I cut her off before she can continue. I know what love is—I’m just not interested in looking for it right now. “I know, Mom, I’m just not looking for that yet.”
“I know you’re not but it happens when you least expect it.” She covers up the mouth piece but I can still hear the kiss on the other end. I scrunch up my nose in disgust.
“New subject. Anyways, it’s going to be so great, I can’t wait for you to come to visit!” I miss my mom terribly. I’ll have to make sure I can take some vacation time when she comes to visit.
“I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become Phoebe.” She pauses for a second. “Listen, about this morning—”
“I know, I’m sorry.” And I am. My mom and I normally get along so well, but I had acted like a child and hang up on her. Guilt fills me and I want nothing more than to give my mom a big hug right now.
“You’re forgiven.” She teases. “There are a lot of changes going on for the both of us and I know it’s not easy. Listen, sweetie, I have to get going. Have a good day and I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.” I sigh and glance at my phone. We’ve only been talking for ten minutes and it doesn’t seem like nearly enough time.
“Bye, Pheebs, I love you.”
“Love you too,” I reluctantly hang up and stare at the picture of me and my mom that is the background on my phone screen.
I place my phone on the charger and rummage through my clothes, looking for something to wear tonight. The weather is a lot different here than it is in Chicago. I change into a pair of jean shorts and a red tank top before pulling on a pair of socks and putting my hair in two pig-tails. I touch up my makeup—carefully trying to cover up the discoloration around the stitches. I don’t know what’s worse, leaving it uncovered or having a big patch of gauze on my forehead.
I brush my bangs forward and hope that they cover it enough so that the stitches don’t stand out too much. There’s no way I’m going out tonight with a big patch of gauze on my head.
Once satisfied, I rush downstairs and tug on my new boots. Happy with my look, I walk outside to chat with Keith and Emily before we leave.
“You look beautiful, Phoebe.” Emily tugs on one of my pig-tails and smiles.
“Thank you,” I give her a hug. Her warm embrace calms my nerves. I don’t know why I’m nervous—I shouldn’t be, but I am.
I tell them about the phone call with my mom. Emily seems pleased that everything is better.
“Ready?” Dean calls as he walks out of the house.
I turn around and he stops in his tracks. A wordless exchange passes between us. He looks so damn hot. I see him in everyday in his tight jeans and boots, but the black t-shirt that clings to every part of him is a new addition—normally his shirts are worn and oversized. This one shows off every angle of his chest, and his muscles flex as he walks towards us.
I stand up walk towards the truck. “Yeah, I’m ready,” I call out. I open the door and, gripping the handle with my good hand, pull myself up.
When Dean climbs in, I try to ignore the fact that his scent excites me by reaching for my phone to distract myself. I scan through texts, emails—anything to keep my mind off of Dean. Before I know it, we pull into O’Malley’s.
O’Malley? O’Malley? Why does that name sound so familiar?
I pull down the visor to check my makeup once more before we head in. As I freshen up my lip gloss, I’m positive I can feel Dean’s gaze burning into me. When I confirm this by glancing at him out of the corner of my eye, a satisfied smile spreads across my face. Knowing that I’m affecting him—and that he’s watching me too—turns me on even more.
I toss my lip gloss back into my purse and open the door.
Knowing that Dean is watching, I swing my hips—in the way that we women do—as I walk ahead of him. Since that night in the hallway, nothing has happened between us. I haven’t mentioned to him about it, and if he doesn’t remember then that’s his loss.
I pull open the heavy wooden door and step into the small pub. It’s actually a lot cleaner than I would have thought. It almost reminds me of a pub back home.
Pausing when I walk in, I look around for Dean’s friends. A shiver runs up my spine when I feel the light pressure of Dean’s hand on the small of my back, urging me forward.
I look over my shoulder to see Dean smiling down at me, and his face so close that I can smell the mint on his breath.
“Are you cold?” He asks.
I swallow hard and shake my head no. Why does he have such an effect on me?
He winks at me, looks up and points to a large horseshoe-shaped booth in the back. I look to where he’s pointing and instantly find myself caught in the glare of familiar piercing-blue eyes. Austin.
Dean and I walk towards them. When Devon spots me, she jumps up from her seat and wraps me in a hug. She’s all done up and looks so different to the last time I saw her.
“Hi, Devon, it’s good to see you.”
“You too, Phoebe. You look a lot better than you did the last time I saw you,” she laughs.
“I’m feeling a lot better too!” I scoot into the booth and feel Austin’s arm wraps around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I sidle away from him, trying not to draw attention.
“Hi, I’m Addison,” the perky red head says with a smile. She’s really pretty too. Her long red hair is braided to one side and bright green eyes sparkle, similar to my moms.
“Hi, I’m Phoebe,” I say, offering my good hand across the table.
“I know,” she giggles like a little girl, and shakes my hand.
Oh my, that’s an interesting sound. I hope she doesn’t giggle like that all night.
As it turns out, it is an interesting night. I have a lot of fun, something I haven’t done in years. Work has occupied so much of my time recently that I forgot what it is like to hang out with friends.
We sing happy birthday to Devon, and the bartender who looks similar to the Police Officer that was at the hospital, keeps the drinks flowing.
Dean catches my eye, and he must know what I’m thinking because he jerks his head in the bartender’s direction and says, “That’s his brother, he owns the place.”
“Ahh, that makes sense. I knew the name of this place sounded familiar.” Everyone laughs at me as if this is something I should have already known.
I’m three sheets to the wind when I feel the heat of Austin’s mouth on my neck and I do nothing to stop him when his lips travel, meeting the skin below my ear. I glance around and nobody is paying us any attention—except Dean, who is glaring at me with a scowl on his face.
What’s his deal?
When last orders are called, we start calling cabs to pick us up. I give Devon and Addison a hug goodbye, promising to call them when I’m better so we can go shopping. I slide into the cab and begin to feel a little woozy.
“Whoa, you okay there?” Dean asks. He wraps an arm around my waist to stead me.
“Mmhmm,” I mumble.
I close my eyes and lay my head on his shoulder. I breathe in his sent and I can’t be certain, but I think I feel his lips press a kiss to my forehead.
I’m getting too old for this shit! Last night was so much fun until Austin kept putting the moves on Barbie… my Barbie.
She nearly fell asleep in the cab ride home so I took advantage of the situation and carried her into the house and up to my room. I wanted so badly to kiss her soft lips but I knew that it wouldn’t be right. She’s not the kind of girl I could kiss and walk away from afterwards.
I quickly dress quickly and walk into the kitchen to find my parents going about their usual routine. Dad’s reading the paper and Mom’s making breakfast.
“Phoebe awake yet?” I grab a cup of coffee and pull out a chair.
“Nope, she’s still sleeping. What time did you get in last night?” my mom asks. She sets down a plate of eggs and hash browns in front of me.
Just looking at the food makes m
e want to throw up. I had more to drink last night than I should have. Luckily, I stopped drinking early so that I could make sure that Barbie got to bed safely.
“Eh, maybe around three or so. I need someone to drive me to O’Malley’s to pick up the truck,” I turn my attention towards my dad.
“Hurry up and eat. We’ll take your car,” he offers.
After breakfast I grab my car keys as we drive to the bar. He’s quiet until we pull in.
“What’s going on with you and Phoebe?” He asks as I park next to the truck.
I shift the car into park and sit back. I furrow my brows in confusion—why would he be asking me this? “Nothing, Dad.”
“I swear, Dean, if you hurt that girl, I will kick your ass.”
I hold my hands up in defense. “Seriously, Dad, I’m not sure what you think is going on, but I can assure you that whatever it is, you’re wrong. I’m with Devon.”
He gives me a curt nod and opens the car door. “Good, keep it that way.” He gets out of the car and pulls the truck keys from his pocket. He glances back at me with his lips pressed in a hard line.
See, even if I wanted to be with Barbie—which I don’t—my parents would kick my ass for even trying. We’ve been getting along great lately and while there is no denying that there are sparks between us, there is no way my parents would support me if I acted on my feelings for her.
We pull out of O’Malley’s and take a different direction home. I know my dad’s probably wondering where I’m going but I have something I need to do first. I decide to make a quick stop by Austin’s apartment to talk with him about last night.
“Hey, Dean, come on in,” he opens the door in his boxers, stepping aside to let me in.
“Hey, I just wanted to talk with you about last night,” I say, closing the door behind me. I don’t bother sitting down. I stand with my arms folded across my chest, I wait for his response.
Before he can say anything, a leggy blonde walks out of his room, wearing the white button-down shirt he wore last night. She pauses when she sees me and gives the briefest of smiles before turning to walk into the bathroom.
I give him a look of disgust. This is exactly why I need to kick his ass for even attempting to put the moves on Barbie.
“What the fuck? You were all over Phoebe last night and then you came home and had someone else over?”
He throws his hands in the air. “Like you don’t know what it’s like to need to get laid. Phoebe’s not that kind of girl so I called Samantha. She works with me and flirts nonstop.”
He’s right. I called Devon when I needed to get laid—even though I had Barbie on my mind the whole time I was with her.
“I get it, Man, I do. Just don’t do that shit with her.”
“Listen, Dean. I get that you want to protect Angel but you can’t tell me what to do. She has my number so if she calls, I’m not going to ignore her.”
I clench my fists at my side and I’m about ready to deck him when the blonde emerges. She walks into his room and shuts the door without so much as a glance. Once the door closes I get in his face.
“I swear to God, Austin, if I catch you near her again, I’ll break both your fucking hands so you’ll never be able to touch her again,” I grit my teeth. I’ve never been this pissed off before and especially not over a chick. I turn to leave but before I walk out I look at the man I use to call my friend. “You bet your ass I’m protecting Angel… my Angel.” The door slams into the wall when I open it and I don’t bother closing it behind me.
I get in my car and wait until I regain my composure before start it and head home. Did I just have a fight with one of my best friends over a girl? But then again she’s not just any girl. She’s Barbie.
Waking up with a hangover is not fun. I haven’t had that much to drink in a long time. Embarrassingly, it didn’t take much to get me drunk. I’m in my clothes from last night and I don’t even care. I throw my hair into a messy bun and make my way downstairs around lunch time. Emily is nowhere to be seen which is unusual but Keith is in his normal spot eating.
“Hey, Darlin’,” he greets me and sets down his newspaper. I know he’s probably thinking about how horrible I look but he doesn’t say anything. Aside from me in the hospital, I usually try to make it a point to do my hair and put makeup on before I even leave the bedroom.
“Morning, Keith.” I mumble and pull open the fridge to look for something to make.
“Emily made some chicken salad earlier today. Make yourself a sandwich,” he offers.
“I think I will, thank you.” It doesn’t sound appetizing at all but I need to eat something.
I sit next to him and eat my sandwich in silence.
“What’s goin’ on with you and my boy?” He asks. He folds his arms on the table and leans in as if I’m about to tell him a deep, dark secret.
I nearly choke on my food at his direct question. “Um, nothing. He’s with Devon.”
He grunts and nods his head in agreement to my answer.
Wow! That came out of left field!
I’m relieved when Emily walks in the door, her oversized sunhat flopping over her face, and blocking her eyes. She lifts it off and smiles when she greets me. “Morning, Phoebe,” she sets down the wicker basket on the counter, and walks over and leans down to kiss my cheek, squeezing my shoulder as she does so.
Emily’s display of affection really, really makes me miss my mom.
“Good morn—afternoon,” I quip. Taking my plate over to the sink, I lift the top of the basket and peek inside. Carrots, tomatoes, beets, peppers and an array of fruit fill the basket.
“Don’t you go pickin’ at those,” Emily startles me when she appears over my shoulder.
I turn around and swat her arm and we share a laugh.
“What’s on the agenda for today?” I ask, reaching into the cupboard, I pull out a mug and pour myself a cup of coffee.
“Well, I thought since you’ll be going back to work soon, maybe we should go look for a car today, and tomorrow we could go furniture shopping?” Emily raises her eyebrows and waits for my answer.
A smile spreads across my face but I look down and realize I have to take a shower and change my clothes before anything.
“I think that sounds like a fabulous idea but first, I desperately need a shower.” Reaching into the fridge, I pull out the bottle of creamer and pour it into the coffee.
“Sure, Phoebe, take your time and then when you’re ready, I’ll help you put some new gauze on.” She sits down next to Keith at the table and blows out a relaxing sigh.
“I think I’m going to leave it off.” I stir my coffee, place the spoon in the sink and blow on the hot brew before taking a sip.
“Whatever you’d like, dear,” she shrugs.
I take my cup and sit down next to her. She tells me all about the fruits and vegetables they have on the farm, adding that tonight she’s making some kind of cucumber salad that sounds delicious.
Stepping out of the shower, I wrap a towel around myself and wipe the condensation off of the fogged mirror. The stitches don’t look too bad, and nobody seemed to notice them last night. Thank God I only have a few more days before they’re out for good.
When I return downstairs, I walk right into a heated conversation between Emily, Keith, and Dean. The air was so thick with tension you could cut the atmosphere with a knife.
I stop in my tracks. “Um, I’ll just go wait in the truck,” I offer, before darting from the room. I grab my boots and step outside. I accidently let the screen door slam behind me and cringe, hoping that I don’t disturb them.
I pull the door and breathe a sigh of relief when I find it unlocked. I noticed that they don’t lock up much around here. Back home, if you leave anything unlocked, it’s basically leaving an open invitation for someone to come in and take your things. I sit inside and leave the door open for some fresh air. I hum to myself and tap my foot against the running board. Looking down at my boot, I smile to mysel
f. Three days ago, I would have been completely against buying boots like these but they are quickly becoming my favorite item of footwear.
I look back at the door and wait for someone to come out. I don’t know how long I’ve been waiting but it’s starting to get hot. I turn on the location device on my phone and look up car dealerships in the area. The body shop had deemed the car a write-off so insurance covered it. I’m using the little bit of savings I have for a down payment on a new car. It’s been years since I’ve owned a car and the thought of having a car and home that are all mine makes me want to burst at the seams.
My mom is right—I’m an adult with a good job and it’s about time I cut the apron strings. It’s all so new and sometimes scary. I would never have anticipated things working out like they have but I’m kind of glad they did. I’m also thankful that I let Devon talk me into staying with the Montgomery’s. In the short time I’ve known them they’ve become a family of sorts.
I earmark a few cars that pique my interest, when Emily opens the truck door. “I’m so sorry, Phoebe. You should have come back inside. It’s far too hot for you to be sitting in the truck,” she sets her purse down between us and starts the truck, cranking the A/C and adjusting the vents.
“It’s okay,” I shrug. “I was actually looking at cars while I was waiting.”
“Oh yeah? Did you find anything that you want to take a look at?” She glances at the screen when I show her the picture of what I want.
“Phoebe, I don’t know how I feel about you getting one of those,” she gives a disapproving look, which looks scarily like one my mom might give me.
“Let’s just go and take a look. You never know, I may change my mind once I take it for a test drive.” This is my money and I will spend it how I want. I value Emily’s opinion, but ultimately the decision is mine.
My smile widens when Emily pulls into the Nissan dealership. I hop out of the truck the second she puts it into park. I spot the vehicle I saw online and peer in through the windows.
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