“When I have ever judged you? Come on, if I judge I will be judged. Plus, you’re my best friend.”
“I should have known you were going to recite that. You always loved it.”
“And the person who made me memorize it.”
“I love you too. I just really…”
“Stop. You are the strongest person I know. Follow your instinct. If he gets mad, you will have to deal with it, but no matter what happens you can figure it out.”
“Thank you.”
“Breigh, I am so sorry. I want you to be happy, and I know you are when you are with Wyatt. I hope I didn't do something to hurt that. I promise you I would…”
“I know it wasn't intentional, but nevertheless, I will have to deal with it. And it doesn't look good. Especially if it comes from his brother and not me.”
After our heart-to-heart, we decided on a chick flick and called it a night.
Not without me sending a text to Wyatt, with one sentence.
Breigh: Thinking of you, sweet dreams. Xoxo
20
WYATT
“Do you want to come over to my house for dinner? I thought it would be nice if you came over to my place. What do you think?”
“When were you thinking?” Breigh said sweetly.
“Tomorrow…”
“I actually might be busy…this guy asked me out.”
I cleared my throat, feeling the anger coming on but remaining calm. “Excuse me? Another date?”
“I’m just kidding…” She laughed. “What time should I be there?”
“Wait, I assumed we were exclusive. Are you seeing other people?” I was in shock, not sure what to say if she didn't say no. Not that I had women standing in line, but I had fallen for her and now…
“Wyatt, I’m sorry. I was completely kidding. I’m not dating anyone else, and haven't in a long time before talking to you. I didn't think you would take me seriously.”
“Whew. Okay, I just…”
“What time?”
“Six?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Do you remember my address?”
“Yep.”
“Seriously?”
“I don’t remember the street or house number, but I remember where it is.”
“Okay. See you then.”
“Wyatt. You’re the only one.” Then she hung up.
I had hoped she really meant that too. Because I meant it with her. I just wasn't sure if I was ready for it.
BREIGH
Since my phone call with Wyatt last night, I had been looking forward to seeing him. I loved to see him get a little jealous; because to me it showed me he cared and was afraid of losing me. That felt good. I’d always been the one to have that fear instead of vice versa. I didn't have any problem with putting work into a relationship, I didn't shy away from any type of work.
I brought a bottle of wine to share, not sure what he would be cooking. I needed it after the last couple weeks of work.
Pulling up to his house, I was nervous. I had been looking forward to it so much, but now something felt awry. Maybe it was the thought of Cash’s call still ringing in my ears. I gave myself one last look in the rearview mirror and topped off my lipstick before getting out of the car.
Wyatt met me as I walked up the rocky pathway to his front door, decorated with pea gravel at the end of his porch.
He greeted me with a warm hug. “You smell so good.” Then he placed a small kiss on my neck. “I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
“Come in.” His hand touched the small of my back, guiding me in his open door.
“Wow,” I said, taking in his home. Not what I expected. I mean I didn't expect what my father lived in, or what I had seen growing up with friends who lived in mobile homes, but damn. It was nice. It looked like a log cabin inside. He had done a lot of work and it showed. It seemed pretty clean too, as if everything had a place.
“What do you think?” he asked, waiting for my approval.
“I love it. It is so homie and welcoming. I always look for that when I walk in a home. The feeling, you know?”
“I’m glad I have it here. I love my home. When I grew up we lived in a home over 5000 square feet. I never felt like it welcomed my friends, or me, really. It was so sterile.”
“That’s unfortunate. I lived with my grammy and I always felt at home. It was at my father’s house that I never felt welcome.”
I broke the silence in the room, announcing what I had brought this evening. “Here is some wine!”
I handed it to Wyatt then placed my purse down on the console table along the wall. I straighten the long cardigan I had on, a thin one that covered my V-neck shirt with a pair of blue jeans. I tugged at my long beaded necklace a bit; straightening it, making sure it was centered.
“I thought we could eat on my back deck. Wait ‘til you see what I got us for dinner.” He smiled with pride, pleased with himself.
I spotted the containers on his wrought iron table. “Our first date’s food.”
“Yep, Chinese. Truth be told, I can’t cook. I mean, I have a few things I can cook, but not really anything I wanted to serve you for your first night at my house. You’d run for the hills! We will leave that for later!” He laughed genuinely.
“The real test will be what you ordered. Did you happen to remember what I like?”
“Of course… take a look.” I bent down to look in the Styrofoam containers to see which one it could be. He already had on the black iron table: two wine glasses, some water bottles, two squared plates, and silverware. Even nicely folded cloth napkins. He had planned ahead and put thought into this.
I smiled ear to ear.
I sat down on the wrought iron chair, opening containers, looking for what he had ordered for
