by K. Langston
Before I can argue more he leans down and kisses my cheek then walks away, leaving us alone.
I glance up hesitantly at Grayson to see him staring down at me, sensing my unease. “Have you left the house since you’ve been home, Liv?” he asks quietly. I shake my head, having a hard time finding words at the moment. “What are you afraid of?”
“I’m not really sure,” I answer honestly. “I hate that the entire town knows what happened to me. I guess I worry for their initial reaction and how they’ll see me now.”
“You’re still the same girl, Liv. What happened doesn’t change that.”
I’m glad he knows that, but will everyone else?
“Listen, if you’re that uncomfortable we can stay here and eat. I just thought you might want to get out, but if you’re not ready that’s fine. Just as long as I eat with you I don’t give a shit where we go.”
Warmth spreads throughout my entire body. I think about the date we missed out on and realize it will likely never happen now. But it’s clear he still wants a friendship, and I’ve been yearning for his company since last time I saw him. I refuse to let my anxiety ruin a chance to spend time with him. I will have to face everyone sooner or later, and I’d much rather do it with Grayson by my side. In such a short amount of time he has become someone I trust and feel safe with.
“Let’s go out,” I say, catching him off guard.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Just let me grab some shoes.” I glance down at my bare feet, remembering I stormed out of the house after hearing Pap’s conversation with Eddie and Lane. I lift my eyes back to his. “I’ll meet you at the truck?”
I catch his nod just as I bound up the stairs and into the house. Slipping on my flats, I ignore the mirror hanging on the wall, beckoning me to look. I refuse, knowing if I do I will probably back out of going.
Grayson is waiting for me by the truck with the passenger door open. He takes my hand and helps me up before getting in on his side. “Is the diner okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
We make small talk on the way into town, not about anything in particular, just everyday stuff and it feels nice. It feels…normal. I start feeling good about my decision to get out and do this.
As we drive down Main Street I take in the long row of shops owned by so many locals I’ve grown to love, and get a feeling of nostalgia. Remembering how many times I skipped along behind Pap and Grams down these streets as a little girl has warmth flowing inside of me. Whether it was to stop at the hardware store with Pap where Mr. Myers would always give me a lollipop. Or the craft store with Grams where Mrs. Dillard gave me shiny new beads for my jewelry. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I believe that with every fiber of my being. This town and its people helped shaped me to be who I am today.
However, my easiness evaporates and my anxiety sparks again as we pull up to the local diner to find the parking lot packed.
A strong, warm hand wraps around my clammy fingers and my head snaps to Grayson. “We can go somewhere else. Maybe we can just grab fast food and go park?” he suggests.
My heart warms at his patience and willingness to let me have an out if I want it. But instead of taking him up on it I decide to tamp down my nerves and gather my confidence. I refuse to let this fear rule me. I am no coward. Pap raised me to be strong, and strong I will be.
Feeling a little better at my internal pep talk, I smile at Grayson and shake my head. “No, here is as good a place as any.”
He returns my smile, looking proud of my decision, and it sends another dose of confidence through me. “Good, because I love their chicken fried steak.”
“No one can cook chicken fried steak like Jack,” I agree. “And let’s not forget Gwen’s corn bread. It’s out of this world.”
“That’s true, but don’t ever tell my mom I said that.”
I giggle. “Your secret is safe with me.”
His smile softens into a sexy smirk. “Come on, baby, let’s eat,” he says before climbing out of the truck.
Baby?
My heart stalls in my chest at the endearment. I’ve never had anyone refer to me as that before, and I really like it.
A moment later my truck door is opened for me. Taking Grayson’s offered hand, I use it as a crutch to carefully step down. “Your ribs?” he asks.
At my nod his jaw flexes in anger. “They’re getting better every day,” I add, not wanting to see him upset.
I watch him blow out a breath, as if trying to compose himself, then instead of letting go of my hand he links our fingers together, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
It has a big silly smile spreading across my face.
As we enter the diner, that’s full of busy chatter, it quickly begins to quiet when people look up to see who entered. Within seconds it falls to dead silence as everyone stares at us.
No, me. They’re all staring at me.
The smile that was gracing my face moments ago vanishes and my heart thumps nervously in my chest. “Everyone is staring,” I whisper to Grayson under my breath, my eyes reluctantly taking in everyone’s sympathetic gaze.
“Of course they are. You’re beautiful.”
My eyes meet his, and I see him watching me, his expression genuine. Those words mean everything to me, especially coming from him, but I also wonder how he could think that after seeing me the way he did.
He leans down, bringing his mouth close to my ear. “It’s okay. I’ve got you, Liv.”
My heart rate slows and confidence resides at his kind words.
I can do this. I have nothing to be ashamed of.
“Olivia!” The gasp comes from Gwen, the owner of the diner, as she walks out of the kitchen with her hands full. She puts two plates of food down on the counter and rushes over to me, embracing me in her arms. “It’s so good to see you, sweetheart.”
My throat grows tight at the sincerity of her voice. “Thank you. It’s good to see you, too.”
She steps back and cradles my face in her hands, her eyes turning glassy from unshed tears. “I’m so sorry, honey.” Her tone drops to a whisper, trying to be discreet.
“I know you are, but don’t be. I’m going to be just fine. Pap is taking real good care of me, like always.” I give her the best smile I can muster, hoping to reassure her that I mean it.
She returns the gesture but it’s a wobbly smile. “I’m sure he is and it looks like our boy Grayson is, too,” she adds, glancing up at Grayson.
“You know it. Liv is in good hands.” He winks down at her like the charmer he is.
Gwen chuckles, the heavy moment now broken thanks to Grayson. “You two go on and take a seat. I’ll be right over to take y’all’s order.” She turns to me one last time, cupping my face in her hands again. “I’m glad you came in, honey.”
“Me, too,” I admit quietly.
“Come on, there’s a table right over here,” Grayson murmurs, as his hand settles on my lower back to guide me.
The diner remains silent as we make our way to the empty table.
“Good to see you, Miss Olivia,” Mr. Robins, an elderly gentleman and long-time citizen of Harmony Falls says as we walk past.
“You, too,” I reply with a smile.
Every table we pass is filled with people we know. They all greet me the same way and shake Grayson’s hand. As we settle into our booth other people get up from their tables and walk over. Some give my shoulder a gentle squeeze while others ask how I’m doing. It’s overwhelming but in a good way. In a way that makes me realize how many people care about me, and just how much this has affected them, too.
Eventually, Gwen comes over and shoos everyone away. Busy chatter resumes as she takes our order. Once she walks away, I glance up at Grayson to see him watching me with a knowing grin.
“I know, I know. Don’t say it, you told me so.” I roll my eyes, knowing what that smirk on his face is about.
“Actually, I was thinking it tu
rns out I’m not the only one affected by you, Olivia Bradshaw.”
I duck my head, trying to hide the smile that wants to break free. “You have a way with words, Grayson Taylor,” I comment, throwing his whole name back at him.
“Maybe, but I always speak the truth.”
At his serious tone, my gaze meets his again. His smile is gone and his expression earnest. I nod. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.” I have a feeling Grayson might just be the most honest man I’ve ever met, next to Pap of course.
His gaze moves to something behind me and in an instant his dark blue eyes turn cold. I swear the room drops in temperature.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, before turning to look behind me.
Uh oh.
Clint sits a few booths down from us, his glare as icy as Grayson’s as he stares at us. I recognize the woman he’s with from the town office. Pam, I think her name is. She moved here only a few years ago. Clint has tried to see me twice since the attack, once in the hospital and the other at the farm when I got home. I didn’t want to see him either time and Pap was all too happy to turn him away. I kind of regret that now, and wish I had gotten it over with. I know he probably just wanted to check on me and make sure I was okay, but we had a horrible argument during our last encounter, and I just wasn’t ready to face him. I was too tired, I still am.
He looks away, thankfully dismissing me and returning to his conversation again with his lunch companion. Turning around, I bring my attention back to Grayson and see him watching me with an expression I can’t decipher.
“All right, here y’all are. Can I get you anything else?” Gwen asks as she places our orders in front of us, breaking the awkward moment.
I shake my head. “No, thank you.”
“I’m good, too. Thanks, Gwen, it smells great.” Grayson compliments her.
“You’re welcome, sugar, just holler if y’all need anything.” After giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze, she leaves us with our meals.
Comfortable silence settles over us as we dig in but Grayson breaks it a moment later. “Have you started any of your books?”
A smile touches my lips, happy for the light topic. “Actually, I finished the last one late last night.”
“You’ve read them all?” he asks in disbelief.
I giggle. “Yes, all of them. I’m a fast reader and they were wonderful, but I didn’t expect anything less. I love all the authors you brought me.”
“Who’s your favorite?”
“Out of the books you gave me or in the world?”
He grins, amused by the question. “In the world.”
“Oh, heck. I’m not sure I can answer that,” I reply seriously. “I have so many, it’s impossible to pick one. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will always be a top favorite. Oh, and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Those are both classics, but I also love newer stuff, like Colleen Hoover. She’s from Texas, you know,” I tell him excitedly. “Only a few hours from here. Her books are wonderful, and I love everything she pens. Then there’s…” I trail off, realizing I’m rambling. “Sorry, I can get carried away.”
A chuckle escapes him. “Don’t be, I asked.”
“Well, lesson learned, never talk books with me if you don’t want me to bore you to death.”
“Nothing you say could ever bore me, Liv,” he says, his low tone drifting over my skin like smooth silk.
“Oh believe me, it can. Give me an hour and I can probably put you to sleep. Just ask my students,” I joke, but quickly sober when I realize what I just said. “Well, my old students,” I add quietly, my heart sinking at the thought.
He scowls. “I know about what happened with the school that day.”
“You do?” I ask in surprise.
“Yeah, I found out when I questioned the principal, and I let her have it. It’s bullshit, Liv, and when you’re better you should fight it. What the school board did is illegal.”
I was determined to do just that, but now, after what happened…maybe they were right after all? Not about why I was let go, but that I don’t belong there. So many of my students were angry with me.
Before I can voice my thoughts, I hear the bell jingle over the door as someone enters. My smile returns when I see it’s Fletcher Green.
He pauses at the door, glancing around the diner hesitantly. I quickly realize the entire place has fallen silent again. When I look around I see everyone’s eyes on him, not looking very friendly. Grayson turns to see who came in, and I hear him curse under his breath.
What the heck is going on?
Fletcher’s gaze lands on me and his eyes widen in surprise before a kind smile takes over his face. “Miss Olivia.” He begins to walk over to me but Mr. Hawkins stands and intercepts him, shaking his head. Then Mr. Thorp does the same thing, standing next to him along with Mr. Mayson.
With a frown I stand, uneasy by how aggressive their stances are. It’s as if they’re trying to intimidate him.
Before I can figure out what’s going on, Jack walks out of the kitchen and over to them, his expression somber. “I’m afraid you’re gonna have to leave, Fletch,” he says calmly, but there’s an underlying hostility in his tone.
“Leave? But why?” he asks, sounding as confused as I feel.
Jack’s eyes briefly find mine before darting back to Fletcher’s. “You know why.”
“I’m not sure I do. I’ve been comin’ in here for almost twenty years and it’s never been a problem before.”
“Well, it’s a problem now,” Mr. Mayson says. “Your kind ain’t welcome here anymore.”
I gasp.
Did he really just say that?
Grayson stands. “Watch it, Derek. You’re out of line. Same with you, Jack. Fletcher has every right to be here.”
“No one asked you, Taylor.” My glare moves to Clint as he stands up too, putting his two cents in where it doesn’t belong. “This is what Jack wants, and the old man needs to respect it.”
“Stop it, Clint, you’re making it worse!” I snap, before turning my gaze back to the scene at hand. “Jack, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Surely this can’t be what it looks like.
“It’s all right, Miss Olivia,” Fletcher says calmly, a hell of a lot calmer than I feel. “I should have known better with what’s been going on, but I thought Jack would be different. Guess I was wrong.” He nods at me. “I’m glad you’re lookin’ well, darlin’. I’ll see ya around.” Turning, he walks back out of the diner without a second look, his shoulders slumped.
I gape at everyone around me, not believing what just happened. “How dare you. All of you,” I shout, my entire body tense with resentment. “Did you really just kick a man out of here because of the color of his skin?”
“It’s out of respect for you, Olivia,” Gwen says quietly, looking as ashamed as she should.
“For me?” I screech incredulously. “There is nothing respectful about what y’all just did. Absolutely nothing!” At the sting of angry tears, I rush out of the diner, pushing past the people in my way. As soon as I make it outside I take in several breaths of much needed air, trying to breathe past the searing pain in my heart at the sight of Fletcher walking out alone…shunned.
I look up and down the street for him but he’s nowhere in sight.
“Liv!” Grayson comes running out and pulls me into his arms. “I’m sorry, I should have told you.”
“Tell me what, Grayson? What the hell just happened in there?” I ask, stepping away from him, trying to understand why they would hurt Fletcher like that.
Before he can explain Clint comes running out, making my hot blood boil even more. Shaking my head, I turn to get in Grayson’s truck. The last thing I want to do is speak to him.
“Liv, wait!” He grabs my arm to stop me, but just as he spins me around Grayson grabs his wrist, forcing him to instantly release my arm.
“Keep your fucking hands off of her, Larson,” he warns, stepping in front of
me, effectively blocking me from his view.
I peek around his shoulder and see Clint take a step toward him. “You stay the fuck out of this. This is none of your business.”
“Wrong, asshole, she’s my business and—”
“Stop it, both of you, right now!” I take notice of everyone watching inside the diner. I step out from behind Grayson to stand next to him. “Say whatever it is you need to say, Clint.”
“I want to talk to you alone,” he says, glaring at Grayson.
“Not gonna happen.”
I put my hand on Grayson’s arm, silently requesting him to calm down. I don’t want this to get worse. “Whatever you have to say you can say in front of Grayson.”
Clint’s jaw flexes so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t break. “Why won’t you see me? I’ve tried to visit you twice since I heard what happened and Walter sent me away.”
I release a tired breath. “You know why. The last time we spoke it didn’t end well, and I don’t have the energy to fight with you.”
“Listen, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I did.”
Damn right he shouldn’t have. Just remembering the racist things he said about Jamal has my heart beating faster.
“I wasn’t there to fight. I wanted to make sure you were okay. I’ve been going fucking crazy worrying about you. What happened…what they did—”
I hold my hand up to ward off anything else he’s about to say. “I appreciate your concern, but as you can see I’m fine. At least I’m going to be. As for what just happened in there,” I gesture to the diner, “you were out of line, you all were.”
He shakes his head, disagreeing. “Why can’t you see that was all done for you? How can you choose their side after everything that’s happened?”
“Why does there have to be sides? Why does it have to be about color? Why can’t it be about right and wrong?”
“Because that’s not the fucking world we live in.”
“Well then, I choose peace.” My breath hitches as I try to hold back my tears. “I choose love, not hate.”
“You need to wake up, Liv. That’s not the real world and it isn’t ever going to be,” he fires back harshly.
