Shoving the paperwork inside, he went on the porch and opened the door, motioning his head toward Justin. “Let’s get inside. I bet you’re starving.”
He wished he had an appetite. All of the stress was taking its toll on him.
***
After stopping at the store for a few odds and ends, Amelia made it home and plopped down on her couch, enjoying the feeling of being able to rest for a few minutes. It had been a long time since she could just sit and exist. If she hadn’t called into the bar, she’d be there now, dealing with the after work rush of a Friday evening and with the way her energy level was zapped, she probably wouldn’t have made it through it.
Grabbing her grocery bags, she put the perishable items away and popped open a wine cooler, savoring the sweet flavor on her tongue. Grabbing her phone, her stomach sank when she saw that Rodney still hadn’t texted her his number. Had he asked for it just for show? Guys had done that to her before and she never heard from him but the vibe she got off of their little visit together didn’t feel that way. Maybe he was just busy - Justin seemed like a handful and it was dinner time.
Stepping out on her porch, she checked her flower beds, thrilled that her bluebonnets were coming in nicely. She had intentions to plant more once the threat of a freeze was gone. Taking another pull off the wine cooler, she leaned against a tree and watched the sun going down right above the tree tops. It was a beautiful evening and she didn’t regret her choice to take the evening off.
“Who is the guy?”
The voice pulled her from her euphoria and she spotted Phillip standing on the curb, his arms folded over his chest, his body language threatening.
“I have a restraining order on you, Phillip. I suggest you leave.”
“I’m standing far enough away.”
“You’re on my property.”
Phillip shook his head, his sharp gaze sending a chill down Amelia’s spine. “I’m on the sidewalk. Public domain. And I’m gonna ask you again. Who is the guy?”
“What guy?”
“You know damn well what guy I’m talking about. He took you home the other night. You were just at the lake with him.”
“Are you stalking me?” Amelia didn’t need to give him any more time. She needed to call the police but had left her phone in the house. Taking a few steps back, she was scared to turn away from him. He was unpredictable and she feared he might lunge at her.
“It’s a small town. And people talk. You’re messing with a married man? And he’s got a kid, Amelia. How low can you go?”
“What I do is none of your concern anymore. Please leave. I’m gonna call the cops.”
“You’re a slut. Already moving on to someone else.”
She was done messing with him. Turning, she hurried to the house and slammed the door, locking it behind her. Changing the locks was a great idea so there was no chance he’d be able to get in. Grabbing her phone, she glanced out of the front window before she dialed 911. He was gone so she didn’t call, though reporting it was probably a good idea.
Her phone buzzed in her hand and her heart skipped a beat. She didn’t know the number but the message was enough to pull her out of her anger at Phillip.
“This is Rodney. Sorry it took me so long. Turned into a shitty evening.”
She smiled, though it wasn’t a good message. At least he had contacted her.
Shooting hi a text back, she said, “I completely understand. Mine just went to shit too.”
“I hope it gets better. Thanks for fishing with us today. It was fun.”
It took Amelia a second to think what she’d say back. Should she try and keep the conversation going or should she play it cool? Phillip’s voice echoed in her head. Was she wrong for this? Rodney was just a friend. They hadn’t done anything sexual and hadn’t even gotten close to talking about things like that. The hug was amazing but that’s as far as it went, and ended quickly.
“I hope yours gets better too. Fishing was fun. Thanks for having me.”
A few minutes passed and Amelia figured that was the end of the conversation. Checking the front window again, she relaxed when there was still no sign of Phillip out there. Pulling her hair free from her ponytail, she padded to the bathroom for a nice, long shower. Another wine cooler was also on the agenda, followed by an early bedtime. Tomorrow was back to the bar and she needed sleep. Exhausted couldn’t even begin to describe how she felt.
After her shower, she grabbed another drink from the refrigerator and checked her phone, hoping Rodney had said something else, but she didn’t have any messages. It was bet to leave it at that for now. She didn’t know his story or if there was a chance he’d get back with his wife, so she would keep her distance. The worry of Phillip was front and center – apparently, the restraining order wasn’t enough to keep him away.
Sitting on the edge of her bed, she took a sip of the watermelon wine cooler and smacked her lips. It was going down nice and smooth, relaxing her well. Pulling the covers back, she slid in between the blankets and silky sheets, resting her head back on the pillows, staring up at the ceiling that was illuminated by her lamp on the nightstand. So many things ran through her mind - Phillip would never leave her alone. And of course, Rodney and his adorable son. They had welcomed her along like family and it meant a lot to her.
Rodney’s smile and laugh made her smile, and she rolled on her side, trying hard to get her mind on something else. It was impossible - he flashed in her memory and she felt the pull in her abdomen, longing to be close to him. He could never know about her school girl crush on him, and that was exactly what it was. She was back in high school, admiring the quarterback and she was the band nerd. Maybe she should delete his number and forget about it but that would be stupid. She’d run into him - he was a bar patron and a customer at the hardware store. She just had to keep it professional. Easier said than done.
Her body relaxed in the sheets and she began to doze. Right on the verge of sleep, she jolted awake when she heard something hit her bedroom window. Was she dreaming? Her mind went stupid on her when she was in between awake and asleep but with the way Phillip was acting, she couldn’t be too careful.
Kicking her legs off the side of the bed, she tiptoed to the window and looked out. It was dark and she couldn’t see anything. The hair rose on the back of her neck when she heard the screen door in the back squeak. Grabbing her phone, she went to the front and made sure she locked the door. There was no wind to knock around the screen and she heard it again, this time the door slamming hard. The only way it could have happened was if someone was back there doing it.
“I’m calling the police!” she yelled, her assumption that Phillip was messing with her after their encounter in her yard.
She wouldn’t hesitate this time - dialing 911, she waited until a dispatcher picked up.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
“I think someone is trying to get into my house.” Amelia’s voice shook as she watched, the door slamming again, making her jump.
“Okay, ma’am, can you please give me your address?”
Amelia recited it to her, her palms sweaty against her sweat pants.
“I am dispatching someone to your location now. Can you see who it is?”
“No, I can’t.” Amelia kept her eyes on the back door. “It’s dark. I think it might be my ex-boyfriend. I have a restraining order on him.”
“Hang tight. We have someone coming right now.”
Amelia heard the car door open and shut in the front. “I think they’re here. Thank you for your help.” Hanging up the phone, she hurried to let them in. At least help was here. It still didn’t sit well that Phillip was disregarding the restraining order and not leaving well enough alone. Hopefully, this would be enough to get him locked up and teach him a lesson but knowing him, he had already run off and the cops would never truly know who was messing with her.
“Police department.” The cop flashed his badge and crossed the threshold of her
home. “You can relax. I’ll make sure whoever it is won’t be getting into your home.”
Amelia nodded, though this altercation was likely the beginning of a headache she wouldn’t be able to get rid of.
Chapter Thirteen
Rodney laid in bed that night but sleep didn’t come. He had skimmed the document that Susan had served him but there was so much lawyer speak in it that he didn’t understand half of it. How in the hell had she been able to afford a lawyer to draw up the papers? She moved fast and he figured it was just to be spiteful. She didn’t want him to beat her to the punch and that is what had pissed him off the most. He had every intention of divorcing her but on his terms. Now that Susan had done this, it felt like she was in the driver’s seat.
He knew damn well he’d fight tooth and nail for Justin. The woman wasn’t fit to be his mother and her medical history proved it. Hopefully, the courts would see that and side with him, going against the grain when it came to father’s winning custody over women. It usually didn’t happen.
Rolling on his side, he glanced at the alarm clock. It’d be another insomnia filled night and an early morning of forcing himself out of bed. He skimmed through his phone, smiling when he ran across Amelia’s text message. It was nice to exchange numbers with her, even if it just meant chatting with a friend who would listen. He didn’t have many friends to begin with so he’d take them where he could get them. Setting the phone on the nightstand, he buried his face in the pillow and jumped when the phone buzzed on the surface, so loud that he wasn’t sure what it was at first.
Grabbing it, the bright screen made him squint and he grimaced when he saw that it was Susan calling him. He was in no mood to talk to her so he ignored it, but she instantly called back, her name flashing on the screen again.
Rodney was reluctant to answer but he went ahead and did. She’d just continue to call if he didn’t, knowing he’d eventually answer if she continued to nag at him. Preparing for a fight, he attempted to not sound annoyed when he answered, which was next to impossible.
“Hello?”
“Get a surprise today?” Her tone was sarcastic and she laughed. It made Rodney sick to his stomach to hear it.
“Depends. Which surprise are you referring to?”
Susan didn’t say anything at first. “You had more than one?”
“Maybe. Why the hell does it matter to you, anyway?”
“Well, what other ones are you talking about? I’m talking about the one in the folder with a signature page. You might think about signing pretty fast. I’m ready to move on with my life.”
Rodney sat up in bed and rubbed his eye with his palm. He wasn’t tired but he also didn’t want to chat with her. “I thought you were referring to Justin and me going fishing. I ran into a good friend while we were there. She’s great company and a good friend.” He made a mental note not to name drop Amelia. Jealousy would get the best of Susan and she wouldn’t leave her alone. He probably shouldn’t have mentioned her at all but pressing Susan’s buttons was turning into a fun game.
“Oh, it was a she?”
Hook, line, and sinker - Rodney got her right where he wanted her. “It was. And I’m ready to move on with my life too, seeing as you already took it upon yourself to sleep with another man before we ever even considered divorce.”
“Who is the woman?” Susan’s tone went from sarcastic to angry in a split second.
“Like I’d ever tell you. You’re psychotic. She doesn’t deserve to have to deal with you.”
“Looks like you’ve moved on pretty quickly. She as good in bed as I am?”
Rodney rolled his eyes and glanced toward the window. The last thing he wanted to do was argue with Susan. He should’ve never said a word about fishing. “She’s just a friend. I don’t just hop into bed immediately like you did. Look, I gotta go. Is there a specific reason you called or did you just want to gloat that you got to a lawyer before I was able to?”
“Sign the papers, Rodney. It’d be best for all of us.”
“I’m going to take them to my lawyer first, Susan. For all I know, you could be taking me to the bank with as conniving and evil as you are. I wouldn’t want all of my money spent on drugs to shoot up in your arms.”
Susan laughed, sounding like a witch cackling. “I’ll find out who she is. I should warn her about how boring you are. How you never want to have fun or try new things.”
“I’m hanging up, Susan. This isn’t productive and it’s late.” Before she could respond, Rodney ended the call and slid his phone back on the nightstand.
It buzzed again but he didn’t even bother to look to see who it was. Over lunch, he’d try to get the divorce papers to a lawyer to translate them. He didn’t have much money but his fear was Justin and Susan’s attempts to strip him from his life. She had no intention of being a mother to the boy but out of vindictiveness, she’d do what she could to hit Rodney right where it hurt.
Padding to the kitchen, Rodney pulled a tumbler from the cabinet and poured two fingers worth of whiskey - just enough to help him relax. There were so many things on his mind. He needed everything to shut down, just for a few hours. Just enough for him to get some shut eye and feel rested in the morning. With everything Susan was pulling, he needed to be on top of his game.
***
Amelia spent the next few days following up with the police department in regard to her restraining order. They weren’t full of much advice - they didn’t seem to think anything happened for her to worry about but they also didn’t know Phillip. He was always jealous and now that he had spotted her with Rodney would only heighten his anger. It didn’t matter if she sat Phillip down and continuously told him that Rodney was just a friend. In Phillip’s eyes, a man and a woman couldn’t just be friends. It was about sex. It was about being dominating toward women. If only Phillip could see that Rodney was nothing like that.
Sitting in her car in front of the police station, she skimmed through the restraining order paperwork. It was cut and dry - he wasn’t to go near her, in a two hundred foot radius. It was a stupid piece of paper that wouldn’t protect her in the middle of the night. And really, it wasn’t helping her now. Wasn’t its purpose to get him arrested if he violated it? And it was the next day and Phillip wasn’t in police custody. It made Amelia’s blood boil knowing he got away with it. And he was probably living off the high of doing whatever the hell he wanted to do, getting under her skin any way he could think of.
Gripping the steering wheel, she took a deep breath. She had taken the afternoon off from the hardware store to get it all taken care of and since it was only Thursday, she didn’t have to go work at the bar. Checking her phone, she wished she had a message from Rodney. The first night they had texted was awesome but since then, there were just a few here and there - a simple hello, good morning, and wishing each other would have a good day. Rodney had seemed distant and not talkative and Amelia feared she had scared him away. Rather than push the matter, she had kept her distance so she wouldn’t seem too clingy and needy. It also felt like he was going through a lot and she didn’t want to be too much of a distraction.
Reaching for the gear shift, she put her car in reverse but stopped when she saw Rodney on the sidewalk in front of the building next door to the police station. His black baseball cap was pulled low but she would recognize him anywhere. He wore his usual uniform with his name sewn above the left lapel pocket and he looked up, making eye contact with her.
Putting the car back in park, she got out and approached him, feeling it was okay since he smiled. “Well hey, stranger! How’s it going?”
“Finalizing my divorce.” He held up a large envelope and looked over his shoulder toward the building. “Just met with my lawyer to make sure Susan isn’t taking all of my stuff.”
“Is she trying to?” Amelia wished she could suck the question back into her mouth. It wasn’t her business.
“Not really. I don’t have much for her to take.” Rodney leaned agains
t the hood of his truck and adjusted his hat, squinting into the bright afternoon sun. “Justin is the issue. I love that boy more than life itself and I’m gonna…” he trailed off, looking away from her.
Amelia took a step forward, close enough to touch his arm. Skimming her hand over his, she felt the energy between them but tried to hide it. “I’m sorry, Rodney. I’ve never been through a divorce but it has to be hard.” She couldn’t tell if he still loved Susan or if it was focused more on Justin. In the time they had talked, the pride for his child was obvious. Rodney was a good dad. Susan was crazy to let him get away. There was much more to his story but she wouldn’t pry. If Rodney wanted her to know, he’d eventually tell her.
“So, what are you doing sitting out here in front of the police station? I swear, you’re stalking me, aren’t you?” He smiled again, exposing his white teeth.
“Yep. And I’m bold enough to do it with all of these cops around.” Amelia giggled and it made Rodney laugh in return. “I’m just following up on some paperwork I filed on my ex.”
“I hope everything is okay.” Rodney’s smile faded to a look of concern and he patted her hand again. His callused palm was comforting and Amelia missed it when he quickly pulled away.
“Oh, yeah. Everything is fine,” Amelia lied. She didn’t want to let him in on her drama. Nothing sent a man running away like a woman with baggage. Unfortunately, Phillip was enough of an issue to make it where she’d never be with a good man again. Rodney had enough going on. Her issues with Phillip were ridiculous in comparison.
“Good. You deserve some downtime.” Rodney glanced at his watch and squinted. “You need to be anywhere right now?”
“No. I took the afternoon off to take care of some errands.”
“You hungry?” Rodney cocked his head to the side and it made Amelia melt. He was adorable, almost too timid to ask her the simple question.
“I’m always hungry.”
“Wanna go to that diner down the road? Not the best food but it’s decent.”
Never Let You Go: Save Me Series Book 2 Page 9
