Chapter 9
Aspen
The Fourth of July celebration arrives in the blink of an eye. With a new job and getting used to my new town, I almost didn’t even realize it’s already July.
Brooks has asked me to attend the town festival with him while everyone else holds down the fort at the ranch.
We coordinated for him to pick me up from my apartment on the way downtown, since it was on the way.
Zach made sure to be in the shower and completely unavailable when Brooks knocked on our door.
I could tell Brooks was disappointed. I wish I could understand why Zach has decided to completely ignore Brooks. His reasoning doesn’t add up to me.
We get in his truck, and he asks, “Is he planning on avoiding me forever?”
I wince. “He hasn’t mentioned a specific plan to me.”
After a beat of silence, he asks, “Should I give up?”
I swallow hard, knowing I’m in no way qualified to give advice on this.
“I don’t know,” I answer truthfully. “He doesn’t really talk about it.
Every time I’ve tried to bring it up or ask him to come visit the ranch, he tells me that family is complicated, but I wouldn’t understand since my family is so messed up. ”
“Jesus. That’s harsh.”
“Yeah,” I admit. “I don’t think he means anything by it.
” Even though Zach surely knows how much it hurts my feelings every time he makes comments like that.
He knows I would do anything to have a family that loves me.
At least his dad is trying. My parents, the two people who are supposed to love me no matter what, left me.
“Whether or not he means anything by it, he shouldn’t be saying shit like that to someone he cares about. We’ve taught him better than that. Or at least I thought we did.”
“I appreciate you saying that, but it’s alright. Really.” I try to brush it off like it’s no big deal, but Brooks isn’t buying it.
“Don’t let him treat you like that, Aspen, alright? I know he’s my son, but he’s lucky to have you. Don’t let him act like he’s not. Don’t let him treat you like you’re not important.”
I bite the corner of my mouth to keep from smiling too big. It’s been… awhile since I’ve had someone on my side. It’s nice to know that someone sees me.
“Thanks, Brooks.” I’m not sure what else to say. It’s pathetic how happy a simple compliment makes me.
He drives us to Main Street, and after circling a few times looking for parking, he gives up and parks in the grass on the side of the road a little ways away.
“So, what’s my job today?” I ask as we start heading to the festival.
“Represent the ranch. Meet people. Eli—sorry, Mayor Cunningham—just likes to see that we’re involved. Introduce yourself to people.” He must see me grimace because he adds, “Don’t worry. It’s not too bad. This town loves new people. It means new gossip for them. They’ll eat you up.”
“Is that a good thing?” I ask, not sure if I want the town to eat me up.
He chuckles at my confusion. “Yeah. It’s a good thing.”
“Alright.” I run my hands down my white Moonlight Ranch shirt to make sure I look presentable before we’re fully immersed in the festival.
Brooks waves and smiles at a few people, and I try to look friendly although I’m not sure how well it works. I imagine I probably look uncomfortable and am sporting a weird smile.
They weren’t kidding when they said everyone comes to these festivals. The downtown area is packed not only with people but also with booths, food, and games. It looks like a blast. I can’t help but smile when I watch a little kid throw a water balloon at his dad in one of the game booths.
I would’ve loved this when I was a kid.
“Ah, there you are,” Mayor Cunningham says as he walks toward us. He’s exchanged the suit for a more casual look of linen shorts and a navy blue collared shirt that says Blue Haven in the corner.
“So, what do you think?” he asks proudly as he surveys all his hard work.
“It looks amazing,” I tell him. “Honestly, it looks like so much fun.”
We walk as he tells us about each booth we pass. Eventually, he stops in front of a lemonade stand and buys the three of us a lemonade without even asking. I’m grateful for it, though, because I’ve only been here about ten minutes and I’m already hot.
“Well, I’ve got to go get ready for the pie-eating contest. You two have fun!” he says as he strolls toward the gazebo in the middle of town.
As soon as he’s gone, other people start coming up to Brooks.
Some wave and say hello as they pass, but others stop and have a conversation.
He always makes sure to introduce me to everyone who stops to talk, like he wants to make sure everyone knows who I am.
It makes me feel more important than I probably am, but I like it.
The people of Blue Haven are so polite. My cheeks hurt from smiling after the first hour of being at the festival.
After one couple leaves us, Brooks puts his hand on my lower back and leans down to say, “You’re doing great.”
I smile back, but I feel like I should be saying that to him.
He’s the one having to talk to all these people.
It’s clear that he’s a respected member of this community.
From the way Zach always talked about him, I guess I assumed that he wasn’t great to be around, but I’ve certainly formed the opposite opinion.
“Thank you,” I say barely above a whisper. His hand drops from my back, and I instantly miss it. Then I feel like shit for even thinking that.
That reminds me… Zach. I stand up on my tiptoes to try to scan the crowd for him, but I don’t see him yet.
I lower back down right as a pair of hands wrap around my waist, and I jump, turning quickly to see Zach.
“Hey, babe. How’s it going?” he asks as he leans down and kisses me.
Things between us have been pretty good the past few weeks.
We’ve finally gotten into a routine. He’s tired most nights when he gets home, but he’s been making an effort to be present with me over dinner.
It’s nice. It’s starting to feel like it did back in Atlanta when we were almost in our own little bubble.
It’s like we’ve finally moved past the stress from the move and are settling in.
“Good! This place is so great.”
He pulls me close. “Told ya.” Then he looks at Brooks. “Hey, Dad.”
“Oh, so I do exist to you, huh?”
Zach scratches the back of his head. “Yeah, sorry I haven’t responded. Been busy with the police academy and everything.”
“Hmm.” Brooks knows it’s a bullshit excuse. “Well, glad to see you could make it out today.”
“Wouldn’t miss this. Looks like it’s gotten even bigger since the last time I was here.”
“Yeah, you know Cunningham. Wants everything bigger,” Brooks says. I can see in his eyes that he wants to talk to his son about more than just this stupid festival, but he knows now isn’t the time. I hate that Zach treats him like this, but I also know it’s not my place to say anything.
Zach turns to me. “I know you’re working, babe. I just wanted to come say hey. I’ll catch up with you later.”
He kisses me again on the lips, and this time, I can feel Brooks’s eyes on us, and I suddenly feel like I’ve done something wrong.
Zach walks off without another word to his dad, and I’m left alone with Brooks again. I expect him to ask me something about Zach’s behavior, but he doesn’t. With a resigned sigh, he asks, “Ready to go watch this pie-eating contest?”
“I have never been more ready for anything in my life.”
He laughs and leads us toward the tables by the gazebo.
The day, while busy, is so fun. After the pie-eating contest, Brooks and I throw candy during the parade. We sample several food trucks. I even won a Blue Haven hat from a ring toss game I played. Overall, it was one of the funnest days I’ve had in a while.
When my duties for the day are over, the sun is just starting to set. The fireworks show will start soon.
Brooks offered to take me home, but I told him I would be meeting up with Zach so we could watch the fireworks together.
I wander through the crowds of people, looking for my boyfriend. I tried calling him and texting him, but I didn’t get an answer. I know he’s got to be here somewhere, though.
I wave at people that I met today as I pass. It’s so nice to feel like I fit in somewhere. I’m truly starting to believe that I made a good decision moving here with Zach.
Still not seeing him anywhere, I step behind one of the booths to try to find a quiet spot to call him again. I pull my phone out of my pocket and bring it to my ear, but as I look straight ahead, I freeze.
I finally see him.
Zach is standing behind a tree.
With his tongue down another woman’s throat.
“Aspen, glad I caught you. You forgot your hat.” I hear Brooks’s voice, but I don’t register what he’s saying.
“Aspen? You ok?” he tries again, putting his hand on my shoulder.
“Is that…?” My voice is shaky, and I’m hoping my eyes are playing tricks on me.
“What?” Brooks follows my line of sight. “Goddammit.”
“Is it?” I ask again, a little more frantic. “Tell me I’m seeing things.”
“Come on. Stop looking.” Brooks turns my body and tries to lead me away, but I stay stuck in place.
“No. No! I need to go over there!” My heart is in the pit of my stomach.
“Not here, Aspen. You don’t want to make a scene here.”
“I do want to make a scene!”
“Aspen, trust me. Not right now.”
How could he do this to me? After everything we’ve gone through. All the promises he made me. I uprooted my life and moved here for him, and not even a month later, he’s cheating on me?
I look back over my shoulder to see Zach still hasn’t pulled himself away from whatever woman he’s decided he wants to throw away our relationship for.
Brooks puts his calloused hand on my cheek and turns my head away from the scene of the crime to look directly at his face. “Stop looking at it, darlin’.”
“What am I supposed to do?” I ask faintly. Brooks sighs, drops his hand from my face, and puts his arm around my shoulder, forcing me to move with him as we walk to his truck.
“First step is getting you out of here.”
I nod because I can’t think of anything else to do besides go rip Zach’s fucking face off.
When we get to his truck, he doesn’t wait for me climb in; he picks me up and puts me in the seat. Then he straps me in as if I’m not capable, and honestly, I’m not sure if I am capable at the moment. I feel like I’m in shock. How could Zach do this to me?
Brooks gets in the truck and drives us away. I don’t know where we’re going, and I don’t really care.
My anger grows the further away we drive. I should’ve confronted Zach. Now he gets to enjoy the rest of his night thinking he’s getting away with this. “Why did you make me leave? Because you didn’t want me to confront your son?” I snap suddenly, surfacing from being lost in my thoughts.
Brooks calmly responds. “No, he deserves whatever plans you’re coming up with in your pretty head over there.
That was an asshole thing for him to do.
I’m just as disappointed in him. I got you out of there because you’re new here.
This is a small town, and gossip spreads quickly.
If one person had seen you going at him, that’s what you would’ve been known for forever.
You’re better than that. You’re better than him. ”
Yeah, I guess that makes sense, but he’s forgetting that the only reason I came to this god-forsaken town was for Zach. If we’re not together anymore, which, after this, we will most certainly not be, then where does that leave me? Surely not in Blue Haven.
“Where are you taking me?” I ask, once I realize we’ve passed my apartment.
“The ranch. My house. You’ll stay there tonight, and then tomorrow I’ll take you back to your place to do what you need to do.”
His house? I’m staying in Brooks’s house tonight? I’ve been here for almost a month and haven’t been in his house yet. Why would I? He’s my boss, not my friend. It’s weird to spend the night at your boss’s house, right?
I guess exceptions can be made when his son breaks your heart.
Brooks follows the road from the lodge to his house, leaving his truck parked out front. I attempt to get out of the truck myself, but he’s there in an instant, helping me down. I mumble a quick thanks and then follow him to his house.
The inside of his house is way nicer than I was expecting.
While it does give bachelor vibes with the leather couches and minimal wall decor, it still feels very homey.
There’s a giant stone fireplace in the living room, a beautiful rug between the couches to warm up the room, and pillows and throw blankets pepper the couches.
Overall, it’s very inviting. It’s very Brooks.
It even smells like his spicy scent in here.
The same scent I’ve noticed in his office.
“I’ll show you to your room, but make yourself at home, alright?”
I nod and follow him down the hall. He shows me to the guest room and the bathroom.
“Is there anything you need?” he asks. I can tell he’s worried about me, which is nice. I would’ve expected him to take Zach’s side, but he didn’t. I was angry at first, but I’m glad he got me out of there. I need time to think about what I’m going to say to Zach.
“You got anything to drink?”