Chapter Eleven

Opening her eyes to the light of the day, Jayme still felt exhausted but she pulled herself out of bed and went downstairs. Not realizing it was nearly ten in the morning. Her parents had been gone to work for three hours already. Jayme located some apple and cinnamon flavored instant oatmeal in the cupboard. Making a couple of packets, she sat down at the table to eat.
When she was finished, she cleaned up after herself then went back upstairs to get dressed. Returning to the kitchen table, she had a notebook, a pen and her phone. First, she looked up the real estate agent who had Mrs. Humphrey’s house listed, and wrote down the number. Then she located the number for the obstetrician her father had left on a note.
Calling the real estate agent, she scheduled an appointment for later that day. Then scheduled an appointment with the doctor for the following day. Knowing she had some time to kill, Jayme grabbed her jacket and purse and walked out the door, locking it on her way out.
Driving to town, Jayme stopped at the bank and opened an account at the local branch with a few hundred dollars. She felt more comfortable having her money closer although she had been with her current bank for nearly ten years, since she moved to Silver Creek.
In the late October weather that was turning colder, Jayme wanted to act fast to purchase the property, demolish the existing house and build her dream home before winter hit. As she met with the real estate agent, Jayme put in an offer of sixty five thousand, cash. The property was forty acres with a barn and pole barn. The listing price was seventy one thousand.
Later that evening, Jayme learned that they accepted her offer of sixty five thousand. Jayme was ecstatic about the news. At seven, Rex came to pick her up and she couldn’t wait to tell him. Meeting him in the driveway, Jayme climbed into his truck with a smile on her face. “Guess what…” She said, excitedly.
“What.” Rex smiled at her excitement.
“I got the property…” She said.
“Oh, Mrs. Humphrey’s property?” He asked but already knew.
“Yes.” Jayme answered.
“Congratulations. I’m really excited for you.” Rex said and reached across the seat to hug her.
Jayme closed her arms around him and held him for an extra moment, feeling the emotions between them. And Rex just loved any attention and affection from her. Seeing her again after so many years brought his feelings for her to the surface. The feelings he hid so long ago, and stuffed away while she was gone. And now she’s back. But he also knew she was vulnerable.
Pulling back, Rex looked at her and flashed a slight smile. But Jayme could see it deep in his brown eyes. He looked at her the way he used to, all those years ago. Jayme knew deep in her heart that this was more than just friendship.“What do you want to do tonight?” Jayme said to break the icy wall of awkwardness.
“Well, there are movies starting at nine, we could grab a quick dinner then hit the theaters… or we could go for a drive and just talk… or whatever you would like to do.” Rex suggested as he started the truck and backed out of the driveway.
“Dinner and a movie sounds great.” Jayme said.
“Great, I’ll pick the restaurant, you can pick the movie.” Rex offered as he drove away from her house.
“Ok, sounds like a deal.” Jayme agreed.
Driving into the city limits, Rex parked beside a small, popular restaurant. “I figured we could eat here, then walk across the street to the movie theater.”
“Ok.” Jayme agreed as she removed her seat belt and opened her door.
Walking inside the restaurant, it was just past the dinner rush and occupied by six other patrons at two different tables. Briefly greeted by the hostess, she instructed them to sit where ever they wanted. Taking a seat beside the window, they sat opposite each other in the booth. Moments later, they were greeted by a waitress which handed them menus and glasses of ice water.
Looking over the menu, Jayme decided on the fish fry. Battered, deep fried cod. For one price, it was all you can eat. Rex agreed and ordered the same. Including a trip to the salad bar, they both got up and indulged in the choices on the salad bar.
Picking up her fork, Jayme looked up at Rex as he sat across from her. “So, you primarily work in the morning through to the evening?” Jayme asked.
“Yes, we’re working twelve hour shifts. Six AM to six PM.” Rex answered her.
“Oh, I see. That’s usually what I worked as a trauma nurse, twelve hour shifts, four days a week.”
“Yep. Four days a week.” Rex agreed.
“So, when are your next days off?”
“This weekend.” Rex informed her.
“Oh… so, what are your plans?” Jayme asked then took a bite of salad.
“Well, I don’t know yet… it depends on what you’re doing.” Rex smiled.
Jayme returned the smile.” I need to run to Silver Creek, go to the bank, and do a few other things.”
“Well, we could drive up in the morning.” Rex suggested.
“You would want to go with me?” Jayme said.
“Of course. I want to be everywhere with you. Or nowhere at all…” Rex said.
Jayme just looked at him for a moment, not sure what he meant. Rex must have read the look on her face as he added. “Or nowhere at all, as long as you’re there…”
Jayme smiled. She knew Rex was the same kid as he used to be, just all grown up. And he was incredibly sexy with his mustache, rough cut beard, and his tone, muscular body. Although he was handsome, cute and sexy, Jayme loved his heart the most.
Leaving the restaurant, they walked across the street to the theater. Before going inside, they looked at all the options. Deciding on a movie, Jayme walked to the door and opened it, waiting for Rex. Rex paid for the tickets, however, Jayme insisted on buying the drinks and snacks.
Finding a seat towards the screen, they sat down and waited as they snacked. The movie she selected was somewhere between a chick flick and a men’s movie. It was a happy medium that they could both enjoy.
With the devastation at the beginning of the movie, Jayme was instantly captivated. Rex saw the level of attention she was giving the movie and knew she liked it already. But he could barely watch the movie with her sitting right beside him. It was hard for him to sit beside her and not touch her.
Reaching his hand over, Rex slipped his hand beneath hers then slipped his fingers through hers. First, Jayme looked down at their entwined hands, then looked up at Rex. In the dimness of the theater, she could still see the bright sparkle in his eyes. She slightly smiled and squeezed his hand then returned her attention to the screen.
By the end of the movie, Jayme was in tears. She looked at Rex as he smiled at her, then burst out in laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Rex asked.
“Your face…” Jayme said. “You must… think… I’m a… fool…” She said as she laughed.
Rex smiled. “No, not at all… I think way more than that about you and I think I know you better than that.” He said as the lights came back on in the large room. Everyone started to exit the theater but Rex and Jayme stayed in their chairs until the crowd subsided.
Still with his hand in hers, Rex stood up, encouraging her to follow. Jayme stood and followed Rex out of the theater, through the doors of the main entrance and to his truck. Opening the door for Jayme, Rex waited for her to climb into the seat before shutting the door. Then he climbed into the passenger side. Knowing it was late, he assumed she would be ready to go home. Rex pulled from the parking spot and headed towards the other end of town.
“I’m so glad you decided to come with me tonight. What time do you want me to come and get you tomorrow?” Rex asked.
“Um… how about nine?” Jayme answered.
“Ok. I already can’t wait to see you.” Rex smiled.
Jayme returned the smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, you goofball.” Then leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. But Rex turned his head and she planted her lips on his. Pulling back, she covered her mouth with two fingers. “I’m sorry…” She said.
“It was me… I’m the one who turned my head… tell me you didn’t want me to do that.” Rex said.
“I can’t…” Jayme said and got out of the car.