Waiting for Romeo by Diane Mannino Page B

ignores my words and continues. “That night when you two visited Sam and I in the hospital…I watched the way he was with you. It was as if he was completely lost in you . Every thought and action was about you . And, there’s only one thing that means…He’s deeply and madly in love with you .”
    “I don’t know…if that’s the case…he wouldn’t have done what he did. He hurt me…how can someone that loves you hurt you?”
    “Unfortunately, it happens all the time. I’m not defending Logan. I’m just saying someone that loves you can definitely hurt you.” Rosemary continues and the way she says it I wonder if she’s speaking from experience.
    “Well, that sucks.” I say and smile, slightly.
    “It sure does, but that’s life. He hurt you, but isn’t it possible that you still care about him?”
    “I suppose.” I say, reflecting on her words. I’m sure she’s right otherwise I wouldn’t care about him catching me leaving Tyler’s place this morning.
    “Listen, sweetie, love isn’t easy. Love is an endless act of forgiving each other…it truly is. It’s not always a fairy tale but when you find that you want to be with that person…despite everything …that’s when it is…without question…true love.”
    “And they live happily ever after.” I wink at her.
    She laughs. “Sure…but in my case it helps if the surf is up on a daily basis.”
    “Spoken like a true surf widow.”
    “Amen.” Then we both burst into a fit of laughter.
     
    MY MORNING RUN and my day at Spyder prove to be just what I need. Now if I can only manage to get through the rest of the weekend. Why did I tell Tyler I would watch him play tonight? I was just an emotional wreck a few weeks ago over losing Logan and now I’m jumping back into the dating game almost without hesitation. Bryn is certain this is what I need…a distraction…a rebound…whatever you want to call it, but I don’t know. I think what I need is space.
    The short walk back to our house feels ridiculously long because of all the thoughts bouncing around in my head. I know Bryn will be upset with me that I didn’t call her to pick me up. Rosemary insisted on driving me but the distance from the store to our place is so short is seems silly for everyone to always chauffeur me. As I near our house, my overanalyzing thoughts are abruptly interrupted when I hear someone call my name.
    “Emilia.” I hear a man’s voice in the distance behind me.
    I turn to look, but I don’t see anyone. Wow, I think I’m losing my mind. Now, I’m hearing voices. I shrug it off and head up the path to our front door.
    The front door’s window is repaired and a sense of relief washes over me. Bryn is in the kitchen, cleaning the counter and moving to the music that’s playing from her iPod docket when I walk in the house.
    “Hi, there.” She turns and smiles when she sees me. “How was work?”
    “Good.” I turn and notice the new alarm system in the wall by the front door. “Awesome work, Bryn. You were able to get the glass fixed and an alarm system installed…now you’re cleaning…quite the productive day for you. I think drinks are on me tonight. Just to show you my appreciation.”
    “You will actually have to thank your overbearing ex, but you can still buy me some drinks.” She laughs.
    “What do you mean? Logan did this?” I wave my hand in the direction of the alarm and the door.
    “Uh-huh. Well, he didn’t do it himself. I got back here this morning to make some calls and get the window repaired and when I got here the repair guy and alarm guy were already standing outside…waiting for me.”
    “Seriously?”
    “They said a Mr. Prescott set it up. I’m sure he must have paid a pretty penny to get them out here that quickly. I thought maybe the window would be repaired but getting someone out to install an alarm usually takes a day or two. I thought at the earliest we would have it put in by Monday.”
    “Oh, um, I guess it’s