What followed was what every man Heath knew would hate. It was no less difficult for his father, who, after taking a deep breath, jumped right in. His cheeks took on a certain pallor and he swallowed convulsively.
“I was a fool, son. A reactive, prideful fool. Your mother cheated on me and I didn’t stop to think of anything but how I felt. Not her reasoning, not the implications, and definitely not about how what I did … everything … impacted you and Mia. All I was concerned about was my bruised manly pride and how the community must have regarded me.”
Heath tried to come up with something to say, but he was caught, hung up on the bruised, manly pride thing as sure as if it was barbed wire wrapped all around him. He understood his father totally in that moment. He’d perhaps had an inkling back then when he thought Ellie had done the same thing to him—cheated. Like father, like son. A strange sound strangled from his lips and Roy’s eyes widened.
Finally, he got the words out. “I get why you reacted the way you did, Dad.” Despite how awkward the conversation was, he didn’t miss the way his father responded to the paternal title, and sadness and guilt over how he’d treated his only living parent for years added to his burden. “I won’t bore you with the details, but I’ve had intimate experience with hurt pride. It makes people do things that …” He trailed off, thinking his father’s experience had been based on fact, yet he was trying to let go of the pain. Roy had actually had some success if his relationship with Renee was anything to go by. Heath had just found out his own angst had been based on a lie, but if anything, things were even worse. Complicated.
“I don’t follow, son.”
With a gesture, Heath shooed his own issue aside. “I think it was Mom’s death so soon after you divorced that made it even more difficult for me to deal. It was one loss piled on top of another. I mean, there’s a lot of truth in what is said about kids feeling responsible for a divorce.”
“It had nothing to do with you and Mia, and everything to do with your mother and me not addressing our difficulties. We didn’t communicate. I’m not going into details. You’re still my child no matter how old you are, and children don’t need to be privy to some things about their parents, but suffice it to say Joyce and I were headed down a rocky road long before she stepped out on me. By reacting I thought I effectively relinquished any responsibility.”
Heath could see how that had worked. People focused on the cheater and applauded the punitive reaction of the aggrieved party, for the most part. Ellie had supported him and Mia, careful, even back then, not to be too vocal about either of his parents. Sensitive and kind, like Renee. Thinking of his soon-to-be stepmother, he quirked a brow at his dad.
“Are you settled on this one? On Renee?”
Roy flushed scarlet, the silver in his unshaven jaw standing out in stark relief, but he didn’t flinch. “I am. Definitely. Renee is the best. You can sense the goodness in her from a mile away and she’s as honest as the day is long. And not at all materialistic. She’s been through some things too and we’re good for one another.”
Standing, his father paced to the window and peered out. “When I think of how it must have looked—the jokes about my multiple marriages and how I was going through women … It’s a wonder Renee could see past all that.” He turned to face Heath. “I personally don’t care. It’s like it happened to another man, a poor example of a man. I can’t let things like that bother me, not when I have the rest of my life ahead of me with a woman I truly love.”
In the face of his dad’s passionate outburst, Heath felt his own cheeks heat. His memory of his parents’ connection when he was younger was that of a couple busy with life and kids, but nothing he could recall insofar as an affectionate connection. No spontaneous hugs or kisses. Definitely not the TV style of family. Maybe it was why he found PDA so difficult, although Mia had no problem, bless her. “How do you know, Dad? That Renee is really the one.”
“I just do.”
“Well, then I’ll give you my blessing, for what it’s worth.”
His father stepped forward, and this time Heath returned the hug. They pounded one another’s backs in that awkward way men had before separating, but not before he saw the tears in Roy’s eyes. He felt a little misty himself. He wouldn’t confess to the rift being totally mended, and supposed they would have to work at continuing the connection, but it didn’t feel half bad. Mia would be over the moon. That counted for a lot.
“When you say you have had some experience …”
Oh, no. The revelations had piled right up, and Heath was feeling far too raw. He knew how easy it would be to blurt out everything about Ellie and the false pregnancy. Not happening. This thing between him and his dad was still too fragile. The man might have figured things out in his own life, but Heath wasn’t ready to ask him for any advice. Maybe he’d never be ready.
“I expect most of us have, Dad.” He forced a smile. “Is there something I can do to help with the celebrations?”
After a pause, his father accepted the change in subject. “I think we’re on top of everything, Heath. At least Renee is. It’s going to be a small, intimate ceremony. Maybe you can help Ellie with the flowers on the big day.”
With an effort, Heath kept his features impassive. He’d come to the conclusion during the bonding moment with Roy that he’d have to make some form of apology to Ellie, preferably sooner than later, to clear the air and make their association at the wedding less uncomfortable. He doubted she’d give him the time of day, unless she planned to tear him a new one, which was more her style, but he couldn’t simply turn up at her shop, offering her his help, and pretend nothing had happened. Or maybe he could. She’d been dead serious when she told him to stay away from her. Maybe he could show up and act like they hadn’t ever met. Grow a pair, remember?
“Let me know when you want them picked up.” He’d make it short, sweet, and professional. He’d wrap up his stark emotions and not let on anything to further upset her. After all, he had plenty of practice with coming across as cool, calm, and collected. A real bastard.
“Will do. Now let’s take advantage of the fine weather and take a drive around while the women do whatever. I can show you the new developments and the changes around here. Maybe keep an eye out for our vagrant. I’ll have you back in time for Melissa.”
Knowing he’d do nothing but think about Ellie while he sorted out all of his options, Heath nevertheless followed his father out to the vehicle. Still reeling from all the revelations, he knew he should try and get a few hours’ sleep, but was reluctant to close his eyes. Slumber would elude him and he’d be forced to relive things he didn’t care to. Better he hung out with Roy.
* * * *
Ellie’s lips curved painfully into a smile as she observed the young man moving from a vase of tulips to one of her most expensive arrangements—ones that were usually bought by husbands who had forgotten an anniversary or birthday. After last night she wasn’t feeling particularly happy, but she was trying. There was no way possible Chevy Morris, her youngest customer, could afford the fifty dollar “apology flowers”. He was attentive in picking out the perfect arrangement.
“Chevy, what brings you by today?” She always asked, but already knew his reason. Her name was Annabeth Washington, cheerleader for the football team. The flowers were always for his girlfriend.
His gaze fell to his scuffed tennis shoes. “I’m afraid I messed up again.”
“I seriously doubt that.” Chevy was one of the sweetest kids she’d met. And usually when he told her his relationship woes, he really hadn’t done anything wrong in her eyes. It mostly had to do with his expectations and not so much his actions.
He vigorously shook his head when looking back up at her. “I really did it this time. I sat with Mildred Butler at the diner last night. I honestly was just waiting on Annabeth. Mildred asked me to wait with her, and I didn’t want to be rude.” He shook his head, looking disgusted. “It was a stupid thing to do.”
/> Ellie wanted to say something about the name Mildred. What parent would call their child that in this day and age? But she stayed on point. Who knew, maybe it was a family name. “How was being nice stupid? I would pick a considerate guy any day of the week.”
Her thoughts then shot to Heath and his total lack of consideration. Nope, not doing that right now. He’d taken over her night. She wouldn’t let him ruin her day too. There was no changing the past.
“Annabeth and Mildred used to be best friends up until two weeks ago.” He cleared his throat, as if dreading the next few words he was about to reveal. “That’s when Mildred kissed me in the school parking lot. I didn’t want her to. It just kinda happened.”
“Oh.” Now Ellie could sympathize with Annabeth’s situation.
“But I didn’t kiss her back,” Chevy rushed to say. “I love Annabeth. As soon as the kiss happened, I went to Annabeth and told her. I don’t like secrets.”
“You are wise way before your years. I’m calling it now, Chevy. You’ll be one of the good ones when you grow up. Heck, you’re already better than all the men I’ve ever dated.”
Chevy blushed a bright shade of red at the compliment. “You’re very pretty and nice. There’s no way you have a hard time finding a good man.”
“See what I mean? You’re very sweet, and Annabeth is lucky to have you.” She guided him to the checkout counter and pulled out a binder showcasing different arrangements. “So tell me, how did Annabeth react last night? Did she storm out of the diner, swearing to never talk to you again?” Because in a way that’s what Heath had done to her. And she’d put a total moratorium on any future contact last night. Maybe she wasn’t the best person to give out relationship advice.
“Well, no, she gave Mildred one of those looks,” he said, his eyes going all squinty. “You probably know what I’m talking about. She gives it a lot when she’s mad. Then we went to our own table and she was very quiet all night. I think she thinks I like Mildred or something. When I was walking her back home she said something about me liking the attention Mildred was giving me. I don’t even know what she’s talking about.”
Yeah, she knew the look. She’d given it herself over the years. Most recently to Heath when he accused her of cheating and deceiving him. Of course she’d mastered her “screw you” look and hoped it came across as lethal. And why was she still thinking about the jackass? Because he’d hurt her again. And because she still loved him. Oh, shit.
“Did you say something, Ms. Ellie?” Chevy asked, giving a confused look.
Great, she was talking out loud again, and now she was cussing in front of minors. “I don’t know Annabeth so I can’t speak for her, but it sounds to me she’s more upset with the situation and Mildred. If she was really upset with you she wouldn’t have had a meal with you. Nor do I think she would let you walk her home.” Although Ellie was glad he had—with the mystery man still wandering around at night. “I bet if you stop by and talk to her today everything will turn out okay.”
“I still want to take flowers. They always make her smile.” One corner of Chevy’s mouth turned up into a goofy grin. “She has such a pretty smile.”
Ellie flipped through the binder until she found a wild array of flowers bundled with only a yellow ribbon. “I think these will be perfect.”
Chevy’s eyes widened. “I would like to buy those.”
Ellie shook her head. “No need. You know where I live?”
“Yes. Over on Grant Street.”
“That’s right. I want you to go around to the backyard. The gate is unlocked. There is a section of the yard back against the fence that is filled with flowers just like these. Pick as many as you want.”
For the first time since being there, the boy smiled. “Are you serious?”
She cut a piece of burlap string and handed it to him. “Tie this around the stems. It’s simple and thoughtful. Annabeth will love them.”
Shoving his hands in his front pocket, he pulled out a wad of dollar bills. “What do I owe you?”
Ellie pushed his hand away. “Nothing.”
“You sure?”
“Promise me something, Chevy.”
“Anything,” he said, his gratitude showing all over his face.
“Don’t always feel like you have to impress a girl with expensive gifts. Honesty is the best way to go, and it seems you’ve already learned that. Flowers are nice and all, but you don’t have to show up with them every time there is a misunderstanding, because they will lose their luster. And, this one is important. Don’t let a girl walk all over you. I’m not saying Annabeth is doing this, but for future reference, remember you’re not always in the wrong. And if you are, an apology should suffice.” She was about to let the boy go, because she was sure she’d just confused the crap out of him. He hadn’t walked into her shop for a therapy session. But she had one more thing to add. “And last thing, I promise, don’t run away when things get tough. Stick it out and talk about it. Because if you walk away, you might be leaving the best thing in your life.”
Lord help her, where had that all come from? Chevy stared back at her like she had two heads. She laughed, and he only nodded, probably not taking in a lick of what she’d said. She was just as confused, because while she thought her advice was worth giving, it really had more to do with her relationship with Heath than Chevy’s teenage love. Heath had left, abandoned her. For what? Because he was trying to punish her. To get even with her for something she hadn’t even done. And he would’ve known that if he’d stuck it out. To her, Heath had walked away from the best thing that could’ve happened to both of them. She had believed in their love that much. It sucked he hadn’t too.
She continued working, trying to keep her mind off her argument with Heath the night before. Reliving the moment wasn’t going to do her any good. Before she realized it, it was about time for Renee and Mia to show up so they could show Renee the arrangements they’d come up with. She hoped Renee loved all of her and Mia’s ideas, because although it was going to be a small affair, Ellie still needed time to prepare.
Bending down behind the counter, she pulled out her wedding binder. She’d bookmarked all of the ideas she’d previously discussed with Mia. Renee had pretty much left all the wedding details up to Mia, which she seemed to love.
The bell above her entrance door jingled. “I’m getting my binder out!” She assumed it was Renee and Mia. Popping back up, she found Melissa sashaying through the door. Ellie closed her eyes and let out a rush of air. It was important she kept it together, otherwise she was going to go bat-shit crazy on the chick. “Melissa.” She kept her voice even and calm. She even offered a smile, although it pained her to do so.
Quickly glancing around the shop, Melissa said, “I just thought I would stop in and see what all the fuss is about.” Her tone came across as snarky and borderline rude. “It seems like an ordinary shop to me. Nothing like the ones in Chicago.”
Ellie was about to tell her she could find her way back to Chicago. It would solve a lot of problems. But instead she bit her tongue. She wasn’t about to give Melissa the satisfaction of a response. Instead she started counting to one hundred, praying Mia or Renee would walk through the door at any minute.
Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen…
“You don’t like me very much, do you? You’re jealous.” Melissa ran one manicured finger across one of the display tables. She scrunched up her nose as she examined the tip of her finger.
Was she looking for dust? Really? Who in hell did that? Twenty, twenty-one…
“You can admit it. It’s obvious you are. Even Heath can tell.”
So much for the counting crap. It was time for bat crazy. The blood pumping through her was boiling. “And why would I be jealous of you, Melissa?”
Melissa smiled. That was what she wanted. She wanted to fight. Ellie had tried to bite back her comments long enough. She refused to be verbally attacked in her own store. Especially by this twit.
“B
ecause of Heath, silly. He picked me. It’s actually sad the way you’ve pined after him all these years.”
This woman was insane. Ellie almost laughed out loud because did Melissa really expect a response. But when Melissa carried herself closer, obviously waiting, Ellie didn’t hold back. It was time to get it all out.
“I’m not envious of you, Melissa. Unlike you, I don’t let a man determine my self-worth. I like being independent and not tied down. If I want to screw a tourist coming in only for the weekend I can. Nothing is holding me back.” Melissa broke her cool exterior and gasped. Ellie had surprised even herself. But God it felt good let go. Almost too good. “Heath doesn’t do it for me anymore.” Ellie then shrugged, hoping she’d covered the big fat lie she’d just told.
The other woman stared at her, still clearly shocked before collecting herself. She went for Ellie’s jugular. “Then I guess it’s a good thing he picked me over you.”
The bell rang over the door, and in walked Mia. Ellie was on a roll and it didn’t matter that her best friend was there.
“You really think he picked you over me? And what makes you think that?”
“Because he’s with me, isn’t he? He comes home to me every night. You’re bitter and alone. And after talking to you today I can see why.”
“What’s going on in here?” Mia moved to stand beside Melissa, looking ready to step in between them if things got a little more heated.
“Did he come home to you last night?” Ellie shot back, ignoring Mia.
Ellie wasn’t sure where Heath went after he left her house. He could’ve gone back home and found comfort in Melissa’s arms all night, for all she knew. He was known before to make rash decisions when someone told him things he didn’t like. Nothing would surprise her nowadays with him.
Melissa jerked back as if Ellie had slapped her. So Heath hadn’t gone back home last night. Interesting.
Mia’s hands flew to her chest. Her eyes went wide. “Wait, did Heath go back to your house after he dropped me off?”
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