by Bella Emy
“Does this certain totally not important thing have anything to do with Preston Scott showing up at the party last week?”
I freeze in my seat. I think I stop breathing. What. The. Fuck. How does he know it’s Preston pestering my thoughts?
“Harleigh, talk to me.”
I let out a breath. What the hell? At this point, I may as well say something about it. I know he won’t be fooled, no matter how much I try to deny anything having to do with Preston.
“Maybe.” In my peripheral view, I see him nodding his head.
“Mhmm. Don’t you think I already know you two like one another? This thing, whatever it may be, between you two has been going on for as long as I remember. And I specifically remember having a conversation with you back when we were in high school. I told you not to fall for him, but I guess you did anyway.”
I have no choice but to face him as his words ring true. He pulls into a parking spot and kills the engine.
“I’m sorry, Cory. I know he’s no good for me. I’ve known that for years. And no matter how much I can’t stand him or try to pull myself away from him, I’m constantly thinking about him. But I’m trying. I really am. And the fact that you guys drifted, too, lets me know he’s definitely no good for me.”
Preston and Cory have their own busy lives these days, but c’mon. They used to be so close. Now, sometimes weeks go by without them even talking. I know they’re still best friends; they’ll be best friends for life. Otherwise, Cory wouldn’t have given our dad’s shop to him. But their friendship is not what it used to be. Maybe it’s because they used to hang out all the time in school. Now Cory’s a busy lawyer and Preston’s spending all his time at the shop, from what I hear. I don’t know. It still feels a lot like they pulled apart.
“Well, I don’t really know why Preston and I drifted, but I’m sure it has a lot to do with you.”
I raise my eyebrows and place a hand on my chest. “Me? What do you mean? I haven’t done anything.”
He smirks before taking a breath. “No, you haven’t done anything, but I’m not stupid, sis. I can sense it in the air when you two are around one another. There’s definitely something there.”
“Well, yeah. I told you I like him—”
“In so many words…”
I smile. “In so many words, yes. But it doesn’t make sense to me that you think something is there. Nothing has happened between the two of us.”
Yeah, there’s no way I’m telling Cory about Preston and I sleeping together, let alone him taking my virginity. No way. He’d flip out for sure.
“Look, he’s not a bad guy, you know. I wouldn’t have given him the shop if I thought he was.”
“I know that.”
He takes a deep breath and places a hand on my shoulder. “Just be careful, Harleigh, okay? I don’t want to see my little sis getting hurt.”
I nod. “Okay.”
He raises an eyebrow. “No, promise me. Promise me you’ll listen to me this time.”
Nodding again, I reply, “Okay, I promise.”
“Good, now let’s get you inside. I need to leave for work in a bit.”
We get out of the car and make our way upstairs to our apartment. Deep down inside, I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep the promise I made my brother. It’s already too late.
PART FOUR
One year later…
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Harleigh
Fucking great.
Couldn’t it have waited to start raining until after I arrived at the shop? Why did it have to start now so my hair gets a mess?
Of course I had decided to walk the few blocks to get to the shop. Why the hell would I have driven on such a nice day. I want to facepalm myself.
Ugh. There’s nothing I hate more than getting stuck in the rain without an umbrella, but it hadn’t started raining until I was already too far to turn back around.
I knew it was supposed to rain, but the storm of the century wasn’t supposed to start till tonight. It’s just after four in the afternoon, and the rain is already coming down pretty hard.
They’ve been broadcasting all about Hurricane Sabrina for the past two weeks, sending out warnings and such. They do this every time a tropical storm is projected to hit our area. It never really is a hurricane by the time it gets to us up north here in Jersey. They make a completely big deal over nothing.
So I dismissed their warnings and headed out without an umbrella. I should be in and out of the shop in minutes. I don’t plan on staying there any longer than I need to, as long as Cory gets there on time.
I’m jogging now, to get to the shop as quickly as possible. I’m already freaking soaked. Why me, Lord?
Yeah, yeah. I know it’s my own fault.
It sucks I even have to go in the first place, but Cory needs me to pick up a file Preston found stashed underneath one of the floorboards. It’s been about four years since Preston took over my dad’s shop, and just last night, as Cory and I were having dinner in our apartment, Preston calls him to say he found something that belonged to my dad.
Cory was going to be the one to stop by today after work to get the file Preston had found, but unfortunately, he’s stuck with a client and texted me, begging to pick it up for him. Preston is not keeping the shop open much longer today, since this godforsaken storm is about to take place.
As a matter of fact, fuck this. I’m going to text Cory and have him pick me up from here. We’re supposed to go food shopping right after he gets out anyway. I’m not walking back. We’re going to get some stuff so we’re not stuck at home without anything should this storm be as bad as they’re saying it will be. I don’t believe it, but Cory wants us to be prepared.
Until then, I’m stuck going to get this file for my brother. He’s so going to owe me. I haven’t seen Preston in so long, purposely staying away, so now being forced to see him, up close and personal, is a total drag.
It’s fine. I don’t care. I no longer feel a thing for him, and I know it’s not going to be like last time when I fell for him after not seeing him in years. I’ve successfully started dating again, though my last relationship ended a couple months ago. We just weren’t the right fit.
Once I reach the shop, I pull open the doors and hear the bell over my head ring.
I pat myself dry as best as I can, shaking my head to get the water out, but it doesn’t do much.
I look to the right of the counter, where the garage portion of it begins, and standing in all his glory is Preston.
My mouth literally drops.
Holy fuck.
What the hell?
I close my mouth because if I don’t, I’m going to fucking drool. There he is, in dirty denim coveralls covered in grease and a once-white rag sticking out the back of his pocket. The coveralls are only halfway on, the top portion of them hanging down. He’s not wearing a T-shirt, meaning I’m staring at the glorious muscles on his back and trying to pick my jaw up off the floor once more. He’s head-deep in the hood of the car and has yet to realize someone, me, is here.
I take a deep breath and walk toward where he is. As I get closer and closer, the song “Craving You” by Silent Ambiance playing on a nearby radio fills my ears. It’s one of the band’s very first number-one hits, and one I definitely loved more than any of their other songs.
“Good afternoon,” I call over the sound of the music. It’s not the typical way I’d greet someone I know so well, but after so long, we’re like strangers, strangers who slept together once upon a time.
Preston jumps up, bumping his head on the hood of the car he’s working on. He spins around, and finally, I’m met by his still-very-gorgeous face. I hate that as soon as I come in a proximity of him, I forget how much I hate him… how much of an asshole he is. It’s as if my vile feelings for him turn to mush every time he’s around.
“Harleigh. You’re drenched.” He rubs the spot on his head where he just hit it and smiles nervously at me.
&nb
sp; Drenched? He has no idea. I mean, sure, my clothes are wet, and my hair is damp. But he hasn’t seen my panties.
I shrug. “I thought I would walk since it was sunny only an hour ago. But I’m fine, really. Just a little rain.”
“Can I get you a towel or something to dry off? I have some extra shirts in the back.”
“No, really I’m fine. I’m just here for the file. Cory told you I’d be stopping by?”
He looks at me for what had to be a good two minutes before saying a word. His eyes scan over my body. My heartbeat speeds.
Stop it, Harleigh. Get a fucking grip. This guy is an asshole. He’s a cocky bastard who never called you back. Stand your ground.
“Oh, yeah. Yeah. Hang on. I’m gonna close this up for the day and then wash up. You can have a seat if you’d like.” He turns around to face the car he was working on once more and then slams the hood closed.
“It’s fine. I prefer to stand. I won’t be in your hair long.” Hopefully Cory will be able to pick me up soon. I pull out my phone and compose a text to my brother.
Me: Cor, can you please come pick me up?
Two second later, his text comes through.
Cory: Pick you up?
Cory: You’re at the shop and you didn’t drive over?
He sends an emoji with it rolling its eyes.
Me: In my defense, it wasn’t raining when I left.
Cory: But you knew it was supposed to storm.
Me: Not till later.
Cory: Can’t really predict a time of a storm. All they’ve been broadcasting on TV is Sabrina… even if you were driving, you should have taken an umbrella.
I’m getting annoyed, and I hate to admit it, but my brother is usually right.
Me: I know, but anyway, can you come get me or not?
Cory: I’m finishing up with a client. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.
Good. Twenty minutes is not the end of the world, especially since Preston isn’t standing in front of me now, so I’m not forced to look at his gorgeousness.
Fuck, I really need to stop.
I put my phone back in my bag and cross my arms across my chest. I turn around to head back toward the other side of the shop where the counter is located. The same counter he had picked me up and placed me on top of, kissing me into oblivion four years ago.
Chills run down my spine, remembering that day from way back when. What I would do to go back to it now…
Shaking my head to bring myself out of the memory of Preston placing his lips on me, I spin around once more but notice he has disappeared. I pace nervously, waiting for him to return.
When I reach the register, I take notice of the photographs hanging on the wall behind it. I recognize the younger version of Preston with his older brother standing side by side next to their parents. He looks about eight or nine, and it was probably right around the time he and my brother became friends.
My mouth goes agape. In the photograph right smack in the middle of the wall is one of Preston, Cory, and me from my brother’s thirteenth birthday. The three of us are sitting outside on a bench. I remember the day so clearly. Of course, with my brother turning thirteen, it wasn’t cool to have a party. All he wanted to do was go to the movies and grab a slice of pizza afterward. He did not want me to tag along. Back then, it wasn’t cool to hang out with your little sister, but my parents forced him, and it was either bring Harleigh along or don’t go at all. He wasn’t happy about it at first, but he quickly got over it. Preston showed him it was totally fine.
God, I remember him from back then so well. It was when my crush on him was just at the beginning stages. I thought he was the cutest boy I’d ever seen. Who would have thought an innocent childhood crush would turn into a flaring obsession I couldn’t get my mind off of? Better yet, who would have thought we’d end up sleeping together and he’d be the one to take my virginity?
I stop my crazy thoughts down memory lane and take a few steps to my left, taking notice of the next picture. It’s one from Joshua’s wedding day. Preston is standing to his brother’s right. Next to Joshua, his lovely bride, Carla, is to his immediate left. Next to her is Isabelle, her sister and maid of honor.
I keep moving and take in the next picture. In it, there’s an even younger version of Preston than the first photo, and he’s once again surrounded by his parents with Joshua to his right. In the middle, a little girl about three or so stands holding a teddy bear tightly clutched to her chest. She’s adorable, and I wonder if she’s a relative of his or who she could possibly be. I’ve known Preston almost my whole life and never once had I seen her before. She has two blonde pigtails cascading down from either side of her head and is wearing a fluffy pink dress.
“Here you go,” Preston says, his voice coming from my right.
I spin my head around to see he’s all cleaned up and clothed. Bummer.
He’s handing me the file and a towel.
I reach my hand out to grab them both from him. “Thanks.”
He nods, smiling. Fuck, it’s still so beautiful to see his smile. Why does he have to look so good all the fucking time?
“Sure thing.” He takes notice of what I had been staring at. He points at the wall in front of us. “Those are so old. I should get some of them updated.”
I giggle and place the towel around my neck. “No, they’re great. I love seeing old pictures.” I look back at them and say, “I recognize everyone except for this little girl. Is she a cousin of yours?”
His smile fades. Shit, did I hit a nerve or something? I immediately wish I could take back my question.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
He shakes his head. “No, Harleigh. It’s fine. You didn’t do anything wrong.” He looks back at the photo and says, “That’s Alyse… my little sister.”
My eyebrows furrow. Little sister? All this time I thought it was only him and Josh.
Before I can ask, he takes notice of my expression. “She passed away a long time ago, even before I met you and your brother.”
“Shit, Preston. I’m so sorry.”
His eyes don’t meet mine, and the expression on his face is telling me he has no intention of discussing this further.
He puts out his hand, indicating for me to give him back the towel, and I do. “It’s fine. Like I said, it was a really long time ago.” He throws the towel to the side, where it lands on a chair.
An emptiness forms in the pit of my stomach, and I wish I knew what to say. But I don’t. I’ve lost someone very close to me—two, in fact, and on the same day. That was a horrible thing for me. It still is, and I’m not over it. How can I be?
Looking at Preston now, I know losing his sister was just as difficult for him. How come he never mentioned it? How come he never spoke about her? Never once did he mention having a sister. I didn’t even know she existed.
A boom of lightning flashes and a crash of thunder roars outside, bringing both of us out of our thoughts and back to reality.
We turn our heads toward the door in time to see a torrential rain pouring from the sky. Branches on the trees sway fiercely from side to side.
“Looks like it’s getting bad out there really quickly. You should see if Cory’s coming. If not, I can give you a ride.” He turns away from me and heads to flip the sign on the door to let customers know he’s now closed.
Give me a ride? I can’t. To be that close to him in a car? No way.
“Shit, it wasn’t supposed to begin till later. I’d better call Cory and see if he left the office yet.”
He walks back to where I’m standing, and now he’s just a few feet away from me. I swallow hard and pull out my phone to call Cory.
It rings twice before he answers. “Hey, sis. I just left the office.”
Thank God. I don’t want to be here any longer than I need to be.
“Okay, good. I have the file, so I’m ready when you get here.”
“Sounds good.” The line begins to cut out, but at
least he’s on his way, which is perfect, so I can be on my own merry fucking way too.
“Ten minutes?”
“Probably a little less, give or take ab—”
“Cory? You there? Cor?”
Fuck, the line has officially cut out.
Preston places a hand on my arm, sending electricity and shivers down my spine. Fuck, man. “All okay?”
I swallow hard. “He’s on his way, but I lost service. Let me try him again.” I use that as my excuse to take a small step back so he’s not touching me. I can’t have his radiating feel on me; I can’t focus.
I try to call back, but when I do, there is completely no service. Fuck, what the hell? We were just on the phone.
My eyes meet Preston’s as he watches my every move. “What’s the matter, Harls?” I guess he sees the annoyance on my face.
“I can’t get through. Looks like there’s no service.”
He furrows his brows and pulls out his phone.
“Yep, my phone has no service either. Let’s try the landline.”
With another crash of lightning, the lights in the shop go out. We look at one another and then he turns around and walks to the counter. I follow close behind him as he kneels and pulls a flashlight from underneath it.
“I always keep at least one stocked with fresh batteries in case of emergencies like this.” He flashes the light at the phone on the counter. “Try this one.”
I pick up the receiver, but still no luck. “This one has no line either.”
The wind howls outside, and the crashing of rocks or branches against the glass windows of the shop add to the confirmation that Hurricane Sabrina is indeed here. Of course she is. Why the fuck would the reports be wrong the one time I wanted them to?
Preston leans against the back counter. “It must be the storm. All lines and power are down,” he says after trying his cell phone again.
“Great.” I take a few steps and finally reach the back of the counter as well. Now all I can do is sit here and wait for Cory.
Seconds turn to minutes.