I don’t even want to think about his college years. There’s no reason why he wouldn’t have been the biggest player in town. Cheated on. Single. Living off campus. Hot as fuck. Yeah, he could have anyone he wanted.
“And let’s not even get into the stuff I said Saturday. He’ll never forgive me for that.” I rotate my shoulders and sigh, “I don’t blame him. If someone talked to me like that, I’d never forgive them either. And he looked like he meant every word when he told me to leave.”
“I think he would if you told him why. That you’ve always had feelings for him, that when he chose Amanda that weekend, it broke your heart and seeing him again has you off balance. What guy wouldn’t enjoy the fuck out of knowing he’s got a normally put-together girl acting like she’s lost her mind? I think Jake’s just the kind of guy who’d see that as a compliment.”
“Right, he’s the kind of guy who’s into crazy stalker types.”
“You never know. He looks like one of those guys who would enjoy a girl getting possessive over him.” The hint of laughter in her voice causes me to smile for the first time in days.
“I don’t think so, but thanks for cheering me up. I’ve been beating myself up over the whole thing until I’ve made myself sick. But you’re wrong. He’s not going to forgive me for how I acted. No matter what the reason is.” I glance at my watch. “I’ve got to get going. Kaleb will need to get to work.”
“Fine,” she sighs. “Forget I said anything about Jake.”
“Already forgotten.” Just like I’ve already forgotten that Chad left a bruise on my shoulder.
“Talk to you soon. I’m on my way to the city for a makeup job. Tell Kaleb I said hi.” Bella lives to do makeup and makeovers.
“I will.” The phone clicks off in my ear, and I shiver. The cool front that came through this afternoon is stronger than I anticipated. I zip my jacket to ward off the brisk breeze blowing the fabric to my body. Tomorrow, I’ll need a larger coat to keep warm.
Makeup and makeovers. Hey, that’s a great name. I tap on my phone screen.
Me: Makeup and Makeovers.
Seconds pass before the dots appear, followed by a quick message.
Bella: Okay?
After waiting a second, I send another message.
Me: I think it’s a great name for your business.
While I’m waiting for her response, I walk past The Burger Bunker. Jim, the owner, waves at me from inside the building before returning his attention to the chairs he’s straightening.
In the city, you wouldn’t see the owner of an establishment tidying up, but in Brookhaven, it’s commonplace. The charm of Brookhaven lies in the small-town vibe that permeates the downtown establishments.
Bella: I don’t think my parents will rename their accounting business–Makeup and Makeovers.
I roll my eyes over Bella’s smart comment, combined with her determination to live up to her parents’ expectations. No matter how convoluted they are.
Not that it’s out of the ordinary for a parent to want their child to follow in their footsteps and join the family business. And there’s nothing wrong with accountants. If you’re anyone but Bella. But Bella is color and light. Not spreadsheets and blah.
That’s what’s convoluted. She still thinks she wants to grow up to be an accountant.
When I round the corner of the building, I find Jake holding an older woman’s arm as he settles her onto a wooden chair. She glances up at him and pats his arm. Rosemarie. My heart sputters in my chest as I pick up my pace. She was in line at the market when I first came inside.
Jake’s police cruiser is next to him with the lights flashing, but the siren remains silent. He squeezes her shoulder and then bends down, straightening a bag of groceries. Half of the contents from the bag are spilled onto the cement.
The tight material of his cargo pants stretches across his thick thighs. And the ends of his hair curl slightly against the back of his neck. The man is already gorgeous in his uniform. Now, we must add, helping an older woman cross the street?
Of course, we do. Jesus. He should be illegal.
Rosemarie glances up and smiles. “Emily.” She waves me over to them. “Do you remember Jake?”
“Yes.” I walk stiffly toward them as Jake holds the sack in his hand.
“Hello, Emily.” Jake nods with a solemn expression on his face that makes my stomach cramp. Yes, he hates me.
Focus on what’s important. Right now, Rosemarie needs help.
