The Truest Thing: Hart's Boardwalk #4

by Samantha Young

  Jack’s throat tightened.

  “I’m holding on to the memories of the guy who was once the truest man I’d ever met. Because I believe he’s still in there.” Cooper pointed at Jack’s chest. “Or I wouldn’t be sitting here with you.”

  “Coop …” Jack’s voice was hoarse.

  “So, she’s not a part of us anymore. I’m letting it go because you deserve a second chance.” Cooper sipped at his coffee again, giving Jack time to control his emotions. “As to your question … yeah, I think Dana has been pissed at you a long time, and it would not surprise me if she took it out on Em by spreading shit.”

  “If I warn her off, I give her the attention she wants.”

  “Yeah, that’s true.”

  “Em wants to know what’s behind no one coming to her store. I told her I’d tell her if I found out.”

  “She doesn’t need that stress.”

  “But maybe she needs to be the one who stands up for herself.”

  Cooper smirked. “I will not lie—I’d like a front-row seat to shy Emery Saunders tearing Dana Kellerman a new one.”

  Jack chuckled at the thought. “Me too.”

  “How are you? You scared shitless like me?” Cooper asked.

  He grinned. “You know it.”

  “Our kids will be almost the same age.”

  Something warm moved through him. “They’ll grow up together?” He didn’t mean it to come out a question, but it did.

  “Yeah, they will,” Cooper promised. “And you and Em? You said you loved her.”

  “There are some people in this town who will think that I don’t. That I just used her. But they’re wrong.” Jack rubbed a hand over his head, feeling a little exhausted. “I love her, Cooper.”

  “I believed you the first time you said it. I think I believed it that first night she walked into my bar, and you looked like a fucking angel had fallen from heaven just for you.” That was just like Coop. To know his friend so well. To know Jack had been taken with Emery from the moment he saw her. “Did you feel that way about Jess?”

  A small, satisfied smile prodded Cooper’s lips. “We ran into each other in the rain, right outside the bar. And I got that funny feeling on the back of my neck.”

  Jack grinned. He knew about all Cooper’s “funny feeling.” While Jack had great gut instincts about people, Cooper had a weird sixth sense. Anytime something important was about to happen in his life, he got a strange tingle down the nape of his neck. “So you knew, huh?”

  “I knew it meant Jess wasn’t just a gorgeous tourist passing through. I knew it meant I should make an effort to get to know her. And I’ll never ignore that feeling again.” He took another sip of his coffee. “Have you told Emery yet? About how you feel? Did you write that letter Bails suggested?”

  “Nah. Em doesn’t trust me. If I said that now, whether to her face or in a letter, she wouldn’t believe it. I have to show her. She thinks I just want to be friends. So we can co-parent. I told her I want to be at every appointment and that we’re going to hang out. Become best buds.”

  Cooper’s grin was slow and wicked, and Jack knew he understood. “You’re in it for the long game. Stealth attack.”

  Jack grinned back. “You know it.”

  “I’ve just realized I can’t tell Jessica any of this shit, can I?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Fuck.” Coop made a face. “The woman can smell it when I’m keeping something from her.”

  “Then wear more cologne.” Jack narrowed his eyes. “They’re best friends, Coop. Jess can’t tell Em what I’m planning or Em will run in the opposite direction.”

  His friend heaved a giant sigh. “I won’t tell her. I promise. But you owe me.”

  “So every time we have a secret from our women, we owe each other for not telling them?”

  Cooper burst out laughing.

  “What?” Jack frowned.

  It took awhile for Coop’s amusement to die down and then he stood, smacking Jack on the shoulder as he passed. “It’s cute you think you’ll have secrets from Em once you’re together.”

  Jack rolled his eyes at his buddy’s smugness. But it didn’t bother him. Not at all. Because his friend seemed certain he and Emery were a sure thing … and that gave Jack the reassurance he needed.

  There was a part of him that still wondered if he should leave Emery to some guy who deserved her more.

  But if Coop, the best guy he knew, could forgive him and still think he was worthy of Emery Saunders, then Jack didn’t feel so selfish about it anymore.

  After all, he couldn’t imagine anyone could love Emery the way he loved her.

  With every molecule of his entire existence.

  And he was already far gone for the kid growing in her belly.

  Scared? Yeah. Worried about starting over with a new career at his age and having enough money to care for his new family? Definitely. But excited.

  And so fucking in love he could barely stand it.

  31

  Emery

  The next day, during lunchtime, when my place was usually busy with locals looking for their caffeine fix, only tourists popped into the store to buy books. When Jess and Cat walked through my door, I struggled but won the fight against bursting into worried tears.

  Jack had just called and told me he’d been asking around and found out what was going on. Dana Kellerman had been working her deceitful little mouth. She was the full-time receptionist at Jennifer’s Hair & Beauty, a salon where she used to be the part-time receptionist when she was content to live off Cooper’s money. Did that sound bitchy? Did I care? The woman was vicious!

  “Apparently,” I relayed to Jess and Cat as they sat across from me in the store’s reading nook, “Dana has been telling anyone who cares to listen that I trapped Jack. And how awful that is after everything Jack’s been through with his family. She’s made me the villain. No one will come into my store. I mean, some people were already appalled because I’m pregnant out of wedlock. It’s like it’s 1959 or something.”

  “That happened to me,” Cat commiserated. “Single woman getting pregnant. They weren’t happy. Judgmental assholes. But they forgive pretty quickly. It’s hard for them to hold on to a grudge in a town where most people are pretty liberal and understanding about these things. Give it a week or so.”

  My blood boiled with outrage. “I don’t want forgiveness,” I snapped. “I didn’t do anything that requires forgiveness.”

  Cat raised an eyebrow. “You’re absolutely right. And have I mentioned I like pregnant Emery?”

  My gaze shot to Jess’s. “I think I need to confront her.”

  “Who?” Jess’s expression tightened. “Dana?”

  “Yes. In front of everyone.”

  “Oh, Emery, I don’t think that’s a good idea. You shouldn’t stress yourself like that … and I wouldn’t want you creating more scandal that might hurt you.”

  “Would you sit back and let people say these things about you? What have I done to deserve them all assuming the worst about me? Nothing. I’ve had enough.” I really had. It felt like if I didn’t finally stand up for myself, I’d break. I didn’t want my child to go through his or her life like I had, letting people take advantage without speaking up. “Bullied at school because I was shy. I let them walk all over me. They stole a scenario straight from a movie—had a cute boy invite me out on a date and then they all ambushed and threw eggs at me.”

  Cat and Jess looked horrified. “Oh, Em.”

  “Even my grandmother walked all over me. Don’t do this. Don’t say that. Be this way. Be that way. And don’t even get me started on Tripp and Jack!”

  “Em.” Jess reached for my hand. “Em, please, sweetie, you need to calm down.”

  “No.” Cat touched Jess’s wrist. “She needs to get this out.” Her eyes rested on me. “Em, if you want to confront Dana, then I’m coming. I’ve got your back.”

  Gratitude moved through me. “Thank you.”
<
br />   Jess let go and heaved a sigh. “Then I am too.”

  “No.” I shook my head. “You’re pregnant. I won’t stress you out.”

  “You’re pregnant too and I’m your doctor. I’m coming.”

  Cooper would likely kill me, but I recognized that stubborn set to Jess’s chin. “Fine. Let’s do this.”

  “Oh, we’re going now?” Jess looked comically wide-eyed as Cat and I stood. “Okay, yes, let’s get it over with.”

  Indignation, hurt, and fury fueled me as we locked up my store, marched down the boards, and hurried along Main Street to Jennifer’s salon. It used to be called Heidi’s but Heidi fell in love with a firefighter from Wilmington and sold the place to Jennifer Kwan. From all reports, Jennifer was an excellent stylist and the girls she had working in her beauty department were awesome too. However, I traveled to Essex, the largest city in Hartwell County, to get my hair trimmed, to have my nails done, just to avoid Dana Kellerman.

  “Are you sure about this?” Jess hurried to catch up.

  I slowed my marching. “I’m sorry. We should not be rushing a pregnant woman.”

  Jess guffawed. “Again… You do realize you’re pregnant too.”

  “Of course. I just … you look it.”

  Cat chortled at my comment.

  I winced. “That came out wrong.”

  “Did it?” Jess gave me a reassuring smile. “You’re not wrong. But you’ll look it, too, in a few weeks.”

  “I don’t know. I think Emery will be one of those annoying women who only has a bump and doesn’t get pregnant anywhere else,” Cat opined.

  “Are you saying I look fat, Cat?”

  Cat shot her sister-in-law a wry look. “I’m saying you look pregnant. Obviously, you have a bump but your cheeks are fuller and your tits are huge. I was the same.”

  “Don’t get me started on these breasts.” Jess sighed. “Your brother can’t keep his hands and mouth off them.”

  I snort-laughed, slapping my hand over my mouth at Cat’s foul look.

  “What did I say to deserve that?”

  Jess tilted her chin in the air and gave a haughty sniff. “You said my cheeks were fuller. I am aware my pregnancy is attaching itself to every part of my body, including my ass, but it does not need to be pointed out!”

  Cat threw an arm around Jess, pulling her into her side. “Babe, I didn’t mean those cheeks, and I didn’t mean it’s a bad thing. You look gorgeous.”

  “You do,” I agreed.

  Jess exhaled slowly. “I’m a little sensitive because my jeans don’t fit anymore. And I know I’m pregnant … but will they ever fit again?”

  “Mine didn’t.” Cat shrugged. “I’m a size bigger now than I was pre-Joey, and I never got back to it. Little bugger’s worth it, though.”

  Jess frowned. “You have a beautiful figure.”

  “So do you. And Jess, you’ll be gorgeous no matter what size you are. My brother thinks so too.”

  “I know this is about Emery ...” Jess put her hand on my arm as we approached the salon. “And I know Cooper is entirely indifferent to his ex-wife, but sometimes it galls that she’s so beautiful.”

  Oh. I hadn’t even thought about that. How selfish of me. “Jessica, you don’t have to come in.”

  “Yeah, she does.” Cat stopped us, scowling at Jess. “I hope what just came out of your mouth is pregnancy hormones because you know, I know, Em knows, and Cooper for goddamn sure knows that Dana Kellerman is a pile of shit frosted in diamonds. Don’t even think about feeling insecure about her looks. She’s the devil.”

  “She’s just so smug.” Jess crossed her arms over her chest.

  “What does she have to be smug about? You’re walking in there with Coop’s ring on your finger, the kid you guys made in your belly, and the whole town has followed your love story like it’s a goddamn fairy tale. Nearly every woman in Hartwell watches the way my brother looks at you, and they envy the hell out of you. Me? I look at the way you watch my brother, and I am so grateful he ended up with you. He’s a great guy, a wonderful brother, a fantastic uncle … but he and I both know you’re not the only lucky one in this scenario. He’s so lucky to have found you. And she”—Cat pointed to the salon—“deep down knows that no man will ever feel about her that way because she will end up with someone just as selfish as she is. Any good man she ever meets will eventually see right through her.”

  The sisters shared a loving, affectionate look, and I finally had to clear my throat.

  I mock glared at Cat. “Are you just going to use up any and all material I can use against Dana?”

  “What?”

  “A pile of shit frosted in diamonds. And that last thing you just said about men—maybe I wanted to say those things to her face.”

  Cooper’s sister snorted. “If I’d known how fun you were, I would’ve made more of an effort to get to know you.” Her smile died. “You know what, I’m sorry, Em. I am one of the people you should be calling out. I should have made an effort to be your friend.”

  “It goes both ways, Cat.”

  “True. But I have the advantage of not being shy.” She turned to face the salon. “Are we going to do this?”

  “Now I’m nervous.” I wrung my hands, my heart racing. “I lost my momentum.”

  Jess looked remorseful. “I’m sorry. That was me. I made it about me.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m dragging you into a salon to face your husband’s ex-wife.”

  Cat sighed. “Let’s stop yammering and go in. People are looking.”

  It was true. Some ladies inside the salon were peering curiously out at us.

  “Emery needs a plan,” Jess argued.

  “I have a plan.” I threw my shoulders back, feeling nauseated but determined. “I plan to call her out.” I marched to the door.

  “Oh, we’re going in, we’re going in!” Cat hurried Jess along behind me, sounding way too excited.

  Entering the salon, my eyes zeroed in on Dana who was standing in front of Sherry, the owner of Sherry’s Trousseau, chatting to her as she sat under the hood dryer. Her eyes flew to the door and she froze.

  I stopped, feeling Cat and Jess nudge into my back with the abrupt movement.

  Dana smirked and sashayed toward us.

  All eyes were on me.

  I felt them.

  I sensed their judgment.

  Dana’s gaze moved to Jess, darkened with hatred, and then to Cat. They flickered a little warily … and I realized she might be afraid of Cat.

  Good.

  “How can I help?”

  The hairdryers in use by Jennifer and her other stylist quieted. Both women watched me. I now had every person in that salon’s attention. I swallowed hard, feeling my knees shake.

  My cheeks were on fire.

  When I looked at Dana again, she saw my blush and sneered.

  “Do you speak?” she snapped.

  I could do this.

  I straightened my shoulders. “Jack and I were told you’re spreading a vicious rumor about us. I came to demand that you desist.”

  To my shock and gratitude, my words came out strong and stern.

  Tension moved through the salon as Dana raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. I’m losing business because of your slander. If you do not desist, I’ll be forced to take legal action.” I had no idea that’s what I would say, but out it came.

  I heard Jess make a gurgling sound behind me and Cat muttered, “Fucking awesome.”

  Dana’s jaw dropped. “You can’t do that. You have no evidence I’ve said anything.”

  “We have witnesses. People who have come to us and told us you’re telling anyone who will listen that I tried to trap Jack by deliberately getting pregnant.” Despite my flaming cheeks and shaking legs, I grew more confident. “It’s lies.” I moved my attention from Dana to all the people in the salon. I looked them all in the eye, and they flinched a little at my obvious disappointment.

 
; I returned my gaze to Dana. “Why anyone would believe someone like you, someone known to lie and cheat, I have no idea. But if my business doesn’t pick up because of the lies you’re spreading about me, I will take you to court.”

  “You can’t.” She huffed in outrage. “You can’t do that. I’ve never heard of that.”

  I shrugged casually and smirked. “Slander isn’t an easy charge to prove, but I have so much money at my disposal, I can afford to try. Can you afford to defend yourself?”

  “Oh my God, I’m going to pee my pants, this is so good,” Cat muttered under her breath.

  I tried not to laugh as I stared Dana down.

  “I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Dana demanded, gesturing to the door.

  “And I’m going to have to ask you to desist spreading gossip and rumors or you’ll be hearing from my lawyer. I’m not leaving until you make it clear you understand.”

  “I’m not dumb,” she snarled.

  “Contrary to all evidence.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m afraid I must insist on you saying the words.”

  “Huh?”

  “I, Dana Kellerman, do vow to stop spreading vicious gossip and lies about Emery Saunders and Jack Devlin.” I spoke as condescendingly as possible and watched a few of the women nearest me look down, covering their smirks.

  I felt a flicker of uneasiness. I wasn’t a bully. It wasn’t in my nature to get off on making someone feel small. Unfortunately, I was on that side of the situation now—it was back down and lose this war against Dana, or proceed and feel guilty later about being a bitch.

  I chose the latter.

  “Well?”

  “I’m not admitting to anything because I haven’t done anything. And I won’t. I won’t say shit about you or Jack. Like I care about you getting knocked up by that useless manwhore.”

  My eyes narrowed and I took a step toward her.

  “Em?” Jess’s hand rested on my back.

  “You’re talking about the father of my child, and I’ll thank you not to insult him.”

  “Whatever.” Dana shook her head and waved her hand at us. “Just take yourself and your stupid little posse and get out and don’t come back.”