Chapter 9 – Eureka
Hadley – 22 years old
W hile leaving Fur Ever Pets veterinary clinic, a chirpy voice hollers at me from the other side of the road. God no … Travis.
“Hey Hadley, wait up!” Be cruel to be kind, right? I’m sure that’s how the saying goes. How many times should you gently let a guy know you’re not interested before you need to be blunt or call-in backup, and when I say backup, I mean my dad.
This is fine. I turn away like I didn’t hear him, and speed walk up the road. If he catches up—which I’m sure he will, he always does — be cruel, to be kind .
Be cruel to be kind.
I’ll tell him the truth, that Trevor called me earlier and asked if I could pick up some medication for him, as the vet had prescribed some for Buck. It’s not a lie, and I’d much rather get back to give Buck his meds than to stay and talk the weather or something just as boring with Travis.
“Haddie!”
Arghhh, he’s closer, and it’s Hadley, pal.
Just say hi and go. “Hey Travis.” See, I can be polite. I keep my pace up and head towards my car.
Falling into step with me, he pipes up. “Nice weather we’re having.”
Keep it simple, Hads. “It’s lovely,” I reply, my tone flat.
“How’s the family.” I glance over at him, and he smiles while pushing the thick black framed glasses back up his nose with his index finger. He’s sweet, nerdy, and a really nice guy. He dresses like a university professor with his crisp white shirt and brown chino trousers, a hideous jumper, and suede boots.
Truth is, there’s nothing not to like about him, but he’s just not my type.
I think back to Margo and how she said, “ I just want you to be happy .” She wants me to get out there and find someone, but I don’t feel ready yet. I might never be ready.
Luke was the only one I ever trusted with my heart, and the thought of sharing that part of me again puts a bitter taste in my mouth. Be cruel to be kind.
Looking back over to Travis, I smile. “They’re good, Trav. I’d love to stay and talk, but I have to get”—I lift the plastic carrier bag in my hand— “this medication back to the farm for Trevor’s horse.”
He nods. “Of course, urmh.” Looking down at his feet, his cheeks turn pink as he asks, “Could or rather would you like to get some coffee with me at some point?” Rubbing the back of his neck, he doesn’t look up as he waits for my answer.
I want to say no, I don’t want to lead him on, but it hurts to let him down. Be cruel to be kind. Maybe over coffee he would take the hint better?
Coffee isn’t a date really. I mull it over for a little longer before saying, “Okay, Trav, I could do coffee with a friend .” It’s just coffee.
Almost jumping on the spot, he grins from ear to ear. “Yes, thank you, Hadley.” He picks up my free hand and clasps it in his, and I smile. He’s like a small child on Christmas morning opening the present he’d wished for.
“No need to thank me, it’s just coffee.” I go to remove my hand from his, and his next move catches me off guard. With my hand in his, he brings it to his mouth and gently blows on it, and my mouth drops. The warmth of his breath fans my cold fingertips as he says, “Your hand is a little chilly, you should wear gloves in this kind of weather.”
My cheeks grow hot, and I want to squirm away. It takes me a moment to pull myself together. Last time I was touched in this way was by Luke.
Six years is a long time to go without that physical connection with someone.
Maybe that’s what the issue really is. I haven’t even kissed another man since Luke.
Like a light bulb going off in my head and the urge to shout Eureka , I smile. That must be it. I’ve deprived myself of basic human needs. Although my head seems convinced that’s been my issue since Luke left, my heart isn’t as keen to jump on board.
I imagine kissing Travis; would I melt into it? Would he take control like Luke did when we kissed. Would it be hot and passionate, making me crave more, or would I cringe and want to pull away? You’ll never know unless you try. Luke’s probably banging another woman as we speak. Damn my thoughts.
For once, my heart agrees, even though it’s been six years since I’ve last seen Luke, promiscuous was always the one-word I’d use to describe him. Back in high school, it was multiple girls a week with stories about how they had slept with him, gossiping about their nights in his bed in a bid to outdo the girl before her or after. He was like a dog in heat when it came to sex.
I’m deep in thought after I leave Travis, who’s happy with my answer to meet him tomorrow for coffee. My drive over to Trevor’s seems to go quicker than I’d like. I need time to think, so I turn at the last second and dart down a dirt road, knowing it will add an extra ten minutes to my drive over.