“Lexi?” my dad asked.
I glanced over at him. “What?”
“I have something for you. It won’t do any good out here since there’s no service, but I thought you might want it. I know you keep photos on it.” My dad pulled my phone out of his shirt pocket and handed it to me.
I pushed the button on it to see that he had been right. There was absolutely no service here, which meant there was no way to contact Joel. Still, I had a small piece of him with me now. My phone had hundreds of photos of us together. It would have to do—for now.
“Thank you. This means a lot.”
“You’re welcome, Lexi. Now, come on. Let’s go see your grandparents.”
I sighed in defeat as I opened the car door and stepped out. Gravel crunched under our feet as we walked to the trunk of the car and pulled out my bags. My dad carried the heavier one and left me with the lighter one as we made our way up to the porch.
My grandpa had built this house himself back when he and my grandma first got married. Even though I hated this place, I had to admit that the house was beautiful. It was a very large two-story log cabin. They had updated it some over the years, but it still looked almost the same as some of the pictures I’d seen in Grandma’s photo album when I was little. I just thanked my lucky stars that it had indoor plumbing.
My dad stepped up onto the porch and knocked on the door. My grandma appeared seconds later, glancing through the blinds covering the door window. I could see the huge grin on her face just before she opened the door.
“Harold! Alexandria! It’s so good to see you!” My grandmother hugged my father and then turned to me.
Her eyes widened a bit as she took in my appearance, but a second later, the shock was gone, and she was hugging me. I tried not to stiffen at the physical contact, but it was hard. I wasn’t a hugger. Truthfully, I wasn’t big on physical contact at all—with the exception of Joel.
My grandma looked exactly the same as how I remembered her. She’d been dyeing her hair a light brown for as long as I could remember. I could see a little gray poking through, but it wasn’t enough to notice unless someone was really looking. Her eyes were a pale blue that looked kind. While she wasn’t fat, she wasn’t skinny either. She was right between the two. Her face had always looked kind, and it still did. She was one of those people who could make others love her just by smiling at them.
“Lily, it’s nice to see you,” my father said as my grandma released me.
I’d always loved my grandmother’s name. When I was little, I had begged my mother to change my name to Lily. I always hated Alexandria. My dad called me Lexi, and I loved it, but my mom refused to go along with it. I thought she did it just to spite me. Then, when I’d first met Joel, he’d decided that Alexandria was too long, and like my dad, he’d started calling me Lexi. Unfortunately, the only people who called me Lexi were my dad, Joel, and a few of his close friends. To everyone else, I was still Alexandria.
“It’s good to see both of you. Come on in.” My grandmother motioned for us to follow her through the front door.
When I stepped inside, I couldn’t help but smile. The house was exactly the same as it had been the last time I was here. The walls were made of logs, just like the outside. The floors were hardwood. A huge rug was spread out over most of the entryway. The walls were covered in pictures of my grandparents together, the farm, and my mom at different stages in her life. I glanced at one of her when she was my age, and I couldn’t believe how alike we were. If my hair were still blonde, we could have been twins.
My father set my bag down by the door and followed my grandmother into the kitchen. I threw mine on top of it and trailed behind them. As soon as we walked through the doorway, I was hit with the smell of food. My stomach rumbled hungrily even though we’d eaten not even an hour before. My grandmother was a miracle worker when it came to the kitchen. I couldn’t think of one thing she’d made that I hadn’t inhaled.
“Something smells good,” I said as I sat down beside my dad at the kitchen table.
“I made chicken and dumplings for lunch. Your mom called me last night to tell me that you would be here, and I remembered this was your favorite food when you were little. I thought I’d make it to surprise you.” My grandmother smiled at me.
I was touched and surprised by her kindness even though I shouldn’t have been. My grandmother was always kind to me, and I loved her. There had been more than one occasion when I felt guilty for not coming to visit her, but I’d pushed it aside. I’d missed her, but I hadn’t been willing to deal with my grandfather.
“Thanks, Gram.”
She beamed. “You’re welcome. And I’m glad you haven’t forgotten your nickname for me. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you.”
I’d started calling her Gram when I was younger, and she loved it, so it’d stuck.
“I know,” I said, feeling guilty.
“Don’t look so embarrassed. You’re here now.”
But not because I want to be. I wanted to say it out loud, but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Instead, I smiled. “I know.”
“Where’s Caleb?” my father asked.
I winced at the mention of my grandfather.
“He’s out with our two helpers right now. The weather has been nice these last few days, so he’s trying to get the northern hayfield cut and baled.”
My father seemed surprised. “He has someone helping him now?”
“Yes, he hired Kent and his son to help. Caleb even built them a small house about half a mile away from here. They’ve been helping for about a year now.”
“Kent?”
There was an edge to my father’s voice that made me look up at him. My dad was rarely bothered by anything, but he seemed annoyed at the mention of Kent. I had no idea who the man was.
Gram looked slightly uneasy. “Yes, Kent.”
An awkward silence filled the room after that. I glanced back and forth between Gram and my dad, but both looked unsure of what to say next. We were saved when we heard the front door open and shut. A few seconds later, I could hear male voices coming toward us.
Gram stood and walked to the doorway. “Caleb, Harold and Alexandria made it.”
“I figured as much when I saw the car outside.”
My stomach dropped when I heard my grandfather’s voice. It had been so long since the last time I saw him, but I was sure he would still be an asshole.
He appeared in the doorway just seconds later, followed by two men. I didn’t even glance at the others as he caught me in his stare. He had aged since I last saw him. His hair was now completely gray, and more lines were running across his face, but his hazel eyes that matched mine and my mother’s still looked as sharp as ever.
It was obvious that he had just come from the hayfield. His clothes were drenched in sweat, and I could see pieces of hay stuck to him. I finally pulled my eyes away from him to look at the two other men. I paid little attention to their faces, but I noticed their clothes looked the same as his – drenched and covered with hay.
“It’s nice to see you, Caleb,” my dad said politely.
I wanted to roll my eyes at just how polite he was. My grandfather had never been a fan of my dad’s, yet Dad was always nice to him. If it were me, I would have told my grandfather to fuck off after all these years.
“Likewise,” my grandfather said before he turned his attention back to me. “What the hell did you do to yourself?”
I held his gaze, unwilling to lose this staring competition we had going on. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Like hell you don’t! Look at you—your face is covered in metal, and your hair is dyed!”
I rolled my eyes. I should have known he’d start on me as soon as he saw me. It was just how he was.
“I also have a tattoo. Want to see?” I held up my arm to show him. I couldn’t help but grin as I saw anger filling his eyes.
“Lexi, enough,” my father said sharply.<
br />
“You and Natasha let her do this to herself? What is wrong with you?” my grandfather asked.
“Mom and Dad didn’t let me do anything,” I spit out. I wouldn’t let my grandfather start bashing my dad.
“But they certainly didn’t stop you.”
“Stop it! Both of you!” My grandmother’s raised voice had me snapping my head over to look at her. She never yelled—ever. “Caleb, stop picking on Alexandria, and I mean it. You already ran her off once, and I won’t have you do it again.”
My grandfather’s eyes softened as he looked at Gram. I’d forgotten just how much control she had over him. She was the only one who could reel him in when he started yelling.
“Sorry, Lily, but I don’t think it’s okay to have my granddaughter walking around with metal in her face.”
“It doesn’t matter what you think, Caleb.” Gram scanned the room. “Now, let’s all sit down and eat before the food gets cold.”
My grandfather nodded and walked to the table. I was relieved when he sat down at the head of the table. It was as far away from me as possible.
The two men took seats across from my dad and me. I finally had the chance to look at both of them. It was obvious that they were father and son. The older of the two—Kent, I assumed—had brown hair and brown eyes. He looked about the same age as my parents, but years in the sun had taken its toll on him. His skin was deeply tanned and looked rough and worn.
His son was sitting directly across from me. He looked around my age or maybe a year or two older. He was just a younger and less weathered version of his father. His eyes were a chocolate brown, and his dark brown hair was mostly hidden by a ball cap, but some of it was sticking out from under his hat. It was the exact same color as his father’s. He was also tanned from working in the sun a lot. His face had a five o’clock shadow, but other than that, it was smooth and unblemished. His nose was thin but not too thin, and his lips were full. It was impossible not to notice how attractive he was.
He glanced up and caught me staring at him. He stared right back, his eyes taking in every part of my face. I expected him to zone in on my piercings, but he didn’t. Instead, he didn’t even seem to be bothered by them, unlike my grandfather.
My grandma set a plate of food in front of him, drawing his attention away from me. “Here you go, Landon.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Landon said as he smiled at her, revealing a set of perfect white teeth.
I couldn’t help but notice that he had a slight twang to his voice, stronger than my grandma’s.
My grandma smacked the back of his head. “I told you to call me Lily. And take off that hat at the dinner table.”
Landon grinned as he pulled off his hat and hung it on the back of his chair. His hair was just shaggy enough that it curled up at the ends. I had to admit that it was a good look for him. I froze as I realized that I had been checking this guy out.
What the hell is wrong with me? I shouldn’t even glance at guys, let alone stare at them.
I shook my head as Gram set my plate down in front of me.
“Here you go, Alexandria.”
“Thanks.” I stared down at my plate, determined not to look at Landon again.
My grandma made sure everyone had a plate before she sat down next to me, opposite my grandfather. “Who wants to say thanks?”
Shit. I’d forgotten that my grandparents said a prayer before each meal.
I could only imagine what my grandfather would do when he figured out that I didn’t believe in God. He’d probably make me sleep outside on the ground.
“I will,” Landon said.
I glanced up to see him looking at my grandma.
“Thank you, Landon. All right, everyone, bow your heads.”
I hesitated for a split second before lowering mine. I hated doing it, but I didn’t want to get in another fight with my grandpa. I’d wait until later to have that particular battle. Maybe we could strangle each other over dinner.
Landon said grace, and then we all started eating. My grandfather talked to Kent and Kent alone, ignoring the rest of us. That was fine by me. The less I had to talk to my grandfather, the better.
I glanced over at my dad to see him staring at Kent like he wanted to punch him. I raised my eyebrows but said nothing. That wasn’t like my dad at all. Before my dad left, I would have to ask him who Kent was.
I turned my attention away from Dad, only to look at Landon. I was surprised to see him staring at me again. I glared at him before dropping my gaze back down to my food. I didn’t want him to stare at me. I had no idea why, but I just knew that I didn’t.
“Did y’all have a safe trip down?” my grandmother asked me.
“Yeah, it was pretty boring.”
“Where are you from?”
I glanced up to see Landon looking at me.
“Columbiana, Ohio. It’s just under three hours away from here once you make a pit stop or two.”
He nodded. “I think I’ve heard of it before. Is it a small town, like around here?”
I snorted. “This place isn’t big enough to be classified as a town. Columbiana isn’t huge, but it’s definitely not Bumfuck, Egypt, like this place.”
“Lexi!” my dad scolded.
I shrugged. “What? It’s the truth.”
“Alexandria, please don’t curse. It isn’t very ladylike,” Gram said.
I glanced over to see her frowning. “Sorry, Gram.”
“It’s apparent that we’ll have to teach you some manners while you’re staying with us,” my grandfather said.
I didn’t even glance at him. If I did, I knew we’d start fighting again. He was going to have to figure out that I wasn’t the same little kid as before. He couldn’t push me around and make me do what he told me anymore. He could kiss my ass.
No one said another word until dinner was finished. Gram collected our plates and put them in the sink to soak until she had a chance to wash them. I started to get up, but my grandpa stopped me.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked.
“Um…up to my room.”
My grandparents’ house was big enough that I’d had my own room when I would come to visit. It had been my favorite part of this house—probably because my grandpa never visited me there.
“No, you’re not. We have some things to discuss before your father leaves. Sit back down.”
I dropped back onto my chair and turned to look at him. “Fine. I’m sitting. What do you want to talk about?”
“Your mother called and talked to Lily and me last night. She told us everything that has been going on with you, including the reason you’re staying with us this summer.”
“And?”
“I’m going to lay down the law while your father is here, so there is no confusion about what is expected from you. While you’re here, you will help with the chores. I’ve made you a list that you are to follow daily. If everything is done properly, you will be allowed free time on the weekends. If not, you will have extra chores added to the list.”
“And what are my chores?” I asked, already dreading the answer.
“Landon has the list, and he’ll show you how to do everything tomorrow. The list isn’t that hard to follow, but on top of that, you will be helping Landon with whatever he needs. His jobs vary day to day, so be prepared for whatever he needs you to do.”
I glanced up at Landon to see him watching me closely. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“And you’re not getting one. Landon is your boss. If you don’t listen to him, he will let me know.”
I glanced over at my grandfather when he paused.
“If you won’t listen to Landon, then you can start helping me every day. I think you’ll prefer dealing with Landon over me.”
I’d prefer to be stomped to death by a cow rather than spend the day stuck with my grandpa, but I didn’t think I should tell him that.
“If you keep up with your daily chores and help us, y
ou will have the weekends and maybe even some evenings free. If you refuse to listen to us, we will call your mother.”
“What’s she going to do?” I asked sarcastically. Yell at me through the phone? Whoop-de-do.
“She’ll call the police on that piece-of-shit boyfriend of yours.”
The color drained from my face. She really had told them everything.
“Since I doubt you want him to be locked up for drugs and statutory rape, I’m sure you’ll find a way to push that attitude of yours to the side and do what you’re told.”
“I…you…” I started, but I couldn’t form a sentence. How dare he talk about my personal life while two strangers are sitting at the table with us.
“You’re dismissed. Spend the rest of the day unpacking. Lily will have dinner ready at six, so we expect you down here for that. I suggest you go to bed early because you’re expected to be up at six to help Landon. Meet him outside the barn.”
It was good to know that my grandfather was still an asshole.
I refused to look at anyone as I stood and walked away from the table. Fuck them all. I was sure Kent and Landon were sitting there, judging me, now that my grandfather had aired all my dirty laundry right in front of them, but I didn’t care. I didn’t give a damn about what they thought of me.
I heard footsteps behind me, and then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I glanced back to see that it was my father.
“Want me to help you carry your bags up to your room?” he asked.
I nodded as I grabbed one bag and left the other for him. We climbed the stairs together and then walked down the hallway to my door. When I swung it open, I was surprised to see that it had been cleaned recently. I walked to the bed and set my bag down on it. The sheets and bedspread smelled fresh, like Gram had just washed them. She probably had since mom had called her last night.
“I know this is hard, Lexi, but you just have to hang in there,” my father said.
“I can’t stand him.”
He sighed. “I know. I…I have a hard time with him, too.”
“Who is Kent?”
“What do you mean?”
Breaking Alexandria Page 5