Page 21 of It Never Happened
Chapter 11
Courtney
Jack loads his two suitcases and a giant bag into the back of my truck and we drive back to my house. My heart is in my throat the entire time because this feels different. This feels like we are moving back into familiar territory, and I don't know how to compartmentalize the feelings.
Having him and our son in my truck, in the snow, inour hometown, feels like the life we dreamed about as kids.
Maybe we never should have left Bluemoon. Maybe we never should have looked for bigger and better.
Maybe we never would have made it even if we stayed.
My mind churns with every possibility but still, this man next to me lights me up like no one else.
“So did they promise us eight inches and everyone is hunkering down, or what?”
I roll my eyes and let out a little huff.
“How many inches will keepusinside?”
I side-eye Jack. His dirty smirk tells me exactly what he’s trying to do. “Bob keeps me busy with a full ten.”
Jack's head snaps towards me so fast I think he may have whiplash. “Who the fuck is Bob?”
I give a smug grin as I turn into my driveway and throw the truck in park. “Just someone I know.”
“The fuck it is.”
“Jealous?”
“Irate.”
“You're so dramatic.” I undo my seatbelt and open the door, climbing out into the ankle deep snow. Jack gets out just as fast and is around to my side of the door before I’ve even closed it.
“Tell me.” His lips are tight and his eyes are wild. And I feel twenty-one again. Back to the time I used to push his buttons just to see how much it would take before he was on me, proving he was my one and only. But I can't play this game anymore, even if I want to with everything inside me. It’s too dangerous.
“Look up Urban Dictionary and type in B-O-B.” I spell the name. “And grab the bags while I wake Joey.”
He holds my stare for a moment longer before backing away and opening the hatch. We lug everything inside and I place Joey on the couch, letting him slowly come awake.
I flick the television on low and watch for a moment. “Reports are all over. Anywhere from a foot to four could drop in the next forty eight hours.”
“Insane. It’s something I’ve lost touch with since moving to New York. We just don’t get snow like that.”
“Mmhm.” I walk back into the kitchen and begin putting all the groceries away. “Are you over your tantrum? Did you learn something new today?” I can’t help but goad him. It’s like my brain is reverting back to when we were kids. This snowstorm is not helping. My body shivers when I feel his hot breath on my ear.
“You’re still a fucking tease, Coco.” His hand is on my hip, and he gives a slight squeeze before moving away from me just as fast as he came.
I stay still for just a moment, catching my breath.
“Mom?”
I spin around to see Joey. “Hey, babe. Did you have a nice nap?”
He’s rubbing his eyes and focusing on everything around him. “Did you get me drive-through?”
I chuckle. “I did. Your dad brought it in from the truck. It’s on the table.” He jumps onto his seat and digs into the bag.
“I’m glad you're here, Dad. I’m sure Mom is glad you were here to bring the bags in from the truck.”
