One of These Days (Prairie Town Book 4)

by T. E. Ridener

  What he did to that poor boy was unforgivable.

  “There was this kid—Cody,” he said, his voice low and steady. “He had just moved to town with his folks from...I think he was from California. Anyway, you know, kids around here can be harsh; he was different from us and you know how people feel about different.”

  A spark of recognition flashed in her eyes and he lowered his head, ashamed to even meet her gaze. This entire time she had worried about his feelings changing towards her after learning about her past, but the truth was, he had that same fear, too. Especially right now.

  “He was eccentric, that Cody. He tended to speak his mind without caring about the consequences. He was...well, everyone assumed he was gay because he was from California.”

  “What a stupid thing to assume,” she muttered, venom seeping from her voice. “And what did it matter if he was gay? That’s no one’s business.”

  “Yeah,”—he swallowed hard—“I know.”

  The clock on the wall ticked loudly in his ears as he clasped his hands together and leaned back in his seat. Releasing a deep sigh, he tried to figure out which part of the story to tell next.

  It was all so very horrible.

  “One day, during our fall break, I was walking home from Gran’s house. I used to go there to check on things because I wasn’t really sure when she’d make it back. I mowed her lawn during the summer, cleaned out the gutters, the usual upkeep,”—his eyes flitted to hers and darted away after a second, settling on his boots instead—“I happened upon Cody around the same time two of the Rose boys did.”

  She released a noise of disgust. “Was Devin there?”

  “No, not Devin. It was his brothers. I don’t really recall which two, but they were all equally terrible people. I knew right then and there something bad was going to happen because that’s what Roses do. They just make people miserable and the whole school knew they had it out for Cody.”

  “Then why didn’t you do something to stop it?” She hugged an arm around her torso and frowned. “I’ve heard the stories of how you and Laney stood up against the Roses for Lydia. Why didn’t you do the same for this boy?”

  “Because I was in a dark place myself. Aggie, I...I hated everything at that point in time. One of my sisters was very far away and the other was stuck in the hospital because she tried to kill herself. You tell me if your brain would have been working right at a time like that.”

  “No, I guess it wouldn’t have been.”

  “Exactly.” He nodded. “Anyway, when they started shoving him back and forth like a helpless rag doll, I didn’t...do anything. I didn’t step in and stop it. I was so...frustrated with life. I had so much I was trying to figure out in my head. Adding on a beating from the Roses wasn’t going to help me and to be honest, I...I didn’t want to help him either. It sort of felt like he deserved it.”

  “No one deserves to be hurt, Jeb. Ever.”

  “No, I know that, Aggie. I do. I just...I...”—wiping at his forehead as sweat began to gather there, he shook his head furiously and blinked back the moisture in his eyes—“I know I should have stopped them. I should have been man enough to take a few punches to the face, if only for the sake of keeping them from hurting him. I was just...there’s no excuse, really. I failed him that day because I kept walking. I never even looked back...”

  He swore he could still hear the sound of those boys’ fists as they hit that poor kid, and it haunted him in the worst way. There was no way of escaping that memory, and he hated himself for it. If he could go back and change things now, he’d do it in a heartbeat. But that wasn’t how life worked.

  “What happened to Cody after that?”

  “He moved away, maybe back to California, I guess. No one saw him again after that.”

  Who could blame him for moving away? Prairie Town didn’t have the best reputation when it came to being warm and accepting of those who lived an ‘alternative lifestyle’. Not that he thought any lifestyle should be considered alternative, but that’s just how small towns, like his, worked.

  However, that was ever changing with each passing day. Prairie Town was filled with extraordinary characters, whether its residents were aware or not.

  He was grateful his sister was back, and he was so happy Laney had found true love with Benji. And Aggie? Well, there just weren’t words to describe how lucky he was to have her there. Even Devon had found a unique love with Kelly and that Nick guy. Who was he to judge their happiness? Why was it such a crime for people to just love?

  The biggest fear he had with their residency in Prairie Town was the fact a lot of people would probably never be as accepting of them as he and his family were. He still worried from time to time that someone would discover Lydia and Benji’s past and use it to raise hell.

  If something like that ever happened...

  “You’re not evil because of it, you know,” she said, catching him off guard. Her hand fell against his arm and she squeezed gently. Lifting his head, he met her gaze and was relieved to see that usual tenderness there—the tenderness he knew she reserved solely for him. “You were just a boy, Jeb. Kids get scared. I know a lot about that.”

  He moved his hand to rest atop hers, his thumb sliding across her knuckles gingerly. “You don’t have to be scared anymore, Aggie. I know I’ve said that a million times, but I need you to believe me; I want to help you through whatever’s happening.”

  “I know you do,” she said, sniffling. “And I appreciate it more than you know. Things are just bad for me right now, emotionally and mentally. I don’t know how to explain it to you without sounding like a psycho.”

  “You are not a psycho, baby.” His free hand rose to tip her chin upwards and their gazes locked. “You are seriously the greatest thing in my life. I’m on your side one hundred percent. Even if you can’t tell me what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours, I’ll still be right here. I love you, Aggie. So much.”

  “Jeb, I...”

  The door opened then, and in walked a new face. It wasn’t one of the nurses or the doctor they’d seen in the last two hours. He was rather tall, though, and the fancy white coat and red tie he was sporting told them he was somebody important.

  Really, really important.

  “Hello, Miss Reed,” he said, smiling in her direction as he pulled up another seat. “I’m Doctor Fierro. And who might you be, sir?”

  “Jebson McIntosh,” he introduced himself, standing to shake his hand. “I’m her—”

  “Boyfriend,” she interrupted. “He’s my boyfriend.”

  Holy hot damn.

  Had he heard her correctly?

  He must have or his heart wouldn’t have been about to leap out of his throat.

  Grinning like an idiot, he gave the doctor’s hand a firm shake before releasing it and placing his arm around her shoulders.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. McIntosh,” the doctor said, giving them a friendly smile. There was something about the way he carried himself that put Jeb at ease; this was one of the good ones, he could feel it. “Miss Reed, I’d like to talk to you about some of the things you wrote down on your admittance slip, if that’s okay. But,”—his eyes moved back to Jeb—“We can do that alone, if you prefer.”

  “It’s all right, sweetheart,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to her temple. “I can just wait outside if you’d like.”

  “You won’t be mad?” She peered up at him with those beautiful eyes of hers, her expression becoming one of uncertainty.

  Even though she’d just announced to the world—at least it felt that way—that they were officially dating, he wasn’t sure now was the right time for him to be listening in on the things she wanted to discuss with the doctor. He knew the gist of it, having snuck a glance at the sheet as she scribbled on it, but still, it wasn’t his place.

  Not yet.

  “Never,” he promised with a nod. “I’m sure Lydia and Benji would like an update on what’s happening anyway, and I co
uld use a cup of coffee. I’ll bring you some on my way back?”

  “Yes, please. Thank you.” She tilted her head back, a silent request for a kiss, which he happily obliged.

  “I’ll see y’all in a bit then,” he said, nodding to the doctor as he headed towards the door. “Take care of her for me, doc; she means the world to me.”

  And with that, he left the room.

  Chapter 18

  Ags

  “Are you sure about doing this, Aggie?” Lydia asked worriedly, clutching her hands as if she were afraid she’d disappear. “You don’t have to; we can find another way.”

  “I’m sure, Honeysuckle. This is what needs to happen right now.”

  They were standing in the middle of a long white hallway. It was actually quite ordinary and plain, but she knew that on the other side of the double doors, there was an entirely different environment waiting on her.

  Hopefully, she would exit them feeling like a brand new person in a few short months.

  Three months, she thought to herself as she leaned in to hug Lydia. It’s only three months.

  Being away from Jeb and her friends for that long was going to be really hard—especially the being away from Jeb part. She was going to miss him most of all, but she knew deep in her heart that they could never truly be happy if she didn’t do this.

  “Oh, Aggie,” Benji whispered, the next one to embrace her. He held her tightly in his arms and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I wish I’d known sooner, honey. I wish...”

  “You couldn’t have known, Ben. This was never your problem—it was mine. I wish I’d said something a lot sooner, too, but it was very hard to admit any of it.”

  Being diagnosed with any sort of mental issue wasn’t something she’d ever really imagined, but it was what it was. Doctor Fierro promised he could make Agnes’ voice disappear, and that’s all she wanted. She needed to be healed of the emotional damage she’d been carrying around all these years. She needed her mind back so her life could truly start.

  With Jeb, she thought with a smile, peering at him over Benji’s shoulder.

  “Oh, this sucks!” Lydia wailed, burying her face into her hands. “I told myself I wouldn’t cry, but I’m really going to miss you.”

  “It’s no different than when you left for Germany, Lyds. For your surgery, remember? Just think of this as me going away for a little while to better myself, too—to become the person I want to be.” She put on a big, brave smile, but on the inside she was beginning to crack. Goodbyes sucked.

  “We’ll come visit you every chance we get,” Laney promised, taking her turn to hug her tightly. “I’ve been here, too,” she whispered in her ear. “It gets better, Aggie. Just be strong, okay? I love you so much.”

  Tears blurred her vision as she rested her chin against the other girl’s shoulder and closed her eyes. “Thank you,” she replied softly. “And I’m sorry I’ll miss your wedding. I was looking forward to being in it.”

  “You’re not missing anything,” Benji assured her, grinning. “We’re postponing until you’re home.”

  “W-what?” Her jaw nearly hit the floor. “You don’t have to do that for me. Oh, please don’t do that because of me.”

  “No way.” He shook his head. “Weddings are meant to be a joyous time for family, and, well, you’re pretty much my sister, Ags. We can’t get married unless you’re there.”

  “Oh.” She placed a hand over her mouth and stifled the small sob trying to climb free.

  He thought of her as his sister?

  “You are a part of our family, too,” Callum added, nodding. “Aggie, you’re very much a part of all of us. Don’t ever forget that.”

  “Oh, you guys,” she sobbed, hiding her face behind her hands so she could cry.

  So much for being brave.

  “Come here,” Jeb said, his arms wrapping around her lovingly. “It’s okay, baby. It’s all going to be all right.”

  “One of these days?” She pulled back a little to gaze up at him, tears rolling down her cheeks like little waterfalls.

  “One of these days,” he echoed, smiling. “Now, here’s the part I’ve been dreading.”

  “Me, too.”

  He took her hands into his and lifted them to his lips, slowly kissing over each knuckle, his eyes remaining on hers. “I. Love. You.”

  Oh, damn it. Screw being brave!

  She hugged him with such force, he actually stumbled backwards. That was a feat in itself; Jeb was a big guy. Fresh tears began to burn in her eyes and the emotions she’d struggled to hold at bay were released with full force.

  “I love you, too, Jeb,” she whispered, her voice strangled with heartache. “With all that is my heart and soul, I love you.”

  She heard his sigh—the type of sigh that signaled a person was content, and she knew it was because he’d been waiting so long to hear her say those words.

  Thinking back on it, she wasn’t quite sure why she’d waited to say them aloud, one more time, while he was actually awake.

  “You’re going to be okay, Aggie,” he said, tightening his arm around her. “I promise you that. I’ll be here every day they’ll allow. You can call me anytime. I’ll always answer.”

  “Even if you’re working?”

  “Even if I’m working.”

  “What if you’re asleep?”

  “I don’t care. Call me whenever you feel the urge.” He pulled back a little and blinked his eyes rapidly.

  Oh, gods. He was going to cry, wasn’t he?

  “You’re a tough girl, Agatha Reed. Go in there and let them help you.”

  “I will. I promise. Here.” Reaching to unclasp the necklace her uncle had given her many years ago, she grabbed his hand and placed it in his palm, biting her lip. “Will you hold onto this for me? We aren’t allowed to have things like it in there. I guess they’re afraid I’ll try to hang myself.” Noting the look of concern on his face, she quickly added, “Not that I’d do anything like that. Never, Jeb. I swear.”

  “I know that, baby.” Curling his fingers around the necklace, a small smile played at the corner of his lips. “It would be my honor to hold onto it for you.”

  “Thank you.” Her chin began to quiver as she gazed at her friends. It would be the last time she’d see them for at least a week. “I’ll miss you guys so much.”

  “We’ll miss you, too,” they all said in unison.

  “Miss Reed, are you ready?”

  She turned around to see a tall, lanky security guard standing behind them. With one hand on the door and the other on his hip, he gazed at her with a warm smile. He wasn’t at all like the security guard Laney had described once upon a time.

  It comforted her to know he was nice, too.

  “Y-yes. Just one more minute. Please.”

  “Sure,” he said, nodding. “One more minute.”

  Turning back to look at Jeb, she noticed the look of puzzlement on his handsome face. He looked as if he’d seen a ghost.

  “What is it, Jeb?”

  “That guy,” he replied, his voice softer. “I...I think I know him.”

  “Oh?” She glanced at the security guard again as Jeb’s arms enveloped her and she shrugged. “Maybe you do?”

  “Maybe.” Hooking his finger beneath her chin, he guided her lips back to his for another kiss. This time, it was sweeter than honey and she wanted to cry from the sheer tenderness of it.

  She could feel his love for her in that kiss.

  “See you in a few days,” he whispered against her mouth.

  “Mhm.” All she could do was nod as her stomach tightened into nervous knots. This was it.

  This was goodbye.

  It took everything she had inside of her to turn and walk away from the people she loved. Her knees trembled and threatened to give out as she approached the guard and he held the door open for her.

  “Right this way, Miss Reed,” he said, his tone friendly. “We’ll get you settled in after a quick examination, all ri
ght?”

  The double doors swung shut behind them and she peered out the small window, her gaze locking with Jeb’s.

  He lifted two fingers to his lips and kissed them before pointing them at her.

  She smiled and touched her hand against the window, wishing she could feel those lips again.

  One of these days, she thought.

  “Miss Reed, did you hear me?”

  “Y-yes. I’m sorry.” Tearing her gaze away from Jeb and their friends, she focused on the guard to the best of her ability. “An examination, right?”

  “Yes, ma’am. It’s strictly protocol, I promise. We just have to make sure you’re not trying to smuggle anything in here that doesn’t need to be here.”

  “That’s okay. I understand.”

  He led her down the long white hallway and stopped when they arrived at the nurse’s station. An older woman, probably in her fifties, sat behind the counter with a romance novel in her hands.

  It was by none other than Carmen Laroque.

  “We’ve got a new one, Hilly. This here is Miss Agatha Reed.” Picking up the clipboard from the counter, the guard glanced at her and arched a brow. “Do you prefer to be called something else?”

  “Aggie’s fine.”

  “Aggie it is.”

  “Um, what should I call you?” Fidgeting nervously with the hem of her shirt, she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

  “Well, a lot of folks around here call me Bean because I have a slight addiction to coffee, but—”

  “Slight?” Hilly piped, causing her to a jump. “Honey, if your addiction to coffee is slight then I only read books to pass the time.”

  “She likes to read. A lot,” he explained, tossing his thumb in Hilly’s direction. “But you can’t blame me for liking coffee so much; it’s what keeps me going on most nights around here.”

  “Oh. So, I’ll be seeing you a lot at night then?” She hoped she would. He was the only familiar face she had in this place, at least so far. Maybe Hilly was nice, too. She was already a good person as far as she was concerned; anyone who liked to read so much could definitely be trusted.