22. Johnny #2
“Come on, what? Since when are the arch enemies texting each other? Seems to be an interesting turn of events.”
“First off, we’re not arch enemies. Second, I’ve barely talked to her.”
“Mmhmm. Okay, keep it to yourself, but I’m only letting this slide because I’m so relieved about this loan thing. I wonder how long the process takes, if we’d have to move the closing date or if we could get it done.”
“No idea, man.”
My sandwich arrived, and I took a big bite. I couldn’t imagine anything tasting more satisfying. After all this though, I knew what I needed to do.
For a Tuesday, the day was busier than normal.
As soon as I left the diner, I texted Megan asking if she could meet up, wanting to chat with her about everything.
She wasn’t able to meet and said she wasn’t the best person to talk with anyway, but she set me up to meet with Janie, the Executive Director who would walk me through the process.
I met with her at eleven since she had a cancellation, and we were able to get all the paperwork submitted for the next board meeting to vote on.
She assured me that if it got approved, it would just be a matter of payment for the property for closing and that it was usually quick. I was known in town, which also helped.
A few hours later, I walked up the steps that I had been to several times before, but this time with a new purpose. I knocked, knowing Beth would be home close to seven.
Footsteps thumped on the hardwood, making their way to the door, and my heart pounded as the old front door opened. I let out a breath when it was Megan that opened it though.
“She home yet?” I asked.
“You know she’s still upset, right?”
“That’s why I’m here.”
Megan opened the screen door, nodding into the living room. “Take a seat. She’s just showering off. I’ll let her know you’re here.”
“Appreciate it.”
I’d texted Beth a few times about the festival, and I had apologized in the messages again for intruding on sharing her news with her parents, but she hadn’t said much in response.
I didn’t know what she was thinking, and it scared me.
I cared for her more than I ever thought I would, but I wasn’t sure if she was on the same page.
It felt right. But if it was right, why did I feel like I was in this on my own?
I heard footsteps coming down the planked hallway, and Beth appeared.
Her hair was damp from the shower, and her freckles were on full display without makeup.
She had sweatpants and a tank top on, and I felt my skin prickle looking at her.
She did it for me. I’d said I didn’t want anything serious, but this woman was changing things I hadn’t realized needed to change.
“Hey.” She stood there.
I walked up to her and guided her to the couch. “I know you’ve been avoiding me.”
“I haven’t been avoiding you. I’ve been busy.” She crossed her arms, looking off to the side.
“Okay, you’re always busy though.” I ran my hands down my jeans. I was sweating. “Look, I messed up. I’m so sorry that I told your parents about the bike shop. I had no right, and it absolutely wasn’t my place.”
She raised her eyebrows at me, watching me go on.
“I just… blanked. I wasn’t thinking, and then, I got really nervous because they’re your parents, and I just kept talking. I couldn’t stop. I started rambling. Probably like I am now. Gah. Anyway, I’m just so sorry. And you were right.”
“About what?”
“About how I have no right to tell your parents your news.” I looked down at the floor, remembering the conversation with my dad.
“It got me thinking about my own relationship with my dad. I talked to him, actually. I called him, and well, we had a really good talk. I really should thank you. It was long overdue.”
“Well, I should apologize too.”
My jaw dropped as I listened.
“I probably overreacted. Actually, I know I overreacted,” she said. “My parents had just shared some other news about the farm with me, and let’s just say, it was pretty clear how needed I am back home.”
“Oh, Beth, I’m sorry.” My stomach sank.
“I appreciate that.” She paused, tilting her head at me and smirked. The Beth I knew and loved was looking back at me. “Call it even?”
I rubbed her back, glad to finally see her again.
She leaned into me, letting me hold her before glancing up at me. “What do you mean ‘because they were my parents?’”
“What?”
“You said you were really nervous ‘because they were my parents.’ Why would that matter?”
“I know we’re just doing this… casually, but I care about you, Beth. You have to know that.”
“Yeah, and I care about you too.” She looked up at me. “Maybe more than I should.”
“Maybe I want you to care more than you should.” I leaned into her ear, kissing her neck.
She lightly moaned, leaning into my lips.
I could hear Megan in the kitchen, so I grabbed Beth’s hand, leading her down the hall to her room.
I’d been over to their house plenty of times, but since I lived alone, it was usually much easier for us to spend the night at my house or at least get together there.
But we were here now, and there was no way I was driving back to my place.
Beth was giving me that look, and I didn’t want to delay.
I wanted to enjoy her—enjoy us, and if Megan was two rooms over while that happened, so be it.
As soon as I shut the door behind us, Megan called out, “I’m heading into town!”
Thank God.
“You think she’s leaving on our account?” Beth giggled into my neck.
“She definitely didn’t look like she was leaving before, but hey, I’m not complaining.” I pushed her down on the bed, stood between her legs, and pulled off my shirt.
She wrapped her legs around mine, and I almost fell to the ground, enjoying her warm body against mine after days going without.