by Claire Angel
Hallie
I thought about Colton all day and night. I was thinking about him this morning as I made a quick breakfast for Dad, sipping my coffee. I could never ask Dad too much about him. He would always be protective of me and while he respected Colton that was a lot different from my dating him.
So much different.
I didn’t even think that I could get involved with him. I didn’t live here, and Colton clearly had roots in Chester. He was making a life here. I had New York calling my name when I could return.
There was a knock to the door, and I blinked as I came back to the present. Dad called from the living room and I pulled the eggs from the burner as I told him that I’d get it. I walked to the foyer and wiped my hands on the towel before swinging the door open.
“Well, well, well. Look who dragged her sorry ass back to Chester.” The gorgeous, petite blonde said with a sharp smile. She threw herself into my arms as we both laughed.
“Bri!! I’m so happy to see you.” I told her, wrapping my arms around her in a tight hold. “I have been caught up with things here. It’s different taking care of him like this.” I pulled away and looked into her brown eyes for a long moment.
“I know. I gave you some space, but I am here to help. What’s on the agenda?” She grinned, and I let out a slow breath.
“I have breakfast inside. He’s got a better appetite today. Come in. I made enough for all of us.” Brianne followed me inside and into the kitchen, calling out to Dad in a cheerful voice. We made some toast, and she got a cup of coffee and we took Dad his plate. We had a great time catching up together before he excused himself for a nap in his room.
Dad never did that. He was giving us some privacy to catch up.
“So, do you miss the city life?” Bri asked with a sad look in her eyes. She missed me, and I felt the same way about her.
“Yes. I mean, this is so different for me. I love being with Dad though.” I sipped from my cup and stared at the floor for a second.
“He seems like he’s doing… okay? He ate most of his food.” Bri offered as I nodded.
“He is, but he’s still so weak, Bri. This kicked his ass.” I looked down the hall towards his room, blinded by my worry for him.
“He had great care, and everyone helped out. He was released from the hospital and he’s on meds. He just needs rest.” She smiled at me as she covered my hand with hers. “I’m here, too. I’ll help you.”
“Thank you.” We got to talking about her job as an assistant at a nearby law firm. Bri told me that she took the week off to help me, now that I was officially back. She loved her job and was happy having stayed here in Chester. She was seeing one of the young lawyers new to the firm and it was looking serious.
“How about you? Are you happy? Are you seeing anyone?” Bri asked me as I nibbled on my lower lip. “Did you ever find someone that you wanted to sleep with?”
“No. I’ve been working so much. I have friends that I hang out with and there. Nothing serious.” I frowned as I looked deeper into my words. Bri looked disappointed.
“Nobody there is a friend like you are to me. It’s more casual and so fast-paced all the time.”
“You love it though, don’t you?” Bri asked as I wondered if I did. I’d been enjoying the peace here. It was so beautiful, and the views couldn’t be beat.
“I do. Of course, I do. It’s fun living there. I like being home though. I stayed away for a long time.” We exchanged a long look. We both knew what made me run away the way I did even if I did hide it behind college and a chance to do something different. Even Dad knew. I saw it in his eyes every time he looked at me, but he kept his concerns quiet.
“That was a long time ago, Hal. It also wasn’t your fault,” she reminded me as I nodded. I knew it deep down but losing Micah so suddenly still messed with my head.
“I know.” I replied quietly as my eyes drifted across the room to a small photo on the wall. I didn’t have to be close to it to remember the way I was wrapped in Micah’s arms as he tickled me on this very couch. We were both laughing, and I was mock pleading for someone to save me. Bri snapped it one night when we were watching movies.
“I heard that Colton is keeping an eye on the shop,” she broke into my thoughts as I blinked at her.
“Do you know him?” I asked as she shrugged.
“I’ve seen him around town, but he keeps to himself. It’s a bit of a mystery as to what he’s doing here after so long, but his grandparents are thrilled. He’s staying out at their place right now and running the yard and the shop. It’s impressive.” Her eyes glinted as she took me in. “He’s hot as hell, Hal.”
“I stopped by the shop yesterday. We met. I told him to let me know if he needed any help. Dad would probably appreciate being alone some.” I smiled weakly.
“What did you think?” She pressed as I frowned at her.
“About what?”
“Colton. Fess up, girl. I know you’re not blind.” Her brow was raised.
“I blushed, making her smile.”
“He had that edge to him. That bad boy looks. Okay?” I asked as she sipped her coffee. “Are you happy?”
“I am. I knew you weren’t blind.” I threw a pillow at her as she laughed, and her face grew serious. “He hasn’t been with anyone here, you know. Not that I’ve heard.”
“I’d think the girls would be throwing themselves at him. Fresh meat and all.” I knew that my tone was snarky but Bri laughed.
“I’m sure they did. He’s probably has his family in mind. They’re the nicest people in town!” Bri said as I nodded. They were. It was sad that they didn’t know him for as long as they did.
“Do you know the story about them?” I asked as she narrowed her eyes in thought.
“Not really. I think it has to do with his mom or something.” Bri shrugged. “You know I try to avoid the gossip here.”
We chatted for a bit longer before she left to run some errands. I checked on Dad to make sure he was sleeping before walking back to the living room to clean up. It was great seeing Bri again, and I looked forward to the time we were going to spend together.
I managed to stay close to home that week. Dad started talking about the shop once he knew that I’d offered help, convincing me to drop by on Monday. It didn’t take much, but he didn’t know that. I dressed in jeans and a loose-fitting t-shirt in a dusty purple color before slipping my feet into my Cons.
I told Dad to call me if he needed anything before I left him in front of the TV. I hopped in my car and drove through town just after ten, parking off to the side before hopping out. I approached the open bays, hearing some rock music as I glanced inside. Colton was working on Mr. Perry’s old truck and I smiled for a moment as I watched.
“Good morning.” I called as he moved up, stretching his back. Damn, if he didn’t look good doing that.
“Hallie. Good morning.” He took me in slowly, making me feel like he was peeling my clothes off.
“I thought I’d help out a bit. Dad kicked me out of the house.” My tone was joking as he gave me that same crooked smile from the other day.
Sweet Jesus.
“There’s a mess inside of the office. I threw myself into the repair side of things with the back log your dad had going.” Colton shrugged as I smiled weakly.
“We appreciate everything that you’ve done.” I assured him as I glanced at the door to the shop, propped open. “Mind if I come in this way?”
“Come on in.” He told me as I nodded and walked past the truck. This shop held so many memories for me. I’d helped Dad here since I could walk. It smelled like cars and when I walked inside of the lobby, I smelled the coffee from the machine. Mom made pastries for the customers before she left us and the memory of people enjoying them made the sadness hit hard for a moment. I knew that she was part of the reason that I left as well as Micah and everything else.
I shook off the emotions and carried my messenger bag into the room to unlock the offi
ce. I sat down at the desk and opened my laptop, letting it warm up as I went to get coffee. I fixed the cup and sipped it slowly, smiling.
“Does it meet your approval?” Colton asked as I spun around quickly.
“You make a great cup of coffee,” I offered weakly as he grinned.
“I do have some talents,” he replied as my mind raced forward. I wondered what they were. “Settling in fine?”
“I’m warming up my computer right now. I’m going to do the stuff on there while I’m here. I want to talk Dad into getting a new system while I’m here. His is so ancient, and I handled most of that stuff when I still lived here to begin with.”
“How long ago did you leave?” Colton asked as I wondered if we were going to have a real conversation.
“I left for college ten years ago. I ended up staying in New York.” He nodded as he looked at my face. I was wondering if he should be working but I was hardly going to nag the man helping my father.
“Do you like it here?” Colton pressed as I licked my stained lips.
“I do.” I replied, feeling shyness come over me as I glanced towards the office. “I should get to work.” I made my way across the room, checking to make sure the door chime was on to alert me to any customers. I smiled at Colton and walked through the small door, sitting down in front of my computer as I breathed in deeply.
I worked for a magazine and saw a lot of male models on the job that women lost their minds over. I thought that they were hot in their own way, but Colton was all male. He was gorgeous and did things to me that I’d never felt before. I organized the papers on the desk and created a spreadsheet on my computer to organize the finances.
Dad did well here. He had a steady flow of customers from town and beyond that kept the shop open and earning some profits. I designed the spreadsheet to show each, specifying them in each line. I liked detail and knew that Dad would as well. I just needed to sit down with him.
I was finishing with the first month when I sensed someone in the doorway. I glanced up to see Colton standing there and tucked Inmy hair behind my ear. I’d been annoyed all morning by the fact I had nothing to pull it back with.
“Everything okay?” I asked as he nodded.
“I was hungry. If you watch the front, I’ll get us some lunch,” he offered as I looked at the clock on the computer screen. It was already approaching noon, and this was going to take a while.
“Yeah. I should check on Dad.” I said as I grabbed my phone and dialed his number. Marnie answered, assuring me that she was feeding him lunch and taking good care of him. I thanked her warmly and ended the call with a smile. “He’s great. Dad is lucky to live here instead of the city. They take such good care of him.”
“Sandwiches okay? I love that deli down the street.” I nodded and told him that I’d like a pastrami on sourdough, reaching for my purse.
“I have it. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Colton grinned and turned to leave the shop as I saved my work and stood up. I walked through the lobby and glanced around, making sure that it was tidy. I dusted as I waited for lunch, realizing that Colton spent most of his time in the garage.
The door chimed, and I turned my head to see Colton striding in with a bag in his hand. His over shirt was off, and I stared at his muscled arms for a second in silence. He could give any model a run for his money.
We sat on the couch and ate, chatting about Chester. He went on to explain that he lived in Colorado for years until he got back in touch with his grandparents.
“Why did it take you so long to do so?” I asked softly, not sure if I was pushing it. We were done with the food and sipping the cans of soda that I bought in the lobby.
“Mom left town when she was younger. That’s when she met Dad and had me, but there was a lot going on. She didn’t tell them about me until my dad left when I was eight.
It took another few years to meet them and I did that on my own. Obviously, they’re great people and we got on well. They asked me to move here to run the lumber yard, and I thought it might be a nice change.
Things weren’t great in Denver when I left.” His face sobered, and I leaned closer before I caught myself, moving back. Something had happened to him there. I recognized the pain in his eyes because it was the same pain that I was in most of the time.
Chapter 6
Colton
I went back into the garage to work after we ate lunch. Hallie was easy to talk to. I told her more about myself than I had anyone here. While I was polite to the people in town, I didn’t dine with them or even drink with them. I just worked and went home.
Hallie made me want to go out after work and talk over dinner. Hell, she made me feel like a teenager again. I wanted to impress her as much as I wanted to act very much like an adult with her.
She left shortly after lunch and I felt empty as I finished the day on my own. I knew that I needed to get some food. I decided to stop by the diner and grab a burger, walking in to sit at a table.
I glanced around and saw that the room was half full of diners, nodding at the waitress as she told me to take a seat. I chose one in the back and pulled out my phone, seeing a text from Mom. We did this almost daily since we were close. It was us against the world for a long time. We went over work and what was happening in our lives. I asked her to come and visit me again, not quite sure what happened with her parents. I got another vague maybe and sighed as I reached for my burger.
She asked how the job was, prompting me to remind her that I had two now. I knew that she didn’t remember the people here well enough to know who Brian was. I also knew that she was busy running her art gallery in Aurora since that had always been the case. We ended the conversation with a promise to talk in the morning. I set the phone on the table and dunked my fry into a blob of ketchup on my plate. I’d go for a run tomorrow if I got up early enough.
I felt my skin prickle, raising my eyes to the door to see Hallie walking in with a small blonde girl. They were laughing and took a seat across the room after greeting the waitress. I could tell that they were close as they leaned across the table. It made me wonder what Hallie’s life was like here before she left.
“Was that her best friend?”
“Did she had a boyfriend here? “
“Where was her mom?”
I kept watching as I finished my fries. Hallie was beautiful when she laughed, and I had a good view of her from here. Her friend was sitting with her back to me. I couldn’t stop staring as she ordered something from the same waitress helping me, a huge grin on her face. They must be having a great time.
I chuckled when I saw that they ordered shakes and fries. I loved the combo as well but tried not to eat it too much. I left Chicago a fit man and didn’t want that to change too drastically.
At some point while they were eating, the blonde left the table to use the bathroom. She passed me, and I knew that she recognized me by the smirk on her face. When she walked by again, I watched her sit down and lean forward to tell Hallie something.
Her face flushed pink as she looked across the room at me. Her eyes were bright as she forced an awkward smile before looking back at her friend. The blonde shook her head and turned to gaze at me, waving me over to their table. I grinned and pulled out a bill to pay for my meal, ready to hand it to the waitress when I saw her next. It was more than enough for dinner and a tip. Hallie gave her friend a wide-eyed look as I approached them, appearing as though she wanted to flee from the building.
“Good evening, ladies.” I paused at the end of the table and smiled at both as the blonde tilted her head at Hallie. I was pleased when she scooted further down the bench and gave me the room to slide in beside her.
“I’m Bri. I’ve been friends with this girl for years.” She smiled and offered me her hand, which I grasped with a nod. The blonde resembled a pixie with her small body and features, but she had a fire about her. That was apparent in this situation.
“Colton? Your Gus’ grandson, aren’t you?�
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“I am.” I replied as I sensed movement beside me. “What brings you ladies here this evening?”
“We are regressing to high school. We used to come here a lot to gossip about boys and school.” Bri gave Hallie a warm smile. “I am taking advantage of her being here.”
That reminded me that Hallie was likely to leave Chester once her dad was better. Why did that idea bother me? I brushed it off and waved at the waitress for a refill on my tea. She looked at my old table for a moment before grabbing the pitcher. Once she was done refilling it, I handed her the money and the bill. I told her to keep the change, and she grew flustered as she stared at me.
“Thank you,” her voice was grateful, and I nodded as she walked away. Looking at Hallie, I saw something in her eyes that might be jealousy as she stared at Bri.
“This is a nice place,” I offered as I leaned back, pressing my leg against Hallie’s thigh. I think I was ready to break my rule of not messing with local girls though Hallie didn’t live here. I pushed away the nagging reminder that she was Brian’s daughter for the millionth time as I felt the heat pass between us.
“It’s been here for a long time. The food is good if not a bit divey. I don’t mind that though.” Bri replied as I glanced over at Hallie. She finally smiled at me, looking shy.
“I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t think Betty would let you eat here.” There was a joking tone to her voice, and I laughed.
“They had dinner plans tonight. I don’t ask her to cook for me, you know. It’s just how she is.” Both girls smiled.
“We’ve had her food at gatherings. It’s the best thing ever.” Bri confessed as I sipped my tea. “You’re in charge of the lumber yard now, right?”
I nodded.
“You’re also taking care of Dad’s shop?”
I frowned at her and Bri laughed.
“He’s like another father to me.” She said with teasing smile on her face.
“Oh, gotcha. Yes, I’m keeping it going while he gets better. I have help inside.” I nudged Hallie with my shoulder gently as Bri lifted a perfect brow. It didn’t take long for her to excuse herself to leave for some reason, assuring Bri that she should stay and relax. It was painfully obvious what Bri was doing, and I winked at her as she walked out the door.
