Chapter 5
five
Mateo
Present | Labor Day Weekend
Ivy:
I am NOT pretending to be your girlfriend.
Mateo:
Who said anything about pretending?
Ivy:
OK. I am not your girlfriend.
Mateo:
Can we please talk?
As Nessa runs off, I shake my head.
What the hell, man? Did I really say pubes ? In public? The man does send texts to potential business associates using phrases like pussy is fire , so maybe it’s fitting.
What was probably more ridiculous was the way I invaded his personal space, jaw and muscles tense like I was about to brawl, and blurted out a claim to a woman who has no interest in me.
Caleb sneers, “Trouble with that one is common. Don’t waste your time.”
“Well, you are the expert.” Though I’m referring to all the time I wasted on the asshole, I keep my tone light.
It’s obvious by his cocky smirk that he doesn’t catch on.
Jim weaves through the crowd, ignoring elderly constituents vying for his attention, focus fixed on us.
At the same time, another man steps into the group, looking as formidable as always. The six-foot-four brick house of a man crosses his arms over his chest, causing every muscle to show under his fitted Peacock Springs Fire Department shirt.
Head dropped back, I bark out a laugh. I have been in town for less than a day, and already, I can claim responsibility for a fight between Jim and Liam. Classic.
“Caleb, meet Liam Kelly. He’s one of Peacock Springs’ Bravest, and my oldest friend,” I say, using an overly friendly tone. “You’ve probably heard about him from his brother.”
“Can’t say I have.” Caleb assesses Jim, eyes narrowed.
“Hey, little brother,” Liam says, pulling Jim in for a side hug.
“We share a birthday,” his twin grumbles as he bats him away, surreptitiously side-eyeing me.
This is so perfect. This is what I need. Something comfortable and familiar.
“Why don’t we get out of here?” Jim says, steering Caleb away from Liam and me. “We can go over any outstanding business before your trip back to the city.”
As they depart, we smile and wave, shouting, “Bye! Have fun! Be safe, sweetheart!” among other motherly phrases, until we’re laughing raucously.
“Come on, Matty.” Liam slaps my back. “Let’s help Lily collect the folding chairs.”
He heads for the rolling cart while I start folding.
“Did you tell me you were coming tonight?” he asks as he slides two chairs onto the arms that hold them in place on the cart.
“No. Surprise! I’m back, baby.” I toss both arms out and wiggle my fingers.
“What do you mean ‘I’m back’?” He mimics my playful tone.
“I mean Stef is a genius who’s going back to school for her PhD.” I give a half-hearted eye roll.
“Nerd Alert,” Liam teases.
“Right.” I slide two more chairs onto the cart and dust off my hands, scanning the cleared-out room.
“You guys are lifesavers. Thank you,” Lily squeals as she steps out of her closet-sized office.
“Any time, Lils. I’m here for the rest of the year, and I’m always happy to help you.”
“Oh, wow. That’s amazing. I’m so happy to hear that,” she stammers. “Does that—oh my god.” She huffs like she’s annoyed with her inability to string a coherent thought together.
“Stef and Lee took the penthouse, and while she’s living large, I’m going to house-sit for her.” I shrug.
“Oh, I love it. We’re so lucky to have you home.”
Her excited tone and constant motion make her hard to follow, so I’m surprised when she wraps her arms around me in a friendly hug.
“Also, goodbye.” She makes a shooing motion with her hands. “I want to get out of here, and I’m sure my dog is anxious for a walk. You have to leave so I can lock up.”
With placating smiles and quick goodbyes, we make our way onto the street. When we hit the center square, I stop and turn slowly, taking in the full downtown view. Instantly, my body relaxes. Just being here is alleviating some of the tension I accumulated in the city.
“Are you on duty tonight?” I ask when I find Liam observing me like I’m a lost tourist.
“No, but I was going to work out before heading home. What’s up?”
“Can I join?” The words are tentative. It’s ridiculous, really. I’ve known this guy my whole life. I know it’s fine.
Liam takes a half step closer and puts a hand on my forehead. With a slight humming sound, he grabs my wrist and stares at his watch like he’s taking my pulse.
“Why the hell are you acting like such a weirdo?” He drops my arm. “Come on, let’s go.”
Nessa still hasn’t responded by the time Liam and I are finished. My little white lie means I need to make things right, so I try to call, but after a single ring, it goes to voicemail. My shoulders slump in response. Shit. I should not let a declined call fuck with my head.
Before I can pocket my phone and force my thoughts elsewhere, the device buzzes in my hand.
Poison Ivy, my adjustment to her contact, flashes on the screen, and my heart rate picks up.
“Sorry,” she says when I accept the call. “I’ve been busy with my parents. I thought it was my alarm.”
“No worries. I’m leaving the fire station. How ’bout I swing by to walk you home?”
“Fine.”
“Great, give me a couple of minutes, okay?”
When she doesn’t respond, I pull the phone away and realize the call has been disconnected. She’s back to normal, I see.
Even so, I smile. She can act as unaffected as she wants, but I’ve gotten under her skin.
The historic American colonial, with its large rectangular facade, is beautiful, if not a little worn.
Its entrance is flanked by symmetrical lines of windows, the shutters of which are embellished with faded black horse-drawn carriages.
The weathered storm door has a matching buggy emblem too.
It’s frozen in time, looking well-maintained but at least as old as I am.
The part of my brain that’s always evaluating properties takes over, immediately working to assess the property value.
This house is at least two stories, maybe three if the windows at the top aren’t just dormers. Though it could also be a walkable attic. I’m examining the immaculate landscaping of the Rabins’ lot and the late summer blooms when the storm door slams.
“Why are you skulking around?” Nessa stomps down the brick walkway, full of fuck-off attitude.
There she is. My favorite firecracker. “I was just about to knock.” I flash a winning grin her way.
The huff she lets out reminds me of the loch ness monster. Hmm. I’ll stow that nickname away for later. Along with the sound comes a realization that I’d let her pull me under and drown me any day.