Chapter 49
PETAL
“I’ll be right with you, sir.”
I smile at the older gentleman who just entered the store, and hand a bag of shiny new romance novels to another happy customer.
I love the days when the shop is busy. Makes me feel like I’m making the world a better place, one romance novel at a time.
“Can I help you find something, sir?” I ask.
I look up at a very tall man with a shock of grey-white hair, beard stubble on his face, and a belly straining the lower buttons of his shirt.
He looks around uncomfortably, like the shop is full of naked vaginas, and they’re all closing in on him.
I get it. Men feel funny coming into what they think is a ‘woman’s space’.
Same as in Victoria’s Secret. A dude might come in for a gift or Valentine’s surprise, but half of them look like they can’t wait to make their purchase and get the hell out, as if all the bras and panties are going to reach out and bite them.
“I bet you’re looking for a gift for someone. Or something for yourself.”
Always be inclusive, right?
He looks me over to the point where I’m tempted to tell him that no, I’m not for sale, but I bite my tongue. For a change.
He clears his throat. “I am not here to buy any books.”
“Really? Just taking a look around then?” I ask.
He nods. “You could say that. I’m Don Hanson.”
Oh crap. Is this another reporter guy? They don’t usually come in the store out of respect for the business.
“Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Rake Hanson’s father.”
“Oh! No way! Oh my gosh, so nice to meet you. Petal Parker,” I say, extending my hand.
He looks at it first as if deciding whether or not it might be dirty, and returns my shake.
“What brings you up to Sonoma? Rake didn’t say anything about you coming to California to visit.”
“He doesn’t know I’m here,” he says.
“Oh. I see. This is a surprise then,” I say. Not sure how Rake is with surprises but I guess I’ll find out. “How long are you around for? Can Rake and I have you over to dinner? Or, we could go out, if you like. San Francisco has tons of great restaurants—”
“Miss Parker, I’m here to talk to you about Rake. This is not a social call.”
My stomach drops. “Oh no. Is something wrong? Are you sick? Is Rake sick?”
“I want you to stay away from my son,” he says simply, like he’s asking someone to please pass the salt.
“Excuse me?” I ask.
I’m sure I heard that wrong.
“Rake has a bright future ahead of himself. You are going to ruin it.”
What the fuck?
The smile slides from my face, and so does all the goodwill I greeted this man with. I am the picture of politeness.
Until I am not.
“Mr. Hanson, Rake and I are married. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Look. If you have any respect at all for Rake, or yourself, you will get out of his way and leave him alone. He has priorities. Lots of responsibilities and commitments. You are a distraction at best.”
Shit. What I am at worst then.
“I don’t think you understand, Mr. Hanson, that I do not have the ability to ruin anyone’s career.
I don’t have that much power, but I appreciate your saying I do.
It’s flattering. In addition, your accusation implies that Rake isn’t talented enough to remain on the success trajectory he’s on.
Like all it takes is a relationship with a woman to pull him off it? What does that say about Rake?”
Anger fills his eyes and he scowls at me. “Fine then. Fine. Ruin his life if you want. Selfish women like you never care, do you?”
I straighten to my full height and raise my chin. Dude just went too far, I don’t care whose father he is.
“I think you need to leave,” I say, speaking slowly before I hurl a string of expletives at the man. “I will be discussing this with Rake, and you can expect to hear from him. Thanks for coming by, but our meeting is over now.”
I march over to the front door and after glaring at me for a second, he storms out.
I rush to the back office where I have some privacy but can still watch the store. Is everybody out for me or what?
What did I ever do that was so wrong?