Waiting for Romeo by Diane Mannino Page A

an alarm.” I say, rushed. I really do need to get going or I’ll be late for work.
    “What? Why didn’t you call me? Please stay with me until everything is safe.”
    I give him a don’t-be-ridiculous look. “Look, just a couple days ago I didn’t want to speak to you…ever. Then you show up in my bed. I’m at least speaking to you, but I’m certainly not moving in with you.”
    “Okay. I see your point…for now.” He smiles, slightly.
    “As cocky as ever…I see that hasn’t changed.” I say.
    “I have changed…when you left that night…you made me realize just how much I need you. Don’t you see? I have to get you back and I won’t stop until I do.”
    “Why are you so sure you’ve changed and I will take you back?” I shake my head.
    “Only time will tell.” He pauses a beat. “So, dinner tonight?”
    “Um. No. I told Tyler I’d watch his band play tonight.” I say because it’s the truth not because I’m trying to rile him up. Although I know it more than likely will.
    He lets out a breath and says nothing.
    “I’m sorry.” I whisper because as much as he hurt me I don’t want either of us to suffer.
    “Sorry? I’m the one who is sorry.” He says, quietly. Looking like I just seriously wounded him, I turn away and run.
     
    I AM EXCITED AND RELIEVED to be back at work. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton, I mean Sam and Rosemary…I still have difficulty calling them by their first names…are equally excited to see me.
    “Sales are way down since you haven’t been here, Emilia.” Sam says after we discuss the holidays and he catches me up on all the important details like the surfing conditions, size of the waves, and anything else that pops into his mind that’s surf-related.
    I roll my eyes. “And you think I really have something to do with sales being down.”
    “Absolutely. You’re the dude magnet…no doubt. When you’re working, there are more customers and more sales. It’s those pherone-things. I even have a name for it now…came up with it over the break.”
    “Oh?” I giggle at his ridiculousness and look to Rosemary for some support.
    “Hey, don’t look at me, sweetie…as crazy as it sounds…it’s true. And, it’s pheromones, Sam.” She grins back at me.
    “Eau de Emilia.” Sam continues.
    “Maybe you’re just running low on the sex wax…that stuff smells good.” I say.
    “It’s you, honey and we’re glad you’re back.” Sam pauses and adds. “By the way, is Logan out surfing?”
    “Um. Dunno.” I murmur. Then I quickly get busy straightening and re-stocking the store.
    “Well, I see my work is done here.” He dramatically brushes his hands off as if he’s been hard at work for hours. “Emilia’s back and the waves are a-calling.”
    “Sure. Just be back by five since Emilia leaves then.” Rosemary moves towards me and helps me with the shelves.
    “Al-righty. Later.” He says as he heads out the door.
    “Sooo…what’s going on?” Rosemary asks. When Sam leaves we are left in the store alone.
    “Not much. How about you?” I smile at her.
    “Hmm. Did something happen with Logan? When Sam mentioned him…you seemed …sort of…distant.” She smiles, reassuringly.
    “It’s nothing…well, we broke-up.” I say, quietly.
    “Oh, honey. I’m sorry. I don’t want to be a busy body but maybe I can help. What happened?”
    “He screwed up…made a big mistake. It’s awful… because I was just starting to trust him. Thank you for your concern. I really appreciate it, but there’s really nothing you can do…it’s in the past and you can’t undo the past.” Something I know all too well.
    “But you two are so perfect together.” She sighs. “I know I always pester you about Laird. You know how much I adore you…and, of course Sam does too. We would love for Laird to be with someone like you. But you have that special connection with Logan and he with you. It’s so obvious when you’re together.”
    “Well, not anymore.”
    She