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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
LYDIA
“Dad, it’s me,” I called out as I walked over the threshold.
Good thing I had a key.
“Lydia.”
“Yes, go back to sleep. I’m spending the night. I need to wash clothes early in the morning.”
“Alright. See you in the morning.”
My phone was on silent. Hayden kept calling. He didn’t understand what he did wrong. I wasn’t sure I was going about things the right way.
I wanted Hayden to go home and get some rest.
Text message:
Hayden, I’m sorry about tonight. I am not at home. I’m not sure when I’m going home. I can’t be with you. I’m sorry. Please, get some rest.
Lying in my old bed, I watched as the phone lit up. I knew Hayden was furious.
Text message from Hayden:
Baby, pick up the phone. I just want to hear your voice and I will let you go.
Hayden called again.
I answered. “Hayden, I’m tired.”
“Ok, I wanted to make sure you’re alright.”
“I’m fine.”
“How did you get to your destination?”
“Uber.”
“Baby, are you going to tell me what I did wrong.”
Why did he have to call me baby? I hate his delicious voice. I wanted to go to him. The tears rolled down my face. “Hayden, you now know I’m fine. Get some rest.”
“Baby, you’re crying.”
“God, Hayden. I told you not to drop me off at work. Let’s take it slow. I remember those being my words. Now look. We aren’t together. I can’t trust myself with you. I am not strong enough to allow you to take my virginity and destroy me afterwards. Goodbye Hayden.”
I disconnected the call then turned my phone off.
I cried myself to sleep. I didn’t wake until noon. I felt hollow inside. No more Hayden’s arms wrapping around me. In one week, I’ve fallen in love with Hayden Gaster. I already miss the way he cares for me. Part of me believes he was sincere. Oh well, I guess we will never know.
After slipping into a pair of tight jogging pants and a small t-shirt that’s been in my closet for years, I washed the clothes I’d worn to my fathers. I refused to turn my phone on right away. I need to tell the club bouncers to keep Hayden away from me.
“Good afternoon, Dad,” I chimed, kissing his cheek.
“Lydia, you haven’t slept over in a long time. What’s going on?”
He walked over to the window gawking down the street like he’s always done. “Where is your car?”
“At home.”
I walked toward the kitchen. “Dad, I’ll make us breakfast.”
His eyebrows wrinkled as he limped toward me. “Lydia, tell me what is going on?”
I sighed. “I fell in love with a man. Now it’s over.”
“Is he after you?”
“No, he just doesn’t understand why we can’t work.”
“What did he do?”
“Dad, it’s complicated.”
“Lydia, it’s ok to say you don’t want to be with him. I heard you crying last night. Sounds like he meant a lot to you.”
“I’m in the mood for grits, turkey bacon, eggs over easy, and wheat toast.”
My father left the subject alone. After breakfast, we watched a recording of Jeopardy. My father loved to test my knowledge.
The house phone rang. My father answered. “Hello. Yes. I see. Are you the reason Lydia was crying?”
My eyes shot over to my father.
My father put the call on speaker.
“Mr. Carmichael, it seems Lydia and I had a misunderstanding. Our feelings for each other have progressed in a short period of time. I’m going to be frank sir. Lydia is under the impression my feelings for her are not real. I assure you they are. My sole purpose for courting your daughter sir, is to eventually ask you for her hand in marriage. We haven’t known each other long, but please hear me out.”
“I’m listening.”
“I don’t know if you believe in love at first sight. I didn’t until I laid eyes on Lydia. I can’t think straight half the time. She makes me crazy. I’ve never been in love before. I long to be in her presence every chance I get. You raised a special woman Mr. Carmichael.”
“Thank you. What is your last name Hayden?”
