Page 34 of Second Time Around

“We’re not open on Sundays.”

“That’s what I thought. I’m off too.”

“I usually have plans on Labor Day weekend.”

He prepared himself to be disappointed. “You don’t have to come. I just thought if you weren’t busy…”

“I’m not.”

“So, is that a yes?”

She hesitated and then said, “Okay.”

It wasn’t an enthusiastic response, but it was better than a no, so he’d take it. “Great. Lunch will be around one o’clock, but I’ll be there by noon.”

“Should I bring anything?”

“Just yourself.”

“If that’s all, I need to get back to work.”

“One more thing. Did you get your tire fixed yet?”

“I’m stopping at the tire store after work today.”

He should have left it at that, but his curiosity got the best of him. “Too busy this weekend?”

“Yeah.”

“How was the pool party?”

“Fine. No big deal. I really need to go.”

He fell into step with her and paused in front of the door to the salon. “I’m not trying to interfere in your life, Jenna. I want you to know that.”

She peered up at him with genuine curiosity. “What are you trying to do, then?”

“Be your friend.”

She looked skeptical. “Do you really think that’s possible?”

“I don’t see why not. A lot of time has passed. We’re different people now, but I still care about you. I never stopped.”

She averted her gaze. “I can’t discuss this right now.”

“Some other time, then.”

A car pulled up in front of the salon, and she glanced at the driver. “Here’s my next client. I have to go.”

He nodded. “See you Sunday, then?”

“Yes.” Then she turned to greet her client, and he walked back to the restaurant. He was glad she’d agreed to come to lunch, but he wouldn’t feel satisfied until he explained exactly what had happened with Kat that night.

When he’d tried to explain twelve years ago, she’d refused to listen. He’d even sent her a lengthy email, which he’d labored over for hours, but he doubted she’d ever read it. If she had, she must not have believed him, because she’d never responded. Finally, at the end of the summer, he’d given up. He’d left for Chicago with a heavy heart and the sinking feeling that he’d never see her again.

Over the years, there’d been other women, but none had filled that empty space she’d left behind. He’d wondered if she’d felt the same or had simply moved on. Just because she wasn’t interested in anyone right now, it didn’t mean that this had always been the case. As a teenager, he’d hated to think of her with some other guy, and it struck him that he still did.

He’d noticed that she’d averted her eyes when he’d asked about the pool party. Had she hooked up with someone that night? If she had, it must not have meant much; otherwise, she might have made plans with the guy over Labor Day weekend.

At least she’d agreed to come to lunch. His next step was to convince her to talk about that night. He wasn’t sure when or where, but he was determined to have that conversation with her. It wouldn’t be easy, and it might even be painful, but it was also critical if they had any hope of becoming friends or something more.

Personally, he was hoping for something more. Sometimes, when she gazed at him, he got the feeling she was too.