“I hate you.”
Rose watched as the woman slammed out of the diner, almost taking out another woman who had been entering.
“Are you okay?” Rose asked. “Lila.” She smiled when she recognized the owner of Peony. She had called in several orders but hadn’t been back to the shop since the night Lila had come to her rescue.
“I’m fine.” Her dark auburn hair was piled up in a messy bun. The style was like Lila, casual and sexy. She was wearing a loose, long-sleeved blouse that matched the soft green of her eyes. “Who was the sour puss?”
“An old nemesis who thinks Jack Winston could do a lot better—with her.”
“Do you know Jack?” Lila let out a delighted laugh. “He’s the reason I chose to open my shop in Harper Falls.”
Rose remembered Jack mentioning that in passing.
“Jack told me that he knew you but not any details. I think he's friends with your brother, is that right.”
“I kind of knew him when we were kids back in Oregon. He and my brother would hang out and I was the annoying little sister.” Lila grinned at someone over Rose’s shoulder. “Hey, Jack. I’m glad to see you picked the right woman.”
“Lila,” Jack greeted her with genuine affection. “Did I pick you?” he asked Rose. “I thought you picked me.”
“That doesn’t sound right.” Rose gave him a wide-eyed look. “But you should know if it hadn’t been for me you could at this very moment be having breakfast with most annoyingly vapid woman on the planet. You can thank me later.”
“And you can explain later.” He slipped his arm around her waist. Lila thought it looked completely natural—nice. Like he’d been doing it for years. If she ever heard from her wandering brother she’d have to let him know that it looked like Jack Winston had finally met his match.
“I see there’s a table opening up. Will you join us?”
“No, thanks, Jack. I just stopped in to grab some coffee and a muffin. Thanks to Rose, I have more orders to fill than I can handle, which is why, I’m happy to say, I hired some full-time help.” She gave Jack and Rose each a quick hug. “I left Tammy alone, so I need to grab my order and get back. See you soon.”
“I like her.” Rose took her seat in the booth expecting Jack to sit opposite her. Instead he sat on the same side, making her slide over. Rose gave him a disgruntled look which he chose to ignore.
“I’m glad Lila is making some friends. How did the two of you meet?”
Rose imagined that most people who met Jack thought he was easy going and accommodating, but she knew better. For all his charm and smiles, Jack seemed always to get his own way. It was like being sneaky quick. You thought you had the upper hand, but before you knew it he had smoothly gotten what he wanted. With an exasperated shake of her head, Rose filled Jack in on the night she met Lila.
ROSE SPENT THE rest of the day in her studio.
She had finished several songs for Wishes. But the big climactic love song was giving her trouble. She knew why. Love songs, like love, weren’t her thing. She wrote about sex, heartache, and betrayal. But love? You could write about what you didn’t know, but more often than not it didn’t ring true.
A series of notes had been swirling around her brain for days. Picking up her guitar, Rose strummed the strings, hoping to chase down the elusively faint melody. After the better part of an hour, and no results that didn’t sound like a commercial for a feminine hygiene product, she growled in frustration and put away the instrument. There was a wall she couldn’t break through, and right now she didn’t have any idea how to do it. In a few days she would try again. Find a way to come at it from a different angle.
There were plenty of other things to keep her busy. Like the dreaded paperwork. It was something that eventually had to get done. What better time than when her creative juices seemed to have dried up. Sam Laughton might not like her putting Wishes on the back burner, but her accountant would be ecstatic.
An hour later, receipts and expenses duly recorded, Rose felt she’d earned a break. And her stomach agreed. Peanut butter and jelly sounded good. But did she have any jelly? Or bread? Or peanut butter? Her practically empty cupboards screamed the answer. No! Not even a stale cracker. And since for once she didn’t feel like having yogurt, it was grocery shopping or the diner. She looked around for her phone. Maybe she could get Dani or Tyler to meet her at Cable’s Market. It was always more fun to shop when she had her friends with her.
Wait a minute. The phone. Rose suddenly had one of those slap yourself in the forehead moments. Why hadn't she thought of it before?
Forgetting about her stomach, Rose marched across the house to the little room where she stored things that she might need someday but, for now, she wanted to keep out of sight. Sort of the equivalent of a junk drawer. But before she could enter the room the doorbell rang.
“Hey,” Tyler greeted Rose as she opened the door. “I needed to get out of my studio and have some human contact. Want to get some lunch?”
“You’re timing couldn’t have been better.” Rose grabbed Tyler and practically dragged her into the house. “I’m about to cleanse my house of old demons.”
“Shouldn’t we get some sage to burn?” Tyler asked. Then she saw what room Rose was taking her into. “Or maybe we’re going to burn something else? Please?"
“Not burn.” Rose looked at the phone and answering machine that she kept shoved back in the corner. Out of sight, but never quite out of mind. She’d always thought of it as her last line of defense. An unspoken agreement that kept Louise out of Harper Falls. Well, that agreement had been had been broken. And then some. It was finally time to cut her last link to Aunt Louise.
Rose ripped the phone from the wall jack and headed towards the garage. “I’m going to run over it with my car.”
“And imagine that it’s a certain someone’s head?” Tyler smiled at the graphic image.
Rose grinned back, hitting the automatic door opener. “Great minds think alike.” Putting the phone under her back tire, Rose climbed in the car. “Want to get in? After I’ve ground this to dust, we can head to the diner. Killing a bitch, even symbolically, works up an appetite.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“I CAN'T BELIEVE the two of you smashed that phone without me.”
Rose passed Dani the guacamole. She and her friends were having lunch at a new restaurant that had opened the week before. Boasting the only Mexican cuisine in town it was doing a brisk business, and if the bright, fresh flavors of the homemade salsa were any indication, they shouldn’t have any problem keeping their clientele.
“My garbage hasn’t been picked up yet this week, so if you need to say your goodbyes, the bag of pieces will be available for viewing for the next two days.”
“Believe me, I won’t be doing any grieving.” Dani sipped her icy margarita, licking the salt from her lips. “Just one question, then we'll bury the subject along with the phone. Do you think she’ll turn up when she finds out the phone is out of commission?”
“She already fouled the air that I breathe.”
“Great title for a song,” Tyler quipped to lighten the mood.
“It’s been done.” Rose smiled reassuringly at her friends. “I’m not going to worry about it. I got my panic attack, or whatever it was, out of the way. I would have preferred not to do it in front of Jack. But whatever power she still has over me is less than it was last week—less than it was yesterday. And, I’m turning that evil phone room into a half bath. Win, win.”
“Seems fitting that people will be doing their business in the place that used to house the shithead box.”
“Okay, enough about that." As far as Rose was concerned the subject was permanently closed. "There’s an extremely handsome man in a chef’s coat coming this way. You know how to pick them, Tyler. Good looking and he cooks? Very nice.”
“Maybe he has a brother who hang glides,” Dani said. “What? I want to learn, why shouldn’t my instructor be gorgeous? Way to bust a slump, by t
he way.”
“Right now it’s all about the sex,” Tyler grinned. “If we ever get to the talking stage, I’ll be sure and ask if he has any hang-gliding brothers.”
Tyler had met Max Rivera, the owner/chef of Bienvenido, two weeks ago when she was loading a sculpture into her van for delivery. Max jogged by, saw Tyler and after they had exchanged pleasantries for several minutes he had asked her out. Max was busy opening his restaurant; Tyler had a backlog of commissions she was trying to get done. Neither had the time or inclination, to start a romance. The sex was great and she liked him. Friends with benefits and food.
Max turned out to be charming and he was obviously fond of Tyler. Rose and Dani gave their silent approval, after all; that was what this outing had really been about. As her friends, it was their job to make sure the man in her life, no matter how temporary, was worthy of her. Max passed with flying colors. So much so that Rose couldn't help wishing he could be more to Tyler than just a way to scratch an itch. In her way, Tyler was as screwed up about love and relationships as Rose. Different reasons, same results. And then there was Dani and her lost love. If she weren't so sick of therapy, Rose would suggest they find a psychologist who gave group discounts.
After lunch, Rose headed over to the high school. She had been asked to be a judge at the annual talent show. Back in the day, Rose had participated, coming in third. But then, she wasn’t a performer. Early on in her career producers had taken one look at her and decided she could be a star. A woman with her face and killer songs that she wrote herself? She must want to be on stage, right? Wrong. Rose knew where she belonged, and it wasn't performing in front of screaming fans.
Harper Academy had given her a solid start with her music. She’d learned so much and, even more importantly, the teachers there had encouraged her dreams. But looking back, Rose was glad she hadn’t been able to go back for her sophomore year. There had no longer been any money from Louise’s husband, correction, ex-husband, so Rose had spent the next three years with Tyler and Dani at Harper High.
Harper Falls’ public high school had been remodeled and modernized about five years ago, but Rose soon found that not much had changed. Kids still milled around the halls, waiting until the last minute before scurrying to class. And Principal Harriman still ruled with an iron fist. And a heart of mush. She greeted Rose with a hug.
Rose remembered how lost she had been those first few months, still recovering both physically and mentally. Mona Harriman had taken Rose under her wing, making sure she adjusted to her new school. The woman had been a rock, and Rose had never forgotten.
“I should have warned you. We’re having an assembly to introduce this year’s judges.”
“What, now?” Rose looked down at her faded jeans, yellow button down shirt, and black loafers.
“You look great,” Principal Harriman assured her.
“At least let me do a quick stop at the bathroom to check my hair.”
“Of course.” They detoured into the designated door. “Girls, the bell has rung. Get to the gym. And Clare, spit out that gum. The next time it ends up in another girl’s hair, you’re going to have to explain to your parents why I had to suspended you.”
The girls scrambled out of the bathroom, suitably chastised.
“You haven’t lost your touch.” Rose applied some lip gloss, her eyes crinkled with humor.
“I love my students. But now and then they need a verbal kick in the butt. Which reminds me, how’s Tyler these days.”
The two women exchanged grins. Tyler had been an instigator. To her credit, she rarely caused any real damage, if you didn’t count a smoke filled chemistry lab. And she was the champion of those who couldn’t look out for themselves. There wasn’t very much bullying when Tyler was around. And though Principal Harriman didn’t condone a vigilante approach, she could have used a few more students with Tyler Jones’ sense of justice for the underdog.
After Rose had made sure she was as presentable as possible given the short notice, they headed for the gymnasium where the students had assembled.
“Is this a new thing? Introducing the judges,” she clarified. “It wasn’t done when I was in school.”
“Word of your participation has caused a bit of a stir.” She held the door open for Rose. “Rather than have them all rubbernecking at the talent show, it was suggested that if you are introduced to them now it might temper the excitement on the actual night.”
“I’m surprised any of them even know who I am.” People wanted to meet the singer of the songs, not the writer.
“I believe a picture of you with Beyoncé has been making the rounds.”
Now the light bulb went on. “Ah, yes, celebrity by association. They’re going to be awfully disappointed when they find out that she and Jay-Z rarely drop by for a chat.”
Rose exchanged brief hellos with the other four judges. She didn’t know any of them, but she imagined they were a bit surprised by all the hoopla that went along with a high school talent show. In fact, most of them looked like they wanted to be anyplace but here. Only Carl Fuller appeared to be enjoying the spotlight. Owner of Fuller’s Feed and Seed, Carl considered himself a big man in town and he took an instant liking to Rose. Overcompensating for the noisy student body he leaned over and shouted in her ear, “If you ever need any flower seeds you let me know. I’ll give you a big discount, if you know what I mean?”
Honestly? The kid in the last row of the bleachers knew what he meant. Grimacing, Rose stepped away. She moved so that the other judges were between her and seedy Carl. Did that line ever actually work? And at a high school assembly? Carl needed to learn some manners. Where was Tyler when she needed her?
Principal Harriman quieted the students with her patented silent stare. Thirty seconds, Rose counted. Impressive.
“We are very fortunate to have five distinguished members of our community with us today. They have graciously agreed to donate their valuable time and will be judging this Saturday’s annual talent show.”
Each of the judges received a polite smattering of applause. When the principal introduced Rose, she was relieved that her reception was only marginally more enthusiastic. Not bad, nothing embarrassing. And then it happened. One of the little smart asses had to call out, “Who was your boyfriend when you wrote Grind?”
Ugh. Five more minutes and she’d have been out of the building. Now she had to deal with hormonally charged teenagers and fellow judges who were giving her looks ranging from disgust, hello, Mr. Plumber. To increased interest by Carl, the seed man.
Principal Harriman quickly brought things back under control. Rose didn’t offer to answer any questions. No matter what she said, it was a no win situation. Parents didn’t want their children having a Q&A with the writer of sexually explicit songs. Who could blame them?
“I’m sorry about that.” The students were back in their classes and the other judges had left. Principal Harriman insisted on walking Rose to her car.
“You have nothing to apologize for. They're just kids.”
“My school, my responsibility. I don’t like any guest to be embarrassed.”
“That was nothing. In fact, it was pretty mild.” Rose gave the principal a considering look. “We’re you embarrassed, Principal Harriman? By the song, not the question.”
“First of all, call me Mona.” She held up a hand when Rose would have protested. “You’ll get used to it. Secondly, I have heard it before, Rose. In fact, my husband I have been known to play it when the mood strikes.”
“Mona.” Rose ran the name through her brain a few times. It wasn’t too strange. “I’m a bit disturbed to hear that from my former principal but I'm thrilled to hear it from my friend.”
“I don’t suppose you’d like to confide in me…you know?”
Rose laughed at Mona's sheepish question. She unlocked her car door and tossed her purse onto the passenger seat. “I could tell you, but…”
“Right, I understand. Besides, who would kee
p all those little darlings in order if I were dead?”
Rose was still laughing as she started to pull into her driveway. But at the last moment she changed her mind and kept going until she was in front of Tyler’s studio. Her exchange with Principal Harriman was too good to keep to herself. And her friends were the only ones who would appreciate it and keep it to themselves. While she waited for Tyler to answer the door, she called Dani to come over. Rose suddenly realized she hadn’t stopped grinning since she left the school. Who could blame her? Mona Harriman liked to get down and dirty to 'Grind'.
IT WAS LATE afternoon when Rose decided to surprise Jack at his office. But as she approached the gates she wondered if she should have called first. She pulled to a stop as a guard approached. This was new. She hoped nothing was wrong.
“Are you expected?” The guard had a clipboard with a list of names.
“No. What’s going on? Is everyone alright?” Had something happened to Jack?
“I’m sorry, miss, but without an appointment you’re going to have to turn around and leave.”
“Look, I don’t want to cause any trouble.” Rose knew the guard wouldn’t be out here if Jack and Drew didn’t think it was necessary, so she was trying to be pleasant. But if he didn’t tell her if Jack was alright, she was going to storm the gates.
“Then turn your pretty little ass around and get out of here.”
Pretty little ass? Really? Rose grabbed her phone. This guy’s ugly big ass was about to get her foot up it.
“Hey, sweetheart. I was just thinking about you.” Rose relaxed. Jack answered after the first ring. If something had happened to him it would have taken at least two.
Before she could tell Jack her situation, the guard leaned down to her level. “Look, I can’t let you in, but why don’t you give me your address and I’ll come by in a few hours after I get off.” He looked her up and down. “Then I can help you get off.”
“Martin, let Miss O’Brian through the gate and then get your things and clear out, you’re fired.”
If I Loved You (Harper Falls Book 1) Page 17