“And that’s our cue to get the fuck out of here,” I say, reaching for Monroe. “What do you say, baby?”
There goes that fucking blush again, trailing down her neck. She smiles shyly, and it’s the cutest damn thing ever. “Well, I just got here, but since I can’t drink anyway,” she jokes, “let's go home. I’ve been craving some of those pancakes you made me the other night.”
“Pancakes,” Nash scoffs, “so domestic, Jameson.”
I roll my eyes and ignore him, tossing my arm around Monroe’s shoulder. “Yes, ma’am. And when we’re finished, maybe you can give me a little something sweet I’ve been craving too.”
“Not cool, King,” Nash shouts as Monroe and I turn to head out.
I flip him the bird over my shoulder. “Payback for mauling my sister in front of me, Bishop.”
Chapter Thirty
Monroe
Small-town living was essentially the worst, though some people found it fascinating. I was not one of those people. I admit I could see the potential. The sense of community and togetherness of knowing all of your neighbors and spending a lifetime growing up alongside them. A supportive community of people who looked out for each other and had everyone's best interests at heart.
In a way, that was also the worst aspect. The unspoken expectations, the suffocating familiarity, the judgmental whispers. Knowing everyone meant everyone knew you, every failure cataloged, dissected, and criticized if it didn’t live up to the expectations. Beliefs were forced, loyalty demanded, and secrets were like gold—they wouldn't stay buried long. And oh my did the folk in Crossroads like to dig.
The farmers market is strangely busy this early in the day, but a new year will bring new resolutions and healthy living choices. Events like this are a reminder that small towns like Crossroads have their charm too, but not today.
Today, every single snide glance or judgmental sneer I hear reminds me why I hate this town. I’m already tense coming downtown on my own, and soon enough the whispers begin.
Two elderly women I don’t recognize stand at the edge of the produce stand I’m perusing, their voices just loud enough their conversation can’t be mistaken.
“It's such a shame, Jameson King throwing his future away like that.”
“With her of all people,” the other woman replies. “You know she only trapped him with that baby. Classic manipulation for people of her kind.”
I grip the bag in my hand tighter, my knuckles turning white while my face burns bright red. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to keep moving, and nod politely to the vendor as I hand over a few bills for the tomatoes I’ve picked out.
Without giving them the satisfaction of knowing how much their jabs bother me, I continue walking down the street, looking around at the endless rows of the freshest produce piled high in cute little baskets. The farmer’s market is usually one of my favorite places to shop. I love walking around inhaling the scents of homemade candles and soaps from our local businesses and, my favorite, freshly baked sourdough bread in every flavor imaginable.
Honeybees even joined this year and now have a tent serving freshly baked pastries and their delicious lattes. I spot Billie behind the table and head on over, though before I do, another group of women glances my way. These ladies in particular I know for a fact are Magnolia King’s churchgoing bunch.
“He used to have such good taste. That Bishop clan was always too bold for their own good, and now look at her. Waddling around with his child, acting like she belongs.”
“Poor Jase, I hear she also wedged her way into his home. Magnolia is furious he’s moved her into his house.”
I hang around the table of freshly baked bread, pretending I’m not eavesdropping on their tactless conversations but eager to hear what they're talking about when they say Magnolia’s name. I know Jase has been blinded by his mama’s good intentions his whole life, but although he doesn't believe everything she tells him anymore, he’s still reluctant to draw the necessary boundaries. Hence the reason I’m here—she’s invited herself for dinner.
When he told me as we got back from the bar yesterday, I thought he was joking. Of course, it was after I'd devoured the pancakes he’d made me, which had become one of my most common cravings. To say it killed the mood we’d come home in was his punishment for accepting. Why the hell does she want to have dinner with us, when she can barely stand the idea of Jase and me being together?
“I hear they even spent Christmas together and made a poor fool out of Indigo Harper, who’s staying with the Kings.”
“Isn’t she Jase’s ex-girlfriend?”
“Yes, the one who got away according to Magnolia. I hear there’s a possibility of her and Jase getting back together too.”
I knew Magnolia didn’t like me, but hearing what she and Indigo are planning behind our backs still stings. The woman had made it clear she wasn’t welcoming me into her son’s life with open arms, but purposefully scheming against me is something I thought not even she was capable of. Not when I’m expecting her grandchild.
The women’s laughter follows me as I move past, every word burning into my mind. I’m so wrapped up in keeping my head high, pretending none of it matters, that I don’t notice Indigo until she steps directly into my path.
“Monroe,” she says with a sharp smile that shows the opposite of what she’s trying to say. “It’s so good to run into you. Are you stocking up for dinner? I hear Magnolia has…” Shepauses, her gaze wandering to the bag of tomatoes and bread in my hand. “High standards.”
I force a smile, though my blood is damn near boiling. Of course, she knows about dinner tonight. I swear to God, if Magnolia so much as mentions her, I won’t bite my tongue. “I’ll manage, thanks for looking out.”
Her gaze flicks to my belly, lingering for so long I catch her smile drop. Yeah, bitch, that’s right. I’m the one having his baby. “Of course you will. You’re Monroe Bishop. Word around town is you're the toughest in your family. Raised without a father, abandoned by her mother, must have built character. Though between us, I don’t think Magnolia’s convinced. You know how she is about family and reputation.” She says the words like insults, and I’m realizing what a horrible person she is.
