Chapter 6
Magnolia
I watched the sun rise as I sat on the dock, my mind going over Lexie and my conversation from last night. She said she would stay here with me for the next two years.
Lexie had sold some software programs and was very wealthy. She did some small jobs to fill her time, but she could work from anywhere. I brought up the fact that we had apartments, and I had a job with a contract. She informed me that all contracts had an exit clause, and she would put her lawyer on it after she had me email her a copy of my contract. She told me we could hire companies to ship us our things, and that we could work everything out if I wanted to stay.
She also told me that if staying really wasn’t an option, she would give me the money to start my own clinic and be a silent partner. I almost smacked her for even suggesting I take money from her. She reminded me that as much as she was here for me, I had always been there for her as well.
After we said our goodnights, I spent most of the night tossing and turning, thinking about what to do. My phone rang, and I was momentarily confused about who would be calling me at six-fifteen in the morning. A quick glance at my caller ID told me it was Mr. Jensen. I had sent him an email at three a.m., asking him to call me so I could ask some questions, it didn’t matter what time.
“Mr. Jensen,” I answered
“Ted, please.” He sounded more awake than I would have guessed for this early.
“I’m sorry I sent you that email so late; it wasn’t an emergency. I can wait for normal business hours.”
“Nonsense. Please ask me your questions.”
I felt a warmth next to me and noticed Lexie had woken up and had come down to join me on the dock, carrying what looked like two cups of tea and a blanket.
You’re a goddess, I mouthed at her while taking the cup.
“Magnolia?” Ted said again.
“Right, sorry. I guess the only real question I have is, if I try it out here and it doesn’t work for me, what happens then?”
“That’s a good question. Basically, exactly what I stated before. Your dad’s investment portfolio would go to charities and the house would go to the historical society. Does that mean you’re thinking about staying? After our talk yesterday, I was almost certain I’d be drawing up the paperwork to donate everything.”
“I’m still weighing all my options. I have a contract for my job, and I’m unsure of what would need to happen for me to break that.”
“Ah, yes, yes. Well, we never got to the part where, if you do decide to stay, the full amount of money your dad had in his checking account would be transferred to you almost immediately. That way you don’t have to worry about finding work right away. You could focus on settling in and getting some house repairs set up.”
“I’m not concerned about the money, Mr. Jensen. I’m just trying to make the best decision for me.”
“Please don’t make me ask you to call me Ted again. Your dad and I got close toward the end, and I feel terribly awkward when you call me that.”
I sighed. “Fine, Ted. I know it’s Tuesday, so I’ll have an answer for you by Friday.”
“Wonderful!” He sounded a bit chipper. “Talk soon.”
Lexie bumped my shoulder. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking the sunrise is nice, the beach is nice, and I feel more at ease than I have in a while.” I took a sip of my tea. “I’m thinking two years really isn’t that long of a time, and the only person I would miss would be here.”
“That’s true.”
“But I’m also thinking it’s a lot to ask of you.”
“Pish-posh. This is an adventure.”
“I’m thinking I’m going to stay.”
Lexie’s squeal could rival a pig and almost broke my eardrum.
“Go shower, stinky, and meet me downstairs in thirty minutes. We are going to the store to start turning this place around.” She pulled me up and slapped my ass while making a run for it to get first dibs on the hot water.
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Forty-five minutes later, we were showered and at the grocery store, packing the cart with everything we thought we could need.
“Lex, I think I might have to make my way to the front and grab another cart if we don’t slow down.”
“Might as well go get one.”
I turned away from her and started back to the front of the store, not paying much attention to my surroundings, only my destination.
“Well, I heard the rumors you were back in town…” a vaguely familiar voice said from beside me.
I swiveled, only to be met with chocolate- brown eyes.
“Jace?” I couldn’t believe it. Gone was the scrawny boy who was Sloan’s best friend, and in his place was a man .
“Holy shit, it is you.” He engulfed me in a hug.
What was it with this town and hugs?
“You grew up very nice, Magnolia,” he said right before he released me.
“You too, Jace.” I was a little shocked to see him. I wasn’t super close with anyone else in high school other than Sloan, but a few of his friends were around enough that we had friendly relationships.
“I bet Sloan is flipping his shit right now. Has he seen you yet?”
My heart was beating so fast, I couldn’t get myself to respond. Part of me hoped he had moved away and I’d never have to see him or deal with him again. I knew that was a dream since it had always been a family restaurant and he wanted nothing more than to take it over.
“Babes, what’s the hold up?”
Saved by Lexie, again.
“Lex, this is Jace, an old acquaintance from high school.” I didn’t miss the way Jace’s eyebrows furrowed when I called him an acquaintance.
“My god, you’re a tall glass of water. Please, tell me you’re unattached?” Lexie said, eyeing him up and down.
Jace’s face flashed crimson as he held up his left hand, flashing his ring. “Uh…sorry, I’m married, kind of.”
“How are you ‘kind of’ married?” I blurted out, then waved my hand. “You know what? Never mind, not my business.”
He chuckled. “It’s a long story. We should meet up sometime. We will all be at Montgomery’s tonight, and you should swing by, Magnolia. It’s been too long.” I didn’t miss the double meaning in his tone.
“Maybe…” I started my usual brush off.
“We’ll be there. Better get going before this one changes her mind.” Lexie dragged me by the arm away from Jace, and I heard his roaring laughter behind us.
“We are not going.”
“Oh, yes, we are. You can’t hide forever, babes. I’ll do your hair and makeup. Wouldn’t you rather ‘bump’ into him on your terms?” Her eyes bore into mine.
She had a point.
“Fine. We can go, but only for one hour.”