Chapter Seventeen
Emily
A Few Days Later
The wind blows my hair across my face as I step out of Brookhaven Market.
My shift ended ten minutes ago, and now, it’s time for my evening with my mom.
I yawn and lift the paper cup of mocha to my lips.
The scent of chocolate sends a warm feeling of contentment throughout my body, and I sigh before taking a sip of my drink.
The flavor pairs perfectly with the triple chocolate cake nestled inside the plastic bag dangling from my hand. Just the thought of the decadent dessert has my mouth watering, and the hot liquid jolts me out of my funk.
Helping my mom is a wonderful thing. Even if she spent the last several nights talking nonstop about how perfect Jake would be for me.
Like I don’t already know that. I don’t need her rundown of his assets–he has a good job, he’s attractive, he’s strong, he’d make a good husband, and his babies will be gorgeous. The list goes on and on.
I’ve not said a word about what an ass I made of myself the last time I saw him. It’s too fucking embarrassing. And how my mom doesn’t know is beyond me. I’d envisioned a full rundown of the debacle being spread around town like wildfire.
I stumble backward as someone shoulder checks me, knocking me off balance. “Ugh!”
“Watch where you’re going,” says a deep voice.
What in the hell? I blink and turn around, but the man doesn’t stop as he yanks open the door to Brookhaven Market. Seriously? I wasn’t the one in the way.
If my cake is smashed… My teeth grind together as I glare at the back of his head. “Excuse me?”
“I said, watch where you’re going.” Chad Whitlock’s beady eyes meet mine.
No wonder he didn’t apologize. The man is an asshole. I turn back around, dismissing him. He’s not worth the effort to try and communicate with.
“That’s what I thought. Scurry away like a coward.”
My back bristles as I step further away from the door. Don’t engage. Remember, he’s not worth it. I bite my tongue as the bells above the door chime, followed by the door slamming shut.
“Asshole.” I resume my walk to my car.
When my phone rings, I step to a small table away from the front door and answer Bella’s call. “Hey.”
“Hey, you. How’s Mom Babysitting Duty going?”
“Fine.” A couple walks out of the grocery store, strolling hand in hand.
“You don’t sound fine.”
“I’m fine. Really. I just ran into Chad Whitlock.” I take another sip. This time, it’s cool enough that nothing gets scorched on the way down. “Actually, he ran into me.”
“Figuratively or literally?”
“Literally.” I rotate my shoulder and vow to forget the exchange, except for the light stinging that indicates he might’ve left a mark. “I was coming out of Brookhaven Market, and he shoulder checked me. And of course, no apology.”
“Why would he apologize?” she scoffs. “He thinks the world revolves around him.”
“Let’s talk about something else.”
“Good idea. Is your mom being a good patient?”
“Of course, you know my mom. She’s always polite.” The wind whips a napkin along with a couple of golden leaves across the sidewalk, causing them to tumble down to the street.
“But?”
“But she won’t shut up about Jake.” I glance around to ensure no one is within listening distance. The closest person is two shops down in front of Jolie’s Café. The For Sale sign is no longer displayed in the front window. Did they take it off the market?
I frown as I scan the building, looking for signs of something new taking its place. Several of the tables that previously occupied the space by the front window have been pushed to the side. I need to remember to ask Mom what she’s heard.
“Oh….” Her voice perks up as I mention Jake. “Is your mom playing matchmaker?”
“Ple-e-ease.” I march toward my car. I had to park two blocks down the street as the evening crowd packs into The Burger Bunker. My purple tennis shoes are quiet on the sidewalk. “There’s no point in trying to matchmake. He can’t stand me. And even if he could, he never really did relationships.”
Besides Amanda. I don’t want to think about Amanda. She was the only girl he dated for an extended time. The one he chose over me. After she cheated on him. I’d stood feet away from him when he took her back.
Isn’t that a glowing endorsement for me? I practically threw myself at him that weekend, and he’d rather get with a girl who screwed him over.
“That was back in high school. What about college? And after he graduated? Maybe he’s not the same person he was back then.”
“There’s no reason why he wouldn’t have been the biggest player in town…. Or at least, that’s what everyone said.”
I don’t even want to think about his college years. There’s no reason why he wouldn’t have been the biggest player in town. Cheated on. Single. Living off campus. Hot as fuck. Yeah, he could have anyone he wanted.
“And let’s not even get into the stuff I said Saturday. He’ll never forgive me for that.” I rotate my shoulders and sigh, “I don’t blame him. If someone talked to me like that, I’d never forgive them either. And he looked like he meant every word when he told me to leave.”
“I think he would if you told him why. That you’ve always had feelings for him, that when he chose Amanda that weekend, it broke your heart and seeing him again has you off balance.
What guy wouldn’t enjoy the fuck out of knowing he’s got a normally put-together girl acting like she’s lost her mind?
I think Jake’s just the kind of guy who’d see that as a compliment. ”
“Right, he’s the kind of guy who’s into crazy stalker types.”
“You never know. He looks like one of those guys who would enjoy a girl getting possessive over him.” The hint of laughter in her voice causes me to smile for the first time in days.
“I don’t think so, but thanks for cheering me up.
I’ve been beating myself up over the whole thing until I’ve made myself sick.
But you’re wrong. He’s not going to forgive me for how I acted.
No matter what the reason is.” I glance at my watch.
“I’ve got to get going. Kaleb will need to get to work. ”
“Fine,” she sighs. “Forget I said anything about Jake.”
“Already forgotten.” Just like I’ve already forgotten that Chad left a bruise on my shoulder.
“Talk to you soon. I’m on my way to the city for a makeup job. Tell Kaleb I said hi.” Bella lives to do makeup and makeovers.
“I will.” The phone clicks off in my ear, and I shiver. The cool front that came through this afternoon is stronger than I anticipated. I zip my jacket to ward off the brisk breeze blowing the fabric to my body. Tomorrow, I’ll need a larger coat to keep warm.
Makeup and makeovers. Hey, that’s a great name. I tap on my phone screen.
Me: Makeup and Makeovers.
Seconds pass before the dots appear, followed by a quick message.
Bella: Okay?
After waiting a second, I send another message.
Me: I think it’s a great name for your business.
While I’m waiting for her response, I walk past The Burger Bunker. Jim, the owner, waves at me from inside the building before returning his attention to the chairs he’s straightening.
In the city, you wouldn’t see the owner of an establishment tidying up, but in Brookhaven, it’s commonplace. The charm of Brookhaven lies in the small-town vibe that permeates the downtown establishments.
Bella: I don’t think my parents will rename their accounting business–Makeup and Makeovers.
I roll my eyes over Bella’s smart comment, combined with her determination to live up to her parents’ expectations. No matter how convoluted they are.
Not that it’s out of the ordinary for a parent to want their child to follow in their footsteps and join the family business. And there’s nothing wrong with accountants. If you’re anyone but Bella. But Bella is color and light. Not spreadsheets and blah.
That’s what’s convoluted. She still thinks she wants to grow up to be an accountant.
When I round the corner of the building, I find Jake holding an older woman’s arm as he settles her onto a wooden chair. She glances up at him and pats his arm. Rosemarie. My heart sputters in my chest as I pick up my pace. She was in line at the market when I first came inside.
Jake’s police cruiser is next to him with the lights flashing, but the siren remains silent. He squeezes her shoulder and then bends down, straightening a bag of groceries. Half of the contents from the bag are spilled onto the cement.
The tight material of his cargo pants stretches across his thick thighs. And the ends of his hair curl slightly against the back of his neck. The man is already gorgeous in his uniform. Now, we must add, helping an older woman cross the street?
Of course, we do. Jesus. He should be illegal.
Rosemarie glances up and smiles. “Emily.” She waves me over to them. “Do you remember Jake?”
“Yes.” I walk stiffly toward them as Jake holds the sack in his hand.
“Hello, Emily.” Jake nods with a solemn expression on his face that makes my stomach cramp. Yes, he hates me.
Focus on what’s important. Right now, Rosemarie needs help.
“Is something wrong? What can I do to help?” I set my cup on the table next to her, ready to spring into action.
Without answering, Jake averts his gaze and returns his attention to Rosemarie. His jaw is so tight you could bounce a quarter off it.
“Here you go, Rosemarie.” He gives her a warm smile as he hands her the package, which she eagerly takes from him.
“Thank you, Jake. I appreciate it. That blast of wind was more than I expected.”
I rotate my shoulders. His dismissal was directed toward me and not because he was worried about Rosemarie being hurt. She’s clearly fine.
But as I step closer, I notice the way Rosemarie keeps her weight off her left foot.
Twisted ankle. My EMT instincts kick in before I can stop myself. “Did you roll your ankle?”
Rosemarie nods. “Just a little twist when the wind grabbed the bag.”