Loving Her Fling

by Heather B. Moore

  “Oh, so you’re one of those,” he whispered.

  She turned her gaze on him. “One of what?”

  “Those people who clap at the end of the movie, then watch the credits.”

  She only smiled, then once again ignored him in favor of watching names of producers and actors and crew scrolling up the screen.

  Austin could be patient. He wasn’t going anywhere. At least not tonight.

  When the final credits rolled, and the music faded, they were the only ones left in the theater.

  “Now, can I kiss you?” Austin teased.

  Everly rolled her eyes. “You have a one-track mind. Did you even watch the movie, or were you watching me the whole time?”

  “Guilty.”

  She laughed, then gathered the empty popcorn tub and added their drink cups inside. “Come on so you don’t fall asleep in here.”

  He grasped her hand, and she tugged him to his feet, although he didn’t really need help. He was only too happy to stand and pull her close. Leaning down, he brushed his mouth against hers.

  “Come on, Mr. Architect,” she whispered. “We’re going to get locked in.”

  “I don’t mind,” he murmured, kissing her again.

  But Everly seemed to have the willpower of Superman, and she drew away, then tugged his hand and led him out of the row.

  “Do you want me to take you home, or do you want to go for a walk at the park?” he asked as they headed outside to his truck. The summer night air was perfectly warm, and Austin was far from tired.

  “A walk sounds nice,” Everly said, squeezing his hand.

  “Okay, great.” He drove to the park. When they parked, they climbed out of the truck and walked the perimeter, hand in hand. It was after nine, so the place was hopping with teens at the skate park. They even populated the playground, running around, having fun.

  “Oh no,” Everly said, looking down at her phone.

  “What is it?”

  “My mom called three times, and she texted me to call her asap.”

  Austin didn’t miss the alarm in her voice. “Call her then. I can take you over to her house if you want.”

  “I’ll call.” Everly pressed send on her phone.

  Austin couldn’t hear everything that was said, but he caught enough of Everly’s side of the conversation to know that there’d been some sort of blow up between Brandy and Brock, and Brandy had taken off.

  They’d reached the far side of the park where things were quieter. Austin noticed a lone person sitting on one of the benches. As they drew closer, it became obvious it was a woman. Her straight blonde hair reminded him of Brandy.

  “Everly,” Austin said, cutting into her conversation with her mom. “I think Brandy’s over there.”

  Everly paused and looked over. “Mom. I’ve gotta go. Brandy’s at the park. I’ll talk to her, then call you.” She hung up with a sigh.

  “Did they break up?” Austin asked in a quiet voice.

  “I’m not sure, and my mom’s not sure,” Everly said, blinking rapidly, her voice trembling. “But things aren’t good.”

  Austin rubbed her back, trying to soothe her. “Talk to your sister. This is a bump in the road.”

  “You don’t understand,” Everly said. “Their fight was about me.”

  Austin stared at her. “About . . . his phone call?”

  She drew in a shaky breath. “There was more, I guess. Brock told her he wasn’t completely over me. He didn’t realize it until I showed up at the brunch last Sunday with you.”

  19

  Everly

  Sometimes Everly hated the hard things in life, and this was one of those instances. Her sister’s huddled form on the bench told her that Brandy’s heart had been broken. By the same man who’d broken her own. Who better to offer comfort? The dark irony tasted bitter on her tongue.

  Maybe Brock just had cold feet. There was no way that he still had feelings for Everly. She’d witnessed the progression of the relationship between him and Brandy. He adored her, and she adored him.

  But as she walked toward the lone figure of her sister on the park bench, the doubts plagued Everly. Brock had called her last night, and he’d said things that weren’t normal for a man who was in love with his fiancée.

  “Brandy?” she said in a quiet voice.

  Her sister lifted her head in surprise, then her entire body tensed. “What are you doing here?”

  “Austin and I were on a walk.”

  Brandy glanced over at Austin, who was keeping his distance. Her makeup was streaked, giving no doubt that she’d been crying.

  “Mom called me,” Everly added.

  Brandy sniffled. “Did she tell you that Brock and I broke up?”

  Everly held back a gasp. “She said that you guys were in a fight . . . I didn’t know it was that serious.”

  “He told me he’s not over you,” Brandy said, then she began to cry.

  “I’m so sorry,” Everly whispered, sitting next to her sister. “I think he’s confused. I know he loves you. I mean, he broke up with me. And yeah, it took me a while to get over him, but when I saw the two of you together . . . I knew you guys had the real thing.”

  Brandy wiped at the tears on her face. “It doesn’t matter if he loves me, because it’s not enough. I can’t marry a man who can’t make up his mind.”

  Everly’s belly felt like she’d swallowed a rock. She scooted over and pulled Brandy into her arms.

  “I’ve felt so guilty for so long,” Brandy said, her voice shaky as she leaned against Everly. “And that’s gone now. Weird, huh? I didn’t realize what a burden that had been.”

  Everly rubbed her sister’s back. “You never had to feel guilty.”

  “I did anyway,” Brandy said. “And I can’t believe how supportive you’ve been. I don’t think I could have ever done that.”

  “I did it because I love you more than anything.”

  Brandy exhaled then lifted her head. “I’m leaving tomorrow,” she said. “Mom doesn’t know yet, but I’m canceling everything in the morning. Then I’m getting in my car and driving someplace. I don’t know where yet, and I don’t know what I’m going to do. But I need to get out of this town for a bit. The gossiping will be like wild fire.”

  Everly’s eyes stung, but she nodded, knowing that her sister needed time and healing.

  “Can I ask you a favor?” Brandy whispered.

  “Of course, anything,” she said.

  “Can you be there for Mom? She’s going to take it hard.”

  “I can,” Everly said.

  “You know how she is with her daughters getting married,” Brandy said, her tone ironic. “She’ll probably try to talk me into marrying Brock after all.”

  Everly nodded. This was true.

  “But I’m taking comfort in knowing that you found your Mr. Right,” Brandy said. “That should keep Mom off my case when I go on a very long relationship hiatus.”

  “Mr. Right?” Everly said. “I don’t know about that. Things are still pretty new with Austin.”

  Brandy patted Everly’s knee. “Well, I’m calling it like I see it, big sister.”

  Everly smirked, and the two women embraced.

  “Go to him,” Brandy said, squeezing Everly tight. “I’m going to be fine. I’m sitting here planning my bright and glorious future.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Brandy drew away and offered a brave smile. “I’m sure.”

  “Mom wants me to call her,” Everly said. “I told her I saw you in the park.”

  “I’ll call her,” Brandy said. “I owe her the truth. It’s the only way we can move forward, and I don’t want her trying to convince me to give Brock a second chance.”

  “Good plan.” Everly hugged her sister again, then rose to her feet. “Keep me posted on your travels. And stay safe.”

  “I will.”

  Everly crossed the grass in the moonlight, walking toward Austin.

  “Will she be okay?”
he asked in a quiet voice.

  “She will be,” Everly said. “She’s canceling all the wedding stuff tomorrow, then going on a solo trip.”

  “Does she need help with anything?” he asked, sliding his hand over her shoulder.

  “She’ll let me know,” Everly said, grasping his hand and linking their fingers. “Right now, she wants to be alone.”

  Austin moved his thumb over her wrist in the way that she loved.

  “You were right, Austin,” Everly said. “Brock told her he wasn’t over me, and she can’t very well marry a man she can’t trust. I don’t know if I believe Brock since I don’t think he knows his own heart and mind. But all of this makes me appreciate you more.” She stepped closer to him and placed a hand on his chest. “Thanks for not being a jerk.”

  His mouth lifted at the corners, and he drew her close, his fingers stroking her back in gentle circles. “You’re welcome.”

  Everly hated that her sister was so sad. But she supposed that it was better to find out Brock’s true nature before the wedding instead of after.

  After Austin took her home that night, she and Brandy exchanged a few texts. Everly said to send her a to-do list of things to cancel so that Brandy wouldn’t have to make the phone calls. And then her mom called. It was late, but it seemed none of the King women would be getting much sleep tonight.

  “I want to burn his place down,” her mom said first thing. “Tonight. Do you want to come with me?”

  Everly was so shocked that she laughed. “Am I driving, or are you?”

  “You’d better drive,” her mom said. “I might speed, and we’ll get pulled over. I don’t think I can talk Officer St. Clair into letting me off the hook again. No matter how in love that man is with his new woman.”

  “Luke St. Clair would be the least of our concerns if we have arson materials in the trunk.”

  Her mom sighed. “I hate him right now. But I’m also relieved. If this is Brock’s true nature, I don’t want him married to either one of my daughters.”

  Everly matched her mom’s sigh. “I agree. I hate that everything went so far with the wedding plans, but maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”

  “Right . . .” her mom’s voice trailed off. “I’ll have my black clothes and can of gasoline on standby though. I’m only a phone call away.”

  Everly smiled. “Thanks, Mom. I’m glad you’re not brushing this under the rug and telling Brandy to give him a second chance.”

  “Never,” her mom said, her tone steely. “That man doesn’t deserve Brandy. Or you.”

  Everly closed her eyes and exhaled. “I hope the fallout won’t be too hard on Brandy.”

  “People in Hidden Hollows need to mind their own business.” Her mom released a heavy sigh. “We’ll get through this. The King women always do.”

  “Yep,” Everly said. “I told Brandy I’d make calls for her tomorrow, and she told me to watch over you.”

  “I have the best daughters,” her mom said, her voice full of emotion. “And I’m happy for you and Austin. If he’s around this coming weekend, bring him for our brunch.”

  “Okay, Mom,” Everly said. “His parents might come for the Fourth of July celebrations.”

  “The more the merrier,” her mom said. “It’s not like I have a wedding to get ready for.”

  Everly laughed, even though she didn’t mean to. But her mom started laughing as well until Everly had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. When they hung up, Everly was still smiling. Her mother was right. The King women would be fine.

  The next few days sped by as Everly deflected questions about Brandy and Brock at the craft store, which had apparently become a gossip center. She spent her evenings with Austin, and that was always the best part of her day. He even included her in his nightly phone calls with Jessica. It was cute hearing her sweet voice through the phone, and more than once Austin excused himself to work on something while Everly and Jessica went deep into their conversations about the world of fairies or Barbies.

  On Friday afternoon, Everly was a bundle of nerves though. Austin’s parents were coming out to Hidden Hollows and would arrive early evening with Jessica. It wasn’t that Everly wasn’t looking forward to meeting them, but she was nervous all the same. This was definitely a big step in her relationship with Austin.

  Not only that, but he said he had a surprise for her sometime that weekend. He just didn’t know when it would be exactly.

  Whatever thoughts had been tumbling about in her mind immediately dissipated when Brock Hayes walked into the craft shop. Unless he was on an errand for his mom, Brock was here to see Everly.

  From her position at the end of one of the aisles that she was restocking with vanilla scented candles, she watched him talk to Darla. Darla promptly pointed Everly out, and Brock nodded. Then started walking toward her.

  Everly wanted to disappear. To turn and hurry down the aisle and continue straight out the back door. What was Brock thinking? Yeah, she’d blocked him, so maybe he’d tried to text or call? That was his giant hint to not contact her. Yet, he was striding toward her like he was a man on a mission. His blond hair was tousled, his blue eyes looked strained and red, and his dress shirt that he probably wore to the office was half-untucked. In short, she’d never seen Brock Hayes this undone.

  Everly folded her arms as he approached. Thankfully, the store wasn’t crowded at the moment, but that wouldn’t stop the Hidden Hollows’ gossip from spreading.

  “Where is she?” Brock asked.

  Everly didn’t need him to clarify who he was asking about. “She went out of town.”

  Brock exhaled, then scrubbed a hand through his already messy hair. “I screwed up, Eve.”

  “You think?” She took a step into the aisle. Darla was glancing over at them with curiosity.

  Brock took the hint and followed. “I didn’t mean . . . I didn’t think . . .” His gaze landed on the floor. “I wanted to be honest because Brandy is so pure, I was feeling guilty. Conflicted, too. Can you talk to her for me? Tell her I’m sorry. She can cancel the wedding if she wants, but I want another chance. I don’t want us to be over.”

  When his blue eyes met hers, Everly felt the tiniest bit of compassion.

  “We’re sisters, Brock,” she said in a hushed tone. “She’s more important to me than anything you’re feeling. Besides, the wedding is already cancelled. Did you think she was kidding? No woman should ever be second choice, especially my sister.”

  Brock closed his eyes and rubbed a hand over his face. When he looked at her again, she was a bit gratified to see the tears there. He deserved to cry. He’d been awful. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know why . . . I guess seeing you with Austin brought back some memories, and it threw me for a loop.”

  “A big loop apparently.”

  Brock grimaced.

  “Look, you need to leave,” Everly said. “I’m not going to be in the middle of anyone’s relationship, especially yours.”

  Brock nodded, although the lines on his forehead told her he was far from happy about her refusal to talk to him.

  Everly walked down the aisle and turned into the next one. Brock remained in the first aisle for a few moments, then he headed out of the store. Everly knew it would be a while before any of them got full closure on this whole situation. But she was more than ready to have Brock Hayes fully and permanently out of her life.

  When her phone buzzed with a text, she pulled it out of her craft apron pocket. Austin had texted: 2 hours.

  Meaning, two hours until he picked her up, and they went to meet his parents. She was more than ready. Yeah, she’d be nervous, but if Austin wanted her to meet Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, she was all in.

  20

  Austin

  Austin paced the hotel lobby. His parents still hadn’t shown up, and he hadn’t heard from either of them for an hour. He’d texted both his mom and dad, but nothing. It was times like this that he wished Jessica had a cell phone, even if she was only seven years ol
d. What if something had delayed them? What if there’d been an accident?

  The knots in his stomach only tightened as the scenarios ran through his mind. He’d already let Everly know that everything was running late. He wished she was here now, but there was also prudence in talking to his parents for a few moments when they arrived, without Everly around.

  Because he was about to deliver news that might stun them.

  It was part of his surprise for Everly, and hopefully Jessica would be excited about it. He’d spent most of the day looking at properties. Condos, apartments, older homes, newer homes, and he’d found something that he knew would be perfect. It was actually down the block from Lizzy’s family, and if Jessica and Lizzy stayed friends, they’d only be four houses apart from each other.

  As it was, Lizzy’s birthday party started in thirty minutes, and Austin was pretty sure that Jessica would throw a royal fit if she missed it.

  But safety was more important.

  When the tan-colored mini-van pulled up to the motel, Austin nearly sprinted out of the lobby doors. His parents drove a mini-van because his mom was always hauling stuff around for this and that.

  He grinned as his mom and dad climbed out, and Jessica rushed to meet him.

  “Hey, sweetie,” he said, crushing her against him. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

  “Can you take me to Lizzy’s?” she asked. “Grandma doesn’t know the way, and she and Grandpa said they have to check into their room.”

  “Of course,” Austin said, his gaze connecting with his parents. “I’ll be back soon, and then we can meet up with Everly.”

  He didn’t miss the slight pursing of his mother’s lips. He had hoped that she would have warmed up to the idea by now. If not, his announcement would be all that harder to swallow down. On the short ride to Lizzy’s home, he slowed as he passed the home with the For Sale sign in front of it. The neighborhood was quiet, and even in the glow of twilight, it looked inviting and cozy—something he never thought he’d look for in a house. But now with a seven-year-old daughter, and possibly more children in the future, it was a priority.