Chapter 14
Aidan
Idrive my bike to the hotel, speeding down the road, my duffel strapped to my back, and the wind whipping my face. I didn’t want the full visor down, so I just have on the eye protection, I can feel everything. I need the fresh air to clear my mind. That’s one of the reasons I learned to drive a motorcycle.
Pulling into a parking lot of the hotel, I turn off my bike and dismount, ensuring my motorcycle is in a good spot. I head into the lobby and look around; the light blue walls remind me of the Caribbean. Fake plants are placed throughout the entrance, and next to a faux fireplace are a few sofas and chairs. At the front desk, I ask the receptionist for a suite for three nights. I don’t plan on staying any longer than that, but if I do then I can extend it. Putting everything on my card, I sign all the documents and head to the room that will be my home for the next few nights.
Taking the elevator up to the third floor, I look for number 316; I finally find it and swipe the key card for entry. Opening the door, I walk into my suite and see a king bed, a couch, and a desk. There is also a kitchenette, but I don’t think I will be using it even though I prefer to cook my own food. This will be fine for a few nights, though. Dropping my bag on the bed, I start to unpack. Even though it’s only a few days, I can’t keep my clothes in a bag; my brain won’t allow it. Even thinking of them not being put in a proper spot gives me goosebumps. My mind wanders while I unpack, thinking of ways to fix things, but I am coming up empty. Flowers won’t do. I don’t buy jewelry, but I could make an exception. Meadow isn’t that type of girl, though. She is simple, and not in a bad way. Maybe I can buy her the leggings that she loves or get her a gift card, so she can buy books that make her smile. The girl is everything, and I was a fucking idiot.
When Meadow walked away four years ago, I lost my mind. She was my best friend, and she broke my heart. I had to somehow heal Knox’s heartbreak that I couldn’t mend my own, and when she came back, all those hateful feelings returned, and I wasn’t willing to let her in again. But when I watched Meadow drive away after the fight, my heart stopped momentarily. I didn’t realize how much I cared for her until I saw her taillights. The saying, ‘If you love them, let them leave’ was true. I didn’t know I loved her until that dreadful night.
Lost in my thoughts, I finally return to reality and notice I absentmindedly put my clothes away in an organized manner. Even when I am lost in thought, I still need things to be orderly. I should probably see a therapist like Knox, but I don’t want to spill my guts to a random stranger. Maybe I wouldn’t be sleeping in a hotel room if I did, though. Looking at the mini bar makes me what to give into a temptation that is hard to refuse, but I promised myself I was done drinking.
Looking around the room, I see the clock and decide I need to eat because it”s around lunchtime, and I haven’t eaten anything since everything went down earlier today. Heading to the elevator, I make my way down to the restaurant. When I get to the hostess stand, I ask for a table for one. The host gives me a sultry look, but I ignore her. I do not need to make things worse by letting this girl think she has a shot with me. Hell, the only girl I have ever thought about is Meadow, but I’ve been so fucking scared to let her in that I fucked it all up. Running a hand down my face, I follow the host as she leads me to my table. I nod in thanks, and the girl touches my arm before leaving. Debating what I want from the menu, I opt for a burger and fries. Typically, I stick to a strict diet, but today is an exception.
While I eat, I looked around the restaurant, and my eyes catch on a woman at the bar. She is pretty far away, but she looks familiar. Trying not to be a creeper by staring too long, I look away, but when the girl gets up, I realize that it’s Meadow. Freezing and not knowing what to do, I drop my gaze and finish my food, hoping she doesn’t notice me. I don’t need her thinking that I am stalking her on top of everything else.
A few minutes pass, and when I look up, I notice she is still at the bar, but Skylar is with her now. I finish eating and hurry out of the restaurant, leaving a hundred dollars on the table, covering more than just the bill.
My mind starts to race with ideas, knowing Meadow is here. I assume that means she is staying at this hotel. I didn’t see another bike when I came in, but I was also in a daze. I’ll have to figure out how I can get her to talk to me without coming off as controlling or letting her think I stalked her here. I need her to listen, but I’m sure if I try right now, she won”t, and I know she has a right to ignore anything I say. I will keep an eye out, and in a day or two, if she is still here, I will go talk to her. Hopefully, by then, she may have calmed down enough to listen to what I have to say. I mean what could go wrong?