I reached for my phone and texted Ava.
Sadie: How could you not tell me about all of this when you knew?
Ava: Sadie, how would you tell me? Think about it, it’s not an easy thing.
Sadie: I would have in heartbeat.
Ava: I’m sorry.
I couldn’t believe everyone was so naïve. What were they protecting me from? More heartbreak they must have known it would put me through. I didn’t understand what waiting did for me? All it did was make me upset at everyone from holding these damn secrets back. Forced more anger on Jake for not telling me. He must have known they knew. Why was I kept in the fucking dark?
I went through my phone again, chancing the social media which I stayed far from. I had a red alert message in my inbox and when I clicked, I wished I didn’t.
It was from Tracy Dunn. Really? I didn’t even want to read it. What could she possibly want?
I opened it anyway for the curious minds. Mainly my own.
Sadie,
We met the other night at the club. I’m Jake’s wife. Look, I saw your little encounter with him and the club started rumors immediately from what they saw out in the parking lot. I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but this is my warning to you, bitch, back off and stay away from Jake, MY husband. Because let me tell you what happens if you don’t. I will grab that precious hair you have and bury you in the ground. Stay the fuck out of our life.
Tracy DUNN
Did she just threaten me? I re-read the message over and over again till I was fuming. I turned off Facebook and opened my message to Jake right away.
Sadie: If you thought you had any chance to getting me back, your WIFE just ruined it.
Jake: What? Sadie what happened? Are you okay?
Sadie: Now you care for my safety? If you want me SAFE then I suggest you STOP talking to me.
I tossed the phone before I could read his response that started dinging all the way across the room. I couldn’t take any more excuses. Who the fuck did this bitch think she was? Threatening me? Her husband did this, not me!
My mind raced back to Bobby. How would things be if he was here? If he was here, this madness wouldn’t be happening to me and we would be forever happy. I managed to get myself out of bed even though my head told me to stay put. I wrapped my robe around me and headed out the backdoor to watch the waves crash up on the shore. I needed something to soothe me and this was as good as it was going to get.
“Sadie?” Luke yelled from around the house. “Sadie, where are you?” His voice became louder while he made his way around the house to the porch.
“How could you Luke?” I looked at him, so hurt by everyone.
He wrapped his ever loving arms around me and didn’t say a word. “I’m sorry,” he whispered finally.
“Sorry? Sorry for prolonging my heart from being trashed?” I looked out towards the ocean while I listened to the peacefulness.
“Jake really wants to see you, explain things.”
“No.”
“Sadie, come on. We want to see you love again. You were so in love with Jake, we all saw it.”
“He’s married!” I shouted. “What the fuck don’t you all see? He’s married, he’s committed, and he’s in love with someone else!” The anger just roared through me.
“Let him explain. It’s the least he can do.”
“The least he can do?” My eyes opened wide. Was Luke being serious right now? The least Jake could do was save my heart from anymore heartache. The least he could have done was tell me way before this nonsense. The least he could have done was been divorced. “The least he could have done, the list runs wild, but an explanation isn’t one of them!”
He nodded. He didn’t know the right words to tell me. Everyone was wanting to get me back in his life like what he did was so forgivable. Why couldn’t anyone see my pain? The pain that was so deep my brain didn’t want to forgive him. My heart wanted him sitting right here with me hurting like I’m hurting, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t be so selfish and let anyone hurt like I was. I’m just so lost to why everyone was taking his side. What he did was wrong, way wrong, and really unforgiveable. His wife just made that really fucking clear to me. People were now starting rumors? That made things ten times worse. I’m sure the whole fucking town knows I’m some damn mistress in disguise. I wanted to disappear. Everything went from being great, to be absolutely horrible. My mind was on overload. My head was going to explode.
“I’m just here for you, no matter what you decide. But you have to know you both are my friends. All three of you. Jake and Ava. In fact, Ava and I…” He trailed off.
“Really?” I asked.
“I like her. She needs a man like me in her life.”
“Whoa, whoa, nobody needs a man in their life. Rephrase it before I smack you.”
He laughed. “Ok, I really like her. I think I could be good stability in her life.”
I looked at him wide eyed and weary, “Don’t break her heart, Luke. She’s endured too much of that.” I smiled. I wanted to feel normal by talking about anything but my life. “Wish someone could have flashed that thought for me through Jake’s fucking mind.”
“Sadie.” He sighed.
“What?”
He shook his head. “Just give it time. I’m not saying what he did was forgivable. But he owes you an explanation and the Sadie I know, would want to hear it.”
I shrugged my shoulders. This was too much for me. I just wanted to return to work and try to get on with my semi normal life in that area. Working would hopefully distract my mind. Distract it from everything that was running through my damn head. I still didn’t feel normal. I didn’t feel like I should be. The bottle of champagne was coming close to being finished if this kept on going in my life. But what would I do about Tracy? He was married for fuck’s sake. My brain flipped and flopped some more just around that statement alone.
Chapter 16
The phone was silent for the first time in an hour. Jake finally stopped messaging me. I assumed he actually had to work himself. Who knew with all the secrets he held. I felt better from my hangover but still not one hundred percent. I had work in just an hour and I couldn’t wait to get there. I didn’t care if folding clothes all day was my job for the day. It was something other than sulking over every aspect of my life. I was making today the first day of moving forward with my life. No more taking steps backwards. I still had to tackle the meaning behind Bobby’s stupid letter, but at the same time, what did it matter now? He was dead, no meaning behind it could actually be verified from him. It was whatever I thought it meant. I honestly, wished I never read it.
I checked in with my Aunt Jamie since I thought about her today. I told her about the letter and she was shocked. She didn’t know what to tell me and I was okay with that because I wasn’t sure myself. She offered for me to come back up anytime but it would be awhile, I knew that for sure. I had plans to meet with Ava tonight. I wanted more of a distraction instead of going home and going to Ava’s to talk baby talk would be perfect. I hoped none of them had anything up their sleeves because I wasn’t talking to Jake no matter what any of them had to say. At least not till I was ready. It would all be on my own time now. Screw his time.
I parked my car in the back of the store where an alley backs up to it. Easy access for the trash people to collect everyone’s trash. We had select parking and there was one spot open. Employee only. I grabbed my pathetic lunch bag and headed into the store.
Savannah came running up to me with a worried look on her face. She grabbed my arm and pulled me into the back employee room. “You should go home today.”
“What, why?” I asked confused.
“There’s been people coming in here asking for you. I’m not sure there here to buy clothes necessarily.”
I looked at her with the concern flashing in her eyes. “I’m not following you.”
“Look, I don’t know either, it’s your choice, but just know people h
ave been asking for you. Two women. I’ve never seen them before.”
“Asking about what?” I placed my hand on my hip. Why would anyone be asking for me?
“If you worked here, what your schedule was so that they could make sure they came in when you were here.” She winked. “People don’t ask for people’s schedules, Sadie. What’s going on?”
I whispered back, “I don’t know, maybe they like my style.” I waited for her worried face to turn. I let out a laugh. “Nothing’s going on, Savannah. I’m sure it’s just customers of mine wanting me to help them. I’ve created a bond with some ladies.” I laughed and walked back into the store.
“It’s not funny. That’s not funny. I’m worried about you.” She followed on my heel. Savannah always worried about everything. I had nothing to worry about. It’s not like police or undercover people were looking for me. They would be the ones to worry about. But I haven’t given them anything to worry about. I haven’t done anything. Nothing’s been done to me except stupid ass men trying to break my heart. There was no crime. I was coming to work.
I turned around and clutched her arm, “Oh, Savannah, I love that you worry about me, but really, there’s nothing to worry about.”
She glared at me before releasing a small smile. I went about the day, folding clothes in the petite section of the store. It was a slow, rainy day and those were the best. We girls always had our fun when nobody was coming in. Whether we were telling jokes, stories, gossiping, or plain ole just relaxing. I loved being here. It was a home away from home.
My phone was buzzing in my pocket. I looked quickly and noticed it was Luke calling me. I flashed Savannah a finger, telling her to hold on a minute and ran to the back room to answer.
“Hey?” I answered.
“Lunch at the diner?”
“Sure. Come get me.”
“Half hour. Bye!”
“See you later,” I whispered in the phone, remembering why I hated goodbyes so much.
I came back out and noticed a woman standing in the corner speaking with Savannah. As soon as I noticed who it was, I ducked behind the counter. What in the fuck was this bitch now doing at my place of work? This Tracy chick had it out for me. I tried to listen to what she was saying but the bell rang on the door and I peeked up to see she was gone. What the hell was all that about?
Well, pure coincidence I’m sure. It’s the town’s only clothing store. The next one isn’t for miles. Or coincidence not? I looked at Savannah and waved her down. But then the afternoon crowd bustled in and we rushed to greet them. Like we were told to do, but I hated doing. It wasn’t like we got commission but the owner wanted us to be sales people promoting our lines.
After a short while, Luke walked in and I clocked out for lunch.
He locked arms with me while we strode across the street to the diner. It was becoming a popular place to eat among everyone and I loved their food. We sat ourselves in the back in a booth. I slid across from him and we ordered coffee. I wanted something light because I knew I had a long day ahead of me still at work, and a night out with Ava.
“So, I hear you and Ava are hanging out tonight?” He smiled at me.
“Yeah she wanted me to help her pick out some baby stuff. I thought It’d be a nice break from all ridiculousness in my life.”
He sipped his coffee before his eyes met mine. “She’s getting pretty excited about the baby. She finds out the sex next week.”
“I’m excited too, but I wished that douche bag would step up and pay some money, even if he wants nothing to do with her and the baby.”
“I plan on making us official next week, if she wants to be with me.”
My mouth hung open wide. I was so happy for Luke because I knew how happy he could make Ava. He would be a great daddy figure to her baby, too.
“Luke, that’s great, I’m happy for you.”
“Don’t want to rush anything, I know she has a lot going on, just want to be the stable man in her life for her.”
“I love that you love her. She’s a great person. I’m so happy you all met. You’d be great for her.”
“Still not giving Jake a chance?” He interrupted my happy thoughts, breaking the conversation.
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t even want to talk about it. He’s married, that’s that.”
We both ordered sandwiches and before we knew it the waitress had brought out our order. I watched as Luke scarfed down his patty melt, while I nibbled lightly on my BLT club.
“I want to be happy for you, too, you know?” He shoved a fry in his mouth.
“Why can’t anyone be happy for me being single?” I picked at the bacon. I didn’t really want to have this conversation anyway.
“Because we all know you were much happier when Jake was around.”
“Actually, you’re wrong, I was really happy when my boyfriend didn’t kill himself. Then, I was really happy. Jake was half that happiness because he hasn’t even proved he could be around for more than six months at a time. Seriously, I mean come on. He fucked up, just drop it already.”
“Actually, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Save it, Luke. I’m done with this conversation.” I pulled out my wallet, getting upset and left a ten on the table while I scooted out. “I have to get back to work.”
“Sadie, don’t do this.”
“Then stop talking about it, stop trying to fix something that can’t be fixed. Stop trying to make me happy when all it’s doing is making me sad.” I looked him in the eye and left.
The rest of the day went by slowly and instead of Luke being a distraction, all he was doing was making me think when I didn’t need to. I texted Ava to let her know that I was going to be leaving soon. I helped lock up the store with Savannah and Jessie and get things straightened out for the sale we had coming up this weekend. It was going to be a busy work weekend. I was hoping at this point, Ava had some booze at her house for me to indulge in.
~*~
The door to Ava’s was unlocked and I let myself in, calling her name like I always used to do. I was practically family around here.
“In here,” she yelled from the den. I took my sandals off and headed over to their den which basically was a fancy computer room/library. It was filled with wooden bookshelves and a matching desk. I slid my chair up to her at the computer and looked at the screen. Ongoing tabs of baby stuff.
“Wow, this baby is going to be spoiled!” I laughed.
“As if you didn’t already know that.” She giggled with me. “Aren’t these the cutest pair of jeans you’ve ever seen?” She wiggled the mouse to an adorable outfit.
“How about you focus on the bigger items, like a crib and furniture set for the baby room.”
She looked over her shoulder at me and smiled. “Did you really think that I didn’t have that picked out already?”
“Oh Ava. Only you. You have to leave some stuff for us to get you at your baby shower.”
“I don’t want one.”
“What? You have to have a shower!”
“No, Sadie, I don’t want one, I’ve already made it clear.” She looked down, rubbing her belly at her slight bump that she was starting to show.
“Why?” I asked being nosey.
“Let’s come celebrate Ava’s baby, the girl who got knocked up and the guy refuses to be a part of their life.”
I turned Ava’s chair to face me and away from the computer. “Ava Lynn, stop that right now. Stop it. He chose to be that asshole, what you’re choosing for yourself and your future is to raise that baby without even blinking at how it’s happening. Because you’re going to love it with every fiber in your body no matter the circumstance or situation. Do you hear me? Stop even thinking about that asshole. It’s all about you and the baby now. That’s all that matters.”
“You’re really sweet, thank you.”
“I’m being one hundred percent honest with you. You need to start thinking that way.”
“How a
re you holding up?” She changed the subject and took a deep breath.
“Let’s not worry about me. I’m fine. I came here to get you settled with baby stuff. Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?”
She smiled and looked back at the computer, “I’ve only been looking at girl stuff.” She rubbed her belly again. “I have this feeling it’s a girl.”
“I’m so happy for you. This is such an exciting time in your life.”
“I want you to be the godmother.”
I smiled the biggest goofy grin across my face. “I’d be honored, Ava.”
“Good.”
The rest of the night was spent ordering a bunch of things online and spending far too much money but having a blast getting everything ready for the baby. She was an early planner but I didn’t fault her for that. Better be early, than late. It was about eleven at night when I decided to head home. I still had to eat something and settle for bed. Ava walked me out to the car while we hugged and said goodbye. Nothing else was discussed, and I was perfectly fine leaving the rest in the past. It was time to move on.
I got in my truck and headed home. The night was wet from the rain we had all day and it finally just stopped. I was turning the corner about to pull in my driveway when someone slammed their car into my rear end. I looked in my rear mirror and saw a car getting ready to do it again until I pulled into my driveway and threw it in park. What the fuck was this? I stayed in the car till the car pulled in behind me and there it was, a woman got out.
I stepped out of the truck as she came hurrying towards me, pregnant belly and all.
“What are you doing? Are you fucking nuts?”
“I told you to stay the fuck away from Jake! Didn’t you hear me, bitch!” She lunged at me and I moved out of her way so she missed.
“You are a fucking crazy bitch! I haven’t been anywhere near fucking Jake! Get the hell off my property!” I spat towards her face. She wanted tough, I was going to give her tough. I stepped up in front of her face to let her know I wasn’t scared. “Back off. Turn around, get in your car and leave.”
His Unplanned Lesson Page 14