Page 87 of The Sweetness of Life

The first was a six-foot-plus male that exudes strength, raw energy, and undeniable sex appeal. I was attracted to his work ethic, the love for his family’s business, and his perfect smile. The second was that his attributes made me trust the things he said and did, as did the fact that we were working on something together and that he’s Lexi’s longtime friend.

My eyes move to her pie sitting on my passenger seat. What I wouldn’t give for a fork at this moment. Yesterday, I couldn’t eat anything, but today, I want to drown my emotions and my gullibility with food and spiked sweet tea.

After one last glance around the sweeping property, I find my favorite playlist and pull away. The gravel disappears as smooth concrete takes over, and just like that, the last two weeks are nothing more than an image in my rearview mirror.

I understand people come and go in life. It would be so much easier if there were a way to stay emotionally unattached, but I’m certain there’s a hidden lesson in all of this. I’m sure eventually I’ll figure it out, but getting the CliffsNotes version on how to avoid this ache and emptiness sooner rather than later would be much appreciated.

My phone rings through the speaker of my car and Lexi’s name pops up on the console. I have zero interest in talking to her after all that just happened, but I still accept the call.

“Hey.” Wow, even I can hear the sadness in my voice. How pathetic am I?

“Hey, Zach texted me yesterday and said I should call and check on you this afternoon. What’s going on?”

In the background, I hear the screen door that leads to her front porch slam. Lexi has the most beautiful old farm home that sits on acres and acres of land in central Florida.

“Nothing at the moment. Assignment’s over, and I’m driving home.” I contemplate telling her about Zach, but that is his business and he might not want me to, so I don’t.

“Oh, then I don’t know why he made it sound so urgent. Did you get the pie? I was shocked when he called and asked me to send it. Such a thoughtful idea,” she says, all dreamy and cheery.

“Oh, he’s Mr. Thoughtful.” My words drip with sarcasm, and suddenly I’m angry all over again. This episode with the bee sting is so unfortunate I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, but I can’t let it distract me from my gut feeling of why I’m leaving in the first place.

He lied to me. He used me.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Do you remember how he was at the Feeding America event?” He was the perfect image of arrogance: icy blue eyes, a deep scowl, and a better-than-you attitude.

“Yes, don’t remind me.” She groans. Poor Lexi was so embarrassed that night.

“Well, let’s just say I didn’t find him to be that different during my stay here.” Here he took that arrogance one step further and allowed his own self-importance about his plan to overshadow human decency. He wanted what he wanted, and it didn’t matter if anyone got in his way.

“Really? I don’t understand. When he called and asked for the pie, he sounded so happy—happier than I’ve heard him in a long time. What did he do?” She asks the question in a low, hissing tone, as if she already knows she will need to roast him over a fire after I tell her.

Hearing Lexi get worked up on my behalf has a tiny smile making its way onto my lips.

Meg is a man-eater; guys love her and girls are intimidated by her. She’s fiercely independent, and her personality and flare are infectious. Lexi, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. Lexi likes to be seen more than heard. She’s kind, overly humble, and fiercely private. Her feathers never get ruffled, which makes her reaction that much more satisfying and makes me love her even more.

“Let’s just say his motives over the last two weeks haven’t been out of the kindness of his heart.” A heart I felt beating under the warmth of his skin. Too bad its cold and calculating ways didn’t reach the surface to give me a warning.

“I’m going to kill him. Explain.”

“I will, but not today.” And maybe not ever. For years, I despised my mother because she allowed my father to use her. Whether she knew he was doing it or not, it doesn’t matter; all I know is now I don’t feel any different. I feel stupid and want to forget about the whole thing.

“Well, you know I’m here for you if you need me.”

“I do, and I appreciate it.”

“Maybe I should send him a pie, too, but I’ll lace it with a laxative.”

A laugh bursts out of me. Oh my God, who knew Lexi had it in her? Her laugh follows mine, and the heaviness in my chest loosens a little.

“Poor guy, I don’t know if he could handle it along with all those migraines.”

Come to think of it, there were shadows under his eyes today, and his skin was more pale than usual. Yesterday must have hit him hard, and it must have lasted a good portion of the day. My go-to thought would be Good, but I think after the sting, he’s earned a pass.

“He’s still getting those?” she asks, concerned.

“Yeah, he had several while I was there.”