by Nancy Glynn
He closed the cabinet hard and sighed, swallowing the pills with some water. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I have developed feelings for her. I keep trying to get her to come here. You’d love her.” He spun around and saw the disappointment in her eyes.
“I think dinner is almost ready. Your father is grilling his butt off for you, so let’s go appreciate it.”
Laughing, he followed her behind. “Hey, I offered to do it, but you know Dad. Has to do everything.” His phone buzzed in his back pocket. He read the message. “Mama, did you invite Elece over?”
She smiled and shrugged her shoulder. “Maybe I did and maybe I didn’t. All I know is she sure has grown up. She’s teaching over at Lincoln High. What her husband did was awful, just awful. He slept with his secretary and would go home to a home-cooked meal. The divorce was hard on her. Be sweet to her, son. She needs good people in her life right now.”
“I’m always sweet, but I’m not in love with her. She’ll meet someone soon, I’m sure. I bet all the single teachers are drooling. She won’t be alone for long.”
She stood at the French door leading to the patio, cocking her head. “She’s always been in love with you. Maybe you just never saw her like that. Give her a chance. Open your eyes and try to see her differently. If you still feel the same and want to pursue Aubrey, then I’ll fully support it. But you might as well see what plans God has for you here, darlin’.”
He sighed and shook his head before opening the door for her to walk outside. He knew damn well he’d never give Elece a chance. He just humored his mother for the sake of argument. It wasn’t worth it.
“Hey, son! Come and help your old man out. I bet you missed holding grilling utensils out in Illinois.”
Hayden took the spatula as if a baton was being passed to him. “I did, Dad. I made a lot of crockpot goodies to fill a cold belly.”
His mother gave his father a fast peck on the mouth with a smile before pulling a chair out to sit. “Are you losing your drawl?”
He laughed. “Why, do I sound like I am? Aubrey loves it.” He flipped over a burger.
“Oh, I bet she does. They all do. But I don’t know. I think you being in the Marines and then in Illinois is killing it. You need to be back home so you don’t lose it.”
“Dang, it smells good!”
They all turned to find Elece standing at the French doors, wearing a big grin aimed at Hayden.
“Why, don’t you look beautiful, darlin. Come join us.”
“Thank you, Aurora. You’re always so sweet. Hey, Hayden.” She pushed her hair away from her face to give a shy smile.
Why did he feel like this was planned? Damn his mother. He’d be talking to her later. But right now he had to be the perfect southern gentleman. “Elece, burger or rib?”
She eyed the grill. “Burger and lay on the cheese.”
His father nodded with a wink. “You got it.”
Aurora patted the chair next to her and smiled back and forth between her fantasy lovebirds. “Hank, don’t they make a striking couple?”
“Now, Mama…”
“That they do,” Hank responded.
Elece pulled her phone out to show something to his mother. He walked over to see it was a photo of them from yesterday. She had cornered him.
“I love this picture of us, Hayden. You look so happy.”
“You sure do, honey. I’ve never seen him happier. You need more of that, Hayden.”
“Mama…” he said with gritted teeth.
Elece glanced at him before turning her phone off. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any problems. I’m just so happy you’re back home, Hayden,” she said in her thick drawl.
He carried a couple platters to the table. “Dig in, y’all.” He gave Elece a small smile to let her know he wasn’t mad at her. She didn’t do anything wrong except be the object of his mother’s dreams for him.
They ate until they couldn’t eat anymore. His parents held hands and whispered under their breath, bursting out in laughter. He’d kiss her cheek and rub her hand. Hayden always wanted what his parents had. He believed he could have it with Aubrey. He thought of her a lot. He missed her. Missed her giggle and sweet yet tough ways.
“Hayden, you with us?” Elece’s voice rang through his ear.
“I’m sorry. Did you say something?”
“I was just saying remember the old movie theater down on Blossom Road? It’s still there if you want to catch a movie?”
He glanced at his mother, knowing she’d be praying he’d go. Her pleading gaze told him everything. “You should join us, Mama. I know how you love movies. You and Dad.”
His father hiccupped a cough. “I think I have some trains to tinker with, but you two go ahead.”
“Yeah, I just started reading a good book and fixin’ to relax tonight, but y’all have fun.”
He glared at her before sighing and looking at Elece. “Sure. What’s playing?”
***
“But didn’t you like the ending? I loved the way they stayed together,” Elece said, walking next to him.
“But it’s so cheesy. Why couldn’t they get into a car and it blow up? Now, that’d be an ending.” He held her car door open and then walked to his side.
“Are you serious right now, Hayden Brock? Blow up? That’s such a guy thing.” She laughed and swatted his arm. “What’s that?”
“What? Oh, that.” He eyed the black hair band she stared at. “It’s corny but something to help me get through this time.” He started the engine to warm up the truck, rubbing his hands together. “Dang, it’s cold.”
She gave a small smile. “Get through this time? Do you mean Memaw?”
“No. I mean Aubrey. It’s one of hers and I snapped it on my wrist to remind me of her. I said it was corny.” He grinned and blew on his hands.
She sat back and ogled it. “Wow, you really do like her. I didn’t realize.”
“Yes, ma’am. I do. She’s something special and can’t stop thinking about her. I miss her, but I don’t know what I’m gonna do.”
She arched her brow. “Do? Oh, you mean if you’ll move there?”
“That’s right. I love it here but I’m…”
“In love with her.” She touched the band and ran her long finger over it, smiling. “I’ve always wanted you to feel that way for me. All the girls wanted you. You were and still are such a catch. Are you sure there’s no chance for us?” She brought his hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles, long, wet kisses.
He pulled it away and shook his head. “I’d always want her. I think I’ve wanted her the first time I read one of her letters to Danny, even before I ever saw her picture. I loved her personality and her cheering him on. She was an incredible woman…still is.” He gave a crooked smile.
Just then, Elece leaned in for a kiss that he dodged. She hung her head and talked to her hands in a low voice. “I always thought we’d end up together, even when I was married. Our letters were so sweet. Remember? I’d send them to you unfinished and you’d finish them? Like we read each other’s minds.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. “Remember that, Hayden?”
“I do. But the reason we could finish them was because we were such good friends. Sure, when we were kids, I might have had a crush on you, but it went away…”
“…when you met Clarissa. I know. You went to prom and thought that was it.”
“But it wasn’t. I ended that soon after enlisting.”
“I know. I remember you being completely fine about it. I started to look at Kurt in a different light.”
“Why did things end for you?” He turned to her, concerned about his friend.
“Things weren’t good for a long time. He started drinking and going out more. I asked him to quit and stay home more, which he did. Gave it all up. Really tried to make me happy. He had heard the news about your breakup, too.” She wiped a tear and spoke to her lap. “He was scared because he knew how I felt for you at one time. How w
e wrote to each other, but he felt safe. He thought you and Clarissa would get married.”
He lightly touched her arm. “So, here he was trying. What happened?”
She shrugged. “I just started to feel dead. I wanted more.”
“Did you guys stop trying to get pregnant?”
She nodded. “Yeah, about a year ago. I realized it’d never happen for me. It’s okay. I have so many great nieces and nephews. But I think I’m ready to start a new chapter, even if it means without you. Jacob asked me out.” She smirked.
“Jacob Hansen?” He remembered him as a geek in school but then became the real hunk in their town, glasses and all.
“That’s right. I keep turning him down because I wanted to see you, but I can see you’re a taken man.” She smiled and gently punched his arm.
“Well, he’s a lucky man.”
“Didn’t say I’d go out with him. I’m not sure if I want to leave Kurt. I may just go back home. I’ve been staying with a work friend.”
He looked at her. “I think that’d be a good idea. If you ask me, thoughts got into your head of a fantasy childhood love. You’re a beautiful woman, Elece, and I know Kurt worships you. Hell, I played ball with him and remember him always talking about you in the best way. Other star quarterbacks were screwing around on their girls, but not Kurt. He loved you then and he loves you now.”
She wiped another tear and nodded. “Thank you, Hayden. He loves you, too. Maybe we can all get together, you and your new girl, and be good friends.”
“That’s a fine idea.”
Her eyes bugged out then. “Oh, no. I did something that you’re gonna be mad at me for, but remember I wasn’t in the right frame of mind.” She dug in her purse for her phone.
“Now what could you ever do that’d make me upset with you?”
She showed him a picture of them. “I may have sent it to Aubrey to show her you were in good hands.”
“Shit.”
Chapter Thirteen
When Hayden tried calling Aubrey for the tenth time and still no answer, worry set in. That wasn’t like her. Didn’t make sense. Where was she? His grandmother was still fighting the good fight. When she came out of her coma, she asked for him.
He was thrilled and got there as soon as he had heard. He sat next to her, holding her hand and laughing at the stories she loved to tell.
“Hayden, sweetheart, where’s your head? I see you laughing but I can tell you’re thinking of something else. Or should I say someone else?” She winked and gave one of her classics I know everything smiles. “Is it that woman from Illinois?”
He sighed and nodded. “I can’t get a hold of her, Memaw. That’s not like her so I’m a bit worried.”
“I see. Maybe she’s in an area where there’s no service.”
“Or, she might be mad at me.”
“Why ever on earth would that be? You’re a good boy, a fine boy. I can’t see you hurting anyone.”
He chuckled and then kissed her cheek. “Sometimes things happen anyway. I just want to make sure she’s okay.”
She gave a small smile. “You love her.”
“I don’t know. Maybe. I know I care for her.”
“You love her.”
He laughed. “You think you know everything.”
“I do.” She patted his hand and nodded slowly. “I know when I see a man in love. Your grandfather had that same look.”
“I miss him. Dad’s the same way with Mama. I guess when we Brock men fall, we fall hard.”
“That’s right. Are you gonna go live there or stay here? Can’t have a relationship with the woman you love from a distance.”
“I know. It’s been weighing heavily on my heart. I love it here, but I love being with her. I can’t stop thinking about her. My heart breaks thinking of her alone in that big house. I want to make her breakfast every morning and bring her tea when she’s writing. I want to cherish her.”
She wiped her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Memaw. I didn’t mean to make you cry. I know you loved Pawpaw.”
“It’s not that. I’m happy knowing you’re gonna be just fine when I’m gone. You need to go to her.”
“If she ever speaks to me again.”
***
Aubrey left the surgeon’s office and pulled her phone out to find ten missed calls from Hayden. She listened to the voicemails of his panicked voice with apologies for Elece. He never said they weren’t together, just that he was sorry she had done that.
She just wanted to step out of the picture and let him be happy in his hometown and with his old childhood friend. If that’s what made him happy, then she’d be happy for him. She didn’t want him to feel guilty.
After putting her phone away and feeling pretty good about the consultation with Dr. Chatt, she headed to the corner bookstore for some books he recommended. Maybe she’d feel like a woman again. Maybe she’d look like Elece. And maybe she’d win Hayden’s love.
When she found the aisle with the books on reconstruction, she flipped through pages of helpful information but started to feel shaky. She sat in a nearby chair and closed her eyes. What was she doing? She had told herself she wouldn’t do this, but here she was.
She scratched through her top, needing to apply more cream. A woman walked past, gazing down at her and then her book. A look of pity formed in her eyes as she tilted her head and then moved to another aisle.
Tears burned her eyes. She sighed before returning the book to the shelf. Her phone buzzed just then, showing Hayden’s name.
Where are you?
At a bookstore
I’ve been looking for you!
I was at the doctor’s but now here. Everything ok? How’s your grandmother?
The foot doctor? And yes, she’s fine. Better than ever
No, the surgeon
Surgeon? Why?
It doesn’t matter, but for a consultation for breast reconstruction
What? Wait, I thought you weren’t doing that
I’m considering it
Call me
No
Why not?
I don’t want others to hear my conversation. I’ll talk to you later.
She turned her phone off and left the store. It was better he forget about her and live out his life in Texas to be near family and friends. She didn’t want him to feel guilty or like he owed her.
She stopped to get some allergy medicine to tolerate her cat’s dander and then drove home. The gray skies threatened rain as she hurried. As she pulled into the drive, the rain hit the ground like bullets.
Running inside, she searched for her. “Cat? Cat?” The kitten ran out and climbed her leg to her arms. “Hungry?”
The cat meowed and ran to her bowl to eat the food Aubrey poured into it. She heated up some leftover chili and sat at her desk to finish her story. Oldies music played in the background, which always inspired her.
Thoughts of Hayden ran through her head. She banished them just as fast and continued writing. She had to let him go, so why was she considering reconstruction?
Lightening flashed through the room as the rain fell hard and fast. Usually, she loved a good rainstorm. Maybe she’d read instead tonight. She closed her laptop and turned off all the lights before heading to bed.
“C’mon, Cat. Let’s go do some reading.” She grabbed the romance novel she bought along with the recommended books and started up the steps. It felt good to walk without a boot now. Her foot was a little sore but nothing like before. The therapy was complete.
After getting her pajamas on and sliding into bed, she pulled the book out and patted her side. Cat came running and snuggled next to her leg. She smiled and opened the book when the light on her phone caught her eye.
When she saw a Texas phone number and no name, she opened the message to see a long text.
Hi Aubrey, it’s Elece, Hayden’s old friend. I had to tell you the truth about that picture. It meant nothing. I took it and made it seem like it was mor
e than what it was, two friends taking a picture. He doesn’t want me. He wants you. You’re all he talks about. All he thinks about. I tried my best, but he made it clear. You’re the one for him. He’s heartbroken at you seeing that photo. I’ve never seen him like this, and I’ve known him since we were in diapers. He’s got it bad for you. Please believe me when I say you’re the one he wants, not me. Not anyone else. He drives me crazy playing oldies music but that’s what you like. He wears a hair band on his wrist that belongs to you.
He told me about your situation. You’re stronger than I ever could be. I don’t know if I could remove my breasts like that. You seem like someone I’d love to be friends with and hope you give me a second chance. Give Hayden a second chance. In his modeling days, he made lots of money and helped save his parents’ land. He’s ashamed of that because it wasn’t always with clothes, but he did what he had to do. He’s a good man. I’m so sorry about your brother. Hayden told me all about him over the years. He seemed like a great guy.
Just please don’t be mad at him anymore. He truly cares about you. He’s a real catch around here because he’s so humble and has reason to brag. Just promise you’ll be good to him. We all love him so much around here. I hope you have a good night. Think about what I said.
Aubrey placed the phone down and sat back against her pillows in shock. She wiped a tear away. She tried processing all she had read. He wore her hair band on his wrist? He listened to her favorite music?
He modeled nude?
She laughed through the tears and ran her hand over Cat who purred at her touch.
What a gift this woman had given her. This woman Aubrey had wanted to hate, did hate. But now what? She was her hero.
But would he leave Texas, or would he expect her to move there? She couldn’t leave. Even if he did have feelings for her, what could he do? She wouldn’t let him give up his whole life for her. And the way it sounded from Elece, he would.
There was only one thing for her to do.
Chapter Fourteen
