10. Blair
10
Blair
I ’m pretty sure I’ve never run out of a place faster than I ran out of The Steamy Bean. All I’ve ever wanted to do is prove to the people of Evergreen Grove that I’m not the chaotic individual they expect me to be. Unfortunately, I’m probably just reinforcing their preconceived notions, as I’ve been nothing but a hot mess since my return.
The second Jenny walked into the room, all I could think about was what a horrible piece-of-shit human I am. I mean, who in their right mind has the audacity to walk into someone else’s wedding only to try and steal their groom?
Sure, Jenny and I have never gotten along and are the epitome of oil and water, but nothing gave me that right. It shouldn’t matter that I’ve always felt like Ford could do better, and maybe I was right, given the current state of their relationship, but actually telling someone not to marry another person and begging them to be with me instead was certainly an all-time low.
It’s a relief to know Jenny isn’t aware of just how far I crossed the line. If anything, she probably would’ve gotten off on it. She’s always made it obvious that she knew of my feelings for Ford, and I’m sure she would’ve relished just how much she’d truly won me over despite my pathetic attempts.
The only thing that made me feel better about things was that I never saw it as a competition or considered Ford a prize to be won. I’d genuinely been in love with him, and a part of me acknowledges that maybe I always will be. He’s my person. He’s the one that people always talk about—that first love that leaves an indelible mark on your heart. It’s pathetic, I know, especially since we never actually dated, but with us, that never seemed to matter. We were each other’s people, and I’m pretty sure everyone who saw us knew it.
At least I hadn’t been lying when I’d said I was meeting Ronnie, since we really do have plans. Tomorrow I’m supposed to be shooting her bridal portraits, and in an effort to get her picture-perfect and wedding-ready, the two of us decided that today is the day we’d pamper ourselves with manicures and pedicures. Although, I may have overemphasized the urgency, since I still have twenty minutes until we’re supposed to meet.
Maybe if this town were bigger than the set of Sesame Street and I had to do more than walk one measly block to get to the local salon, I’d have needed the full twenty minutes, but not here.
My stomach lets out a gentle growl, serving as an unfortunate reminder of my silliness as I’d made the unfortunate decision to not only leave, but also toss the rest of my barely eaten muffin into the trash. I’d gotten so caught up in the excitement of planning the perfect bachelorette party that I’d barely eaten anything. Then, upon Jenny’s arrival, my mind went completely blank, and I impulsively discarded everything, desperate for air and an escape from the one person I’ve always struggled to be near. One could call it hatred, but if I’m being honest, an even bigger part of me realizes that it’s nothing but pure jealousy.
In any other town, I’d likely be able to find somewhere else to grab a small snack, but here in Evergreen, my choices are limited. Needing something to tide me over, I reach into my bag as I walk toward the salon and pull out an old green apple Jolly Rancher. If there is one thing you can count on from me, it’s that I’ll always have some kind of hard candy within grabbing distance. It isn’t much, but at least it should hold me over until after our nails are done and we go out for dinner.
Pulling up in front of Heritage Hair and Nails, I’m once again reminded that absolutely nothing has changed. The place is a time capsule, and that includes Peggy, whom I spot through the glass, sitting at the front desk, completely engrossed as she flips through a celebrity gossip magazine.
Opening the door, I’m hit with the oddly familiar scent of nail polish remover mixed with a fruity floral fragrance. As expected, this place remains unchanged, featuring two stations for haircuts, two stations for pedicures, and a single spot for manicures.
Peggy’s face instantly lights up with joy as I raise an awkward hand in greeting.
“Is that really Blair Bennett in the flesh?” she asks in a high-pitched squeal.
“The one and only,” I say, lifting my shoulders, and before I can register what’s happening, her magazine is tossed aside, and I’m being pulled into a warm, cheery hug.
Given that this is the only salon in Evergreen Grove, it’s where everyone gets their haircuts, and any other beauty regimens taken care of.
“I was hoping I’d see you, given that our little Veronica is all grown up and marrying that handsome West boy.”
“Crazy, right?” I ask. It shouldn’t be surprising, especially considering Ford and many of my other high school classmates have been married for quite some time now, but the idea still hasn’t sunk in that we’re old enough to do the same.
“So, when are you planning on settling down?” Peggy prods, hand on her hip, popping it out and tilting her head to the side, all but demanding an answer.
“Not any time soon. I mean, first I’d need to find myself a good man, and unfortunately, those are pretty hard to come by these days.”
Peggy starts with a serious nod, but her expression soon turns mischievous. It may have been years since we last saw each other, but I unfortunately know that look, especially when it comes from the number one culprit of town gossip. Then again, can you really blame the woman for knowing all the town secrets? Once she gets you in that magical chair of hers, you start pouring your heart out without even realizing it.
“You know, I’ve heard that Ford and Jenny Hastings are supposedly getting a divorce. You used to have a thing for him, right? He was always such a nice boy,” Peggy spills in a hushed tone, even if it is only the two of us here. As much as my heart secretly enjoys hearing about this particular news once again, I also ache for Ford, knowing that he’s unfortunately become the next big story among the town gossipers.
Having grown up as Bill Bennett’s daughter, I was always a favorite topic, and I can say from firsthand experience just how tiring and exhausting that can be.
“I think I may have heard something about that,” I say, not wanting to confirm or deny. “But Ford is just a friend. Always has been.”
“That’s a shame. He’s such a cutie,” she gushes, and honestly, she’s not wrong. In fact, I hate how much I’ve been thinking about that since returning, and even more so after yesterday’s dressing room fiasco. A part of me has always been drawn to him, an irresistible allure that I’ve desperately tried to ignore. However, I’ve come to realize that, like with most things, that’s much easier said than done.
Thankfully, I’m saved from having to comment as the bell chimes above the door, signaling the arrival of my best friend.
“Ronnie!” I exclaim, bounding toward her and wrapping my arms around her neck as we hug and sway back and forth.
“Happy to see you too,” Ronnie chuckles before finally pulling out of my embrace. “Actually, I’m kind of surprised,” she continues as she pulls out her phone and checks the time. “You’re early. I thought we were running on BST.”
I roll my eyes. “Ha ha,” I say, doing my best to sound unamused, even if I still find Ronnie and Ford’s Blair Standard Time joke kind of funny.
“Seriously though? What’s gives?” she asks, eyes narrowing as she gives me a thorough once-over. “I thought you and Ford were having a super-secret meeting today.”
“Clearly not that secret if you knew all about it.” Of course he’d spill. Then again, he’s always been the weak link in this friendship, and was the one Ronnie and I went to when we needed information.
“Really, though? What’s up? Something must have happened.”
“Nothing.” I shrug, doing my best to keep some secrets to myself, but unsurprisingly, she sees right through me.
“Blair,” she presses, tilting her head as she folds her arms and taps her foot impatiently.
“Fine. Jenny showed up, and I bolted a little earlier than planned,” I explain, figuring it best to just get it over with. This lady is relentless when she wants to be and would’ve gotten it out of me at some point. “Can we just get our nails done?”
“Yes, but you know I’m going to need more details, right?”
Despite my attempts to ignore her, I grab her hand and lead her toward Peggy at the front desk, who is innocently trying to look as though she hadn’t just eavesdropped on our entire conversation.
“Two pedicures and manicures, please.” I smile as Peggy willingly obliges before excusing herself to fill the water in the tubs for the pedicures.
I lower my voice. “So, I know you want more details, and I’ll give them to you, but can we not do it here? You know Peggy is listening in, right? The last thing I need is for the entire town to know that things are still weird there.”
She sighs. “Fine, but I expect full details at dinner tonight,” she threatens, pointing a finger in my direction.
“Pinky promise,” I assure her as I reach out my hand and we interlock pinkies.
“Alright, ladies. I’m ready for you.” Peggy smiles, waving us back as we set our purses down on the small table next to the pedicure chairs.
Settling into my seat, I relish the soothing warmth of the water and bubbles against my skin, feeling the tension gradually melt away from my body. I’m still stressed about the whole Jenny and Ford situation, but as Peggy gets to work and I listen to Ronnie rattle off more wedding details, I remember exactly what and who I’m here for.
Ronnie is my number one priority and I’m done letting Ford consume my thoughts. A decade ago, I set out to rid myself of any trace of my infatuation for my friend, and today, I remind myself that this goal is not only attainable, but crucial.
Ford Hastings, you are officially being sidelined. Out with Ford, and in with Ronnie. She makes for a far less complicated kind of love, anyway.