Page 94 of Another Love, Another Time
Just as we finish our conversation, River comes out to the backyard with a huge smile. “You ready?” She turns to Baxter. “I’ll be back later. It shouldn’t take too long.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll put the moms to work and make sure the place is ready for the party.”
“Thanks, Bax. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.” She gives him a hug, and we all start walking back into the house as we head to my truck to go talk to the witness.
Chapter 30
River
I had my housewarming/meet Baxter party last weekend. He fit in with the team just like I knew he would. I think he enjoyed his time here. It’s nice to have time away from work.
I enjoyed visiting with Baxter, and we got a big chunk of the painting and other stuff done while he was here. Auggie came by every night to hang out, do some work, and drink beer. We had a lot of fun. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. Having Baxter here helped me open up and show a side of myself that I haven’t let Auggie see since I’ve been back.
Every night, Auggie slept on an air mattress that I bought for him. Baxter offered to give him the spare room, but Auggie adamantly refused. He knew he wasn’t getting in my bed. If he wanted to stay, he had to sleep on the air mattress.
I’m glad they both had a chance to hang out and get to know one another. I know Baxter had a talk with Auggie about something. I have a pretty good idea what it was about, but both seemed to be getting along well, so I left it alone.
The day after the party, Baxter and I drove down to visit with his family. All of them are very aware that we are only married for legal purposes, but they have always treated me like part of the family. For a long time, they had hoped our marriage would turn into a real one, but they finally realized we would only ever be friends.
I wanted to let them know that when our divorce is finalized, they won’t get rid of me that easily. Baxter said that his family was worried that when it is official, I’ll forget all about them. There is no way I will let that happen; they are stuck with me. Overall, it was a nice little break away from everything.
At their place, we played a bunch of card games. Every time I come to visit, they have to teach me the same games, but they don’t mind. His mom is the best cook, too. All the women in my family can cook, but they have all hung out so much that they use the same recipes. Baxter’s mom is a phenomenal cook and is always trying something different. I’ll be her guinea pig any day.
~~
I got back home yesterday. I wish I had a few days to be lazy, but while I was still visiting Baxter’s family earlier this week, they got an invitation from Aunt Molly, Melissa’s mom, that they were having a get-together at their house. I thought it was a little weird because they hardly ever host parties, at least not with the family.
My mom encouraged me to go. I really don’t want to go, but I haven’t visited with my aunt since I’ve been back. Regardless of how I feel about Melissa, I hate to take out my hostility for their daughter on them.
All the families were invited, including Logan’s and Auggie’s families. The invite stated that they were catering food from one of the best restaurants in Hannibal. I’ll just make an appearance, have a free meal, leave early, and appease my mom at the same time. I know a few people who are going, so it shouldn’t be that bad.
The dress code is casual, but I’m planning to wear a sundress. It’s hot out, and I need to be able to breathe. Plus, I know Melissais going to be there. I need to look better than her. It’s petty, but I don’t care. She brings that side out of me.
Logan also said he would be there. I’m excited to see him. I haven’t been able to see him as much since I moved here. He’s been training a lot and barely gets to come home. He’s also in a new relationship, and he spends a lot of time with her. I’ll take this opportunity to visit with him too.
I’m getting ready to go when I get a text from Auggie.
Auggie: You want to ride over to your aunt’s together? I need to talk to you.
River: No. I’ll drive myself. You know I get twitchy around Melissa. I need to be able to get away if needed.
Auggie: Okay I need to talk to you as soon as I see you.
River: k
Auggie stayed over last night. He’s back in the spare room, the air mattress packed away in the closet. He picked me up from the airport since Baxter rented a car. We drove to see his family. On the way back, I had him stop at Lowe’s.
On the flight home, I got on Pinterest and pinned some ideas for my kitchen. I wanted to stop by to see what Lowe’s had and get some estimates on how much it might cost. Auggie said that he would be able to help with some of the work.
We stayed up late, going over what he thought he would be able to do and some things that would be better if I hired someone. I can’t wait for my whole house to be done. Every day, it feels a little more like home.
By the time we finished, it was late, and he decided to stay in the guest bedroom. There are moments when we are together, and I’m taken back to when I was a teenager. Then, he does something, and I notice the changes that I missed in the past five years.
This house feels like home more and more every day. I feel a little more like myself the more time I spend with Auggie. I have also noticed that Auggie has started to touch me more. It’s subtle. I’m not sure if he even realizes he’s doing it. Maybe he does. I don’t know. But I’ve noticed him placing his hand on my lower back, squeezing my arm. And what really gets me is when he grabs my pinkie and squeezes it.
I’ve had sex with guys since Auggie, but none of them could wipe him from my memory. Every time he touches me, I feel myself weakening, craving him. I hate feeling weak, though. I won’t let my body make the decision, not when I can’t quite trust my heart to make the right choice.
Melissa is still living with him, and they are still friends. I don’t want to give him an ultimatum, but I can’t afford to have her in our lives. I need to tell him about my attack, but if he doesn’t believe me, that will be the last straw.
