by C. Morgan
Then, it was time for lunch.
It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see Percy was on edge. From the second I parked my truck, I saw him pacing outside the bar. I furrowed my brow as I hopped out of my vehicle. I made my way to him, watching him continue to pace. The second I walked up, he stopped. But the worry didn’t fade away from his face.
“You good, man?” I asked.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Just hungry.”
“Well, let’s get you some food, then, big guy!”
He was silent as we sat down at our booth and as we placed our orders, even as we got our food. It was very unlike Percy to be so silent. I wondered what was on his mind.
“You wanna talk about it?” I asked.
“How are things going with Liv?”
Distraction. Fair enough. “Uh, well. I’m hopeful for the future. So, I suppose good. I’m working through this list of things Liv wants me to do to prove I’m serious about her.”
“So, you did agree to do those tasks and shit like that.”
Oh, yeah. I had told him about that. “Yep. I mean, I didn’t think it’d be an actual ‘list’ list. But I’m good with it anyway.”
“I’m shocked you agreed to that bullshit.”
“I mean, it’s Liv. If that’s what she wants, that’s what she gets.”
“How do you know she’s not just bullshitting you? You know, for entertainment?”
I laughed. “Come on, this is Liv we’re talking about. She doesn’t have a manipulative bone in her body.”
“You mean, like you?”
I sighed. “I suppose I deserved that one.”
“Dude, I mean, come on. A list of shit to do to prove something? How do you know she’s not gonna dump you once you’ve done all her chores?”
I quirked an eyebrow. “Again, this is Liv.”
“And again, people change.”
“Liv isn’t like that. You, of all people, should know that. You’re the one who’s been around her since I’ve been gone. Has she changed all that much?”
“I mean, you don’t want to start fresh? You obviously have a new attitude. Tandy’s been talking about you a lot recently. I think she might like you.”
I grinned. “Can’t help the ‘Jake effect.’ You know that.”
“I could set you two up.”
“I appreciate the offer, dude. But I’m good.”
“Seriously. Tandy’s, like, in love with you. It’s a sure thing. And my sister’s great.”
I paused. “I’m trying to get back with Liv. I’m not going to screw that up by dating your sister.”
“Well, I mean, you weren’t too keen on settling down with her the last time you were in town.”
I tossed my wing down. “What the hell does that mean?”
He held his hands up. “I’m sorry that I’m the bad guy right now. But all I’m saying is that you’ve only been in town for a few days, and things are still raw for people around here. You left a lot of people hanging. Myself, included. Don’t try rushing into something now that you’re back. Don’t try to rewrite the past so quickly. You’re cruisin’ for a world of hurt. So, you might as well know you’ve got options.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Well, I’m in love with Liv and not interested in anyone else.”
He smiled. “Your funeral, my man.”
Chapter 16
Liv
Not even Tandy can ruin my mood today.
“Get those plugs on the shelves. You’re running behind.”
“Liv, there’s a customer that needs to be checked out. Pay attention.”
“You need to take a break and get some coffee. You’re losing your stride, and I need you on this floor.”
As I made my way into the break room, I guzzled down some terrible coffee. But it was better than nothing. Tandy was riding me harder than usual. I tried not to let it get to me, because things were going really well in my world right now. Jake and I were on a roll. He was still that loveable goofball I remembered, but with a hint of maturity that made him all the more enticing. After having him drop me off at my apartment, I let myself hope for the best. I let myself envision the best outcome for this scenario.
And it had me floating on cloud nine.
“Break’s over. Come on. There’s a line at the register,” Tandy said.
I rushed to the front and got them all checked out. Then, I headed into the stockroom to start pulling things for shelves. I stocked everything full and took the excess back, breaking a sweat as it trickled down my back. I couldn’t wait to see what Jake had in store for the laundromat tonight. I was excited to see him. Again.
“You got a second?”
“Shit!” I exclaimed.
I whipped around and found Percy staring at me.
“You good?” he asked.
I sighed. “Sorry. You just scared me, that’s all.”
“Didn’t mean to.”
Well, you’re making a habit of it. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to talk to you about what we expect in the store now that you’re seeing someone.”
I paused. “Okay?”
He took a step closer to me, and it made me back up a bit.
“Whatever’s going on between you and Jake? It doesn’t come into the store. No having date lunches in the break room. No lip-locking out front or anything. And he can’t come in here to distract you. At all.”
I nodded. “I get it. I’ll let him know. But I never planned on doing anything like that anyway.”
“Well, it wasn’t appreciated when he barged in here the first time.”
“In my defense, I had no clue he was back in town.”
“And that’s fine. But if he’s done it once? He’ll do it again. Make sure you talk with him. Okay?”
“Will do, Percy. Of course.”
But he didn’t leave. He just kept staring at me with something rushing behind his eyes.
“Is there anything else?” I asked.
“I don’t know if it’s my place, so I’ll keep it short: I remember when you came into this store looking for a job. Do you?”
I hesitated. “Yeah. I do.”
“You begged my father for a job. And we worked side by side for a while until he passed away. I saw you cry over Jake. I covered for you in the bathrooms more times than I cared to admit to. Are you not worried about getting involved with him again?”
I understood his worry. Especially after witnessing the aftermath on my end. But it still wasn’t his place.
“He’s changed, Percy. Give him some time,” I said.
“Are you sure about that?” he asked.
“I mean, you still hang out with him. Right?”
“Just got lunch with him, yeah.”
“Great. So, have you seen a change in him?”
He shrugged. “All I know is that Jake enjoyed the company of a lot of women over the past five years.”
“He—he did?”
“Yep. Many of them. And he’s still young. We’re all still young, Liv. Why the hell would he settle down now?”
I blinked. “Why are you saying these kinds of things about your best friend?”
“Because I also consider you a friend. You’re my best employee. And if he hurts you again, this store is going to suffer in your absence.”
“Well, as my friend, trust my judgment. I believe what Jake is telling me. So, if you don’t believe anything he might be telling you? Then, trust my judgment of the situation.”
I figured that was the end of the conversation, until he closed the gap between us. He strode for me, placing his hand against my shoulder. I didn’t like how it felt.
“Percy? I—”
“It’s hard for me to say this because Jake is my friend. My longest friend. But I have to look out for my employees. I promised my father when he died that his store wouldn’t go under. So, I’m cutting this off at the head before it gets worse.”
I shrugged his touch off. “What are you talking about?”
He sighed. “Liv, I’m sorry. I really thought he’d tell you. But Jake’s taken my sister out on a couple of dates since he’s been back in town.”
I felt my stomach drop. “Wh—what?”
He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I really am. I get it, I’m your boss. It’s not my place. But that’s my sister. And you’re my best employee. I see him stringing you along, and I can’t stand by any longer waiting for the moment when you tell me he’s finally been honest with you. I just can’t.”
“You’re—you’re sure of this?”
He snickered. “Yeah, I’m sure. It’s my sister, for crying out loud. She never shuts up about shit like that.”
I felt tears crest my eyes, my heart shattering in my chest. Before I knew it, Percy had me against his chest. He stroked my hair as silent tears fell down my cheeks. I drew in shaky breaths as I tried my best to keep my composure.
“It’s okay. I’ve got you. You’re good,” he murmured.
“What?” I whispered.
“I’m sorry, Liv. I really am. I had no idea if it was my place to say something or—”
I sniffled. “No, no. It’s okay. Um, thank—thank you.”
I pulled away from his grip and wiped at my face.
“I’ll be here for you. Just like I was back then. And if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
I sighed. “Could I, um—”
I tried to find my words as Percy stood there, patiently waiting on me.
“Could I have the rest of the day off?” I asked.
“Of course, Liv. I’ve got it covered. Clock out and go home. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
Then, I rushed out of the back room, feeling sick to my stomach and more lost than ever before.
Chapter 17
Jake
I sat outside in my truck, waiting for Liv to come out. But as four thirty crept around, I decided to go in. I hopped out of my truck while it was still running. I was anxious to get to the laundromat before it filled up tonight. I walked into the store and searched for Liv. But instead, I found Percy walking up to me with a scowl on his face.
“Hey. Liv off yet?” I asked.
“I let her go home. She was too upset,” he said.
I blinked. “Upset? About what?”
“I knew there was something wrong. Something about this that didn’t seem right.”
“What? The hell are you talking about?”
Percy took a step toward me. “I figured out who you really are. Why you’re really back.”
“Uh, you wanna back up and fill me in on something?”
“No, I don’t. What I want is for you to get the hell out of my store, move on, and get the fuck out of town.”
I scoffed. “Excuse me?”
“You’re not welcome back in this store, nor are you welcome back in Roosevelt. Get. Out.”
He backed me right out the damn front doors before slamming them in my face. My eyes widened as I slowly turned around, taking in the people staring at me underneath the awning. I bolted for my truck. I needed to get to Liv’s. Whatever the hell had just happened, someone had misinterpreted something. Until it dawned on me.
The questions at lunch.
I slammed back out of my truck and stormed into the general store. I walked right up to Percy and fisted his collar, bringing his eyes directly to mine. I snarled at him, my veins pumping with a need for vengeance. He shoved me back before smoothing his hands down his shirt, looking as if he were ready for a brawl.
“What the hell did you tell Liv?” I asked.
“The truth,” he spat.
“And what truth is that? Some truth you made up?”
“You yell again in my store and you’ll be banned from it.”
I strode back up to him. “You tell me what the fuck you told Liv, and you tell me right now. Or so help me, God—”
“You’ll what?” He glowered.
“What. Did you tell. Liv?”
He sneered. “You don’t deserve her, you know?”
“What?”
“Yeah. You don’t. You think you deserve the world, but what you deserve is a nice place in hell. You threw that woman away years ago. And I was the one who picked up the pieces to her world. Who covered her ass with my father when we were nothing but employees running the same floors of this place. I listened as she begged my father for a job. Anything to keep her afloat after you left. I listened as she cried in those bathrooms. I listened as she cried in my arms. I watched over her. I made sure Tandy didn’t get rid of her when Dad died and we were forced to take over this place. I did that. Not you. Because you were gone. Traveling the country and calling me up to brag about the other women you were fucking.”
My fists clenched with anger. “Did you tell her that?”
“You don’t think she deserved a right to know? That girl hasn’t taken one single solitary man since you’ve been gone. And you threw your cock at anyone who would take it.”
“Did you tell her that?” I repeated through gritted teeth.
He gripped my shirt. “I want you out. Now.”
Then, it hit me. “You want her.”
“What?”
I shoved him away from me. “You want Liv all to yourself, don’t you?”
“I don’t give a shit how you twist this. You don’t deserve her, Jake.”
I got in his face, trying my best not to slug him. “Well, you don’t get her, Percy. Liv is mine. And if she was at all interested in you, she would have already shown it after five. Solid. Years.”
“You’re the idiot who was dumb enough to give her up.”
“Is that why you encouraged the annulment?”
“What?”
I snickered. “Answer the fucking question, Percy. When it came back that Liv wasn’t actually pregnant, is that why you encouraged the annulment? Wanted me to get one so badly? Because you wanted her all to yourself?”
“You’re a paranoid asshole, you know that?”
“Were you trying to get rid of me then so you could go after Liv? Be her comforter? Protector?”
“You were already leaving. I just convinced you to have mercy on that poor girl.”
I brought my fist back, ready to punch him into next week. But instead, I shoved him away. I placed my hands on his chest and shoved him so hard he fell into a rack and knocked it over, sending the rest of the racks tumbling down like dominoes in some fucked-up power game.
“Percy!” Tandy exclaimed.
I pointed my finger at him as he lay there and tried my best not to curb-stomp his fucking nuts.
“If you’ve ruined any chances I have with Liv, I’ll be back to kick your ass until you can’t shit straight.”
I rushed out of the general store and leapt into my truck. I sped to Liv’s house, rolling stop signs and blazing through yellow lights. I had to get to her. I had to talk to her. I had to tell her what was really going on. I parked my truck and rushed up the steps. I knocked furiously on the front door.
“Come on, Liv. Open up. It’s me. We have to talk.”
But she didn’t come to the door.
Chapter 18
Liv
Shit.
I stood up off the couch and turned toward the front door. Fucking hell, he remembered my hiding place for the spare key.
I need a new hiding place.
“What do you want?” I asked.
I watched him stride through the front door, leaving it hanging wide open.
“Are you going to close that?” I asked.
“When you hear me out, yes,” Jake said.
“I don’t have to do a damn thi—”
“Percy has a crush on you. And anything he’s said to you is a flat-out lie.”
I blinked. “What?”
“I don’t know what the hell’s happening, but Percy has wanted to drive a wedge between us for years. Back then, and now. He’s trying to do it now. What did he tell you?”
I furrowed my brow. “The hell are
you talking about?”
“Percy. My friend. Well, ex-friend. It—it doesn’t matter. What did he say to you?”
“He—he said you were dating his sister.”
He laughed bitterly. “I’d never date Tandy. Percy and I were at lunch today and he tried to set me up with his sister, but I told him no. That I had my sights set on you, and that’s all I wanted.”
I shook my head. “What are you talking about?”
“All those years ago, Percy encouraged me to get that annulment. When we figured out you weren’t pregnant, he and I talked a lot. I didn’t know what to do. What to say. How to go about things. And he encouraged me to go out there into the world and seek it out. Travel. Experience the life I always talked about.”
“You had one foot out the door anyway, Jake. What happened wasn’t Percy’s fault.”
“That isn’t the point, Liv.”
“Then, what is the point?”
“The point is my best friend wants to fuck you, so he’s feeding you lies!”
His eyes grew wild. He looked desperate. And while I wanted to believe Jake, I wasn’t sure. I mean, it made sense. Kind of, anyway. I’d known something was up with my boss for a couple of years now. But Jake was talking about five entire years.
“I mean, just because you aren’t dating Tandy doesn’t mean we’re right for each other,” I said.
Jake cupped my cheeks. “That’s the thing. We are right for each other. Me, for you. And you, for me. Can’t you see that, Liv?”
“I think this is a bad idea,” I whispered.
“No. It’s not. Don’t do this, Liv. This is what they want. They don’t want us together. Percy doesn’t want us together.”
“Maybe all that happened between us was for a reason. Maybe you leaving was for a good reason.”
“Bullshit, and you know it.”
