by E L Irwin
“But is that safe, AJ?”
“It seems to be. And like I said, I’ve got people here to protect me.”
“I feel that, as your friend and as your agent, I should just say that I don’t like this. Just, just be careful. And, are you sure… about staying there, I mean?”
“I am,” I said, answering both topics. “I’m being careful, and I am sure. Jake, my real dad, he… he made some great provisions for me here. And I just met family that I never knew I had, and I just think that staying here would be for the best right now.”
“Well, just stay in touch. And promise you’ll keep me posted.”
“Will do. You take it easy.”
We hung up, and I took a deep breath, because the harder phone call was the one I was about to make. Harley. She was not going to take this well. I’d promised her earlier that I wouldn’t make this move a permanent one, and here I was going back on my word, doing just that.
I hoped she could understand — I hadn’t planned this. It just sort of happened. And besides, I needed to deal with this Amber business anyway. And it wasn’t like we had lived together. I wasn’t leaving her high and dry and in need of a roommate. After silently procrastinating for another couple of minutes, I picked up my phone again and dialed.
“Harley is hustling and can’t answer the phone right now. If you want a call back, you better leave me your name and number,” her voicemail said.
I couldn’t contain my sigh of relief. I left her a quick message, ever thankful for my slight reprieve. Then, as I needed to confirm with Jo and the Paiges about dinner this weekend, I grabbed my purse and keys and headed into town.
My first stop was to see Jo. Her smile could have lit up the entire block when I walked in. The sight of it did funny things to my heart. I felt lighter, freer, and couldn’t help but return it.
She came from behind the counter and gave me a squeeze.
“Hi, Jo,” I breathed as she held me tight.
“Oh, I’m so glad you came in, AJ.”
“Me, too. Hey, I just wanted to make sure that we’re still on for this Friday.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Good. Seven still a good time?”
“It’s perfect.” Jo smiled.
“Okay.” I nodded. “I’m cooking, so there isn’t anything that you need to do. Just come.”
“I can’t wait. The Paiges are planning to ride out with me. They’re excited as well. Poppy was near to coming out of her skin when I told them that you finally knew.”
That made me smile. “I wish I’d have known sooner. I’m heading there next. I just wanted to check in with you and to give you my number.”
I handed her my business card and told her she could call at any time for any reason. Then we said our goodbyes, and I headed back out. But not before she insisted I take a slice of her strudel with me.
Paige was behind the counter as I entered her store; I didn’t see Poppy, though. She smiled — it seemed a little hesitant to me — but I smiled back, and hers blossomed.
As I reached the counter, I said, “Hello Paige. Jo says that you guys know who I am…”
“AJ,” she said, blinking back tears, “we are thrilled, just thrilled, to have all this out in the open. It’s been so hard, trying not to spill the beans. Especially for Poppy.”
“I’m sorry I made things so difficult.” I tried to apologize.
“No, no, please, do not apologize. AJ, this wasn’t your fault, at all. We understand. We just didn’t want to overwhelm you.”
“I know, but still, I feel bad that this has been so hard on everyone.”
“None of this has been your doing. Decisions were made that have affected us all. Now, we forgive, and we move forward.” She smiled again and said,” We’re really looking forward to dinner on Friday.”
“Good, that’s what I came by for. Just wanted to make sure that we were still on and to give you my business card so you can reach me if you need to.” I said, handing her the card.
“Thank you. Poppy should be back in a minute or two. She went to get a coffee. I know she’ll want to see you.”
“I’ll wait then, just look around.”
About five minutes later, as I was perusing a row of used books, Poppy strolled in, paper coffee cup in hand. She stopped when she saw me, and her face lit up like fireworks. It was almost overwhelming. “AJ!” she cried as she made her way to me. Still clutching her cup, she enthusiastically wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “I’ve been waiting since like forever to do that! You have no idea.”
Chuckling, I said, “Hello, Poppy.”
“My tongue is literally black and blue from the amount of biting I’ve had to do to keep from spilling the beans that I knew who you were. Oh my word, it’s such a weight off my chest!”
I smiled at that. Her goodwill and nature were soothing to the soul. “So, I came by for a couple reasons. I gave your mom my number so you can get ahold of me if you need to. And, I’m needing your advice on something. See, you have amazing hair, and I need a good stylist… so I was hoping you could point me in the right direction.”
Poppy squealed excitedly at hearing that. “Yes! Tessa at The Cut Corner. She’s amazing with hair. We can go over there now if you want.”
My phone buzzed then. Looking at the Caller ID I saw that it was Harley. “Uh, hey, another time, huh? I need to take this call. But I’ll see you this Friday, all right?”
I said a quick goodbye and headed back out to my car. The call had gone to my voicemail, so I waited a moment or two then dialed her back.
“Hey, babe!” Harley said as she answered.
“Hey, whatcha doin’?”
“Calling you back, obviously. I’m on break.”
I chuckled, missing her and her humor. “Hey, so I’ve got something to tell you. And… I need you to listen, all right?”
“You’re not coming back, are you?”
She’d hit it on the head. “No. At least, I’m not moving back there. I’ll come visit, but I think I’m going to stay here, Harley. Jake built a home here for me. And I just met family that I didn’t know I had. I just think, all things considered, with everything that is going on, that staying here is best for right now.”
“I was afraid this was going to happen. I just had this feeling, you know? And, I’ve been wanting to share something with you, AJ. But now you’re not coming back…”
“Harley, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to let you down. You can share anything with me. Anything.”
“I know. It’s just not the same when you’re not here. You were my wingman, AJ! I depended on you.” Harley took a deep breath then let it out in a rush, “Okay, here goes. I’m seeing Kevin.”
I blinked a couple of times and waited for her to continue. When she remained silent, I said, “Kevin?”
“You know — Kevin. Big, hunky, good-looking guy that always smells like coffee and yum?”
My mind was trying to put together what she was saying.
When my silence continued to drag, she burst out, “Kevin! From Café 1134? Kevin Keith Rhoades.”
“You and Kevin?” I finally asked. His name is Kevin Keith Rhoades? Huh.
“Yes, AJ. Me and Kevin.”
“Wow. When did this happen?”
“Sort of right after you left this last time. I’d needed a pick-me-up and stopped back in the next day looking glum because you were gone again, and I was worried, and he bought my drink, and he was just getting off work, and we talked. And it was nice. And I like him.”
“That’s awesome, Harley!”
“You’re not mad?”
“Pssht, no! Why would I be?”
“I dunno. I kind of thought you’d liked him.”
“I mean, I think he’s a cutie and all. Who wouldn’t? But no, I don’t like him like that. Actually, I think it’s perfect.”
“You do? Truly?”
“Truly. Kevin’s great.”
“You’re not just
saying that to make me feel better because you feel guilty for not coming back, right?”
“Oh. My. Word. Harley, I am happy for you. And for Kevin. And besides, I’m interested in someone here, though I’m not sure just where that is going…”
“Ryler, right? I’m right, aren’t I? I knew it! Your voice changes when you talk about him.”
“It does not.”
“Yes, it does.”
“Whatever.”
“Hey, babe,” she said. “Thanks for calling and all, but my break is up. I really gotta get back in there. I’ll see you in a little over four weeks, though, right?”
“Definitely. Can’t wait to see you and show you around. You’ll love Sequim! Love you, Harley. Give my best to Kevin.”
We hung up. I was so glad I’d called her. Losing Harley wasn’t something I would have been able to handle. I was relieved that she’d understood, and that we’d talked. And she and Kevin? That one was going to take me a day or two to process. Kevin really was great. I just never thought of the two of them together. And upon further reflection, he really was a perfect fit for her. It had just come as a shock was all.
Mentally marking two items off my to-do list, I headed for home. Now I needed to get my head in the Amber game.
Opening up my email first, I read all those messages, answering the ones that needed my attention, deleting the ones I didn’t care to acknowledge. Then I checked my Facebook before finally attacking my blog page.
Sure enough, Amber had a message waiting for me. You think everything is about you. You don’t care about anyone but yourself. Well, you will care. And soon.
The threat was there. Subtle, but there. What I needed to do was get her really ticked at me. Get her to flip out and come after me. I was going to need to really dig at her, really make this personal.
Amber, you’re the one making this about me. I care deeply about a lot of things and a lot of people. You don’t even know me, so why do you keep attacking me? I’ve never done anything to you. If you’re so disgusted with me as person and as an author, then stop following me. Stop reading my books. Move on. Your actions and insinuations are insulting. This is nothing more than harassment. So, I’m done. Go away.
Then I hit send and hoped I’d left a mark. At the very least, I hoped it showed her that I wasn’t cowing to her abrasiveness.
Ryler had begun following AJ’s blog a week or more back. Something he never thought he’d ever do. But he and Chief had agreed that they needed to do it to keep an eye on the Amber situation. He happened to be online when AJ posted her latest reply to Amber. He nearly choked on the coffee he’d been trying to swallow. Staring in disbelief, not sure if he should be impressed with her guts or worried for her safety, he heard his phone buzz. Ryler answered it without even looking at who was calling, “Yeah?”
“Have you seen her latest reply to Amber?” Chief asked without preamble.
“I’m looking at it right now.”
“Is she looking for a fight with this woman?”
“I think she’s just looking for a reaction.”
“She should get it with this one.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Best be on the lookout, then.”
“I’m on it.”
They hung up, and Ryler whistled for Shiv as he grabbed his keys and headed out the door.
Minutes later, he parked at Jake’s. Shiv headed off into the brush, sniffing after something, and Ryler let himself in. The house was quiet. He wondered where she was. “AJ?” he called out. No answer. Her car was parked out front, so he knew she was here. “AJ?” he called out louder. Still no answer. Telling himself he was being ridiculous, Ryler tried to calm his pulse. His gut tightened, and his mouth felt dry.
He checked the downstairs thoroughly with still no sign of her. Then he headed up to the second floor, hoping maybe she was just out on the balcony and hadn’t heard him come in, or call. Maybe she had headphones in or something. Or, he supposed, she could be in the shower. That made his pulse pick up for an entirely different reason.
Ryler’s heart tripped over itself as he entered her bedroom. Late afternoon sunshine, peeking beneath the low clouds, was spilling through the open balcony doors, bringing a mild breeze in with it. Somewhere off in the distance, he heard the rumble of thunder and could smell the rain on the air.
AJ lay on her bed, facing the coming storm. A small throw blanket was pulled partially over her. Her hands were tucked under her chin, her knees curled to her chest.
Walking softly, Ryler approached the bed. He watched her intently, his eyes scanning over each feature. AJ shifted, one leg sliding down, out from beneath her blanket. A small patch of sunlight caught the sun tattoo on her thigh, and he took a slow, deep breath. He hadn’t wanted this. This need. This attraction. And yet, here it was. Here she was.
Ryler had been in an endless tunnel since the explosion, since Lorna left. And now, somewhere in the here and now and the future, he could see a light. AJ was the light. She’d streaked across his sky like a comet, lighting everything up. Lighting him up. She’d changed him. Sparking something deep within. And now he didn’t know that he’d ever be able to let her go.
Ryler was still processing all that AJ had awoken inside him. The thought that that light might somehow be in danger made him livid. His jaw clenched as he tried to control the flash of anger. Whoever this person was — man or woman — they would never touch her. Ryler would see to that.
AJ shifted again, as if she’d sensed his presence, and rolled onto her back with a gasp. “Oh my gosh, Ryler. You scared the crap out of me. What are you doing here?”
“You threw down the gauntlet with Amber. I just came to check on you and make sure you’re all right.”
“How… who told you that?” she asked as she slid upright and leaned against her headboard.
“I saw it, read it.”
“You were on my blog?”
“I’ve been following it for the last week or so.”
“You’re kidding.”
Ryler shook his head, his gaze pinning her to the bed. He saw the sparkle begin to burn as the humor took her. “What?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Nothing.” She giggled. “I’m just having a hard time picturing you reading an author’s blog is all.”
“Hmm.” He growled under his breath. “You trying to give me a heart attack or something?” Her blank look had him continuing. “You challenged her, AJ. What were you thinking?”
“That I want her behind bars, like yesterday.”
“I get that and agree with it, but you’ve got to be careful. Challenging someone who may be a killer is not being safe or smart.”
AJ just shrugged.
Ryler tried not to be distracted by the sight of her legs, her skin, but somehow, he found himself caught up by her. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he knew he should be trying to convince her to be just a tad more cautious and take this all a little more serious. But really all he wanted to do was get his hands on her. He wanted to explore, and taste, and see.
Instead, using superhuman strength, Ryler stayed where he was. Then, flexing that strength just a bit more, he said, “I gotta get going. Gotta get some things done tonight before it gets dark. I’ll let myself out. Just wanted to check on you.”
Quickly, before AJ could really respond, he turned and forced himself back down the stairs and out the door, locking it firmly. On her doorstep, he took a deep breath. Then another. He knew he’d basically just run like a coward, but with her looking all sleepy, and so much skin bare to him, he’d been scared that if she’d indicated he stay, he’d have joined her on the bed and given in to all that he’d been dreaming about. He didn’t want to crush the new leaf he’d turned over.
Dinner with my newly discovered family was amazing. It was everything I’d hoped it would be. Though, it started off just a little awkward. We were, all of us, trying to feel out the dynamics of this new venture. But, after a little while, t
he four of us — me, Jo, Paige, and Poppy — relaxed into each other. I’d thought about inviting Ryler but decided that I really just wanted to get to know my family on my own. There’d be time to have him over with them later, but that initial dinner was just the ladies.
We’d talked and laughed and cried just a little. Jo told me about my grandparents, tales of them growing up together. She told me about Jake and some of the things he’d done as a rebellious teen. And what it’d done to him to have to give me up. Every time I thought about it, the anger in my chest toward my mother only grew. And I knew it wasn’t entirely her fault; Jake had agreed to her plan. But still, I was angry. I knew that eventually I’d have to deal with this, this anger. I’d have to truly confront my mother on the ramifications of the choices she’d made. Get her to understand the pain that she’d caused me. And I knew I’d have to find some way to forgive her. Because, as angry as I was with her, she was still my mother, and I did love her, and forgiveness was right.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Deadly Curves
I picked Harley up in Seattle on a Sunday morning in early September. She looked different. Good, but different. Attempting to study her casually, so as not to seem as if I was studying her, I tried to determine what the exact difference was. We’d taken our time getting home, done some shopping and sightseeing in Edmonds and Kingston. Harley had asked me to stop several times so that she could snap a picture. And it wasn’t until the seventh or eighth time that I figured out what was different about her.
It was Kevin. She was sending the pictures to Kevin. Sharing her trip with him. It was her new relationship. I’d seen Harley in several relationships, but she was never one to stick around for long or even share her life with the person. She always found some reason to abandon the relationship and move on. But this thing with Kevin was different. I saw happiness. I saw peace.
Harley caught me looking. “What?” she asked as a faint tinge of pink creeped onto her face.
“You’re happy,” I told her.
