Chapter 28
28
T he next morning, Lila woke up with that sense of unease that she couldn’t quite shake. The community picnic was today, and while it was one of her favorite events of the year, she couldn’t help but feel a storm was brewing—especially given Candy Faye was back in town.
Despite Whit’s reassurances on the phone that he intended to send his former girlfriend away—this time a little more forcefully—Lila had seen the determined look in her nemesis’ eyes.
That woman wasn’t going away easily.
Lila lay in bed for a moment longer, listening to the birds chirping outside her window, before finally getting up and stretching. The autumn sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across her bedroom that promised a good day ahead.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Yes, today was supposed to be fun—a day filled with laughter, games, and good food—but the nagging feeling in her gut told her otherwise.
As she got dressed, her thoughts drifted back to Whit and the deep talks they’d had since their misunderstanding. She’d felt so sure about the relationship they were building. But the arrival of Candy Faye Hutchison, with her perfect hair and relentless determination, had thrown a wrench into things.
Lila brushed her hair with quick, resolute strokes, hoping Whit had already sent Candy Faye packing a second time. If not, she wouldn’t let Whit’s former girlfriend ruin this day or her relationship with Whit. She chose a light pink sundress with a matching sweater, hoping to embrace the festive spirit of the picnic despite her lingering anxiety.
She was about to head downstairs when she noticed Roxie Steele’s novel on the bedside table. Curious, she picked it up and turned to the chapter Roxie had recommended. A few paragraphs in and she was blushing.
Still, she couldn’t seem to put the book down. She read for several more minutes until a slow smile formed.
Well, Roxie Steele…you’re smarter than you let on.
Lila set the book aside and quickly returned to her closet. Why was she standing around feeling helpless? Sure, this idea was way out of her comfort zone, but she’d lived a passive life letting others dictate her happiness far too long. She could depend on Whit to end the situation…or she could fight fire by starting a little blaze of her own.
It was time to take action.
She dug in the back until she found a dress she hadn’t worn in years, if ever. It was one she’d ordered on a whim on a day when she’d felt frumpy and wanted to impress Aaron. When the package came and she’d tried the garment on, she quickly realized the outfit was outside her comfort zone.
But now, the form-fitting dress might be just the thing, especially with the low-cut bodice.
After ripping off the sundress and tossing it on her bed, she pulled the tight fabric up and struggled with the zipper. After successfully closing the back, she took a look at herself in the floor-length mirror attached to her bedroom door.
She frowned.
Clearly, the dress was styled for someone far more endowed. Someone like Candy Faye, she thought as she scrambled to her dresser. She pulled out the top drawer and rifled through her intimate garments until her hand landed on a particular piece of lingerie.
Lila grinned and headed for the bathroom where she exchanged her current bra for the new one. Still smiling, she unrolled a wad of toilet paper and filled the gap in the left cup, then the right.
With her hands, she pushed up both cups and glanced in the mirror. Satisfied, she zipped up her dress again, spritzed herself heavily with perfume, and headed downstairs.
Thanks to Roxie Steele and her novel, she now realized two could play this game.
Whit arrived right on time, pulling up in his blue pickup. Lila felt her heart lighten at the sight of him. He climbed out, his familiar grin spreading across his face as he walked towards her.
“Morning, beautiful,” he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. He leaned back and whistled. “Wow!”
“Morning,” Lila replied, smiling up at him. “Ready for the picnic?”
Whit chuckled. “Always. You know I can’t resist Mrs. Jenkins’ famous peach cobbler.”
Whit glanced around. “Where’s Camille?”
“She rode to the picnic with friends. We’ll meet her there.”
They climbed into the truck, and Lila felt a small weight lift off her shoulders. She looked like a million bucks, and Whit had appreciated her effort.
As they drove towards the park, she held Whit’s hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip. She glanced over at him, appreciating his easy smile and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed. The scenic route to the park was lined with sunflowers, and Lila tried to let the beauty distract her from her worries.
The park was already bustling with activity when they arrived. Families were setting up picnic blankets, children were running around playing games, and the mouthwatering scent of grilled burgers and hot dogs filled the air.
Lila spotted Charlie Grace wheeling her dad, Clancy Rivers, towards a group of men chatting animatedly near the barbecue pit. She exchanged waves with them.
As she and Whit strolled hand in hand through the park, Lila felt a sense of contentment, despite being on the lookout for Candy Faye. According to Whit, his former girlfriend had yet to show up at his place. When she did, he promised to deal with the situation pronto.
“There won’t be any doubt where I stand,” he told her. “I’ll put an end to this…once and for all.”
She believed him and everything seemed perfect. That was until she heard the unmistakable click of boots on the pavement behind her. She turned to see Candy Faye Hutchison, her glamorous rival from Texas, making a beeline for them.
“Whit, honey, I didn’t expect to see you here. Remember when we used to go to picnics back in Texas together?” Candy Faye’s voice dripped with honeyed nostalgia as she ignored Lila’s presence entirely.
Lila’s grip on Whit’s hand tightened, her knuckles turning white. She forced a smile, though her insides flashed with irritation.
Whit’s jaw tightened. “That was a long time ago, Candy Faye. Things have changed.”
“Have they? Some things never change,” Candy Faye said with a smirk, her gaze locked on Lila.
The tension between the two women was palpable. Whit glanced nervously between them, sensing the brewing storm.
Candy Faye looked her up and down. “Love the outfit. Of course, the fit is a bit off, don’t you think.” She let her gaze drop to Lila’s bustline.
Whit stepped forward. “Look, the thing between us is over, Candy. You need to go home.”
Lila couldn’t help it. Her ire was up, and suddenly her mouth had a mind of its own. She would no longer be a doormat. “Candy Faye, why are you really here? Because it sure isn’t for the potato salad,” Lila said, her voice steady despite the anger bubbling inside her.
“Oh, I just came to see if Whit remembers what it’s like to be with a real woman,” Candy Faye replied, her tone dripping with challenge.
Before Whit could hold her back, Lila stepped closer, her smile vanishing. “Oh, trust me, he knows. Why don’t you take your memories back to the land of steers and beers, and leave us alone?”
“Make me,” Candy Faye shot back, her eyes glinting with defiance.
“What are you? A child?”
Candy Faye nearly hissed like the snake she was. “No, dear. I’m all woman.”
“A woman who lost her man,” Lila snarled.
A small crowd had gathered, sensing the impending confrontation. The argument grew louder, the tension thicker.
“Lila, Candy Faye, let’s not do this here.” Whit tried to intervene, his voice pleading.
But it was too late. Candy Faye shoved Lila, who stumbled back but quickly regained her footing. Lila’s eyes narrowed as she spotted the mud pit nearby, set up for the tug-of-war competition.
“You want to play dirty? Fine, let’s play dirty,” Lila said, her voice low and dangerous. She’d stood aside and taken whatever was dished her way long enough. It was time to stand up for herself.
Without warning, Lila lunged at Candy Faye, tackling her into the mud pit. The crowd gasped, then erupted into laughter and cheers.
Reva raced over. “Lila! What are you doing?”
Capri joined them. “You go, girl!”
Camille rushed forward, grinning with excitement. “Yeah, go Mom! You can take her.”
“Well, this is more entertaining than the three-legged race,” Albie Barton said to Whit, chuckling. “I might have to make this the headline story in next week’s paper.”
Whit watched in disbelief as Lila and Candy Faye wrestled in the mud. He tried to pull Lila away but was unsuccessful. “Stay back,” she warned, her voice firm and resolute, determined to see this through.
The scene was chaotic, messy, and hilarious. Mud flew everywhere as the two women grappled, each trying to gain the upper hand.
“You’re crazy, Lila!” Candy Faye gasped, struggling to free herself.
“Maybe, but I’m not losing Whit to you!” Lila let out a laugh, her determination unwavering.
The crowd, now fully invested, cheered and jeered as Lila and Candy Faye continued their muddy brawl. Both women were covered head to toe in mud, slipping and sliding as they fought.
Eventually, a few brave souls from the crowd helped pull the muddy combatants apart. Both women were exhausted, panting heavily and covered in mud, but Lila stood tall, victorious. She wiped her hands off, completely satisfied with the results of her impulsive actions.
“You didn’t have to do that, you know,” Whit said, grinning as he helped Lila up.
“Oh, but it was worth it,” Lila replied, breathless but smiling. “I’m tired of stepping around roadblocks. It was past time to run some down.”
“This isn’t over, Lila,” Candy Faye muttered, wiping mud from her face.
“Yes, it is. Now, go clean yourself up,” Lila said firmly, her eyes locked on Candy Faye’s. “And then go back to where you came from. Because if you don’t…I’ll make sure that mean mouth of yours is filled with worse than mud.” She offered up a fist as proof.
The crowd applauded as Candy Faye slunk away, humiliated.
“Well, I guess my woman took care of things,” Whit said, laughing.
Whit pulled Lila next to him and they shared a muddy but heartfelt kiss, solidifying their bond in front of everyone. Only then did Lila see a trail of dirt-caked toilet paper trailing from the top of her dress. She tucked it back in place, laughing.
As they walked away from the mud pit, Capri patted Lila on the back. “Remind me never to cross you, Lila Bellamy.”
“Yeah, I can’t believe you did that,” Charlie Grace exclaimed.
“You were awesome, Mom,” Camille said. “You really stood up for yourself.”
Lila laughed with exhilaration. “Just another day in Thunder Mountain.”
Whit intertwined his arm with hers. “C’mon, Mud Warrior. Let’s get you home and changed.”
As the festivities resumed around her, Lila felt an overwhelming sense of triumph. She knew there wouldn’t be any more trouble from Candy Faye. She’d made sure of that.
Despite being muddy and disheveled, Lila had defended her love and shown everyone, including herself, that she was willing to fight for what mattered most.