by T. K. Rapp
I couldn’t disagree, and even if I did, she’d see right through me.
“And my neighbor,” I said.
“Since when?”
“Since about two seconds before you showed up. Apparently he’s moving in with Dallas to be close to the shop.”
“Lucky us.” She smiled playfully.
“Us?”
“Uh…yeah.” She smiled and threw her arms up in the air. “Surprise!”
“What’s going on?” I asked, returning her smile. “Don’t screw with me, Jo.”
“I did it. I printed out my resignation and delivered it to my boss the other day.”
“You’re kidding! You told Kevin you quit?”
“Not exactly,” she laughed. “I talked to the art director, Chelsea, and asked for a relocation to the L.A. office, and she signed off on it.”
“Really?” I squealed. “That was quick.”
“Full disclosure…I had this in the works for a few of weeks. I hired a moving company and tried to schedule my ‘visit’ to coincide with the delivery.
“This is crazy,” I said with a laugh. Jolie was spontaneous, something I’d always known about her, but the news of her big move surprised me.
“Does the offer to take the spare room is still apply?” she asked timidly.
I realized then that she mistook my shocked silence for disappointment. I threw my arms around her neck and hugged her tightly before releasing her.
“Yes. Absolutely! When can you move in?”
“The moving company should be here tomorrow.”
“You were that certain I was going to let you move in, huh?” I teased.
“I do know you pretty well,” she laughed. “And it seems like just yesterday you were practically begging me to move in.
“You caught me,” I said. I looked around the apartment and then at Jolie. “Just one question: How are you going to fit all your stuff into this little place?”
While I still had tons of free space, Jolie’s old apartment in Wyoming was bigger than my place and she had very little room to spare.
“Whatever doesn’t fit, I’ll put in storage. It’s all good.”
“I can’t believe you’re moving in. I’m so happy.”
My eyes became teary and I tried to fan the wetness away with my hand, but it wasn’t working.
“Hey, what’s wrong? Do you not want me here?”
“No,” I sniffed, shaking my head and trying not to cry. “It’s not that.”
“Then what’s going on?”
I shook my head again and took a deep breath.
You are not going to cry.
“Will?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Did he call you?”
“I called him.”
“Now why would you do that?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. But I called and we talked. He had someone there with him.”
“Who was it?”
“I don’t know. But I have a feeling our old apartment has become a revolving door of women,” I admitted. “You know, I didn’t even cry after I talked to him. Nothing. I wasn’t hurt. I wasn’t angry. I was just…”
“Okay,” she finished and I nodded.
“Yeah—I was okay.”
“So then why the soggy eyes?”
“Because you moving in reminded me that he was the last person I lived with, and it ended so badly.”
“Honey, I promise not to cheat on you,” she said seriously, placing her hand over mine, and I laughed.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” I said, hugging her again.
“I’m just going to put this out there, okay? And you can do with it what you want.” She paused and waited for my nod before she continued. “You’re never going to truly move on until you have the divorce papers drawn up. And…oh how convenient…you work for a lawyer.”
“Jo...”
She put her hands up in the air and smiled. “I’m just sayin’.”
I didn’t need to respond. I knew she was right. And she knew I needed to do things in my own time.
“So which room is mine?”
“The first door on the left.”
She jumped up off the couch and disappeared, leaving me alone to consider her advice.
***
“Are you ready?” I called out.
Jolie and I had spent the last few hours unloading the things she had been able to bring in her car. Luckily, her bed would arrive the next day, so I’d only have to deal with her kicking for one night.
“Be right out,” she answered.
Callie and Dallas were waiting for us at his place so we could try a new sushi restaurant across town. I knew they would get along well and couldn’t wait to show her everything I’d done—just like she wanted.
“All right, let’s go,” she said.
Jolie was wearing a black sequined top with her skinny jeans and tall boots. She’d pulled her long hair into a braid draped over her shoulder. I opted for my favorite skinny jeans paired with a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up. I’d managed to fix my hair into a low, messy bun.
We each looked at the other and laughed.
“Good and evil?” I asked.
“Always,” she winked.
I showed her to Dallas’s apartment, where he and Callie stepped out immediately.
“I’m so hungry,” Callie said.
“Then let’s go,” Dallas answered, locking his door.
We got to the street and had started walking toward Callie’s car when Dallas stopped walking.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Just waiting for Wyatt.”
“Wyatt?”
“Yep,” I heard Wyatt say behind me.
“Um, guys, my car only holds four,” Callie said.
“Well.” Jolie grinned and I knew she was up to something. “Callie, why don’t I ride with you and Dallas so I can get the real story on my girl here. And Vi, why don’t you take Wyatt in your car? All set?”
“Sounds good.” Callie smiled.
“Works for me,” Dallas added. They started to walk away, leaving me alone with Wyatt.
“Where’s your car?” Wyatt asked while I looked at my friends with wide eyes.
Pure. Fucking. Evil.
I will get you all back—at least that’s what I tried to convey with my eyes, but all I heard was their laughter.
“This way,” I said, pointing in the opposite direction.
I climbed into the driver’s seat and waited for Wyatt to join me inside.
He started laughing and looked over at me. “They’re not subtle, are they?”
“Not even a little.” I smiled. “Sorry about them.”
“Listen, full disclosure, I’m very interested. But I know you have things you need to deal with, so no pressure.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. How could it? Wyatt winked sweetly and I shook my head, laughing at him.
“You’re something else, Mr. Earp.”
I turned the ignition, and pulled out onto the road and followed Callie to the restaurant. I turned on the radio, though I wasn’t listening to anything but my own thoughts.
I knew my marriage was over.
But knowing it was over and taking the steps to make it official were two different things.
Jolie wasn’t off base when she said I should look into filing the papers, but I held onto the word married like a security blanket.
And if I was being honest, it all boiled down to protection. Protecting myself.
If I was still married, I couldn’t find someone else.
And if I couldn’t find someone else, then I couldn’t get hurt again.
Foolproof plan.
Chapter 11
Jolie and I spent the rest of the weekend getting her settled in the apartment. As I expected, she had too much for the tiny unit. Our living room was eclectic, with my consignment finds and her weird blue velvet-like sofa. I had yet to purchase a dining table, but
luckily, Jolie took care of that and even had a few bar stools for the small counter space.
We still had to put some of her things in storage, but not as much as I had thought.
By Sunday night, we were both completely spent. I ordered us a pizza and we relaxed in front of the TV with Callie until it was eleven. Jolie and I both had work in the morning, and I needed my rest.
Fortunately, Monday morning rolled around and I was ready to go. I was wearing a pair of slacks and a top that made me look like a business professional. It was strange dressing up for work, because at the music store I would wear jeans and tanks. It took some getting used to, but when in doubt, I could just raid Jolie’s closet since she was living with me.
I wasn’t typically a fan of the first day of the week, but that morning I felt energized and ready for something big to come my way. Jolie was excited to meet her new boss, though I warned her she needed to leave early for work because of traffic.
I wasn’t surprised when my stubborn friend ignored my words and woke up at the same time I did. Her office was easily a thirty-minute drive on a good day with no traffic.
She’ll learn.
I didn’t want to stick around to watch the full-on panic attack that Jolie was sure to have when she realized how late she really was. Spewing profanities, sweat, and maybe even tears were to be expected.
“Hey,” I called out to Jolie as I was leaving for work. “I’m heading out now so I can get some coffee.”
“Tell Wyatt I said hello,” she answered, but I didn’t bother responding.
I locked the door and started taking the steps down, and when I reached the second floor I saw Callie walking toward me. I glanced at my watch and wondered if I’d have enough time to get something and go.
“Hey sleepyhead,” Callie said as she got closer.
“Good morning to you, too, sunshine.” I smiled.
“Well, you seem happier. Lighter.”
“Um, thanks?” I laughed.
“I mean it,” she said, hugging me tightly.
When she pulled away, I looked at her, wondering if I should ask the question that was on my mind.
“Did he get settled?”
“Well, his stuff is there…if that’s what you’re asking. As for actually moved in, I’m not sure. But just so you know, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
“Worry?”
“Yeah. Wyatt.”
“Why would I be worried about Wyatt? We’re friends.”
“That’s good,” she said, though I could tell she didn’t believe me. “Where ya headed?”
“Coffee,” I answered. It was one word, but it was all I needed.
“Mind if I join?”
“Not at all.”
As we walked down the street, we made small talk about our week and she told me that she had a couple of auditions set up. Considering that she hadn’t been on one since we met, I knew it was a big deal.
The door announced our arrival and we both stood staring in amazement at the crowd in front of us.
“This is gonna take forever,” Callie said with her mouth agape.
“Maybe we should just come back this evening,” I replied, looking at all the people.
“Hey, Vi. Callie,” Wyatt called and waved us over to the side.
“Or not,” Callie said, pulling me through the line of people until we reached the side of the counter. “It pays to know the owner.”
“Good morning,” I said when I was close enough that he could hear me. “Busy morning.”
“Just like I like it.” He smiled.
He was behind the counter helping to take orders and keeping things moving but still making an effort to talk to us…to me.
“Here you go,” he said, handing me a to-go cup.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“Non-fat vanilla latte.” He smiled, turning to the person in line who was waiting. “Sorry, Callie, I’m not sure what you like to drink.”
She looked at me and then to my hand before looking at him again. I knew what she was thinking and I’d have to correct her.
Later.
“Same.” She smiled. “Please.”
“On it.” He winked and busied himself making a few drinks that Emma and Busy handed him.
“What do I owe you?”
I wanted to hit myself, or at the very least, roll my eyes at the loaded question I lobbed at him. Fortunately, he was too busy to flirt.
“It’s on me.”
I looked at the cup in my hands and then back at him and nodded. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And you’re not interested in him…why?” Callie whispered when he wasn’t looking.
“Not now,” I muttered back.
“What time do you have to be to work?”
“Eight,” I answered.
She looked at her phone and I already knew I had more than enough time, especially considering the Bateman Law Office was only a fifteen-minute walk.
“Good. Find us a seat and I’ll be there in a minute,” she said, leaving no room for argument.
How did someone I’d only recently met become someone who knew how to handle me so well? It took Dani and Millie nearly a year, though Jolie figured it out early on. When I thought about it, Callie was a lot like Jolie. Both outgoing, having little regard for boundaries, and incredibly pushy.
The spot I usually liked to relax in was taken by a few business-type people, so I found a small table for two near the door. I glanced over and saw Callie flirting with Wyatt and laughed. Who wouldn’t flirt with that guy?
Me. That’s who.
She smiled and took the drink from his hand, laughing at something he said before making her way toward me.
“So. You were going to tell me why you’re not interested in our resident hottie,” she said as soon as she sat down.
“No I wasn’t.”
“Okay, well now you can tell me anyway.”
“It’s not a matter of interest, Cal.”
“What is it then? Because I turned on the charm full-force over there, and didn’t get nearly the attention you did. The guy clearly likes you.”
“The guy, Callie, doesn’t know me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m not gonna lie, Wyatt is very attractive. I mean, just look at him…the eyes, the arms, the hair…” I trailed off, staring at him.
“You were saying?”
I shook my head to clear the Wyatt-fog in my mind and smiled at Callie. “I’m not sure I’m ready for anything right now. It feels too soon.”
She watched me thoughtfully and I was glad she didn’t make fun of me for my lack of a spine.
Callie exhaled loudly and sat back in her chair. “I’m not going to say I understand, because I really don’t. But I can tell that you’re still hung up on the ex.”
“That’s not it at all.” When the words came out, I knew them to be true. I wasn’t hung up on Will, I didn’t miss being a wife to him, and I certainly didn’t miss who I was when I was with him. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve dated? Flirted?”
“You haven’t flirted?” she challenged and then laughed. Hard. The laugh I expected when I said it was too soon. “I might not know you that well, Vi, but I’ve seen you flirt…and you’re damn good at it.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Then what is the point?” She glanced at her phone again and showed me. “You have about nine more minutes to dumb it down for me.”
“Will is all I’ve known since I was twenty. Everything I know about men is wrapped up in him. I thought he was perfect, and look how that turned out. Now I question my own intuition…that sucks.”
“Maybe you need to rely on your friends’ intuition until you can trust yourself again. Because I’m telling you right now, he’s one of the good ones. And he’s not going to be on the market for long.”
“Then that’s something I’ll have to live with. R
ight?”
I stood up with my coffee in hand and lifted it up toward Wyatt. He smiled, and looked back at his customer before glancing at me once more.
Thanks again, I mouthed. I turned to leave and then paused for a moment. “I’ll see you this afternoon?” I called out.
“I’ll be here,” he answered.
When I walked outside, the clear blue sky assaulted my eyes, and I felt around inside my purse trying to find my sunglasses. As I put them on, I noticed my name on the side of the cup I was holding. I hadn’t seen it when Wyatt handed the cup to me before. Under my name he had written a message.
Have dinner with me?
Just friends.
~E
I laughed when I saw the “E,” a reference to the nickname I’d given him. I liked that he played along and with it.
I can do friends. Right?
***
“Good morning, Mr. Bateman,” I said when I walked into his office.
The thin, graying man looked at me and smiled. “Viola, it’s Charles—please. Did you have a nice weekend?”
“I did. I got a roommate.”
“That’s great.” He smiled. “How did you find someone so quickly?”
“I wasn’t even looking—not yet. But I mentioned the vacancy to my best friend a while back and I had no idea she planned to take me up on it.”
“I hope it works out for you,” he said and then motioned to the chair in front of his desk.
“You have several meetings today,” I told him as I started running through his daily itinerary. It was going to be busy, but that would help keep my mind off the conversation with Callie.
“Well, since we have some time before the first client comes in, I’m going to look over my case for court tomorrow,” he said, dismissing me.
I stood up to leave his office, but paused at the door.
“Was there something else?”
“Actually…yes?”
“Was that a question?” He smiled and motioned back to the seat I’d vacated.
“It’s of a personal nature,” I said, sitting down. I swallowed hard and tried to compose myself because I wasn’t sure how the conversation would go.
He nodded for me to continue.