21. Peyton
21
As much as I wanted Noah to stay with me, he returned to Portland and I decided to go home to Beaumont. I hate these feelings he has about his job. The organization is making him feel like he’s done something wrong. I don’t get it. And I hate being in the dark. I know I’m not privy to contracts and negotiations, but this is my husband they’re messing with, and as a result me. I place my hand over my tummy. If Noah isn’t in Portland playing, I’m not staying. I hope they understand this. They can’t honestly expect me to stay on staff if my husband isn’t there.
I miss the beach. The sound of the waves coming ashore. But I love being back in Beaumont at my grandfather’s house, even if he’s not home. When he said he was going on a cruise, I had no idea he meant a multi-month cruise. I’m happy he’s out there living his life, but damn. His life is more exciting than mine.
Being in Beaumont means I have to drive. It’s not so bad when the town is small, and traffic is all but nonexistent. I pull into the farthest parking spot and get Stevie Nicks out of the SUV. Of course, Noah makes me drive a tank. If I had to guess, he’s had the sides reinforced or something.
When we get to the carts, I pull one out and tell Stevie Nicks to give me a hug. It’s another command Noah’s taught her, where she stands on her hind legs and if I’m crouching down, she’ll put her paws on my shoulders, making it easy for me to pick her up. I’m sure the grocery store has a problem with her being in there, but I’m hoping they’ll allow it since she’s in the cart.
“Be good,” I tell her as I give her a snack. She sits there, probably a bit uncomfortably. If there’s a next time, I’m going to bring a blanket for her to sit on. We head in and instantly the employee gushes over her. I’m biased, but she’s definitely a cutie.
“What’s her name?”
This is exactly why I told Noah Stevie Nicks needs a pink collar and I’m glad I held my ground and added a bow. I didn’t want to have to correct everyone each time they called her a boy.
“Stevie Nicks,” I tell the young girl.
Stevie Nicks looks at the girl, almost as if saying pet me now.
She smiles. “That’s the cutest name I’ve ever heard. Can I pet her?”
I nod and watch her lean into the young girl’s touch.
“Am I allowed to have her in here?”
“Yeah, as long as she stays in the cart. The owners don’t really care. Your sister brings her dog in here all the time.”
“You know my sister?”
She nods. “Yeah, everyone does. She’s at the school a lot, cheering for Mack Ashford.”
Hearing this about my sister brings a smile to my face. I know Mack helps with Beau, but it really seems like Elle and Ben have brought Mack into their lives in ways no one expected.
“You go to school with Mack?”
The girl nods. I scan her shirt for her name tag but don’t see one.
“And your sister-in-law, although we aren’t friends.”
“Oh.” I’m not sure what to say to that.
“It’s okay though.” She shrugs. “If you need anything, let me know. I’ll probably follow you around because she’s the cutest thing ever,” she says as she makes kissy faces at Stevie Nicks.
“Thank you. I’m sure she’ll lap up the attention.” I slip her another treat before being well-behaved and start pushing the cart through the vegetable section. I hate buying groceries when it’s only me. Noah won’t be back until the weekend and Elle and Ben are in Los Angeles at the moment. I know I can go to the Westburys’, but I don’t want to show up and expect them to feed me every day. Tomorrow, Josie and I are getting manicures and pedicures. She said I need to feel pretty at all times during the pregnancy because there will be times when I won’t.
I also realize I don’t like grocery shopping unless I have a list. I didn’t make one, hoping something would speak to me as I zigzag these aisles. Yet, nothing jumps out at me. Turning the corner, I push my cart around a man in a suit.
“You people shouldn’t be allowed to bring a dog into the store.”
Ignore him.
I avoid making eye contact or letting him see any sign his words affect me. I get it. People don’t like dogs in stores. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions. Some dogs misbehave while others, like Stevie Nicks, sit in a cart and don’t bother anyone. It’s also not about dogs bothering people, but about cleanliness. Still, his comment is unwarranted. If he has a problem, he can go to management, and they can ask me to leave.
Only the man comes toward me. I turn slightly when he gets closer and freeze. It’s weird, knowing someone you’ve never met, simply by the fact no one in your family likes him. It’s disconcerting though. This man brings out a sense of fear in me, and I don’t like it. I grip the cart as he stalks toward me.
He stops, only two steps in front of me. “You know who I am?”
I nod. At least I think I do.
“Where’s Noah?”
“Um. . .”
“Um. . .” he mocks me. “Do you know, or are you the unintelligent one of the two?”
“Excuse me?”
“Ah, she talks. Where’s Noah?”
I say nothing.
“He’s my grandson, I want?—”
“It doesn’t matter what the fuck you want.”
I lean to the side and see Liam stalking toward us. I’ve never felt so much relief in my life. He looks angry and ready to kick Sterling’s ass. I’m here for it.
“You okay?” he asks when he’s closer.
“Yes,” my voice is weak, and I hate it.
Liam turns to Sterling. They’re the same height, but you’d never be able to tell one is the son and the other is the father. They’re the opposite of each other in every way. Liam’s bicep bulges through his shirt sleeve as he raises his hand and points at Sterling, who’s dressed in a suit.
“It behooves you to leave her alone. In fact, leave both of Mason’s daughters alone.”
Sterling scoffs. “What are you going to do? Hit me? I’d like to see you try.”
“You’d be worth the battery charge, Sterling. All I need is two, one for me and one for my mother. Right in your fucking jaw. But that’s after my son has had his chance with you. How dare you approach his wife the way you did, and then insult her? You’ve got a death wish, old man, and I’ll happily watch them carry you out in a body bag.”
Liam drops his hand and comes toward me.
“You believe her lies.”
Liam makes eye contact with me and rolls his eyes.
“You ruined your life the day you knocked that girl up.”
Liam turns and rushes Sterling. I react and grab him. “He’s not worth it.”
He raises his hand again. “You . . .” He pauses and collects himself. “Stay away from my family and don’t you ever mention my wife again. Better yet, get the fuck out of my town. You left once, leave again.”
Sterling sneers as I pull Liam away.
“Come, he’s not worth it. Look,” I say as I turn him around. “Isn’t Stevie Nicks cute, sitting in the cart like a good girl?”
Liam scoops her up and holds her to his chest. I don’t need to ask him what he’s doing. I know. She’s calming him down or he’s using her as a shield. Something to hold him back from pummeling Sterling, who absolutely deserves to have his ass beat. I’m thankful Noah wasn’t here. I’m not so sure how he’d react, especially if Sterling made a jab about his mom.
We get to the end of the aisle and pause. Liam stares straight ahead. “He’s gone,” I tell him. “Hopefully, he left the store.”
“I don’t know why he’s still here,” he says. “His son left him. His wife left him. The last I knew, he moved. I don’t know why he’s back, but I don’t like it.”
I wish I had the answer for Liam. There isn’t a doubt in my mind, he struggles when it comes to Sterling. Noah doesn’t. He never had a relationship with him. My grandpa was more of a grandpa to Noah than Sterling’s ever been.
Liam stays with me while I try to finish my shopping. I appreciate him doing so. But any appetite I had is long gone. I put a couple of things into my cart and then check out. The cashier eyes Liam. I like to think it’s because of the way he’s holding Stevie Nicks and not because he’s famous. Everyone knows him around town, and no one bothers with him. Those days are long gone.
We walk to my car, and he puts Stevie Nicks into the back. “Come over for dinner,” he says as he shuts the door.
“Okay. Let me take these bags back to my grandpa’s and then I’ll be over. Is it okay if I bring her?” I point to the backseat.
Liam laughs. “Of course.” He pulls me into his arms. “Drive safely and do me a favor—text me when you get home and when you’re on your way—I don’t think I need to tell you why.”
“Nope, you don’t. I will. I’ll be over soon.”
He waits for me to get in and drive away. I do as he asks, and I text him as soon as I’m in the house and then text him when I’m on my way.
Betty Paige is waiting outside when I pull up. As soon as I’m parked, I get out and open the backdoor for Stevie Nicks. She still won’t jump out, so I pick her and then set her on the ground.
“Come to Auntie,” Paige says as she spreads her arms out wide. Stevie Nicks runs to her without a clue as to who she is. They’ve met once, but the dog doesn’t care. She loves people and showers Paige with kisses as she tackles her.
“Just push her off when you’re done.”
“I’ll never be done,” Paige says. “I’m hoping Dad lets me get a dog.”
He might after today.
“If there is anything I can do to help, let me know.”
“Let me keep her overnight?”
I shake my head. “Absolutely not. You can come stay with me though,” I tell her. “I’m all by myself in that house.”
“Or you can stay here.” I look toward the door where Josie’s standing, leaning against the frame. If Noah was here, this is where I’d be, but I thought it might be awkward if I stayed here without him.“Come on,” she says. “It’s time for dinner. Paige, wash up.”
Paige rolls her eyes. “She’s bossy.”
“She’s being a mom.” I help her stand and call for Stevie Nicks to follow us.
“Are you going to stay here?” Paige asks as we get to the stairs.
“I don’t know. Should I?”
She nods. “I think Mom would like it. She misses Aunt Katelyn a lot, so having you here would sort of ease the ache.”
I smile at my sister-in-law. She’s right, I should stay here. “Okay, as long as your parents are good with having a puppy around.”
“I’m going to be sick tomorrow so I can stay home and play with her.”
“She’s not going anywhere, ya know.”
Paige looks at me and smiles. “I know, but I want her to love me, so when the baby comes and everyone’s too busy with baby stuff, Stevie Nicks will know who loves her.”
Her words give me pause. I look at my pup, who I love very much, and wonder if there’s any validity in what Paige says. No, there isn’t. Stevie Nicks is very much part of our lives and will be right by our side when the baby comes.
“When are you going to start showing, by the way?”
I look down at my stomach. “Not for a bit, I think. I’m not that far along.”
“So, like you’re not craving ice cream?”
I laugh. “I’m always craving ice cream. Come on, let’s eat and then we’ll make Liam take us to get ice cream.”
“Oh, joy,” she mutters as we go inside.
The fun teenage years have arrived. I remember mine clearly. All hormones and anger. I guess I have all that to look forward to.