“Wow, that was intense,” Emory said once Rocky went back inside the coffee shop. “I’m sorry that I interrupted you, but I feared for that man’s safety if he let loose the word he was about to use.”
“I wouldn’t have hit him no matter how badly I might’ve wanted to,” I told him.
“I was thinking more along the lines of what your boyfriend would do to him,” Emory said, adding a smile.
“Yeah, there’s that,” I agreed.
“Not that I don’t think you can handle yourself,” he amended quickly. “You were doing fine all on your own.”
“I was, wasn’t I?” I asked but spoke again before he could continue. “Listen, Buddy and I were on our way to your house.”
“You were?”
“Yes,” I said, reaching into the bag and pulling out the box of cookies I bought for him. I held the box out to him and said, “A peace offering from me for being a jerk last night.”
“I’m allergic,” Emory said.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, pulling the box back then realized by the smile on his face that I was getting played. “You don’t even know what’s inside,” I told him.
“I know things,” he said jokingly, but the smile fell off his face when I stiffened. “Did you research my name, Josh?”
“Asks the psychic,” I mumbled.
“You did!” Emory blew out a frustrated breath. “Is that why you were bringing me a… treat? You either felt bad about what happened to me, or you’re afraid of what I might know. Which is it?”
I grimaced and said, “A little of both perhaps.”
“That’s just great.” Emory threw his hands in the air and paced back and forth in front of me. “I don’t need your pity, Josh,” he said vehemently, never breaking stride.
“What do you need, Emory? Why are you here?” I asked, hoping to put some of my fears to rest.
He stopped then and turned to face me. The agony and despair I saw in his eyes cut me. “I wish I knew, Josh. I wish I knew.” He held out his hand to me, and I looked at it in confusion. “Can I have my treat now? I think I deserve it.”
“Yeah, sure,” I said, pushing the box in his hand. “Regardless of the reasons, I am sorry for my behavior last night. Your presence unsettled me, and I lashed out like an immature brat.”
He smiled softly and said, “Thank you. I accept your apology,” he held up the bakery box, “and your peace offering.”
“Great,” I said, unsure of what else to say. “I guess we’ll see you around the neighborhood.”
“I’ll see you next week at my hair appointment,” he reminded me.
“That’s right,” I replied, suddenly feeling awkward. I wasn’t sure what to say so I fell back on my old habit. “I knew those weren’t natural highlights.”
Emory didn’t respond, he just laughed and continued inside the coffee shop. I had hoped to put the uneasiness behind me once I apologized but it didn’t appear that it would happen. In fact, my nervousness had increased when he confessed he didn’t know his reasons for moving to Blissville. I didn’t have time to dwell on it though because I needed to get home and get ready for my day.
Meredith looked tired when she arrived like she hadn’t slept well. I wasn’t always the sharpest tool in the shed, but I knew damned well not to tell a woman she looked tired. Instead, I made her a cup of coffee and kissed her on her forehead and said, “Talk to me. Did he call you?”
“Yes,” she said quietly, not meeting my eyes.
I slid my hand beneath her chin and lifted until her pretty, brown eyes met mine. “It didn’t go well?” I prompted.
“It did.” Meredith released a soft sigh and added, “It went too well.”
“Too well?” I asked, making sure I understood what she said because her actions didn’t match her words.
She pointed to me. “Pot,” she said, then pointed at herself, “meet kettle.”
“Ahhhh,” I said, understanding exactly what she meant. “You like Harley and you’re afraid. It’s easier to believe that he can’t be as good as he seems than get your hopes up only to be crushed again. Does that sound about right?” I asked.
