The Fine Line Between Love and Hate: Part One (Mistik Ridge #1)

by Ashley Erin

  I simply laugh. “What is with everyone in this town and matchmaking? I’m pretty sure even if I made a move, Charlie would run screaming in the other direction and then tape an eviction notice on my door the next day.”

  “There is a fine line between love and hate, my dear.”

  Shaking my head, I excuse myself from her office without responding to that and join Everett at the counter. Heather and Sophie have just come in for their shift.

  “Hi, girls.” Grabbing my purse from the cupboard, I drape the strap over my shoulder and smile at them indulgently.

  They’re giggling over something on Heather’s phone. Both girls are saving up to go to college in the fall. I actually dread the time when they move and we have to find their replacements. Despite their young age, they work hard and the kids who come here after school like them.

  Everett and I walk to our cars together, as per our usual ritual.

  We’re both stuck in our own little worlds. He’s probably thinking about his video games, and my mind is stuck on Charlie . . . again.

  I close the book and set it on my desk. Well crap.

  It’s been a week since my trip to the library. A week since Evie forced me to borrow a fantasy novel and bust out of my comfort zone. And damn it if she wasn’t right. I read the historical novel first. It was a bust. If I’m being honest, they’ve all been busts lately, and I think it’s because that’s all I’ve been reading.

  I finished it within a couple days, but avoided starting the fantasy.

  My avoidance of the book didn’t prevent Evie from harassing me about it all week. In the past week, I’ve run into Evie several times. I went six months without noticing the woman. Within the past month and a half I can’t seem to avoid her.

  A couple of days ago we ran into each other at the grocery store. Of course she cornered me and asked about the book before criticizing my selection of produce.

  She then made me promise to start the book that night, and I haven’t been able to set it down. The character development was incredible, and the world that Guy Gavriel Kay built was magical, complex, and intense.

  Packing up the marking I need to complete, I lock up my classroom and head to the library. It’s not until I’ve parked my car in the library parking lot that I realize I forgot to tidy my classroom.

  That’s never happened before.

  Grabbing the books from the passenger seat, I head into the library.

  Evie is alone at the counter, scanning books before placing them on a cart. I feel an odd weight in my stomach as I watch her, it’s something I’ve never felt and it’s uncomfortable. She makes me uncomfortable, yet for some reason I can’t seem to stay away. When she’s around, I’m drawn to her.

  I hate feeling out of control. The unknown creating immense discomfort.

  I close the distance between us and set the books on the counter.

  With a sigh, “You were right. It was an incredible read.”

  The smile on her face is brilliant, but not smug like I was expecting. It’s the smile of someone who loves literature and sharing that love of books with others.

  It’s the first time I’ve seen her look at me without that hint of irritation and mischievousness that makes me uneasy.

  She scans the books back into their system, arching a brow when I don’t leave the counter.

  “Do you have any others you would recommend?” Tucking my hands in my pockets, I scan the library while I wait for her response. There are quite a few people lounging throughout the library.

  A sign that wasn’t here last week announces the start of a Mistik Ridge book club. That’s a clever idea. If I could guarantee they would pick books I would enjoy, a book club is something I would be interested in.

  She hasn’t said anything, so I look back over to her only to find she’s gone. Before I can get irritated she pops up from behind the counter, startling me.

  She grins as she sets a stack of books on the counter. “I set these aside for you last week.”

  “That was presumptuous of you.”

  She simply shrugs and pushes the books toward me before going to help a young boy. I flip through the stack of books. None of them are historical. There is a mixture of fantasy, science fiction, and even a paranormal. All of which I would never choose for myself, but maybe she’s right and I need to branch out in what I read.

  Evie finishes up with the boy. “Well?”

  “Okay, I will give them a try. Oh, and I wanted to read that book—The Crystal Drop. You recommended it to one of my students.” She nods and disappears once again, returning with it in hand.

  As she scans the books, I try to think of something to say, but she speaks before I can.

  “So, I wanted to ask you something about the house.” She finishes scanning, handing the books to me before bracing herself on the counter.

  “Is something wrong?” I filter through anything that could possibly need work.

  “No, everything is fine. I was just wondering if I could build a little reading nook in the backyard.” She pulls out her phone and shows me a photo she’s saved.

  It’s a rustic lean-to, with a bench inside decorated with cushions. It’s actually very tasteful, but I’m already shaking my head as I look.

  “No.” The response comes automatically. I know I’m being what most people call unreasonable, but it’s one more thing I would need to maintain.

  “Charlie, I will pay for it. I will build it. It wouldn’t cost you anything and it’s not that big. I thought I could build it underneath the kitchen window, next to the deck.” Her voice is pleading.

  Sighing, “That’s fine for right now, but it’s more for me to maintain in the long run. I don’t want any major changes to be done around the property, as stated in the rental agreement, and that’s a major change.”

  All the friendliness disappears from her face, her eyes narrowing. “You have got to be kidding me.”

  “I’m not.”

  “So let me get this straight. I’ve signed a two-year lease. I have a year and a half left of that lease, but in that time I can’t make any tweaks to improve it to my tastes? This is a four foot by six foot lean-to. I’m not asking to knock walls out inside the house. I don’t understand why you can’t be flexible on this.” She pushes up, crossing her arms.

  “You signed the lease and expressed no concerns.” Planting my hands on my hips, I glare back. Why is this so difficult for her to get. It’s all there in print.

  “I didn’t realize there was an inflexible jackass behind the lease.”

  “That’s uncalled for.”

  “No, it’s not. I think your inflexibility is uncalled for. I understand you like things to be done in a precise manner. I feel like I’ve been an excellent tenant. I look after the house, I care for the yard. All I’m asking for is a nice place to read outside.” Her face flushes, her voice cracking as she attempts to not draw attention. “You know what. Whatever. It’s like talking to a fucking brick wall.”

  She storms away just as Everett appears for the first time since I arrived. She doesn’t even stop, just disappears into the stacks.

  “Whoa.” He joins me in looking in the direction Evie disappeared in. “What’s up with her?”

  “I pissed her off.”

  “Well, I deduced that much,” he laughs, looking at me.

  I’ve known Everett since elementary school. He’s a good guy. Someone I’ve always gotten along with, but for some reason we’ve never spent much time together. Probably my fault, the only reason Guy and Darcy are in my life is because they bulldozed their way in and wouldn’t leave.

  “She wants to build a reading nook in the backyard. I told her no and she got mad,” I say matter-of-factly.

  He gawks at me before bursting into laughter. “That would do it. I would think she would know by now that you’re inflexible to change.”

  Recoiling, I relax when I see he’s not being mean or judgmental. “I am not. I just like things to be done in a spe
cific way. Besides, it would just create one more thing I would need to maintain.”

  “I know that, but being precise is different than never compromising, and you don’t compromise. Everyone in town knows it. Evie just hasn’t had as much time to accept it as the rest of us. She will calm down, give her time.” Everett smiles in what I’m sure is meant to be a placating way before turning his attention to someone coming into the library.

  “Oh my goodness! If it isn’t Arianna Kenner. It’s been what, nine years?” He moves away from me, catching up with a woman I kind of recognize but I don’t have the energy to figure out from where.

  His words are taunting me. I’m not that inflexible. I just like things done a particular way. I reject his observation of me, gathering my books and leaving the library.

  First mistake when going on a first date, letting them pick you up. Always, always meet them wherever it is you’re going.

  I’m an idiot.

  I watch Brecken’s mouth move as I pretend to pay attention, all the while I’m really plotting my escape. Tash isn’t free, she has something going on at her inn. Everett hasn’t answered my pleading texts. And Lola is on a nice weekend away with her husband.

  That is the sum of people I really know in this town. Sad, considering I’ve been here for the better part of a year now, but that’s my reality.

  My second mistake, not lining up an escape route.

  He just seemed so nice and easy going at the library.

  The reality is—disappointing, and a little revolting.

  “—so then the stripper asked me to suck on her tits. I made her come, just from my tongue on her nipple.”

  Yep, he’s been bragging about his abilities to make women come since we ordered our drinks ten minutes ago.

  His phone buzzes and he doesn’t bother to hide the fact that it’s a selfie sent from another woman. You have got to be kidding me!

  Gawking at him as he leers at the photo before responding, I can’t believe I’m in this situation. I usually have amazing creep radar, but he didn’t even register.

  I ran into him in the stacks right after I stormed away from Charlie.

  Glowering, I mentally blame him. It’s his fault. I was too pissed off at him to realize what a freak Brecken is.

  At least while he’s ignoring me, he’s not talking about stripper’s tits and making women squirt. Disgusting.

  The server has come by twice, once to drop off our drinks and the second time to take our orders. However, when Brecken still continues to type on his cell, I’m given a look that says you can do better before the server walks away.

  Yes, I can do better. However, the only way to get home is if I want to walk across town in five inch heels. Which, by the way, is sounding better and better. The one cab company has a forty-five minute wait—Yep, I checked—and I could walk home in that time. I might lose my feet, but I’m beginning to think it would be worth it.

  He puts his phone away, but I’m just dreading the words that are going to come out of his mouth.

  “Where is the damn waiter?” His voice grates on my nerves.

  Sighing, I look at him pointedly. “He came while you were texting.”

  He doesn’t even react to my words, just leans forward with a slimy grin on his face. “You are incredibly beautiful.”

  I’m not even flattered. I’m just waiting for the follow-up to the compliment.

  “I bet you’re a screamer.”

  There it is.

  “Seriously? Okay, let me make this clear. The only reason I’m still sitting at this table is because I have not decided whether I want to walk home or not.” Crossing my arms, I clear my throat when his gaze drops to my cleavage.

  “Excuse me? Women are honored when I take them out.” He actually looks stunned.

  “You’ve obviously been taking out women who have zero self-respect.” Standing, I accidentally push my chair into someone passing by. Turning to apologize, I flush when I see Charlie and his friends. Great, witnesses to my humiliation. Mumbling an apology, I turn back to Brecken. “I think I will walk. I can’t say it’s been a pleasure.”

  Excusing myself as I push my way past Charlie without meeting his eyes, I’m on the sidewalk when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

  Turning, I’m greeted by a large chest. Charlie.

  “What?” The word comes out in a whisper. I just want this evening to be over.

  “Evie, join us for dinner and I will drive you home after. Brecken is a jerk and no one should end their night like that. He took advantage of the fact you’re new to town and haven’t heard about his reputation.” Charlie doesn’t wait for me to respond. He rests his hand on my lower back and guides me back into the restaurant.

  Brecken is gone from the table we were enjoying our lovely date at. Cue eye roll. He must have passed by as Charlie and I stood there, but as usual, when Charlie is near I didn’t notice anyone else.

  His friends are in a booth, smiling at me empathetically as I slide in, Charlie sitting down next to me.

  “Darcy, Guy, this is Evie,” he gestures to his friends.

  “We’ve met,” Darcy winks at me, his brown eyes sparkling with humor.

  “Ah, yes. You tried to pick me up in the bar. You were giving off the ‘one-night stand’ vibe.” Smirking, I order a new drink from the same server from earlier. His double take is humorous, but other than that he doesn’t miss a beat.

  Charlie stiffens next to me as Darcy laughs.

  “You’re Natasha’s brother.” Charlie’s other friend, Guy, seems to be the quiet one.

  He nods, a genuine smile crossing his lips. It’s easy to see he’s fond of his baby sister. “Yeah. She’s a nut case. Trust me, it doesn’t run in the family.”

  My drink is delivered and we order dinner. Conversation flows easily as I fill them in on the disaster of my first date since moving here.

  “You haven’t dated anyone since you’ve been here?” Darcy gapes at me, his eyes flicking between me and Charlie.

  Glancing to my right, I meet Charlie’s hazel eyes. His face is stoic, as usual. Smiling at him, I turn back to Darcy. “Nope. I was too busy adjusting to the freezing cold of winter and being in a new place.”

  “I still don’t believe it.” Darcy shakes his head and I feel Charlie kick him under the table. He doesn’t even flinch.

  I don’t have a chance to respond as our food is being place in front of us. The guys joke with each other as we take the first bites, and I actually see Charlie smile a little. Apparently they’re out celebrating the fact school is practically out for the summer.

  “We still have to plan our annual road trip. You’ve usually already sent us the itinerary by now,” Guy grins, teasing Charlie.

  For the first time all evening I relax, shocked that it’s because of Charlie that my evening is looking up.

  Darcy and Guy laugh at something Evie just said. I missed it because I’m still caught up in the feeling of jealousy I felt when I saw her with Brecken. The fucking idiot.

  That jealousy disappeared as she told him off, and it was that feeling that didn’t allow me to let her walk away.

  I’ve never felt so conflicted in my entire life.

  “Anyway, my professor was speechless for several minutes, a feat with this man, that his entire graduate class showed up dressed like the cast of a Shakespearean play.” She’s laughing as she tells the story, before falling into an old British accent, reciting quotes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

  A laugh bursts out of me at her awful British accent, but I’m also impressed by her extensive memorization of the play.

  I stop laughing as three sets of eyes turn to me.

  “What?”

  “Dude, I can count on two hands how many times I’ve heard you laugh and we’ve been friends for over two decades,” Darcy fills the silence.

  “That can’t be true. I laugh.” I’m incredulous. Do people really see me this way? Even my two best friends?

  Between my mot
her, Everett, Evie, and now Darcy, I’m at a complete loss. I know I like things done a certain way, but they paint the picture of someone who is barely tolerable.

  Scrunching my eyebrows, I stare at my friends.

  “You do. Just not easily,” Guy soothes. That’s just who he is. Often he needs to moderate between Darcy and me. We’re complete opposites, whereas Guy sits more in the middle.

  Leaning back in the booth, I set my fork down on my plate, appetite gone.

  Evie, sensing my discomfort, distracts them with another story from her graduate studies while I stew.

  There is nothing wrong with the way I live my life or wanting perfection. People come and go, the ones worth having will stick around. Why should I have to change just to accommodate people?

  Darcy, Guy, and Evie carry the conversation until we finish dessert. Before the server comes to the table, I seek him out and pay for everyone’s dinner. Partially to apologize for sulking the last half of the meal, I know Darcy was just giving me a hard time, but also because I wanted to pay for Evie’s dinner.

  I’ve seen so many sides to her. The argumentative side that makes me cringe. The vulnerable side when talking about her childhood. Her intellectual side when discussing books. And today I’ve heard stories of her jokester side. A part of Evie that I find funny, but my gut tells me I would never want to encounter in anything aside from a story.

  When the server informs the rest of the table that I’ve paid for dinner, I get the expected arguments. Instead of responding, I turn to Evie, cutting off her argument. “Ready to go?”

  She sighs and nods.

  “Thank you for letting me crash your dinner.” Guy and Darcy both hug her goodbye, before I lead her out of the restaurant and to my car.

  Once we’re settled inside, she turns to me. “Thanks again for dinner, for tonight. You turned a terrible evening into a good one.”

  I give her a small smile, my cheeks stretching a little as her eyes widen at the gesture. Maybe I need to smile more.

  “Of course, my pleasure.”

  Silence descends as she quickly responds to a text, murmuring, “Natasha” as she slips her phone back into her purse.