“My Heath would never do that to me,” Melissa said with a confident nod. “We’re, ahh, getting married.”
Now it was Ellie who was shocked and at a loss for words. Mia, on the other hand, had a lot to say. “You’re what? No way. Heath would’ve told me if he’d gone and gotten engaged.”
“It’s true,” Melissa said, looking very satisfied with herself. “Call and ask him.” She then turned her attention back to Ellie. “See, that’s why I know he’d never do anything with you. He loves me. Has he ever told you he loves you?”
Choosing to ignore that particular question, because it stung more than she would ever let on, Ellie said, “Did you ever think Heath only brought you here because he didn’t trust himself to be alone with me? That just maybe his desire for me is too strong?” She took a step closer. “That like last night, if he spends just one minute alone with me all those old feelings would come flooding back and we’d fall right back to where we left off.” She shoved past Melissa and swung the door open. “Now, why don’t you think on that while you get the hell out of my shop.”
Arms crossed across her chest, Melissa tapped one high-heeled shoe. “No.”
“Oh, hell.” Mia groaned.
“Get out!” Ellie repeated more sternly.
“You’ll have to throw me out, Saint Ellie, because I’m not leaving until you apologize for trying to hurt me by interfering with me and Heath.”
Mia jumped between Ellie and Melissa before Ellie could speak. “That’s enough.” She turned to face Melissa. “You really don’t want to be near Ellie right now, Melissa. It might be best if you step outside and take a breather.”
Melissa, surprisingly, did as she was told, and the door to the shop slammed, making the vases in the showcases tinkle.
“Now,” Mia said, facing Ellie. She gripped her by the shoulders. “You need to take a minute, because arguing with Melissa isn’t going to make you feel better. This is more about Heath.”
“I think you’re wrong. Telling Melissa off is making me feel tons better.”
“Okay, it looks like I need some help to defuse this situation. If you’re not going to listen to me I’m going to have to call in reinforcements. And you’re not going to like it.”
This was why she normally avoided confrontations. She’d learned things, like Heath being engaged, that she didn’t care to know. She’d thrown a person out of her shop. This was not her. Why didn’t she just stick to counting? Twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four…
Chapter Eight
The town really hadn’t changed very much at all. The overview Heath had upon arriving pretty much encompassed anyone’s vision of Seaside. Roy pointed out a few new shops. The buildings were the same, but the storefronts were slightly different with new signage. Touristy stuff. He supposed there was even more call for such things. The residential section was more built up, people from the city wanting summer homes. Seaside was too far from anything to be a bedroom community.
There was no sign of the man Mia had referenced. Heath made a mental note to talk again with his sister about personal safety, despite the way the town gave off such a sleepy, safe air.
“Is that Melissa?” His dad slowed the vehicle, and Heath checked the dashboard clock. He thought the women were heading to Ellie’s this afternoon. Surely that much time hadn’t gone by.
Ellie’s shop was ahead on the left, although he’d already decided not to remark on it and hoped Roy would coast right on by. Renee was crossing the street toward the flower shop and sure enough, Melissa was heading out. Anger vibrated from her, her purse swinging like a pendulum at her side, and she barely slowed to speak to Renee. His father braked to a stop and Heath was out of the SUV without another thought.
He caught up to Melissa as she stomped to stand by his future step mom’s car, and she glared at him. Heath wondered if this was going to be the woman’s perpetual state of mind. What had gone on?
“Hey. I thought you were going to head back to my dad’s.”
With a brittle smile, Melissa ran a long, tapered fingernail over his pec. “That’s right.”
“But you were at Bodacious Blooms.”
Shrugging, she stepped closer until her breasts brushed his chest and she shook her hair back. Heath recognized this pose. It had look at me and see what I’ve got written all over it, just as the predatory pass of her nail screamed for attention. He very nearly looked around for the cameras.
“I was checking out all the shops with Renee.”
Renee had gone into Ellie’s and there was no sign of Mia. He desperately wanted to ask about Ellie but was smart enough to know not to ask Melissa. Something was definitely going on.
Melissa filled the silence. “Can we head back?”
To Chicago? He bit his tongue to keep the words inside. Was it her he’d send? Or him? “Sure. We’ll need to tell Renee though.”
“I told her.”
“It would have been a long walk, Melissa.”
She looked around her. “I thought there’d be a cab.”
Unless old man Murphy had sold his decrepit car off to somebody, Heath doubted there was a taxi service in Seaside anymore. “Good thing we came along then.”
Taking great pains not to look toward the flower shop, he steered Melissa to where his father was parked, blocking one lane of traffic, had there been any. She chose the front passenger seat and he saw her settled before climbing into the back. Roy gave them both a look, but Melissa explained Mia and Renee were meeting with Ellie a little earlier, and she’d be pleased to go back and rest.
She chattered about the little shops she’d toured and appeared to charm his father, who responded in kind. If he hadn’t seen her rage, Heath might have thought she was sincere, and he marveled at her acting ability. Before long they were pulling up at the house, and Roy leaned over as Heath got out and opened Melissa’s door.
“I’m heading out to pick up a few things.”
Shit. Heath really didn’t want to be alone with Melissa, but it was clear his dad thought he was doing him a favor by giving them some time. Her hand clasped his and he helped her out, her scent enveloping him and making him want to turn tail and run. He couldn’t seem to get his feet under him, his mind at odds with every situation, so he managed a smile. “Sure.”
Preceding him into the house, Melissa’s steps became lighter and livelier. Heath groaned internally. Her idea of spending time was going to prove quite different from his. Despite the fact he knew she was available sexually, he wasn’t in a frame of mind to take advantage, and it didn’t matter the reason.
“Want a drink? Coffee? I can probably make some lunch.” He shut the door and tried to slide past her toward the kitchen.
“It’s not food I want, Heath,” Melissa nearly purred as she fit herself against him again. She looped her arms around his neck in an attempt to pull him down for a kiss, and he resigned himself to a showdown, ready or not.
Taking her wrists, he tugged them free of their confining grasp and set them at her side, making some space between their bodies. She squinted up at him. “What?”
“We aren’t doing this anymore.”
She surged forward, grinding against him, her movements flavored with desperation. At any other time he would have felt disdain, but right now it was unsettling and he was sorry for her. He pushed her away firmly and held against her efforts.
“I’ll change your flight.”
“Excuse me?” She ceased her efforts and stared at him. Wide-eyed.
“You need to go back to Chicago.”
“Are you coming too?” Was there a hint of hysteria in her voice? God, he hoped not. A passionate Melissa was easier to deal with than a hysterical Melissa.
“I’m staying for my father’s wedding.”
“You’re staying for her.”
There was no sense in pretending. Melissa had a keen sense for competition. It didn’t matter that she had absolutely nothing to worry about where Ellie was concerned. Heath had burned that bridge right
to the freaking ground. But he wasn’t going to play dumb. Just honest.
“I’m not staying for Ellie. I assure you, Melissa.”
“She wants you.”
He lifted a shoulder and strode to the great room, crossing to stare out the window. Melissa’s heels clicked across the hardwood and he felt her stop close behind him. He braced himself for another tirade, but she was silent.
Turning, he saw her working hard to contain tears and he sought for something to say, because he couldn’t batter down the insane hope her words had lit within him. What had Melissa meant? She wants you. “I doubt that. I lost my chance with Ellie years ago.”
“Then why were you with her last night? A little roll in the sheets for old times’ sake?”
“I wasn’t with her.” He didn’t see the slap coming, and his head rocked with the force of it. He’d known Melissa a long time, and while she was prone to levying vicious verbal attacks, he’d never seen her lose her cool like this.
“Liar. She told me you were there. You were in her bed while I cooled my heels. Nice if you can get it from both of us, asshole.”
Okay, then. Heath rubbed a hand across his cheek and kept a wary regard on Melissa’s left hand in case she decided to let him have another. She and Ellie weren’t anything alike, but hell hath no fury and all that. There was more to the flower shop tour than met the eye. He focused on the immediate issue. Melissa couldn’t stay here and spoil his dad’s day.
“I’m not debating this with you. Get packed. I’ll take you to the airport.”
Without another word, Melissa stalked away. Heath took a seat and pondered. Ellie might have said she didn’t want him near her, but she’d apparently given Melissa a very different impression. He touched his face again. Ellie had made his date feel extremely threatened for her to act so out of character, and he allowed that flickering hope to warm him.
“You can bring my cases.”
With a start, he looked up to see Melissa standing rigidly in the doorway, dressed in tailored slacks and a fitted blazer. Her blonde good looks would bowl over any man—except Heath. He knew he was a shit heel for using her, but there was nothing to do but brazen through it and accept the fact he’d actually been a coward, despite all his rationalizations to the contrary. He got up and went to fetch the luggage, facing the drive to the airport with resignation. But penance was good for the soul, and he supposed he was long overdue in paying the piper.
He scribbled a note for his dad and left it on the table in the kitchen. He toyed with his phone and debated calling Mia. Melissa waited in the rental car, so he hustled outside, palming the keys. The sooner he got back the sooner he could find out what had happened, because he doubted Melissa was going to be forthcoming. Was it wrong of him to actually look forward to another confrontation with Ellie? Because an Ellie who actually lied to Melissa, implied she was still involved with him, wasn’t an indifferent Ellie. She couldn’t mean for him to stay away from her if she had given the impression they’d done the deed. Unless she was deliberately trying to sabotage his relationship with Melissa to pay him back. He wouldn’t blame her if that happened to be the case.
Composing his features into a suitably solemn expression, he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine. Melissa ignored him, consulting her phone, and he embraced the silence, not caring to get into any word games with her. With any luck the traffic would be light and they’d make the airport for the three o’clock flight—there would be at least one seat available if the gods of chance were with him. If not, he’d book her on the evening plane.
* * * *
Renee rushed through the entrance door of the shop, swinging it open so wide it almost hit the wall behind it. “I got here as soon as you called. Sorry for being late. Sweet Ms. Darcy caught me while Melissa and I were coming out of the antique shop. I was looking for something old to wear at the wedding.”
“That’s my job,” Mia said. “I’ve already got it covered.”
“Good thing I didn’t find anything.” Renee smiled and her eyes got a little misty. Ellie was fuming, blood pumping, but seeing the joy radiating from Renee calmed her a bit. There were bigger things—more important things—going on. She didn’t have time to let the likes of Melissa get under her skin.
“So what’s happening?” Renee asked, walking toward Ellie, concern evident in her voice. “And why do I expect it has everything to do with Melissa? When I was talking to Ms. Darcy Melissa went on without me.”
Mia told Renee all the sordid details of Ellie and Melissa’s squabble—including Heath’s secret engagement to Melissa. “I don’t think it’s true,” she said, falling back in a chair. “If it is I’m going to need a drink. A few of them actually. What in hell is he thinking?”
“He hasn’t said anything around me about it. I know he and Roy had a talk this morning after Melissa and I left. I assumed they were making strides to better their relationship. Surely he wouldn’t…” Renee trailed off and shook her head. “Something isn’t right here. I don’t think he would marry Melissa. I’m good at reading people. I just don’t see it happening.”
“Then why would Melissa say that?” Mia asked.
“To get a reaction out of me. And boy, did I ever give it to her. I could’ve punched her in the face, but I have a little bit more self-control than that. I would’ve physically thrown her out if Mia hadn’t gotten her out of here when she did,” Ellie said, settling down enough to answer. “I should’ve known better. She baited me and I took it.”
Renee tucked a strand of Ellie’s hair behind her ear. For never having children, she seemed to know exactly how to calm her. Her touch was motherly, and something Ellie desperately needed. “Tell me, dear. What happened? I passed Melissa outside and she didn’t look too happy. She said she was heading back to our place, cutting the tour around town short. I was going to insist she sit and talk, but then I saw Roy’s car. I assume Heath is with him since I left them together this morning. She’d probably prefer talking with Heath over me, anyway.”
Tears threatened, and all Ellie wanted to do was bury her head in her hands and welcome the release.
Renee must’ve noticed she was about to bolt and lose it because she guided her toward the service counter. She patted the flat surface, motioning for Ellie to hop up on it. She checked her watch. “It’s after noon. What time do you close on Saturdays?”
“Just depends on business. On slow days I lock up after lunch.”
“Well, you’re in no condition to be helping customers.” Renee turned to Mia. “Put the Closed sign up.”
Mia did as she was instructed and then joined Ellie on the counter. Renee stood directly in front of Ellie. There was no way she was going to get out of this. Renee wasn’t going to let her leave the shop unless she got it all out. And in some ways, Ellie appreciated Renee’s kindness.
Mia rubbed Ellie’s back. “What happened last night with Heath?” She turned to Renee. “After Heath took me home last night he ended up back at Ellie’s.”
Renee nodded. “How did that go?”
“It’s a long story,” Ellie said in a quiet voice, gaze dropping to the tile floor.
Renee used one finger to lift Ellie’s gaze. “Good thing we have all afternoon.”
“What about going over the final details for the wedding?” Ellie asked, suddenly wanting to change the subject. If she spoke about Heath she was going to break down, and she hated herself for being that weak. “It’s less than a week away.”
“It’s only a small affair at the house. I trust you and Mia have handled all the final details. Whatever else needs to be addressed I will do later. I won’t be able to focus on anything else until you talk to us. I can tell you’re hurting, child.”
As those words left Renee’s mouth, Ellie crumbled, falling helplessly apart. Mia’s arms wrapped around her, and Ellie was thankful for the support. The moisture that had gathered in her eyes finally spilled down her warm cheeks. Using the pads of her thumbs, Renee
wiped them away.
“He hates me,” Ellie finally confessed.
“Heath?” Mia asked, continuing her strong hold around Ellie.
“Oh, honey, he doesn’t hate you,” Renee soothed. “Impossible.”
“No, it’s true.” Ellie spoke around the lump in her throat. “He’s hated me for the past thirteen years. It doesn’t matter that the reason was a lie. The damage has already been done and there’s no reversing it. His anger has festered, and I’m afraid he’ll never look at me the way he used to. She ruined everything!” She couldn’t stop the shrilling of her voice. “Ever since last night I can’t stop thinking how different my life would be right now if Katriana had never come into it, that if I never befriended her maybe Heath and I would be together right now.” Accepting Mia’s support, she gave over all control and put her weight on her friend. “Maybe he would’ve married me, had children with me.”
She hadn’t meant to go that far and reveal such a personal hope, a thought she’d had multiple times over the years, but she supposed there was no keeping anything in while in the company of friends.
“We need to back up a bit,” Mia said. “I’m not following. Let’s start with why you think Heath hates you and what all this has to do with Katriana.”
“Who is this Katriana person?” Renee asked.
“A girl we used to be friends with in high school. She no longer lives around here. She left a long time ago. Can’t say we were sad to see her go,” Mia said.
Ellie took a calming breath and fought through the burning sensation in the back of her throat. “Heath and I were a little more than friends,” she said, for Renee’s benefit. Ellie didn’t note any surprise on the woman’s face. “You don’t look surprised.”
“Like I said before, I can read people. It doesn’t take a genius to see you two have strong feelings for each other. I could detect a little bit the first time I met Heath. He tried to hide it, but I caught onto his casual questioning about you. Then at dinner my thoughts were confirmed. I don’t know all the details of what happened though.”
Full Circle Page 9
