Chapter Twenty-Six - The Last Person I Expected to Run Into

Chapter Twenty-Six - The Last Person I Expected to Run Into
Gabe 

I've been checking my cell constantly over the past few days, hoping to hear from Peyton. I haven't received any messages. I don’t regret reaching out — at least she knows I'm here if she needs me. I haven’t pushed too hard; I only texted her once yesterday and didn't follow up. I hope she'll contact me when she's ready, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up too high. Maybe she doesn’t want to talk to me, and it’s probably difficult if that asshole is around. 

Sighing, I leave the gym after my two-hour workout. I needed it to release stress, and exercise always helps. I’m heading for some food and coffee. Since I showered at the gym, I didn’t have to go out sweaty or smelly, which might put others off their food. I have free time today and intend to enjoy it. I put my earbuds in, play my favorite playlist, and head to the café. Soon, I get lost in my thoughts to the point that I’m not paying enough attention to my surroundings. Next thing I walk right into someone, snapping me back into reality. 

I take my earbuds. “Oh God, I am so sorry,” I say. When I look up, the last person I expect to see stands before me. 

“Gabe…” Peyton breathes out. 

“Peyton, what are you doing here?” I ask. 

“I am on my way to see Kaitlyn and Anthony; we have plans,” she whispers. 

My breath catches in my throat as I glance at her. She's wearing a cute pink summer dress, her hair flowing in waves, with shades resting on her head. Her lips are pink with lipstick, and her makeup is subtle. She looks beautiful—she always does. 

“You look beautiful.” The words slip from my lips before I have a chance to stop them. 

Peyton looks down, blushing. “Thank you. Where are you off to?” 

It takes her a moment to make eye contact with me again. “Just going to get some breakfast and coffee before I head home. Do you have time to join me for a coffee?” 

She might say no, but I figured I’d ask anyway. 

Peyton checks her watch. “Sure, I don’t need to meet them for another half an hour.” 

I'm surprised by her response. "Alright, then, let's go." 

She nods, and we head towards the café, strolling in to find a table. 

“How are you, Gabe? How have you been since I last saw you?” 

I look across the table at her. “Honestly, I’ve been better, but I won’t get into it. I don’t want things to get awkward or ruin our time together. How are you?” 

I won’t pour my heart out because if I do, I will scare her off, and that is the last thing I want to do. 

“I am okay, keeping busy. I am sorry I never texted back.” 

“Peyton, it is okay. I get it. Do you want something to eat?” 

I want our time together to be good, and that is why I changed the subject. 

“Hmm, maybe just a muffin, since I am going for lunch with them a little later.”
I nod, deciding what I want and grab the attention of one of the staff to place our orders. Our coffee arrives soon enough. 

I leaned back in the chair. “Are you just visiting for a few hours?” 

“I haven’t decided. I may just stay with them overnight.” 

She doesn’t appear eager to return to Max. That doesn’t send a good impression. 

“And what about Max? What does he think of that?” 

I regret my words immediately upon seeing her grimace. “Why would you bring him up?” she sighs, shakes her head, and stands to leave. 

I need to learn to hold my tongue. I reach out and take her hand. “Peyton, please stay. I'm sorry for bringing him up. I won’t do it again.” 

She hesitates but then takes her seat, just as my breakfast and her muffin arrive. “If you bring him up again or mention what happened between us, I will leave, and I swear you’ll never see me again.” 

I hold my hands up. “I promise to keep my mouth shut.” 

An uncomfortable silence falls between us. I can only blame myself for it. Peyton picks at her muffin, and I move my food around on my plate, not even eating it. 

Peyton sighs loudly. “Maybe I should go…” 

I shake my head. “No, don’t. I am sure we can find something to talk about to take the awkwardness away.” 

I am surprised when a laugh slips from her lips. “Okay, then go on? You were always the talkative one, so talk.” 

“Hey! Are you saying I talk too much?” I whine. 

She nods without hesitation. “Yes, you were always a talker. It got rather annoying sometimes, especially at two in the morning when you woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep, then decided to talk my ear off, making sure I was awake too.” 

I could deny it, but it was true. I was bad for it. I pout at her. “I thought that was one of my quirks that you loved.” 

Peyton rolls her eyes. “What made you think that? All my cursing, grunting, and groaning whenever you did it?” 

“You enjoyed our late-night talks, don’t deny it,” I smirk. 

She shakes her head. “Don’t smirk at me, sir.” 

“Why not?” 

She glares at me, and I laugh at her reaction. Peyton hesitates to answer my question because my smirk seems to bother her. The changes aren’t as significant as she thinks, but I keep quiet, not wanting to upset her. 

“How do you feel about being back?” she asks, shifting the topic. 

“I should never have left. I'm glad to be back," I say honestly, smiling. 

If I had stayed around, things between us would have been very different. 

“No, you shouldn’t have, but at least you managed to find your way back.” 

I did, but it was way too late—something else I won’t mention. “Yes, I did. I just wish I had done it sooner.” 
Peyton nods and takes a bite of her muffin, not wanting to comment on what I just said. I take the hint. I don’t push. Instead, I eat my breakfast. I want to keep her here as long as possible, right up to the second she needs to leave to meet Anthony and Kaitlyn.