Chapter 4
I packedup the eighth-morning truck, probably a record for this time, and pounded on the trunk, letting the driver know all the food and orders were ready. I hated this part: walking away from the truck and returning to the store. I grew restless. Yes, I loved being in the market, helping customers, and maintaining and reinventing the vision of our business. Still, I sometimes loathed being cooped up all the time. I wanted to be on the road. Go to different sites and visit new and existing vendors. I was made to interact with customers in the store and with people everywhere. And that was when the brilliant idea popped into my head, and I darted to the driver’s side.
“Hey! Wait!” I pounded on the door, waiting for Telly, one of our best drivers, to roll down his smudged window.
“What’s up, boss?” Telly flashed a half-silver-toothed grin.
“I’m going to tag along for this run, okay?” I heard the locks pop and darted around to the passenger’s side. As I climbed into the stale-scented compartment, I yanked the door open with groaning hinges greeting me. I twisted my face. “When was the last time we had an interior wash?”
“An interior wash?” Telly laughed. “Listen to you, spoiled boy. Sit back and buckle up. Let’s go to work.” He threw it into gear, and the power of Telly’s heavy foot against the accelerator launched me back into my seat.
“Hey, watch it. You have precious cargo here.” I gestured to my form.
“Yeah, I know. We have a lot of caviar back there,” Telly smirked.
I rolled my eyes, releasing a low chuckle. Telly had a way of easing my anxieties and throwing out positive energy. As we drove down the street, the sun rose, casting a golden hue over the city. I looked out the window and watched as people slowly began to emerge from their homes, heading off to work or school. During these moments, I couldn”t help but feel a longing for something more in my life that would take me away from my routine and challenge me. And yet, this newfound yearning was so unlike me. So unlike my life for anyone who knew me. I was single, Brett. The forever bachelor. I never had a true heavy relationship, except for one, but it felt like a lifetime ago. And once I was done with her, I never looked back or wanted to be tied down again.
This bachelor-loving life changed a few days ago when I met Julia. I even gave her my number! It was like one of those stories I always heard about but believed it to be a crock of shit. Julia made me think differently. I never gave women my number. I usually took theirs and either never called, or if I did, it was for one thing only: sex. But, with Julia, I wanted to get to know her. She was the complete opposite of my type. If my math made sense, she was a single mom in her late thirties. But there was something about her that drew me in. I couldn”t explain it, but I knew I was destined to see her again. From the moment we met, it was like an electric charge between us. The way she looked at me and listened to what I had to say about food, it was like we had known each other for years. And to garner that reaction from a woman I only spoke to for a few minutes had to mean something, right?
That moment I first saw her captured me in every way I thought unimaginable. Like I had fallen for a major part of her, needing to get to know the little pieces that made her whole. But how was I supposed to do that without her number, and she hadn’t called me?
“You’re quiet today.” Telly nodded in my direction and popped his gum.
I snapped out of my transitive thoughts. “Hm? No, I’m fine. Just thinking about some things.”
“Things. I gotcha, man.” Telly smirked, shaking his head.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I clenched my jaw, staring out the window. I hated this. Having my mind continually wander to someone I’d probably never see again, leaving an ache in my gut. What the fuck was wrong with me? I tried everything to get Julia out of my mind, but everything in me fought the rejection. All we did was talk about what she could cook for her daughters. I was a twenty-seven-year-old warm-blooded man, and wondering whether Julia’s kids enjoyed her cooking should be the last thing on my mind. It should be a negative, actually, but it wasn’t. Not to mention Julia’s drop-dead gorgeous looks and a body to be worshiped didn’t help the cause. Her brown hair flowed past her shoulders, laying right where her plump chest began, and those dark brown eyes staring back at me when I described the dinner options had my mind reeling and arousal pulsing every night.
As we made our way through the city, the truck came to a standstill at a red light. A woman crossed the street before us, and my breath hitched. For a moment, I swore it was Julia. She had that same tall, graceful gait and brown hair, but as the woman got closer, I realized it wasn’t Julia. My heart sank, and I knew I needed to see Julia again.
“Okay, that’s it,” Telly interjected and slapped the steering wheel. “Who is she?”
“Would you stop?” I turned my body away, staring out the window.
“I saw your face just now when you saw that chick cross before us. You thought it was someone else. Spill it.”
“Just stop.” I leaned forward, grabbing the itinerary. “Where are we going first?” I scanned the delivery list, and my eyes popped when they landed on the first destination. “We’re going to Catacombs Grille?” It was the hottest new opening in Hell’s Kitchen, and our market was lucky to land them as a booming wholesale account. Not to mention, thanks to my cousin Bridgette, who interior designed the entire restaurant and helped push our name onto the owner’s plate. “I wonder if Bridgette will be there?”
“Is that the woman you’re in love with?” Telly smirked, making a sharp right onto a one-way street.
I grabbed the door’s handle, praying we’d make it through the drive unscathed. “You drive like an asshole. Anyone ever told you that?”
Telly shrugged like he already knew this fact. “But I’m the best driver you have. So, who’s the chick?”
“That chick is my cousin. And I’m not in love with anyone.” I bit my inner cheek.
“Oh? Is she single then?”
“Watch your fucking mouth. Bridgette is one of the trendiest interior designers in the Tri-State area. I’m proud of her. She’s been through a lot.” And I meant it. Bridgette had a heart of gold that steered her into her biggest fiasco that could have ruined her. If it wasn’t for my mother, who introduced Bridge to her first client and opened up a world of opportunity, who knew what would have happened? Witnessing how much a person’s life could change in a year was amazing. But that was Bridgette: a fighter.
“If she’s a designer, why would she be at Catacombs?”
“They’re renovating their back room for parties. So, Bridgette has been there almost every day overseeing the project.”
The truck slowed in front of the Catacombs and lurched to a staggering stop. I made a mental note to have any of Telly’s trucks’ brakes inspected within the week. As I exited the truck, I saw the restaurant buzzing with people. Catacombs had only been open for a week, and it was the talk of the town. The sleek and modern exterior made it stand out from the rest of the dingy buildings on the block. Bridgette had done an amazing job outfitting the restaurant with leather booths and matching black marble tables. It was no wonder they were attracting such a large crowd.
“You go ahead, boss. I’ll start unloading the truck.” Telly nodded and wasted no time getting to work.
The aroma of sizzling food hit me square in the face, and the city bustle faded away as I sauntered toward the massive gold entrance. Once inside, I couldn’t help but stare at the impeccable design and layout of the space. My cousin had truly outdone herself with this project.
I walked through the kitchen, nodding to the line cooks as they worked their magic on the stoves. It was a blur of stainless steel and fire, all working harmoniously to create a culinary masterpiece.
After navigating the busy kitchen, I finally reached the back, where Bridgette stood with a clipboard. As soon as she saw me, she flashed her signature smile and hugged me. “Oh my God, hi!” Her infectious energy filled the air between us. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m on a delivery run,” I replied with a grin, taking in the sight of my cousin. She looked amazing as always, dressed in her signature all-black everything, her chocolate brown hair with random blonde streaks styled in a perfectly controlled mess. I wasn’t dumb, and Bridgette was beautiful despite her being my cousin.
“Uh-huh. Let me guess, you woke up this morning and decided you would be bored?” She raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow and caught me.
I didn’t confirm anything but released a laugh instead.
Bridgette took my hand and dragged me to the back room where she had been working. “Come on, I’ll show you what we’ve been up to.”
She steered us around, and I couldn’t believe my cousin’s vision produced the space before us. I peered around the room and couldn’t believe how much it had transformed from seeing it just a week ago. The ceilings were adorned with twinkling lights, and the walls were covered in a deep red velvet fabric. The room was intimate yet luxurious, perfect for private events or romantic dinners.
Bridgette gestured to the room and looked at me with pride. “So, what do you think?”
“It’s amazing, Bridge. You’ve really outdone yourself.”
She hid a blush and motioned for us to sit in one of the meticulously style studded booths. We sat opposite one another, and I pushed the faux sunflower centerpiece to the side. “We went with a flower motif.”
“Yeah, I can tell.” I nodded, smirking as I took in this sunflower theme”s various shades and sizes throughout the space. “So, how are you doing?” I cradled my chin.
“Seriously, B. I’m fine.” She rolled her eyes, but I knew better. Bridgette’s heart was more fragile than anyone understood. After what that prick ex-husband did to her, I couldn’t blame the healing process for taking this long. It had been two long but short years.
“Sorry, sorry. I know you’re okay, but I worry.” I shrugged, blowing a stream of air through my nostrils. “Have you been dating?”
She twisted her face in disgust and surprise. “Are you serious right now?”
“What?” I laughed.
“I’m not ready to date. I thought you knew this?” She play-slapped my forearm. “How about you? Any latest victims?”
“Ouch.” I rubbed my arm. “C’mon. I’m not awful to them. I’m very upfront and honest with what I don’t want.”
“I don’t get how guys can get away with doing it, and these girls just go with it.” Bridgette shook her head, quelling a smile. “Whatever, I guess because I know you, I can’t hate you.”
“I’m also your cousin,” I reminded her, deadpan. “At any rate, I think it wouldn’t hurt if you started to date.” Bridgette was about to protest, but I put up a silencing finger. “Just a few dates wouldn’t hurt. Just some simple dinners, and you won’t sleep with them.” Despite knowing better, I popped my shoulders, making it sound so easy. I just wanted to send some hope to Bridgette’s way. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t feel like doing.”
“When I’m ready to start dating, you’ll be the first to know.” Her eyes scanned the room. “Luckily, work is keeping me more than busy. It’s the best kind of distraction. On the other hand, you should quit breaking hearts on the East Coast.”
As we continued to chat and catch up, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt prick at me. Bridgette was rightI tended to jump from one bed to another without a second thought. It wasn’t like I didn’t care about these women. I did, but only in the moment. Afterward, I retreated into my shell, my walls higher than ever.
“Actually, if you must know,” I began and swallowed. This was a first for me in a long time, confiding in Bridge about someone. “I think I met someone. But not really.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She leaned forward, a renewed light shining through her dark orbs.
“Well, I was working at the store behind the butcher counter, and this new customer named Julia came over and needed help. She had no idea what to make her daughters for dinner. Doesn’t even know how to use her six-burner Weber grill.”
“Here we go about a Weber. You and that company have a love connection.” Bridgette hid a grin. “Sorry, continue.”
“Anyway, I helped her, and I don’t know. I can’t stop thinking about her.” I drummed my fingers on the table, desperately trying to figure out how Julia captured me. “Oh my God, and get this…” I trailed off, releasing a quick burst of laughter. “I even gave her my number, offering her a lesson on how to use her barbecue.”
Bridgette laughed, slapping the table because this was so unlike me. “You’re kidding. You gave out your number? Since when do you do that?”
“Never, Bridge. That’s the thing. What is it about her that’s doing this to me?”
“Maybe she caught you at a rare moment at the right time?” She nibbled on her lip, just as stumped. “Is she pretty?”
“Gorgeous.” The word fell from my mouth almost too easily.
“Well, there you go.”
“It’s not just that. Everyone knows looks get you through the door, but there’s more to Julia. She just came off so sweet. It was like this beautiful person was standing before me, and I saw something beyond the beauty for the first time. She has layers that I want to peel away. But I know I’ll have to get there and really get to know this person.” I exhaled the deepest breath I had in me until I was deflated. When I opened my eyes, I found Bridgette’s jaw dropped and understood why. This was a new side I exposed. I had never spoken this poetically about someone. Not even about my most serious relationship years ago.
“Holy shit.” Bridgette ran her fingers through her chocolate locks. “Is this Julia for real?”
I nodded. “And what’s crazier? I have no idea how to get a hold of her. I left the ball in her court because she has my number. And I’m helpless.”
“You need to find her. I can already tell she’s the only thing on your mind.” Her eyes scanned my hopeless form as the thought of never seeing Julia again seeped into my brain.
“I have no idea how, though. What should I do?”
“Go to the movies.” Bridgette fixed her posture, so sure of herself.
“Wait, what?” I did a double-take. This was the last suggestion I’d fathom. “Who am I going to the movies with? You? My friends don’t do movies.”
“No, not with me or your silly friends.” It wasn’t a secret that most people in my family didn’t care for my friends, and I understood. They were a bunch of immature pricks. “You are going to go by yourself. Clear your mind. Eat as much candy and popcorn as you want without anyone judging you.”
“Is this what you do?”
“When I feel overwhelmed with my emotions.” Bridgette flashed a set of guilty eyes. “It works for me as an easy escape.”
I stared at Bridgette, completely unimpressed. Go to the movies? Alone? Was she serious? How was that going to help me find Julia? But then again, what other option did I have? I couldn”t just keep obsessing over this woman. Maybe a night out alone was exactly what I needed to clear my head and devise a plan.
“Fine. I’ll think about it. And it can be any movie I want?”
“Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”
“I don’t know. This is your weird thing,” I smirked.
“Hey, don’t knock it. I think you’ll end up loving it.”
“If anything, now I’m more worried about you. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“All because I go see a movie by myself occasionally? Listen, I’m fine.” Bridgette reached across the table, her pink nails falling across my arm. “And you’re going to be fine, too. Whether you see your dream girl again or not.”
I was completely out of my element. I stared at the movie app on my phone, completely clueless about what film to choose. I hadn’t seen a movie in years and didn’t realize how complicated it had become to purchase a single ticket. When did it become a thing for reserved seats only in a theater? That was the rush of getting to the movies as a kid. We always had to leave at least thirty minutes before the movie commenced to secure the perfect seats, leave enough time to buy popcorn and take our last bathroom break. Much to my father”s chagrin, I always called dibs on the aisle seat in case I needed to go. He hated missing any scene of the movie, even if it completely sucked.
I ended up settling on some action flick that I had already forgotten the name of. Before I knew it, I had a jumbo popcorn, a large soda, and a bag of Skittles and was headed to theater five. I was really doing this as I showed the oblivious ticket taker my phone for him to scan. He barely even acknowledged my proof of purchase. Heck, anyone could just waltz right by and get in. What the hell was going on here? I marched to the theater and stopped before the large red five, signaling I had reached the right place.
I was really going to do this. Sit by myself for two hours, pretending I would forget about the woman who continued to occupy my mind every night before drifting to sleep. What was even crazier was I hadn’t touched myself or paid attention to anyone else since meeting her. It was as if I was saving myself for the chance that I’d ever get to see her again. I was literally punishing myself over what I hadn’t a clue. But my mind spiraled. I was in a continuous semi-hard state, and all I wanted to do was relieve all the pent-up stress my body garnered for this woman. It was like I was under some spell.
I took a deep breath before entering, reminding myself of Bridgette’s advice and that I desperately needed to take my mind off Julia. I sat near the back of the theater and settled in, welcoming the previews that teased upcoming films. I hardly paid attention, though, as my mind drifted back to Julia. I tried focusing on the movie once it started, but it was useless. My attention wasn’t here.
Just as I was about to give up on trying to forget about Julia and head out, a figure walked in and sat down three rows before me. My heart skipped a beat when I realized who it was.
Julia.