Page 64 of Mr. Green (Mr. #2)

Grant

I ’m waiting down the street from the café. I can’t bring myself to leave the premises when I know Lana is near. I was such a fool, not calling or texting her. I just couldn’t see past my own bullshit to think she’d choose me.

Now, I’m getting a drink at a bar where maybe I can catch a glimpse of Lana walking out later. I can see if she’s holding my card, if she’s smiling, if she’s sad. I need to see her.

I order a drink, finding a table outside where I’ll be able to watch her leave when she’s ready.

The nice thing about summer here is the weather is fucking beautiful.

There’s a brisk chill in the air, but I welcome it.

I’m coated in a small sheen of sweat, my stomach is in knots, and my ears burn with heat radiating off them.

I don’t know my plan after seeing Lana leave. Go back to Texas, I guess. Unless she decides to forgive me.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I almost ignore it, not wanting to take a call from work or help anyone with anything right now. I can barely help myself.

I check it anyway. I look down to Lana’s name. I almost drop my phone trying to answer it.

“Lana, baby, I’m here. You okay?”

“Where are you? I want to see you.”

“I’m just down the street. I’ll meet you outside the café again.”

She’s whimpering. “Okay.”

“No crying, baby. I’m here.”

“Alright.” She takes a deep breath. “ See you soon.”

I hang up my phone and forget the drink, thankful I already closed my tab. I run across the street and make my way to the café. She walks out the door just as I’m approaching. She runs at me and throws her arms around my neck. I wrap my arms around her waist and pick her up onto her tiptoes.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I was such an idiot. I love you so much. I’m so sorry!” I hold her and take in the lavender from her hair. I’m squeezing too tight, but I almost lost her and I need this right now.

“I love you too,” she tells me while buried into my neck.

I swallow, my Adam’s apple moving up and down excruciatingly slow. I hug her to me tighter. “I’m so happy to hold you, baby.” I release a breath I hadn’t noticed I was holding in.

After a few minutes of holding her, I put her down. “I’ll let you go back and celebrate. I’ll call you later, okay?” I ask while holding onto her hands. I don’t want to let her go, but I know this is a big night I’m interrupting.

“Or you could come in with us.” She looks up at me with a modest smile.

“Are you sure?”

“I think you proved yourself today. I want you to be here.”

I smile so big, I think my face is going to split in two. “I’d love that.”

“I’m really glad you came. I was missing you. I wanted you there. It meant a lot that you came.”

“If you ever need me, I’d be here for you, baby girl.” I bring one of her hands to my lips and kiss it.

“I’ve been looking into cooking schools.”

“Oh yeah? You’re going to be great at it!” Calm down, calm down. “I mean, you’re already good at cooking, but with more knowledge your cooking is going to kill with how good it is.”

“I don’t know where I’m going to go yet...” She fidgets with her hair while looking up at me.

Is this her way of telling me maybe she’d consider moving in with me? I’m not missing out on an opportunity to be with her ever again. Being an idiot once in a lifetime is enough.

“I don’t know if you know this or not, but I bet they have some culinary schools in Texas.” My hand clenches in hers as I wait for her response.

She smiles, and her dimple shows. “I was thinking the same thing.”

We smile at each other for a moment. Then we walk into the café and I don’t let go of her for the rest of the night.