Chapter 3 Jealous of a Woman I Haven’t Met
Jealous of a Woman I Haven't Met
Kiki
If someone had told me a month ago that Eddie Landry and his son would morph into two of my most constant companions, I would’ve laughed. Or cried.
Maybe both.
But here we are.
Somehow, without me noticing, those two marched straight into my heart and set up camp—Theo with his boundless excitement for all things baseball and dinosaur-related, and Eddie with his unfairly easygoing charm.
Plus, his dimpled smile sure makes for a pleasant view.
Not that I’m looking… much.
Come on, he’s a good-looking man, but he’s way too young for me to consider as anything beyond a pizza buddy.
Not that he’d consider it, regardless. Even if our ten-year age gap weren’t glaringly obvious, there’s the whole town pariah situation to contend with.
No amount of curves or charm can outrun that kind of reputation.
But Eddie and Theo are spots of sunshine in my lonely little world. Once or twice a week, we spend a few precious hours watching movies, demolishing burgers, or tackling the most mundane tasks. Even grocery runs and laundry feel oddly less bleak when shared.
Every time I assume it will be the last.
But every night, before parting ways, Theo pipes up with another request for my company. “Hey Dad, can Miss Kiki come with us on the hike this weekend?”
When an adorable, precocious six-year-old asks you to tag along on their adventures, you say yes.
End of discussion.
For the first couple of weeks, I figured Eddie invited me along simply to be kind. Because he felt bad. Because he didn’t want me alone in my half-renovated cabin with nothing but anxiety and the ghosts of my old life for company.
But somewhere between the third dinosaur exhibit and the fifth shared pizza, it clicked.
He enjoys spending time with me.
I’m not some awkward third wheel intruding on father-son time.
I’m his friend.
Not that Eddie is lacking in that department. He possesses a bevy of beer buddies, but maybe I fill a different niche—someone for the quieter moments. At least until he finds a girlfriend.
No doubt there are plenty of women willing to tackle that role, and Eddie would be a phenomenal partner. He’s kind, funny, generous with his time and wallet, and… damn it, ridiculously attractive.
Fine. I’ve noticed the way his shirt stretches across his well-developed pecs and bulging biceps.
Sue me. I might be older, but I’m not blind… and like I said, he’s one hell of a spectacular view. Sometimes, late at night after spending time with Eddie, I wonder what my life would look like if I’d met him before everything fell apart.
Before the scandal that shook Sparkwood and tethered my name to a monster.
There’s no way I could have held out against him back then—against that slow smile, the quiet confidence, the way he makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room. I’d have jumped in with both feet, age gap be damned.
I know in my bones Eddie would be spectacular at loving someone. Steady. Devoted. All in.
And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous.
Jealous of the woman who will one day receive that love from him.
The bells above the door of One More Page jingle as I step inside, and warmth engulfs me.
But despite the coziness of the bookstore, I don’t dare dally amongst the shelves. The few patrons milling about glance in my direction, but thankfully, say nothing before returning to their books.
It’s a minor victory, but I’ll take it.
Plus, I know the warm welcome I’ll receive from Ori. The tiny bookstore owner and I became friends the moment she moved to Sparkwood, and I watched with mild amusement as she and her now fiancée danced around their feelings for several months.
Thank God they finally figured it out because no one, and I mean no one, can corral Ash Hammond like Ori.
Trust me, I dated the man for a hot minute a million years ago. I tried—and failed—spectacularly.
Seems the resident tattoo god and I were destined to be friends, and after all the shit of the last few months, I lean on these two more than ever.
I hurry to Ori’s office, situated down the back hallway, and knock gently on the door.
Within seconds, Ori opens the door, a wide grin decorating her features. “Kiki, it’s been forever. Get in here.” She motions over her shoulder. “Ash, guess who’s here?”
Ash steps from the adjacent bathroom, his little girl, Iris, asleep in the crook of his neck. With a few long-legged strides, he crosses the room, offering me a kiss on the cheek. “How are you doing, lady?”
My fingers drift along his daughter’s back, and she grumbles, her tiny fist pressed against her mouth. “She’s gotten so big.”
“Growing like a weed,” Ori says, pressing a soft kiss first to her daughter’s scalp and then turning her face up to Ash. “Honestly, I didn’t want to bring her in today, with the chill in the air, but I’m so behind with work. Plus, this one was going through Iris withdrawal.”
Ash shrugs, nonplussed. “Can you blame me? She’s perfect. My wife does good work,” he adds with a smirk, winking at Ori. “I’m trying to convince her it’s time for the next installment.”
Ori rolls her eyes, waving him off, but there is no way I’m letting his words slide by without comment.
“Hang on a second. Your wife? Did I miss something? When did you two get married?”
And why wasn’t I invited to the wedding?
Yes, that thought sets up camp, lodging in my brain as I wonder if they’d exclude me from their big day for fear of an incident with the other locals.
Kiki, they invited you to their engagement party. Stop being silly.
“Nothing official yet.” Ash perches on the edge of the desk, shifting Iris to his other shoulder. “But I like calling her my wife. It’s got a nice ring to it.”
This time, Ori’s entire being lights up. “Trust me, you’ll know when the big day arrives. You’ll be front and center, dressed to the nines in the coolest bridesmaid dress ever.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” I don’t elaborate on her off-the-cuff invitation to participate in their wedding, but just like my time with Eddie, I’m not complaining.
“Although,” I add, cooing as Ash passes Iris to me, “you will need to write a manual on how to turn a legendary player into a father figure.”
Ash bites back a grin. “You know that could be taken in a whole lot of ways.”
“Exactly her point.” Ori smacks his ass, squealing as he scoops her into his arms.
Damn, but these two look good in love.
It’s bittersweet when you look back on your relationships and realize that compared to these two crazy kids, nothing has ever come close.
Not even Drake.
Who am I kidding? Drake was a good provider, and for a few years, I believed we were kismet. But then the mask slipped, and I saw the monster wearing my husband’s face.
But even during those early days, we were never this free and openly affectionate. Drake was always reserved, and now I realize that he was hiding more than a fear of public displays.
Iris wiggles in my arms, and I settle her against my shoulder, my heart damn near bursting as she wraps her fingers around my pinky. “Hello, gorgeous.”
Every parent claims their child is the most precious gift in the world, and in this case, they’re not far off. Their little cherub is not only adorable, but the few times I’ve visited, she’s been such a well-behaved baby.
Even now, she’s content in my arms, dozing dreamily with nary a thought to the wild world beyond the office door.
Which makes the baby fever curling around the edges of my psyche burn brighter and more insistent.
Shoving that wish into my mental ‘never going to happen’ file, I nudge my briefcase with my foot, careful not to disturb the napping princess in my arms. “I need a book showcasing interior design styles of the turn of the century. Preferably something that leans hard into Georgian Revival outdoor entertaining spaces.”
Ori arches a manicured brow as she flips open her laptop and starts her search. “Sounds like someone landed a big job. Congratulations.”
“Oh, it’s not for me. It’s for… Eddie.” I trail off, biting my lip.
“He’s bidding on this massive house restoration, and it could be the biggest job of his career.
The client is some Hollywood big-shot, and he has very specific tastes.
Eddie is charming him like he does everyone, but the client is hung up on full-scope visuals.
So I thought, why not sweeten the pot and give the man some more mockups? Really show him what Eddie can do.”
Ash runs a hand along his bearded jaw. “Ori’s brother is a master of restoration. Hell, our carriage house is a testament to his talent.”
“Exactly. I want to help him land the gig. He deserves it. Plus, I’m used to buttering up Hollywood types. I’m happy to help.”
Ori leans forward, staring at me above the rim of her glasses. “Wait a second. Are you doing this for free?”
I shift my weight, unsure which makes me more uncomfortable—the questions or the dual stares aimed at me from across the desk. “Eddie has done so much for me these last several weeks. It’s my way of repaying him.”
Ori and Ash exchange a glance, as matching smirks cross their faces.
“Knew it,” Ori murmurs.
“Knew what?” I ask, determined to maintain a neutral expression. “Eddie and I have worked together before, remember? This isn’t news, folks.”
Ash sits back in his chair, kicking his booted feet up on Ori’s desk. “You two are more than work buddies. Don’t bother denying it.”
“It’s not—” I stumble over my words. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends. Besides, I think Theo likes me way more than Eddie does, anyway.”
“Isn’t Theo the best?” Ori beams at a framed photo of her half-brother and nephew hanging on the wall. “I can’t believe I missed the first five years with him, but I’m making up for lost time now. Wait, I have the best idea. You three need to come over for dinner. I’ll prepare a whole feast.”
“Absolutely. Can I just say I love this for you, Kiki?” Another shit-eating grin graces Ash’s face. The man is enjoying every second of my squirming.
I hand Iris back to her dad before fixing the man with a stern gaze. “Eddie and I are not together, and if you invite us to dinner as a couple, he’s likely never going to speak to me again.”
“Doubtful,” Ori chimes in, rising from the desk and leading me from the office into the store. “Okay, let’s see. I have a few books that should work and I can order in more if you need them.”
She passes me a few titles and I flip through the pages. “Perfect selection, as always. Thank you. I’ll pay for them up front and let you get back to Iris.”
Ori waves me off. “Just take them. Bring them back when you’re done.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. We’re friends, Kiki. I trust you.”
Ori likely doesn’t realize how precious those words sound to me, or how desperately I rely on her friendship.
Pulling her into a quick hug, I stow the books safely in my briefcase. “Thank you. For… everything.”
“Don’t mention it. I know you’d do the same for me.”
She doesn’t say more. She doesn’t have to. Despite the harsh and unforgiving light under which my life is playing out, Ori and Ash never once retreated to the safety of the sidelines.
Maybe one day the rest of the community will know my intentions are honorable.
Maybe one day a dinosaur egg will hatch, and Theo can go on a real dino hunt.
Both things are equally as unlikely to happen, sadly.
“Oh, and Kiki,” Ori calls as I stroll toward the door.
I pivot. “Yes?”
“Just so you know, Eddie thinks you’re pretty great, too.”
Ori’s words blanket me in warmth as I stroll from One More Page into the bleak early winter sun.
Although I’m sure she’s just being kind, it tickles me to think that maybe, just maybe, my feelings for Eddie aren’t entirely one-sided.
Not that I have feelings for him.
I mean, I do, but they’re of friendship and companionship and…
Hell, Kiki you can’t even lie to yourself.
With a chuckle, I stow my briefcase in my car and head inside, grabbing a cart on my way in. Time to pick up some fixings for tonight.
Nothing special, since six-year-olds are notoriously picky eaters. Theo has about five meals that he eats with gusto and I’m not diverting from the proven path, so tonight is spaghetti and meatballs. Paschetti, as Theo calls it.
And despite Ash’s insistence to the contrary, it’s not a date. First of all, you don’t bring your kid to a date. Second, Eddie is far too young and I’m… too damn old.
It’s totally innocent. He’s dropping by to take a gander at my flooring to see if I can slog through the next year as is or—heaven forbid—need new subfloors and flooring installed.
As thanks, I’m feeding him and his son.
End. Of. Story.
But you’d like there to be something more, wouldn’t you, Kiki?
Shut up, brain.
Remember those dreams…
I said, shut up!
“Excuse me,” a voice says to my right, snapping me from my daydream.
Wonderful, it’s one of Sparkwood’s notorious gossip hounds, or as Eddie lovingly dubbed them, the harpies.
But this time, she’s flying solo.
I plaster a bright smile on my face and step to the side, allowing her access to the shelf. “Of course. You have a wonderful day.”
Seems she’s not as verbose when her backup singers aren’t around to egg her on. She snatches a jar and averts her gaze. “Thank you.”
“Not a problem. Enjoy yourself.”
Am I laying it on thick? Absolutely, but for the first time in months, I’m not the one squirming.
For once, I didn’t give a damn what she thought of me, because I have people who think I’m fine. No, better than fine.
Worthwhile and fun.
Lucky me, I’m seeing two of them tonight.