Текст книги "Tainted Black"

Автор книги: Shanora Williams

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“Favorite color.” He beamed.

“Look at you,” I teased. “You still remember.” I accepted the drink, deciding it was best to stop talking about his deceitful friends and his deceased wife. I took a quick sip, my taste buds going into a heavenly rage, flooded with tangy lime. “Wow! This is really good.”

“I added a little something to the margarita mix before you got here. Can you taste it?”

“No.” I shook my head. “But it’s great. What is it?”

“That would be spoiling it.”

“Just tell me,” I laughed.

He took a sip of his and placed the glass on the marble countertop, folding his arms. “Just a few drops of cherry flavor.”

“Wow… never would’ve guessed that one. I was thinking strawberry or raspberry.”

“Close.” He walked to the fridge, pulling out a glass bowl with potato salad inside.

“So, cooking, huh?” I inquired, lifting my brows as I smiled at him. “It’s what you do to pass the time now?”

“It… helps.” He put the bowl down and then grabbed two plates from the cabinet above. “See, I went to therapy because my mom thought I could use it. I don’t believe in therapy and, luckily, my therapist understood that, so he told me to find something to do that can distract my mind, ease my discomfort. An outlet.”

“When did you go into therapy?”

He was hesitant, avoiding my eyes. “About three months after you left.” And only a month before you met your girl toy. “I started to… spiral. Instead of going to work I’d go to the bar. My mom dropped by one day to check on me, saw me looking and feeling like utter shit, and signed me up, refusing to argue with me about it.” He sighed. “I’m grateful. Mom always knows best, right?”

“Hmm… most moms.”

“Speaking of, where is yours? Never see her car parked up front anymore.”

“Well, my mom decided to be a bitch and turn into a travel-happy cougar.”

He busted out laughing. “Cougar? Really? Young guy? I can’t picture it.”

“Really? ‘Cause I can. He can’t be too much older than I am.” I cringed. “Kinda… weird after seeing her with my dad all my life.”

“So she just flaked out… left your dad here to take care of himself?”

“She got Margie for him, and luckily we can trust her. She’s a really sweet woman. Her number one concern is my dad, so that’s good I guess.”

“Yeah.” He placed his palms on the counter, his muscles flexing without effort. I looked away from his arms, but then my eyes met his. Damn it, wrong place. I was supposed to look down or to my left, even to my right. But, no. I looked up, trapping myself.

Our eyes fastened—clinked. And when they did, it was hard to look away.

Man, he was truly a beautiful sight to see—a sight for sore eyes as they say. His gaze traveled down to my lips, lingering there for just a moment before he tore them away, picking up his margarita and turning for the potato salad again.

“Well, how about we eat and forget about reality for just a little while. I was told food is a good way to comfort the soul.”

I agreed with a nod. “Sure. Let me go wash my hands really quick. I’ll be back, I swear.” His eyebrows rose, amused by my last remark. I was out of the kitchen, mentally cursing at myself for the last thing I said. “You’ll be back?” I muttered under my breath once entering the bathroom. What the hell did I even mean? Where else are you gonna go?

I gripped the edges of the cool porcelain counter, staring at myself in the mirror. Familiar hazel eyes sparkled from the lighting above, the pit of my belly still fluttering.

I felt… different. Relieved? Perky? I don’t know. I just know I felt totally different here than I did in my own house. Like all of my worries had vanished for a while and nothing mattered but the food, drinks, and… Theo.

Just Theo.

Always Theo.

Duh, Theo!

Shaking my head swiftly, I turned the knobs and stuck my hands beneath the stream of water. I then brought my wet hands to my face, rubbing beneath my eyes and looking at myself again.

It’s just dinner, Chloe. It’s just dinner. Get over yourself.

Shutting off the water, I dried off my hands and then walked out again. Theo wasn’t in the kitchen when I returned. Frowning, I called his name, and he responded from the deck, his voice a short distance away. It was then that I noticed our drinks weren’t at the counter. Nor were our plates or the food. I walked out, my bare feet landing on the smooth wood.

He sat at the round table in the corner, the food set up with two China plates across from each other.

“Figured we could eat out here. Feels good tonight.”

I looked from him to the stars in the sky, gripping the door handle. The wind bristled by me, flowing through my hair, wrapping me up in its comforting breeze. It was a very good night to eat outside, so I walked ahead, taking the seat across from him.

He had a smile on his lips, observing me as I got comfortable. “What?” I laughed.

“Nothing.” He pressed his lips, picked up a fork, and stuck it into one of the steaks, placing it on my plate. “Help yourself to whatever.”

I browsed my selection, eyes moving from the potato salad to the green beans and then the yellow rice. I helped myself to the rice and green beans, deciding to eat the potato salad last.

“Actually,” Theo said, and when I looked up he was still peering at me, gaze inquisitive. I straightened my back, becoming insecure as he scanned me. “I just wanted to let you know that you look great tonight. Really great. I’m digging this modern hippie thing you have going on.”

“Oh.” I bit a smile, digging my fork into the green beans. “Uh, thank you.” See, I knew someone would love it. Mariah hated how I dressed, and Izzy didn’t understand the choices I made whenever we shopped, but Theo liked it. My heart went wild.

He nodded and cut into his steak. Our talking during dinner was minimal. Other than the music he had playing from the sound system in the living room, we hardly spoke.

We did chat about little things, like other meals he’d learned how to make, how he now had more than enough employees at his shop to run it, and how he didn’t even have to work at the shop himself anymore. He was very proud about that. He’d finally made it to a position in life where he could do what he wanted all day long, and still make money. I was proud of him for it. It was all he ever used to talk about. His shop. His dreams. It was great.

After dinner, we went to the kitchen for another round of margaritas, and I even had a slice of key lime pie he’d prepared. It was delicious. That cooking hobby of his worked out wonderfully.

I finally checked the time on my cell phone when our glasses were empty and our pies half-eaten. It was nearing 11 PM. I couldn’t believe how quickly time had passed. Although it was a little awkward at first and, yes, there was an oversized elephant in the room, I had a great time. I refused to speak on said elephant. Speaking on it was a risk, one I didn’t want to take. I didn’t want to ruin such a great night.

“Wow,” I breathed. “It’s getting late. I should get going. Check on my dad.”

“Right—shit, yeah.” I was sure he meant to sound enthusiastic, but his tone was far from it. It was somewhat deflated. I detected the defeat in his eyes, how my absence would soon bring back loneliness. I hated it, but this was no excuse. Although Margie was there, I wanted to check on Dad myself. She needed a break, some sleep after dealing with him all day long.

“I can… maybe swing by sometime later this week? Bring some pizza or something. I won’t attempt trying to cook,” I laughed.

He rubbed his forehead as he followed me to the garage door. “Yeah, sure. Just let me know. My schedule is pretty clear now. Don’t do too much these days.”

I stepped into my sandals and then walked out. The light was now off in the garage. I stepped into the night, but I could still see him from the lights shining from the kitchen and hallway.

“I will definitely let you know.” I took a step back, almost stumbling on my own two feet. He caught me before I hit the shelf next to me, holding onto my elbow. “Careful,” he murmured.

My breath caught in my throat, the proximity depleted. He was standing right in front of me, his hand still on my arm, now working its way down. It was unintentional, I was sure, but it didn’t prevent my body from heating up, my core from constricting.

He looked at my lips again, wanting so badly to steal a taste, but before I knew it, his hand was no longer on my arm and he’d taken a step back. His eyes were still soft, mellow, and full of a soft, blazing fire. His pink lips moved, fixing in a way that was all too familiar to me. I don’t think he could help it anymore. He wanted to do what was going to happen next ever since he set eyes on me in the market.

It truly was unexpected.

He leaned forward and placed a smooth, slightly damp kiss on my cheek.

“I’ll see you soon, Chloe.” His voice was deep, humming right to my panties, his mouth only a few millimeters away from my ear.

“See you, Theo,” I whispered, brown irises holding hazel. Finally, I tore them away and turned around, stumbling out of the garage and hurrying across the street before I did something drastic. I took a glance back when I met at my front door.

He was still there, standing inside, only a few inches away from the garage door. From the streetlights, I could see him smiling beneath that well-trimmed goatee. One of his hands was in his pockets, the other on the wall in front of him where the switch was.

I said goodbye with a small wave, opened my front door, and before I could shut it, I heard his garage gate close, guarding me from his presence.

I didn’t see him the next day.

But I did see him the day after that… and he wasn’t alone. All the giddiness I felt from the dinner we shared to that small peck on my cheek immediately disappeared when I saw the same blonde girl pull up to his house in a white Honda with pink rims.

I stood at my window, staring out, waiting to see what would happen next. They came back out of the house together, hopping into his Charger and taking off. They left around seven that night and didn’t come back until midnight.

When they arrived, I heard his car pull up. I frantically climbed out of bed, watching as he kissed the girl goodbye through her car window. She pulled out of the driveway, leaving Primrose, though I was sure it was just for the night.

This time, my curtains had been pulled aside, and I may have purposely kept them that way to see when he’d return. I continued my watch. He entered the house, a few lights flashed on, and then the bedroom light came on.

What I did not expect was for his blinds to open, and for him to be standing right there. Right at the window, looking right at mine. Gasping, I backed away, pressing my back to the wall.

Did he see me? Know I was watching?

I didn’t know.

I dared another look, and saw him still standing there, his head in the tilt he normally held it in. Innocent. Curious. He’d gone without a shirt, the jeans he wore hanging low on his hips, showcasing two slices of a delicious V.

My brows knitted. I wasn’t sure if he could see me. He left the window, and I waited. Seconds later, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I looked towards it, heart slamming still. Walking back, I picked it up but went back to the window. He was there again, the phone to his ear.

And then it hit me. I looked down at the person’s name that flashed on my screen. Mr. Black. Surprised, my heart caught speed, and I answered, my voice soft. “Mr. Black?”

“Hey Chloe.”

“Everything okay?”

“I don’t know,” he said, voice low. “You tell me.”

“What do you mean?”

“You just gonna stay in your room and watch me, or are you gonna come over and actually talk to me?”

I huffed a laugh, looking up, heat bombarding my cheeks. Being embarrassed would have been an understatement. “I’m—I don’t know what you mean.”

“Turn on your lamp,” he demanded.

“Why?”

“I want to see you.”

I looked towards my lamp, hesitating. He was quiet, waiting for me to follow through. I blew a breath, going for my lamp. Then I met at the window again, and he was still there. His expression had changed though. He was smiling now. It was gentle. Sweet.

“Damn. Is there ever a time you don’t look good?”

“Please,” I laughed, tugging on the hem of my tank. It was then that I realized I had no bra on. I covered my chest with my arm.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Cover up. Just stand there… let me look at you.”

Slowly dropping my hand, I stared ahead, allowing Mr. Black to get an eye-full. I was in my most natural state—hair up in a bun, shorts low, revealing too much leg, and sporting a white camisole that exposed firm, brown nipples.

“What are we doing?” I asked, voice barely heard.

He was quiet for a moment, his face serious now. “Picking up where we left off.”

“I don’t know if we should…”

“I don’t know if we should either.” I saw him fidget and look down. “You know I never stopped thinking about you, Chloe.” He lifted his head. “You haven’t even been here a week, and I already want you back.”

“What about the girl that just left?”

“She’s… a friend.”

“That you kiss and sleep with?” I retorted, voice full of sarcasm.

“I can easily drop her. It’s nothing.”

I scoffed.

He was quiet for a moment. “I’ll definitely drop her if you let this be…”

“What do you mean let it be?”

“I know you still keep up with Izzy. I know you feel guilty about it. Shit, I do too. She’d hate me if she knew I ever placed a hand on you in that way…”

“But?”

“But, I feel better around you. Like your soul is filling me up, providing positive energy. I don’t think I should deny that feeling. It feels too good—it’s almost like a high.”

I was quiet for a moment, meeting his eyes as he held a full smile. “I’ve felt empty for a while now—well, ever since leaving Primrose.”

“So have I. You know that night when you helped me to my room?”

I knew exactly which night. “Yeah.”

“I’d never felt more alive, Chloe. I was afraid of going too far with you—I mean you’re young and you hardly knew a damn thing back then—but I couldn’t stop myself. I couldn’t control the urge you gave me. I wanted to caress every part of you. I wanted to hold your face in my hands, stare you in the eyes all night as I made the sweetest love to you. You may have thought I considered it a quick fuck—easy pussy.” He shook his head. “Nah. Trust me. It meant way more to me than that. Like most of my worries had faded in that one single moment. Like I could… live and not feel so fucking blue.”

His words lit my soul on fire. I battled a grin with a straight face. “I figured you did it just to feel something... release some steam, ya know?”

“No…” His head moved side to side with disapproval. “Can’t believe I’m even saying this, but you know damn well I’ve felt something for you for a long time. I know to others it seems fucking perverted and maybe like I’m fucked up in the head, but you’re a good girl.

“Other than Janet, you’re the only person that knows me. I connect with you. I don’t even have to speak and you already know what’s wrong. I feel good around you. Content. And when you left, it hurt like hell. Watching you go but knowing I couldn’t stop you because you weren’t mine. I’d considered you mine for years,” he laughed. “In some crazy way, I made you mine and wanted you for myself and nobody else. It hurt to let that go.”

“Really?”

“Yes. For years I’ve always felt the unnecessary need to protect you. Perhaps that need merged into deeper places, places that I can’t control or stay away from, no matter how hard I try or how much it may burn.” He was quiet for a moment. We stared at each other. “Just give me the summer, Chloe. Let this summer happen for us. I know you’ve been curious. I know you’ve been craving me. Know how I know?”

“How?” I whispered.

“Because I crave that tight, sweet pussy every fucking day.” He flashed a smile. I clenched in my panties, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip. Great. Now I was fully turned on. “Just the summer.”

I dropped my head, focusing on my toes. “Theo… I—I don’t know. It just seems so bad because of Izzy and how quickly it happened after Mrs. Black passed—”

“I know,” he whispered, cutting me off. “I know. And I understand.” I peered up. We looked at each other for several seconds, brown matching hazel, breath bated, until he pressed his palm on the glass and said, “Just… let it be. I’ll try if you try.”

“I’ll take it into consideration.”

One of his cheeks lifted, a half-smile on display. “Dream about me.”

I pressed my hand on the cool glass, a warm sensation flourishing from my throat to my chest. It burned in the sweetest way possible. I felt soaking wet below, in dire need for him to take me—satisfy me like none of those selfish college boys could.

I needed a man, but not just any man. I wanted the beautiful, glorious man that stood only yards away from me, craving similar temptations. “Goodnight, Mr. Black.”

He chuckled, and the hum of it made my stomach swirl with heated desire. “Goodnight, Miss Knight.”

 

TEN

Something vibrated on the hard surface beside me.

I groaned, my eyelids heavy. Through thin slit eyes, I took a peek at the alarm clock. 7:15. Way too early for any type of meaningful conversation. I shut my eyes, flopping onto my stomach, but my phone vibrated again.

“Seriously?” I muttered, snatching up my cellphone from the nightstand. The name Wild Child appeared on the screen, and I shook my head, answering groggily. “Mariah you better have a damn good reason for calling me this early.”

“Oh, I do!” Her tone was chipper and confident. “Guess what I’m doing?”

I sat up, raking my fingers through my hair and asking “What?” with a sigh.

“I’m riding with Tiny to Bristle Wave.”

My eyes popped open, all tiredness subsiding. “Bristle Wave?” I asked. “What? Why?”

“Well, shit, Chloe, all you ever did was brag about it. I looked into it some more and liked what I saw. Even got my dad to rent us a boat.” She was so full of herself, like she’d had everything going according to plan. Only, she didn’t. I was there to watch over my dad. The fun had to wait.

“Mariah, I told you I can’t leave from home much this summer.”

“Oh, come on. It’s just one night! We have nothing else better to do right now so why not have a few drinks on the boat. I heard there was a club there that everyone loves. Good drinks, good music. Know the name?”

“Brix,” I sighed. I knew all about Brix. It was the club all the college students hung out at when school was over and they were back at home. It was a way to get through the night in BW, drown in cheap drinks, and dance the night away. Izzy and I went once, and I hated it. There were a lot of older guys that reminded me of wolves hunting innocent sheep, half-dressed waitresses, and boys that refused to leave you alone until you gave them a dance. “You sure you wanna go there? There are way better clubs in L.A.”

“I thought about that, but you should be as close to home as possible, C. Come on I’m not that self-absorbent.”

“Yeah,” I laughed at that statement. Mariah was one of the most inconsiderate people I knew. She only cared about herself, never thought about how someone else would feel if she took the wrong action.

“Anyway, we have a hotel so you don’t have to worry about us popping up, but I would love it if you came out with me tonight. It’ll be fun, I swear. And the first two rounds of drinks are on me.”

I blew out a breath, my bangs flapping with the puff of air. “I will let you know. It really depends on how my dad acts today…” And if Theo decides he wants to hang out.

“Ugh.” She smacked her teeth. “Fine. Just let me know. Talk later!” She hung up, and I dropped my phone, staring at the sky-blue wall across from me. I sat there for a moment, realizing I had no plans for the day. I had planned to spend it out on the deck in front of the pool, catching up on a steamy novel by Maya Banks.

“Mr. Knight you have to get in the shower!” Margie’s voice cut through the silence.

“No!”

“Please, Mr. Knight!” she hollered. “It’s been three days.”

I frowned towards the doorway and hopped out of bed, rushing to his bedroom. He was standing in the bathroom, Margie blocking the doorway so he couldn’t escape. He tried pushing past her, but she was a strong little woman, holding her ground.

“What’s going on?” I asked her.

“I heard him through the monitor and came to check on him. He’s kinda smelly so I told him he needed a shower. At first he agreed, but now he’s putting up a fight. It’s been three days, Chloe. You would think the man would want to shower.”

“Three days, Dad? Seriously?” I stepped behind Margie, looking over her shoulder at him. He was now sitting on the edge of the tub, the shower running in the far corner. “You’re wasting water.” I maneuvered under Margie’s arm, going towards him. When I was directly in front of him, I lowered to a squat.

“You’re still here little girl? Stop calling me your dad. I’m not your dad.”

“Yes you are.” I remained patient. His words didn’t hurt as much. I knew he didn’t mean them. “I’m your daughter, Chloe. I am twenty-two years old. I am your only child, and you smell absolutely horrible right now.”

He fought a smile, folding his arms and looking away. The amusement was faint on his face. He wanted to laugh. I could see it in his eyes. Dad was still in there somewhere. “I do not,” he mumbled.

“Yes, very badly. I think it’s best if you listen to Margie and jump in the shower. Wash your man parts. We won’t look. We promise.”

His head turned, eyes meeting mine. I put a genuine smile on, but he only stared at me. “Fine,” he grumbled, uncrossing his arms. “But you two have to get the hell out. I need privacy.”

“Do you know which is the soap and which is the shampoo?” Margie asked, removing her guard.

“Yes. I can read!” he snipped.

I stood, going towards Margie and bobbing my head, gesturing for her to give him some space. “I’ll stay in the room,” I told her. I shut the bathroom door behind me, and she sighed. She still had on a lavender nightgown, half of her hair still in rollers. She looked exhausted. “You should go catch a few more hours of sleep. I think I can take over for a while.”

“Oh my goodness,” she sighed. “Are you sure? This is my job—it’s what I get paid for—”

“I know,” I said, interrupting her. “But everyone deserves a little break here and there.” I shrugged. “I can handle it.”

She capped my shoulders with her hands, her gratefulness on full display. “You are a lifesaver.” Releasing my shoulders, she turned for the door and said, “Let me know when you need me. I swear I’ll only sleep for one hour.”

I waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it, Margie. It’s all good.”

She gave me one more thankful smile and then walked out of the bedroom. I heard her door shut behind her and when it did, I looked at the TV. He was watching the news today. Walking towards the bathroom door, I knocked softly. “Dad, you okay?”

“Fine.”

“Let me know when you need me.”

“I won’t.”

I laughed, twisting on my heels and then climbing on top of his bed. Crossing my legs Indian-style, I grabbed his remote and flipped through the channels. I ended up on the cooking channel and immediately thought of Theo. Just the mere thought of him made my belly thrash with tiny butterflies. There was a swarm of them, fluttering around, proving just how much I, indeed, cared for him.

Just let it be. Just let it be? I was still unsure. I mean, it would have been wrong to never tell my best friend, but then again, some things just... happened.

The right thing to do would have been to inform her, but I loved her too much to create such drama in her life. I cared for her, and she was still a little unstable about her mother passing away. Knowing that her father had slept with me only six weeks after her death would cause all hell to break loose.

But I liked Theo… a lot.

And I also loved Izzy. She was like a sister to me. I could talk to her about any and everything—everything but this anyway. Maybe it was best to make the sacrifice, forget about Theo and avoid him so I could keep my friendship with her on the right track.

I sighed, and seconds later, Dad walked out of the bathroom with a blue, cotton robe on. He glanced my way uncomfortably, walking to his closet. “How’d it go in there?” I asked, fighting a laugh.

He grumbled something beneath his breath, cracking the closet door behind him. Almost ten minutes later, he walked back out. I expected comfortable clothes, but instead he had on a pair of khaki shorts with an argyle shirt that matched his socks. His leather shoes were tied tight, and in his hand was a navy-blue flat cap.

“Dad…” I climbed off the bed, brows furrowed. “What’s happening here?” I pointed between us, doing a small, sarcastic spin action with my finger.

“I want to go golfing today.” He walked towards the window and looked out, observing the neighborhood. “It’s a nice day.”

“How are you feeling?”

He shrugged. “Not too forgetful. Still have my good swing.”

“Did you take your meds?”

“Yeah,” he huffed. “Nurse practically shoved them down my throat.”

“Oh.” I placed a hand on my hip. “Well, okay. But I’m going to drive you. Margie told me the doctor said you couldn’t get behind the wheel.”

“Man,” he frowned, head shaking, “that woman tells you everything, huh?”

“That’s a good thing. The keys are hidden, so don’t go trying to look for them.”

“Women,” he mumbled as I trotted out of the door.

I laughed, walking down the hallway and entering my bedroom. I took a five-minute shower and then got dressed in a pair of shorts and a blue polo and gathered all my hair into a low ponytail. Placing the black baseball cap over my head, I snatched up my keys, my cellphone, and my wallet, and then walked back to Dad’s room. I was surprised he was still in there. I guess he really was feeling himself today. Good.

“Ready?”

He looked up, standing. “Was ready almost thirty minutes ago, baby girl.”

Yep. This was Dad. The one that called me “baby girl”. The one that actually knew who I was. I smiled as I followed him down the staircase, and after we ate a light breakfast—yogurt, walnuts, and bananas—we were in the car, on our way to the golf club.

While Dad golfed and I was practically his caddy, slugging heavy clubs around the green fields, I’d received a few text messages from Izzy.

Izzy: I’m bored.

Izzy: Chloe?

Izzy: Is papa Knight ok?

Izzy: CHLOEEEE!!!!

 

I sighed before responding. Such an impatient being she was.

Me: Papa Knight is fine. At Bayroots with him now.

Izzy: The golf club?

Me: Yep.

Izzy: I feel so bad for you right now.

Tell me about it.

I looked up, watching as Dad steadied the club in his hand, the golf ball ready to be struck. He drew back twice, steadied his hand again, and then jerked back once more before completing his swing. The metal club hit the ball with a loud thwack, and we both watched it soar, landing on a patch of grass only a few yards away from the planted flag.

Someone let out a deep whistle from a few feet away, and when I turned to look, I was unfortunate to see Riley, my ex from high school, and his obnoxious dad. Oh, God.

“You have one hell of an arm on you!” Mr. Hunt yelled to my dad, walking in his direction. Of course, that left Riley to come my way as Mr. Hunt continued talking, leaving me stuck in an awkward situation. I couldn’t leave because Dad needed me, but on the other hand, if I had left, it would have spared me from Riley’s ignorance.

“Well, damn,” Riley said, eyes running up and down my legs. “You still have those softball player legs on you.” I thinned my eyes, picking up the bag of clubs and following after Dad and Mr. Hunt. Riley caught up to me, a smirk on his lips. “It’s been so long, huh, Chloe? You go to USC, right?”

“Yep.”

“Shit, you know we trashed them during the championships. Fucking murdered their asses.”

“Good for you,” I sarcastically noted.

“So what’s up?” he asked, running his fingers through his thick bed of curly reddish-brown hair. He’d grown it out, and he had developed more acne too. Weird. I always thought acne was supposed to disappear the older you got, not worsen.

“What do you mean?”

“What are you in town for? USC’s only like a few minutes away right.”

“An hour and a half actually.” I tried not to roll my eyes. “And I came for my dad.”

“Yeah, figured it was something. I remember you saying you would never come back once you left.”

“Yeah, well…” I shrugged, dropping the bag as Dad came to a halt. “Shit happens. Sometimes you need to surround yourself around family.”

He scoffed. “Bullshit. Only reason I’m here is ‘cause my uncle Joe died. Funeral was yesterday.”

“Oh.” I pressed my lips, turning the screen of my phone back one.

Me: OMG. You won’t believe who just showed up.

Izzy: Who?!?

Me: Riley Hunt.

Izzy: Ew. Wtf? I thought you were going to say someone hot.

Me: He won’t stop staring at my legs.

I looked up, and his eyes were focused on my thighs, yet again. Normally, it was the butt or the boobs, but since I had neither on full display, it was the legs. Ugh, he was so fucking weird.

“You know I’m in town until tomorrow afternoon. We should hang out tonight or something.”

“What makes you think I want to do that?”

“I don’t know. You’re obviously bored as fuck if you’re hanging around Bayroots and watching your dad play golf.” He laughed hard, proud of his inside joke.

This time, I didn’t prevent my eye roll. He was a complete jackass. I turned my back to him and looked towards my dad again. He was still watching Mr. Hunt talk. He seemed a little confused.

“Know what I mean?” Riley asked, moving forward and licking his lips. “Have fun together… alone. Just like old times.”

Ew. I cringed and moved away, feeling bile building up in the back of my throat. Dad turned to look at me, and I took advantage of the opportunity, walking ahead with the clubs and getting far away from my really unappealing ex-boyfriend.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, yeah. Just need a different club.”

“Oh.” I pulled the bag around, and Mr. Hunt told us to hold on one second, rushing towards Riley again and demanding his cellphone from the bag. Yeah, now I see where Riley got his everybody owes me attitude.