By the time dinner rolled around, I was completely spent. Taylor had to head home to grab a few things, so it was just Calum and me. He was being such a good boy. I wondered if he sensed something was off. He’d been cuddled up at my side watching Real Steel. He only got up to dance with the robot, and that was the first time I laughed all day. Leave it to my boy to put a smile on my face in any situation.
We got a lot accomplished today. Mrs. Smith was able to meet with us to make preparations for a Monday service. Of course, Mama had already made arrangements, ever the planner. Everything was paid for, the plot picked, even a casket selected. Maybe she was just planning ahead, or she knew that I wouldn’t be able to deal with this. Either way, I’d never been so appreciative of her OCD tendencies. The one thing I hadn’t found was a will or lawyer’s information. This was a small town, so I thought for sure all it would take to find out was a few phone calls, but that could wait.
There was a knock at the door. “Come in.”
I heard heavy footsteps, and I looked up to find Hunter standing there. “Hey.” We both said in unison.
Hunter wasn’t looking at me. He was watching Calum dance around with the robot on the television. “He’s pretty good. How many times has he seen this?”
I laughed. “Way too many to count. He’s been obsessed with this movie since he was about a year and a half.”
“Mind if I take a seat?” He gestured to the sofa.
I waved him over, and he came to sit beside me. We watched Calum mimic the dance moves that came up on the screen. When the movie ended, I got up and scooped Calum into my arms. “Time for bed, little monster.”
“I a robot.”
I tickled his stomach just to hear him giggle. “I’ll just be a few minutes. Make yourself at home. There are casseroles everywhere in the kitchen. Feel free to help yourself.”
He smiled and nodded.
Taking my time getting Calum ready for bed, my stomach swarmed with butterflies. I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous about being alone with him. I was just hoping Taylor would be back sooner rather than later. Ugh, I was being such a teenage girl right now.
I’d taken over twenty minutes lying with Calum, fifteen of which he was sleeping. I really should go down. I changed into my Pink boyfriend sweats and a white tank before throwing my hair in a messy bun and heading down the stairs. I rounded the corner, and Hunter stopped mid-bite with his mouth wide open.
Looking down at myself, trying to see what he was staring at, I didn’t see anything wrong. “What?” I asked with my hand on my hip with boatloads of attitude, although I was feeling extremely self-conscious.
Hunter blinked multiple times before looking away and continuing to eat. “Nothing, sorry.”
“Hunter, what the fuck? Do I have a stain or something?” I looked down again.
“No, no stain. I just, shit. Nothing, okay? Please drop it.” He was still not looking at me.
Walking over to him, I leaned down, so he had no choice but to meet me eye to eye. “Are you all right?”
He sat up straighter. “Yep, I’m all good. This casserole is amazing. I should get the recipe. Do you know who made it?”
I gave up and walked around the counter to sit on a stool and rolled my eyes at him. “You’re so full of shit.”
He snickered, knowing I was right. After cleaning off his plate, he placed it in the dishwasher and walked around to stand next to me. Leaning against the counter, he sighed. “So.” He didn’t say anything else.
“So.” I looked up at him, and he had a glazed-over look in his eyes. “I was thinking of grabbing a beer and sitting out back, want to join me?” Maybe getting outside wouldn’t feel as claustrophobic, because right now, even in my tank, I felt like I was in a sauna.
“Works for me. I’ll get the beer. You lead the way.” He walked around to grab the bottles from the fridge, and I took the baby monitor from the counter before heading outside.
I purposely chose one of the Adirondack chairs, so we weren’t too close. Distance was good. He sat down in the one next to me.
“How was work? I hope you got everything sorted from the other day.” Small talk seemed safe.
“Yeah, I did, and the guys were back on-site the next day. I tried to come by earlier, but Mike had an appointment. And I try not to leave the guys without Mike there to cover for me.”
“That’s okay. I appreciate you coming by, but it’s not necessary. I wouldn’t want to put you out.” I smiled at him, trying to reassure him that he didn’t have to babysit me.
He grabbed my chair, turning it so we faced each other, and pulled it forward. Toe to toe. “Don’t do that. I didn’t come because it was necessary. I came because I wanted to.”
I looked down and wrung my fingers together. I didn’t know what to think about Hunter being in my life right now. On one hand, it felt comfortable and right, but on the other, I felt like he was there to watch over me.
“Look at me, Jules. You don’t honestly think that I’m here out of obligation, do you?”
I looked up and shook my head. That’s not who Hunter was. He was kind and caring and would want to be here for me.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I know you care, and you’re grieving, too. I’m trying to deal with so much at once, and I’m not sure my brain can handle it all if that makes sense?”
He smiled and reached out to take my hand. “That makes complete sense. I have a lot going on in my head, too, and it’s been hard to manage it all, but I’m trying. I’m glad you’re allowing me to be here for you. I want to be, okay?”
I nodded and took a long swig of my beer. We sat there in silence, still holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes.
The sound of the back door shutting startled me. I nearly jumped out of my skin and pulled my hand out of Hunter’s.
“Hey, guys. Whatcha doin’?” Taylor said in a singsong voice, like we’d been caught doing something we shouldn’t.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head.
“Hey, Tays. I was actually just leaving. I need to get home,” he said as he got up. I got up with him and he stepped into my space, taking me by the shoulders. “All right, well, I’ve said this a million times, but if you need anything, anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call.”
I moved in and hugged his waist, and he immediately hugged me back. “Thank you.”
He held me a little tighter. We stayed like this for a few moments. He then sighed loudly before pulling back. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Taylor had a huge grin on her face. I rolled my eyes internally not wanting Hunter to see and take it the wrong way.
“Promise me you’ll try to relax and get some rest?” He gave me a questioning look before kissing the top of my head and turning to leave. “See ya, Taylor,” he said as he passed her.
She waved as he left out the side gate.
Looking over at her, I could tell she was dying to say something that I didn’t want to hear. I lifted my hand, letting her know to stop right there. “I don’t want to hear it.”
She burst out laughing. “Me?” Feigning innocence, she continued bullshitting. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.” The humor in her voice gave her away, but so did the smirk on her face.
“Mmmhmm, sure you don’t. I want to have a couple glasses of wine and try to pass out. You in?” I was really hoping to get a good night’s sleep and wake up without a hangover.
“Whatever you want, but let’s stick to two glasses instead of bottles this time.”
We laughed and headed inside. Taylor put in a movie, and I grabbed the wine before sitting down to veg out. The film started, and I couldn’t help but laugh at my best friend. The Ugly Truth was our all-time, go-to movie when we needed to get our minds off anything. We’d probably seen it over a hundred times.
“I love you. You’re the bestest bestie ever.” I was so fortunate to have her.
“Girl, I love you too, but this movie was put on for me.” S
he laughed, and I chucked a pillow at her head.
“All joking aside, this is exactly what I needed to keep my thoughts elsewhere. Thank you for being here.” I smiled at my best friend. I didn’t know what I would do without her.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than right here with you.” She sounded a little choked up, so I snuggled up beside her and turned to the TV to keep from crying.
20
Jules
I knew it was a little odd, but I loved waking up with my bestie beside me. Who needed a man, right? Okay, I wouldn’t go that far, but for right now, having Taylor by my side was exactly what I needed.
I lay there for a few minutes until the silence started to creep in and it became a little too much. Rolling over, I fell to the floor with a loud thud. “Fuck.”
I looked up to see Taylor’s eyes still closed, but she was gasping for breath because she was laughing so hard.
“Bitch, that hurt. Don’t laugh at me.” She continued laughing, so I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her down to the floor with me.
Her eyes flew open. “What the fuck?” She was awake now.
With a smug smile, I stood up. “Hurts, doesn’t it, whore?” I laughed and walked into the kitchen. “Do you want tea or coffee?”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
Tea it is. I decided that I wasn’t in the mood for cooking, so fruit, yogurt, and granola sounded like a plan to me, and Calum would devour it. After breakfast was ready, I headed upstairs to get my boy ready. As I walked past the living room, I called out to Taylor.
“Water’s boiling. I’m going to get the monster up.”
Listening just outside his room, I heard Calum talking to himself. I opened the door just enough to peek in. He was lying on his back, hands in the air, chatting away. I couldn’t make out most of what he was saying, but he was just the cutest thing ever. I loved watching him when he had no idea I was there.
His face lit up when he noticed me. “Mama.”
“Hey, handsome. How’s my boy?” I scooped him up and squeezed him tight. “Who’s hungry?” He shook his head, little bugger.
“Let’s get you dressed, mister, and fill that tummy.” I tickled his belly, causing him to giggle; man, I loved that sound.
After getting Calum ready, we went downstairs to get some much-needed caffeine and breakfast. I put Calum in his high chair with his fruit and yogurt. I was going to regret throwing out all of his bibs after this.
“There’s my favorite boy.” Taylor kissed him on the head.
“Tay Tay.” He got so excited when he saw her. They’d become really close since we’d been here.
“So, what are y’all up to today?” She made herself a cup of tea as she spoke.
“I need to get out of this house. I was thinking of taking Calum over to the Everglades.” I thought it’d be good to keep busy and take my mind off things. I’d been doing pretty well. I was bottling my feelings, and it hadn’t truly hit me, yet. I may have been naïve, but I just wanted distraction after distraction. There was never any time to have a meltdown as a single mother.
“I wish I could tag along.”
“Me, too. Maybe next time.” I turned to Calum who had yogurt and granola in every orifice and all in his hair. I burst out laughing.
“You’re so freaking cute, even though you’re all messy. What do you say we see some gators today?”
He clapped his hands together, sending yogurt flying. “Gators.” He was going to love this.
“I think someone needs a bath first.” I unbuckled Calum to take him upstairs.
Taylor leaned over and sniffed me. “I think it’s Mommy that stinks. Whatcha think, Cali?”
“Mama tinky.” They both laughed at me. Little brats.
“I need to get to work, I’ll see you guys later.”
It was almost eleven by the time we were ready, so we packed a picnic lunch to have at the park.
Once we arrived, we walked along the boardwalk, pointing out all the alligators. Calum screeched his excitement every time he saw one; it was adorable. I took a bazillion photos and videos; yes, I was one of those moms. I was going to fill Facebook and Instagram with our whole day.
We sat down for lunch a couple hours later, and Calum took a few bites before quickly deciding he wanted to go back to see more gators. So, I stuffed my face hurriedly so we could get back to it.
My phone alerted me to a message as I was putting the cooler back in the car. Grabbing my phone, I smiled, seeing it was a text from Hunter.
Hunter: Hey, beautiful. Hope you’re having a good day :)
Me: Hey :) We’re on the boardwalk. Calum loves the alligators. How’s your day so far?
Hunter: Wish I was there with you guys. I bet Calum’s face is priceless.
He wishes he was here? What did that mean?
I shook my head. I didn’t know why I read so much into everything. I mean, on one hand, I thought Hunter was a great guy, and he was just being nice. But then he looked at me or said some things that threw me for a loop, and I started thinking he meant more. Ugh.
I needed to calm down, I was being ridiculous.
Me: OMG it is. Sorry you have to work. That really sucks.
Hunter: Rub it in a little more.
Me: LOL! Calum’s pulling my hand to get back to the gators. I’ll ttyl?
Hunter: Of course.
I put my phone away, butterflies swarmed in my stomach, but I tamped them down and focused on my boy. I lifted Calum over my head and onto my shoulders.
“All right, buddy, let’s go find some more gators.”
He threw his little hands in the air and shouted, almost falling backward in his excitement. I loved our little adventures.
21
Hunter
I was running late for lunch, so I texted Taylor quickly to let her know I was on my way as I hopped in my truck.
Twenty minutes later, I was driving around the building, trying to find a spot with no luck. Squire’s was packed today, leaving me no choice but to park at the hardware store across the street. I hated being late, and I was fifteen minutes behind by the time I walk through the doors. We hadn’t been able to do this in a couple months with both our crazy work schedules, so it was nice to get this opportunity.
Leaning over, I kissed Taylor’s cheek. “I’m sorry I’m late. Work was hectic, and I couldn’t find a parking spot.”
“It’s fine. I literally just sat down. I had to wait for a table.” She smiled.
The restaurant was louder than usual. “Why is this place so busy? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this crazy before.”
“Small-town rumors are swimming about some country singer supposedly coming today.” She rolled her eyes. “I can’t remember who, though. Anyways, how are you? How are things with Jules?” She tilted her head, giving me a sad smile.
“No fucking around with you, huh? Straight to the point.” Laughing, I shook my head. “I’ve been better. I feel like I’m hovering, and I don’t want to bother her. I feel like even if she doesn’t want me around, I still need to be there for her. Is that selfish?”
“No matter what, I know Jules wants you around. She’s going through a lot right now, but so are you. We all need to be there for each other. I don’t think she realizes how close you and her mom had gotten since she left. That’s why I wanted to have lunch, touch base, and check on you.” She patted my arm on the table.
“Thanks, I appreciate it. I haven’t had much time to process that Stephanie’s really gone. I’ve been so busy with work, and when I’m not working, I’m thinking about Jules and what I can do to help.” Scrubbing my hands down my face, I sighed.
“I feel like I’m walking through quicksand. I mean, just the other night, I was getting ready to go on what I considered a date with Jules. She was within my grasp, and then Stephanie passed, leaving us all in limbo.” Pulling on the back of my neck, I groaned in frustration. “God, I sound like such a selfish asshole.”
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br /> Taylor reached across the table and took my hand. “You are far from selfish. You’ve been waiting years for her to come back. You have every right to feel frustrated. I’m here to listen and talk about anything you need.”
Heather came over to take our order. She eyed our hands on the table, then looked at the both of us incredulously.
Taylor being Taylor piped up. “Hey, Heather. Do you have something you’d like to say?” She clucked her tongue and cocked a brow, daring her.
Heather shook her head and plastered on a fake smile. “What can I get y’all?”
Taylor’s victorious smirk made me roll my eyes and shake my head. She always made all the other girls cry when we were in school, such a hard-ass. Couldn’t wait to see who she married one day.
We placed our orders, and Taylor turned her attention back to me. “Wanna take bets on what the word around town will be by tomorrow?”
I laughed; she was right. “I bet Heather’s already texting her friends in the back.”
“Maybe it’ll get back to Jules, and she’ll get jealous and pounce on your ass.” She laughed maniacally.
“Somehow, I doubt she’d ever be jealous of us.”
She laughed, knowing full well I was right. “Definitely wouldn’t catch me in your pants. That’s gross. You’re like my brother or some shit. Sorry, but no.” She scrunched up her nose like she’d just smelled something foul.
“No offense, but I feel the same way.”
“None taken.” She took a sip of her drink before speaking. “So, what’s your plan?”
“My plan?” I raised a brow.
Leaning in close, she let out a breath. “Please tell me you have a plan to get her back?”
Oh, that kind of plan. “Umm, not really.” I shrugged. “I had everything planned out before. Now I’m lost as to where I go from here.”
Wrecked by Her (Like a Hurricane Duet Book 1) Page 12
