Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
This was not who she was.
Wendy was never late to anything. What was going on with her?
Once upon a time, she’d been the most organized person on the planet. She preferred being thirty minutes early to something rather than five minutes late.
And suddenly when it came to the most important day in her best friend’s life, she was late to everything. She hated feeling this unbalanced.
The worst part was that she didn’t have any reason she could blame it on. Nothing in her life had changed all that much. She was still at the same job. She was still living in the same town. She had all the same responsibilities.
The only thing that was different was… Tripp.
Now that she knew he’d likely be at any event that included Serenity, she dragged her feet. It wasn’t even all that intentional.
She groaned, her hands covering her face as she thought back to each encounter she’d had with the guy.
Not only had she become a frazzled mess, she was turning into someone she didn’t like so much.
The mean-spirited hellion she’d resorted to being around him was nothing like the sweet Wendy she’d been raised to emulate.
He had a knack for drawing out the worst in her.
Was it too late to back out of the wedding fun?
Yes. Yes, it was.
With the events in less than a week, she was stuck.
And that sinking feeling wasn’t even the worst part.
What was the worst part?
There was an itty bitty, teeny tiny part of her that actually relished in the idea of seeing him again.
Not because she liked him. And definitely not because she was attracted to him.
Because she wasn’t. That was a hill she was willing to die on.
Nope.
Well, okay, he was attractive in a rugged mountain man sort of way. And if he wasn’t the Tripp Gilley who had broken Olivia’s heart… then maybe…
Wendy groaned, shaking her head vehemently. She wasn’t even going to go there.
Where was she going with this train of thought?
The bell above the door chimed and a potential customer exited.
Shoot. When had they come in?
She scowled, her original thought process getting back on track. She actually couldn’t wait to see Tripp again, because she wanted him to suffer. She wanted to drag him into a hole and leave him there with no way to climb out. The thought thrilled her more than it really should have.
The bell chimed again and Wendy lifted her head to find Hallie sauntering in. A broad smile graced Wendy’s lips and she straightened. “Hey, you! How’s it going?”
Hallie shrugged. “Oh, you know. Just shopping. I’m a terrible person.”
Wendy laughed. “How does shopping equate to being a terrible person?”
Her friend braced her forearms atop the counter. “Because the wedding is in a week and I still don’t have a gift for Serenity and Reese.”
Heart stalling, Wendy’s lips parted with what felt a little too much like horror.
Shoot! She hadn’t figured out what to get the happy couple either.
Dang it all! She’d been so wrapped up in the war she was currently waging with Tripp that she hadn’t even considered the usual stuff she’d be getting to under normal circumstances.
“I take it you’re in the same boat?” Hallie’s teasing voice dragged Wendy to the present. She smirked. “I totally get it, though. What couple refuses to register somewhere? I mean, come on! They’re just begging to get random knickknacks from places like this.”
“Hey!” Wendy let out a bubble of laughter. “This place isn’t so bad. There are a lot of things that I’m sure they would like.”
Hallie gave her a pointed look. “I’m sure they’re set on furniture. And the little decorations they could fill their house with, too. I feel like this is them playing a game with their family and friends.”
Wendy frowned. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s like you said.
They have everything they might need. Serenity was married before.
She’s got the usual stuff a couple might want.
” She shrugged as she looked around the shop.
“This gives them the chance to let their friends have fun with it. Get them a piece of art. Or maybe an experience.”
The light in Hallie’s eyes went so bright that Wendy couldn’t help but stare. “An experience. That’s a perfect idea. I know they probably have their honeymoon planned, but she’s got kids. Maybe they’d like to go on a trip with their whole family. Do you think the boys have ever been to Disney?”
Arching a brow, Wendy folded her arms. “Disney? That’s a big ask. I don’t think you could afford—”
“No, but I bet all my cousins could pitch in. I’m not sure about Leo…
he’s probably already got an idea for his brother.
But the rest of them? I would bet they’d all be relieved not to have to come up with something on their own.
And let’s face it, who wants to fill their home with useless knickknacks? ”
Another laugh filled the small shop and Wendy shook her head. “Good luck with your little plan. I on the other hand, will be taking a different route.”
“Oh? And what’s your big idea?”
At that question, Wendy glanced down at the newspaper she’d picked up from the corner on her way into work. She always opened to the classifieds every morning. And to her relief, she pointed at a listing if only to make it look like she was on top of things. “There.”
Hallie craned her neck. “An estate sale?” she murmured without giving anything away. “What? You gonna get them some antique jewelry?”
Wendy shrugged. “There are a lot of things that they might sell at estate sales. I’m sure I’ll find something unique.”
“Okay, but if you end up empty-handed, then you can always piggyback off my idea. ‘Cuz, you know, I got it mostly from you.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Wendy murmured dryly.
It was perfect.
More than perfect, it was… there were no words to describe just how much Serenity and Reese would love it.
Wendy stared down at the gorgeous, hand-crafted vase.
It was clearly something the owner had brought back from an Asian country.
The vase had intricate and yet subtle pink and yellow lotus flowers painted on its glossy, pearl-like surface.
That was Reese’s flower of choice. She’d seen them often over the last several months.
Sometimes they were delivered to the shop when Serenity was working.
There was a story to them—one that Serenity hadn’t divulged in its entirety. All Wendy knew was that in the beginning of their relationship, he’d used the flower to demonstrate his admiration for Serenity.
Just staring at the vase gave her chills. From what she knew, Reese still gave her lotus flowers on a weekly basis. When they weren’t in season, he had them shipped. If Wendy had to guess, they’d be in Serenity’s bouquet.
She stepped toward the vase, hands reaching to lift it from the pedestal that held it when suddenly it was snatched out of reach.
A gasp ripped from her throat and she startled, her eyes locking with the devil himself.
Tripp grinned wickedly at her and her insides coiled like a venomous snake, ready to strike.
“That’s mine,” she snarled, lunging for the vase.
He took a step backward, and held the vase out of reach. “Not according to this receipt.” He held up a yellow tag with a condemning word in bold, black print.
Sold.
Wendy ground her jaw. She’d wandered through this estate sale for the better part of an hour and she hadn’t seen him here. His truck—an obvious red Chevrolet she seemed to be seeing everywhere these days—hadn’t been out front. Where had he come from?
Clenching and unclenching her hands, she glowered at him. “I saw it first.” It was a weak argument and she knew it.
Tripp merely chuckled. “Unfortunately, that assessment isn’t quite accurate either. I was here two hours ago and when I saw it, I insisted I would be purchasing it. The only problem was they didn’t have a firm price on it yet.”
“Then why didn’t they put a sold sign on it?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know. Don’t care. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to keep poking around here for a little while longer. You never know, there might be more treasures hiding where we least expect them.” Tripp sauntered off.
She dug her hands into her hair, stifling a scream of frustration.
That had been her find. And something told her that Tripp had been lying about picking it out beforehand.
For all she knew, he’d been lying in wait just so he could get the upper hand.
She stalked out of the building and into the sunny afternoon, seething with fury.
The red truck called to her and without thinking she moved in that direction. She needed to put him in his place—practically craving blood. But what could she do? Wendy refused to damage property, though it would be easy to slash a tire or run a key along that perfect paint job.
One glance at the large house behind her ensured no one was watching. The temptation to do something to his truck was almost too much. But then a better idea filtered into her mind and she immediately pulled out her phone.
After she made a quick call, she headed back to the house.
She found Tripp quickly enough. He was scrolling through his phone while lingering in the parlor.
Propped up against a piece of furniture, he looked every bit as delicious as he’d ever been.
Her weakness didn’t do her any favors as she let her hungry gaze scan over his built frame, but then he glanced up and his eyes locked with hers.
That infuriating smirk tugged at his lips and she immediately glanced toward the vase. But it wasn’t the vase that snagged her attention. Her eyes rounded and she all but floated toward him.
Tripp picked up the vase as if he thought she was going to steal it from him but at this point she didn’t care.
Her fingers slid along the antique writing desk complete with a typewriter.
The set was breathtaking and in much better shape than it probably should have been.
Normally, this would be a set that she’d sell in her shop.
Just the thought of letting someone else take it had her stomach knotting uncomfortably.
With shaking fingers, she lifted the price tag and all at once she felt sick to her stomach.
There was no way she could afford this. Sure, if she was going to turn it around and sell it, she might be able to rationalize making the purchase.
Unfortunately, it was too much of a risk.
Without the guarantee of a buyer, she’d be out of more money than she was comfortable.
A shiver ran through her body as she lightly caressed the keys of the typewriter.
“You gonna keep teasing it or actually marry it?” Tripp mused, laughter in his voice.
She stiffened, finally remembering she wasn’t alone. Her eyes shot arrows at him and she yanked her hand away. It had been long enough. Chances were good that if they were to head outside in the next five minutes, Tripp would see the consequences of his rude behavior.
Wendy folded her arms. “I’m surprised. You want to make fun of me for having an appreciation for beauty like this desk and the typewriter… but you also have a strange sort of love for inanimate objects.”
Tripp snorted. “Yeah? Like what?”
“Are you telling me you don’t baby that truck out there? It’s one of the nicest ones in town.” Was she mistaken? Or was that pride in his eyes? Was he glad she noticed?
“Of course I baby it. That truck is top of the line. And worth every penny.”
She rolled her eyes. “Well, I hope the tow-driver knows just how precious it is—”
“What?” he snapped, charging for the exit before she finished her sentence.
With a snicker, Wendy tossed one last longing look at the desk then headed after him. Just as she’d expected, the tow had arrived and had enough time to attach the line to Tripp’s truck. She watched with morbid fascination as Tripp hollered at the driver and demanded to have his truck released.
There was no telling what words were spoken, but she didn’t have to know. Todd owed her a favor, and he was going to take Tripp’s truck back to town. He probably wouldn’t charge Tripp to get it released, but Tripp’s afternoon would be inconvenienced enough to make her smile.
Wendy slinked off toward her own truck and unlocked it. The door screeched in protest as she opened it, but seconds later, it was slammed shut by a large, heavy hand.
She could feel his breath on the back of her neck, hot and angry. Hairs stood on end, warning her to play it cool or risk his wrath.
Oh, who was she kidding? His wrath was already at her doorstep.
“You,” he growled.
Slowly, she turned and set innocent eyes on him. “I beg your pardon?”
“You did this. I don’t know how, but you did.”
Her eyes darted to where the tow was pulling his Chevy down the long drive toward the highway. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Maybe you double parked?”
He squeezed his eyes shut, a clear indication he was searching for patience he didn’t have. When he opened them, he set those smoldering, blue eyes on her. “You’re taking me to town to get it.”
“What? No, I’m not,” she snapped indignantly. “I’m not your chauffer.”
“You’re the reason I’m stranded here, so yes, you will be taking me to get the truck.
” His low voice rose slightly, causing an elderly couple who had just arrived to look their way.
She didn’t need him making a scene. And she definitely didn’t want him telling anyone about her hand in this whole thing.
Her jaw tightened as she considered any other options. Then she huffed. “Fine. Get in.” Well, that had just backfired.