“When is that, again?” Bridgette asks.
“Saturday.”
“No offense, but I hope I’m not there because I’m in the hospital with a new baby.”
“That would suit me fine. I don’t think your poor belly will last beyond the weekend.”
“Or my bladder.” Bridgette lifts her sleepy son from her lap. “Tripp, go see Auntie Lawrence for a while.”
Lawry takes him from his mother. “Come to me, sweet boy.”
Bridgette struggles to get up from her seat and waddles in the direction of the bathroom as she holds her lower stomach.
“Poor thing is miserable.”
“You’ll be waddling around like that before you know it.”
“Gotta get pregnant first.” Lawry kisses Tripp’s head. “But it’s okay. I’m not discouraged because we weren’t successful the first time we tried. They told us it would probably take a while.”
“Don’t worry, sis. It’s going to happen.”
“I know.”
“Adelyn told me you met at El Barrio’s for dinner.”
She sounded as though she really enjoyed her time with Lawry. I can tell that she likes my sister. I think she’d like to be friends.
“It was a very enlightening get-together.”
I bet my get-togethers with Adelyn have been far more enlightening. “How so?”
“She had much to share about all the time you’ve been spending together. You can imagine my surprise since you’ve not mentioned a word about it, you little s-h-i-t.” Lawry covers Tripp’s ears as she spells out the profanity.
“I don’t think you have to cover his ears if you’re going to spell the cuss words.”
“Shut up.”
I guess I need to throw Lawry a bone. “We’ve been getting together a little.”
“She left me with the impression you were getting together quite a bit.”
“I guess.” I don’t want Lawry to read too much into this. It’s not like anything romantic is happening.
It’s unexpected how easy and comfortable it’s been. It began as a day here and there and has gradually increased to nearly every day.
“You could have invited her over tonight.”
Asking Adelyn to come to my sister and brother-in-law’s house on a Saturday night with our other friends would be like a date. “That would have been weird.”
“How often do you see her?”
“I physically see her every day. It’s sort of impossible not to when she lives fifty yards away.”
“I don’t think it’s impossible. How often do you spend time together?”
“I don’t know. I’m not keeping an appointment book.”
“Stop avoiding the question. A couple times a week?”
She isn’t going to let this go. “Probably more.”
“Did you see her Monday?”
“Yeah.”
“Tuesday?”
“Yeah.”
“Wednesday? Thursday? Friday?”
“Not Wednesday.” I had a business meeting with a client in Tuscaloosa that day.
“Today?”
“Yeah.”
“You’ve seen Adelyn every day this week with the exception of one.”
“What’s the big deal?”
“The big deal is you have a girlfriend and you didn’t tell me.”
I knew she was going to do this. “Adelyn is not my girlfriend.”
“You don’t see a woman every day unless she’s something to you. And I can promise you this: she thinks she’s something to you.”
“She is. We’re friends.”
“With benefits?”
There’s been some minor flirtation. That’s it. “No.”
“Would you like for there to be? And please answer with your head. Don’t allow any appendages to speak on your behalf.”
“I like Adelyn but I feel like pursuing something romantic or sexual could ruin our friendship.”
I don’t even know if she’s dated since Martin. It’s possible he may have ruined any chance for her to have a normal relationship.
“You’re not sleeping with her because you like her?”
God, that makes me sound like a pussy.
I look toward the living room to make sure the guys aren’t listening. Porter wouldn’t get finished ragging on me if he overheard any part of this conversation. “As dumb as that sounds, yeah.”
“It’s not dumb, Ollie.”
“She’s had a rough past with men. I’m not sure where her head is when it comes to dating.”
“I wasn’t under the impression she’d be scared off by you. Everything she said made me think the opposite.”
“You think she’d be open to pursuing something with me?”
“This is what I know: she lit up like a candle when she talked about you.”
I’ve had multiple flings since Eden. I didn’t go into a single one with intentions of it becoming more than sex and a good time. But I don’t think that’s an option with Adelyn. She needs solid. Substantial. Secure. It’s what she deserves after the things she went through with that abusive asshole. But am I able to offer more than sex and a good time?
“It would be thoughtless of me to pursue something fleeting with Adelyn. She’ll want more.”
“It’s been three years since Eden broke your heart. Maybe it’s time you give love another chance.”
I see what my sister and Lucas have. They’re happy. Moving forward with their lives. Preparing to start their family. Don’t I want something like that? A partner in life? The other half of my soul?
“I need time to think about it.”
“You care about her, little brother. Admit it.”
I’m saved from confirming or denying Lawry’s theory by a waddling pregnant woman. “Y’all, my water just broke.”
“Oh my God.” Lawry squeals like a little girl and Tripp jolts in her arms. “The baby’s coming?”
A puddle collects on the floor at Bridgette’s feet. Gross. “Oh, yeah. I’m not peeing on myself. This is definitely happening.”
“Warren. Get in here. Your wife’s water just broke.”
He bolts into the kitchen with Lucas and Porter behind him, his eyes fucking huge. “You’re sure, baby?”
“This isn’t my first time to give birth. Trust me. I’m sure.”
Warren tousles the top of Tripp’s hair. “Did you hear that? You and Aubrey are getting your baby brother tonight.”
“I want it to be a sister,” their daughter says.
A wife. Third baby on the way. Warren’s happy.
A wife. First baby almost in the works. Lucas’s happy.
No wife but a secret girlfriend. Goofy smile plastered across his face. Porter’s happy.
Feels like I’m being left behind. But am I ready to trade the life I have now for a chance at that kind of happiness? Like the stability and selfless love I see in Mom and Dad? I don’t know.
I don’t fucking know.
I’m standing at my kitchen window peeking out at Adelyn’s place when I can’t help but notice the car pulling out of her drive. Hard not to notice when you’ve been watching your neighbor’s property since six on a Sunday morning because you want to know who spent the night at her house last night.
Well, fuck me. It’s a man.
Who the hell is he? A boyfriend she failed to mention? Date? Fuck buddy? Friend? Sure as shit ain’t Maurice based on what I know about him.
I’m… fuck, I don’t know what I am.
Confused? Definitely.
Curious? Absolutely.
Covetous? Fuck yes.
I must be because I’m seething as I imagine all the things that went on at my neighbor’s last night. And worst, I’m pissed off because it wasn’t me with her.
My phone pings and flashes a notification.
Adelyn: Come over for brunch?
Fuck. Her spend-the-night company hasn’t been gone five minutes and she’s inviting me over? And like a loyal dog, I w
ant to go to her. But I’m not.
Oliver: Can’t. I’m busy.
She needs to call some other friend over if she wants to chat about her night of sex. This friend doesn’t want to hear it.
Adelyn: OK. Maybe later if you’re hungry. The bug is biting.
The baking bug is biting and she’s reaching out to me. Because I’m her friend. She entrusted me with her darkest secret, and here I am being a total dick to her because I’m angry that I wasn’t the one inside her last night.
She needs someone and she’s asking for me. Fuck my feelings.
Oliver: On my way.
She motions for me to enter when I tap on the glass pane of her patio door. I analyze the spread of baked goods to survey the damage. Seems minimal but what triggered it? Did the man who stayed here last night hurt her?
“Everything okay?” Dumb question. She’s baking so it clearly isn’t.
She uses a roller to flatten and spread the dough on her marble island. “Oliver. I am a fucked-up individual. You should probably run away from me as fast as possible.”
What the hell? “What’s going on?”
“Chad came over last night. He’s my brother’s best friend who was in the accident with him. He’s had some kind of religious revelation and decided that it’s time to forgive the drunk driver who killed Tommy.”
Okay. Maybe I jumped the gun in assuming that she was having a sexathon last night.
Adelyn stops rolling the pin and stares at the dough. “I feel so betrayed. So alone.”
She stands motionless for a moment before picking up the dough and forming it into a ball in her hands. “My parents believe that it isn’t our job to judge him. We’re supposed to show mercy and forgiveness but I don’t want to forgive him. I want to hate him. Jill, Chad, and I all understood that. We felt the same.”
“Who’s Jill?”
“Tommy’s fiancée. One of my two best friends.”
Adelyn flattens the dough and goes to work on it with the rolling pin again. “He and his wife drove in from Florida last night. They’re going to see the guy in prison and he wants me to go with him.”
“What do you want?”
“Not to go see my brother’s killer.”
“Then don’t go.”
“Right after the sentencing, I had this very clear picture of his face in my mind. But as time passed, that image has become fuzzier. Sometimes I try to recall what he looks like, and I can if I try really hard, but I like not having a clear vision of him. It makes him look less human and more like the monster that he is.”
“I get it.” Not all those who are convicted of crimes are monsters, but I can definitely see why she feels that way.
She stops rolling the dough and her eyes meet mine. “Again, you’re the one who understands me and where I’m coming from.”
“I do.”
There’s so much pain in her eyes. Agony. I want to make it better for her. But I have no idea how to do that.
She looks down at her therapy. “I’ve totally fucked up this dough. It won’t be edible. How about waffles instead?”
She looks up at me and I am nearly blindsided by her sorrow and disappointment. And then a small smile makes an appearance.
Waffles. She wants to make me waffles. Waffles require cooking but not baking.
“I’d love some.”
6
Adelyn Maxwell
A dozen servers are whirling through the large crowd of Iron City guests. Each waitperson is carrying a tray of hors d'oeuvres, beer, or hard cider on his or her fingertips. Clients and friends of the companies are laughing, eating, drinking, and enjoying the grand opening.
The venue. Food. Decor. Music. Everything has come together splendidly.
I’ve been busy ensuring the night runs smoothly so I’ve not had time to speak to Oliver. Our eyes have met on several occasions, and each time I’ve failed at suppressing a smile.
But I’m not smiling now.
Oliver’s with a woman. A beautiful brunette with lots of curves in all the right places. And the two of them look very well acquainted with one another.
I don’t like it.
Oliver and I aren’t a thing. We’re neighbors who share a lot of things in common and enjoy each other’s company. But lately I’ve been thinking I may want to share more with him than just things in common. I may want to enjoy more than just his company. I may want to share myself with him and watch while he enjoys it. While we enjoy each other.
I was hoping we could explore that later tonight, but it’s going to be hard to make that happen when he’s wrapped up in another woman. Who is she?
The brunette takes his hand and attempts to pull him to the dance floor. He’s resistant at first but gives in. I don’t care to watch him hold her so closely, so I busy myself with straightening already perfectly placed roses in a floral arrangement.
“Adelyn.” I turn at the sound of Lawrence’s voice. “Everything is perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better event to celebrate the beginning of our cider company.”
Lawrence is literally one of the most gracious people I’ve ever met. Kind. Grateful. Unlike most of my clients who act so damn entitled. It’s a nice change.
“I’m thrilled that you’re pleased with the way everything turned out.”
I went the extra mile for Lawrence. I wanted this event to be perfect for her and Oliver since BCC is a reflection of Iron City.
“I can’t wait to see what you come up with for Ollie’s birthday. He’s going to be so surprised.”
Oliver’s thirtieth birthday is going to be a night he’ll never forget. “I promise you this—good times will be had.”
“I have complete faith in you.”
I occupy myself with a bit of this and that and fight the urge to search for Oliver because I’m afraid of what I might see. Or might not see if he’s slipped away with Miss Bootylicious in the tight red dress.
I leave the kitchen and come face-to-face with Oliver, minus the curvaceous brunette. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I echo.
“Do you have a free minute?”
I’ve been dying to talk to him all night, but I didn’t want to make the first move since these are his people. “Absolutely.”
“I have someone I’d like to introduce you to.”
My heart plummets to my toes when I realize his intention for finding me. “Oh, yeah. I’d love to meet your friend.”
“What friend?”
“The woman you were dancing with. Red dress.”
“That was a client and not who I want you to meet.” He takes my hand and loops it over his arm, leading me across the warehouse. “You’ve topped anything our former event coordinator ever planned for Iron City.”
It’s always good to hear praise, but coming from Oliver’s lips, it feels like a welcome caress. “I’m glad you like the things I chose.”
“Our clients are impressed. That makes me very happy.”
Mission accomplished.
“We aim to please since that tends to be good for business.”
“I would agree.”
We approach a man and woman, both appearing to be in their sixties. “These are my parents. Quentin and Libby Thorn. This is my neighbor, Adelyn Maxwell.”
Mrs. Thorn surprises me with a hug. “It’s very nice to meet you, Adelyn. We’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about you.”
From whom? Lawrence or Oliver?
“It’s nice to meet you too. I’ve heard nothing but good things about you as well.”
I’ve learned many things about Oliver Thorn throughout the last few weeks and one specific piece of information stands above all others. He loves his parents and Lawrence very much.
Quentin and Libby Thorn. A childless couple from Savannah who took a broken little boy and girl and used love and compassion to make them whole for the first time in their lives. That’s a true love story.
“How long are you in town?”
“We have to leave for
home in the morning.”
That’s too bad. “I’m going to issue you a rain check for breakfast next time you’re in town.”
Mrs. Thorn lights up when Oliver puts his arm around my shoulder. It feels like he’s saying I’m his even if I know I’m not. But I still like it. “This woman bakes some of the most amazing bread you’ll ever put in your mouth.”
“Then we definitely have to take you up on your breakfast offer next time we visit.”
“I would love that.”
Oliver squeezes my shoulder. “Is it against policy for the event coordinator to accept a dance invitation while on a job?”
“Maybe but I am the boss. I don’t think anyone will call me out on it.”
“What about it, sweet Lib?” Oliver’s dad takes his mom’s hand in his and kisses the tops of her fingers. “Does my beautiful girl wanna take a whirl with me on the dance floor?”
Oh my God. They are absolutely adorable.
I see exactly where Oliver gets his charm. Mr. Thorn is a sweetheart. A real gentleman.
Mrs. Thorn’s brows lift. “Beautiful girl, huh? Sounds like someone is buttering me up so he can get lucky later tonight.” Oliver’s mom leans over and winks at me. “And I bet he does.”
Freaking. Priceless.
Mr. Thorn tugs on his wife’s hand. “Come on, my beautiful girl. Let’s show these kids how it’s done.”
Oliver’s mother uses her free hand to touch my arm. “In case we don’t get to talk later, it was lovely meeting you, Adelyn.”
“You, too. And I’m serious about that rain check.”
“Look forward to it, darling.”
I can’t not smile as I watch the Thorns take the dance floor by storm.
Oliver reaches for my hand and tugs. “Come on, my beautiful girl.” He’s repeating his father’s words to be funny, but they still turn me into a puddle on the floor.
I’m still grinning when we find a spot on the floor. “Entertaining, right?”
More than entertaining. “Your dad is so sweet and romantic.”
“He’s good to Mom but no better than she is to him.”