Page 46 of Crash
60 days out
Austin
Two months. That's how long it's been since we talked. It wasn't the best conversation, considering we called it quits. Yet, I still think about her every day. I miss her laugh, the smile, the sexy way she moves, or the moans that escape her lips when we go at it hot and heavy. What I miss most is the smell of her hair after she washes it. Weird, I know, but that scent is her at her most relaxed state. Striped down of all the bullshit of the day and just as vulnerable as she can be.
“Austin, can you hand me the clipboard so I can log this call?” Caleb asks, bringing me from my inner thoughts.
“Oh, yeah. Sure.” I pass him the metal document case and he returns to the patient. We are on our last call, hopefully, for the next three days. The evening plan is to go to the bar and have a few drinks, maybe grab some food, then go hiking in the morning. He thinks it will help clear my mind and I would gain some perspective. It’s easy to think I’m still in love, maybe I am, but I respect the decision we made and her space. Courtney low-key keeps me updated on Tessa, anyway.
“Okay, we are ready to get back to base and get to those ice-cold brews,” An enthusiastic Caleb announces, when he enters the ambulance.
“So, Mrs. Thomas is okay?”
Caleb backs up slowly and then signals before pulling into the street. “Yeah. All her vitals were normal. She refused transport to a local, but I put in a note to all the facilities alerting them of the situation in case she goes in later. She also burped loudly and felt much better.”
“Ah, that would do it.” I sit back and stare at the passing scenery in silence. Not offering anymore commentary.
“Dude, why are you so quiet? We are on the way to the house and you’ve clammed up on me.”
“I’m making sure I have all my hiking gear ready or if I need to go by the sports store before the bar.” Tessa’s studio was one of the buildings we pass, and it stirred memories I didn’t care to have reappear.
“I’m sure you do. You are a real Boy Scout, always prepared,” he jokes.
I drop my feelings and join the moment. “Yeah, just like I’m ready for these brew skies. So, come on gramps and let’s get back to the depot so we can go,” I laugh, trying to show my change of mood, even though I force the action. I am happy to be moving on, but there are still times when I think about thewhat ifs. I thought we’d make it forever, but I guess I was living in the moment and not in reality. Maybe we moved too fast. Trying to base a relationship on past teenage feelings.
“Gramps? I don’t drive slow, just cautious,” he mutters, as we turn into the parking lot. “Oh, don’t forget, since you got the diagnosis right on the first call, I got the first round.”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t forget. I think I’ll add some wings to my order.”
“Wings and beer? You’re a cheap date,” Caleb laughs.
“Whatever man,” I reply, getting my bag and other things out of the truck. Once the supplies are stocked, and I have everything, we shower, change, and clock out before driving to Starwood bar.
Thursday night and the atmosphere is lively with a young crowd. Not that we are old or anything, just a few years from the average patron. A few girls walk by and offer smiles and lingering glances. With the tight space, a few of them even brush up against us as we make our way to the two empty seats at the bar.
“Whew, the girls are out tonight, Caleb says over the loud music that’s playing.”
“Yep. A few of them seem interested in you, that’s for sure. The way they feigned an apology when ‘accidently’ bumping into you.”
The bar keep puts two drafts in front of us, and I take a pull from mine.
“You sound jealous, bro. There are plenty of women around here for you, just talk to one.”
“Nah, I’m good in that department.”
“Are you still hung up on Tessa? Dude, it’s been what, two months, and you dated for what, two days?”
“A weekend you ass, and time doesn’t matter when you realize that you found the one. Well, at least I thought I did.” Another drag and I signal for another.
“Slow down there, guppy. You’re not gonna wake up in the morning for our drive up to the mountains for our hike.”
“I’ll be fine. My max is three since we are eating. Otherwise, it’ll be two. Now, excuse me, I have to go drain the main vein.” I excuse myself and go to the men’s room. It was a believable statement, but I wanted to send Tessa a text to see how she was doing, even though I know the answer. My fingers were on autopilot and the first word typed was,babe. I quickly deleted it and tried again before just nixing the whole idea. I wash my hands and return to find Caleb entertaining two young ladies. One is shamelessly flirting with him, touching his shoulder, and laughing at his lame ass jokes. The other one is paying attention but showing no interest.
“Hi,” I say, interrupting the obvious pursuit.
“Oh, hey. I was wondering when you were coming back. Thought I was gonna have to form a search party.”
The young woman laughs loudly, and her friend rolls her eyes while taking a sip of her beverage.
