Chapter 29
Bailey
“Shut up, Vern!” Jerry Lee calls out as soon as I enter the grooming salon to bring Sutton the coffee she requested.
As soon as she sees me she lets out a loud groan, and reaches out for the cup. “Thank you so much. I owe you my life. Seriously.”
I shake my head. “No you don’t, but you are making me question if we should offer delivery.”
“That’s not a bad idea, actually.” She raises her eyebrows over her cup and takes a healthy sip. “You need to get a dog for me to groom so we can make it even.”
I chuckle. “I don’t know about that.”
“Why not? It’s a built-in best friend. Bennet is always there for me and it’s the best. He could use another friend, too.”
“Duke not enough for him? And what about Bruno?”
“He wants even more friends, he told me.”
“Did he? With his voice? That he definitely has?” I narrow my eyes even more at each question.
“Listen, you would understand if you had a dog.”
I’ve never really considered getting a pet, but something about the way she’s enticing me does make me consider it. I think about the way Bruno comes up to me and sits there. I think about how happy Jameson and Sutton seem when watching their dogs play.
“I’ll think about it,” I tell her honestly.
“Good. Oh, also I was going to ask you about Thanksgiving.”
I look around trying to check for a calendar because I’m pretty sure I must be missing a chunk of time if we’re talking about Thanksgiving. Last I checked it was the middle of October.
“Uh, what about Thanksgiving?” I ask.
“Do you have any plans for it? Going to see any family or anything?”
Immediately I shake my head, vehemently. “No, most definitely not.”
“Would you want to come to our house? Last year we really didn’t do anything because it wasn’t long after…you know,” she whispers, referencing the sudden passing of her father in law. “I want to make this year better, and hope to have a full table. I know Emily will love that.”
“And by having a full table you mean you’ll be inviting…” My voice trails off because she knows exactly who I’m talking about.
“You’ve been getting along with him lately, don’t even try to hide it.” She smirks.
“What? Do you have sources too?” I roll my eyes.
“Of course I do.” She smiles. “Everyone in town knew my business when it came to Jameson last year, so it’s only fair.”
“That wasn’t my fault,” I mumble.
“So will you come?”
I groan. “Maybe. I don’t really do groups of people. You’re lucky I even went to your wedding.”
“I know deep deep down you care for me.”
“Jizz! Bitch!”
Sutton groans, and I bite back a laugh.
“Jerry Lee, Lily hasn’t even been here.”
“It’s amazing how she’s able to teach him those words so easily.” I shake my head.
“I swear he just has to hear it one time and then chooses the worst things to repeat.”
“Hot guy, Jameson.”
Sutton gives me a look like she’s silently saying, “see?”
“Well, I’ll leave you with your friend so I can get back to work that doesn’t have a Jerry Lee.”
“Want one?” she asks excitedly and I shake my head again.
“No, you can keep that one. I’d rather get a dog.”
“And you should. Maybe Wes can go with you, doesn’t he volunteer at the animal shelter?”
“Does he?” I question.
“Yeah, that’s how he got Bruno. Does he still think he’s not keeping that dog?”
“I think so.” I shrug, and I don’t miss the look she gives me that has my eyes rolling. “Goodbye.”
I walk out with Sutton’s laughter following me and get back to work where I’m not hounded about my neighbor. It’s nice because Jenn clearly doesn’t have the sources like Sutton supposedly does.
Which makes me pretty sure I know who her source is. Jameson’s mom is a sweet woman, and since she knows all of us, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was her.
After closing up for the day, a nap is calling my name. My body is exhausted, even though my night with Wes was a few days ago. The next day, I woke up sore, but not in an uncomfortable way. It was an I want more way.
After that night, I’ve busied myself with work, and he’s been doing whatever it is he does so we haven’t crossed paths. Every night I expect him to show up at my door, but he doesn’t. I’m starting to become concerned with how badly I’m anticipating it…and maybe wanting it.
I guess it makes sense that Wes volunteers at the animal shelter. I know he helps Jameson, and doesn’t have a job. Though, I also thought when he would leave at night he had a destination in mind. Someone to see, something to do, but it turns out that he just drives.
Of course with me, we ended up doing a bit more than just that. The adrenaline that ran through me was unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. The entire night seems like a dream, especially the part where he put me into bed again and kissed my forehead.
But we haven’t seen each other since, so I can’t help but think that’s it. He’s had his fun, and we can go back to ignoring each other. Maybe exchanging some remarks back and forth. Go back to pissing each other off and pretending like we don’t know what the other one looks like naked.
But I don’t think I want to go back to that.
I’m losing it.
Once I’m home I toss my keys on the counter and see my phone has an unread message from my sister. I sigh when I open it, knowing I’ll probably end up leaving her on read again. Even seeing the entire thread that consists of years of unanswered texts has the guilt bubbling up.
Brynn: I just wish you would talk to me. I miss you. We’re still family.
I sigh, putting my phone face down on the counter and distract myself with getting some food because I’ve barely eaten all day. I don’t feel like cooking, so I grab a bagel, put it in the toaster, and stare at my phone lying on the counter while I wait.
I could reply to her, just say something small. It wouldn’t hurt, but then she may want more. She may want to see me. Then I would see Brent. And who knows, they may invite Bryson too. Then what? It’s some big happy Collee family reunion? No way.
I think back to Sutton’s invitation to Thanksgiving earlier. Brent always invites me to his house for the holidays in Denver. I’ve never gone, but he hasn’t stopped inviting me. Every single year, even though I deny him every time, he still doesn’t stop.
The ding of the toaster pulls my attention back to the bagel. After I take it out, smother it in cream cheese, and take a bite, I’m back to staring at my phone.
More like glaring at it, if I’m honest.
I don’t look away from it. It’s almost like I’m waiting for it to explode. Once I’m done with my food, I can’t shake the thoughts of the texts from my sister.
When I pick up my phone, looking at the thread again my fingers hover over the keys, not sure what to say. If I should say anything.
Finally, I make up my mind. One text won’t hurt. Maybe I’ll feel better, and maybe it’ll make her feel better as well.
Bailey: I miss you too.
I drop my phone down. It’s not a lie, but it’s also not something I’ve said in so long. I need a distraction. I almost want to message Wes, but that would require looking at my phone and I want to avoid that like the plague right now.
Glancing over at his house I see he’s not home and let out a groan. I could take a page out of his book and go for a drive to nowhere, but that sounds a lot less appealing alone in the afternoon.
Instead, I opt to take a bath and try to distract my mind. I just hope it’ll be able to shut off at least for a little. All I can hope for is the chance to relax.