Tainted Black - Williams Shanora. Страница 65

It was strange because, all that time I thought Sterling was a weirdo, he just really didn't know how to express himself around me. After months of texting and calling, checking up on me, and randomly asking me out on dates (which I had constantly turned down due to my damaged, no-good heart) he finally got to me. It wasn't during the best of situations. In fact, the situation was ten times worse than losing Izzy and walking away from the first man I ever loved.

Dad died when I was twenty-four. Another stroke. It was very severe and happened when he was walking to his bathroom one morning. Margie and Sterling showed up at the funeral, and after shedding crocodile tears and hiding the pain that truly dwelled in my heart, I told them I would pack up the apartment my dad rented out.

I also didn’t want Margie to have to deal with his belongings, the sweet memories of their tough two years together. Sterling volunteered to help me, which totally distracted me from having to think about the funeral. The next day, he asked me to join him for ice cream.

He came down the hallway as I was tying my robe, catching a glimpse of my cleavage, and I covered myself as he cleared his throat, apologizing quickly as he whirled around.

“Shit! I’m sorry.” He rushed away from the bedroom, but I called after him.

“No, it’s fine,” I assured him. “What’s up? Need something?”

“Nah… uh, never mind. I don’t think I should be bothering you right now.”

“No,” I laughed as he looked every which way but into my eyes. “Sterling, what is it? Come on, spit it out.”

He rubbed his face, and after his nervousness had passed, he said, “I was thinking we could go for some ice cream today. It’s nice out—and I swear I’m not asking for a date. I just want to give you a little pick-me-up after yesterday.” His smile was charismatic, his grey eyes gentling as he squared his shoulders, most likely preparing for the rejection.

This guy never gave up. Like, ever. “Sure,” I said.

“Shit, I knew it.” He turned and started to walk out, but when he realized I wasn’t turning him down, he turned to face me again. “Wait—that’s a yes?” His face lit up.

I grinned. He was so goofy. “Yes, Sterling. I’ll go with you for some ice cream. Just let me get dressed. I’ll meet you in the living room in fifteen.”

His lips quirked up, and a breath of relief passed through them. “Okay. Fifteen.” He nodded his head and walked away, glancing back once before disappearing.

Let’s just say having ice cream turned exactly into what he wanted it to be. A date. But the crazy thing about it? We actually hit it off. I didn’t know too much about him, but I connected with him in a way that was difficult to explain. I was comfortable with him, and I could truly speak my mind without feeling judged or ignored.

We both were full of wonders and had questions that we'd always wanted to ask. Maybe all of those reasons were why I had fallen so hard for him.

"Sterling!" I screamed when he answered the phone.

"Shit, Chlo!" He laughed, and I blew a breath of relief as I focused on the building ahead of me. "Trying to blow my ear drum out?” he chuckled. “I take your excitement as you getting the position?"

"Yes! Oh my god! I seriously didn't think I would! They were asking me all these questions about what I would do if a kid choked on a crayon or got lost during a field trip - ugh, it was insane, but apparently they loved me and they think I'm a good fit for their staff."

"That's great, babe. I knew you'd get it. See, what did I tell you? I don’t know why you always doubt yourself."

"I don’t know why I do it either." I sighed, and the line went quiet for a few seconds.

As if he had read my mind, he said, "Listen, I know you didn't want to go back to Bristle, but this is a great thing. You can start fresh, and when I get there, we'll make the most we can out of it… together." I could tell he was smiling on his end.

"Yeah." I dropped my head. He knew what being here would do to me. I would remember and then I'd regret. God, I regretted so much, but this position was one I’d been trying to acquire for so long. I loved Bristle Wave. The serene city with little crime and a lot to do. "Hey, listen, I'm gonna go check out the house. The agent said I could view it today and I also have to meet the previous owner. Apparently the owner wants me to know a few things before moving in."

"Okay. Let me know how it goes. Call me later."

"I will."

"I love you, Haze." That was a nickname he gave me. He swore he would never be able to stop looking into my eyes for as long as we lived.

"I love you too, Creep."

I listened to his deep chuckle, how it hummed straight through me, and then I hung up with flutters in the pit of my belly. We'd been together for two and a half years, and each day seemed to only get better. I placed my phone in the cup holder and grinned once more at the future school I would be teaching at before pulling out of the parking lot and driving to my new home.

The house was right off the coast. A two story home made of tan cement and a burnt orange stucco roof to accent. There was a two-car garage, and the front yard was covered in well-kept, green grass with two, towering palm trees. It was beautiful, but what I loved most about it was the backyard.

It wasn't just any backyard. It was filled with soft white sand that never got too hot. Yes, our new home was right on the beach. I inhaled as I stepped off the deck and onto the sand, slipping out of my sandals and watching the ocean.

My heart thumped a little quicker as bittersweet memories unfolded. That last night on the boat. Our last ride together. The ocean only reminded me of one thing—well, one person…

A door shut behind me, shattering my thoughts, and I turned as Rita, the realty agent, trotted through the kitchen in her black baby heels and stopped at the patio door. Her brown hair flew with the breeze as she lowered her thin frames. "The previous owner just arrived," she called. "I have another house to show. Do you think you will need me?"

"Nah! Go ahead! I should be okay," I called back. "I’ll call you if I need you. Thank you for everything!" Rita nodded her head, giving me a small glance and a light smile before turning around and pulling out her cell phone. She reminded me of my mom. Always busy. Always on the go.

Speaking of, Mom was living in Brazil... alone. Her young boyfriend broke up with her, which made South America their last destination as a couple. She called me once, crying. I didn't feel much sympathy for her. I was a firm believer in Karma. She told me everything, like how she actually liked it there and wasn't sure she wanted to come back, but how she wished he’d stuck around to make it worthwhile. It was a shame.

She came back when I told her about Dad’s funeral but flew right back out the next day without a goodbye. I was used to her not being around. Of course it killed me to know she didn't hug or kiss me or even want to bid me farewell, but I quickly got over it, just as I did everything else when I was a child.

She bawled her eyes out during Dad's funeral. Her emotion was raw. I'm pretty sure she left like the wind because of all the remorse she felt for not being around during his final years. She never should have left to begin with. She was still a very, very selfish woman.

I shut my eyes, allowing the salty air to toy with the loose tendrils of my pinned hair. I could really get used to this. The balcony door slid open and when I recalled Rita saying the previous owner was around, I turned.