Chapter 29
CHAPTER 29
A lex
I hoped Lucy wouldn’t have noticed that Hannah hadn’t been home. I’d wondered where the hell she was over the last few days. I texted her a couple of days ago, and she never replied. Getting up from the lounger, I went into the house and grabbed the spare key to the guesthouse. I knew I shouldn’t have gone in there without her permission, but she left me no choice.
Inserting the key into the lock, I opened the door and stepped inside. Walking up the stairs, I entered her bedroom and looked around, noting the pristine look of the room. I opened her closet door and saw that her two suitcases and most of her clothes were gone.
“Fuck!” I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “Hey, Lucy,” I shouted as I stepped back into the house.
“Get your shoes on. We’re going into town.”
“For what?”
“I need to pick up a file from my office.”
“Okay.”
I used picking up a file as an excuse because I knew Lucy would want to stop in Hannah’s flower shop.
“Hey, Dad? Can we stop in the flower shop after and say hi to Hannah?”
“Sure.” My lips formed a small smile as I grabbed a file I didn’t actually need.
We walked across the street and entered Blooming Beauty. Hannah looked up from behind the counter when the bell above the door rang. She quickly looked away when she saw me and said hi to Lucy.
“Can we talk for a moment?” I asked.
“Sure. Mary, can you take Lucy in the back and show her the new flowers we got in today.”
“Follow me, Miss Lucy.” Mary smiled.
“Where have you been?” I asked. “Did you move out?”
“Not yet. I’m staying at Adalyn’s.”
“Why?”
“I really don’t think that’s any of your business, Alex.”
“It is my business. I’m your landlord.”
“You’re still getting paid. Where I choose to sleep isn’t your concern.”
“I texted you the other day,” I said.
“I know, and I’ve been busy.”
“How long are you staying at Adalyn’s?”
“I don’t know yet. Why do you even fucking care?”
“Why do you have to swear?”
“Because I’m aggravated. You come into my shop demanding to know where I’ve been when you have no right to know that information. Why is it different for you?”
“What are you talking about?” I cocked my head.
“We are nothing to each other, Alex. You were all pissed off because you thought I expected to hear from you. Well, guess what? I’m pissed off that you expect to know where I’ve been staying. If you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare for the wedding tomorrow.”
Our eyes stayed locked on each other for a moment before she turned away.
“You’re right. If you decide to move out permanently, let me know.”
“I will.”
Mary brought Lucy back out to the front.
“Say goodbye to Hannah, Lucy.”
“Bye, Hannah. I’ll see you tomorrow at the wedding.”
“Bye, Lucy.” She smiled, giving a small wave.
“Can you drop me off at Isabelle’s? Her step-mom said she’d drive me home later.”
“Yeah. I’ll take you now.”
After dropping her off at her friend’s house, I went to the Seaside.
“Big day tomorrow.” I smiled at Colin, taking a seat at the bar.
“And it can’t come fast enough.” He poured me a scotch.
“Thanks, friend. Did you have a bachelor party and not invite me?” I smirked.
“Nah.” He chuckled. “Adalyn and I said we didn’t want bachelor and bachelorette parties. You know I would have invited you.”
“I know. I’m just messing with you.”
“Hannah told us what happened between the two of you.”
“I’m sure the whole town heard.” I tipped the glass to my lips.
“I don’t think so. I haven’t heard any whispers. She’s a great woman, Alex.”
“I know she is, Colin. It’s not a good time right now.”
“I can understand that. You’re a very busy man and a single father. Just don’t get so caught up with work that you lose sight of what’s really important in life.”
“My work is very important,” I said.
“I know it is. But work can also be very lonely. Especially when you go home at the end of the day and there’s no one there to share your day with. You know I have your back. But I also have my sister-in-law’s back, too.”
“She hates me, Colin.”
“I wouldn’t say she hates you. I do know that you’re not her favorite person right now. Was it worth it?”
“Was what worth it?”
“Breaking her heart?”
“Colin, you don’t get it and never will.” I shook my head.
“I think I do. Don’t forget we were best friends growing up. I spent a lot of time at your house, and I was there for you after the accident. I know you and the guilt you’ve been carrying around all these years.”
“People change.” I threw the rest of my drink down the back of my throat. “That boy you knew all those years ago before the accident is gone.”
“It doesn’t have to be like that,” Colin said.
“Unfortunately, it does.” I threw some cash on the bar and stood up. “Thanks for the drink. I’ll see you tomorrow at the wedding.” I smiled.