19. Ford
19
Ford
“ T hank you so much for coming,” my mom says, her hug tight and comforting, and like usual, she holds on for a few seconds longer than needed.
“Of course. Where else would I be?” I ask, even if a part of me is currently wishing that I could’ve gone to breakfast with Blair and Ronnie this morning. While I’d been invited by the ladies, I couldn’t bring myself to ditch my mom and our weekly Sunday church date. As tempting as it is, spending more time with Blair will have to wait a few more hours. Given the thoughts I’ve been having about her after our text conversation, I can’t help but think that this is exactly where I need to be.
Okay, maybe I’m not actually devoutly religious and don’t necessarily view my explicit thoughts about Blair as morally impure. In fact, I have no intention of suppressing these fantasies—if anything, I’m hoping to make them a reality.
My attendance at church week after week is solely to ensure my mom’s happiness—a result of my inherent need to be a perpetual people pleaser.
“So, I’m going to guess that I can’t convince you to come over for some brunch?” she asks, attempting to sway me with a soft pout.
Apologetically, I give a slight shake of my head. “Not today. I’m supposed to be heading over to Ronnie’s to help with some last-minute wedding stuff.”
As if slightly inconvenienced, she lets out a huff, but her smile reveals her true, playful intent. While my dad, the town sheriff, was never fully supportive of my friendship with Ronnie and Blair, my mom has always held a soft spot for the two women. “In that case, I suppose I’ll just have to see you soon,” she says, leaning closer and giving me one last hug before we say goodbye and I make my way out the church doors.
Unlike my mom, I’m impatient to make my escape, relieved that this week I won’t have to waste hours of my day listening to her gossip with the other churchgoers. There’s something about this particular setting that’s not only fascinated me, but driven me crazy at the same time.
Ever since I was a young kid, week after week I’d been surrounded by the constant chatter of the same women repeating the same gossip over and over again. While they’d sit there gossiping away, we kids, and occasionally their husbands, would exchange knowing glances, silently urging each other to step in and break up the conversation so we could finally go home and eat.
Walking out the door, I reach up and loosen my tie, feeling immediate relief, but it doesn’t last long as I practically run straight into Jenny. It’s really not a surprise to see her here; while we were married she joined me week after week. For appearance’s sake, she even sat next to us for a few weeks to avoid the gossip and stares, but eventually, we bit the bullet and she moved to sit elsewhere. That week, it was especially impossible to avoid the stares, and even worse, it took even longer to get the women to leave.
Jenny quirks a brow. “Running off already?”
“Oh, uh yeah. I have some plans,” I say, hating the way my cheeks seem to flush. I know it shouldn’t matter, but a wave of guilt also washes over me as I recall the texts I sent Blair last night. Even though we’ve agreed that it’s okay to see other people, that doesn’t mean that I want my soon-to-be ex-wife to know about it.
She seems to see right through me as she knowingly nods her head. “Let me guess, those plans include Blair Bennett.”
I nonchalantly shrug my shoulders, attempting to dismiss her judgmental tone. “Well, yeah, but Ronnie’s going to be there, too. We’re helping with wedding favors.”
We may be separated, but that doesn’t make it easy to shake the feeling that I’m somehow in the wrong here. Despite her obvious attempts to keep her distance, and the gossip about her dating other people, it seems that old habits are proving hard to break.
“Right, and I’m sure you’re hating every minute of it,” she says, rolling her eyes.
“Considering she’s been one of my best friends since childhood, I think it’s understandable that I would be happy to see her. So no, I’m not hating it,” I say, not hiding the defensiveness in my tone. I was never a fan of this attitude before, and now I’m even less inclined to appreciate it when I no longer have to put up with it.
“And I’m sure your silly little crush on her has nothing to do with it,” she challenges, placing her hands on her hips as she tilts her head to the side.
“Even if it did, that’d be none of your business. Considering you’ve been nothing but vocal about needing this separation and divorce, I’m simply not in the mood to revisit the same argument that we’ve been going in circles about for years.”
“And this is exactly the reason why I did. I’m tired of playing second best to the one you’ve always wanted.”
I try my best to suppress the guilt, but it stubbornly persists. As much as I wish I could be the guy who could argue and say that she’s wrong and I’ve only ever wanted her—she’s right. As much as I loved Jenny and tried to be the husband she deserved, a part of me always longed for Blair.
My face falls. “Jenny—”
“No,” she starts, raising a hand to stop me, “I’m no longer looking to hold you back from spending time with the one you really want to be with, so go.”
I sigh, wishing I knew what to say, but unfortunately, I’m at a loss.
“Seriously, Ford, just leave already,” she insists, and although I wish our parting could be more amicable, I recognize that I won’t be the one who comes out on top. I’m pretty sure neither of us is truly winning here. A part of me knows this is probably a test, like so many others that she’s subjected me to during our marriage, but I don’t have it in me to keep fighting this same fight. Instead, I do as I’m told and make my way toward my car.
Arriving at Ronnie’s parents’ house, I wish I still felt as excited about seeing Blair and Ronnie as I did earlier. Regrettably, during the drive over, all I could focus on was what a letdown I’ve been to the people who counted on me and loved me the most. Not only did I let Jenny down, but Blair as well when I knowingly let the wrong woman walk down the aisle toward me.
The only consolation I have now about this afternoon is that we won’t be working on today’s project at Ronnie’s future place with Pete. Dealing with Jenny has already soured my mood enough, and I’m certain it would only worsen if I were forced to spend even more time with that guy. Luckily, it seems like today will only be the three of us.
While heading toward the front door, I take out my phone and shoot Ronnie a text, letting her know I’m here. Luckily, she promptly responds, letting me know they are in the backyard and to let myself in.
While it’s clear Pete has been trying to make his place the nicest in Evergreen Grove, the real honor has always gone to the Prescotts. With its expansive size and breathtaking beauty, the place boasts a giant and inviting porch along with an eye-catching red door and shutters, truly defining its unique character. He can try all he wants to outdo this place, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be next to impossible.
Heading back down the front steps, I let myself through the side gate, the familiar scent of freshly bloomed flowers filling the air, reminding me once again, why it truly is the best in town. Ronnie’s mom has more than outdone herself. The backyard is large and sprawling with a massive array of different colored flowers. That’s not the only thing she’s prided herself on growing, as she’s also renowned for cultivating the most delicious fruit and vegetable garden in town, which she’s constantly sharing with her neighbors and friends.
In the distance, a stunning red barn catches the eye, but the true beauty lies in the expansive, sparkling pond. It’s hardly surprising that Ronnie has chosen this spot to get married next week.
“There’s the golden boy. He finally made it,” Ronnie cheers as she waves me over to the table where the two of them have set themselves up at, currently filled to the brim with tiny jam-filled jars, likely made from Mrs. Prescott’s garden.
Yet, it’s not the first thing that catches my eye; instead, my focus goes to the beautiful doe-eyed blonde sitting at the table. Today, she’s opted for a more relaxed look, wearing an oversized band T-shirt and black biker shorts, her hair pulled up into a giant messy bun on the top of her head, with random strands falling to the sides.
While Blair might have been the catalyst for my fight with Jenny today, all those negative thoughts evaporate as soon as I see her. I can’t concentrate on that, not when I can finally immerse myself in the intoxicating feeling that comes along just from being this close to her. My top priority, though, is not dwelling on our conversation from last night, as it would surely turn my face bright red as the two of them gave me shit for it. I’ve known these two long enough to know exactly how that would go down.
“You know, you two heathens could easily have joined me today. In fact, I ran into your parents there,” I say, doing my best to focus my attention on Ronnie, even if all I want to do is stare in Blair’s direction.
“And risk ruining the reputation for being known as the town’s resident bad girl that I’ve spent years and years building? No thanks,” Blair tsks.
“Plus, not all of us enjoy being suck-ups. The second I turned thirteen and my parents let me, I stopped going and haven’t looked back,” Ronnie adds, her gaze downward as she skillfully wraps a blue ribbon around one of the jars.
“I’m not a suck-up,” I defend, placing a hand over my heart as I walk closer. “I can’t help that I enjoy seeing my mom happy.”
“Sorry bud, that’s quite honestly the definition of a suck-up,” Ronnie says, finally glancing up.
“Fine. Call me whatever you want. I can take it,” I say, lifting my hands in the air, as if beckoning for them to continue.
“Whatever you say, mama’s boy,” Blair happily obliges.
I chuckle and roll my eyes. “There are worse things I could be than a mama’s boy.”
“I don’t know. Pete is also a pretty big mama’s boy, and I have to say, it’s probably one of my least favorite things about him,” Ronnie admits as she reaches for another jar to work on.
“My least favorite thing is that he’s a giant ass,” Blair bluntly states as she grabs the jar that Ronnie had just been working on and attaches a small card to it that reads “ Spread the Love ”.
With bated breath, I anticipate Ronnie’s annoyed response, but fortunately, she doesn’t appear to take it too personally. Instead, she reaches toward Blair and lightly smacks the blonde on the arm.
“Blair!”
“Hey,” she begins, holding up her hands. “I’m just speaking the truth and saying what no one else will.”
“He’s not always an ass,” Ronnie tries to defend. “Right, Ford?” she asks, looking over my way.
I hesitate as my eyes move between the two women, who clearly want me to take their side. “He’s not always not an ass,” I give in, feeling the need to have Blair’s back here. If she’s going to be honest and go there, then I need to as well.
“Okay, so maybe he can be an ass sometimes, but I promise he has his good qualities, too.”
“Honestly, Ron? I’d love to see that side of him. I really would, especially since an amazing guy is exactly what you deserve, but every time I try to give him a chance, he only shows the opposite of what you’ve been claiming him to be.”
Ronnie reaches out and places a hand on Blair’s arm. “I appreciate you looking out for me. That means everything and I truly wouldn’t expect anything less,” she says before looking up at me, too. “From either of you. But seriously, neither of you need to worry. He’s great and I love him, and that’s what matters here. Okay?” she asks, in a tone that not only shows how serious she is, but also indicates that she’s done with this conversation and doesn’t want to discuss it any further.
“Okay,” I say, while Blair nods her head too.
“Just —” Blair starts before pausing as she seems to process her thoughts. “Just know that if you ever change your mind or if you ever need to talk about him or anything, for that matter, you know you can always talk to us—always.”
Ronnie scoffs. “Of course I know that. You two are my people, and even after I get married, I’m always going to need my two best friends.”
“Same.” Blair smiles, her gaze briefly connecting with Ronnie’s before settling on me, conveying a subtle tinge of sorrow that, unfortunately, I understand all too well.
After I got married, she distanced herself from me, and although it was undeniably painful, I get why she found it necessary. If anything, distance was likely what I also needed while I tried to make my marriage work with Jenny. However, if there’s anything that this last week has shown me, it’s that I need Blair in my life, and it finally seems like we might both be on the same page about that.