Chapter 30
JINX
Ihate Mondays.
Especially when they begin with my brother blatantly ignoring me in front of not only his crew members, but mine.
Connor is somewhat aware of the situation between Jesse and me, but by the end of our staff meeting, Matt, my new hire, whose first day is today, looked like he already regretted his decision to take the job.
Jesse wouldn’t so much as look at me, let alone ask what the landscaping crew had on the agenda this week. He was nice enough to Matt when he introduced him to the rest of the crew, but the tension between Jesse and me was thicker than his damn ego.
I kept my cool, but only because Hayden pulled me aside before the meeting and told me that his pissy mood was mostly due to the call she’d gotten from her ex over the weekend. Lane apparently reached out, wanting a visit with Jett. My nephew is biologically Jesse’s, but Lane, the ex, helped raise him for a few years before Hayden and Jesse got back together. They extended the visitation offer when Hayden and Jett moved to Cole Creek, but I don’t think they expected him to take them up on it.
Jesse’s gotta be stressed the fuck out over it. And because I understand that, I didn’t call him out when he adjourned the meeting without asking about the landscaping plans for the week.
“Well, that was awkward,” Connor mutters as we head outside to the storage yard to get our equipment ready for the day. We’re installing the water fountain at the Carlisles’ today, so we won’t need much more than our tools and maybe some mortar, but nonetheless, it’s all out back. “He’s still not talking to you, huh?”
“Guess not.” I drop the tailgate on my truck so we can load up, then turn to Matt. “My brother and I are in the middle of a little lovers’ quarrel.”
He snorts. “What the hell kind of family business is this?”
With a laugh, Connor slaps him on the back. “I see you’re gonna fit in just fine.”
The new guy grins, probably in relief.
“Why don’t you two head over to the Carlisles’ and start uncovering everything? Make sure there aren’t any issues with the brickwork, too, now that it’s settled. I’ll grab the tools we need for the day.” I glance over my shoulder at where Jesse and his guys are figuring out who’s driving which truck and trailer. “I want to try and grab Jesse before he leaves.”
“Gotcha.” Connor tips his head toward his truck, where it’s parked a few spots down from mine. “You can ride with me,” he tells Matt.
Once the two of them head out, I load up the supplies we’ll need for the day. As the overhead door of the storage garage descends, Craig heads over, presumably to grab something from the bay next to mine.
Perfect. While he’s getting his shit set up for the day, I can talk to Jesse without being overheard. I haven’t taken more than a handful of steps that way, though, when Craig steps into my path.
“Heard that Rachel was out with someone else on Friday,” he says with a sardonic sneer. “You two didn’t last very long, did you?”
This fucking guy, I swear.
“Look, man, I’m not interested in talking to you about my relationship with Rachel.” I try to side-step him, but he follows, blocking me again.
“Your relationship?” He gives a wry laugh, his lip curled in a way that makes me want to knock him to the ground. “Is that what you think it is?”
What the hell is his issue? Is he all of a sudden second-guessing his feelings about her because she’s ready to move on? Or is he really so petty that he can’t stand the thought of her being happy? Or does he feel threatened by me?
My gut tells me it’s a little bit of everything. He’s petty and threatened and finally realizing that he’s actually losing her.
I can’t find an ounce of sympathy for the guy. Maybe if he hadn’t run to Cady so quickly after he left Rachel, I’d feel differently. But from where I’m standing, the only person he has the right to be pissed at is himself.
“What goes on between Rachel and me is none of your business.” I grin over gritted teeth. “But I’ll tell you this: I won’t be intimidated into backing off just because her moving on hurts your ego.”
He rubs his palm against his jaw, chuckling. “You think this is intimidation?”
I lift my hands. “If it’s not, then what is it?”
“This is me trying to protect my fucking kids,” he snarls, puffing up. “They don’t need to witness their mother being used and tossed around by some—”
“By some guy who actually gives a shit about her? A man who wants her to be happy?” I take a step closer. He needs to hear me loud and clear. “I’m not going anywhere, Perry. I already care too damn much about her and those kids. All I want is to be there for them. I don’t give a fuck what you think about that. They are my priority, not you, your ego, or your friendship with my brothers.”
He glares at me, ready to spit venom. Instead, as if suddenly remembering he’s at work, he takes a few steps back and glances to the street, his hands balled into fists at his sides.
“This is bullshit,” he grumbles. “I don’t like it one fucking bit.”
I can’t imagine he does. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
He scoffs. “Yeah, I bet you are.”
He’s right. I’m not. He did this to himself, and I have no sympathy for the guy.
Without another word, he turns, boots grinding in the dirt, and stalks off. When he gets to his work truck, he slams the tailgate and climbs behind the wheel. A second later, he cranks the engine and peels out, kicking up gravel and dust without a single fuck given to the people standing nearby.
I scrub a hand over my face and let out a long exhale. I’d love to think that’s the last I’ll hear from him on the matter, but I’m sure as hell not going to hold my breath. It’s pretty clear he’s only now understanding how badly he’s fucked up. Unless he finds another outlet, I’m the most convenient target for his frustration. Better me than Rachel, though.
As I turn back to my truck, I catch a glimpse of Jesse in my periphery. He’s standing with his hands on his hips, focus locked on me, no doubt having witnessed the entire encounter.
Good.
I hope he heard every word of it.
With any luck, he’ll realize how wrong he’s been about me, too.
But if not, so be it.
I know who I am, and I know what I’m capable of. I’m done letting Jesse determine my self-worth.
I’ve got my own ruler now, motherfucker.
RACHEL
Just a few hoursinto hauling out all my classroom supplies and getting most of the wall art and educational materials tacked up, I feel pretty good.
With the tortoise and hare themed items I bought last spring set up and the new white boards that were installed over the summer, the place looks fresh and cheery, just like a kindergarten classroom should.
“Phew.” I blow my hair out of my face and take a second to catch my breath. Then I push to my feet and inspect the racetrack taped across the bottom of the wall. The animals in the race are seriously adorable. It would be super cute in a nursery, too. If only that train hadn’t left the station years ago.
“Knock, knock.” Reese pokes his head in from the hallway and does a quick scan of the room. “Dang, Ms. Perry. You work fast.”
I wipe my hands on my jeans and adjust my ponytail. “I’m a woman on a mission. How’s it going in your room?”
He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his cargo shorts and shrugs. “Eh. I’m debating if fifty bucks is enough to bribe Kenzie to come and do it for me.”
“Fifty bucks is a lot of cash to a thirteen-year-old. I say go for it.” Come to think of it, Emma would have loved to help me, too. Darn it. Why didn’t I think of that?
Because you’ve spent all your free time thinking about your new man.
Which reminds me…
“I’m glad you stopped in,” I begin, wandering over to my phone to turn down the volume on my music. “I had a good time on Friday night.”
Reese nods, but the smile on his face is reluctant. “Yeah, me, too. Did you, uh, get any work done in our classes over the weekend?”
“No. I’ve probably done as much as I can until classes actually start.”
“Same here. It’s great that they give us early access, but now I just want to get the show on the road.”
“Exactly.” I laugh softly again. “Anyway, about the date… I really did have a good time. I’m glad to have a friend in these classes. I have a feeling I’m going to need someone to freak out to every now and then.”
He grins. “You’ve got my number.”
“I do.” I pull in a breath, bite my lip, and come out with it. “But I don’t think I’ll be using it for any other reasons.”
Reese’s shoulders relax immediately. “Thank god. I mean…” He gives an awkward laugh, and his cheeks turn a little pink. “I had a good time, too, but I’m not sure I’m ready for anything more. It probably sounds ridiculous since it’s been a couple of years since my divorce. It’s just… singlehood and I get along really well. I think I’m gonna keep schmoozing her instead.”
The sound that escapes me in response is half snort, half laugh. “Totally understandable.” I thought I wanted to enjoy being by myself for a while, too, but it turns out that when the right person comes along, nothing compares to being by their side.
“I’m so glad we’re on the same page.”
“Me, too.” I sigh, relieved as the tension I’ve been carrying since our date ebbs out of me. “And if Kenzie doesn’t want to help you with your room, I’m happy to help once I’m finished in here.” I hold an arm out and pan the space. “But you better claim my time before Crystal does or—”
“Who’s talking about me? Better be something juicy.” The devil herself appears in the doorway. Her hair is twisted on top of her head, and she’s dressed in a 3rd Grade Rocks T-shirt and leopard-print leggings. “Oh, hey, Reese.” She gives him a wave, then drops into a tiny kids’ chair with an exhausted huff. “I’m too out of shape for this.”
“I was thinking the same,” Reese says. “That or I need more coffee.”
Crystal points a finger at him. “Now, that’s a great idea. If you make a run to Bobbie Jean’s, I’ll buy.”
He raises a hand. “Say less. Text me your orders, ladies.”
“Sweet.” Crys pulls her phone from a pocket on the side of her leggings. “I’ll Venmo you the money.”
“Perfect. Be back in a few.” With that, he’s gone.
“I like that man.” Crystal gives another heavy exhale. “I texted both our orders. I told him to get you an iced chai, since it’s hotter than balls in here.”
“That’s for sure. I regret not bringing my fan in with me.” I take a seat in my more size-appropriate chair and survey my progress. The walls are decorated, and the centers have all been reorganized. Not bad for day one.
“Did you break the news to him yet?” She tips her head toward the door.
I nod. “Yep. He wasn’t feeling it, either.”
“That’s a relief. It would have been crazy awkward around here otherwise.”
“Probably.”
“And…” she says, drawing out the word, “I also kinda sorta gave someone else your phone number, so…” She winces, but the devilish glint in her eyes belies the repentant gesture. The woman has no shame.
“Oh really.” I tilt my head. “Who?”
“Jamie.”
“Oh my god.” I drop my head back and huff. “You were serious about that?”
“Heck yes, I was. He’s a great guy. And he’s asked about you, too.”
A little ball of dread forms in my stomach at the idea. I should probably be flattered. Jamie really is a good guy. Attractive, too. But he’s missing that dimple in his cheek. And the blue eyes that see through to the heart of me, as well as the arms and hugs that feel like home.
“Go out with him, Rach. Just see how it goes. I’m not saying you have to marry him or anything. And for the love of god, if you sleep with him, make sure he double wraps. The last thing that man needs is another baby mama.”
Just the thought makes me recoil. “I’m not going to sleep with him, so you don’t have to worry about his child support.”
She quirks an eyebrow. “You didn’t say you wouldn’t go out with him, though.”
No, I didn’t. Because the more toads I toss, the sooner I can have my prince.
“Tell him to call me. The sooner, the better, too.”
Squealing, she does a ridiculous happy dance in her ridiculously small chair.
I simply smile.
And pray she’s as excited when she finds out that I already have a man in my life. A man I fully intend to keep.