Reese called last night asking if I wanted to have lunch with him today, and of course, I said yes. It's been three days since I have seen him. We've talked on the phone here and there but it's not the same. I miss his face.

The only time Reese and I go without seeing each other is when he leaves town on business. Which isn't often. His father does most of the traveling. Other than that, we are pretty much glued to each other's hips. This is another reason why people think we are in a relationship.

I find it funny since I've never slept with him and have no plans of ever sleeping with him. We don't care, we let them think what they want. We know what we are to each other and that's all that matters.

"Come on Mom, we are going to be late," Oakley cries impatiently. My children have to be the only children in the world who can't wait to go to school.

"If you want to eat lunch today you'll let me be," I tell her as I finish packing their school lunches. I quickly race towards the door where both, Oakley and Grayson are waiting for me.

"Make sure you have everything," I tell them both handing them their lunches. They always forget at least one thing. I slip my shoes and sweatshirt on and grab my house keys. Since I don't own a car, I walk them to the bus stop every day.

Just as we step out on the porch a flash of lightning, lights the sky followed by the ground-shaking rumble of thunder as the sky opens up. I reach back through the door and grab our umbrellas.

"Great, my hair is going to be a mess now," Oakley whines. She snatches her umbrella from my hand with attitude and storms down the sidewalk. I let out a sigh of annoyance. She's so dramatic. Gray and I follow behind her closely.

"It's okay Mom, it's the teenage hormones," Gray says taking me by complete surprise and I burst out laughing.

"Hormones hmm? What the hell do you know about hormones. You're only ten?" I question trying to control my laughter. I don't know why I'm surprised by anything that comes out of his mouth anymore.

He shrugs, "I heard Mark's parents talking about it. They say it's the reason for their daughter's attitude and stuff." Before I can respond the bus appears. Both Oakley and Grayson give me a quick wave before entering the bus.

I decide to stop at the small gas station across the street from the bus stop, before heading back home. By the time I make it into the store, I am soaked from head to toe.

"Stupid, useless umbrella," I mumble and place it in the bucket next to the door. I shiver from the coolness of the store.

"You look like a drowned rat," Sam screeches as he bursts into a fit of laughter. Sam is the owner of the store. He is one of the kindest old men you will ever meet, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it.

I slowly approach the counter with a mischievous look on my face. His smile and laughter immediately come to a halt.

"Don't you do it, Wren," he sternly warns me, pointing his finger at me. He knows me so well.

"Do what?" I question innocently as I lean on the counter. "Oh, you mean this?" I shake the water out of my hair like a wet dog, getting water all over him and whatever else is in the way.

"Okay, okay, stop," Sam yelps.

I laugh and head in the direction of the cooler section looking for milk.

"You're a pain in my ass," Sam yells as he wipes his face with his sleeve.

I chuckle, "Yeah, but I'm your pain in the ass," I point out.

I hear the bell to the door ring, signaling someone has entered. I glanced toward the door as a large, attractive well-dressed man entered. "Well he's not from around here," I mumble take the milk out of the cooler, and look around for anything else I may need.

"Your machine ate my card," I overhear the stranger tell Sam. You can hear the frustration in his voice.

"I'm sorry sir, let me grab my keys and I'll get it out for you," Sam replies kindly as he slowly gets up from his chair.

"Can you move a little faster, I have important places to be," the large man sneers. I shake my head. What an overprivileged dick.

Sam immediately apologizes to the stranger. I slowly take the spot behind the rude stranger and wait. Sam reaches for his jacket and struggles to put it on. The man gets agitated and slams his hand down on the counter causing both Sam and I to jump. "Oh for the love of-, just give me the damn key and I'll get it myself," he yells at Sam extending his hand out for the keys. That does it. Who the hell does he think he is? The president?

I place my items on the counter in front of the stranger. "Don't you dare speak to him like that? Do you think because you wear a flashy suit you can treat people like shit?" I ask, poking him in his chest. His sapphire eyes look where I touched and then land on me.

He raises his eyebrow, "Excuse me?" He asks, completely taken aback by my actions.

I roll my eyes. I don't think I stuttered. "You heard me!" I place my hands on my hips, challenging him. His eyes scanned me from head to toe. For a moment he looked as if he was checking me out.

He shakes his head. "Why don't you mind your own business," he tells me in a somewhat dangerous tone.

I can't believe this man. "Maybe if you weren't such a dick I would." I shoot back, standing my ground.

His eyes narrow on me and I shiver under his intense stare as he approaches. He towers over my small figure. I normally would have backed off by now. But for some reason, this man doesn't scare me. In fact, he fascinates me and I don't know why.

Sam breaks our stare off by dangling a black card between our faces. When the hell did he manage to do that? The man snatches the card from Sam's hand and backs away towards the door.

"You need to keep your dog on a leash," the man tells Sam pointing at me. Did he really just call me a dog?

"I try, but she's a tough little bitch," Sam replies to the man's comment and pats me on my head. The man laughed loudly and I smacked Sam's hand away. I can't believe this is happening.

"You know what old man. I like you," the man states as he exits the store, spearing me one last glance.

"Real nice Sam," I tell him as he takes his place behind the counter. The old fucker laughs. I roll my eyes and approach the counter.

"Sorry kid, but when those words left his lips I couldn't resist," he laughs harder now.

"Ha, ha, ha, very funny," I mutter with a pout. Sam always uses me as the butt of his jokes.

"Thanks, kid," he says sincerely as he rings up my stuff. I send him a warm smile. I just love the sweet side of Sam. I pay for my items and head towards the door.

"Oh and Sam," I call out.

"Hmm," he hums, wiping up the rest of my mess from the counter.

"Anytime," I tell him, meaning it. He sends me a smile of appreciation.

I grab my umbrella and exit the store and head home. To my relief, the wind and rain have calmed, making my walk home a lot better. Although, I guess it really doesn't matter since I'm already soaked.

When I get home, I rush to the bathroom and take a quick shower. I have only an hour to get ready before my lunch with Reese. I decide to go with a more comfortable look and quickly pull out black leggings and a cute cotton, light blue long-sleeve shirt that is slightly longer in the back. I wouldn't have to rush around if it wasn't for that jerk from Sam's.

Reese offered to pick me up, but I told him I would manage. He acts like I will melt or something. I take a look outside and decide, I should be fine. Besides, after the morning I had, a nice walk will do me some good.

Again, I find myself rushing around the house making sure everything is shut off. I really hate rushing. It stresses me out, causing anxiety to build. I just don't have time for that shit.

I do a quick once over in the mirror grab a light jacket, my purse, and umbrella, and head out the door. As I'm walking down the street, my mind wanders back to the stranger at Sam's. Even though he was a complete asshole, he sure was attractive, and well-built. He definitely lifts weights that's for sure. As I approached the restaurant I texted Reese letting him know I was there and as expected Reese, was holding the door open for me. He greets me with a warm smile and hug and escorts me by the hand to the back of the restaurant.

"I know you're wondering why we are eating in the back today," Reese, whispers in my ear. Yeah, I would like to know. Isolation and I don't get along very well. It brings back so many bad memories. "My brother is here and would like to meet you, and he likes to meet new people in private. I know it's weird," he shakes his head. Before I can reply we stop at a dimly lit booth. A man downing a glass of wine, like it's going out of stock, comes into view.

His sapphire eyes connect with mine. Oh no, no, no, this is not happening right now! I swear the universe is out to get me. "It's you," I gasped in shock.