Coming Home

Chapter 3

"Jennifer Firecracker Bloom." Joe squeezes my shoulder before going behind the bar to get himself a beer, too.

Sitting on the same stool I used to as a child, I'm hit by a wave of nostalgia. I'm transported to the days when Joe would tend to customers and help me with my homework. Matt went into the office in the back to do God knows what, so it's just me, Joe, and some customers I don't recognize.

"You're looking good, honey." He pats my hand once he's back, pulling me back from my thoughts as he takes a seat by my side.

"I finally made it!" I give him a watery smile. "I got a degree, a great job, my own place... I feel like I've finally made it, you know? Like I can finally look at myself in the mirror and be proud of myself." I bite my lips, desperately needing his approval.

"I'm proud of you, honey." He nods, his eyes studying me.

"I should've kept in contact more often, but..." I shake my head, embarrassed. Nothing can justify the fact of me not getting in touch with him regularly.

"You were protecting your heart. I get it. Your grandma gets it. It's all good." He holds both my hands, just like he used to do when I was younger and upset.

"I can't believe he bought the bar." I chuckle, blinking fast so I don't let the tears fall.

"Matt is nothing but persistent. He knew I'd need to retire someday and was there to make me an offer when the time arrived." Joe smiles.

"He loves this town more than anything." I take a sip of my beer, my eyes burning with resentment and tears.

"He needs the roots this place gives him... You have wings and were born to fly..." He squeezes my hands, his eyes filled with sadness.

"Well." I clear my throat. "It's over, anyway. It's been over for so long. I don't know why I'm bringing this up."

"Are you ready to go?" Matt comes back, interrupting us with a scowl on his face.

"Sure." I stand up to give Joe a hug. "I'm sorry for not being good at being in touch. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me."

"No apologies needed." He hugs me tightly, and this time I can't stop the tears from falling.

"You're messing with my makeup, old man." I slap his chest playfully before running my fingers below my eyes.

"Tell your grandmother I said hi. I'll stop by soon so we can all catch up," Joe says.

"Yes, please! I'd love that," I say.

Matt touches Joe's shoulder. "Anne will arrive soon and I'll be here before the night shift."

"I got it, kid." Jo lets out a burst of heartfelt laughter. "I've been doing it for forty years. Relax."

"Right." Matt smiles, and my heart skips a beat.

He had always been the most handsome boy in town, with his captivating smile and unruly dirty blond hair. But now, it's like he's even more attractive, more alluring. All his boyish features are gone. The roundness of his cheeks has been replaced with sharper lines. His hair is shorter and close to his nape. His honey-brown eyes are wiser and harder. Instead of rock band shirts and converses, he now sports button-up shirts rolled up to his elbows and expensive shoes.

"You done checking me out?" Matt smirks, and I hate when I feel myself blushing.

"Never imagined I'd see the day you'd get yourself a decent haircut." I grin, and it's his time to look a little flushed.

"Whatever." He rolls his eyes. "Let's get out of here."

*****

We drive in silence, the only sound being the wind blowing through the open windows and the soft hum of the engine. There is a strange blend of familiarity and awkwardness between us; a slight tension filling the air as we both hesitate to start a conversation. I won't lie and say I'm not curious to hear about what he's been up to, but I'm afraid to ask; to know.