Chapter 15 Jade #2
My heart pangs at the connections everyone in Lavender Falls has.
The town has treated me like I’ve always been here, but it makes me sad knowing everything I’ve left behind.
I also grew up in a small town, and while we never called anyone aunt that was outside the family, it was still a close-knit community.
My parents were very involved and we knew just about everyone. I had friends and a town I loved.
“You okay?” West asks between bites, sensing my mood.
I swallow the lump in my throat, pushing the memories away and bringing myself back to the here and now. “So, how many nieces and nephews do you have?” I ask, trying for a lighter topic.
“There’s just Cade’s children. A boy and a girl. My Nephew just turned seven and my niece is four until September.”
“Awe.” I smile.
“Though, it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a mini Hayes or two running around out there that we don’t know about.” He chuckles, shaking his head.
“What about your other brother?”
“Colter?” West asks, furrowing his brows. “Nah. He doesn’t really date. Too busy with the farm and the fire station. I would like to see him settle down one day, though. If he’d ever actually act interested in someone.”
“And you?” I ask, biting my lip. “Do you ever want to get married or have children?”
He watches me for a beat, and I feel my pulse start to race, eager for his answer that I’m both scared and excited for.
“That’s the dream,” he says, his eyes still on mine.
Goosebumps snake across my skin at the thought of him meaning that’s the dream he sees with me.
“So,” he says, breaking the silence. “What about you? Any siblings or nieces and nephews?”
I bring my coffee to my lips to give myself a moment to debate how to answer. I normally redirect questions about myself, but there is something comforting about West. Like I can almost tell him everything. Of course, I can never tell him my real name, but at least I can give him pieces of me.
“I did,” I say quietly, rubbing my thumbs over the mug and fighting back tears.
“I had a brother. He was six when I lost him.” I smile sadly, remembering how amazing he was.
“We actually had a large age gap. My mom struggled with fertility after having me, so he was a surprise. I swear, even though I was eleven at the time, he became my best buddy right from birth.” Blinking back tears, I bring my mug back to my lips to try to stop my voice from breaking.
Reaching out his hands, West grabs mine after I place the mug back down, giving them a gentle squeeze. “I’m so sorry, Jade.”
I nod, still not sure I won’t let the tears spill, but West is an observant man and changes the subject, knowing I need it.
“So, for this weekend. What time works for you?”
Stuffing down the painful memories, I let myself be excited about the upcoming weekend. “I have to go early to help Wren and Sarah set up our booth, and then I’ll need to go home for a quick shower, so would five o’clock work?”
“Five sounds perfect.”
We finish up our lunch, and by the time we get back to the bakery, there has finally been a clearing in the clouds. Rain drizzles softly now, and the sun begins to shine.
“Thanks for lunch.”
“Anytime,” he tells me, walking me inside.
“Hey, West!” Sarah shouts from across the room. The bakery is less busy now than it was earlier this morning. Only two of our tables now occupied.
“Hi, Sarah,” West greets my friend as we make our way up to the counter.
“It’s a circus out there today. How’s it going?”
West sighs. “It’s going about as well as it can at a time like this. I was lucky to have a chance to get away from the station and take Jade here for lunch.”
Sarah leans across the counter. “How’s it looking for this weekend?” she asks him quietly so the patrons at the tables don’t overhear.
“You mean for the rodeo and fair? Everything will remain a go, don’t you worry.”
“Perfect.” She smiles. “I got some cowboys to check out,” she says with a wink and giggle that has me smiling.
“Mind is always in the gutter.” West chuckles. “Well, I better head back to the station now. Thanks for joining me for lunch, Jade. Sarah, don’t get up to any trouble now.”
“Bye, West,” we say in unison as he walks out.
“Holy shit!” Sarah says, gaping at me once the door closes.
“What?”
“You called him West!” she says, shocked, slapping my arm.
I blush and lift my shoulders in a half-hearted gesture. “It’s new.”
Sarah smiles. “I like it.”
The rest of the day goes by in a blur, and once 6 p.m. arrives, we finish up cleaning and gather our belongings to head out.
The rain has finally come to a complete stop, leaving the sidewalks wet and the air smelling fresh and clean.
The night is cool and damp, and as we cross the street for the parking lot, a distant noise has us stopping and looking around.
Somewhere close by, a man’s voice is loud and angry.
“Whoa, do you guys hear that?” Sarah asks, glancing at me and Wren as we look around trying to find the source.
We walk a little closer to the lot, following the voice, when we see a man towering over a woman blocking her from view. My eyes raise when I catch the sound of her crying, and when the man raises his hand ready to strike, Wren storms over there.
“Wren!” I hiss, in a whisper. “Just call your brother. Don’t get involved, please!” I beg her, trying to quietly catch up to her, but she keeps marching.
“Just leave her. I have a feeling she can handle herself,” Sarah says next to me.
“Hey, ass-wipe!” Wren shouts before bending down and grabbing a rock to throw at him. “Back the fuck off or I’ll call the police.”
The man turns, and my heart drops. The couple is Harper and Jep.
“What the fuck?” he snarls at Wren. “Mind your own fucking business.”
I run to Harper, shoving Jep out of the way, and pull her into my arms. “Are you okay?” I ask, looking her over for any marks.
“What the fuck is this?! My girlfriend and I were having a conversation, now piss off.” He tries to pull her from my arms, but Wren steps in front of him, blocking his view, and he lets go.
“Listen, bitch, it’s none of your concern.” He bares his teeth, shoving Wren away.
“It sure looks like it’s our concern. Harper is our friend and you’re making her cry,” Wren volleys back. “Now get lost or I’m calling my brother.”
Heels clicking on pavement, Sarah finally catches up and joins us. “I’ve got this all on video, Jep,” she lies to him.
“Yeah, whatever. Fucking bitches,” he whispers under his breath, backing away. “This isn’t over, Harps,” he yells before getting in his vehicle and speeding off.
“You okay?” Sarah asks Harper, who’s wiping away tears.
“I’m fine. Thank you guys, though. Jep was just in a bad mood today, it’s nothing,” she lies to us and herself. I’ve been Harper before, and my heart hurts for her.
“It wasn’t nothing, Harper. He shouldn’t be raising his hand to you or making you cry like this. What would have happened if we didn’t get involved?”
She lets out a breath and pulls her open jacket tighter around her. “I’m okay, really. He didn’t mean it.” She shrugs, giving us a tight-lipped smile, and I can tell she’s feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed.
“Would you like a ride home?” I ask her, gently.
“You can jump in with me,” Sarah tells her. “I live on the same side of town as you anyways.”
“Sure. Jep was supposed to be my ride,” she says, sadly. “I would walk any other day, but you know, with the killer I don’t really want to. And their profile said he likes blondes so...” she says, pulling at her blonde locks.
“Oh gosh.” I gasp. “Please do not walk,” I tell her with wide eyes, and we all nod.
“Wait, you don’t live with Jep, do you?” Sarah asks. “Because if you do, you can stay with me tonight.”
Harper shakes her head and finally gives us a real genuine smile. “No. I still live with my grandpa.”
We all say our goodbyes and part into different vehicles. Harper with Sarah and me with Wren.
“Do you believe her?” Wren asks me in the quiet cab of her truck.
I sigh, shaking my head. “No. I was her once,” I whisper, looking out the window.
Wren places a hand on my thigh, giving it a squeeze, and I smile her way, thankful for her comfort and understanding.
“I have a feeling Jep is always in a bad mood,” I say, and Wren nods.
“I agree. I didn’t want to say anything, but that night after the bar, West mentioned he noticed bruising on Harper’s collarbone.”
I watch out the window as we drive through the neighbourhoods and think about what I’ve noticed as well. “I’ve noticed bruises and scratches before too. I just never knew.”
“She’s always so bright and happy, it’s hard to believe what she’s hiding,” Wren agrees, pulling into my yard.
“She really is a ray of sunshine, isn’t she?” I state.
As I step out of Wren’s truck, my eyes catch on something shining in the gravel. I bend down and pick up a small ring, twirling it in my fingers. I’ve never seen it before, but I shove it into my pocket in case it belongs to Sarah.