Chapter 67 Poppy
T hrowing on my jacket over my long sleeve and leggings, I catch my nail on the sleeve and let out an entirely too loud sigh at the pinch of pain. Also, it’s cold. Even though it’s almost spring, the air feels thin and like winter is going to overstay her welcome. And, I’m angry. Still upset over everything that was said between Owen and me last night. We had that one, beautiful kiss, before everything fell apart again.
Usually I am very adept at explaining how I feel and knowing exactly what I want. But for some reason, in this situation, it feels like there’s no winning for anyone, and any step I take I’ll lose something or someone that I love.
Turning on a teaching podcast, I push in my earbuds and lock the door before heading down the sidewalk toward the boardwalk. I usually avoid running on it in the winter because it gets so icy, but today it feels like I could use a little of that cold air to shock my system back to normal. Maybe even into making a choice about what I actually want without anyone else’s input.
I’ve only made it less than a mile before I switch off the podcast and turn on some music instead. My brain just can’t focus today and I feel like I need to veg out and not try to think too much right now. Once I make it to the boardwalk, I’m caught up by the way the sunrise looks over the water. The oranges mixing with the pinks and blending seamlessly into the blues of the water, cause me to stare a little longer before continuing on my way, a little more at peace.
You would miss this. And I know I would. There is nothing quite like running here. It’s beautiful and feels so comfortable and homey. Around every corner is someone I know and love. I know exactly what I would get with staying here and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Especially since Owen is here.
You love Owen. And I do. With all my heart. He has made my life here brighter and more beautiful than I had imagined it could be this year. I can’t picture moving somewhere without him.
Before my imaginary pros and cons list can continue, my heart hitches at the sight of Steven coming out of one of the bakery two doors in front of where I am. He sees me before I can make any sort of unhinged maneuver to hide, which is probably for the best.
“Hey, Poppy,” he calls out.
“Hi.” I stop in front of him. Noticing for the first time all the bags he’s carrying.
Seeing my eyes land on the many bags of bread, he quickly adds, “They’re for lunch. Jennifer is hosting my family at her parents’ home in Cape Cod. We’re about to head out now. He nods towards a car parked across the street. I quickly recognize the dark-haired woman from that day Owen and I ran into his family while running.
“That sounds nice.” I am stammering and wish I could find my voice to ask him all the questions I’ve had brewing now that our time together has a little perspective.
“Listen, Poppy, I—” Before he can get the words out, Jennifer is calling to him from the car and begging him to hurry up.
He starts to move towards their car, but turns back to add, “I am sorry. For how things went with us. I was an asshole and you deserved better. Owen seemed like a nice guy and I hope he knows what he has with you.”
I’m shocked into silence and he continues to walk away. Before he’s too far, I call out, “I hope that Jennifer is good for you too.”
Turning back, he says, “She is. We are very different, but we try to see everything from each other’s perspective. Try to think outside of the box when we disagree and it seems to work for us.” He gives me one of his handsome smiles I used to love. “Good seeing you, Poppy.”
“You too.” A stunned calm washes over me. I never felt the need for further closure with him or an apology; this was unexpected. His words also gave me an idea that I am all too eager to get home and call Sally about.
I decide I can’t wait and whip out my phone only to find six missed calls from Noah and even more messages. Quickly I attempt to call Noah back, but have no service. Damnit . I’ve heard Clara complaining about service all summer, but never had an issue until now.
Scanning his messages I go into a panic. The senior art show is a day away and our venue is damaged, as well as some of the students’ art. The venue owner called while I was still asleep, but I assumed it was about final preparations for Monday. I try to make another call to Noah, only to find that there’s still no service. What are we going to do?
Of all the days… at least I don’t live too far from here and my phone has always worked fine there. Turning my heel, I start the jog home, breathing deeply in a dire attempt to keep the rising stress at bay.