Me: Flights are booked.
I set my phone down in my middle console and take off toward my house. The last time I traveled was when I went to Europe, and I still hadn’t unpacked my suitcase from that trip all the way. Guess that’s what I’ll be doing tonight.
As I start up my winding driveway, I see someone standing at my door. Elena? What the hell is she doing here? It’s been months. I park my truck and get out. “What are you doing here?”
When she turns around, I see it. The bump. Oh shit. Wait, we never slept without protection and she said she was on birth control, too. There’s no way it’s mine. Yet, I don’t come right out and say that because I’m not that douche that doesn’t want to claim a child.
“You’re glowing. Congratulations,” I say, putting my arm around her.
“Don’t worry, it’s not yours. We were careful. Listen, I know you guys have those duplexes. Any chance you have one that I can stay in for a couple months?”
“What happened?”
“Well, my boyfriend kicked me out and wants nothing to do with the baby, and I don’t have enough to cover a new place yet. Need somewhere to be until I get enough saved up and then I’ll be out of your hair.”
The last time I saw Elena was about four months ago, it’s a small town so everyone pretty much knows everyone, and she came to Dixie’s upset that her boyfriend wasn’t acting right, worried that he was cheating on her, so drunk me talked her into dumping him and coming home with me. Douchey move, I know.
“Of course, we have one that doesn’t have anyone in it right now. Give me a few minutes to change and you can follow me over and we can get you settled in.”
She smiles and wraps her arms around me. “Thank you. I didn’t know if you would want to help me after I went back to him.”
“We all make mistakes, Elena. No sense in me holding it against you. Love is love. I’m going through some struggles right now, too. Why don’t you come inside while I shower, it’s too cold out here for you to sit in your car.”
She follows me inside and takes a seat on the couch. “It’s a lot cleaner than I remember. Expecting company?”
“Nope. Barely been home in the last week. I’ll be back in ten.”
I hurry into my bedroom and turn on the shower, getting the water warm for me while I grab a change of clothes and a towel.
Elena is a nice girl, and yes we have slept together, but like the others, she knew it wouldn’t turn into anything serious. I’m glad she still came to me in her time of need.
I slip inside, and the warm water streams down my back as I lather soap all over, and then rinse it off. Normally, I don’t take quick showers, but didn’t want to leave her out there unattended for too long. She could try to snoop or get into my stuff.
“I’ll be out in a second,” I scream, while wrapping the towel around my abdomen.
Before I can change, the doorbell rings, and it almost made me jump. I hear the door open, and then Hazel’s voice. I come out of the bedroom, and as soon as she sees me, she runs away. Elena shuts the door.
“What the hell is her problem?”
Great, another thing to add to the list for today. Now, I’m going to have to go see her once I get Elena settled and explain. I know exactly what she’s thinking. Elena is here and I come out in a towel, freshly showered, she thinks we are having sex. Oh god, she probably saw the bump and thinks I’m the father too. I run my fingers through my wet hair, and shake my head.
“Why did you answer it? You don’t live here.”
“I’m sorry. Habit, I guess.”
I go back into the bedroom, throw on my jeans, t-shirt, and converse. “Let’s go. I’ve got some things that I need to take care of once you are settled in. Follow me over.”
The door shuts behind us, and she follows me six blocks over to the two sets of duplexes, me and my brothers own. She’s lucky there is one available because usually they are occupied.
“Here you are.” I turn the key and open the door. “It’s already furnished.”
She walks in, and turns around. “These are nice. Wow.”
”Here’s your key. Make sure you get in touch with me when you leave so I can get it. Do you need help carrying anything in before I go?”
She takes me out to her car, and I lug in the two suitcases into the bedroom. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
Right now, I want to go over and make sure Hazel isn’t making up stories in her head. We are in a good place right now, and of course, she would show up while I have another girl at my house. If Elena would’ve not answered, then none of this would’ve happened. Ugh.