21. Olivia
Chapter 21
Olivia
“What can I do to help?” Honey asked for the third time since arriving twenty minutes ago.
“Nothing at all. This is your party. You’re the guest of honor. All you need to do is relax, have a drink, and enjoy some good food and even better company,” I instructed as I replaced the lid on the pot of gumbo I’d just finished stirring. It would be done soon, and guests would begin arriving within the hour.
“Now, let’s go get ready while everything finishes cooking,” I said and set a timer to check the ribs in thirty minutes. My makeup was already done, but my hair was still in rollers. So was Honey’s. She came over so we could get ready together, just like when we were teenagers.
“I really appreciate you doing this,” she offered with a soft smile. “I never expected this kind of welcome when I decided to move back home. It means a lot to me.” I reached for her hands and squeezed.
“You deserve the warmest welcome. This town is lucky to have you back.”
“You’re too good to me. But I’m not the only one who deserves to be welcomed home with open arms.” She gave me a knowing look.
“I don’t know about that,” I said, turning away to head to my room. She followed me as we ascended the stairs to the second floor. “Besides, I’m not sure I’m even going to stay.” The events from earlier this week had me rattled. Having my bakery vandalized made me second guess even considering sticking around. Was this what I had to look forward to if I moved home permanently? People throwing bricks through my windows? Would it be worse next time?
“Don’t be silly. The bakery is thriving. Everyone is glad you’re home.”
“Not everyone,” I mumbled under my breath as I began unrolling the curlers from my hair. She tilted her head to the side, studying me, but I refused to meet her gaze. She always saw more than I wanted her to.
“Is this about Landon?” she asked, quirking a brow as a sly grin curved her lips. “Because I think Mr. Broody McBrooderson is finally starting to come around. I realize he’s hated you the past six years, but after he got all protective and shit the other day, I’m more convinced than ever that he wants in your pants.” I scoffed, my face growing warm at her suggestion. “Just imagine how hot the sex would be if you two finally quit pretending like you don’t want to rip each other’s clothes off,” she went on, dramatically fanning herself.
“It’s not like that between us,” I proclaimed, but I was less than convincing.
“Right,” she drew out with a skeptical chuckle as she plopped onto my vanity chair and opened her makeup bag. “The tension between you two is so thick, you could cut it with a knife.”
“You’re imagining things,” I said, waving her off. It was a lie, of course. I felt it too. Every time he was near, there was an electric charge between us, an attraction that crackled in the air. One tiny spark and we would go up in flames. It wasn’t easy, but I did my best to ignore it. I didn’t want to think about him that way. “Besides,” I continued, pushing those thoughts from my mind, “I’m not sure he even believes me. My version of the story is much different from what he’s always been told. He was so hell bent on thinking I was driving drunk that night, and Lyle was the one trying to keep me safe.” I released a sardonic laugh. It was hard to say what lies Lyle had told him. And he’d believed every one of them.
“Surely he recognizes the truth now after his brother threw a brick through your window.”
“We don’t know that it was him.” Honey gave me a flat look like she couldn’t believe I could be so blind. I wasn’t sure why I was defending him. Maybe I didn’t want it to be true. Maybe I didn’t want to believe that the person I once loved, whom I’d planned to spend the rest of my life with, could do something like that.
“Either way, he would have to be an idiot to believe Lyle over you. From what I hear, Lyle isn’t exactly an upstanding citizen. He has a bad reputation and doesn’t exactly make an honest living, if you know what I mean.”
Unfortunately, I knew exactly what she meant. Lyle was known to steal and deal to support his habit. He once stole his father’s disability check and cashed it. Landon had to pay for all their father’s medications and cover his bills that month.
That was something I wished I didn’t know. But when you lived in a small town, people liked to gossip. They loved to tell you what your ex was up to, especially when said ex was involved in illegal activities. I sighed and pressed my fingertips to my temples, gently massaging to ward off the headache I felt building behind my eyes.
“Maybe you’re right. But I don’t want to think about Lyle or Landon any more tonight.”
I should’ve known I wouldn’t get my wish.
The party was in full swing, guests mingling with plates overflowing with ribs, crab cakes, and mac and cheese and bowls full of gumbo. Some folks gathered outside on the deck, and a few were already in the pool. Everyone greeted Honey with excitement, folding her into a warm and welcoming hug. Many of them expressed their pleasure at having both of us return to Magnolia Grove. I didn’t have the heart to tell them I might not be staying.
The sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky, casting the horizon in a wash of purple and orange when there was a commotion at the front of the house. Cheers rose up as the door swung open, and a tall figure filled the space. Honey and I moved through the foyer where a small crowd had gathered. JD, the young pastor who'd just taken over for his father and long-standing leader of our small local church, smiled broadly at the greeting. Everyone was thrilled to have him back since he, too, had recently returned to town.
Honey went rigid next to me, and I turned to see her watching JD with wide eyes. Before I could question her reaction, she gasped and grabbed my arm as her shocked gaze snapped to mine. She nodded suddenly, and I turned in time to see JD step to the side as Landon appeared from behind him.
What the hell was he doing here? This was the last place I expected to see him. From the uneasy look on his face, he hadn’t expected to find himself here either. JD must’ve somehow talked him into this.
My upbringing kicked in, and I straightened my shoulders. My grandmother always taught me to be hospitable to guests, even if I didn’t like them. I wouldn’t necessarily say I disliked Landon. No, my feelings toward him were much more complex than that. Nonetheless, I would remain a gracious host.
Landon stiffened as I approached, his gaze tracking my every movement. His Adam’s apple bobbed with a heavy swallow as I drew up just a few feet from him and his companion.
“JD,” I began, offering the pastor a wide smile, “I’m so glad you could make it.”
“Me too. Thanks for inviting me. I hope you don’t mind; I brought a friend.” I forced the smile to remain on my face even though it took more effort than I could spare.
“Of course. The more the merrier,” I proclaimed, lifting my arms in a welcoming gesture. Landon’s look was guarded, but there was a skeptical tilt to his eyes. JD turned to him and waited for his reply. Noticing his friend’s expectant gaze, Landon nodded.
“Thanks,” he said simply, but his tone was anything but thankful.