There was one surprise this week and that was Cole. He was so sensitive and caring with Jada when she got hurt. We’ve had others show up when a kid has been hurt and they just load them up and take them out. He took his time, made sure she was comfortable, asked before doing anything. He understood, where a lot of the others didn’t. We’ve made complaints before, not that it did any good. It’s a crapshoot whenever an ambulance is called, but I’m glad it was Cole. He gets it. He got the kids at Baxter. And so did his partner, Tim. Why couldn’t they all be like that?
I don’t like having these thoughts about Cole. In fact, I’m having far too many thoughts about him. He’s been in the back of my mind, and the front, ever since the fire drill. Damn, if he isn’t still the hottest guy walking this town.
He probably knows it too. But, that doesn’t make me stop thinking about him.
I’m trying not to slip back into Cole being all I think about like high school. I’m a mature woman now. I’m no longer a gawky teen dreaming about the prince beyond her reach. This is reality. I’ve had my share of relationships and I know how those go and I certainly don’t need anyone like Cole in my life. It’s complicated enough and he’s too dangerous to what little peace of mind that I still have.
So, no matter how many times he suggests coffee, if he even bothers to again, I will keep refusing. It’s better for my sanity and certainly better for my heart. If anyone can break it, it would be Cole, so it’s best if I just ignore him and move on. He broke it once without even knowing it and I’m not giving him a second shot at it.
Laughter draws me from my thoughts. Alyssa’s glowing and getting a little tipsy and Stephany is planning the bachelorette party. Alyssa and I went to high school together. The rest of her attendants are from her college days.
“It should be the week before, not a couple of nights,” Stephany insists.
“I don’t want to deal with hangovers that week.” Alyssa says.
“None of us do,” I agree. I can’t remember the last time I had one, unless you count after Kian and Alexia’s party.
“When is Justin getting in again?” Morgan asks.
“Wednesday night,” Alyssa sighs. “He and his groomsmen are driving up from Fort Bragg. They plan on having their party Thursday night with Justin’s friends from high school.”
Would that mean Cole would be out with them? If there’s a stripper, Cole will probably be taking her home.
It isn’t fair to have such uncharitable thoughts about Cole, but it helps remind me how he is and that it’s best if I keep him at a distance.
“No big deal.” Stephany shrugs. “They should be over their hangovers before the rehearsal.”
Most of the shower guests have left and it’s just the bride and the bridesmaids finishing off the wine, food and cake. Nobody is allowed to leave until the bachelorette party plans are set.
“The wedding is only two weeks away, which means our party has to be next Saturday,” Kayla announces.
I have a commitment next week. “I’m not sure I can.”
They all look at me, as if waiting for me to elaborate.
“I need to be at a fund raiser for the school I work at.”
They groan. “Can’t you get out of it?” Stephany asks.
I’m not really sure I want to. It’s important that employees be present, but it also could be a lot of fun, even if Cole is there and I fully expect he will be.
Quit thinking about him!
“Wait, is it the firefighter auction?” Alyssa asks excitedly.
“Auction?” Kayla asks, and that question has everyone’s interest and I laugh.
“It isn’t what you think. The firefighters auction themselves for a weekend of work. Women show up for the eye candy but the highest bids usually come from older couples or widows who need help getting a garden in, cleaning out gutters, whatever spring jobs need to be done that they can’t do any longer. Bidding for a date is prohibited and the winner needs to sign an agreement that firefighter will not be asked to do anything more than what the person won.”
“Well, that’s no fun.” Shelby’s a little deflated.
“That’s usually over by nine, isn’t it?” Alyssa asks.
“Yeah, I think so.”
The bridesmaids start grinning. “I think we should start the night there, for the good cause and all, and then go out,” Morgan suggests. “After all, what better place to get a bachelorette party started than at a hot firefighter auction?”
I just laugh. I can’t begin to imagine how that night is going to go.
“Speaking of hot guys. Are there going to be any single ones at the wedding?” Kayla asks. She was Alyssa’s roommate in college and is her maid of honor.
“Let me see,” Alyssa says before sipping her wine. “The groomsmen all are.”
“They’re Army and will be gone by Sunday,” Kayla complains.
“They could be fun for the night though.” Morgan grins.
“Guys from high school have been invited too,” Alyssa adds. “Joey, Dylan, Cole…”
“Cole Harper?” Morgan asks with excitement.
Maybe this is my cue to leave. I glance around the room and realize he’s Facebook friends with each girl in the room. Has Cole slept with all of them? I know he never slept with Alyssa. She’s marrying her high school sweetheart. But, what about the other four? They were at college with Alyssa and there’s no other way he could have met them except on campus or at one of the parties.
“He RSVP’d.”
“Plus one?” Kayla asks.
“Nope.” Alyssa grins.
“I hear he’s a firefighter now,” Morgan chimes in. Her eyes widen. “I wonder if he’s being auctioned off.”
“How do all of you know Cole?” It’s eating at me so I have to ask.
They all turn and blink at me.
“I’m not sure there’s a female alive who doesn’t know Cole.” Shelby laughs.
I shouldn’t have asked. The last thing I want to hear is how these women love Cole Harper. Don’t they know what he is?
“One of the best nights of my life.” Morgan sighs.
“Me too,” agrees Stephany and the others nod in agreement. Even Alyssa, the bride-to-be. She even slept with Cole? I hope Justin never finds out. And here I thought she remained true to him all this time. It’s rather disappointing and now I’m questioning if real love does exist. Shit!
“He once told me, ‘I simply love women. All ages, shapes, sizes and ethnicities. They fascinate me’.” Alyssa laughs.
“You haven’t been treated to what we like to call a “Cole Special?” Shelby asks me.
My face is heating. Even if I had I wouldn’t admit it. “Um. No.”
“Oh my God, if you ever get the chance, you must,” Morgan insists.
Did these woman have no shame? Maybe I’m a little more private than most, but still, to be sitting around and reminiscing about their one incredible night in Cole’s bed just doesn’t seem right.
“I’ve never had anyone really listen to me before.” Kayla sighs. “It’s like he knew exactly what I needed.”
“He certainly set the bar higher for what I’m looking for,” Shelby admits.
“So, let me get this straight.” I have to say something. “Each of you spent the night with Cole, it was fantastic and now you judge all other men because of it.”
“Yep,” the bridesmaids answer.
“I wonder if he still goes to that all night café. Or was it a diner?” Kayla asks.
“Café?” I sure hope their magnificent night didn’t take place in a booth, or worse, a filthy bathroom. Maybe it was the backseat of a car, or the front seat of his truck. I can’t imagine anything being fantastic in those settings.
“I loved how the sun came up just outside the window.”
“I couldn’t believe we sat there the entire night talking.”
Did she just say talking? Certainly more happened than that.
“You look confused?” Kay
la says to me.
“I guess I am,” I admit. “Your incredible night took place in a diner or café or whatever?”
“Yes, where did you think we were?”
My face grows hot. It must be bright red because they start laughing. All of them.
“You thought we slept with him?” Alyssa laughs.
“Well, I hope not you, but the others….” I glance around. They’re not even trying to hide their amusement. “Yeah, I guess.” I take a hasty sip of wine. “He does have a certain reputation. At least he did in high school”
“That was trumped up.” Alyssa dismisses with a wave of her hand. “He liked being thought of as a stud back then.”
“Nobody sleeps with Cole Harper,” Shelby advises. “Though, had he made the suggestion, I would have been all over it.”
The others are nodding their heads, except the bride.
“I don’t understand.” This is not what I thought at all.
“Cole likes women,” Kayla explains. “He likes talking to them and getting to know them.”
“And he listens,” Stephany adds. “I told him more personal stuff than I’ve ever told anyone and he didn’t judge me once.”
“He changed the way I look at guys and how I want to be treated.” Shelby sighs and then takes a drink of her wine. “If they don’t pass what I call the Cole test, I drop them, even if they are hot.”
“I wish there were more guys like him.” Morgan grumbles.
“I bet he’s great in bed.” Kayla grins.
“I did ask him about sex,” Morgan admits. “He only does that when he’s in a relationship. He admitted that he’s no saint and there was a time when a willing girl was always appreciated but he doesn’t want that anymore. He wants more.”
I sit back stunned. This is not what I thought at all. “When was this?”
She frowns and stares at the ceiling as if thinking. “That was my sophomore or junior year. About three years ago, I think.”
The others nod, as if it was the same for them.
So, Cole Harper isn’t the man whore I thought he was?
When Dylan mentioned that he was going to help Jenna move, I was quick to offer my truck. I haven’t seen or talked to her in four days, but she’s been on my mind a lot. Daily! Neither one of them asked me to help, but I know they need a truck and it’s a perfect excuse to see her again.
We meet at her place and Dylan lets himself in without knocking. They’re closer than I realized. Who just walks into someone else’s place?
So, this is where Jenna lives. There’s a comfortable vibe in this space and I want to kick back and relax. Her apartment is on the second floor of an old Victorian house and seems to take up the left side of the house. We’re standing in the living-dining room combination. There are stacks of boxes scattered throughout and every available wall is covered in bookshelves. All overflowing with books. Apparently, Jenna is still a bookworm. A small TV sits in a corner, opposite a comfortable looking chair and a love seat. It’s homey and warm. Beyond the dining room is a kitchen. Small but functional, and open to the living space. With the walls gone, the place is roomy. I can only assume beyond the kitchen is a bath and her bedroom. Her apartment certainly has more character than the two bedroom, generic place I share with Joey.
“Jenna,” Dylan calls out.
She comes from the bedroom, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, wearing leggings and an overly large shirt, as cute as can be. She smiles with relief at first and then sees me. Her eyes go wide with surprise.
“I have a truck,” I say quickly to explain my presence.
“I’m not even close to being packed yet.”
“That’s fine,” Dylan says and sits down on a stool. “Where can I get started?”
Jenna bites her lip and looks around. “I’m trying to be organized. I can’t take everything to Nana’s just yet because I’m still trying to clean her house out of decades old crap.”
“Is some of your stuff going into storage?” Dylan asks.
“I’m not really sure yet.” She looks around again. “Anything from the kitchen will, except for food of course.”
“I’ll start there,” Dylan grabs an empty box as he stands.
“Be sure and mark what room the box goes in, and maybe some of the items in it.” There’s a stack of newspaper and black markers on the table.
“Where do you want me?” I’m not about to sit around and wait until they need to load into the back of my pickup.
“The bookshelves?”
She must have over a hundred books. “No problem.”
Dylan shakes his head and chuckles. “Believe it or not, she’s filled up an e-reader more than once.”
“Just be glad for that invention or we’d would be moving a lot more.”
“Her dream house includes a two story library,” Dylan tells me. “With a narrow walkway for the second level and one of those rolling ladders so she can reach everything.”
Jenna narrows her eyes at Dylan. “Are you making fun of me?”
Dylan holds up his hands as if to surrender. “Would I ever do that to you?”
She smirks and I grab a box and walk to the shelves.
“I’ll always pick a real book over a digital one,” she defends. “It’s just not practical all the time. Those,” she gestures to the shelves, “are special.
All of them? I like to read, but I’m not exactly attached to books. I also don’t have as much time to read as I’d like to. All of hers are hardbacks too. She has some serious investment into her library.
“I’ve been collecting them since I was a kid. Some belonged to my mom and dad. Others Nana gave me, but a lot of them I bought myself.”
I start pulling books off the shelf, reading the titles. Some are familiar, not that I’ve read all of them. Little Women, The Thorn Birds and Gone With the Wind never made it into my collection, that’s for sure.
“How was the shower?” Dylan asks.
“Shower?” Did Dylan often ask her about her bathing habits? How close were they?
“Alyssa’s bridal shower,” Dylan clarifies.
A blush stains Jenna’s cheeks. Was it a simple, fun shower with presents or more toward the bachelorette style with strippers? I’d love to know, just so I can tease her.
She opens her mouth, as if she’s going to say something and then closes it.
“What?” Dylan asks.
“Nothing,” she shrugs. “Though I did learn some interesting things.”
“Are you going to enlighten us?” Dylan pulls a stack of plates from the cupboard.
“Only that Cole isn’t exactly what I thought he was.”
Her face is an even brighter pink than before. I find it hard to believe I was the topic of conversation. “How so?”
“Oh nothing.” She grins and starts strolling back down the hall. “I’m just surprised your ears weren’t burning last night, that’s all.”
I stare after her, wanting to know why they were talking about me. “Who was at this shower?”
“Probably women you spent the night with,” Dylan chuckles.
I can’t imagine why they’d be talking about me. Though, it couldn’t have been too bad. Jenna didn’t kick me out when I got here. I’ll have to look at the list of bridesmaids again. Maybe that will offer a clue. They would’ve been at the shower, right? Isn’t that some kind of requirement?
Jenna disappears down the hall and I assume she’s working in her room. I continue to load books into boxes, stacking them by the front door.
After about two hours of boxing, Dylan’s phone rings and he grabs it and answers. I ignore him and continue working, only halfway listening to his conversation.
“Where are you?”
I glance over. He’s not so much alarmed as irritated.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He puts his phone back in his pocket. “Hey, Jenna, I gotta go.”
She comes out of the room. “What’s wrong?”
“My sister
has a flat tire at the mall and can’t get a hold of dad, or anyone else.” He heads for the door.
“Hey, no problem. Thanks for doing what you have. It’s a big help.”
I keep boxing but I’m not upset he’s leaving. Spending more time with Jenna is something I’ve been wanting.
“You’re staying?” she asks after Dylan leaves.
“I’ve got the truck, remember.”
She relaxes. “Thanks. It’s all a bit overwhelming, though I’m not certain I’ll be able to get anything moved over there today.”
“No problem. I’m happy to help.” And in that I’m sincere.
She grabs a coffee cup and sticks it in the Keurig. “Can I make you something to drink?”
I lay the book back on the shelf and join her on the opposite side of the counter. “Sure, thanks.”
Jenna grabs a basket full of little cups and pushes it toward me. “Pick your poison.”
There’s a mixture of basic coffee, flavored coffee, teas and hot chocolate. I choose a basic coffee and hand it to her. “So, you’re moving in with your grandmother?”
Sadness flashes in her eyes. “I don’t think she should live alone anymore.”
She removes her cup and then sets mine up.
“It’s hard.”
“Yeah,” she mumbles.
“You don’t have to go through this alone.”
She blinks up at me. “I don’t have family. I’ve little choice.”
“But you have friends.”
“I don’t want to burden them. Their parents and grandparents have their faculties. It’s too hard to explain to people. I don’t think they’ll get it.”
“I do.”
Our eyes meet. Hers are slightly narrowed with suspicion.
“The reason we moved back here when I was a kid was because my dad had to take care of his dad. Grandpa had Alzheimer’s. I don’t know if your grandmother has been diagnosed with anything and maybe she’s just getting old and forgetful, but I remember those years of living with Grandpa, watching him slip away, until Dad had to put him in a nursing home.”
“Is that when your parents separated?” She hands the filled cup of coffee to me.
“Yes and no.” I chuckle. “My parents never separated. At least not in the sense of headed toward divorce.”
Shadows of Memories (Baxter Academy) Page 7
