by Brenna Ash
“Your phone number?”
“No, why?”
“Well how is he supposed to get in touch with you if you didn't give him any info? Oh well, it's a small town and he is Hayden Wagner. He just has to ask around and people will be dropping that info for him in no time. Especially the teeny-boppers once they find out he's here.”
“No kidding! You should've seen the way the girl behind the counter at Cafe Blanca reacted to him.”
“I'm sure. I'd probably do the same thing.”
“No, you wouldn't. We all used to hang together. It's not like you've never met him before.”
“Oh, please! It's been years since I've seen him, and I doubt he remembers me. I'm not the one he was sleeping with, remember?”
“I do.” Sunny's stomach dipped at the memory of she and Hayden making love. They were quick and careless when they were younger. She was sure they'd both matured in the sex department.
“Listen to you. You make it sound like it was torture sleeping with him. Imagine sleeping with him now. He's older, more practice. Damn!” Marlene licked her lips. “Hey, if you're not interested, maybe I'll sleep with him.”
Sunny kicked her friend under the table. “No one is sleeping with Hayden.”
“I think it's a tad bit unfair that you don't want him anymore, but you don't want me to have him either. I'm just kidding. I'd never do that to you.”
“I know, and that's why I love you.”
Their food arrived and they ate in silence for a few minutes. A group of teenagers came in and sat at a table near them.
“I'm telling you,” one of them said. “She told me it was definitely Hayden Wagner. Oh, My God! Can you imagine? We need to find him. I wonder what he's doing here. Maybe filming a movie.”
“Oh. My. God!” another one of the girls squealed. “What if we get in the movie with him? That would be like, totally cool!”
“Yeah, I'd totally do him. He's so freaking hot with a capital H!”
Marlene rolled her eyes as the girls gushed on about Hayden.
“Well, so much for people not noticing him here.” She laughed. “Do you want dessert? And I'm not talking strawberry shortcake. How about Hollywood beefcake?”
Sunny threw her napkin at her friend. “You are so bad.”
They paid their bills and left the diner. “I've got to get back to work. Call me if you need anything, okay? And I mean anything.”
“Thanks, I will.”
Marlene glared at her.
“I will! I promise!”
Sunny didn't feel like heading home yet. She decided to walk down by the harbor. Sitting on a bench set in concrete, she watched the waves crashing onto shore. She thought of her parents and the day she found out they'd been killed. Sunny had never experienced pain like that. Hayden leaving her was a crushing blow. Her parents' deaths were devastating.
She'd spent the next six months walking around like a zombie. Going through the motions of living, but not really leading any type of life. Sunny had Mar to thank for getting her back in line. Her friend burst into her apartment one day and told her to get off her ass and stop feeling sorry for herself. That that would be the last thing her parents would have wanted.
Of course, Marlene was right. Sunny finally got her affairs in order. She decided life was too short to spend it miserable and made the hard decision to sell her parents' business.
They'd owned a frozen custard stand and gift shop. The business thrived during the spring, summer and fall months and they closed it for the winter so they could travel. Sunny didn't want the responsibility of the shop and found it too difficult to spend lengths of time there. Selling it was the right decision. The couple that purchased the business had worked for Sunny's parents through their high school years and had fond memories from that time. Now they had a family of their own.
Sunny had to say she was proud of what they'd done to the place. They gave the building a lovely face-lift with fresh paint and new landscaping. She tried to go once a year, but it was still difficult. But she tried.
The money she'd received from the sale of the business, her parents' life-insurance policies, along with a settlement from the accident provided Sunny with a huge nest egg that allowed her to quit her job at the paper and live more than comfortably.
Sunny purchased her house and now crafted hand-made items that she sold at fairs, marketplaces and online. She didn't make a lot of money selling her items, but business was picking up and she was happiest when working with her hands. The job and self-satisfaction she felt when she created a new piece that put a smile on a patron's face was something she treasured.
And following Hayden's career. Sunny was proud of his success. Even if she wasn't a part of it like they'd originally planned. Now she just needed to find her way from the dark side and turn her blog into what it was before. A celebration of Hayden and not a bash.
The creeping guilt she experienced whenever she read one of Sharon's tips was growing worse. Sunny had the sneaking suspicion that Sharon was making up a lot of things she had supposedly seen.
A decision would need to be made on how Sunny should handle any future items the woman submitted.
Chapter 7
Since Hayden was in town he needed to catch up with his old buddies. No use in being here and not making contact.
He still kept in touch with them so they'd be pissed if they found out he was here and they didn't get together. He was going to call them last night, but once he'd gotten back after the Sunny debacle, he just crashed and made up for all the sleep he'd lost on the trip here.
On the back deck, a decent sized gas grill occupied the left corner. He checked the propane tank and found it was more than half full, plenty for him to grill up some steaks.
He sent out a mass text to the guys, letting them know he was in town staying at Mrs. Wester's place and that he wanted to have a barbecue tonight. Steaks and beer were on him. They were welcome to bring any sides if they wanted. And a plus one if they were dating anyone.
He'd like to invite Sunny, but didn't think that'd go over well, and besides he had no way of contacting her. Maybe one of the guys would know her number. He'd hit them up for that.
His phone blew up right away with responses from the others. They were all in. Cool. Another trip to Edson's was in order so he could get enough steak for everyone. He'd also have to fill up on beer and wine, in case any of the ladies wanted wine. And to prove he wasn't a total cave man, Hayden would whip up a garden salad as well.
After purchasing what was needed from the store, he started preparing everything. He seasoned the steaks with salt, pepper and a bit of garlic, and set them to the side. He cracked open a beer to sip while he cut the lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and peppers for the salad.
Like an idiot he forgot to buy dressing. Oh well, he had oil and vinegar. That would have to do. Gourmet chef he was not. But he was proficient enough to get by.
The beer went down way too easy, and he remembered why he usually stayed away from the stuff.
The crunch of tires on gravel alerted him to guests arriving so Hayden went around to the front to greet his visitors.
It'd been a few years since he'd seen Joe. He'd come out to visit Hayden in California when his work took him out that way.
“Hey, man. Looking good!” They embraced in a bro hug before breaking apart.
“Gina, you're beautiful as ever.” Hayden bent and kissed her on the cheek before wrapping Joe's wife in a friendly hug.
She blushed, the pink staining her tanned skin. She'd cut her blond hair into a pixie style the complemented her big, blue eyes. Gina was a total beach chick with the mouth of a sailor. “Uh huh. I bet that sweet talk of yours gets you plenty of ass back in Cali, Hayden.” She smiled warmly. “It's great to see you again.”
“How long you here for?” Joe asked. Other than a few streaks of gray coloring Joe's charcoal black hair, his friend hadn't changed all that much. Judg
ing by his muscled arms and shoulders, going to the gym regularly was still high on his to-do list.
Hayden shrugged. “No plans really. As long as it feels right, I'll stay.”
Joe laughed. “Must be nice. I want your job, bro.”
“Aw, come on. Your job's way cooler than mine, man. You get to work on airplanes and shit.”
“Hey!” Drake called from the driveway. “The party can start now, I'm here.” Hayden bounded down the steps to meet his friend.
“Great to see you, man.” Another bro hug. “Thanks for coming.”
“Are you kidding me? You're finally back in town. Why the hell would I miss it? And I brought the whiskey!”
“Great, we're all gonna get hammered. At least there's plenty of room for you all to crash.”
“No date, Drake?”
“Hell no! This guy has sworn off women. Too much hassle and too damn expensive.” He smiled at Gina, bent his blond head and placed a kiss on her cheek. His six-and-a-half-foot frame swallowing Joe's wife.
“You're not supposed to pay for them. See, that's what you're doing wrong.”
They all laughed. It was like no time had passed since they'd all last seen each other.
***
Later, after everyone else had gone, Drake and Hayden sat on the back deck with their beers. They'd always been the closest out of the group. He was the one Hayden missed the most.
“You ever talk to the ex?” Hayden asked.
“Hell no. She got remarried last year and moved out of state. No skin off my back. I hated running into her. Bad memories and shit. You know how it goes.”
Hayden grunted. “I get it.”
“I'm sure you do. Must suck to have all those exes running around in the same circles you have over there. I'd imagine there's a whole lot of awkward conversations happening.”
He shrugged. “You know I don't have nearly as many as exes as the magazines claim I do. But I've got a few and for the most part we steer clear of each other.” He took a long swig of his beer. “Do you happen to talk to Sunny at all these days?”
Drake barked out a laugh. “There it is. Took you all fucking night to get the balls up to ask me about her. Damn.”
Hayden knit his brows in question. “Why would I need to man up? It's a simple inquiry.”
“Simple my ass. You're still puppy-dogging after her. Admit it.”
He gazed at the ocean in the distance. A light from a boat bobbed along the water. “Is she doing okay? I ran into her yesterday, and to say things didn't go well would be an understatement.”
Drake lifted his shoulders. “She's doing fine. She does some type of arts and crafts stuff that she sells. Girly stuff, I think. I don't know too much about it. She doesn't really do all that much outside of selling her items, I don't think. I don't really see her out. She's not big on the social scene. She still hangs out with Marlene all the time.”
“I'm not surprised about that. They were practically inseparable in school. So, do you happen to have her number?”
“Marlene's? No, she's not my type.”
Hayden punched him in the arm. “Asshole.”
Drake shook his head. “I don't. I might be able to get you some info from Marlene. I'll text you.” He stood. “It's been fun, man, but I gotta go. Thanks for the beers. Next time you'll have to come over to my place.”
***
Sunny was in the middle of reading an online article about painting techniques when her email popped up alerting her to a new message.
I apologize for the other day. Let me make it up to you. -H.
She stared at the short message and tried to tamp down the butterflies that leapt to life in her stomach. Did she really want to do this? Open up that Pandora's box of so many things that could go wrong? Plus, she had her blog that was only about him. How could she explain that?
No matter how much the rational part of her brain was telling her to ignore the email, her heart was saying the opposite. And guess which one was winning?
Don't apologize. You took me by surprise. Lots of dormant feelings came back into play. Sorry. Sunny :)
She hit send and held her breath. He replied right away.
You name the time and place and I'll be there. -H.
She sighed. This couldn't be good. It wouldn't end well. Sunny knew that but yet, she couldn't bring herself to say no.
***
The Putt-n-Putt miniature golf course was about the most unromantic spot that Sunny could think of to meet Hayden. She didn't want to be holed up in a quiet restaurant with him. She didn't trust herself to not fall for his charms. At least here, they were outside and there were plenty of other people around.
The sun shone in a bright blue sky free of clouds. A slight breeze rustled the leaves in the trees. Pine trees surrounding the area protected the small course from the sun.
Refusing Hayden's offer to pick her up at her house, she'd driven herself and arrived early and was waiting in the parking lot. With it being the weekend, lots of families were here. The kids' excited chatter as they arrived brought a smile to her face.
Her phone buzzed, indicating a text. She'd put it in her back pocket instead of having to carry her purse around. Maybe it was Hayden saying he couldn't make it. She ignored the stab of disappointment at the thought. Relief flooded her when Marlene's picture showed up on the screen.
She was reading her friend's text when Hayden pulled in to the gravel lot and parked beside her.
He flashed her a million-dollar smile as he exited the car with two cups of coffee. He handed her one and placed a light kiss on her cheek.
“It's been a while, but I think I got it right, light cream and three sugars?”
Sunny smiled. “Good memory. Thanks.” She took the offered cup and tucked her phone back in her pocket. Checking him out over the rim of her cup, he looked great in a pair of dark jeans and a gray v-neck t-shirt. The short sleeves showed off his biceps and tanned skin. She fought the urge to run her hands up the smooth muscles. To nuzzle into his neck and nip his ear. But his abandonment still lingered and she couldn't forget the hurt she'd felt that day.
“Shall we?” He pointed to the registration desk.
Sunny held up her cup. “No outside food allowed. We'll have to drink these first since we can't take them inside.”
They made their way over to one of several picnic tables dotting the perimeter of the property and sat down.
“I think they recognize you.” Sunny tilted her head toward a pair of teenage girls a couple tables over.
He glanced toward them and smiled, giving them a quick wave. The girls bolted out of their seats. Apparently, taking his wave as some sort of invitation, they hustled over to them, giggling all the way.
Hayden smiled sweetly at them. Sunny thought the girls were going to jump his bones right then and there. She tamped down the twinge of jealousy that stabbed her gut.
“Can we get a picture with you, please?”
Hayden took it all in stride. “Sure.”
The girls practically hurled their phones at Sunny before they draped themselves over Hayden, smiling from ear to ear.
Hayden acted cool about the whole thing. Sunny didn't know how he did it. She wouldn't be able to handle herself so calmly when strangers pretty much threw themselves all over her.
Pictures taken, the girls thanked him and one of them handed him a piece of paper.
As they left, Sunny lifted a brow in question and shot a glance at the folded paper Hayden held.
He shrugged. “Happens a lot.”
“What? The pictures or getting numbers from under-age girls?”
Hayden laughed. “The pictures. Believe it or not, I don't really get all that many propositions from people I meet on the street.”
Sunny bit back a snort. “I'm sure you get plenty of those one way or another,” she mumbled.
“Are you jealous?” He put his finger under her chin and lifted he
r face to gaze into her eyes. “Don't believe everything you read. There's a lot of shit written about me. And most if it is just that. Shit.”
He sounded sincere, but she knew better. She'd followed his career long enough to know that this was one guy that got what he wanted. All he had to do was give a girl that look and she was a goner. She should know. She was his first victim.
***
By the time Sunny and Hayden got to the final hole, one that if you sunk a hole in one, you got a free game, she was almost convinced he was the nicest guy on the planet.
Numerous people stopped him throughout the game asking for pictures or autographs. Each time he smiled and graciously did what they asked. And it wasn't just teenage girls. He had younger kids and grown men approaching him as well.
She did notice that no one else tried slipping him their number.
The safe environment, filled with people, put Sunny at ease and their conversation flowed easily. He asked about her crafted items and she told him all the boring details. She enjoyed creating specialty items such as custom hair accessories and decorative knick-knacks. The work gave her the freedom and fDrakeibility to enjoy the little things in life. Eventually, she wanted to travel and toyed around with the idea of being a travel journalist, but she wasn't sure working for someone else again would make her happy. She could freelance, but that was a harder niche to make a name for yourself.
Sunny wasn't as daring as Hayden. She didn't feel comfortable putting herself in a situation in which she had no control of the end game. Didn't want to feel the disappointment of denial from someone else.
Hayden talked about his latest movie that he'd finished filming a few weeks ago. He'd had another one lined up that he had been working on, but he and the director had a falling out and now the project was on hold.
“What happened?”
He sighed, concentrating on the shot he was about to take. “I'm not really sure. There are some rumors floating around that aren't the most flattering about me, and they're starting to interfere with jobs I should be getting. And keeping.” He took the shot and sunk the ball.
“Looks like we'll have to come back so I can play my free game.” He laughed. But his eyes betrayed him. They showed the pain he experienced at what was going on with his work.
