by A. B. Medley
“I was young and dumb. Jade came on to me all the time. Things with me and Ivie had been distant. I gave in. I shouldn’t have, man. I was just…dumb. I can’t change the past. But you know damn well I loved her, and I’d never physically hurt her,” he throws back, not bothering with the new bottle of beer.
“You physically wouldn’t hurt her, but if she ever found out what you did, how do you think that will go over?”
He shakes his head. “Not good, I know.” I glare at him, not bothering with my beer either.
“Jade’s still the same,” I remark. Dean lifts a questioning brow. “We’ve hung out over the years, but I’ve never crossed the line with her. She’s hounding me now, as a matter of fact. She doesn’t know what no means.”
Dean snorts out a laugh, making me want to slug him. “I can only imagine how she is now if she was as bad as she was in high school. See, you have to understand now what I mean.”
I let out an irritated breath. “I see how she is and how I’m sure she was with you. The difference is I’ve never given into her. And I never will. And if I had been dating Ivie, I sure as hell wouldn’t have given her a second glance.”
He looks pissed at me for saying that, but I don’t care. I’d never be with Jade, even if I never had Ivie. “Are you sure there’s nothing between you and Ivie?” he spits out. I clench my teeth, and I can feel the muscles in my jaw working.
“I guess you’re a better man than me then, aren’t you?” he says smugly. “I’ll let you get back to work. I just wanted to talk to my long-lost best friend. Wish me luck. I’m having lunch with Ivie tomorrow.”
I have to keep myself from punching him. “Interesting,” I murmur.
“Yeah. I’ll let you know how it goes. I’ll catch you later.” He strides toward the door, and I don’t move a muscle, fighting the anger burning through my blood. What the hell was that? Did he just challenge me over who’s better for Ivie?
I get to the house at the same time as Lucy and wave at her to follow me to the door. “Let me just get the door open, and we can sit down and talk.” I finally get the key into the lock and open the door, turning on the lights as I walk through the house, Lucy trailing behind me.
“Can I get you anything to drink? Wine? Tea? Water?” She sits in the living room on the couch and kicks off her shoes before pulling her feet under her. “I think I’ll just take a bottle of water if you have it.”
I turn back to the fridge and grab two bottles of water before heading over to the couch with Lucy. Her face is devoid of makeup, and her brown hair is braided to the side and slung over her shoulder.
“Tell me what’s going on, Ivie. Why did you go see Steve?” She’s getting right to the point.
“You want the truth?” I ask her.
“Yes, I do. What could you possibly have to talk to my so-called Dad about?” I kick my shoes off too and tuck my feet under me, facing her.
“Someone is threatening my dad. Sterling and I have been looking through his old cases to see if we can find a link there. But so far—nothing. Your dad was one of those cases.” She just stares at me, so I continue. “Sterling talked to your mom first, but she didn’t give him anything to go on. That’s when he set up a meeting with your dad.” I eye her closely, seeing if she’s mad.
“Why didn’t you just ask me?” I look down at my water. “Honestly, I didn’t think I should after the way you reacted at the Silver Note when I asked about him. I didn’t want to upset you.”
“Ivie, there’s things about my family I don’t want to think about, things I don’t talk about. It’s not easy knowing the man who is supposed to be your dad wanted to up and leave you behind without another thought.” Her green eyes bore into mine, so much like my own.
“As much as I don’t like my dad for what he’s done, he wouldn’t be involved with Rhett in any way.” I take a drink of water.
“How do you know that for sure though, Lucy? It looks like my dad handed down harsher punishment than he might normally have, considering his lack of criminal history. I don’t know why my dad would do that. He’s always been fair.” I see a flicker of anger flash across her features as she looks down studying the water in her hand.
“You’ll have to ask your dad that, I suppose. I can promise you Steve doesn’t want anything to do with Rhett in any way. He left and never looked back.” I reach over and touch her hand.
“I’m sorry, Lucy. I didn’t mean to upset you. You’re my best friend, and I love you. I was hoping you’d tell me, though, what did your parents fight about that night? Can you tell me?”
She closes her eyes. “Mom never told me.”
I can tell she wants to be done with this, so I change the subject. “Okay. We’ll look at other leads. So, Dad’s surprise retirement party is in just a little over a week. You’re still coming, right?” She lights up.
“Of course, I am. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
I smile at her. “I got my dress the other day at that little vintage boutique on the square. Do you have a dress to wear?” She turns her lips up into a mischievous smile.
“You know I do, babe. I keep clothes for every occasion. You never know when you might need them.”
I laugh at her. “I’ve missed you, Lucy.” She grins. “I’ve missed you too. Have you missed anyone else? Any certain guy?” she asks coyly.
“As a matter of fact, I have.” She nudges me to continue.
“Is that someone Dean Warren? Or Sterling Brigg? I heard through the grapevine that Dean’s home for the week, and you bumped into each other.” I clench my teeth together.
“Dean will always be special to me, Lucy. He was my first love. I’m having lunch with him tomorrow, actually. But you have me pegged. I did miss Sterling.” I smile at her. If she only knew the whole truth about me and Sterling. She licks her lips.
“Lunch tomorrow, huh? Better be careful. He might reel you back in.”
I roll my eyes. “Lucy it’s not like that. Dean is my past.”
She opens her mouth and then closes it. “Are you saying Sterling is your future then? Is that what I’m hearing?” I feel a blush run up my neck.
“I’m not saying anything, Lucy.”
Her smile widens. “That’s okay. You don’t have to, because I know you. I know your secrets. Don’t forget that.” She winks. “I actually better get going.”
I get up with her and walk her to the door. “I’ll talk to you soon.” I give her a hug before she walks out.
I lock the door and head to my bedroom to get ready for bed. I change clothes and turn out the lights. I was just about to drift to sleep when a text comes through.
Bad girls get punished, Ivie. You better be careful. Bad girls? What?
“Whatever,” I say out loud. I get back up and make sure all the doors and windows are locked and the alarm is set. Once I’m satisfied everything is secure, I lie back down. This person, this stalker, is going to drive me insane before we get this figured out. I stare at the ceiling for several minutes before I finally fall asleep.
Morning comes, and I’m still just as mad as I was when I went to bed. Ivie and I haven’t really had a chance to talk about us. Is there an us? I know I want there to be— I always have. We made love several times over the last few days. That was not just a fling to me. That was real, my soul trying to reach hers. Was it to her? I don’t know. It felt like it was. But why would she be having lunch with Dean today…and not tell me?
Why didn’t I tell him I was interested in her when he asked? Who am I kidding? I didn’t tell him because that could’ve opened a can of worms from the past that I’m not sure we’re ready for.
By the sounds of our conversation last night, he wants her back. What am I supposed to do—or say, for that matter? This mystery gets thrown into my lap and involves me, too. I still haven’t fully processed the fact that Ivie was pregnant with my child, miscarried— and never told me. Even though I can sort of see why she didn’t, it rips me in two to think she
couldn’t trust me with it. She thought she had to bear that burden alone.
Most people are off this week or working a couple of days since it’s the week of Thanksgiving. Not me. I’m never off, between the PD and the ranch. It’s early still, and I’ve already showered and drank a cup of coffee.
I see Tate moving around so I get a thermos out of the cabinet and fill it, taking it to Tate. He sees me making my way to him at the barn. “Morning, brother,” he says with his country drawl.
“Morning.”
He takes the thermos of coffee. “Thanks for this.” He lifts it to his lips and drinks.
“Did you figure out what Dean wanted? It’s been a while since he’s rolled into town, or at least made it here to the ranch. A long while, if I remember right.” I let out a puff of air. “You’re right, it’s been a while. I still don’t really know what he wanted. He said he just wanted to catch up, but the things he talked about were more like re-awakening the past.”
I look off in the distance as the sun is still rising. Tate lifts his baseball cap up just a bit before readjusting it on his head again. “Man, do I even want to know? You’ve had an awful lot of people in and out lately. I’m no fool, Brigg. I know you’ve always had a thing for Ivie. Remember, I did grow up with you. You’re practically my brother. Now with Dean showing back up…” Tate shakes his head, and I prop my arms on the fence.
“Yeah, Tate, it’s a big cluster of trouble.” I slug Tate in the arm. “You are my brother. No practically about it. You know that. Besides Briella, no one knows me better.” Tate grins, showing off perfectly straight, white teeth. “Speaking of Briella, when is she done with school for the break? Is she staying here this week?”
“She should be in later today, as a matter of fact. And she always stays here, what are you talking about?” I puff out air and laugh.
“You’re still coming for Thanksgiving, right?”
Tate takes another sip of coffee. “You know I wouldn’t miss it, brother. Now get out of here. I have work to do, and so do you.” He starts to walk in the barn. “Sterling, fight for her this time. I may not know all the details, but I could always see how you were around her—how you still are. Don’t let her get away again, yeah?”
“Thanks man. I appreciate it.” Tate goes into the barn, and I head back to the house. He’s exactly right. I’ll fight for Ivie this time. We’ve already wasted too much time as it is. I head to my unmarked and decide it’s time to pay Judge Davis another visit. The sooner I can get to the bottom of this case, the sooner I can fight for what’s mine.
“Mom, I think you can finally breathe. The party is next week. All the details are set. Relax and enjoy this week. I mean, it’s Thanksgiving. Time to be thankful.” I shake my head as Mom is going over all her plans and checklists again. I put my hand over hers and she closes her notebook. “You’re right, honey.” She takes another sip of coffee. “I just can’t believe it’s finally here after all this time. Not just the party, I mean, but your dad retiring.” She smiles as she moves around the kitchen.
“Mom?” I work up the nerve to ask. “What do you know about what Sterling is working on for Dad?”
She stops and says, “I know that someone appears to be threatening you and your dad. I’ve kept a lot quiet over the years. For you and him. I’ve always been in the know more than you think I have.”
“If that’s so, what do you think is going on? Who do you think this is? Who wants to hurt Dad? Or me or you?” I ask, perplexed.
“Sweetheart, unfortunately I don’t have that answer. I wish I did. People do things for a lot of different reasons, some good and some bad. And sometimes no matter how good intentions are, things can still turn out bad. Your dad says he doesn’t know, so I believe him. If you want to know more, you’ll have to ask him, I’m afraid.” She rinses out her coffee cup and turns to look at me again.
I ponder what she said for a moment before blurting out, “I have asked him, Mom. Daddy doesn’t tell me anything. He still sees me as his little girl, not the grown woman I am now.”
Mom walks over and wraps me in a hug. “I know, sweetie. But it helps him to believe you still need him.” I let out a frustrated sigh. “What are your plans today?” she asks.
“Not a lot, actually. I’ll probably meet up with Sterling later but I’m having lunch with Dean today. I ran into him the other night.”
“Oh dear. You haven’t seen him since you left, have you?” I shake my head.
“How do you feel about that? Better yet, how do you think Sterling feels about that?” Mom looks at me with her all-knowing stare.
I cringe at that thought. “Mom, Dean and I were over when I was eighteen…and Sterling, we’re friends. What makes you ask that?”
“Honey, Dean was an important part of your life for a long time. And Sterling has always had feelings for you, and you for him. I’m your mother. I know these things. You don’t have to tell me. Here you are spending time with him again. They were best friends in school. That makes it a little more than complicated, especially if they both want your heart now.”
I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Sterling and I…it’s complicated for us. Always has been. But yes, you’re right, I do have feelings for him. I have for a very long time. That also doesn’t mean anything will ever come of it.”
She puts her hand on my face. “Honey don’t run away again. I never wanted you to, but I’m telling you now, if you run again, you may regret that decision for the rest of your life. Life isn’t perfect. It’s the people in our lives that make it anywhere close to perfect. Don’t run from love. It’s scary and painful and hard, but it’s also beautiful and thrilling and amazing. Don’t close yourself off from your chance at happiness. Second chances don’t come around often.”
I put my hand on hers. “Okay, Mom. I won’t run anymore.”
I sure hope that’s a promise I can keep.
“Mom, I’m going out for a bit,” I yell from the front door as I’m heading to my truck. I shut the door, but before I can reach the truck, I hear my mom running to catch me. “Where are you going Dean? I thought you could help me make a list of the menu for Thanksgiving and then we could grab lunch and go to the grocery store, make sure I have all of your favorites while you’re here this week.” I stop and turn to face her, giving her my biggest smile. “I already have lunch plans with Ivie today.”
Mom claps her hands and lets out a little squeal. “That’s so exciting! I had no idea you two were talking again.” I hold my hand up to stop her. “We just ran into each other the other night at High Road. This is just lunch, not a marriage proposal.”
“Honey, it could be the start of a good thing for you two! Ivie was always the sweetest girl. Pretty, too. I know you really cared about her once upon a time. Maybe you can reignite that flame. She’d be good for you. It’s about time you settled down anyway.” She crinkles her nose. “I don’t like you playing the field as they say.”
I walk up to her and wrap her in a hug. “We’ve talked about this, Mom. My personal life is just that—personal.” She kisses me on the cheek before letting me go.
“I’m not getting any younger, son. I want grandkids while I’m still young enough to play with them.” I turn for my truck and get in waving to her before I start it up. “Bye, Mom, love you.”
She blows me a kiss and heads back into the house. Mom isn’t totally wrong. I am looking to settle down. I know it’s time, and I’ve always loved Ivie. She was the one that got away. Or the one I drove away.
I’m not who I was back in high school, though. I’ve grown up. Maybe I can get Ivie to see that, if Sterling doesn’t step in. I swear he always had a thing for her. Last night was proof enough of that. But did she return those feelings? I have no clue. If she did, she never let on to me or around me. Does she now?
I breathe out as I turn into Frank’s Diner. The place hasn’t changed much. It’s always had the best burger and shakes around. I see a black Jeep pulling in. My gut twists
a little, because I’m sure it’s her. “Calm down, Warren, you can handle this. It’s just Ivie.”
She gets out. The wind catches her hair and blows it back so I can see her beautiful face better. She’s wearing tight blue jeans and a green shirt with a black jacket. She searches the parking lot until her gaze lands on me getting out of my truck. Instantly my heart beats a little faster as she walks toward me, waving.
When I spot Dean getting out of his truck, I wave at him. Time has been kind to him. He’s always been good looking, but now he’s downright handsome. He’s wearing a red baseball cap and a navy-blue hoodie and jeans—jeans that hug him in all the right places. He’s bigger than he used to be, by a lot. Looks like he works out frequently.
I reach him at the front of his truck, and he gives me another hug. He presses me to him so tight I can feel his pecs and abs through his hoodie. Yep, definitely working out. I smirk, knowing he can’t see my face. I breathe him in before pulling back. He still smells the same.
“You look beautiful, Ivie.” He grins. There’s that cocky smile of his—the one that used to make me melt. “Thanks, Dean. You’re looking good yourself,” I throw back at him.
“You ready to go inside?” he asks.
“Sure, let’s go. I’m always ready for a burger and shake here.” I laugh as I lead the way in.
I pick a booth by the window as the waitress gets our drink orders. “Ivie Davis,” he says, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s been too long. What have you been doing?” The waitress drops off our drinks and gets our food orders.
I sip on my Coke before answering. “I’ve been living in Camden Springs. I write for the C.S. Journal there.”
He smiles. “I can totally see you doing that. You always loved reading and writing.”
“What are you doing now, Dean?” I see a little flicker of excitement in his eyes. “I’m a firefighter in Coffee County. Been there for a few years now; I’m a lieutenant. I really like it. Although, I have to admit, the fire chief here has been trying to get me to move back home and work for him. My parents are on his side, too.”
