I threw my hands up in the air in resignation. “I give up.” I walked back to find Emmy with Ashley in the family room. “Emmy darlin’, come with me.”
She quickly obeyed and we walked back to my bathroom. I sat her down on my vanity chair. I stroked her wet hair and looked at her through the mirror. “So what should we do with your hair this morning?”
She shrugged her shoulders.
I smiled at her. “Well, pretty girl, why don’t we dry it first?”
She gave me a tiny smile and nod.
I placed a small amount of product in her hair, blew it dry, and smoothed it out. She really was a pretty girl, but so sad. I took my time and curled her long hair, pulling half of it back and placing a flower in it to match her white eyelet dress that she had almost outgrown. She looked pleased with herself as she surveyed herself in the mirror.
I squeezed her shoulders. “You look perfect.”
“Thanks.” She hardly ever spoke above a whisper.
“You’re welcome, darlin’. We better get going.”
She hopped down and followed me out. We found Ashley and Easton waiting for us on the couch in the family room. I pulled Emmy in front of me to show her off.
“You look so pretty,” Ashley said.
Easton took a moment to look her over, smiling the entire time. “You’re beautiful,” he complimented her.
Our eyes met and his smile turned into something else. Something that made my heart skip a beat or two while my body tensed up.
“We should probably get going,” I said.
“Do you want to drive over together?” Easton asked.
I shook my head no. The last thing we needed to do was show up at church all together like some happy family. To be honest, I had hoped Easton didn’t go to church anymore. Our last year together he’d hardly made the time for it.
“I guess we’ll meet you there.” My reaction disappointed him again.
Both of the girls looked at me. Why did I suddenly feel like the bad guy?
The drive over to church was a quiet affair. When we arrived, Easton parked next to us. He and Emmy waited for us to get out, so we could all walk in together. We might as well have driven together. And guess who sat next to us, too? There we were, me on one end, and Easton on the other, with the girls in between, his by him and ours by me. I could hear the gossip now.
I sighed silently, crossed my legs, laid my hands on my tiffany-blue dress, and prayed this would get over as soon as possible.
Emmy had to go to the bathroom and Ashley volunteered to take her before the service began. Easton took the opportunity and slid next to me.
I turned toward him and narrowed my eyes. “You are going to have this whole town talking,” I whispered.
He grinned, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “This whole town has been talking about me for months now.”
“So you want to add fuel to the fire?”
“Taylor, I couldn’t care less what people say about me.”
He was lucky that way, I suppose.
“I wanted to thank you again for helping Emmy, it means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome, but I’m not sure her mother would approve.”
“Her mother,” he said in low icy tones, “is not involved her in life right now, and as far as I’m concerned, it can stay that way.” His eyes burned with anger.
“I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say. I knew how much it hurt not to have your ex-spouse involved in your child’s life. Part of me thought it was good for him to have a taste of his own medicine, but I couldn’t think that way. No child deserved that.
“Don’t be. It’s for the best. Anyway, thank you.”
I kind of smiled at him.
“And by the way, you look gorgeous.” And without another word, he moved back down the pew, leaving me stunned by his compliment
I looked forward toward the pulpit. I could feel my cheeks pink up. I was grateful when Abby Parker and her family sat in front of us. She introduced me to her husband, Shane. Shane proceeded to engage Easton in conversation. I was glad—it took the pressure off me. I was also introduced to the Whitney family. I had talked to Douglas Whitney on the phone since he was my new insurance guy. Easton had recommended the Whitney Agency over the Riley Agency, where we used to have our insurance. I didn’t ask why he switched. Douglas had his wife, Claire, with him and his daughter, Rachel, and her seven-year-old son, Drew, who was as handsome as he could be. The Pastor also decided he should meet me as well. He was pretty new to this congregation, for which I was thankful. The fewer people that knew me previously, the better.
But the good Pastor Bates knew my father and brought him up. “Please let us know if there is any way we can help your family through this difficult time,” he said.
I looked over at Easton when the Pastor mentioned my father. I’m not sure why, but I did. He looked back at me with concern in his brown eyes. Maybe I looked at him because he knew that I had no relationship with my father. He knew, at least partially, how difficult it was going to be for me to even see the man.
I answered him the only way I could. “Thank you.” I sat down in haste and tried to keep my emotions under control. The girls arrived back and Ashley had a gleam in her eye. I could tell she was bursting to tell me something.
She pulled me close to her. “I met some cute guys in the hall that are seniors this year,” she whispered in my year.
I smiled at her. “Is that so?”
“Yes,” she said. “Don’t look now, but one of them, Raphe, sat in the pew across from us.”
“Maybe I should go introduce myself,” I teased.
“Momma, don’t you dare.”
I laughed softly. “Calm down, love.” With extreme caution I covertly snuck a peek at the boy that had my girl all in a tizzy. I had to admit she had good taste. He was clean-cut and cute for a teenage boy. I also noticed he had good taste as he stared at my daughter. I had been waiting for this to happen—she was beautiful and new in town. I had a feeling I would soon be seeing even less of her. I was happy for her. I wanted her to make friends before school started in the fall. This was a huge sacrifice for her to move here in her junior year.
The sermon was nice. Pastor Bates talked about serving our fellow man. That was always a timely message. I was sorry to hear it end, because it meant Sunday school was next. I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage not going with or sitting by Easton in class since the girls had their own classes to attend. Ashley was whisked away by her new friends and I noticed her dad took interest in that.
He looked at me with a raised eyebrow and joined me at the end of the pew. “Do we allow her to date?”
“Only since she’s turned sixteen.”
He watched her walk away. “Do you think we could make that thirty?”
“I wish.”
He laughed briefly “So, shall we go to Sunday school?”
I stiffened at the thought, but figured he would follow me one way or the other. “I guess.”
“Come on, Taylor, I’m not all that bad. Besides, the women’s group will need something to talk about when they meet on Wednesday.”
“Fine, lead the way.” Who was I to deprive the women’s group of juicy gossip?
“Have you been to see Frank yet?” he asked hesitantly on our walk to the other side of the church.
“No,” I answered without apology or regret.
“I’ll go with you,” he offered once again.
I shook my head no. I wasn’t sure when I could bring myself to go over there. And I wasn’t really sure where “there” was anymore. Last I heard, he had lost the house. That was fine with me. I had no desire to ever see that place on the outskirts of town again.
Easton reiterated his prognosis of my father’s health.
“I know,” I said. “This is just …. Anyway, I know.”
He touched my arm. “I’m here for you if you need it”
I wanted to roll my eyes and tell him
I would never in a million years rely on him again, but I didn’t want to give the women’s group too much to gossip about. I bit my tongue and turned away to continue toward Sunday school. I could tell he was frustrated with my reaction when we sat down. I could tell, too, that he wanted to say something to me about it. But honestly, what could he say? His track record stunk for being there for me.
It didn’t take long before someone else grabbed his attention. Some woman who looked like she was on the prowl sat down on his other side and practically purred at him. She looked like she was dressed for the club, not church. I honestly wasn’t surprised. A handsome, single doctor was a woman magnet. It was kind of fun to watch my ex-husband squirm a little. That was, it was funny until I got dragged into it.
“Amy, let me introduce you to my daughter Ashley’s mother, Taylor Cole.”
It was the first time he had used my last name. I had a feeling he did it on purpose. I also noticed he still wouldn’t say ex-wife. I wondered if he called Kathryn “Emmy’s mom.”
She reluctantly held out her hand across Easton and surveyed me very closely.
I smiled brightly as I shook her limp hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. Aly was it?”
“No, it’s Amy.”
“My mistake,” I said, sweetly.
That did the trick. She moved several rows back from us.
Easton chuckled low in my ear. “Thank you,” he whispered.
I did it for my own selfish reasons. While I loved seeing Easton squirm, I had no desire to see women hit on my ex-husband.
I looked around and noticed the many eyes on us. We looked too cozy next to each other, especially since Easton had his arm draped across the back of my hard plastic chair. His arm wasn’t around me, but it gave the wrong impression. There would definitely be talk. I did my best to shift away from him.
After Sunday school, I was approached by Gloria Ryan, Jessie’s mom. She ran the women’s group. To say she was eager to talk to me was a vast understatement. She kept looking between Easton and me with great curiosity.
She grabbed my arm. “I heard you filled the position of clinical nutritionist at the hospital. Davis, though retired, is still in the loop on everything that happens at the hospital.”
I remembered that her husband had been the chief of staff there. “That is correct,” I replied.
“Perfect, dear. You will have to come and teach a class for us one evening, and of course we would be happy for you to join the women’s group.”
I was uncomfortable with that thought. I wasn’t sure I wanted to open myself up to anyone, or worse, have them piece together my family history. Frank had given this town plenty to gossip about. I knew it was going to happen no matter what I did, but I was hoping to ease into it. Besides, being Easton’s ex-wife was already going to be a hot topic of conversation.
I smiled at the elegant Gloria Ryan, who was beautiful, like her daughter, and still waiting for an answer. “I’m going to have to see how my work load is and Ashley’s schedule.” I hoped that would deter her.
No luck. She smiled sweetly. “I’ll call you later to discuss.”
Oh, this town. Gloria left me and I found that Easton had waited for me. I shook my head and he grinned. He really was annoying. Extremely handsome in his shirt, tie, and jeans, but really annoying.
He stood up and took his un-rightful place by my side. “Hey, I was thinking that we should do Sunday dinners together. You know, for the girls.”
I looked at him like he had lost his ever living mind. I’m sure my eyes bugged out of my head.
“Emmy needs family right now, and I want the girls to have traditions together,” he explained.
I pulled Easton over to the side so we wouldn’t be overheard. “I agree that the girls should get to know each other and make memories and do all the things sisters do.” I pointed between the two of us. “But we are not some happy little family.”
Easton inched forward and leaned in. It made me freeze in place and hold my breath. I hadn’t been this close to him in ages, and my body reacted in a way it hadn’t felt in years. Apparently there was still electricity between us. I wondered if he felt it too.
“You’ve been more of a mother to Emmy these past few days than her own mother’s been to her in the last few years,” he said in my ear. “I know I don’t deserve to ask this of you, but Emmy needs your help.”
He stepped back, and for a moment I stared into his pleading brown eyes. I didn’t sign up for this. I wasn’t strong enough to do this. All I could do was walk toward the door.
He followed after me. “So your place or mine?”
Chapter Five
The brochure about how to live in the same town with your ex-husband was false advertisement to the very core. I expected us to remain apathetic, as the brochure had promised. Easton had different plans; he must have picked up the wrong brochure. His brochure read that we should spend as much time together as possible and that you should guilt your ex-wife into it by using your children.
Ashley and Emmy both thought Sunday dinners were a terrific idea. I disagreed, but I was once again made to feel like the bad guy when I resisted the idea. I ended up being guilted into it by my daughter, who thought I was behaving selfishly and ruining it for everyone else. I wasn’t trying to be selfish. I was trying to be self-preserving. Being around Easton killed me. Ashley had no idea what it was like to be in love with the same man for half of your life while not being able to be with him. And worse, hating him for hurting me and watching him move on with someone else; and hating him because I still loved him. I couldn’t tell her all of that. That secret was only shared with the dead.
That night I found myself at my ex-husband’s enormous house on the south side of town. I’ll admit I was a tad jealous when Ashley and I pulled up. Easton and I used to talk about our dream house often. It looked nothing like the home in front of me. Our home was going to look like a farmhouse, complete with a wraparound porch. The interior was going to have wood clad ceilings, walls, and floors. We were going to raise our babies there and live happily ever after. Once again, I got the wrong brochure. Instead of the “happily ever after” brochure, I should have chosen the “this is real life” brochure.
I knew life wasn’t a fairytale, my childhood had taught me that. I knew marriage wasn’t a fairytale. Marriage was hard, especially being married to a med student and then a doctor. I knew Easton wasn’t Prince Charming, even though at times I thought he came pretty close, but I never dreamed we would have ended up living separate lives. I never would have imagined him cheating on me. But who does?
I wanted to stay in the car. I didn’t want to see inside Easton’s home or peek into his life without me. But Ashley wouldn’t let me, so I proceeded onward with a mixed green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette in hand. I took note of everything as we walked toward the house. For starters, the landscaping was xeriscape style. While it had its own beauty and environmental benefits, it was not my style. I loved green grass, colorful flowers, and large shade trees. I was a southern girl at heart. The home’s exterior was adobe, which I wasn’t a huge fan of either. But really, did it matter? I kept telling myself to knock it off. We had lived apart for many years. He moved on and so should I.
We knocked on the mission style door and were greeted by a smiling Easton. He looked too pleased to see us. He invited us into his expansive home. He was warm, but the house seemed cold and uninviting. Everywhere I looked it was dark, whether it was the furniture or the tiled floor that covered what looked like the entire first floor. The best word I could use to describe it was “sterile.” It didn’t remind me of Easton at all, at least not the Easton I used to know.
Easton was grilling and showed us to his backyard where Emmy was waiting for us on the patio. Her normally sullen demeanor lit up when she saw us. She sat on a patio chair in a coral bathing suit that looked like it was almost too small for her. Her dad really needed to take her shopping, or her mom. Easton never mentioned whe
re Kathryn was, and I didn’t ask. I knew I didn’t like her from the first moment I met her, but I had no idea how she would turn my life upside down. I couldn’t stand the woman, and looking at Emmy made me despise her more. Again, I needed to quit thinking about it.
Emmy and Ashley headed for the in-ground pool in the backyard. I gave him props for the pool. It was beautiful. There were large boulders on one end, with a waterfall cascading down them into the basin of water. The warm-toned stone that lined the pool and surrounding area was pleasing to the eye, as was the greenery. I was happy to see some green. The sage plants in front did nothing for me. He even had a smallish lawn near the patio.
I didn’t plan on swimming and it didn’t look like Easton did either, because he was wearing a short-sleeved button-up shirt and cargo shorts. Unfortunately, he looked good in everything. It made me grateful he wasn’t in swim trunks. That was all I needed—to be ogling my ex-husband. Even without the swim trunks, it was still uncomfortable as I sat there watching the girls. He stood at the grill flipping hamburgers. He used to be the easiest person for me to be around. I didn’t know if I’d ever fully opened up to anyone, but I got the closest with him. But now I didn’t know how to be in his presence, or want to be, but he obviously didn’t feel the same way.
He smiled over at me as he closed the lid to the grill. He came and sat down next to me. “Sorry, I only have white buns.”
“It’s okay. I’ll eat mine without.”
So we were stuck talking about food.
“Next time it’s my turn, I’ll be better prepared.”
I didn’t want to think about all the next times.
“Please don’t go to the trouble.”
“I want to, and I should be buying better food anyway.”
I didn’t say anything in response, other than to press my lips together. What he did was his business. I wasn’t the food police, but a lot of people acted that way around me once they found out what my profession was.
“Maybe I could hire you,” he teased.
I rolled my eyes and my lips twitched a tad.
“Did you smile at me, Taylor?”
Taylor Lynne: The Women of Merryton - Book Two Page 5