“Aubree! Didn’t expect to see you here!”
I look up to see Jeff standing on the sidewalk across the street. I smile, despite wishing I hadn’t seen him. I don’t want anyone to know I’m here. There will be less chance of Pops finding out I’m still in Kentucky if no one sees me and honestly it’s crazy, but I know this will make Jax unhappy. I have this need to make him happy—to be the reason he smiles.
“Hi, Jeff. What are you doing here?” I ask, while walking across the street to him.
“Out doing some Christmas shopping. I thought you were going out of town for a few days?” he asks and I frown. How would he have heard that?
“I am, leaving today actually. I just needed to pick up a few things. How did you know?”
“It’s a small town Aubree. Everyone knows everything.” His blonde hair is shaved shorter. He must’ve gotten it cut recently.
“But…I didn’t tell anyone,” I answer, still confused.
His blue eyes darken, but they don’t match his tone as he talks. “Well, you had to silly! Or else I wouldn’t have known. How about you grab a hot chocolate with me, before you leave me alone?”
“I don’t know…I’m running late. I really should be getting back,” I tell him. I get this strange feeling I shouldn’t be here, only this time I think it’s more than just the fact that Jax wouldn’t like it.
“Come on Aubree. I got you something for Christmas. I thought I’d have to wait until after the holiday to give it to you. This way I can give it to you early. I even had the store wrap it.” He winks and my stomach churns.
“But, it’s early. Christmas is another three weeks away. I haven’t got anything for you. Honestly, I’ve barely done any shopping.” I fake a smile in return, trying to hide the off feeling I’m experiencing.
“It doesn’t matter. You sharing hot chocolate with me will be my gift.” He smiles at me and it feels…I don’t know, fake.
“You do realize it’s like sixty degrees today, right?” I fight the instinct to run.
“I know. This weather is awful. It’s been warmer this month than it was back in September.”
“I kind of like the weather, but yeah, it puts a damper on the holiday season, for sure. Okay, one drink, though it will be a cherry Coke.”
“It’s a deal. You like the weather? I want snow,” he says putting his hand in mine. I try to jerk it away, but he doesn’t let go. That feeling inside increases. I don’t fight him though. The restaurant is just on the corner. We’ll be outside, and I can break away quickly, get back to the apartment, all before Jax finds out…hopefully.
“I love it. I got to wear shorts a week ago. It reminds me of Florida.”
“Well, I have to admit I do like you in shorts.” His eyes rake over me, making me more uncomfortable.
“Jeff—”
“I know, I know, I’m a guy though,” he adds with another wink. Jeff has been trying to get me to go out with him forever. I’ve never agreed, telling him over and over I’ve always thought of him as a friend. I thought everything was okay between us, until this moment. Today something is setting off my creep-o-meter.
When we make it to Weavers, an old restaurant downtown, Jeff pulls out a seat on one of the small outdoor tables. I sit down, looking around, expecting to see Jax. Why does it feel like I’m doing something wrong here? The waitress comes by, and I order a cherry Coke—to go, while Jeff orders a cheeseburger box. I realize immediately I’m going to have to be rude and leave while he’s eating. It’s annoying that he would order food when I told him I couldn’t stay long. It’s silly. I mean he might not even be expecting me to stay, but I’m just aggravated with him in general, and I don’t want to be here.
“Listen Jeff, I better get going,” I tell him, when the waitress brings back our drinks. “I need to finish umm…packing.”
“You’re going to your Aunt Roxanne’s?” There’s no way he should know that.
“Yeah, I leave tomorrow,” I tell him, adding to my mountain of lies.
“She lives down by Cherokee Lake doesn’t she?”
“Close, but no. Roxy lives on Douglas Lake. It’s a beautiful place. I once thought about moving down there, but Pops begged me not to.” I offer him a tense smile.
“Well, I’m glad he did.”
“Yeah, I guess. I do like Kentucky. Listen, Jeff, I hate to be a broken record, but I really have to head out if I’m going to leave in time.” I start to get up but he won’t shut his mouth.