Meeting The Unpredictable Page 5

  “I thought you had a job,” he says instead of responding to my comment.

  “Carla doesn’t need me until later today.” I find my eyes scanning his apartment: a black leather couch, white walls, a glass coffee table. It’s too stuffy.

  “What?” Tyler questions, causing me to look at him. “Why are you looking at my apartment that way?”

  “I’m only looking around.”

  “No, you’re not. Your nose is practically turned up.” I drop down on his couch and look at him.

  He’s right. When I look around his apartment, I can’t help but think of how many animals—hell, for that matter, people—could be saved by the money he spent on this couch alone.

  “I think I’ll pick us up a sandwich. I’d offer to fix lunch, but we both know that won’t work out well.”

  This time, Tyler does smile. “I’ll go with you, but afterward, I need to get back to work.”

  I force myself not to smile. Tyler likes me. The only person he’s fooling otherwise is himself, but I think he’s even having a hard time doing that.

  ***

  “WHAT CAN I GET YOU?” The older waitress shakes her head in disgust when she looks at my tattoos. I don’t care. I stopped caring what other people thought of me a long time ago. “You know, when you’re an old lady those tattoos are going to look downright awful, not that they don’t already.”

  Maybe I should ask her if a sleeve will look good. I start to giggle to myself when I hear Tyler. “Excuse me?” he sneers from across the table. Both the waitress and I look over at him.

  “You’re here to take our order, not pass judgment on others.” After a few long seconds, Tyler reaches for my hand. “Come on, Lennie. We’ll find somewhere else to eat.”

  The shocked expression of the waitress is the last thing I see before Tyler drags me out the door. When we arrive at his SUV, he looks over at me. “I’m sorry.”

  My nose scrunches. “What are you sorry about?”

  Tyler points back at the restaurant. “That lady. The way she behaved was horrid.”

  Where Tyler is concerned, my heart softens even more. I wonder if living in his own world for as long as he has made him naïve or if his heart is really made of gold.

  “You have nothing to be sorry about. A lot of people act that way, especially older people. Not to mention I’m the one who picked this restaurant.”

  Tyler sighs before hopping inside his vehicle. Once I’m in and buckled, I look over at him only to find him staring at me.

  “I think I was on the path to becoming that old lady,” he quietly states.

  “I didn’t know you were thinking about having a sex change.” I laugh at my joke, but Tyler doesn’t.

  “I’m serious.” I know he’s not kidding by the sad expression on his face.

  “Tyler, if you had met me when I was younger, you might have thought the same thing about me. Life isn’t about who you were. It’s about who you are,” I state.

  His eyes narrow but he doesn’t say anything else. Instead, he pulls out of the parking space and drives us to a café down the road where our lunch was just as good as the service.

  I SHUT DOWN MY COMPUTER and glance over my shoulder at Lennie who’s sound asleep on my couch. This woman is driving me batshit crazy in a way I’m coming to almost like. My attention moves from Lennie to the door as Chad walks in with a huge smile on his face.

  “You’re in a good mood.”

  “That I am, man.” He tosses his wallet and keys on the counter. “I have a date tonight.”

  “Really? I thought you were holding out for our neighbor.”

  “No more holding out because we’re going out for dinner.”

  My eyes widen in shock. “Wow. Congratulations.”

  “I’m fairly certain Jodi thinks I asked her in a neighborly way, but I’m hoping to make my point clear by the end of the night.”

  “At least she knows you exist. That’s a step in the right direction.” Chad flips me off before walking towards his bedroom.

  My eyes dart back at the woman who’s still sound asleep. When she came over earlier today, we played the same song and dance. I acted annoyed that she was here, and she continued to act like she didn’t give a damn. We ate lunch then she watched TV until she fell asleep.

  If anyone had asked me three weeks ago if I could get any work done with someone consistently bothering me, I would have thought they were crazy, but somehow, Lennie being here is almost helping. She pushes my limits, but she can read me like a book and knows when to pull back. Chad is the only other person who can come close to reading me the way Lennie appears to, and I’m still wondering how she wormed her way into my life.

  ***

  MY PHONE RINGS. THE SECOND I see my mom’s name on the screen my stomach turns. “Hello, Mother.”

  “Tyler, sweetheart.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “I’m calling to remind you about the birthday party. We’re having it here at the house.” As if I could forget.

  “I’ll be there. Like always.” I can’t keep the tone out of my voice.

  “Of course you’ll be there. You’re his uncle.”

  “Then why did you call?” I snap, instantly regretting my attitude.

  “You’re my baby. I’ve missed hearing your voice.”

  Whether she means to or not, she instantly makes me feel guilty. “I’ve missed you, too. It’s been awhile.”

  “Yes, it has. A mother shouldn’t go weeks without seeing her child when he lives less than twenty minutes away.” That goes both ways, but I decide not to point that out.

  “I ran into Joyce the other day. She showed me a picture of her daughter, and I think you should meet her. She’s breathtaking.”

  I force myself not to groan out loud. “I’m sure she is, but I don’t need you setting me up on dates.”

  “You need someone to set you up. When was the last time you went out with a woman?”

  Over the years, I’ve lied about how many women I’ve gone out with. Lying to my mother seemed easier than telling her the truth and risking her doing exactly what she’s trying to do now.

  “I really need to get back to work,” I say instead of acknowledging her last comment.

  “Work. That’s all you ever do, Tyler. You’re older now. Your business is thriving. It’s time to work on your social life.” My mother has no clue how successful my business really is. Otherwise, she would have started in on me long before now.

  I hear a sharp knock on my door seconds before Lennie walks in.

  “Look, I’ve got to go.”

  “I know what you’re doing, but I’ll let you go anyway. See you in a few days, sweetie.”

  “Okay,” I answer seconds before hitting end on my phone.

  “Alert the media. He’s not on his computer during business hours.” Lennie made air quotations when she said business hours.

  “Whatever.” I try my best to fake annoyance at her once again barging into my life, but if I’m being honest, I was more than ready to get off the phone with my mother.

  “What do you want for lunch today?” I turn away in order to hide my smile.

  “Who says I want to eat lunch with you?”

  “Fine, I’ll search around your cabinets for something to make.”

  My eyes widen as the memory of how we met comes flooding back. “Wait, I don’t think that’s a very good idea. I’ve seen your attempt at cooking.”

  When I walk into the kitchen, my brain momentarily stops. Lennie is bent over, looking into the fridge. Her shirt has moved up her back, exposing yet another tattoo. My eyes focus on the words.

  Acceptance is a gift not everyone will give.

  “Seriously, you don’t even have lunchmeat?” Lennie turns around and starts opening up my cabinets. “Okay, peanut butter and jelly it is.”

  She’s still talking, but my mind is trying to process the tattoo I just saw. I’ve always been accepted, but even as I think that, I know it’s not true. At least it hasn’t
been for years. The phone call from my mother is proof of that. She can’t seem to accept that my entire life changed six years ago. I’m no longer the man I once was. I don’t want or need her to set me up with stuffy women she approves of.

  “Seriously, you don’t have jelly?” I snap out of my thoughts and glance at Lennie. She has bread out on the counter and is in the process of making two sandwiches.

  “No, I don’t put jelly on my peanut butter.”

  Lennie’s eyes bulge. “Why in the world are you skipping the best part of a PB&J?”

  I shrug. “My mom didn’t put it on our sandwiches because she didn’t like us to get messy when we were kids.”

  Lennie sighs. “That’s crazy. Kids are supposed to get messy. That’s why they invented bathtubs.” Lennie sets down the knife she was using then grabs my hand. “Come on. We’re going to the store, and we’re picking out some damn jelly. I don’t even care what kind as long as you’re eating an actual PB&J.”

  I pull my hand back. “Are you able to accept that maybe I don’t like jelly?”

  Lennie straightens and stares at me. “If you’ve tried jelly and don’t like it, then of course I can accept that you only want a PB sandwich.” Lennie reaches for my hand again. “Come on. You’re about to discover the wonderful world of jelly, and I promise, you won’t get dirty.”

  I still don’t know much about Lennie Jacobs, but I already know she’s the type of person who can accept someone exactly the way they come. Now it’s time to find out if I can do the same.

  EVERY HAPPY MEMORY I HAVE of my parents is from before my life changed. My parents rarely think out of the box, at least with their personal lives. My behavior as a teenager alone was almost enough to make them hate me, but with every year that’s passed, I’ve added to it. My flaky behavior and tattoos are reason enough for them to spend hours yelling at me, but after Sunday, I’m past the point of caring.

  When I left their house the other night, I felt like I was officially shutting the door on my relationship with them, and as much as I want to pretend otherwise, it hurts like a bitch.

  Today, my father sent me a text questioning the amount of money I’ve spent in the last year. The fact that he has access to my personal banking is beyond disturbing. I’ve gone out of my way to slowly remove my family from my life and right now the desire to get in my car and leave is strong.

  People tend to think nothing bothers me, but that’s simply not true. Sometimes I think everything bothers me. I just do a better job of hiding it. After spending more time than I should have sulking like a little girl, I force myself to get up and head to the animal shelter. If there’s anything that can make me feel better it’s spending time with an animal that appreciates me.

  “Lennie, we missed you.” Carla smiles.

  “Sorry, I had some family problems come up.”

  “Don’t be sorry, honey. We’re willing to take anything you can offer.”

  Her comment causes me to pause. How can a complete stranger take me as is but my own parents can’t see past what they consider flaws? There have been quite a few times when I’ve wondered if I’m living my life the way I should. If maybe I’m shortchanging myself out of the things that seem to appeal more to others. Then a simple comment from a person who’s virtually a stranger reminds me of why I’m the person I am today.

  “Thank you, Carla.”

  Thank you for being the voice of reason in my hectic mind, for reminding me not to change...for anyone.

  ***

  I TURN THE KNOB ON TYLER’S door and smile when I once again find it unlocked. He can say whatever he wants, but if he truly didn’t want me here, he’d lock his door. Then again, maybe he just doesn’t want me to get Frank and stir up more trouble.

  I quietly wander in only to find him at his computer with his back to the door and his headphones on. He’s worried about everyone else’s security but apparently not his own.

  I crash on his couch and flip the TV on and still nothing. For the next half hour, I find myself watching Tyler more than the TV.

  Tyler is the kind of guy who’s sexy without even trying. I bet if I strip him of his clothing and took away his computer, he’d be fucking hot. His dark hair is short but messy, and when he goes a few days without shaving, that scruff starts to do things to me. In the last couple of days, I’ve started to wonder what kind of kisser he is. Soft and sweet or hard and dirty? If I had to guess, I bet he’s a combination of the two, and the need to know is stronger than ever.

  He finally pushes his chair away from his desk and groans in frustration about two seconds before he spots me.

  “When did you get here?”

  I shrug. “A while ago.”

  His eyes narrow. “Why didn’t you tell me you were here?”

  “Because I was waiting until you were done. I have a surprise.”

  His eyes darken. “A surprise?”

  I can’t contain my laughter from his worried expression. “Yes, and I was patiently waiting for you to finish.” He can try to pretend he’s mad, but I can tell he’s fighting a smile. “Grab your stuff and let’s go.”

  “Maybe you should tell me where we’re going.”

  “Relax. I promise you won’t come back in a body bag.”

  Tyler exhales a long breath while he shakes his head, but for a guy who doesn’t want to leave, he’s not putting a lot of effort in to fighting me.

  ***

  “WHAT THE FUCK?” TYLER GROANS, shaking his head no. I grab his hand and start dragging him with me. “What the hell kind of place is this?” His face is grim as he looks around.

  “It’s a hoverboard park.”

  “I thought they outlawed these things.”

  I laugh. “Nope. They just made rules about where you could ride them.” I walk up to the ticket counter and purchase two adult admissions. I walk back to Tyler and hand him a hoverboard.

  “You actually want to ride these things around?”

  “We should enjoy being here. Hoverboard parks are very rare.”

  “For a good reason,” he fires back, shaking his head.

  “You aren’t scared, are you?”

  Tyler’s head rolls back as he laughs. “Oh, you’re good. You think calling me a chicken is going to get me to ride this death trap?”

  “What will happen if you die?” His smile fades as he processes my question. “I’m being serious. More people will get away with corporate espionage but what else will happen?” Like normal, his face darkens when I push him out of his comfort zone. “Other than Chad, who I might add is working on a life of his own, who will miss you when you’re gone?”

  Tyler looks away and swallows. “My parents. My...brothers.”

  “How often do you see your family?”

  “Why do you care?” he snaps.

  “Because we’re friends.”

  He huffs and rolls his eyes. “Really? If we’re friends then what’s my last name?”

  I grin. “Aw, you’re being cheeky. I don’t know your last name because you’ve never told me.”

  “You’ve never asked,” he scolds.

  “Because I don’t need to know your last name to like you.” He almost looks shocked by my comment.

  “Then tell me, Lennie, exactly why do you like me?”

  I smile with the knowledge that he’s still avoiding my question, but I give in and answer him. “Because we’re a lot alike.” My voice unexpectedly shakes.

  “Lennie, we couldn’t be more opposite if you tried.” I nod my head in silence. I can’t make him accept something he’s not ready for, but that doesn’t mean I can’t offer him a healthy dose of reality. “The way we express ourselves couldn’t be more different.” He swallows as he watches me closely. “But we’re both suffering right out in the open for anyone to see, but they...don’t.” He casts me a meaningful look. “With people like us, you have to dig below the surface to see what’s wrong.” A tear pools at the corner of my eye. “I can’t fix you, Tyler, because you’
re not broken, but for a short period of time, I can offer you my friendship. And today’s offer comes with a hoverboard. Take it or leave it.”

  I step up on my board and start down the trail without looking back to see if he’s following me. Outside of my father, I don’t think I’ve met anyone who’s as stubborn as Tyler Whatever-His-Last-Name-Is.

  RIDING A HOVERBOARD IS A thousand times easier than I imagined. Catching up with Lennie, however, isn’t, but once I do, I give her a weak smile.

  When she first road off, my anger was at an all-time high, but if I’m being honest, she’s right.

  “I keep everyone at arm’s length. Life seems safer that way.”

  Lennie laughs. “Same here. You want to tell me why?”

  I nod my head towards a bench not far from us. Riding one of these things might be easy, but having a deep conversation on one is more than I’m capable of. We slow down and hop off. When we sit down, Lennie wraps her arms around one of mine and snuggles into my side.

  We peacefully sit on the bench for close to ten minutes, watching people travel by. Most of them are laughing and enjoying their day while a war is surging in my mind. I haven’t allowed my past to take up much space in my head, but it still controls how I’ve lived for the last six years, and so far, Lennie is the only one who’s noticed, or at least the only one who’s been brave enough to call me out on it.

  I breathe out a deep sigh. “I fell in love with a girl I met as a teenager. She was my world for over five years.” I take a deep breath. Thinking about Amber is already wreaking havoc on my mind.

  “I thought we were happy. Things seemed perfect. We were engaged, but we planned to wait until we graduated college to get married. A couple of years later, the details were set. We’d picked out our dream house and our big day was around the corner.”

  I keep my eyes focused on a tree off in the distance. “I stopped by her apartment one day at her request, only to find her bawling. She told me she loved me, but she wasn’t in love with me and hadn’t been for a while.” Lennie squeezes my arm. Drawing strength from her, I continue. “She’d been seeing someone else for some time, and she was in love with him, but her parents didn’t want a scandal. They wanted her to marry me and get over this other guy.” I grit my teeth as anger—even six years later—consumes me.