The sound of a horn honking woke Piper from her nap. She brushed the hair from her eyes and the drool from her lips, hoping Nate hadn’t noticed.
She grabbed the lever on the side of her seat and set the back of her chair up. “How long was I out?”
“A little less than an hour.”
“Ugh. That means we have three hours left.”
It was the Wednesday before her mom’s wedding, and Nate and she were on their way to Nebraska. She’d taken a page out of her mom and Don’s book and left at five in the morning.
Too damn early.
“Do you want me to drive?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
“Good, because I don’t want to drive.”
Nate laughed.
“How are you not tired?”
“I didn’t stay up until after eleven last night.”
She scrunched up her nose. “Yeah, in hindsight, that wasn’t my smartest decision.” She held up a finger. “However, you could have let me sleep another half hour instead of having sex with me.”
Nate smiled at her. “No regrets.”
“Yeah, me either. We’ll have to sleep in separate beds at my mom’s, so we’re going to have to sneak in some private time.”
Since the night of parking lot sex three weeks ago, Piper and Nate had come to an understanding. They were only doing the nasty with each other, and for now, there was no sex without a condom. Nate had shown her his latest test results, which showed him in the clear, and promised to get tested again. Piper had made an appointment with her OB/GYN to go on birth control, but she wasn’t able to get in until the week after the wedding. It kind of sucked, but she and Nate would make do.
Nate laced his fingers with hers. “That’s no fun.”
She squeezed his hand. “I know.”
They’d been spending almost every night together, and she was going to miss sleeping by him.
The next three hours crawled, but they finally pulled up to her mom’s house. Piper went to open the front door, only to discover it was locked. She rang the bell but no answer, and she had to fish out her key.
She’d warned her mom that they were leaving early in the morning, and she’d even texted her a couple of times on the drive.
They carried their luggage in and found a note by the front door. Despite her mom embracing technology, she sometimes did things old school.
“My mom and Don had to meet the cake lady at eleven.” Piper looked at her watch. “Which is about now. They won’t be home until about twelve thirty, and then we can go to lunch.” She sighed. “So much for getting up early. They’re not even here.”
“I guess we can unpack a little, and then I’m raiding the fridge. I can’t wait until almost one to eat.”
“Me either.”
They went down the hall, and Piper went to drop her stuff off in the bedroom she’d grown up in while Nate went to the guest room. It was where he’d slept when they came for Jordan’s funeral, so he didn’t need a tour of the house or anything.
Piper held her breath as she entered her old room. When she’d come for her husband’s funeral, she had hated being in there every single second. It held way too many memories.
This bed was where Jordan had made love to her for the first time. Her bedroom was where he’d asked her to move in with him. It was the place she’d known they were going to spend the rest of their lives together.
The rest of his life anyway.
Piper braced herself and pushed the door open. She was prepared for grief to overtake her, but it didn’t come. Of course, she was still sad and still missed Jordan, but when she looked around, the memories she had there didn’t strike her down. She actually smiled when she saw the stain next to her desk were Jordan had spilled red Gatorade. Her mother had been furious, but since Jordan had been a guest, she had gritted her teeth and told him it was okay.
“Hey, you ready to find some food?”
Piper turned and smiled at Nate in the doorway. “Give me a minute. I’ll meet you there.”
She unpacked her toiletries, setting them on the desk, and then went to meet Nate in the kitchen. He was taking a bite out of a sandwich and had a piece of paper stuck to his chest.
“What’s this?” she asked, and she grabbed it.
“It’s another note from your mom,” he said, his mouth full of food.
“Don’t eat too much. We’re going to lunch at twelve thirty,” Piper read. She raised her brow at Nate. “So, naturally, you’re eating a whole sandwich.”
He swallowed. “I’m a growing boy.”
“Right,” she said doubtfully.
“Don’t worry; I’ll still eat lunch.”
Piper grabbed a bag of chips from the pantry to munch on. If she ate like Nate was, she wouldn’t be hungry for lunch.
Nate finished his sandwich and yawned. She’d forgotten that she was the only one who’d slept on the drive to her mom’s.
“Let’s go lie down. We can watch TV in my room.”
Nate wiggled his eyebrows. “Ooh. You’re going to sneak me into your room while your mom’s away? You’re a naughty girl.”
“If you consider napping naughty, then I’m your woman.”
Nate laughed and followed her to the bedroom.
They lay down together, and Piper thought about all the times she had lain there with Jordan. She looked over at Nate. One arm was behind his head, and the other hand held the remote. He wasn’t paying attention, so she took the opportunity to study him.
“I can feel you looking at me,” he said, keeping his eyes on the television.
Piper laughed. “I can’t help it. You’re so handsome.”
He rotated his head to look at her. “Well, I could have told you that.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re so modest.”
His smile faded somewhat. “What are you really thinking about?”
“How glad I am that you’re here. Thank you for coming.”
“Come here,” he told her.
She scooted closer, and he cupped the back of her head.
“Thank you for asking. There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
Piper grinned and kissed him. She rested her head on his chest and basked in Nate’s embrace. She tried to pay attention to the show he’d turned on, but her eyes began to droop.
She woke up later to the sound of the door to the garage slamming closed and voices talking. Her mom and Don were home.
She looked up at Nate and saw he’d fallen asleep, too. She tried to gently get up to go say hi to her mom, but she didn’t get far when he awoke.
She winced. “Sorry I woke you.”
He rubbed a hand down his face. “That’s okay.” He cocked his head toward the door. “Sounds like just in time, huh?”
“Yeah. I’m sure they’ll come looking for us soon.”
“We’d better get up then.”
Piper swung her legs off the bed. She couldn’t believe she’d taken two naps that day, and it wasn’t even one in the afternoon. “We’re never traveling that early again.”
“Deal.”
Piper picked up the remote, turned off the television, and grabbed the chips she hadn’t even eaten. When they got to the door, she looked behind her and discovered her first thought was about how she’d taken a nap with Nate rather than thinking of Jordan this time.
“Did you forget something?” he asked her.
She turned to him. “Nah. I have everything I need right here.”
“Let’s go say hi then.” He smoothed a hand down his bald head. “Does my hair look okay?”
“Perfect,” she told him.
“That’s good because you have a nasty case of bedhead.”
She gasped and ran to the vanity. In the mirror, she saw her dark hair needed a quick finger-comb, but that was it. She stood and pivoted.
“Made you look.”
“And, to think, I was going to smuggle you in
to my room tonight,” she said as she marched past him, out the door.
“Ooh, I can’t wait,” he said from behind her as they walked down the hall.
“Not going to happen now, bud.”
“Yes, it will.”
“Oh, yeah? How can you be so sure?”
He leaned down next to her ear. “Because I know where your sweet spot is.” He straightened and moved past her. “Hi, Karen. Hi, Don. Thanks for inviting me.” Nate turned and winked at Piper as her mom opened her arms to him.
What am I going to do with that man? she thought.
Love him, a voice inside her said.
She could have sworn, it’d sounded like Jordan.
The next morning, Piper got up early. She had something she needed to do that day. She showered, got dressed, and went to the kitchen to make some coffee and grab breakfast.
Her mom was already awake, still in her robe, and she handed Piper a to-go mug.
“Thank you.” She took a sip of her coffee. “What’s on the agenda today? When do you need me home by?”
“Can you be back by ten?”
It was eight now. “Sure.” Piper grabbed a banana and a protein bar. “I’d better go right away then.”
Her mom hugged her and said, “Tell Dad hi for me.”
Piper smiled. “I will. Tell Nate when he gets up that I’ll be home by ten.”
“Will do.”
Piper’s first stop was to the floral shop to buy two bouquets. Then, it was onto her morning destination.
The cemetery was large and thankfully quiet with only a few cars around. Piper headed for the first grave. When she reached it, she sat down in front of it and traced her fingers over the letters.
Wyatt Donovan. Beloved husband, father, and son.
“Hi, Daddy.”
She set the flowers down next to the other bouquet that was there. Her mom must have been there recently.
“So, you probably heard that Mom is getting married again.” She laughed. “I was as surprised as you must have been. But you should know that he’s really good to Mom. I met up with his two kids yesterday, and they are also very nice to Mom. I know she misses you, but I think Don makes her very happy.”
She pulled at the grass underneath her.
“Also, I met someone, Daddy. Kind of. I actually already knew him. But I think I could really fall for him.” She sighed. “I don’t know what to think though. He’s never really had a girlfriend, and he’s the first guy I’ve dated since Jordan passed away. I’m trying not to overthink anything and just enjoy our time together.”
Piper took out a tissue from the pile in her pocket.
“I wish you were here, so you could tell me not to worry. You were always so good at stepping back and letting things be. I could really use one of your hugs right now.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes. “But please don’t worry about me. I know that things will work out the way they’re supposed to.” She hoped anyway.
“I hope you’re taking care of Jordan and that he’s taking care of you. I really miss you both.”
She stood up, grabbing the remaining set of flowers, and walked to another part of the cemetery.
“Hey, baby,” she said and sat down. “I know you’re not big on flowers, but I brought you some anyway.” She leaned closer and whispered, “Next time, I’ll bring you your favorite Five Guys burger.”
She set the flowers next to the others that were there. They were most likely from Jordan’s parents, who were invited to the wedding, but her mom might have said hi while she was here, too.
“So, I’m sure you heard me tell my dad that I met someone. But you probably already know that person is Nate.” She laughed. “Can you believe it? I think you once told me that, back in college, Nate went on a date with a different girl every night one whole week.” Piper shook her head at the thought.
“But you should know that he’s been treating me very well. He actually told me that he wasn’t seeing anyone else. Go figure.”
She looked at the name staring back at her.
Jordan Stevens. Son, brother, husband, forever in our hearts.
“I don’t know what to do, Jordan. Is it too soon for me to date someone else? Am I dishonoring you by moving on? I can’t lie. Nate makes me happy. But, sometimes, I feel guilty.”
She pulled out another tissue.
“I wish you were here to tell me what to do.” She laughed. “But that’s stupid. Because, if you were here, then I wouldn’t be with Nate.” A sob escaped her. “God, I miss you so much.”
Piper dropped her head in her hands and wept. She let herself cry as long as she needed to.
When she calmed down, she wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
“Look at me. I’m a blubbering mess.” She laughed at herself. She joked because she didn’t want Jordan to feel guilty for dying. It wasn’t his fault that the car had slammed into him.
She took a couple of deep breaths and touched his tombstone. “I love you, you know. And I’d really appreciate it if you could send me a sign or something about what I should do.” She was teasing, but a message from Jordan would sure help her out. “No matter what, I will always love you. Take care of my daddy for me, okay?” She leaned closer and whispered again, “His wife’s getting remarried. He might need you to hold his hand.”
She kissed her fingers and set them on top of his name. “Good-bye, baby.”
When Piper got back to her mom’s, her mom was gone. Nate was just coming out of the shower, towel wrapped around his waist.
“Hey. How did it go?” he asked.
She wrapped her arms around him and rested her cheek on his chest. He was so warm and alive. “Can you just hold me for a moment?”
He enveloped her in his strong arms. “Of course.” He kissed the top of her head. “Whatever you need.”
The second Nate saw her, he knew Piper had been crying. It was far from the first time, but he still hated it just the same. His chest hurt to know she was in pain.
She lifted her head and set her chin on his chest.
He cupped her face and brushed his thumbs over her cheeks. “You’ve been crying. Are you okay?”
“Yes. It was a therapeutic cry. I think I needed it.”
“Did you tell Jordan hi for me?”
She smiled. “No. But I did talk about you.”
He wanted to ask her what she had said, but that was her private conversation with her deceased husband.
He made a joke instead. “Did you tell him about my dashing good looks?”
She pretended to think about it. “I don’t think that came up.”
“That’s too bad.”
She laughed and placed her cheek on his chest again. “I suppose I should let you get dressed for the day.”
“Yeah, your mom might be home soon.”
Piper stepped back. “Where did she go anyway?”
Nate shrugged. “She was gone when I got up.”
“I’ll text her. Did you get any coffee?”
“Not yet.”
“You go get dressed. I’ll get you some.”
“Thanks.”
Nate went into the guest bedroom and pulled out clothes from his suitcase. He had just slipped on his boxer briefs when Piper came back with two mugs. She handed him one.
“Thanks, babe.”
She smiled. “You’re welcome.” She took a drink out of her own cup and sat on the bed.
He raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to watch me get dressed?”
“As long as you don’t mind.”
“Never.” He liked having her watch him.
She put her mug on the nightstand and lay down on the bed. She was quiet as Nate put on his shorts and shirt. She looked content, lying there, and he liked that she liked being with him, even when doing such mundane things as putting on clothes.
When he was finished, he sat on the edge of the bed, and she grabbed his hand and played with his
fingers.
He didn’t say anything. He just let her have her thoughts without him intruding and asking questions.
He took a drink with his other hand and simply enjoyed being with her. After a minute, he realized her hand was lying limp on his. He looked over.
She’d fallen asleep, which made sense since she’d had an emotionally draining morning.
Nate set his cup down, stood, and tucked her under the covers. He kissed her on the forehead, picked up his coffee, and quietly left the room.
Nate took a seat in the pew as everyone took their places for the wedding rehearsal. He turned, resting his leg on the bench, so he could watch Piper. She was at the end of the aisle with her mom, Don, and Don’s son and best man, Greg, as the pastor gave out instructions.
She laughed at something someone had said, and Nate smiled. He didn’t know when it had happened, but his feelings for Piper had long left Friendshipville behind. He’d been debating on how and when to tell her.
He’d wanted to tell her this weekend, but he felt like it might be stealing her mother’s thunder. He also wasn’t sure how she’d take it after visiting Jordan’s grave yesterday.
Yes, she’d come to him for comfort, but going to see her deceased husband had obviously stirred up her feelings. What if she wasn’t ready to truly be with Nate?
Nate swung around as he heard someone moving along the pew to him. It was Don’s daughter, Christie, and her two children.
Nate and Piper had met Christie, Christie’s husband, and Greg the other day at lunch, and while Christie’s kids hadn’t been there, she’d talked about them.
“Did I miss anything?”
“Nope. They’re just getting started.”
“Oh, good. Michael couldn’t find his shoes.” She rolled her eyes. “What else is new?” She leaned back in her seat, so he could get a better view of her kids. “Nate, this is Michael and Olivia.”
Nate smiled and waved. “Hello.”
“Hi,” Olivia said.
“How old are you?” Nate asked.
“I’m seven, and Michael’s five.”
“Wow. You’re so old.”
Olivia put her hand over her mouth and laughed.
Christie leaned closer. “Michael doesn’t say much to strangers. He’s shy.”
Nasty Page 18
