Chapter 5
After sleeping off the grief and wine, Willow woke up to an empty house. Of course, as Brandi had to go to work, you’d think Willow would have stayed close to home that day herself, but no. She was on her way to venture out too. But there was a knock before she could step out the door of the cottage.
She wasn’t expecting any company… Who was here? If it was for Brandi, they would have knocked on the door of her house, not the cottage. No one knew where she was, so she had no idea who was at the door.
What if it was Charlie!?
But when she opened the door, there was no one standing there. There was a strange chill in the air as she looked around to see who it was, and tripped over a package in front of her. She bent over to pick it up and bring it back inside. All it said was Willow x.
Willow opened the box to find flowers from a local florist. Her favorite flowers at that. It was a beautiful arrangement. In fact, only two people knew what kind of flowers to get her, which made the package even more strange.
“Charlie? There’s no way. He won’t even return my calls. There’s no way he’d send these. Check for the card, silly,” she mumbled to herself as she looked for the card and finds a message.
You’re still the best.
Willow definitely didn’t feel like she was the best at all. In fact, she felt horrible. Charlie really did a number on her. She was so focused on him that she couldn’t even enjoy herself moving forward. Every waking thought was about him. Was he dangerous? Did he hurt people? Women—other than financially? Who was he really? His name wasn’t even Charlie.
Her face swelled with embarrassment and confusion. She placed the flowers on the table and grabbed the car keys to head out for an adventure in town. No Charlie talk for the next two hours or so. At least, she hoped.
As Willow drove, she started laughing hysterically. Life in Sanibel was supposed to be a relief from her home life, but she learned that problems at home could sometimes follow you. It was time to forget about that for a couple of hours. She headed into town to distract herself.
She stopped at the grocery store. She decided she wanted to make dinner for herself and Brandi. She also needed to replenish the wine they both drank. Walking through the aisles, she looked for all of the ingredients for her famous pasta. As she was looking through the aisle for seasonings, she spotted a very handsome, well built gentleman. He was in the way of the spice she was looking for. He smiled when he looked behind him and realized she was patiently waiting.
“Oh! I’m so sorry. I—yeah—I didn’t mean to be in the way. I was just—sorry,” he stuttered. His voice was strong and beautiful. It commanded attention. As did his looks. But he wouldn’t dare look her in the eye. Shy maybe? A little standoffish? Definitely. Yet, he was handsome as all get out and Willow couldn’t keep her eyes off him.
“It’s totally fine. No worries. We all need a little spice in our life.”
She smiled as the man looked down at his shoes. After a while, he looked up into her eyes, and for a second, their eyes locked, and Willow felt a spark.
“Yeah. I would guess so, huh? Good day, ma’am.” He hurriedly excused himself.
Willow was stuck wondering who he was. He walked away so fast she couldn’t process anything. Just as she was caught up daydreaming about him, Richy strolled in.
He smiled at her, and to his surprise, Willow was instantly annoyed. Though she didn’t dislike Richy, she had left the house to forget all about Charlie, and Richy only reminded her of him.
“Well, a girl has to eat. You find yourself doing that, too, right? Eating? It’s a normal thing. To be able to function and whatnot?”
“Do I detect a little sarcasm?”
Willow sighed, here we go. She knew he was definitely going to follow her throughout the store.
“What do you want, Richy?”
“I want to know what you know about Greg.”
“What do even mean? And since you’re obviously going to hound me, you might as well tell me how to find everything I need for dinner tonight.”
“I have questions and I need answers. But yes, I can help you find anything you need. This was actually my first job ever, so I know the store like the back of my hand. The layout hasn’t changed in over 20 years.”
“You’re in high school,” she laughed. “What questions could you possibly have for me? I have questions for you!”
She was confused. How could he have questions for her? She obviously didn’t know anything. She’d been honest about not knowing anything for quite some time. All she knew was what Richy had told her.
“If you have any questions, today would be the day to ask them,” he said. “I’m an open book and honestly, I feel like you need to be one too or this is going to turn into something it doesn’t have to be.”
“What’s gotten into you?” Willow scoffed. “Are you saying I need to cooperate with you?”
“I’m saying it would be in your best interest to try. I mean, unless you have something to hide, what’s the big deal?”
“The big deal is I have no idea what’s going on at all. I learned everything I know about this situation from you. You don’t understand. I’m not part of any of this. I’m just the newest victim. Remember?”
She grew increasingly agitated by Richy. She couldn’t understand why he invoked such anger in her. Her husband was already crossing her. She didn’t need any more attitude in her life and tried her best not to be rude.
“I mean, when’s the last time you saw your husband? How do I know you’re not here with him in this town, hiding him out? You’re getting upset with the wrong guy here. I’m trying to help you. I need you to understand how serious this is. If people in this town get wind of this—of you… that you’re married to him… it’s not gonna look good. But of course, you’re annoyed because you actually have to take accountability.”
“Accountability? For what? He did whatever you’re saying, not me.”
“Yes, but if you have any idea where he is and you’re not saying anything, then you’re just as guilty as him, especially after knowing all of the facts. I pegged you as the newest victim, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe you’re an accomplice.”
Willow had heard enough. Who did he think he was telling her she needed to be held accountable for something she had no involvement in? It was insane the amount of vexation she felt from his presence. Accountability. Yeah. Sure. She was accountable for herself. She was so annoyed she didn’t even remember to get the wine for her and Brandi to share that night.
Willow paid for her groceries and then decided to visit the local pub instead. She needed a drink, with a view of the water. She was just not in the mood for anything after being interrogated by a teenager.
Imagine going to a town to escape from a life you’ve known, only to be thrusted into foolishness because you thought the man you loved was really who he said he was. Imagine strangers knowing your husband more than you did.
“What’s it gonna be, ma’am?”
The bartender smiled her way. Thoughts were invading her mind. She’d always been a good person. At least she thought she had. She even thought she married a good person. But in the end, she even wasn’t to sure.
“Something strong and keep em’ comin’,” she requested.
“Sure thing. Any preference, light or dark?”
She looked him deep in the eye and cocked her head back.
“You can mix ‘em for all I care.”
The bartender laughed and brought her back a nice stiff shot of brown liquor.
“Well, I hope you’re not driving tonight.” He smiled.
She hurriedly took the shot and instantly felt the burn. She needed it. At one point, she felt a little numb to everything until the shot awakened her.
“I can always phone a friend,” she chuckled. “No worries, though. I know my limits.”
“I don’t think I recall ever seeing you in here before. New in town? I never forget a face, especially one like yours.”
“Do you say that to all the girls or just the ones you want an amazing tip from?”
“I do all right without needing extra tips,” he said. “In fact, this next one is on the house. Seems like you had a rough day. I hope it gets better.”
“Seems like I’m having a rough life. Will that get better?” she asked while taking back her second shot. The burn did make her feel better. It gave her something else to focus on instead. When it was clear that she’d gotten a little hot, the bartender then slid her a coke and a glass of water.
“You didn’t ask for a chaser, but I figured if you’re driving and all, you might want to sip these like you did those shots.”
People in Sanibel were actually quite kind. No wonder people like Charlie could get away with murder here. They were all so nice and unsuspecting. It was the perfect place for those types of crimes. Everyone was so friendly, almost like they had a certain gullibility. You could probably get anyone to do anything around here and they’d think you were just being neighborly.
“So, what’s the damage?” she asked, packing up her purse.
“What’s the hurry? Just relax for a few. Those were double shots. I’ll bring you a fresh batch of fries.”
Willow wondered why the bartender was being so nice to her. Either way, she had no where else to be, so she stayed put for a while. She figured if he was going to show hospitality, she was going to allow it especially after he brought back a fresh basket of fries and refilled her coke.
“You’re really nice.” She smiled.
“Do you say that to all the guys?” He winked.
“Only to my favorites.”
They laughed as she reached for the bottle of ketchup. She doused her fries and devoured every last one. Clearly, she was hungry but she didn’t understand why. Until it dawned on her that she hadn’t eaten anything since the day before.
She smiled while gulping down her coke.
“You’re cool to go whenever you’re ready. It’s all on me,” the bartender said. “If you promise I will get to see you again.”
“Best fries I’ve had in a long while, drinks are strong, charming bartender too. I think I can accommodate that.”
Willow winked as she grabbed her purse.
“Hey wait! What’s your name?”
“Willow. And yours?”
“Micah. Micah Landry.”
He smiled big. His pearly white teeth and strong chiseled face made him so attractive. Something about the small town really made Willow a magnet for attractive men.
Just as she got to her car, she spotted a familiar face waiting for her.
“Are you following me?”
“No. If I were, I would have gone into the bar with you.”
“What is it you want?”
“The truth.”
Just as he answered, a loud crash filled the air.
“What was that?!”