Page 13 of Wrecked
I knew she was being hospitable, but her questions had me shifting in my seat. I dragged the pie closer and mumbled, "Uh, Texas City."
A low, drawn-out whistle blew over her lips. "That's a mighty long drive." She leaned closer. "The kind people take when they're running from something."
My brows pulled together, and I was on the verge of telling her to mind her own business when the bells chimed again. Whoever walked through the door brought a big smile to her lips. She grabbed her coffee pot, and I swear she walked over to the newcomer with an extra sway in her hips.
I fiddled with the pie in front of me and gazed over to where Lizzy was chatting away with a very good looking man. The first words that came to mind were:Tall, dark and handsome. He did look a bit familiar though. While I tried to place where I'd seen this man before, the chiming alerted me to more newcomers.
The little diner was filling up by the second, and I desperately wanted to get out of there. I scanned the big board on the wall before I pulled a few notes from my purse and tucked them under the pie plate. Sliding off the stool, I kept my gaze firmly fixed on the door. I'd made it about halfway when the sound of someone hollering my name stopped me.
I turned to find little Flynn excitedly waving at me. The smile that graced my lips couldn't be helped; he was such a cute little boy. As I scanned over the adults behind him, I realized why the other man looked so familiar. Slap on a few tattoos, mess up his hair, give him a fuller beard, and he could easily pass as Logan. With the two men standing next to each other it was hard to miss the resemblance.
My gaze flitted to the door.Would it be rude to just walk away?When my focus returned to Flynn, I found three additional sets of eyes on me. Suppressing a heavy sigh, I headed over to the little boy and his family.
"Are you finding the guesthouse to your liking?" Logan asked after a quick'hello'.The assessing looks I received from most of the adults gave me the impression that they didn't care too much for me.
I straightened my spine and gave them the same smile I gave a client when I reassured them, I'd get them out of the PR mess they'd created for themselves. "It's perfect."
"My brother here seems to have forgotten his manners," the other man said as he pushed in front of Logan. "Chase."
I placed my hand in his outstretched one, and I'd bet the smile he gave me made a few women's hearts go pitter-patter. He also had an easy way about him that made me feel a little less uncomfortable. "Nice to meet you." I snatched my hand back and saw the woman tucked under Logan's arm looking at me with a small smile playing on her lips.
What is it with everyone constantly staring?Before I could voice my thought, little Flynn's whisper-shout sounded, "See mommy, I told you she was pretty."
My heart just about melted and I wondered what it would be like to have a family of my own. Normally I wouldn't allow myself the luxury of daydreaming. The last time I'd envisioned a possible future that included a husband and kids, my world had been knocked off its axis.
I shook off the thought and dropped, so I was eye-level with Flynn, "You're not so bad yourself." After I winked, I ruffled the boy's hair and straightened. Giving the dark-haired woman my attention, "You have an adorable son."
Her green eyes turned a shade brighter, and I saw nothing but motherly pride shine in them. Out of nowhere, a thought struck.Did my mother look like that when she spoke about me or was her disapproval only reserved for me?"He's pretty great," Flynn's mom's voice broke through the melancholy that had taken over.
I had no idea what the hell was going on with me, but I knew that I had to get out of there.
Out of the diner and out of that damn town.
"Any news on my car?" I aimed my clipped question at Logan.
He nodded tentatively and then explained, "You should be on your way in about three days." Pulling his lady closer, he continued, "Brett already ordered the parts we need."
I hated my heart for tightening at the sound of his name. After everything, it shouldn't react to him at all. Alas, that was not the case, as was proved at Sunday lunch. One look into those hazel depths had my pulse doing a fiery dance which was very inappropriate and unwelcome. And now I was stuck in his town for another three damn days. Maybe I should take advantage of those days and go find the answers that had been eluding me for years, to get closure.
"Since you're staying," Chase remarked. "You should come by Joe's later; it's ladies' night." He flashed his smile, and in my peripheral vision, I noticed Lizzy's gaze drop and a hint of sadness flash across her face.
"I—" the phone in my purse buzzed to life, and I gave Chase an apologetic look before pulling it out. After I saw Dean's name flash on the screen, I muted the thing. "I don't know." The last time I'd seen the inside of a bar was with Brett. I didn't go out drinking. Sure, Dean and I would have a glass of wine with dinner, and I'd have a glass of champagne at events, but that was it. Besides, my parents would have a heart attack if their daughter frequented bars and drank beer.
"Aw, come on?" Chase cocked his head, and his smile widened. "You're just gonna sit in your room and be lonely when you could spend the night with us." He threw his thumb over his shoulder, "I know he looks scary, but Harper has him on a tight leash."
"You should come," Lizzy insisted. "Us girls are always outnumbered, and Caleb makes the most delicious cocktails."
I had no idea what had gotten into me. Maybe there was something in the coffee, but I shocked myself when I answered, "I guess I could swing by for one drink."
"Yes," Lizzy exclaimed, her face lighting up. If I could borrow some of her excitement, I would be good.
'Goodbyes'and 'see you laters'were said and when I stepped onto the sidewalk, I finally felt like I could breathe again. It was also the time I realized it wasn't the town or the people in it suffocating me; it was my own insecurities and unresolved past.
I planned to fix all of that, maybe then I could finally let go. But first I needed new clothes—business suits and high heels were not going to cut it in this town.
Chapter 7
I winced.
