Round & Ravishing

by Mary E Thompson

  “There are a ton of books about divorce and helping kids understand it. I think I saw something recently about making sense of one parent leaving. I’ll set it aside for you to look through when you guys come in this weekend,” Riley, the resident bookworm and owner of local bookstore, READ, said.

  “I didn’t know you guys went to READ on the weekends,” Abby said. “That sounds like fun.”

  Olivia nodded. “Riley has a great section in the kids area for them to play. They get mad when I try to drag them out of there so we just stay. It gives me a chance to sit and read and not worry about what they’re getting into.”

  “Elise is only a year old and I can confirm how tough it is to follow them around. That’s another reason I’m not ready for a second one yet.”

  “It gets easier as they get older. Now I can tell my kids to go do something and for the most part it’s done. With the exception of Kevin keeping an eye on Becca when I need him to.”

  Olivia shot me a glance, but I pretended not to notice. I was not going to bond with her over how we ran into each other after almost ten years.

  “Who’s got some news?” Sam asked. “We’re so sleep deprived from nighttime feedings that we haven’t had sex in forever. I need someone to give me a good story so I’m in the mood when we get home. Brady said the only way he’d come was if he was going to get rewarded for it.”

  Everyone laughed. Sam was always looking for inspiration for her sex life. She and Carrie had the dirtiest minds of the group, which was why they got the nicknames Sassy Sam and Crass Carrie when I first met them. They lived up to them every time I saw them.

  When no one immediately jumped to share, I leaned forward. “I met a guy Friday night,” I said, looking at Sam.

  “Tell me more.”

  I shrugged and leaned back. “I went to Malley’s for a little fun and found a lot of fun. His name is Noah.”

  “My sister set me up with a guy named Noah. He wanted me to give him a blowjob under the table on our first date,” Addi said with a shudder. “Needless to say, there was not a second date.

  “I remember that,” Sam said on a laugh. She focused back on me. “Was this Noah like that?”

  I shook my head. “No, he didn’t ask me for a blowjob. Just lots of sex,” I said casually.

  Sam pumped her fists in the air. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about! What happened?”

  I grinned and leaned in closer. “We talked at the bar for a while and then I kissed him. He said if a kiss could be that good, he had to know what we were like in bed.”

  “That’s a good line,” Sam said, looking a little impressed.

  “It was enough to get me to go home with him. Once I made sure he wasn’t a reporter.”

  “Oh, shit! I forgot all about that. We’ll talk about that next. Was the sex as good as the kiss?”

  I smirked and nodded. “Better. The man is a master with his hands. And his mouth. And his… other parts.”

  “When are you going to see him again?” Carrie asked.

  I shook my head. “I’m not.”

  “What? Why not?”

  I shrugged. “It was a hook-up. A great night in bed. Not a relationship. I don’t even know his last name.”

  “I think you’re my new hero,” Sam said with a hint of awe in her voice.

  I laughed. “Hardly. I’ve been telling you guys I’m not interested in a relationship. My dad is getting better so I’ll probably be leaving soon. Plus, my last relationship didn’t go so well. I’m not really interested in repeating those mistakes.”

  “Okay, so let’s talk about it. What happened with Patrick? You told us he moved on to someone else and his career finally took off. That you were pissed. But what the hell is going on that he would release pictures of you. And where did he get them?” Sam asked for the group.

  I could tell by the interested faces that they were all wondering the same things as Sam. It was still new to me to have one person care about how I was feeling and what was going on in my life, but to have eleven people watching me with curiosity and concern was almost overwhelming.

  Well, ten. Olivia didn’t look as much concerned as she did curious. Probably trying to figure out how she could use it against me.

  “Abby and I were trying to figure this all out the other day. The only thing we can think is that with the new movie being shot here that he thought it would bring some additional drama and draw extra attention to the movie and to him. Sort of a guilty by association type of thing. Like sharing my pictures would put my name back on the pages of magazines and then he could ride that wave into town.”

  “Have you talked with any of the press?” Lexi asked.

  I shook my head. “I found out about it from one guy who didn’t identify himself as press until we’d been talking for a while. He was in Coming Up Daisies and seemed like a friendly customer. They’ve been to my parents’ house. My mom won’t let me be at work alone, which is stupid because that’s the whole reason I came back. To help her out so she could be there for my dad.”

  “Yeah, but you said your dad is doing better. Your mom probably doesn’t need you as much,” Lexi said.

  I nodded. “True. I still feel bad that I can’t even go into work though. I was never harassed like this in California. I’m the only news around here.”

  “What are you going to do about all this? Are you going to issue some kind of statement?” Riley asked.

  “No. I don’t have an agent or any way to get in touch with the press. It’s not really worth it to talk to the press. They want to print stuff that sells, not a former actress’s rant about why her ex is an asshole. I’m going to get even with him.”

  “How are you going to do that?”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  “You should let it go.”

  “Good for you.”

  They all spoke at once. I knew my plan wasn’t going to have full support of everyone, but I knew I couldn’t sit back and let him get away with what he did. An eye for an eye and all that. Patrick was going down.

  “I know you guys are worried, but I have to do something. He’ll be here in a month. I have until then to come up with something that will embarrass him like he embarrassed me.”

  “Just be careful,” Addi warned. “Things like revenge don’t always end well.”

  “This isn’t high school, Addi.” I spared a glance at Olivia. “If it was, it would already be over.”

  Olivia gasped, but no one else noticed. Olivia knew exactly what I was talking about. And that I was right.

  Chapter 5

  “How can I help?” I asked Charlie and Abby as everyone filed out. Everyone cleaned up their dishes, but I knew it wasn’t that easy. Since I really didn’t want to go home yet, I figured I could stick around and help them clean up.

  “We’re good,” Charlie said automatically, but Abby said, “Wash dishes,” at the same time.

  I stashed my Prada bag on a clean section of counter and rolled up my sleeves.

  “You don’t have to help,” Charlie argued.

  “She offered,” Abby argued right back. “Plus, the others left and you guys will be up early.”

  Charlie grumbled but moved to the side to let me get at the sink. “You know I feel bad making you guys wash up. It’s my bakery. You shouldn’t have to come here to work.”

  “And you shut down every Tuesday so we can all be here and have fun. On top of you not letting us pay, you’re losing money every Tuesday. The least I can do is help you with the dishes.”

  “Thanks, Tara. I appreciate it.”

  “See? That wasn’t so hard,” Abby teased.

  Charlie threw a dish towel at her. Abby caught it and used it to dry the plate she had in her hand. Abby glanced at the door leading from the kitchen out into the storefront of the bakery then nibbled her lip.

  “What’s going on?” I asked.

  “Graham asked me to move in with him.”

  “Shit. Sorry. I was just brin
ging back the rest of the plates. I didn’t mean to intrude,” Olivia said, halfway through the door.

  Abby shook her head. “You’re fine. I don’t mind if you’re here for this. The only reason I didn’t bring it up earlier was because I didn’t want Graham to overhear us talking.”

  “You love him, right?” Charlie asked.

  Abby nodded. “I do. Very much.”

  “Then why wouldn’t you move in with him?”

  Abby shrugged. “I feel like we’re moving too fast. We’ve only been dating seven months. I was with Brett two years before we got married and you all know how that turned out.”

  “Yeah, but Brett was as useless as tastebuds on a butthole. He never treated you well.”

  Charlie stopped and turned to me. “Did you just say ‘as useless as tastebuds on a butthole?’”

  I nodded cautiously.

  She started laughing, slowly at first, then harder until she couldn’t stand without leaning on the side of the counter. Olivia and Abby laughed with her, making me chuckle at the crazy fools they were.

  When they all finally calmed down enough to speak, Charlie said, “That was hilarious. Good visual. Phew. I like that. Anyway, I think what you were trying to say is that Brett and Graham are very different men. Why would you even compare them?”

  Abby shrugged. “Brett was basically my only relationship before Graham. Everything is so different, but I was completely snowed by Brett before. How can I trust myself with Graham? And if I move in with him, what does that mean? We both said we aren’t ready for marriage, but we haven’t talked about it in a while. Is he going to propose next? Or want kids? Or start cheating on me if living together isn’t what he hoped it would be?”

  “Slow down,” Charlie said. “Take a breath. You don’t need to get this upset. Graham is a good guy. We all think so. If he’s really deceiving you, he’s good at it because we all like him.”

  “Some guys are that good though. I think if you’re this upset you should really think about it,” I told her. I hated to sound like I didn’t want them to be happy, but relationships had never done either Abby or I any favors. It was hard to sit back and watch my friend make a mistake with another guy, even if I actually did like this one.

  “You don’t like him?” Abby asked, his voice rising.

  I shook my head. “That’s not what I said. I like Graham. A lot. I think he’s great for you and I’m thrilled to see you happy. But you shouldn’t rush into a decision like this. You’re already there most nights, but actually moving in and turning in your keys to the apartment is a big step. Everyone here, all our other friends who are in relationships, were married in less time than you and Graham have been together. I know they’re all going to say move in. Take the chance. It’ll be great. I feel like I owe it to you to be the other side of the argument. If you’re getting this upset, maybe you aren’t ready.”

  “But I really do love him,” Abby argued.

  “I don’t think Tara is questioning that,” Olivia interjected. “I think what Tara’s saying is that moving in together should feel like a good thing. I understand you’re comparing him to Brett and that things weren’t good between you two, but you need to make the choice for the right reasons. Why does Graham want you to move in?”

  “Because I’m there all the time anyway.”

  “Why else? Because he wants to spend more time with you? Or he wants you guys to save money? Or he’s getting closer to ready for marriage and wants this as a trial run? I think you need to find out more about what he’s thinking. Plus, you need to decide why you’re considering it.”

  “How do you know I’m considering it?” Abby asked.

  Olivia smiled. That kind, welcoming smile that always made me feel better when I complained about a boy I liked who liked someone skinnier, prettier, or smarter.

  “You wouldn’t be asking your friends if you weren’t torn about what to do. I’d talk to Graham about it and see why he wanted you to move in. Find out where things are going with the two of you. Then you can make a better decision about what’s right.”

  I hated to admit Olivia’s answer was perfect, but dammit it was. She was always so rational. Rarely did she get emotional or let her feelings rule her. It was one of the reasons we’d been so close growing up. She kept my emotional, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants side in check and I countered her a-place-for-everything side. We were the classic opposites who attracted and became a great team.

  For a while.

  Before anyone could say anything else about Abby and Graham moving in together, Graham, Max, and Olivia’s kids burst into the kitchen. Becca came running to me and Kevin went to his mom. I hugged Becca, but my eyes were on Graham and Abby. He only had eyes for her as he stepped across the kitchen to her side. She tipped her head back to look at him. His hands came up and cupped her jaw. He kissed her on the nose then lightly on the lips. He whispered something against her lips that I couldn’t hear, but it made her smile. She nodded and he claimed her mouth in a deeper kiss, one I felt awkward watching.

  I turned my focus to Becca, but my mind was still on Abby and Graham. She was happy. He made her happy. I hated that she was hesitant to move in with him, but it was the right thing. Graham wouldn’t disappoint her the way Brett did. Graham was the real deal. Abby was a lucky woman.

  The next morning I went into Daisies with my mom. She said if things went well for a few days, she’d let me work on my own again, but she felt better knowing I wasn’t there alone if someone showed up.

  My mom watched too many movies.

  But I loved her for caring. I’d missed both my parents when I was in California. I’d only gotten back to visit a few times a year. Spending the last eight months living with them was not what I had in mind for my life, but it was nice to connect with them again. I was even starting to consider staying in Winterville. The town had grown on me as an adult. I liked knowing I had family and friends I could count on. No one cared what size I was. And no one judged me.

  I just had to figure out what I was going to do. If I could figure out what I wanted to do with my life, I could really decide if Winterville was the right place for me. Buffalo was close enough that I could still be involved in acting, but it would be theater. I could teach at one of the local colleges, but again, I didn’t know if that was what I wanted to do.

  Moving to Winterville had been a means to an end. My acting career didn’t feel like it was going anywhere, so it was an easy choice to move back when Mom needed help. She didn’t need it anymore, and I was starting to feel like I was in the way. I needed to be useful. To feel like I was contributing. Not just to my parents, but in general. I just didn’t know what that meant.

  I didn’t have long to think about it once the doors opened that morning. We had a steady stream of customers mixed with phone calls from out-of-town florists needing us to do deliveries for them. I cut my hands on stems, stabbed myself with the shears, and got a flower tangled in my hair.

  It was a great morning.

  At lunch time, Mom took her break first. I was sitting at the counter weaving a ribbon around a bouquet a man was picking up on his way home from work that afternoon when the bell above the door jingled.

  “Welcome to Coming Up Daisies! I’ll be right with you,” I called out, wanting to finish the last bit of weaving before I set it down. I knew I’d never remember where I was and end up having to start from scratch if I put it aside.

  “Okay,” the voice called back. “I’ll just look around.”

  “Thanks!”

  I wrapped the rest of the ribbon around the bouquet and finished the weave with a trail of ribbons on the bottom. I cut all the lengths so they were the same and not overly long then set the bouquet in the cooler for the customer and went in search of the man exploring.

  He was looking at something on his phone when I found him. I couldn’t tell what it was, but it looked like a picture of a woman. Shit. Another reporter had come to talk to me. Just fucking great.

&
nbsp; ”Can I help you?” I asked, biting back the sarcasm. He turned and my breath stopped. No. Way. Noah. The chemo nurse. The liar more like.

  “Yeah. Oh, hey,” he said with a mega-watt grin. His bottom teeth were slightly crooked and the top ones had a small gap, but his smile was perfect. It lit up his green eyes and made him even hotter.

  Damn, I hated being nasty to the hot ones. Especially when I’d already slept with him and had no idea why he was there except to make my life a living hell.

  “I need to send some flowers to my mom. I didn’t know you worked here.”

  “Really?” I asked with more than a hint of disbelief.

  He must have heard it in my tone, not that I tried to hide it, because he looked at me quickly and took half a step back.

  “Uh, yeah, really. Is that going to be a problem? It said online you guys did those ship anywhere order things. My mom lives in Florida.”

  I nodded, going along with the lie. It had nothing to do with the way his light brown hair curled around his ears or the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled. It definitely had nothing to do with the way my girlie parts sighed when he spoke. Nope. Not even a little.

  “What are you looking to send her?”

  Noah looked around like he was actually serious about choosing something for his mom. I followed him, pointing out options and waiting for him to start with the probing questions.

  “It’s her birthday,” Noah said instead. “She loves those flowers that look like stars.”

  Was he fucking serious? How many flowers looked like stars?

  “Okay, well, let’s look at a few and maybe you’ll be able to narrow it down a little.”

  He nodded and gave me another blinding grin. Dammit. I could not let his hotness get past my walls. He was not going to get some exclusive story out of me. He’d already gotten enough of an exclusive when I spent the night in his bed.

  We wandered through the flowers and I pointed out star gazer lilies, hibiscus, confederate jasmine, and pentas. He shook his head at all of them, further confirming he was angling for a scoop instead of an order.