He’s been like this since Saturday; overly concerned that I don’t yet feel comfortable or safe enough to spend a couple of days alone. While I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with him and getting to know more about his job, I will admit that it’s going to be a little weird to be alone in this big house.
Wanting to help alleviate the guilt I can see in his eyes, I nod. “Yes, Greyston. I’ll be fine. Daphne is actually going to come over tonight.”
“Oh, good. And you remember how to work the alarm system? I’d hate for your dad to come and hunt me down because I wasn’t taking all of the proper precautions with his daughter.”
I laugh, sitting up and hugging my blanket to my chest; the tank top I’ve got on isn’t exactly the most modest. “Yes. I’ve got the code memorized. Now go, or you’ll miss your flight.”
He’s looking at me like there’s something more he wants to say, but instead, he just offers me a small smile and nods. “Okay. I’ll see you Friday. Call if you have any problems, all right?”
“Will do. Tell Toby I say hi.”
His smile falls slightly, though not completely, and he looks toward the door. “Yeah. I’ll be sure to do that.”
Greyston leaves me alone in my room, and I try to figure out what it was that made his mood sour so suddenly. As I think about it, I realize that it’s every time I bring Toby up. Were he and Toby having problems? I wouldn’t know because I hadn’t seen Toby since that early morning conversation in the kitchen.
When I turn and see that it’s now seven-thirty, I throw my blankets off so I can go and get ready for school. After a quick shower, I brush my hair and teeth before finding a pair of jeans and a green t-shirt to wear. I make my bed quickly and head downstairs to make something quick for breakfast, only to be met by the smell of bacon and eggs the minute I hit the bottom step.
I walk into the kitchen to find a covered plate in my usual spot at the island. Next to it is a piece of paper. I pick up the paper and take it with me to the coffee pot, where an empty mug waits for me to fill it.
Grabbing the pot and filling my coffee cup, I read the note.
Good morning, Juliette.
Sorry we didn’t have the opportunity to have breakfast together this morning, but I still wanted to be sure you got off to a good start.
Here is a short list of numbers should you not be able to get a hold of me at some point over the next few days. Callie is the closest to the house. but if she’s unreachable for whatever reason, one of my parents should be able to help you out with whatever you might need.
I scan the numbers he’s listed before moving onto the rest of the note.
I’m also leaving you the keys to my car should you need it.
“What?” I ask aloud.
It might be a tad presumptuous of me to assume this, but your car sounds like it’s on its last leg. Use it or don’t; the choice is yours, but my car is here if you need it.
Have fun, and don’t forget to call. Even if it’s just to talk.
~Greyston
Coffee in-hand, I head to my seat and set the note down and read it again while admiring Greyston’s penmanship. I’m still shocked over Greyston’s offer to let me use his fancy little sports car. Should I accept? Even if my car still has some life left in it?
I think about it over breakfast, devouring the scrambled eggs and three strips of bacon on my plate. Once my plate is clear and in the dishwasher, I snatch Greyston’s keys off the counter and head to school. I figure I’ll rarely get an opportunity like this again, so I better enjoy it while I can.
The minute my ass hits the plush leather seat of Greyston’s sporty black car, I sigh. While I’ve never been much of a car lover—they’ve really just been something to get me from point A to point B—I have to admit that I am in love with this car.
And I haven’t even started it yet.
I pull the seat forward, because Greyston has at least eight inches on me, and adjust my mirrors before starting the car. It’s a stick-shift, which actually isn’t a problem because so is my car. Of course, this beautiful car isn’t nearly as difficult to shift, and it doesn’t take a majority of my lower body strength to depress the clutch.
The engine purrs like a kitten, and the car drives like a dream. It’s so smooth, I don’t even realize I’m driving well over the speed limit until I gain on the car in front of me. I slow down and pay more attention to the speedometer so that Greyston doesn’t regret letting me use his car. The accelerator definitely seems a bit touchier than the one in my car—probably because my car borders on ancient.
I park in the university parking lot and grab my bag from the passenger seat. The minute I step out, I can sense all eyes on me. I try to ignore all the attention, but as I make my way through the lot, I spot Ben.