I allowed myself one stray thought and wondered, which Serena was the real one … the stuck-up woman with a heart of ice, or the sweet, funny, caring woman I’d been with over the last few weeks.
I was almost afraid of the answer, so I blocked it all out and found that space in my head where I could shut off the world and just create.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Serena
What the hell just happened?
That question kept playing in my head as I moved through the room. As I thanked people for coming, took final orders, and said my goodbyes.
When I finally closed the doors, only Gabe, Zoey, and Jasmine were left, and it took every ounce of my energy to keep my mask in place, when all I wanted to do was rage, scream, and crumble on to the floor.
What is Kylie’s problem, and how the hell could Jed believe anything she’d said?
“You guys don’t have to stay,” I told my cousins and Zoey, wanting them to leave so I could. “I’m going to save any cleaning up for tomorrow. Thanks so much for coming.”
“Rena, are you okay?” Jasmine asked, looking at me a little too closely.
“Yeah, just tired,” I lied.
“I’m sure you are, you did a great job tonight,” Gabe said, and I managed a small smile for him. “What I have to say will just take a minute.”
Shoot, I’d forgotten he wanted to talk to me tonight.
“So, I hope this makes you happy, and not mad,” Gabe began, rubbing his hand behind his neck. “I didn’t set out to deceive you … It just … well…”
“Just say it, babe,” Zoey encouraged, elbowing Gabe in the side.
“Right,” Gabe said, rubbing his side. “So…”
“What is it?” I asked, getting worried over Gabe’s awkward delivery. Gabe never fumbled his words, and I couldn’t imagine him ever deceiving me, or making me angry.
“It’s about the gallery … It’s mine. I own it,” he said, shocking the heck out of me.
“What? But … I don’t understand…” I honestly didn’t. Couldn’t even wrap my head around what he was saying.
“I bought the building and had the idea to turn it into a gallery in order to persuade you to come back to town. Permanently. I worried that you’d see it as a hand out, and would say no, so I came up with the idea to approach you about it as more of a silent investor,” Gabe said quickly. “Look, I’m sorry I lied. Every time I’ve seen you since you’ve been back and didn’t come clean, I felt awful. But, I can’t say I’m not happy with the results. Not only did you move here, but you’ve done wonderful things with the gallery, and I know it’s going to be a focal point of Main Street.”
I was flabbergasted, although, I had to admit that I’d rather work for my cousin, than a drug lord or crime boss.
“I don’t like that you lied,” I admitted, but the concern on Gabe’s face had me leaning in to give him a hug. “But, you’re right, I probably wouldn’t have wanted you buying property just to give me a job, I would have felt guilty about it. That doesn’t mean I never would have moved back, it just may have taken more time. I hope me you’ll still give me free rein when it comes to the gallery though, even though I now know you own it.”
Gabe chuckled and shook his head.
“No, you won’t give me free rein?” I asked.
“No,” Gabe replied. “After tomorrow, I’ll no longer own it.”
“You won’t?” I asked. “You’re selling it? Why? To whom?”
“Not selling it, giving it … to you.”
I looked up at my cousin, then at Zoey and Jasmine, before swinging my head back to Gabe.
“You can’t give the gallery to me. It’s too much,” I protested.
Gabe looked pointedly at me and said patiently, “Serena, I’m retired from the NFL, I have more endorsement deals than one man needs, and my kick-ass wife is a rich and famous author.”
“Thanks, honey,” Zoey said, then took my hands in hers and added, “What my darling husband is so crassly saying, is that it’s not too much. This is something we thought about and discussed at length, and we both really, really want to do this for you. If it truly makes you uncomfortable, we can stay on as silent partners, but our intention was for you to have it … as a gift.”
“Reardon has all the paperwork ready, we just need to meet up with him to go over it and sign, and the gallery is yours,” Gabe said softly. “What do you say, Rena?”
“Take it,” Jasmine encouraged.
“But,” I began. “It’s totally amazing and sweet of you both to want to do this for me, and I’m completely grateful, but it doesn’t seem right for me to accept the gallery as a gift. I’d want to give you something in return. It’s just, I don’t have the kind of money right now that this place would cost…”
“We don’t want your money,” Gabe protested, but Zoey put her hand on his arm.
“What if we give you the family discount, and work out a payment plan?” she asked.
I thought about it, then looked at Gabe and narrowed my eyes.
“The family plan would have to be reasonable, you can’t sell me the property for a hundred bucks,” I told him, causing Jazzy and Zoey to laugh when he scowled.
That was totally something Gabe would try to pull.
“Deal?” Zoey asked.
“Deal,” I said with a grin.
Wow, I can’t believe it. The gallery is going to be mine.
“Yay,” Jazzy said, then looked at me with her serious face. “Now, what happened between you and Jed?”
“What do you mean?” I asked coyly, my stomach turning at the memory of the way he’d looked at me. Like I’d betrayed him.
“He disappeared after not leaving your side all night, and you were obviously upset. What happened?” she asked again.
I sighed.
“Just a misunderstanding. We’ll work it out,” I said, hoping I was right.
“Do I need to kick his ass?” Gabe offered.
“No,” I said with a small laugh. “Please don’t. We just need some time to cool off; it’ll be fine.”
“You know what you need?” Jasmine asked. “A girls trip. A day at the spa, night at a hotel, and relaxing by the pool. You’ve been working like a crazy person, and now that the gallery is open, and your show is over, you need to take a break.”
“I volunteer as tribute,” Zoey said.
“I don’t know,” I began, thinking of all the things there still was to do.
“You deserve it,” Jasmine said, putting her hands together in prayer. “We all do. Let’s get away from work, men, and babies, and enjoy each other. It’ll give you the space you need to figure things out, and Jed a chance to get his head out of his ass and miss you.”
I looked at both women and laughed at their matching pouty expressions.
“Okay,” I agreed. “Let’s do it.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Jed
A few hours later, I’d completely calmed down, and finished the rough cut of the table.
I was hot, sweaty, and felt like a total jackass.
I’d always been hot-headed. My dad was the same way … quick to anger, but also quick to cool down.
Now that I’d had some time to reflect and relax, I realized I not only overreacted, but that I’d been the culprit of my first fight with Serena. When I flashed back to the look on her face when I’d accused her, then hadn’t believed her denial, I wanted to go back in time and knee myself in the nuts.
With a heavy sigh, I walked out into the cool night and looked over at Serena’s house. It was two in the morning, but I saw a flicker of light in her bedroom window, and knew she was most likely either on her tablet, or watching TV.
I walked back inside my workshop and grabbed my phone, then swallowed my pride and punched in her number.
I worried that she might see it was me and not pick up, but a couple rings later, I heard the phone click.
“Hello?” Serena said, her voice sleepy.
I knew she needed rest and felt bad for bothering her so late, but I didn’t want to go to bed without her knowing how sorry I was.
“I’m sorry,” I began, my gaze still up on her window. “I was a giant ass. I should have listened to you when you said you had nothing to do with Kylie’s bet. I got angry and couldn’t see past it to acknowledge what I know about you, which is that you’re sweet, smart, kind, and beautiful, inside and out. I’m sorry I flew off the handle and left like that.”
There was a few beats of silence, and I worried that Serena had hung up without hearing my apology, but then I heard her clear her throat.
“I appreciate you calling and saying that. I was upset over my confrontation with Kylie, and then your response…” she sighed. “I know we’re still getting to know each other, but I’m totally falling for you, and you not believing me … not believing in me … really hurt.”
My stomach clenched at her admission.
“I’m falling for you too, Serena. All I can say is that I’m sorry, and I promise not to react that way again. Can I come up?” I asked, my eyes still locked on her window.
“No,” she replied softly, and my heart plummeted. “I’m going to go away for a girls weekend to relax, and to think about what I want.”
“What you want?” I asked, those words making my blood run cold. “You mean with me, like whether or not you still want to see me?”
“Yes.”
“Serena…”
“Look, Jed, I just need some time to think … about how I feel, about how you made me feel, and what I want moving forward. I think we just need a little break to figure those things out and decide if we’re a good fit. Thanks for calling though, good night.”
Before I could form a rebuttal, she’d hung up.
I looked down at my phone, then back up at her window, before swearing softly and turning to go lock up my workshop.
I didn’t get a lot of sleep that night. I tossed and turned, going over everything that had happened at the gallery, then everything she’d said on the phone. I really wanted to go over to her house and force her to speak to me in person, but I knew I wouldn’t do myself any favors by doing so.
She wanted space, time to think, and I needed to give it to her.
So, when Gabe and Dillon showed up at my house the next morning, I greeted them with a scowl as I sat on my front porch pouring coffee down my throat.
“If you’re here to fight, I’m gonna need to finish my coffee first,” I told them as they approached, figuring they were there to make good on their promise to defend their cousin’s honor.
“Nah, we’re not here for that,” Gabe said as he leaned against a post. “Serena said you two just had a misunderstanding, so you’re allowed to live … for now. If that changes, we’ll let you know.”
“Thanks,” I said wryly as I stood.
She’d said it was a misunderstanding, and if they aren’t here to kick my ass, that must mean there’s still a chance for us, I thought.
“Yeah, we’re here to take you on a fishing trip,” Dillon said. “Since the ladies are going to the spa, we thought we’d take the opportunity to drink beer, fish, and sleep under the stars. What do you say?”
“Sounds great,” I replied, thinking an escape was just what I needed. “Just the three of us?”
“Yeah, Zoey is going with Jasmine, Laurel, and Serena, so Evie is with my parents. Reardon is staying with Chloe and the baby, he’s not ready to leave them yet, which I totally get, and Shane has to work. So, just the three of us,” Gabe informed me.
“Cool, let me just grab my stuff and I’ll be ready. You can come wait inside,” I said, but they walked up onto the porch and settled into the chairs.
“This is good,” Dillon replied, and I left them to go grab my fishing gear, a change of clothes, and my sleeping bag.
Maybe a break would do both Serena and me some good.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Serena
I really needed this,” I admitted, my eyes closed as I soaked in the sun by the pool.
It was Sunday morning. We’d had a great day at the spa the day before, had treated ourselves to a nice dinner, and I’d slept for ten hours. Now, we were enjoying a cocktail and the beautiful weather.
I almost didn’t want to go home … almost.
Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about work, and, of course, Jed.
“What would you guys do, if you were me?” I asked.
“Finally,” Jasmine said.
“This is the conversation I’ve been waiting for,” Laurel added.
“I know, right?” Zoey agreed.
I looked at my friends, then did a quick sweep to make sure no one else was in listening distance.
“Tell us everything,” Jasmine encouraged, so I did.
I told them about Kylie and high school, and how I’d become practically a recluse to hide myself and my feelings. How people always thought I was a cold-hearted bitch, and how I’d longed to come back to Cherry Springs and actually be myself. I told them about seeing Kylie again on Fix it Up, and how we’d both fallen into those old routines. Then, I talked about being with Jed, and how we’d ended things the night of the gallery opening.
When I was done, I ordered another drink, then waited for them to share their thoughts.
“Wow, Rena, that sucks. I had no idea things were so hard for you when you moved. You were always the same Rena whenever you came home to visit … I’m sorry you had to deal with that. Especially that biotch Kylie. Point me at her, and I’ll show her what a real bitch looks like,” Jasmine said, causing me to smile at her ferociousness in my defense.
“So, when you were confronted by Kylie at the gallery, you responded by putting up your defenses, and when Jed was confronted by her, he kind of did the same. But, where you go cold and rigid when you’re backed in a corner, he blows hot and gets vocal … Is that right?” Laurel asked.
I nodded, because what she said made sense. We’d both reacted to Kylie’s taunting, just in opposite ways.
“Yeah, it sounds like you both got upset, and reacted badly. Plus, it was kind of your first fight, right, so you’ve never seen how he reacts when he gets mad, and vice versa. I think moving forward, you need to work on your communication with each other and try and work through how you each deal with adversity,” Zoey said.
“I do love that he called you that same night and admitted he was wrong,” Jasmine said, and the others nodded their agreement. “His reaction was shitty, but at least he was man enough to admit he was wrong, and not go to bed angry.”
“Yeah, that’s a good point,” I admitted. “At first when I saw his name on my screen, I thought he was either going to break things off with me, or wanted to continue the argument, but he completely surprised me. Still, I don’t want to be rash. I really like him, but I don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t trust me.”
“What do you like about him?” Laurel asked, thanking the waiter as he handed her a big pink drink with a pineapple garnish.
“Well,” I began, picturing Jed in my mind. “He’s generous, attentive, creative, and kind. He’s the opposite of the kind of guys I usually date, but in a good way. He isn’t caught up in appearances, or price tags, and he’s seriously gorgeous in a rugged, manly kind of way.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Jasmine said with a wink.
“I love that he gets along so well with you guys, and all of our family. I like that he’s basically made himself into the man he is, with hard work and dedication. And, I like how he makes me feel when we’re together, like I’m not just a pretty face, but a person with worth and substance.”
“It sounds like you really like him,” Zoey said, placing her hand on my arm. “Maybe even love him.”
I sighed.
She was right, but that didn’t make me any less afraid.
“What if he has anger issues, or a crazy temper? What if he doesn’t trust me? What if he hurts me again?”
“What if he turns
out to be the love of your life, and father of your children?” Laurel countered.
“I know it’s scary,” Zoey said. “Believe me, I was worried about being with Gabe, too, but if I’d listened to my fears and never got on the plane to come here, look at everything I would’ve missed out on. The truth is, you don’t know what’s going to happen, no one does, but if you don’t give it a chance, nothing will happen.”
“Obviously we like Jed, but we love you, and we’re here for you no matter what you decide. We just want you to think things through completely, before you make a decision.”
I smiled at Jasmine.
“Thanks, Jazzy. I appreciate you all doing this for me … bringing me here and letting me talk things through. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, but it helps having you guys to bounce it all off of.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” Jasmine said. “Take your time, make a pros and cons list, lose yourself in the gallery … You’ll figure out what’s best for you, and we’ll be behind you. One-hundred percent.”
I got a little misty at that, and looked at three of the most important women in my life.
“I love you guys,” I said.
“We love you, too.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Jed
I zipped up my pants and grinned to myself. There was nothing quite like peeing in the woods on a beautiful morning with the birds chirping.
Yeah, it was probably a weird sentiment, but I felt at peace in a way I hadn’t in a while.
I’d fished, eaten that fish over an open flame, and slept under the stars. I’d enjoyed cold beers in the sun, while shooting the shit with my buddies, and had bathed in the lake this morning.
I’d had time to commune with nature and do a lot of soul-searching, and I knew one thing for certain … I was in love with Serena.
Maybe a break, and the fear of losing her, was what I needed to come to that realization, or maybe I’d have gotten there on my own. Either way, I knew I wanted her in my life, permanently, and I’d do whatever it took to get her back.
Too Enchanting Page 12
