The Unexpected First (The Unexpected Series Book 2)

Chapter Three

Iwalk slowly, my mind racing as we walk towards my Jeep. I toss the keys to Pickle because I know I sure as hell can’t drive right now. Fucking Greyson, of all goddamn people. I turn to Hadley, who is in the back seat looking out the window, seemingly oblivious.

“Did you know?” The statement was more accusation than question.

“Know what?” she responds innocently.

“Cut the shit, Had. You know what I’m asking.” I glare at her.

“Of course, I didn’t know. Though, if I did, I still wouldn’t have told you.” Her confidence since dating Connor is annoying the shit out of me right now. “You would have run for the hills had you known. You’ve never gotten over him, and from what I’ve seen on his social media, he hasn’t seriously dated anyone since he moved down there.”

I groan. Of course, she’s always tried to be my matchmaker with Grey. I cringe at the thought. He was never my Grey. He made that clear time and time again when he constantly took on the role of my second big brother. It wasn”t until the day he left that he actually touched me. I still feel that hug when I think of him. His warm, strong muscles wrapped so tightly around me. It felt like he didn’t want to say goodbye. I tried and failed to find the cologne he wore that day. Just so I could smell him again, so I could pretend he hadn’t walked out of my life.

We step out of my Jeep when we arrive at the entrance to the trail we often take on days like this. It’s my favorite place to shoot, and with the amazing scenery, I always manage to get great shots of my girls. I grab my camera bag, tripod, and travel reflectors, strapping them to me before we start the trek to the first location. As I get set up for the first spot in a small opening off the trail, I see Hadley texting on her phone. The wicked grin plastered on her face is a clear sign she’s talking to Connor. I roll my eyes as I hand Pickle the reflector and pull out my camera. I carefully remove the protective cover from both the camera and lens before connecting it and then removing the lens cap. I take a deep breath, centering myself with the fresh April air.

“Hadley, you’re up,” I call her over my shoulder as I snap a few shots before checking to ensure the settings are ok with the lighting as it is.

I look up to see her walking towards Pickle. She hands over her phone with a sly grin on her face. I raise a brow at her, and she shrugs her shoulders.

“What did you do?” I ask as she walks into the frame while I snap a few test shots.

“Nothing!” she says too quickly.

I shrug, knowing I won’t get any more out of her. Positioning them where I want them, I quickly get to work, wanting to do a few more locations along the trail before the day is done.

The two of them together are so photogenic, it really isn’t fair. I’ve never had a picture of myself that I’ve liked. My eyes are always closed or I’m making some sort of weird face. The last time we tried to get a selfie, I made them crop me out because it was so bad.

That evening I’m laying on my couch when I get a text message from Hadley.

Hadley

Babe, you look hot.

A photo from this afternoon is attached.

I’m standing a few yards from the camera, looking off into the distance past Hadley, who took the picture, with my camera in my hand partially lifted as If I was about to snap a shot.

My blonde hair is pulled halfway off my face, showcasing my deep brown eyes. My expression is relaxed, beautiful, and thoughtful. One of peace. The yoga pants and tank top hugged my curves so beautifully that I barely recognize myself. The sun in the background illuminates the scene like it’s from some romance movie.

I see bubbles as I stare down at my phone, amazed at the shot Hadley was able to get of me. When the next notification comes through, it’s not Hadley that’s responded.

No, she didn’t.

Greyson

God damn, Ry.

Hadley

I know, right, Grey! She’s stunning!

I don’t even respond. I pull up a different chat and press the button for a group video call.

Pickle and Hadley answer simultaneously.

“WHAT THE FUCK, HADLEY!” I yell into the phone.

“What happened?” Pickle’s expression is laced with confusion.

At least she’s not in on this betrayal.

“She sent a picture of me to Greyson and started a fucking group chat with the three of us,” I whine.

“Hadley, you didn’t!” Pickle scolds.

“What? She wasn’t going to make a move, and I could see she was paralyzed when she saw him.” The amusement on her face is clear. “If you remember my love, you did something very similar to me, and look how that turned out.” She smiles as she pans the camera to Connor, who is on the computer beside her. The smirk he attempts to hide is not so subtle.

“Ladies,” Connor says as he winks towards the camera.

“I hate you.” I groan.

“No, you don’t. Talk to him. You”ve been in love with him since we were kids. At the very least, catch up with him.” Her eyes soften.

My phone buzzes with another notification. I feel my eyes widen as I see the message come through, this time between just the two of us.

Greyson

It was really good seeing you today. It’s been too damn long.

“Uh, he–” I stutter. “He, he messaged me.”

Hadley is giggling like a maniac who’s just won the lottery.

“Babygirl, you do what you feel most comfortable with. I got you, even if Hadley is meddling.” Pickle”s gentle smile eases my nerves.

“Like she didn’t meddle?” Hadley’s sass has actually become one of my favorite things since she and Connor started dating, just not when it’s directed towards me.

“I love you both, but I’m hanging up now.” I don’t wait for a response before I disconnect the call.

I lay my phone on my chest and stare at the ceiling, contemplating my next move. My phone vibrates against my chest with another notification, and it takes all my strength not to look at it. Instead, I sit up and pull out my laptop. I retrieve the memory card from my camera and connect it to my computer to upload the pictures I took earlier.

I spend no more than fifteen minutes working on a picture of Pickle and Hadley before my phone vibrates again. Surely, he’s not triple-messaging me without a response. I pick up the phone to check my messages.

Greyson

I’m only back for a week or two. It depends on how long it takes to clean out Dad”s house and plan the service.

Greyson

I want to see you and catch up before I have to leave.

Greyson

I’ve missed you, Ry.

What the hell? His dad’s service? I pick up the phone, dialing Jack. It rings twice before he answers.

“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me about Grey’s dad?” I bark at him as soon as I hear his voice.

“Because,” he pauses, I hear him walking away from the TV and a door click before he continues. “Your feelings have been clear since you were a kid. I didn’t want you to be the one to comfort him, because I know him. It would only end badly for you.”

“I’m a grown woman, Jack. That isn’t for you to decide.” I snarl at him before disconnecting the call. I pull up my messages and give in to my need to respond.

Ryan

I’m so sorry, Grey, I didn’t know.

Greyson

It’s ok. I figured Jack wouldn’t tell you.

Ryan

Do you need help with anything?

Greyson

If you’re up for helping me organize the house and get everything ready to sell or put into storage. I’ll be there tomorrow morning at eight.

Ryan

Sure, I’ll see you then.

Ryan

I’ve missed you, too.