Shelly began to pace with her arms folded. “Give me your phone, I’ll call in sick for you.”
“I already did.” One of Ryann’s brows rose. “I must’ve sounded horrible because I didn’t get half of it out before Barnes told me to take as much time as I needed and to call when I felt better.”
“You’re coming home with me.”
Ryann shook her head. “I can’t face Evan and the kids right now.”
“Then I’m staying here. I’m not leaving you alone. You need to eat.”
“I need to do a lot of things, but that isn’t one of them.”
*******
Payton was at her piano putting the finishing touches on a new song when her phone rang. “I’m sorry I made that comment about Melanie the other day and you heard it,” she said when she answered.
“I’m pulling into your driveway. Open up,” Jana said and hung up.
“Oh, she’s pissed.” Payton opened the front door and expected to find a seething best friend on her step. She did, but Jana was carrying a pillow with a bag slung over her shoulder. “What’s going on?”
“Melanie and I had a fight.”
“And you left your own house?” Payton asked as she closed the door.
“I left hers, but I know I’m not gonna sleep much tonight.” Jana tossed her pillow onto the couch. “I don’t even know why I brought that.”
“You want a drink?”
“No.” Jana dropped her bag in the middle of the floor and began to wander around with both hands in her hair.
Payton took a seat. “I can’t be unbiased. I’m always on your side.”
Jana’s back was turned when she said, “Leigh and Ryann broke up today. Leigh was most definitely cheating and got busted big-time when her bitch showed up at the house and told Ryann everything.”
Payton rubbed her forehead as her blood pressure spiked from the surprise. “Is Ryann okay?”
“More than likely not, but she was already gone when Melanie got home from work. Melanie is normally at my house by the time I get home, and she wasn’t, so I called. She was busy consoling Leigh, who is ‘devastated.’ So I told Melanie I’d come over, and she told me not to, it might make Leigh uncomfortable. I’m an understanding woman, but she’s got a fucking cheater in her arms, and I took issue with that. Maybe I’m speaking out of turn, but Leigh made her bed. If she needs consolation from someone, why isn’t she with the woman who she’s been sneaking around with?”
Payton blew out a breath. “I warned you I can’t be unbiased, especially in this situation.”
“I know you can’t.” Jana turned and plopped down on the couch. “Regardless of what Melanie said, all I heard was, ‘I have to be here for this prick, and don’t make her uncomfortable with your presence.’”
Neither of them said anything for a few minutes. Payton rubbed her temples with Ryann on her mind and knew that at least she had a sister who lived close by. She remembered the desolation when Courtney had left, and Payton didn’t wish that feeling on anyone except for Leigh.
“I can be reasonable. Maybe I will be tomorrow, but tonight, I’m pissed. Good or bad, Leigh is a friend, and Melanie is loyal. She’s probably really torn about how to handle this because I know she loves Ryann, too.” Jana propped a hand under her chin. “I thought saying that aloud would make me feel better, but it doesn’t. You’re thinking about Ryann, aren’t you?”
“Always, it seems.”
*******
“Eat it.”
Ryann snatched a piece of bread out of Shelly’s hand and stuffed it into her mouth. She turned her nose up at a piece of fried fish when Shelly shoved that at her, too. With effort, Ryann swallowed, then took a drink, wanting to be completely smashed.
“Let me tell you what’s gonna happen,” Shelly said as gently as she could. “Leigh is gonna try to get you to forgive her. She’ll probably send you flowers and long letters filled with promises and apologies. That’s what Evan’s ex-wife did, but she sent him teddy bears instead of roses. Like him, you’ll probably be tempted to remember the good times, and it’ll weaken your resolve because your world has been blown apart, and all you want is normalcy. Evan did go back, they went to therapy, and he was working on forgiveness when she did it again with the same guy.” Shelly folded her arms and chewed her bottom lip. “Some people get lonely, maybe their partner works on a job away somewhere. Other times, the relationship goes through a rough patch, and they make a huge mistake. Those people might be able to redeem themselves, but there are others like Leigh who have a pattern. So when she comes to you with sweet little lies, that’s all they are. Remember that you weren’t happy, and the relationship was really already over. Dwell on that, not the woman you thought she was.”
“I just feel really stupid,” Ryann slurred. “She was probably sleeping with someone else the first year after we got together. And there I was begging her to talk to me. It didn’t click, it just didn’t click.” Ryann contemplated the bottom of her empty cup. “I really loved her then. I think that’s where all the hurt comes from. She never truly loved me.”
“You’re in shock. After you’ve had time to digest—oh, I want to get my hands on that woman and Leigh, but that woman. She caught you completely off guard and screamed at you like you were the one on the side. What an audacious bitch! I can’t spend much thought on Leigh because I probably would really go to jail. I’d smash her car, and I’d kick her in the crotch.”
“Stop shaking the bed, I’m already queasy.”
Shelly plucked the cup from Ryann’s hand and set it on the bedside table. “You’re good and drunk, you don’t need any more of that. I wish you’d eat some more, you need it to absorb some of the alcohol.”
“I kinda wish that I would’ve told her I wasn’t happy, then moved out without knowing any of this.”
Shelly pulled Ryann’s head down on her shoulder and stroked her hair. “She might’ve morphed into the woman you thought you knew and won you back.”
“I have to go to the doctor and make sure I don’t have some disease. That’s what I have to look forward to after eight years.”
“I promise you this. If any of the tests they give you come back positive for anything, I will kick her in the crotch. Then I’ll rent a billboard next to her office and put her picture on it with ‘Do you know this diseased cooch? If you do, you’d better get yourself checked.’”
“I’ll help you pay for it,” Ryann said with a sad smile. “And I’ll give you a picture.” She closed her eyes. “I put away all the photos of us as a couple just to see if she would notice, and she never did. That was a year ago, during her last emotional hiatus. Don’t tell Mom or anyone else about this. I’m going to need some time.”
“Can I tell Evan, just in case he has to bail me out of jail?”
“Yes, but no one else.”
Shelly took Ryann’s hand and squeezed it. “When you can, start looking forward to a new and happy life.”
“I already am.”
“That’s the rum talking.”
Ryann suppressed a burp.
Shelly smiled. “And that too.”
Chapter 10
“Wow.” Olivia sighed and turned to a fresh page. “How close were you to breaking it off with Leigh when you found out about her infidelity?”
Ryann pursed her lips as she thought. “Not close enough. I…talked a good game, but I really did hope that the woman I fell in love with would show up. I couldn’t admit that to myself back then. It took years before I did.” Ryann cleared her throat. “I’m thankful she didn’t because the love of my life is the sweetest there is.”
Payton drummed her fingers on the table. “That would be me. I couldn’t stop dreaming.”
Olivia smiled. “What happened next?”
“Jana and Melanie made up after their fight, and when their anniversary rolled around, I put my dreams into action…”
*******
******
***
“
Hello, I’m Payton Foret, Jana’s wingwoman, and you are?”
“Ryann Seely, Melanie’s wingwoman. Would you like to sit down? I don’t think they need us.”
Payton looked over at the table where Jana and Melanie sat as they did the first night they met face to face. She turned and smiled at Ryann, “I suppose this is our ‘next time.’”
Ryann smiled. “So it is. How’ve you been?”
“Busy. I’ve had lots of work come my way. And you?”
Ryann stared at her for a moment. “I’m sure you know.”
Payton nodded and caught the bartender’s attention. “I’d like a green apple martini and whatever she’s having.” She turned to face Ryann. “I think you’re beautiful, but I’m not going to ask you out as much as I’d like to. I know where you’re at, and I want to offer you my friendship.”
“Thank you,” Ryann replied. “Where am I?”
“You’re headed north on bewilderment and regret, but you’ll soon be on numb. Eventually, you’ll take a right on life anew.”
“I like that.” Ryann picked up her glass and raised a toast. “Thank you for not saying all the things that people say when you’re on this particular road.”
“I’ve been on it. There are lots of people standing on curbs made of eggshells holding bumper pads. No one really walks it with you, but I’ll follow behind if you want.”
“Why? It’s dangerous.”
“I have been…smitten with you since the day we met,” Payton admitted. “You’re not ready to hear that, though, maybe never, but I’ll take the chance.”
Ryann bit her lip. “When I turn onto life anew, I may have a witty comeback for that.”
“Oh, I’m sure you will. You haven’t failed me so far.” Payton pulled out her wallet when the bartender returned.
Ryann grinned. “You can put that away, I’m running a tab.”
“The only way I’ll agree to this again is if you let me take you to dinner sometime.”
“Deal.” Ryann watched the bartender walk away and said, “I understand now what you meant when you talked about how you saw Courtney so differently when she came back. It’s odd, isn’t it? You can be with someone for years and never notice things. Leigh’s chin was too pointy, it made her look like a witch. She tailed me when I left work one day, and to keep her from knowing where I live, I took her on a tour of New Orleans. She was tenacious, and I couldn’t get rid of her, so I stopped in the parking lot of a grocery store. I listened to all she had to say and stared at her chin the whole time. When she was done, I pulled a can of pepper spray from my car and told her that the next time she decided to follow me, I was going to light her up.”
Payton did her best not to laugh but couldn’t help herself. “I like your style.”
“That was all Shelly. She’s the one that gave me the spray. She predicted everything Leigh has done so far. Shelly said she would send cards and letters along with flowers, and she certainly did. The office administrator at the school took care of them for me. Whenever they arrived, she’d put them all straight into the trash. I got a new cellphone account, so work is the only way Leigh knew to reach me.”
“Jana was my Shelly. I only wish I would’ve heeded her advice much sooner than I did.”
Ryann laughed. “Shelly didn’t give me the option. The day after Leigh’s revelation, she dragged me into a cellphone store hungover and sick where she stood over me as I set up a new account. She wanted to do all sorts of diabolical things to Leigh’s belongings the day I moved out of the house. Had her husband not been there, we might’ve, but he said, ‘The biggest insult is to show her that she’s not worth my anger.’ It was a good point because I’d spent all the energy on her that I was going to.” She shrugged with a smile. “I think Shelly would’ve made a good mobster.”
Payton’s brow rose. “Did her plans involve a horse’s head or fish in newspaper?”
“Raw chicken under the sofa.”
Payton threw up a hand. “That’s brilliant. What kind of sentence would you get if charges were pressed? I don’t think making someone’s house stink is the same as destruction of property. I will remember that in case I need it one day.”
“It’s a workday, and we’re tired,” Jana said as she joined them with Melanie by her side. Both of them looked a little flushed, and neither appeared tired in the least. “Y’all hang out and chat, don’t leave on account of us.”
“Go home and get you some sleep, although we know that’s not what you’re gonna do,” Payton said with an impish grin.
Melanie gave Ryann a kiss on the cheek. “Call me.” She bestowed Payton with a nod and a smile, which Payton returned.
Ryann took a drink and gazed at Payton. “Melanie admitted that she knew about Leigh beforehand and how she found out.”
Payton felt like her lungs had dropped into her stomach. “Ryann, I’m sorry. I was very torn about what to do, and I know I made the wrong decision.”
“I was mad at you for a little while, but I tried to put myself in your shoes, and I wasn’t sure how I would’ve handled it, either. Had I been the type to blame the messenger instead of the guilty party, it could’ve damaged your relationship with Jana.”
“You’re giving me more latitude than I deserve. This is only the third time we’ve talked, but I think I know you better than that. Will you forgive me?”
“I already did.” Ryann leaned in close to her. “Don’t let it happen again, or you may find chicken under your sofa.”
Payton swallowed hard. The threat had no effect, but Ryann’s closeness and the scent of her perfume did. “You have my word.”
Ryann sat up straight. “Do you always drink apple martinis?”
“This is the second one I’ve ever had. The night I walked in here, I saw it on the drink special board and thought it was worth a try. It tastes like candy with a kick.”
“May I try it?”
Payton scooted the glass over to Ryann and watched as she lifted it to her lips. Ryann’s brow furrowed, and she smacked her lips. “That is really sweet.” She handed the drink back to Payton.
“You don’t like it.”
“Not sure yet. Do you gamble?”
“Is this a trick question?”
“I haven’t been to a casino in ages, and I think I’d like to play the slots this weekend. Want to join me?”
“Only if you make me this promise. I’ll have a set amount of cash in my pocket. Don’t let me lose any more than that.”
Ryann’s lips curved into a smile. “You do the same for me.” She tilted her head to the side and stared at Payton. “Your hair has really grown out in a year’s time,” she said as she touched the loose curls resting on Payton’s shoulder.
“Here’s the thing about short hair, at least in my case, it grows really fast. It seemed like I was in my hairdresser’s chair all the time, so I just let it do its thing. Does it look bad?”
“No, it’s pretty.”
Warmth flooded Payton as Ryann studied her. “Thanks.”
Ryann smiled and looked away. “I got a new place. It’s an apartment not far from Shelly, and logistically, it might be kind of a mistake because it’s very convenient for her to get to. Last weekend, I slept in, and I thought I was dreaming when I smelled coffee. Shelly had let herself in, brewed a pot, and was doing what she called organization of my pantry.”
“She’s mothering you, isn’t she?”
“Oh, yeah, and she also uses my place as an escape. Whenever Evan relieves her of momma duties, she comes right over. She’s decorated it more than I have. Shelly’s a lot like my mom. She collects furniture, and her house is crammed full of things she bought secondhand. She likes to refinish it. My place is mostly furnished with stuff she had in her attic.” Ryann took a drink and cleared her throat. “I didn’t really want anything from what I will now refer to as the old house. I needed a fresh start, so I took only my clothes and personal items.”
Payton gazed at Ryann for a moment. “What can
I do for you?”
“I don’t know.” Ryann chewed at her bottom lip. “Just…don’t get too far away. I don’t know what I can or should offer right now.”
“I’m gonna give you my phone number, and I want yours. We’ll just take it from there.”
Ryann nodded and smiled. “Okay.”
Chapter 11
“She was so sweet,” Ryann said with a smile. “How could I not fall in love with her?”
“I’m sure you both were a little wary,” Olivia said.
“Yes and no.” Ryann glanced at Payton and smiled. “We had chemistry, and it was such a natural progression in my opinion.”
“We were besieged by advice. Well-intended advice that we tried to listen to, but our ball had started rolling, and we couldn’t stop it. I was scared shitless, but at the same time, I felt helpless.” Payton shrugged. “I just couldn’t put the brakes on.”
*******
******
***
“I’ve been stripping,” Payton said when she answered Jana’s call the next day.
“Tell me where you work, and I’ll drop you a twenty to put your clothes back on.”
“My trainer has me muscle stripping. You increase the weight and reps until you turn to rubber, but surprisingly, I feel powerful now.”
“You’re gonna be hurting in the morning,” Jana said with a laugh.
“I expected to ache this afternoon, but so far, I’m feeling good. Yeah,” Payton said with a growl, “there’s steel beneath this skin.”
“So how’d it go last night with Ryann?”
“We had a nice time. We’re going to a casino tomorrow night.”
Jana was silent for a moment. “On a date?”
“No, as friends.”
“Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?”
“Yes, I do,” Payton said confidently. “I might fall in love with her, and she may never feel the same about me. I could fall headlong into the abyss of heartbreak and sadness, burst into flames, and be audited by the IRS.”
Next Time Page 8