Never Look Back (Coming Home Book 2) (6 page)

We then talked about her degree and what her plans had been before having to put everything on hold with the baby coming. She told me about being really sick in the beginning before she had known she was pregnant and how it had put her behind. She felt it was just too much to try and catch up, then with everything that had happened with Brian, there was no way she could have balanced work, school, him, and eventually, a baby, without going crazy. Then, she said something that really made me stop and think how really fortunate I was to have the support of my parents. She told me she felt like she had failed her parents and that she was a big disappointment to them. I truly felt bad for her because if Brian had been more of a husband, along with being more supportive and dedicated to their marriage, then she could be fulfilling her goals and dreams and not be ashamed. Instead, she’s living each day in fear and wondering if he’ll ever discover her here.

Even though she’s still legally married, she’s already talked to an attorney about filing for a divorce. As long as Brian is still at the apartment, she knows his whereabouts, but once he’s evicted, it’s going to be harder to locate him and have divorce papers served. It’s also one of the reasons why she hasn’t had his cell phone disconnected yet. Once she has it turned off, it will almost be impossible to track him down then especially since he doesn’t keep a job for very long.

I feel very sympathetic for her. It’s really sad that a human being can take such advantage of a sweet, innocent young woman. I don’t doubt any of the stories Jennifer has shared with me about Brian, it’s just so hard to believe that one individual can make someone else’s life so miserable just because they can’t grow up and be responsible. Jennifer is fortunate she got away from him when she did. It seems from all she has told me, it was only a matter of time until Brian became even more violent with his temper and mood swings and, in my book, that’s just not acceptable behavior for any man.

Jennifer told me she didn’t want to pursue another relationship for a very long time and I can’t say that I blame her, especially since she’s had to endure so much with Brian. But I hope once she gets everything situated, she’ll think differently about relationships. I’m not saying she won’t be a good parent, but it’s not going to be easy playing both parent roles for her daughter once she gets older. Then, she really took me by surprise. She told me once she decided to start pursuing a relationship again, she hoped the guy was someone like me—hard working and dedicated.

I then had to ask myself could I have a slight crush on her. Maybe? Maybe not.

Neither of us are in the position to even think about that. Right now, I am enjoying her friendship. If we were under different circumstances Jennifer is definitely someone I could see myself dating. And the fact she’s having a baby doesn’t really concern me either. But I’ve been single for so long now, when the time comes, it’s going to feel weird dating again.

Later on, I think my dad sensed how much I had started to care for her and asked me if there was anything he needed to know. I explained to him she had started working on her divorce but we were just friends and nothing more. He told me he was glad I was able to help because right now, she needed a friend more than anything.

“Todd?” I hear her call my name and snap out of the daydream I was having.

“Sorry, I was just thinking about something.” I tell her not wanting to share with her that she was the “something” I was thinking about. “I hope you’re hungry. The place we’re going to has the best breakfast.”

“I miss getting the breakfast ready at the hotel. We didn’t actually cook anything but the Danishes and muffins we served were pretty darn good.”

I pull in to the parking lot of a local owned mom and pop restaurant and squeeze the truck in a parking spot. It’s busy for a Saturday morning. Before I’m able to open the truck door for her, Jennifer has already hopped out and made her way to the front to meet me. I can’t help but laugh out loud.

“What?” She asks. “Do I have something on me?”

“No, not at all. The way you jumped out of my truck, you’d think you were starving.”

“This place is packed.” Jennifer comments as I open the front door for her and we walk inside.

I notice a few people look up at us, probably wondering who the young lady is that is accompanying me. I try not to let the stares bother me, but I’m sure it won’t take long before word gets around that I was having breakfast with a pregnant, pretty girl. Talk about rumors! That’s the price you pay for living in a small town all of your life where everyone knows everything about you, but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

The hostess greets us with a smile and takes us to an available booth towards the back. Jennifer slides in on one side and I take the side that faces the door. Great, not that it bothers me, but now anyone who walks in is going to notice that I’m not having breakfast with my parents.

I watch Jennifer glance around the restaurant before picking up her menu. I know exactly what she’s looking for.

“You don’t have to worry.” I tell her. “He’s not going to find you here.”

“I know, but it’s just something I can’t take lightly. It’s been a day or so since I’ve had any calls from him.”

“Have you thought about contacting the police?” I ask.

“I have but I don’t know if there is anything they can really do about it. I’m sure they’ll just tell me to have my number changed or, better yet, just have his phone shut off.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I hate our conversation has turned to the subject of Brian again. “Have you had a chance to look at the menu yet?”

“What do you recommend besides the pancakes?” Jennifer asks.

“I’ve tried pretty much everything and it’s all good.” I tell her. “But the pancakes are my favorite. They are so light and fluffy. And, the syrup they serve is heated which makes the pancakes so much better. Mmm. I can’t wait to eat some.”

The waitress walks over to our table and takes our drink order. Jennifer orders an apple juice and I order milk. “Do you need a few more minutes, or do you know what you all want to eat?” she asks. I recognize her as the younger sister of a guy I graduated high school with.

I look over at Jennifer who is still glancing over the menu. Even though I know what I want, I’m allowing her to order first.

“I’ll have a small stack of your pancakes with an order of bacon please.” She tells the waitress.

“And I’ll have the same.” I tell her. I hand both our menus back to the waitress who turns to walk back to the counter to place our orders with the cook.

We both look up at the same time and neither of us know what to say. I quickly look away when I feel my cheeks start to flush. I notice from the corner of my eye that she picks up her purse strap and runs her fingers along the edges to have something to do with her hands. I’m very comfortable being with Jennifer, but this is the first time I’ve been at a loss for words. It reminds me of that awkward, jittery feeling you get when you’re out on a date with someone for the first time.

“I’m going to visit the ladies’ room for a moment. I’ll be right back.” Jennifer says quickly as she slides from the booth and stands. If I had to guess, I would say our moment of eye contact did a little number on her as well.

The waitress returns with our drinks and I play around with the paper from the straw. After several minutes, Jennifer walks from the hallway and heads back towards our table. 

“Everything okay?” I smile at her as she takes her seat again in the booth and ignores the awkwardness from earlier.

“Yeah, nothing better than the baby sitting right on top of your bladder.” She jokes. “I can only imagine how it’s going to be a few months from now if it’s having this effect on me now. I may have to take up permanent residence in the bathroom.”

We chat a few minutes more about the baby, if she’s thought of any names yet, then the waitress delivers our food. I can only imagine how she must feel going through this pregnancy without having the support of a husband. I must say though, I’m proud of her.

“Can I get you both anything else?” The waitress asks as she sets the last plate down.

“I think I’m good.” Jennifer replies glancing over everything on the table. This gesture reminds me of my mother looking out for everyone. I nod my head to agree then unfold the napkin that is wrapped around my silverware.

Between the two of us, we use most all of the syrup. “I wasn’t lying when I told you it was good, huh?” I poke at her as she forks the last bit of pancake into her mouth.

“We’ve got to come back here again.” She says. “These pancakes have been out of this world. I’d like to try one of the breakfast casseroles I read about in the menu.”

I glance down at my watch and notice the time.  If we’re going to make it to my grandfather’s house by nine, we need to be leaving soon. I can see my grandfather now standing at the front door, hands on his hips, if I’m not there on time.

The waitress stops to collect our plates and asks if it’s going to be all one check. I quickly speak up, not giving Jennifer a chance to say differently.

“Are you sure?” She asks. “I can take care of mine.”

“I insist.” I tell her. “I invited you and it’s my treat.”

“This was pretty good. How about next time it’s on me. Deal?”

“Deal.” I agree with no hesitation. While this may have come out a little too abruptly, I hope it doesn’t send her the wrong impression. Although my schedule is going to be pretty jam packed for a while, I hope we come back soon.

I leave enough cash on the table to cover the meal and tip, and we both walk to the door. I push open the door and allow her to walk out first.

Minutes later, we are on our way again headed to pick up my grandfather. Even though we are right on time, I can’t help but laugh when I see my grandfather standing at the door waiting. He tries to step back out of site but it’s too late. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s probably been standing there for a while just because he’s been so anxious to go to the flea market.

“Do you think your grandfather will mind if I use his restroom real quick. I promise I’ll hurry.” Jennifer laughs as she asks. “I told you I could live in the bathroom.”

I’m barely able to put the truck in park before she is jumping out and running to the front door.

We spend the next couple of hours browsing the grounds of the flea market. There are always so many neat and exciting things to see. The only thing Jennifer buys is a few used paperback books. Even though I have seen her with a reading device of some sort, she says there is still nothing better than having a real book in your hands. I purchase a bag full of fresh vegetables to carry home for my mom to cook. Many of the local farmers set up their booths here with the freshest, best tasting vegetables that are ten times better than any you would purchase in the supermarket. I also pick up a watermelon right before we get ready to leave. There is no way I could have carried it the entire time. The seller informs me it’s the first crop of the season and they have been very sweet and juicy.

My grandfather, on the other hand, has both arms loaded down with his purchases. In one paper sack, he has an assortment of tools, nothing of extreme importance, just tools he claims are rare and hard to find. His garage/workshop at home is jam packed with tools already and overflowing toolboxes so I find it hard to believe he doesn’t already have one of everything already. Still, he loves adding to his tool collection and I hate knowing that one day someone is going to have to sort through everything when he passes away.

He also picked out a leather belt from a vendor claiming that the one he has now is beginning to show signs of being worn. I don’t say anything, but I notice the new belt has “Paw-Paw” engrained into the leather. It’s odd that he selects this belt since all of his grandchildren are older and don’t call him by this nickname any longer. I know Jennifer has visited with him when he’s been over at my parent’s house and he’s also stopped by to check on her at her place. Just the other day he mentioned to me “he sure has taken a liking to that girl,” and I have to wonder if the “Paw-Paw” on the belt has any correlation to Jennifer’s baby.

Being that my grandfather was around the first time I met Jennifer and knew how the situation unfolded that day at the restaurant, he knows she’s still married to that jerk of a husband. But I have to wonder if he hopes Jennifer is going to stick around long term for possibly something else to develop.

And the most interesting purchase he made was several bottles of foot cream that an Avon vendor was selling. I had to keep from laughing but he was so serious when he told Jennifer and me how important it is to take care of your feet.

When we get back to the truck, he pulls two bottles of the cream out and passes one over to each of us. Jennifer and I both look at each other and it takes all I can do not to burst out laughing.

We finish up at the flea market just after lunch and drop my grandfather off at his house. Jennifer uses his bathroom again while I help him carry his bags to the garage. I notice over in the corner several pieces of wood he’s been carving on and there’s also something with a sheet draped over it over in the corner.