Betting on Love

by Alyssa Linn Palmer

  It brought back other memories, more recent ones. Just over a year ago, she’d mistaken the rumble of Alex’s motorcycle for thunder. Alex had been drenched from the sudden downpour, running up the porch steps.

  Elly didn’t regret letting her in, nor did she regret what had happened next. She knew she was looking through rose-tinted glasses, but that night had been so beautiful, romantic and hot all at once. Her chest tightened and she pressed her lips together. That’s all it was now, a beautiful memory. Back then, she hadn’t known what Alex was really like. Loveable, yet not the white knight she’d imagined. But Alex didn’t love her back, and there was nothing she could do.

  She set the book aside and went upstairs, getting ready for bed. When she slid between the sheets, she left her window open a few inches to let the cool rain-scented breeze in.

  No matter how she tried, she couldn’t sleep. She couldn’t forget being with Alex. The bed seemed empty without her, lonely and cold. Elly turned over, drawing the quilts up to her chin. She should call Alex, at least to see how she was doing with her ankle. The thought of the accident made her shiver. What if it had been worse? She turned over again, opening her eyes and staring into the darkened room.

  Would Alex even take her call?

  *

  Saturday night, and Alex couldn’t stand being at home alone. If she could have paced, she would have, but pacing on crutches was not nearly as satisfying. And if she didn’t have those, she’d be on the bike, or working. She dressed in a knee-length dark jean skirt with her black T-shirt, and pulled on one of her leather jackets. Then, hearing Louise’s TV going, she made her way slowly down the stairs to knock at the door.

  “Hey, Alex.” She looked down at Alex’s brace, at the crutches. “Jeez, what did you do?”

  “Long story,” Alex said with a sigh. “Are you busy, Louise? I’m going stir-crazy here by myself, and I was wondering if you might be able to give me a ride to Parry’s. Pretty please? Cabs are so unreliable. I’ll buy you dinner, even.”

  “Sure, just let me grab my coat. I’m just wasting time watching reality TV anyway.”

  Louise dropped her off at Parry’s. “Rain check on dinner tonight, but I’ll take you up on it when I’m jonesing for a good pizza from Spiros.”

  “Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.”

  “No worries. Make sure you get a ride home, all right? Or get a cab. See you later.” Louise waved and pulled away as soon as Alex had made it to the sidewalk.

  Alex balanced precariously as she pulled open the door to the lounge, shuffling to the side and limping carefully in.

  “Alex!”

  Alex lifted her head and saw Jan waving at her, grinning from a table near the bar. She headed that way, avoiding a group of young men who hogged two tables. Jan pulled out a chair for her.

  “Looking gorgeous,” Jan said, giving her a once over. “Even with the brace.”

  “Thanks.” Alex sat heavily, blowing out a breath. “I am so sick of these damn crutches already.”

  Jan leaned over, her arm sliding over Alex’s shoulders, and gave her a squeeze. “It’ll heal before you know it. Can I get you a drink?”

  “Just a beer,” Alex said. “And thanks.”

  “You’ve missed the drama,” Jan said as she rose to go to the bar. “I’ll tell you about it in a minute.” She went to the bar and came back with a pint. “Keith’s, just the way you like it.”

  Alex dug in her pocket for her wallet.

  “On me, this round,” Jan said, waving the money away. “So, Vanessa broke up with that chick who was the star singer.”

  “I’d heard that,” Alex said.

  “Did you hear why?”

  Alex shrugged. “I figured since it was Vanessa, it would be because she was tired of her.”

  “If only.” Jan shook her head, smirking. “Turns out that chick was already dating someone. She came into the bar looking for her, and Vanessa had a rude awakening.”

  Alex winced. “That sucks.”

  “It was practically a catfight,” Jan said. “I thought for sure Eric would have to pull them apart. But they left after Vanessa told her to get out. You should’ve been here.”

  “Sounds like I was better off not being here,” Alex said. “Wonder who Vanessa will hook up with next.”

  “Who cares,” Jan said. She leaned closer. “What about you? I haven’t seen that girl of yours around. Didn’t last, did it?” Jan rested her head on Alex’s shoulder. “My place is close, if you want.”

  Alex opened her mouth, then paused. A few months ago, she might have taken Jan up on her offer without thinking. Jan’s perfume lingered, a deep musky scent, and Alex didn’t find it seductive.

  “I’ll see how I feel. The ankle still hurts a lot,” she said finally, not wanting to reject Jan too bluntly.

  “Of course.” Jan straightened but kept her arm over Alex’s shoulder.

  Alex took a sip of her beer, wondering if she should have taken painkillers instead. The Keith’s tasted like it always did, but it wasn’t doing much for her. She drank a little more.

  A friend of Jan’s slid into a seat across from them. Alex couldn’t remember her name, but she recognized the curvy blonde. She was cute. Just her type.

  “You’ve met Rachel, haven’t you?” Jan said.

  “Of course.” Alex stretched out a hand, and Rachel took it, holding it a bit longer than necessary.

  “Weird to see you out from behind the bar,” she said, her pouty lips widening into a smile.

  “That’s what happens when you break your ankle,” Jan said, squeezing Alex’s shoulder again. Alex leaned forward a bit, letting Jan’s embrace drop.

  Rachel leaned over and glanced down under the table. “Ouch. How’d you do that?”

  “Bike crash,” Alex said.

  “You poor thing,” Rachel simpered, and Alex tried to look gracious, though she wasn’t sure she managed. She didn’t want to be treated like an invalid, even if she practically was one.

  “I couldn’t stand it if it were me,” Jan said to Rachel, who shuddered.

  “I can’t imagine it. I’d have been in agony,” Rachel replied.

  “It won’t take long to heal,” Alex said, taking another drink of her beer. It was easier to drink than make inane conversation. She listened with half an ear as Jan and Rachel chatted, shifting her leg when Jan tried to rest her hand there on her thigh, just above the hem of her skirt. She finished her beer and grabbed her crutches, maneuvering to her feet.

  “Let me help,” Rachel said, rising.

  “No, I’ll do it,” Alex said, knowing her voice was a bit sharp. “This round’s on me, anyway.”

  She hobbled to the bar and swung herself up onto a stool, propping her crutches against the bar.

  “Another beer?” Eric paused on the other side of the bar.

  “Yeah, please. And pour a drink of whatever Jan’s having, and I’ll pay.”

  Eric raised a brow at that but didn’t say anything. He took Jan’s drink over to the table, then came back and drew a pint of Keith’s, setting it in front of Alex.

  “Didn’t expect to see you in tonight,” he said. “Doesn’t that lovely girlfriend of yours want to help you out at home? You two should be there all curled up watching a movie or something, shouldn’t you?”

  “She’s not my girlfriend,” Alex replied.

  “My mistake,” Eric said. “Though I could have sworn you two were…” He waved his hand. “And what about Will?”

  “He’s not my boyfriend, either.” Alex frowned.

  “Back to being the lone wolf?” Eric asked. A chit printed up on the machine, but he ignored it. “Is that how it is?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Jan’s looking at you,” Eric observed. “Bet she’s hoping the lone wolf won’t want to be alone.”

  “What’s up with you?”

  “Nothing. Just noticing things. Wanting everyone to be happy, as I always do.”

  “I’ll be happy wh
en my damn ankle heals.”

  “Is that really what it is?” Eric printed out her bill, laying it on the bar, facedown.

  “You kicking me out?” she asked, nudging the curl of paper.

  “Nope. But if you hook up with Jan, I might.”

  Alex snorted. “I don’t want Jan.”

  “Don’t you?”

  She wasn’t a one-woman kind of girl, but Jan held no appeal.

  “No.”

  Jan wasn’t Elly, but she wasn’t about to say that to Eric.

  “Glad to hear it.” Eric took up the bill, crumpling it and throwing it into the garbage. “I’ll run you a tab. Just let me know when you want me to call you a taxi.”

  “All right.”

  Eric went back to his work, and Alex looked at her beer. She glanced at the pass-through for the restaurant, hoping to catch a glimpse of Elly. Just a glimpse would do her. She didn’t need to talk to her, but if she could sit here and watch her, secretly…

  “She’s not here,” Eric said from behind her. She turned in her seat, nearly upsetting the full tray he held.

  “What?”

  “Elly’s not here,” he said. “She quit.”

  Alex was speechless, and she felt the hurt spreading through her chest, an unexpected sensation. She’d been wanting to see Elly, she realized.

  “She got a better job,” Eric said. “It’s a shame.” He moved away, taking the dishes into the kitchen.

  Alex pulled out her wallet and set down enough for the drinks. She left her beer sitting there and walked out into the evening, calling for a cab when she hit the sidewalk. No point being here if Elly wasn’t here. She didn’t want Jan, or Rachel, or anyone. She’d be better off at home.

  *

  On Sunday, Elly went to the real-estate agent’s office. Noreen had the paperwork already drawn up, just in case, and Elly sat down to sign what she needed to sign.

  “Are you sure?” Noreen asked. “I don’t want to pressure you.”

  “I’m sure,” Elly said.

  “I’ll call my sister. She’s a notary and can sign some of these forms, and I’ll call up Brian Loose and his wife, the buyers.” She picked up the phone and dialed, then passed Elly the purchase agreement and transfer forms.

  Elly read through the purchase agreement carefully, taking her time. The bell on the front door of the office jangled, and she looked up from the last page of the agreement. A couple who looked about her age stood there, holding hands, looking happy yet nervous.

  “Come on over here, Brian, Evelyn,” Noreen said, waving them to chairs. “I was just about to call you.”

  Elly rose to her feet and held out her hand. “How do you do? I’m Elly Cole.”

  “Brian Loose,” the man said, shaking her hand. “And this is my wife, Evelyn.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Evelyn said, taking Elly’s hand in turn. Her grip was gentle, warm. “I’m so glad you’re willing to sell. The place is just about perfect.” She smiled at her husband, who grinned back at her.

  “We’ve been wanting a place of our own,” Brian explained. “My parents have a farm in Saskatchewan, but we really wanted to make our own way.”

  “What did you farm?”

  “Wheat and corn, mostly,” Brian said, “though I think here we’ll get a few pigs and a heifer.”

  “That sounds lovely,” Elly said. “We used to have a few animals, and the barn’s suitable for a cow and pigs, and a few horses.”

  “The kids loved the barn,” Evelyn said. “They can’t wait to get up there when there’s hay in the loft.”

  “We used to have a swing,” Elly said. “You should put one up.”

  “We will,” Brian said.

  “The paperwork is ready for you all to sign,” Noreen said, catching their attention. They settled into their chairs, and Noreen indicated where they would sign.

  “We’ll keep your lease with Jack Collins,” Brian said as he signed the purchase agreement. “We’ve been talking to him, and he’s happy we won’t start up our own work on the land until next season.”

  “That’s good,” Elly said faintly. She hadn’t even thought of Jack’s lease. She’d have to tell him what she’d decided.

  “He said he’d wanted the land, but that he couldn’t afford it. I think we’ll end up good friends. He’s a nice man,” Evelyn said.

  “He is,” Elly agreed. “And we’ll have to introduce you to his gran, Mrs. Calderwood. Although she might just introduce herself.”

  The bell jangled again, and Noreen’s sister strode in. “I’m here,” she trilled, taking off her wide-brimmed hat.

  “Excellent timing,” Noreen said. “We’re just about ready for you. Now, Elly, here’s the part you sign on the transfer form.”

  Elly bent forward, seeing her name on the form, and the list of quarter sections. She took a deep breath and signed.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  When she returned home from her second-to-last physiotherapy appointment, six long weeks of pain nearly over, Alex found Will waiting for her on her front steps. She walked carefully up the sidewalk. Her ankle ached, but the therapist had told her that it was well on its way to being back to normal, and that she needed to give it a workout.

  “Hey, babe.” Will rose and came down the steps, taking her up in a big hug, lifting her off her feet. She clung to him, hoping he wouldn’t drop her, but he set her down gently.

  “Hey, yourself,” she said. “You’ve been gone a long time.”

  Will shrugged. “Had to take advantage of the construction job in BC,” he said. “Besides, I got in lots of riding while I was out there.”

  Alex’s shoulders slumped. She had missed almost an entire riding season thanks to her ankle. “Lucky.”

  “What have you been up to? Back to work yet?”

  “A little bit, but only really short shifts,” Alex replied. “Eric’s having to do most of the heavy lifting, though.”

  “He can manage. You working tonight? I’ll come in.”

  “Nope, have tonight off, and good thing too.” She sat on the stoop, slowly flexing her ankle. “After physio, I’m beat.”

  Will sat beside her, putting an arm over her shoulders. “Let’s go out for dinner, then. My treat. I’ve missed you.”

  Alex glanced up at him, and he took the opportunity to kiss her. His lips were warm, familiar, but there wasn’t that usual zing. She responded only hesitantly, and when he pulled back, he raised a brow.

  “You didn’t miss me, did you?”

  Having him say the words, Alex realized what she’d been trying to avoid thinking about. She hadn’t missed him, not really. She’d missed his company and desperately missed riding, but that was all. She hadn’t missed the sex, or the intimacy. But how to tell him?

  She didn’t have to. He must have read her expression.

  “Thought so.”

  “What do you mean, thought so?”

  “Haven’t you come to your senses yet?”

  “My senses are perfectly fine, Will.”

  “You sure about that, Bellerose? You back with Elly yet?”

  Alex winced and shook her head. She hadn’t seen Elly since the accident, and since Elly had quit Parry’s, there was no way she’d run into her. An ache in her chest twinged, and she rubbed at her sternum just below her collarbone. She’d been too chicken to even attempt calling, hadn’t wanted to seem like a beggar, crawling back.

  “Not Elly? What about Jan? Or”—he paused for dramatic effect—“Vanessa?”

  Alex rose shakily to her feet and turned toward the door. “No one, actually.”

  “Did she turn you into a nun?” Will’s voice behind her was incredulous.

  She shifted back to face him, holding on to the iron rail. “I needed a break from everything,” she said, her voice fierce. “And everyone.”

  “There’s a break, and then there’s hiding. Guess which one you’re doing.”

  “You’re not my keeper.”

  “Babe, I’ve been y
our friend, and your lover, for years. I know you almost as well as I know myself.” He paused. “Actually, I probably know you better. I’m way too messed up.”

  She couldn’t help but crack a smile at that.

  “Anyway, you’re being stubborn. And I don’t know what’s going through your head, but you and Elly were good together. And she’s a good woman. You think Jan, or even Heather, measures up to her at all?”

  “No, and that’s the problem. She’s too good, Will. She deserves better.”

  “I didn’t expect you to play the self-pity card. Let me know when you’ve come to your senses. See you around, Bellerose,” he said, turning away from her and heading to his bike.

  She didn’t call out to him. What would she say? When he’d gone, the growl of his motorcycle fading into the distance, she went inside. Their history meant a lot to her; he’d been her friend for over a decade, her best mate, but she had changed and he’d noticed. He’d become sensible, all of a sudden, too perceptive for his own good. She knew what she wanted, but it seemed impossible.

  Alex walked slowly into the kitchen, her ankle aching all the way, and poured herself a glass of water, swallowing down an aspirin from the plastic container on the counter. Time to put up her feet. She had physio again tomorrow.

  *

  The doctor examined Alex’s ankle, testing its range of motion and its strength. “I think you’re about healed,” he said, glancing up at her where she sat on the examination bed. “And if you’re careful and keep it short, you can start riding again.”

  Alex gave a yelp of surprise. She’d almost given up hearing those words and had thought they were weeks away yet.

  “You need to take it easy,” he added, rising from his chair, “but a short ride or two wouldn’t hurt. Keep it quick, just around the neighborhood.”

  She could ride again. That was all that mattered. “That’s the best news I’ve had in weeks.”