by Harlow Layne
“No, it's not okay. Did you know about this?” Ryan asked flashing his phone screen in her direction.
“Know about what?” Taylor looked at his phone for a few seconds before shoving it back in his hand. “I didn't, but it doesn't matter because it's all bullshit.” Taylor said, her last word a whisper for the children’s sake and then kept whispering this time looking in my direction. “That lady is bat-shit crazy! You do not want to get in her sights, Luke.”
“Too late.” I shook my head as Luke stared down at Ryan's phone, his jaw ticking more and more with each new picture he looked at. Giving his arm a squeeze, I picked the pumpkin pie back up. “Can you guys help me take in all the desserts and give Luke a few minutes to himself?”
Ryan hesitated for only a moment before he picked up one of the almond caramel cakes (one of the Swedish desserts) we’d made and another pie and followed us to the dining room.
Since Mason and I’d moved in, we hadn’t used the dining room once and it was strange to see it filled with people and food. It made me want to do this more often minus the accusations that my boyfriend (If that was what he was. We hadn't discussed it.) was cheating on me.
By the time everyone had tried most of the desserts and cleaned up the mess, it was time for the boys to go to bed. They were so tired that they didn't even protest. Mason kissed me good night and gave everyone else hugs.
Even though Ryan gave me and Taylor a hug goodbye nothing had been resolved between us, or him and Luke. I decided I’d wait and talk to him next week when we’d both cooled off and everyone was gone. I wasn't sure how I could convince him that Luke hadn't cheated. I had a feeling the more I tried to talk to him about it the worse it would get. Ryan would think I was gullible and desperate and, it seemed, willing to believe anything because a man was nice to me.
14
All eyes were already red rimmed, and a few including myself were swollen, by the time we stepped foot into Bill’s funeral, Friday morning. There wasn’t a great deal of people, but I knew each and every one of them. Some it took a little longer to recognize, but little by little their names popped into my head. It was amazing how badly some of my classmates had let themselves go over the years. Over half of the men were heavyset and nearly bald, but the majority of the women looked better than they had in high school.
Luke’s warm hand held mine as we made our way to find a seat. He must have felt when I spotted Decker, who was seated in the front. My whole body tensed as I kept walking. I’d hoped that my ex-husband wouldn’t be there. It was almost impossible for us to be in the same room without some sort of drama and Bill’s funeral was no place for our bullshit. I only hoped that Decker would be as keen to the situation as I was. Lacing his fingers through mine, Luke squeezed my hand before stepping into an aisle to sit.
Pulling out a pack of tissues, I watched as Brad moved away from Decker and made his way toward Luke and me. He stopped a few times to say hello to friends but kept his focus on me. He was a man on a mission. Instead of doing what I expected him to do, Brad sat down next to me and took my hand in his. Out of all the guys that I’d been friends with I knew Brad the least and was a little uncomfortable until I saw the tears in his eyes. It didn’t matter that we hadn’t been the best of friends back in the day, Brad had been the one to make sure that I knew of Bill’s funeral. For that I was thankful, so instead of just trying to get my hand loose from his, I released Luke’s hand and got out another pack of tissues, handing it over to Brad.
“Thanks,” Brad said with a watery smile, taking the tissues.
“No problem. Let me know if you need more. I stuffed my purse full of them.”
Looking around me, he held out a hand to Luke. “Hey, I’m Brad.”
“Luke.”
Instead of taking my hand again, most likely sensing that I’d be in need of it, Luke wrapped his arm around me, giving my shoulder a hug.
Eyes back on me, Brad shifted closer. “Afterward, I think we’re all going to Blue’s to eat and catch up. Would you guys like to join us?”
My vision shifted to look at Decker. Yes, I’d like to catch up, but I knew that would be a slim possibility if he was anywhere near.
“As far as I know no one has told him about lunch. If you can’t make it maybe we can figure something else out. I know a few of the guys are going to stay in town for the weekend. Either way, it would be nice to catch up. Think about it and let me know.”
I’d expected for him to get up and leave, but instead he turned his attention to the family that sat in front of us.
“Hey,” Chris Reynolds said sadly after he turned and faced us. He was with who I assumed was his wife and daughter. Leaning forward both Brad and I said our hellos.
I’d tried to avoid catching a look at Bill’s body in the casket but was unsuccessful when the minister stood before the room and started to speak. Even though Bill looked nothing like he once had, I knew it was him and couldn’t stop my eyes from welling up. If I’d run into him on the street, I would have walked right by without ever knowing who he was. How had I let so much time go by without at least reaching out? I knew how. Decker. It killed me to know that I’d never speak to Bill again.
Sensing my unraveling, Luke pulled me closer and kissed the top of my head. I listened as person after person stood up in front and told how their life was affected by Bill or a funny story. With each new thing I learned about my dear friend, I cried more and more as discreetly as possible. I thought about saying something, but I knew that I’d break down if I had to talk in front of all these people. Friends or not. From the time I could remember, I’d always hated crying in front of people. I couldn’t believe that Luke had witnessed it twice now.
I couldn’t imagine going to a funeral to someone you didn’t know, but Luke hadn’t made it seem like a big deal. More than once he’d told me that he wanted to be there for me and I couldn’t thank him enough.
After the last person talked about what a great and quiet man Bill had been, we all bowed our heads in prayer one last time. Sniffing and wiping my eyes, we made our way out of the building and successfully avoided any encounters with Decker.
I should’ve known that he wouldn’t make it that easy on me. Luke and I had only been seated for a couple of minutes at Blue’s when Decker walked in. I tried not to make eye contact like the chicken I was that day, and continued to talk to Josh, one of my high school friends. In essence the lunch after the funeral was like a mini reunion. The only people that were there were the old crowd I used to hang out with. Most of them I’d met in junior high or high school, the only ones that I knew from elementary had been Bill and Jack. Everyone went around the table and introduced their spouses, girlfriends and boyfriends.
Decker was at the end of the table and therefore the last to go and of course was pissed off. I wasn’t sure if he was mad because he didn’t have anyone with him, because he was last, or the combination of the two. It was always hard to tell what exactly set him off and luckily, I didn’t need to worry about it every day like I had when we were married.
Giving me a seething look, Decker introduced himself in true Decker fashion. “You all know who the hell I am and that bitch down there at the other end of the table is my ex-wife.”
Luke gripped my leg from underneath the table and many of the women gasped in shock. Ignoring his comment, I did nothing. I wanted to laugh or shake my head, but I knew that would only get a rise out of him. In all honesty it didn’t matter what I did - everything would piss him off. You couldn’t confront him nor ignore him. Surprisingly, all the guys that had once been friends with Decker back in high school gave him bad looks, and Chris Reynolds, who I’d never liked back in the day, told him to stop or he’d have to leave. I couldn’t hear what else Chris said to Decker as he turned away from the rest of the table and gave Decker his full attention.
My blood boiled with anger and embarrassment and I hoped that my face wasn’t as red as it felt. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of
knowing that he’d affected me once again. What was the most confusing thing about Decker was that his entire family were extremely nice. I wasn’t sure what had gone wrong, all I knew was that I was never going to be the one to change him.
Kissing the top of my head, Luke stood to his full height and within three steps he was in front of Decker. Everything about Luke in that moment was menacing, and I was in complete and utter shock. My Luke was gone and in his place was his character Nikolai from Night Shadows.
Looking down at Decker, his eyes filled with disdain. “Your time here is done. I will not have you spewing your bullshit about Alex or disrespecting her in any way. Say your goodbyes and leave.”
Instead of really paying attention to what Luke had said to my ex, I was turned on by him defending me and the fact that his accent had become more pronounced because he was upset. I wasn’t sure if it would be good or bad for our future if every time his accent got stronger I wanted to jump him.
Decker being the stupid man that he was, stood and tried to get into Luke’s face. Both were tall men, but Luke had a little over three inches on him and where Decker was wider and heavier from letting himself go over the years, Luke was lean with muscle. My money was on Luke, but Decker would never give in that easily and that scared me. I wasn’t sure if anyone at Blue’s knew who Luke was, but it would not be good if anyone took pictures or video of him physically assaulting Decker. I had a feeling that Decker would goad him into trying to hit him just so he could call the cops on my boyfriend for assault, and then try to get Mason taken away from me.
My body was already up and out of my seat before I realized I’d started to move. Putting myself in between my future and past, I turned my back on Decker and looked up at Luke. Even in heels, he was still a great deal taller than I was, so I had to crane my neck to lock eyes with him.
“Luke,” I spoke softly, but I hoped with enough caution in my voice that he’d back off.
I wasn’t used to a man paying that much attention to me or even caring, so I was more than surprised when Luke’s eyes immediately met mine.
Shaking my head, the entire time, I cautioned. “He’s not worth it. He’ll do what he does best and push you until you do something you’ll regret.”
Scowling, Luke continued to look at me while keeping an eye on Decker. “I would never regret defending you.”
Gently, I tried to clarify what I wanted to say without giving anything away. Knowing another language, namely Swedish would have come in handy in that moment. “Maybe regret is the wrong word but trust me when I tell you he is not worth it. Please, come back with me and let’s eat lunch.”
Softly, Luke conceded when it was obvious that he didn’t want to. “I do trust you.” It was clear to see that he did trust me but was confused as to why I wanted him to back down.
“Thank you. I promise to explain later.”
“Yes, later.” His emphasis on later made it clear that what had just happened would not be forgotten. Luke knew how Decker had treated me in the past and still tried to rule my life even now that we were divorced.
When I started to step back to where we were seated, Luke spoke one last time to Decker in a growl. “Do not fuck with me. You need to leave.”
A few of the guys stood as we made our way back to our seats and walked Decker out into the parking lot. At first I wasn’t sure if it was because they thought it was wrong that he was being kicked out, or because they were making sure he’d leave. Once they walked back into the room we were using, it was obvious they were on my side. It was safe to say that I was a little shocked. I thought their loyalty to Decker would supersede what they thought about how he’d treated me. I was sure that if Decker had talked to them about me that he hadn’t painted me in the best light, but it seemed they remembered the girl that I was in high school.
By then we had attracted some attention with the workers and patrons in the restaurant. Luke sat and acted as if nothing had happened. Instead he signaled a waitress and ordered a beer. Okay, maybe ordering a beer at eleven o’clock in the morning was an indication that something had occurred, but otherwise you wouldn’t know by looking at him.
“Thank you,” I whispered as I kissed his cheek. “I was afraid he’d goad you into hitting him, or some other compromising situation, and then call the cops on you.”
One eyebrow raised, he asked. “Really?”
“I wouldn’t put anything passed him to try to make my life worse and give him a reason to take me to court to get Mason taken away from me.”
Vehemently, Luke declared. “I would never let that happen, but never did I think he’d do something like that.” He looked at the table to find all eyes on us. “Let’s finish this later. I want you to visit with your friends.”
Not long after everyone had ordered their food, Jason, an old friend and sort of boyfriend from high school, came to sit by us.
“So, I guess it’s safe to say that things didn’t work out well between you and Decker.” Jason noted.
I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. That would be the understatement of the year, but I wasn't going to air out all of my dirty laundry to people I hadn’t seen in over ten years. “It’s pretty safe to say that.”
“Is he bitter because you've got a boyfriend?” Josh asked, looking Luke over.
“No, he's bitter because I couldn't stand to stay married to him any longer. Having a boyfriend, I'm sure doesn't help matters.”
Jason's body shook silently with laughter. “You could say that. Dude, don't you remember how Decker warned everyone away from Alex and, fuck, if he caught you looking at her, he'd practically threaten to kill you.”
My eyes widened in shock. “I had no idea it was that bad. I remember Josh telling me that Decker had told him to stay away from me after he found out about us,” I indicated Jason and I, “he wanted to start something again after we’d been broken up. I should’ve seen the signs then.”
“Yeah, you had no chance in hell dating anyone at our school once he set his sights on you,” Jason joked.
Wrapping an arm around my shoulder, Luke drew me to his side. “Do you think he could be dangerous?”
“That I couldn't say. I haven't talked to him in years and he seems to be a little unhinged. I mean, come on, how often do high school romances last, especially when you're a total dick?” Jason replied.
“Let's not worry about it for now. You just need to remember not to let him get to you and trust me, I know how hard that is to do. I wouldn't put it past him to get it all caught on video.” And once Decker found out who Luke was I had a feeling he’d be even more of a problem.
Luke looked down at me and swore under his breath. “I have a right to be worried when most days I'm almost two thousand miles away and there's nothing I can do to protect you.”
“No, I know, and I understand how you feel. We'll talk about it later.” My head tilted to the side to indicate the audience we’d attained. Usually Luke was more aware of his surroundings then he was then.
“Where do you live man?” Josh asked taking a swig of his beer. After Luke ordered one just about everyone else soon followed and a couple of the guys were on their second.
Luke followed suit and tipped back his beer finishing it off in one big swallow. “LA.”
Josh's brows rose in surprise. “Really? Cool. I've never made it out that way. How’d you meet Alex if you live in LA?”
“We met there while she was having lunch with some friends.”
Jason coughed. “Shit, Alex, why are you still living here?”
“Because there's no way in hell that Decker is going to let me leave the state with our son. If that were the case, I would have left long ago.”
“What the fuck happened to him?” Jack asked from down the table. “Decker used to be so chill.”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” I replied. “It's like one day a switch got flipped, and he totally changed.”
“How long were you two together?” Mark Fisher
asked from a couple of seats down. I hadn't talked to him yet, afraid that if I looked at him I wouldn’t stop staring. Mark was the one who’d changed the most out of everyone. His hair had gone fully white, and he had a beard to match. He looked like a skinny Santa Claus.
“Too long. We've been divorced for almost two years now. But hey, let's not spend all of our time talking about Decker. He's an asshole. End of story. What have all of you been up to since I last saw you? It's been forever, and I've missed all of you.” Over the years, I hadn't thought a great deal about the people who surrounded me then, but being around them again made me realize how much I missed them from my life.
“How about we all go around the table and say where we live and what we do, if we are married and have kids? I'll go first.” Brad was a little too eager, so it was obvious that he was proud of whatever job he had. “I'm still in Fairlane and married with two girls. I'm a financial advisor.”
“Can everyone also state your name so that Luke will know your names in case he or anyone else missed it earlier?” I interjected. I had a feeling that most everyone knew each other's spouses that had come with them, but it would be weird to learn about someone and what they were doing with their life and not know their name.
“No problem, I'm Brad.”
“I'm Mark Fisher, and I live in Chesterfield with my wife and four kids.” All the guys hooted and hollered, a couple even wolf whistled. Mark took it good naturedly, shaking his head and chuckling. “I'm a lawyer for a firm in St. Louis.”
“I'm Cory Willis and I live in Fairlane with my wife and son. I'm actually the football coach for our old high school. Both my wife and I teach history there.”
Around the table everyone took their turn like it was the first day of school and we had to introduce ourselves. It was kind of comical. They were all married or had girlfriends and had good jobs, which made me happy that they’d all done well for themselves throughout the years.
