“Keep it up and I’ll sic my dad on you.”
I should be scared because, being a former basketball player, her dad is huge.
I was happy to hear Teyler Walker finally came into her life, her mother, Colleen, having kept her existence a secret for so long. Her mother and father eventually reconciled and now they have their own happy ending.
“I’m more afraid your mother might poison my saltwater taffy.”
Taylor laughs, her girlish chuckle easing me a little.
In two short minutes, she manages to forgive me, moving us into the friend zone. Part of me says I shouldn’t trust it, that women are more complicated, but I go with it. Taylor and I have known each other for years. I don’t believe she would let something as minor as accidentally sleeping together again cause a rift in our relationship.
Well, it’s not minor, but we’re adults, and we should be able to move on.
“Mom would never do that, but my dad…” She winks at me.
“You know, this is the second time you’ve threatened me with your father. I’m starting to suspect you don’t like me anymore.” I smirk.
“I can’t help myself. I didn’t get a chance to use my dad as a weapon when I was younger, so I take advantage of it every chance I get.”
“Next time, use Lenny. He’s the perfect scapegoat.”
“No way. Besides, he has a better personality than you. Where he’s cracking jokes and being an all-around great guy, you’re Mr. Grumpy. No one likes a surly man.”
Taylor shifts her position in the chair, crossing one leg over the other. Like I said before, she’s beautiful. There’s nothing wrong with admiring her physical attributes, except when we just had an entire conversation about how we’re better as friends.
I’m such a dick.
The moment my eyes meet hers, I know I fucked up again.
“See, Cole. This is precisely what I’m talking about. You like me, or at least your dick does, and we have this chemistry. Our banter alone should be an indication, but I’m not going to beg you for anything.” She shoots up from the chair, the whole time glaring at me. Placing a hand on each hip leans forward and scowls at me.
“For the love of God, make up your mind. I’m not the same naïve girl who gave it up to you during your Christmas break only to be heartbroken months later. I’m done waiting for you to figure it out. If you want, we can be friends, but I won’t let you screw with my emotions because your cock needs attention. I’m not a freaking yo-yo, Cole.”
I open my mouth to apologize, as if my words will mean anything to her. Luckily, her phone chimes, interrupting our stare down.
Taylor angrily backs away from me and goes to her purse she laid on my desk when she entered the room. After a few moments of digging, she produces her device and taps the screen.
“Looks like you’re saved by the bell,” she snaps as she taps a few more times. “According to Hannah, my new teaching assistant, Marley, has arrived. She and I will be having coffee tomorrow.” Her gaze travels from her screen back to me. “Always a pleasure seeing you, Cole.”
I rightfully wince at her sarcastic response, her ire toward me justified. I’m such an asshole and I thought I was getting better.
Fat chance.
If anything, this recent slip-up has shown me have more growing to do.
Taylor slams the door behind her, the breeze from its sway sending papers flying off my desk. Yeah, she’s pissed. After collecting the documents from the floor, I return to my computer, finishing up the last of my tasks before heading to my mom’s. At least she likes me, for the most part.
About an hour and a half later, I arrive at my mother’s place for our usual Thursday dinner. Moving out was the best for both of us. My mother informed me she was a grown woman and didn’t need a babysitter. I definitely required some personal space. I thought I was helping by living with her in the beginning, but I see where I went wrong. I assumed she wouldn’t be able to function without my father. When it became clear she’d had it with me, I contacted Beckett Fischer and he got me a decent deal for my place at Oceanview.
After using my key to open the door, I hang my plaid shirt on the hook in the closet. Typically, I remove my work boots to keep the dirt from the hardware store from dirtying the floors. I pause when I hear a man’s voice in the kitchen and my mother’s accompanying laugh.
Since when does my mom giggle?
“Stop it, Ash. Cole will be here in a minute.”
“C’mon, honey. One more kiss before I get the third degree from your boy.”
Kiss? Oh, hell no.
I move swiftly to the kitchen and I swear I’m faster than the winds from a category five hurricane.
“Who the fuck are you? And get your hands off my mother.”
I surprise the two of them mid-kiss. They have the decency to separate, my mother giving me an exasperated look.
“Well?” Tapping my foot, I fold my arms across my chest and glare at the man. “Are you lost? If so, I can direct you to the main road.”
“Cole Cody Alexander. Watch your language or I’ll wash your mouth out with soap.”
“I got this, Ruthie. Go and finish up dinner. Cole and I will set the table.”
Most of the time, my mom is mellow. If you tell her what to do, you risk setting her off. It’s not a pretty picture. My father was careful to phrase requests like a contestant answering a final Jeopardy question. Once, he slipped and ordered her to wash the dishes. As a result, we ate frozen dinner for the next two days. With this stranger, she nods and walks away, no scowl in sight.
And did he call her Ruthie?
“Hi. I’m Asher, the man extends a hand in greeting. Asher Finch.”
Glancing at his hand as if he’s holding a clump of dog shit, I mentally count to ten, or possibly twenty-five. Then, my gaze goes back to the guy and I study the motherfucker standing in my father’s dining room like he owns the place.
Tall, with a slightly muscular build, Asher’s gunmetal gray eyes meet mine, his expression filled with humor. I’m not sure what he finds funny, but I will wipe that smirk off his face. I don’t care if his salt and pepper hair dates him, I will hit anyone who molests my mother.
“This is awkward for you, huh?” He rakes the fingers from the hand I did not shake through his hair. “Your mom thought—”
“Look,” I interrupt him. “She’s in a vulnerable state and not ready to do whatever it was just happening here.”
“Is that so?” He asks, arching a brow.
“Yeah.” I relax my arms. “All I ask is you let her down easy and be on your way.”
Asher stares at me for a beat, his expression blank. Then he bursts out laughing, the chuckle deep and hearty. The laughter lasts for so long he has to hold his stomach to calm himself.
“Ruthie said you’d react harshly, but I never expected you’d try to force me to break up with her.” He shakes his head. “Listen, son, we’re all adults here. Your mother and I have been dating for a while, and we enjoy each other’s company. Suck it up.” He pats me on the shoulder and I narrow my eyes at him. “Now, your mom made a nice meal for you and it’d be a shame the table wasn’t set when she brought the food in.”
Glaring at him, I grind my teeth together, working out ways to get rid of the nuisance. The only solution I can come up with is to place the dishes on the goddamn table.
Asher one. Cole zero.
Begrudgingly, I stomp to the cabinet across from me and grab the white plates, followed by the silverware. I consider reaching for a knife because you never know when you’ll have to stab something at the table. Asher glances at my hand hovering over the sharp objects and the corner of his mouth tips up. I scowl at him and return to organizing the three table settings, refusing to speak to the man.
“That smells delicious,” he compliments, taking the hot dish from her and placing it on the table.
“Thanks,” she blushes. I think I’m going to be sick. I remind myself I only have to sit th
rough one meal with this stranger, which should last about an hour. When he leaves, I’ll remind my mother how she’s nowhere near ready for a relationship.
“Your mother and I are watching a movie after dinner. Something titled, Love Actually.”
“Sounds like a chick flick,” I mumble, toying with my food. I assume the room at large hasn't heard me. I was wrong.
“It is,” Asher answers, “and your mother’s favorite.” He shovels a forkful of food in his mouth, chews, and swallows. “Ruthie tells me you’ve upgraded the computer system in the store.”
“Yeah.” Maybe he’ll get the hint.
“He’s being modest,” she smiles at the interloper. “Harry wasn’t the best record keeper and tended to waste money on the unneeded stock. Cole cut costs. What did you call it, honey? Streamlining?”
“Oh, you remember my father now?” I blurt out, the six cutting words, but I don’t care. I’m angry. The vibe in the room shifts at my remark. The sounds of two forks clattering to plates send a sense of unease through me.
“Cole ...” The sound of my name fades out and my mom stares at me as if I’m the stranger.
Giving her hand a quick squeeze, Asher shoots me a look that says, “don’t fuck with my woman or I’ll kill you.” I straighten, preparing myself for whatever he plans to do next.
“I’m not sure what crawled up your ass, but you owe your mother and me an apology.”
“I owe you?” I shoot up from my seat. Asher follows.
“It’s fine, Ash.” My mother gently tugs his arm in a futile attempt to calm the man.
“It’s not and you shouldn’t let him slide.” Asher glances at her, his expression softening. With a simple caress of her cheek, my mother releases him, allowing him to round the table and step into my space.
“What is your deal, Cole? Your dad has been gone for more than a year and a half. Don’t you think your mom deserves to be happy?”
“Of course I do,” I shout, “but not—”
“With me. Right. I figured as much.” He shakes his head. “Let me tell you a little story about the day I met my Ruthie.” He pauses a moment and, even with the tenses emotions surrounding us, he smiles. “I drove a big rig for years. The long trips used to drive my first wife mad. She assumed I was cheating on her when I was working extra shifts so I could afford a house in a decent neighborhood. Laura divorced me and took custody of our daughter before I had the chance to make our dreams come true. Fast forward twenty years, and after college and med school, I had a fair amount of money left over.”
“What does your life story have to do with my mom.”
“Anyway,” he continues on like I haven’t said a word. “On one of my trips up north, I stopped in town. A friend mentioned a woman named Colleen having the best saltwater taffy he’s ever tasted. My grandson loves the stuff, so I thought I’d run in, grab a sampler, and get back on the road. When I walked into the store, I saw your mom laughing and chatting with one of the customers. It was the first time I was dumbstruck in my entire life. I saw my future flash before my eyes and my broken pieces settling into place. It was humbling. I had to meet this stunning beauty and I did.”
“Oh, Ash, stop.” My mother is beaming at his words. Beaming.
“One second, baby,” he turns to her, “let me finish with your wayward son.”
Relaxing a little, I watch their interaction and realize what an asshole I’m being. Finally, his gaze meets mine again. “I care about your mom and I’ll be here for as long as she’ll have me. Have you ever met a woman so beautiful it made you second guess all of the choices in your life?”
My mind goes back to my mystery woman from the bar. She somehow embedded herself in me. Shit, at least once a day, I glance at the picture in the locket longing to know about the little girl with the crooked smile and the woman she became.
“Your mom told me about the divorce and it was your fault as much as it was Chrissy’s. And since she wasn’t the one for you, there’s no way you’d understand what it’s like having a love of a good woman. When it happens, and you’ll know, remember this moment, how you treated your mom and me.”
Yup. I’m a dickhead.
“I’ve said my peace. Stay if you want and be respectful to us or you can leave. Your choice.” With that, Asher takes a seat next to my mom and begins to eat, both of them ignoring me. I deserve the cold shoulder. I consider outright apologizing to them both for my behavior. I go with what I should’ve done in the beginning.
“Hi. I’m Cole Alexander, Ruth’s son. Nice to meet you.” I extend my hand, praying to god he takes it. Asher glances at my palm and then back to me, his expression searching. His brows lift as if he’s found what he’s looking for and he grasps my hand.
“Great to meet you. Asher Finch, but you can call me Ash.”
And that’s how I became friends with my mother’s boyfriend. The man gives great advice which is lucky because I’ll need it in the future. My love life is about to become really complicated.
4
I Like New People
Affirmation #34
I always surround myself with people who treat me with kindness and respect. It’s crucial, especially when you carry baggage of all sorts.
Marley
“You can do this, girl,” I say to my reflection as I stare into the glass window, two stores down from where I have to meet my new coworker, Taylor. To say I’m not nervous would be an understatement.
The first indication of my skewed state of mind occurred moments after I stepped out of the shower. I managed to walk on the only section of my rug where the tread was worn and I slipped. As luck would have it, I didn’t fall, though the bruise from my knee hitting the tiled wall is of a decent size.
No skirt for me today.
Next, after limping my way into the bedroom, I reached for my lucky pair of panties, only to find a gaping hole in the center. Then I remembered them getting caught on a loose nail while I was carrying my laundry in my old place a week ago. I meant to toss them but must’ve just thrown them in a moving box instead.
After resigning myself to a new pair of underwear, the final insult of my morning was the blue ink stain on my white pair of capris. How was I supposed to know the heat from the sun caused a pen to leak on the surface of my dresser? I inadvertently laid my bottoms on the stained spot while searching for a pink top to wear.
It was the absolute last straw. I even considered calling Taylor to cancel. I had to practice deep breathing techniques my last psychiatrist taught me to force calm. This took an extra thirty minutes I didn’t have. I spent the rest of the time haphazardly searching for a different outfit. Eventually I settled on a pair of denim capris with an off-the-shoulder white top, and tan strappy sandals.
My sense of fashion used to be awful, but thanks to Carrie and my other New York friends, I managed to remake my wardrobe before moving to town. No sense in being drab Marley when I can be supermodel chic.
I chuckle at the last thought as I make my final adjustments. The door to the hair salon suddenly flies open and it startles me, the woman exiting gives me an apologetic look.
“You’ve been standing there for a while and you looked like you needed a hug.”
My eyes round. “Do I look bad? I have a meeting with my coworker today. Oh my God, I should go home and change.” I blather on like an idiot, my nerves shot to hell.
“Please. You’re gorgeous. I’m Olivia, by the way. Olivia Lancaster.” She flashes a warm smile. “You must be the Marley Lenny mentioned.”
“But, I just met him on Thursday?” I blurt out.
“Small town. Half the residents know who you are by now.”
I frown.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” She motions to the salon. If you ever need your hair styled, stop by. My mom owns Hair Matrix and she loves meeting new people.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem. Have a great day, Marley.” Olivia waves goodbye and heads back into the build
ing.
The door closes behind her and I stand there dumbfounded, wondering if I’ve moved to the New England version of the Louisiana town where Steel Magnolias was set. I glance around for a second, searching for Sally Field and Julia Roberts before coming back to my senses.
Checking the clock on my phone, I realize I have five minutes to meet Taylor at The Reading Nook. She suggested it as our meeting place because of the relaxed atmosphere. Hopefully, it helps. I’m a freaking mess at the moment.
I want to sprint down the street to the bookstore but think better of it. After all, it’s August and I don’t want to show up a sweaty mess. Lollipop Preschool is the first place I pass, and then a short distance later, I arrive. Taylor sits at a window seat close to the entrance. Motioning for me to come over, she smiles, her expression warm and genuine.
“Hi,” I say a little too excitedly, inwardly wincing. I’m all for being enthusiastic, except for when I come off like I just had thirteen straight espresso shots.
“Hey.” She greets, sounding cool as a cucumber. “I took the liberty of grabbing you a cup of coffee. I didn’t know how you took, so it’s black.”
“Thanks.” I take my seat.
Now, my errant thoughts should be on pause and my focus on the upcoming conversation at the forefront. My brain has other ideas, deciding the throw in the most random phrase from one of my favorite movies, so I blurt out, “I like my coffee black, like my men.”
Taylor stares at me for what feels like a freaking eternity. Then she bursts out laughing, the sound girlish but loud. At one point, an older woman re-shelving books gives her a censuring look. She waves her hand in apology.
“Sorry, Mrs. Alexander, but Marley just quoted the movie Airplane before ten in the morning. I think that deserves a prize.”
Grinning, the woman shakes her head, returning to her earlier task.
“Sorry about that,” I apologize. “It was completely unprofessional but I don’t know what came over me.”
“Relax. It’s Saturday.” She sips her coffee and then studies me, her perusal leaving me wondering if I should’ve worn something more concealing. A bare shoulder seemed like a good idea at the time. “Killer top, by the way. Where did you get it?”
What Once Was Mine Page 4