New Beginnings (Marie) by Mel Steele novel Chapter 8

Over the next month, I fell into a routine between the bakery and my home life. I ran every morning and spent my afternoons hanging out with Saralynn. 

Every morning Trent and Hunter would stop for breakfast. Trent would flirt, always causing my cheeks to turn red. Hunter, however, seemed irritated at my presence and on most days would only say one or two words to me. 

I would occasionally see Colton but he was always with Abby and she made it apparent that she did not like me.

“Good morning ladies.” Trent said as he walked through the door with Hunter following him. 

“Hi Trent. The usual?” Saralynn asked. 

“You know it, sugar.” He said, winking at me. 

Setting the coffees and muffins on the counter I turned to leave and Trent grabbed my wrist. 

“What are you doing tonight?” 

I was surprised by his question and blurted out the truth. “Nothing.” 

“Great, let me take you on a date tonight.” 

I looked over to see Hunter role his eyes. “I don’t know Trent.” 

“Come on. Please?” He gave me his best puppy dog eyes. 

“What are you thinking?” 

“Laser tag and dinner?” He said hopefully. 

“Ok.” 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah.” 

“You won’t regret it, I will pick you up at 4.” 

I watched as Hunter and Trent left the store.

“I am so helping you get ready.” 

I turned to see Saralynn smiling. 

“I thought you said to stay away from him.” 

“He and Julie have been off for a month and that is the longest ever. So maybe. And you need to get out.” 

As soon as work was finished, Saralynn and I made our way to my apartment. 

I jumped in the shower and stepped out to find her staring at my clothes. 

“We need to go shopping.” 

“Not today.” 

“Fine.” She handed me a pair of skinny jeans and a top that was low cut with spaghetti straps. 

Once dressed, she seemed happy. 

Just before 4 she left, leaving me to wonder if this was the right idea. I liked Trent. He was funny and cute and his flirting made me feel beautiful. 

Snapping me out of my thoughts was a knock on my door. 

I opened the door to Trent. He looked very handsome as he put his arm out for me.

“My lady. You look beautiful.” 

“Thank you.” 

Laser tag was not what I expected but it was a lot of fun. After two rounds, I was killing it. Who knew I was a good shot?

“You are a natural. Have you had a lot of target practice?” 

“I’ve never shot a gun before. But after tonight I want to try.” 

“Maybe a second date?” 

I glanced over to see Trent’s truck still in the same place but the windows seemed fogged up. 

Shaking my head, I started walking home. The feeling of not being good enough filled me again. Was I ever going to be enough for somebody? First Luca and now Trent. I mean Trent couldn’t even finish our first date because of being with another woman. 

The dinner was on the opposite side of town from my apartment. By the time I got home, my feet hurt from the sandals I chose to wear and I was hot and sweat from the heat. 

I decided to take a shower and pretend that tonight had never happened. 

When I got out of the shower, I noticed 6 messages all from Trent. I didn’t even bother looking at them. I deleted the thread and blocked his contact. 

I messaged Saralynn and crawled into bed. Thankful I didn’t have to work the following day. 

Just as I was about to fall asleep, there was a banging on my door. Making my way to the door, I couldn't help but be irritated. Who was banging on my door at 9 at night? 

I threw open the door to find Saralynn. 

“What are you doing here?” 

“I brought ice cream.” She pushed me aside and walked into my apartment. 

“I’m fine Saralynn, I just want to sleep and pretend it never happened. 

“As your best friend, it is my duty to make sure you are OK and understand you are hot and he doesn’t deserve you.” 

All the irritation left as quickly as it came. I never had a friend that would care this much.

I told her all about my date with Trent. “Why didn’t you call me to pick you up?” 

“I don’t know. I was angry and embarrassed.” 

“He is a stupid hillbilly.” 

I couldn’t help but laugh. 

Spending time with Saralynn made me realize tonight was not a total bust and I sat back and enjoyed the rest of the evening. 

As I got Saralynn a blanket and pillow to crash on the couch, she looked at me and said, “We are going shopping tomorrow."