I felt Taylor’s hand on my knee. “Honey, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you. What you and Hunter had was, no, is special. I’ve never seen two people so in love. If I ever found a love like that, I would pine after it forever.”
I looked up at her and rolled my eyes. “Was that supposed to make me feel better? Because it didn’t. Now all I can think about is Hunter. God, you’re such a bitch. How the hell am I going to handle seeing him again?”
“You’ll be fine. One look at you and he’ll be head over heels again.” She grinned.
I smacked her shoulder. “I highly doubt that. I bet he’s probably fucking some hot young thing who doesn’t have a kid.”
She sighed. “Jules, I’m not going to lie. Hunter has had his fair share of women over the years, but he’s only had one relationship, and I use that term lightly. Desiree thinks she’s going to hook him, but honestly, I think to Hunter she’s just a consistent lay. They’re on and off constantly, he doesn’t look at her like he looked at you. I believe as of last week they’re off.”
“Fuck, Taylor, I don’t want to hear about Hunter’s fuck buddies. What the hell is wrong with you?” I plugged my ears, ready to sing la la la to drown her out.
“Shit. Sorry, you’re right. I wasn’t thinking. Anyways, you don’t have to think about that just yet. Let’s just drink our margaritas and enjoy this beautiful night.”
“Sounds good.”
We both settled back against the pillows and sipped our drinks, keeping the conversation light for the rest of the evening. I called it a night around ten. I was exhausted from the time change and emotionally drained from today’s activities.
7
Hunter
Walking into Tipsy Cattle, I looked around for Emerson.
“There’s the punkass,” he said from behind.
Turning around, I grabbed him and pulled him in for a one-armed hug. “Thanks for meeting me.” My voice was hoarse as I pulled back.
He slapped me on the shoulder. “Of course, man; let’s drink some beers. Hopefully, this doesn’t turn into a chick chat.” He chuckled.
Emerson could be an asshole, but besides Jules, he’d been my longest best friend. He knew me better than almost anyone, and I needed to talk about this shit, whether I sounded like a chick or not. “Fuck off. How come my hand is empty, dick?” I rolled my eyes.
We both laughed and headed toward a table in the corner, hoping to stay away from anyone who might spread gossip through this small town. Cody came over and placed our drinks on the table. I lifted my beer to take a swig and made sure to let Cody know to keep ’em coming.
“So, what’s up?” Leave it to Emerson not to fuck around.
“Ugh, where do I start?” My voice was shaky as I thought about how close she was. “Jules is back in town.”
His eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “No shit?”
“No shit. She got here super early this morning.”
“Have you seen her?”
“Nah, what was I supposed to do? Show up and surprise her?” I laughed.
“Fuck yeah. Why not?” He looked at me like I’d lost my mind.
I rolled my eyes; he couldn’t be serious. “I can’t just show up at her place. I need to figure out how to play this.”
“All right, let’s strategize then. What’s the plan?” He rubbed his palms together.
“Dude, if I knew, then I wouldn’t need to have this conversation, would I?” My tone came out more pissed off than I’d intended, but he could be so annoying sometimes.
“Don’t get your panties in a twist. You want my advice?” He arched a brow.
“This should be good,” I muttered under my breath. “Lay it on me—not like I have a choice.”
He smirked, so I took a swig of my beer to prepare for the wisdom that Emerson would bestow. “Listen, I love Jules; the two of you were amazing together, and I truly believe you were meant to be and all that bullshit, but—” His tone was cautious as he spoke.
I threw my hands up, instantly irritated when I heard the word “but.” Not looking forward to what he had to say next, I lifted my beer and gestured for him to continue.
“I think you should be careful. I saw what she did to you last time she left.” He was right. He was there to see how broken I was.
I opened my mouth, ready to interrupt him, but he continued before I got a chance.
“I know, I know, she left for school. But she left without saying goodbye, man; that’s not cool. At the risk of sounding like a bitch, she broke your heart. You were like a totally different person for the longest time.” He picked up his beer and pointed it at me. “We’ve known each other since little league. I just don’t want to see you hurt again.” He was not a wishy-washy guy, but was sincere.
Picking at the label on my bottle, I took a moment to think about what he’d said. “My head’s all over the place. On one hand, I’m excited she’s home and possibly having her back in my life. On the other, I’m terrified to see her. It’s been eight years. There are so many what-ifs. What if she’s changed? What if she doesn’t want to see me? What if she takes off again?” Scrubbing my hands down my face, I sighed. “Fuck! I’ve been waiting for this for so long, to talk to her, touch her, shit, just to be in the same room with her. I feel like a pussy like I’m that fourteen-year-old kid again.”
“Don’t overthink this shit. Take it one day at a time. When are you supposed to see her?”
I didn’t respond, so he cocked a brow, waiting. “I haven’t talked to her. I called when I got home from visiting her mom at Mercy, but I hung up when it went to voicemail.”
“That sucks. Well, in this town, it’s only a matter of time before you run into her. Either way, I think you should reach out and act casual. Shoot the shit and see if you can hang out. Play hard to get, man. Keep the ball in your court so to speak.” He spilled his beer as he gestured with his hands.
Cody brought us another round, giving me a moment to gather my thoughts.
“You’re right. I mean, she left me without a second thought. She should be the one to make things right. I’ll play it cool, and let her sweat it out.” Sinking back into the seat, I relaxed a little, feeling a bit better about my situation.
“Exactly, you did nothing wrong.” He got distracted by a leggy blonde. His eyes followed as she walked by, and I swore he nearly fell out of his seat.
I snapped my fingers in his face to get his attention, he turned to me with a huge smirk on his face.
“What?”
“You still seeing that chick? What’s her name again?” I tried.
“Nice try, fucker. I never told you her name, and I won’t be remedying that either. It’s nothing, just a fuck buddy. If it were anything more, we could have one of these girly convos about her, but it’s not, so nothing to talk about.” His tone was resolute, and I doubted I’d get anything out of him.
“Seriously?” I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re not going to give me anything? What about just some details without names. I haven’t been laid in God knows how long and seeing as Jules is back, I don’t see any action in my near future unless it’s with her.”
I couldn’t believe I was begging him to hear about his sexcapades, but I was dying to know who the mystery woman was. Emerson was usually extremely forthcoming about who was in his bed, but this time he wouldn’t give up the details.
“Not much to tell, dude. She’s great in the sack, usually available, and not clingy and shit. She’s not looking for anything other than a hookup, either, so it’s the perfect situation.” He shrugged and took another sip of his beer.
He was being way too nonchalant about it. Something’s up. “So why the secrecy?”
He adjusted in the seat, seeming uncomfortable with my question. “No reason. We just agreed not to tell anyone.”
I’d get it out of him one of these days, but today wasn’t that day.
“All right, enough chick talk. How’s work? The fam?”
We continued shooting the shit and drank for the next few hours. A few women tried to talk to us, but we politely declined their company. Another surprise from Emerson was he’s not one to say no to a hot chick, no matter what. Something was definitely up with him.
We called it a night just after eleven, both of us tired from work, and I had to be up to have breakfast with my grandparents.
I went to bed feeling a little better but still uneasy about how things would go when I finally saw Jules. I drove past her mom’s place again on my way home. I couldn’t help it. She was so close but felt so far.
Falling asleep to thoughts of seeing her for the first time in so many years had my dreams filled with everything from childhood stolen glances to hot and dirty fantasies.
I woke feeling like I got run over by a truck. My head was pounding, and my body ached. My dreams had me tossing and turning all night, and I seemed to be more anxious this morning than last night. Talking this shit out should have helped me, but I was more confused than ever.
Grams would know what to do, she always did. I jumped out of bed. Big mistake. The first order of business was Advil, then lots of water, and a long-ass shower.
An hour later, I was pulling into the driveway of my childhood home. Being here was always so calming. I knew that when I walked through the front door, I could forget the outside world even if only for a little while.
My grandparents raised me from a young age. My folks died in a car accident when I was just a toddler. I don’t remember them, so Grams and Gramps are all I’ve ever known.
The front door swung open before I could even get out of the cab of my truck, and Grams was waving frantically. Man, I love her. I made my way over, and she immediately pulled me in for a big hug.
“There’s my boy. We’ve missed you.” She kissed me before pulling back to look me up and down at arm’s length. Her brows furrowed. “What’s the matter?” Concern was written all over her face.
I smiled, albeit forcefully. “I’m all right, just trying to work through some things.”
Gramps reached out to shake my hand and slapped me on the shoulder in greeting. “Hey, son, glad you made it. Let’s head inside and chat over some tea.”
“Sounds good.”
We stepped inside and were immediately assaulted by the most amazing smell. “Please tell me that’s cinnamon rolls.”
Grams looked over her shoulder and smiled. “Sure is, just popped them in as you pulled in the driveway.”
I missed her home-cooked goodies. I tried to come by on Sundays, but with the business, it didn’t always work out.
“Have a seat, dear.” She gestured and poured the tea. “So, what’s troubling you?”
Gramps came to sit with us. He didn’t speak, but he was all ears as always.
“Jules came into town yesterday.”
“Ah, yes. I heard she was home.” She gave me a knowing look.
Of course, she did. I bet the small-town gossips were all talking.
“So, what’s the problem? You’ve been waiting a long time for her to come back.”
“I don’t know. I guess the unknown of where we stand has me all mixed up inside. What if she wants nothing to do with me?” My hands scrubbed down my face, scratching at my beard. “All these years I’ve never thought of a possibility that we may not have a future. It was always in my head that we would get back together and live happily ever after. Now that she’s back, I’m not as confident.” I sighed and took a sip of my sweet tea.
“It’s understandable to doubt your position with her after all this time. But, don’t beat yourself up over it. Give it some time. Don’t rush anything, and let things happen naturally. The kind of love you share doesn’t come along often, so I have all the confidence in you two. Take it slow and guard your heart until you’re ready to share it again.” Her tone was soft like it usually was.
The only problem with that was I never got my heart back, and I didn’t want it. Jules had had my heart from the beginning. Now I needed to figure out how to win hers again. I kept my thoughts to myself, not wanting to sound like a chick. “You’re right. I mean, I haven’t even spoken to her. She has a lot going on, and I bet I’m the last thing on her mind.”
Grams reached for my hand, squeezing. “Oh sweetie, you may not be the first thing on her mind, but I can assure you that you’re right up there. She’s most likely having this same conversation with her friends as we speak.”
I refrained from rolling my eyes. Jules knew where I stood. It’d been years since I’d told her, but she knew; at least, I hoped she did. My feelings for her had never wavered. Sure, I’d tried over the years to get her out of my head by attempting to move on, but it never worked.
“Thanks, Grams, I guess I’ll wait and see how things go. I’ve been patient for eight long years. What’s a little more time, right?” I laughed.
“I can hear the doubt in your voice. Have confidence in your feelings and the connection you two share. It was always strong. It’ll get there again. I can feel it.”
I wished I had half the confidence she had in us.
“So, who’s hungry?”
I smiled at Grams, grateful for her subject change. She could probably sense that I didn’t want to talk anymore. My mind was made up; play it cool and see how things went.
We spent the next couple hours eating breakfast, talking about everything under the sun, and avoiding the topic of Jules…for now.
8
Jules
Sunday morning came way too soon. I was beyond exhausted but rolled out of bed and headed to Calum’s room, only he wasn’t there. I heard his giggle coming from downstairs and followed the sound. I popped my head around the corner and yelled, “Boo.”
Calum jumped in his high chair and started to cackle.
Taylor, on the other hand, spilled her coffee down the front of her tank top, and I burst out laughing. “You’re such an ass—”
I covered her mouth with my hand. “Ah, ah, ah, language, Tay Tay.”
She glared at me and leaned in to say, “You’re a whore.”
I laughed and kissed her on the cheek. “You love me.”
I was in desperate need of coffee, so I grabbed the biggest mug I could find. “Morning, little man, how’s my monster doing today?”
“Swim, Tay Tay.”
I looked over at Taylor and back to Calum. “Aw, buddy, I’m sure Tay Tay has stuff to do today.”
“No way. My schedule is all clear. I’m going to spend the day with you guys if you don’t mind?”
I gave her a huge hug. “Thank you. You’re the bestest friend ever.”
“I’m aware, but it’s still nice to hear. What time are you heading to see your mom?”
“Well, I was planning on going after Calum’s nap, but if you’re sticking around then maybe I’ll head over soon so I can come back and spend the afternoon with you guys. Is that all right with you?”
“Works for me. We were just finishing up breakfast, then we’re going to head out to the pool. Go get ready, and go see your mama. We’ll be here when you get back.”
“Thank you.”
After getting ready, I grabbed a cup of coffee on my way out to Mercy.
Walking into the room, I saw her sitting up doing a puzzle in bed. “Hey, Mama, how are you feeling?”
“Hey, baby girl, don’t you worry about me. Where’s my grandson?” She looked around expectantly.
“He’s at home with Taylor. He’s still adjusting to the time change, so his schedule is all out of whack. Taylor offered to watch him again today so I can get some more quiet time with you. But don’t worry, you’ll get to see the little terror soon.”
“Don’t call him that,” she scolded. “He’s the sweetest boy on earth. You better bring him to see me soon, or I’ll bend you over my knee, young lady.” Her tone was stern like when I was a child.
The nurse walked in at that moment. “They’ll be no violence on my watch, Stephanie.”
We all laugh
ed.
“Good morning, Susan. Glad to see your smiling face.”
“Oh, hush. You aren’t happy to see my face, you just want your treat.” She winked at me.
“Susan.” My mother admonished with mock horror on her face as she clutched her chest. “I’m a little taken aback.”
The nurse reached into her pocket and pulled out a Tootsie Pop. “Here you are, you old liar, you.” She tossed the lollipop to my mother as she went about checking her vitals.
“You’re the best. Thank you.” Mom blew her a kiss before picking up her sucker and quickly ripping off the wrapper.
“Hi, my name is Julianne Davis.” I put my hand out to shake hers.
“Oh my, where are my manners? I feel like we already know each other with how much your mother speaks of you. I’m Susan Banyan. We spoke on the phone. It’s great to finally meet you.”
“I remember. It’s nice to meet you, too, Miss Banyan.”
“Please call me Susan. Your mother here is quite the firecracker. She keeps us all on our toes.”
I looked over at my mom who was enjoying her Tootsie Pop and working on her puzzle.
“I bet she does. Any news on her test results?” I said in a hushed voice.
“I looked at her chart before I came in, and I didn’t see anything new, but I know the doctor will be here this afternoon and is expecting a few tests to come back by then. And if I know Doctor Naughton, if they aren’t back, he will personally be calling over to get them.”
“Great. Please keep me informed. Is she still refusing dialysis?”
Susan looked over at my mother. “Unfortunately, yes. Your mother has chosen to forgo treatment. We are keeping her as comfortable as we can though. Aren’t we, Stephanie?”
Wrecked by Her (Like a Hurricane Duet Book 1) Page 5
