesar salad and grilled
asparagus. One of my favorite meals, he makes this for us every Christmas Eve.
Sometimes I can talk him into making it for me for my birthday.
"Hi baby. How are you?" he asks.
"I'm good. Do you need any help?" I ask and smile
back at him.
I jump when I hear the door bell ring. Lucy lets out a bark
and runs to the front door.
"Can you grab the door? I hope you don't mind I invited
someone for dinner," he says.
Dad rushes down to the basement to grab something, before I
can ask who is here. Who did he invite? Maybe he is dating and wants me to meet
her tonight. I am excited to see.
I open the door to see Wyatt smiling at me. WHAT?? I can't
believe my dad invited him over for dinner. Why isn't he with his family or
girlfriend. No wife, because I looked for a ring and there isn't one. I smile
back and open the door.
"Hello Wyatt. Come in, this gal is Lucy." I say pointing
to the rambunctious grey ghost next to me.
He walks in , "Hi Anne and hello Lucy." He bends
down to give Lucy her greeting. He stands up and looks at me, "I hope you
don't mind that I accepted Tom's invitation for dinner. I don't have home
cooked meals too often and couldn't resist."
"No not at all, it took me off guard, that's all. My
dad didn't tell me anyone else was joining us." I reply.
Dad comes out of the kitchen and walks up to Wyatt. They
shake hands and Wyatt says,
"Thanks again, Tom. I really appreciate you inviting me
over."
My dad looks at me and then back at Wyatt.
"Well we couldn't let you be alone on Christmas
Eve," he says. Dad gives me a quick wink. "Come on Lucy, go lay back
down." He walks back into the kitchen.
I look over at Wyatt, "Let me take your coat."
He hands it over to me and I head back to dad's room to lay
it on his bed. I take a quick look at myself in the mirror. Thank god I put my
purse back here and I refresh my lipstick. I shake myself as I get ready to walk
back out. What am I doing? Its fun to look, but that's it. He probably has a
girlfriend and isn't interested. I'm not ready anyway, we can be friends. I
have to keep reminding myself of this.
I walk back to the kitchen, dad turns to me and hands me a
beer.
"Thanks." I turn to Wyatt to see that he already
has one. "Can I help you get dinner ready, dad?"
He looks from Wyatt to me, "No honey thats okay, you
kids go sit and talk for a bit. Dinner will be ready soon."
I look over at Wyatt and he is smiling at me. We walk into
the family room that is off of the kitchen. Its an older house, so it doesn't
quite have an open floor plan. It has an opening in the wall, so when you are
in the kitchen you can see into the family room.
We sit down across from each other. Dad has a fire going in
the fireplace. I have always loved having a fire, especially this time of year.
In another senerio, it would have been down right romantic. I love dad's
furniture, its so comfortable. He has the same recliner he bought when I was in
high school. It is in the perfect spot for watching TV. This is where Wyatt
decided to sit. I sit next to Lucy, which she clearly doesn't share to often.
She is a very spoiled Weim. We sit in silence for a bit, as I pet Lucy behind
her ears.
"So, how has your car been driving?" he says
breaking the silence.
I look over at him, "Great, thank you."
I'm not sure what to talk about, without sounding too nosey.
What the hell, I have nothing to lose.
"So why are you alone tonight? No family or girlfriend
to spend it with?"
Wyatt chuckles, "No girlfriend and my family is all up
north. I am driving up in the morning."
I don't know why I feel like doing a little dance when I
hear he has no girlfriend. Lucy decides that she needs to be in my lap for her
to be properly petted. We both laugh at Lucy's behavior.
"Where does your family live?"
"I grew up by Houghton Lake, its a beautiful place. Its
about 3 hours from here." he says.
Before I can ask anymore questions dad yells, "Dinner
is ready."
~~~
Wyatt
Anne looks so beautiful, I love her smile. I would have
liked to switch places with the dog and talk more. I shake my head, what the
hell am I thinking? I get up and follow Anne to the dinner table.
"Dinner looks and smells great, Tom" I say as we
all sit.
I am thankful that Anne sits across from me. I can steal
looks through dinner. We pass the dishes around to fill our plates. I touch
Anne's hand as much as I can. I see a smile cross her face.
"So Anne, what time are the girls coming home
tonight?" Tom asks.
She glances over at me, then back to Tom, "About eight,
Kyle is going to text me when they are on their way." She looks over at
me, "I am going through a divorce right now. Kyle is my soon to be ex. I
have two girls, Katie and Shannon."
I smile, "Tom talks about his grand-daughters all the
time. They sound like great kids." I smile at her and she smiles back.
"I am sorry to hear about your divorce. I know how hard it can be. I have
been divorced about six months."
She looks almost shocked when I tell her this. Most people
are, I'm not sure why. I look down at my food, trying not to think of my
ex-wife.
"Well lets talk about something more cheerful,"
Tom says.
I steal a few glances at Anne throughout dinner. I am
thankful, she hasn't caught me. I look over at Tom, he smiles and shakes his
head at me. Great, I hope he can't read my thoughts right now. We talk about
both of the shops as we continue to eat.
Once we are done, I get up and help Anne clear the dishes.
We don't talk as we clean up. She seems lost in her thoughts.
"I hope you guys don't mind if I step out for a quick
cigarette." Tom says to us both.
Anne looks over at her dad, "No problem, we got it. You
cooked, we can clean."
He smiles at us, "Come on Lucy, lets go outside."
I hear the door wall shut behind him.
I look over and she is putting leftovers in the fridge. As I
am clearing the rest of the dishes off the table, "Anne, look I hope I
didn't make you uncomfortable or upset at the dinner."
She looks over at me, "Why would you think that?
Because of my divorce? Really its ok. Its still new and fresh."
"I know how it is. It does get better, but I know its
not always easy to talk about. When will it be final?"
"Hopefully in February," she whispers.
I decide I better change the subject, its obvious she is
uncomfortable talking about it. "So what kind of dog is Lucy?" I ask
with a huge smile on my face. She looks at me and busts out laughing.
"Nice way to change the subject."
I love the sound of her laugh. "Yeah well.... you still
haven't answered my question."
"What question is that Wyatt?" I hear Tom say
behind me.
Anne starts laughing harder, at the shock on my face. I
feel like a teenager who gets caught making out in the back of the car. I clear
my throat,
"I was wondering what kind of dog Lucy is?"
On que, because she heard her name, Lucy walks over to me.
I pet her behind her ears.
"She is a Weimaraner, the best hunting dog out there,
if you ask me." Tom replies proudly.
Tom gives me the history of "The Grey Ghost," as I
learn Weimaraners are called. We finish cleaning up dinner, as Tom talks. Once
done, Anne looks over at Tom.
"Well I better load up the presents and head home. I
want to make sure that I have time to unload everything before the girls get
home." she says.
Tom looks over at me, "Would you mind helping
Anne?"
"No problem, I'd love to help." God I hope I
don't sound stupid, as I mentally shake my head.
~~~
Anne
I smile at Wyatt, "Let me use the bathroom real quick,
okay?"
He nods his head. I head down the hall pulling my phone out
of my pocket and start texting.
Anne 6:46pm
OMG....guess who my dad invited to dinner?
JayJay 6:47pm
OMG...ur dad had a date? what was she like?
Anne 6:47pm
LMFAO...NO, I almost pissed my pants J
JayJay 6:48pm
WHO?????? tell me woman
Anne 6:48pm
WYATT...I will fill you in tomorrow
JayJay 6:49pm
Holy Shit! you are such a bitch, leave me hanging. lol
Anne 6:50pm
:) i try...been in bathroom too long, lol xoxo
JayJay 6:50pm
lol, ok....love ya, darlin' xoxo
I check my reflection in the mirror before I leave the
bathroom. As I walk into the hall, I run right into Wyatt. He catches me from
falling over. Wow, he is built like a brick house. God, how I would love to see
what is under that shirt.
"I am so sorry."
He smiles, "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so
close to the door. Tom sent me to help you."
I had to think why I needed help and start laughing when it
dawns on me. He looks at me confused.
"Sorry, the gifts are back here."
We walk into dad's spare room. All the presents are stacked
on the bed, with one large gift on the floor.
"Wow, these are two lucky little girls!" he says.
"Yeah they are." I smile back at him. "Hey
let me go put my coat on, start my car and pop the trunk."
He looks over at me, "Give me your keys and I will do
that. You can get ready."
"You don't have to. I got it."
"Don't be silly, give me your keys" he says.
I hand them to him, then watch him walk down the hall. I
forgot that men do things like that. It had been forever since Kyle had done
anything like that.
With my coat on and purse in hand, I go find dad.
"Thanks for a great dinner, it was excellent!"
"Your welcome, baby. I will see you guys
tomorrow," he replies.
I give him a hug and kiss. I bend down to give Lucy her
goodbye. I give her a kiss and tell her to be a good girl. I look over at Wyatt
as he walks in.
"I got everything in the car for you Anne." He
shakes my dads hand and says, "Thanks for the great meal, Tom. I will see
you next week." He bends down and pets Lucy as well. "I will walk
you out Anne."