Chapter 4
"I should have never asked her out. I'm not interested in a relationship right now. What the hell was I thinking?" I thought to myself. Salmon season was over and the Captains tour is about to take me to Australia. I have a week to pack and all I want to do is sit around and relax. I just hate that mom asked me to go to the Spit for one last autograph session before I leave. I love my fans, but I get bad hand cramps and I have to smile for photos. I haven't felt like smiling since I got home from Seattle about a month ago. Another crazy thing, I can't get my mind off of Bailey. I can't forget her porcelain skin under her waist long brown hair. Her beautiful honey colored eyes was mesmerizing. I shake my head to try to get her out of my mind. I can't think about her right now, I have things to do!
Two hours later, I am outside by the crab pot outside signing more autographs. I am posing for pictures when I see her. She is just as beautiful as I remembered. As she gets closer, I try to wave to her so she will stop and say hello, but she turns off of the board walk and walks across the street. She acted like she didn't see me. I think, "What the hell?"
I see John waving at me as I walk down the boardwalk towards the restaurant where I am meeting my girls. I don't want to see him. I have been avoiding going places where he just might end up. I am a fool to think that he wouldn't be around the Time Bandit store. In fact, I have been thinking that there is really no sense in going out onto the spit. He will more than likely be there on any given day, and really, the spit is mostly for tourists anyway.
I also wonder why I have been avoiding him. We met only once. If I ever did want a relationship, there would be no risk of marrying again. I can't help but think that I should give him a try, at least be friendly with the guy. But after meeting my friends at Duggan's and hearing about his reputation, I am having second thoughts about my second thoughts…
I sat down with Cara and Emily and immediately ask how their day was. All I get are typical teenager attitudes and half answers. As the waitress takes our order, I see John walk in. I groan inwardly. I can't help but think that I hope he doesn't come over here. I haven't seen the girls much in the last two days, and I hope to catch up with them. I place my order of a cheeseburger and fries and an ice cold Coors to relax me. After dinner, the girls and I head to my car to get a movie. All I want is to have a nice night watching a movie. I spot him just a little too late. He's leaning against his truck watching me with my girls. I try to ignore him, but my luck; I parked the Judge right next to his truck.
"Damn it!" I mutter under my breath. I nod to him as the girls get in and try to quickly get in before he says anything.
"Wait a minute, Bailey."
"Ugh…" I sigh, "What are you doing, stalking me?" Not so pleased that he is talking to me. He has bimbos everywhere, why talk to me?
"Bailey", John says, "Why did you ignore me this afternoon? Why not just wave?"
"I didn't want to encourage you. I am not interested in a relationship or anything you have to offer. So if you will excuse me…"
I slip into the Judge and drive off before he can say another word. I felt bad, but he is just going to have to deal with it. I am not someone he can use up and throw away. I had enough of that with the ex. He always used me and when he had no use for me, he would ignore me. It got so bad, that I was barely living when he asked for a divorce. I am still just trying to learn to live again. I don't want another man doing the same thing my ex husband did. I just simply won't live through it.
"Wow.." John said. "I have never been turned down like that."
It made me want her more. Something about her drew me to her.
"Was it the way she kept turning me down without a second thought? I only want to talk to her. She won't give me two seconds." He sighed to himself.
I got into my truck and headed towards home. As I turned off of the spit, I saw her car. It was the only orange GTO with black racing stripes in Homer. In fact, it was the only GTO in Homer. I followed her down the Sterling Highway and on to Main Street. She parked outside of Homer Theatre and got out with the girls. I got out and approached her.
"Bailey, please. Talk to me. I swear I don't bite." I said grinning.
Bailey turned around with a frown on her face. "John, I am trying to spend quality time with my kids here. Wait…did you follow me?"
"Yes, I did. I just want to talk, to see why you are avoiding me. Why won't you give me a few minutes?"
"John, listen, I am newly divorced. The man tore me to pieces with every year that I stayed. I am not and will not be interested in getting to know anyone right now. So I beg of you, drop this." Bailey begged.
"Alright, Bailey. I will give you space. I just want to be friends and welcome you to our town." Hell, it was a try. Maybe she will give in soon and be more than friends. But for now, I am willing to give her a try.
"Ok, ok. Friends. And only friends, I can't handle any more." Bailey said.
"Great, I will leave you alone then" I said as I went back to my truck. I couldn't help but feel hopeful that Bailey would come around.