Chapter 12

…

It was now Sunday, the fifth day since I had left a message for Edward and a week since I had seen him. I was losing hope and trying to gauge how desperate it would look if I tried calling him again. I was determined to keep myself busy and not to dwell on it.

If this was meant to be, then surely things would work out, right?

I hoped so.

I decided to go for a run and changed into jogging pants, a Pitt hoodie and sneakers. Grabbing my iPod, I headed out the door.

As I jogged towards the park I scrolled through my playlists and chose some high intensity rock. I needed to channel some of my energy and the music along with the running would do that for me.

Motion and speed. This was exactly what I needed. In the past week I'd done more running than I had in months. With my tests and surgery and all, I had gotten out of the habit and really missed it.

Physical movement had always been a release for me. While I was in school, I ran long distance track and swam the 500 freestyle. These events required speed and endurance, which I worked hard to possess. My priority was not to win, although I often did and proudly so, but to better myself. I constantly strove to break my own records and be the best I could be. I pushed myself, maybe too much. I guess I felt that if I could just run or swim fast enough, maybe I could escape my problems. It never really worked that way, but it did allow me to clear my head and was a great outlet for my negative energy.

I needed that stress relief under normal circumstances and even more so now. I resolved to spend more time working out my stresses. And it didn't hurt that it would keep me in shape too.

The cool October air rushed in and out of my lungs as I traveled along the familiar path. The trees were turning to beautiful hues of auburn, goldenrod, and bright orange. And although it was a beautiful afternoon, I was basically alone as I ran. That suited me just fine and allowed me to become lost in my thoughts.

Returning to my apartment complex, I used the front stairs and wall to help me stretch and cool down. Once inside, I shed my clothes dropping them directly into the hamper on my way to the shower. I took my time letting the water massage and sooth my aching muscles. After washing thoroughly with my favorite Adidas body wash, I wrapped a towel around my waist and headed into the bedroom. I threw on some loose shorts, not bothering with underwear, and an old t-shirt. It was getting late and I didn't plan on any company for the rest of the evening. I grabbed a Gatorade and plopped down on the couch to watch the news for a bit.

I was dozing off as my phone buzzed on the wooden table, effectively jerking me awake. I checked the caller ID, before answering, and my mouth fell open in shock. My heart began to race, but I didn't have time to calm myself down. There was no way I was going to miss this call.

I answered breathlessly, "Hello?"

"Um…hello, Emmett?"

Oh, how I had missed that voice. But I played it cool, answering simply, "Yes."

"Hi, um, this is Edward calling. Is this a bad time?" He sounded kind of nervous and unsure of himself and I couldn't have that.

I replied encouragingly, "No, not at all. I'm glad you called actually."

"Yeah?" He asked, seeming to need the reassurance.

"Yeah."

"Good. I am sorry that I didn't get back to you sooner. But, I'd like to meet up sometime if the offer still stands?"

"Yeah, that sounds great!" My cheek muscles were straining with the force of my smile. "Just tell me when and where and I'll be there." So much for playing it cool, but I didn't really care.

"Oh, okay. Um…I am free most evenings. How about Tuesday evening at seven for coffee?"

"That should work for me. Do you know Café Olé? It's not too far from me and they make a great macchiato."

"I haven't been, but I know it. So, Café Olé at seven o'clock on Tuesday?"

"Sounds great. I'll see you then…and thanks for calling me back Edward," I said sincerely.

"You're welcome. See you Tuesday Emmett."

"Okay, goodbye."

"Bye."

I hung up the phone and stretched my arms to the sky with a smile. Yes! A date with Edward! I would not screw things up this time. I was so excited. Tuesday suddenly seemed very far away.

…

***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***

…

I had never been this nervous for a date before. Literally. Never before. And this was an extremely casual date. But it was with Edward and that made all the difference. I decided to walk over to Café Olé. It wasn't too far from my apartment and the trek would help to calm my nerves. Plus, I could always take a cab back later if need be.

Rose had reacted quite enthusiastically to my news, screeching into my ear so loudly that I thought I might need to invest in a hearing aid. She was already planning for a double date. However, I warned her not to get ahead of herself and to wait it out. I didn't want to jinx anything, but secretly I couldn't wait to be able to do just that.

I dressed for comfort as much as style in nice jeans and a navy blue Henley. Throwing on a steel gray scarf, to complete the look and keep off the chill, I headed out the door. I walked at a medium pace which would ensure that I made it to the shop neither early nor late, but right on time.

As I entered and was inundated with the delicious smell, I glanced around the nearly empty café. Only a few tables were taken and Edward was nowhere in sight. I decided to go ahead and order something while I waited for him to arrive.

The barista flirted with me a bit as I ordered my standard macchiato. I'd seen him here many times and he never seemed to take the hint that I wasn't interested. That or he was just really persistent. Politely rejecting his advances, I took my mug and headed to my favorite corner booth that afforded a great view of the evening sky.

Ten minutes passed.

Then fifteen more.

The café began to get more crowded and my head turned toward the door automatically each time it opened. I was becoming worried that I might be stood up.

I tried to ignore that thought and focus on some other rational possibilities for his tardiness. Maybe he was held up at school or work. Maybe he was stuck in traffic. But, inevitably, other thoughts crept in as well. Maybe he changed his mind. Maybe he wouldn't show at all.

I finally conceded when thirty minutes had passed with no signs of Edward. At least he could have called or something. I guess it just wasn't meant to be. I'd tried and failed. But, I'd put myself out there and wouldn't go on wondering, if only. That was something, I guess.

As I made my way to the door, I received a text. From Edward. My thoughts ran the gamut from anger to worry to hope as I hit the button to open the message. It read:

Emmett, I am so sorry. Are you still at the café? I would still like to meet up, if you haven't changed your mind. Again, I'm so sorry. I can be there in 5 if you are interested?

I had to think for a minute.

Of course I was interested in Edward. But I wasn't sure about this anymore. Things already seemed so difficult. Was he really worth all this trouble?

I thought of his crooked smile, those piercing green eyes, that hot body, the way I felt dancing with him and kissing him. Yes, he was worth it.

I sent my reply:

I'd given up on you, but yes I'm still here. I'll stay. Don't keep me waiting ;)

…

…

AN: I know this was a bit short, but I promise not to keep you waiting either. The next chapter will be a lot longer and will pick up right where this one leaves off. You will be rewarded for your patience ;) Thanks for reading!