My Almost Ex

by Piper Rayne

  “Who hurt Mr. Adam?” Evan stands up as though he’s ready to take on the offending party.

  “Mrs. Greene did,” Kayla answers, pointing at me. I don’t remember her, but I’m fairly sure she probably always raised her hand and answered every question.

  “Okay, guys.” Adam slides out of the desk and comes over to the front of the room. “My heart is fine. I have a great heart. It’s healthy and I can still scale mountains to save people.” He puts his hand on my shoulder. Other than when he held my hand in our old bedroom a week ago, it’s the only time he’s touched me. He squeezes.

  But the kids aren’t saying anything wrong. They’re just franker than the adults in this town. Like it or not, everyone in this town thinks I broke Adam Greene.

  “Why don’t you read them a story now?” Abby hands me a book.

  I happily take the book, and the kids allow the distraction to prevent any further talk of whose heart I broke and why. It’s still not something I could answer even if I wanted to.

  When we leave an hour later, I refuse to drive because my mind is distracted.

  “They’re just kids,” Adam says.

  “Their hugs felt good,” I say. “I enjoyed being in the classroom with them.”

  “You were always a great teacher,” he says and puts the truck in gear to leave.

  “I loved it then?”

  He nods. “You did. You’d always come home and tell me stories about what they said. Which you do know…” He glances at me for a second before pulling out on the main road. “Kids say whatever’s on their mind. You don’t have to worry about what they said.”

  “I know, but it makes me feel guilty. Maybe if I knew why I left, I’d feel less guilty, or maybe I’d feel even more so. I mean, who knows why I’d leave you?”

  He puts his hand on my thigh. A million nerve cells heat under his palm and scream for him to keep it right there, even move up a little. “You have to relax. You have no control over any of this.”

  I slide my hand over his and link our fingers. “I’m surprised to hear you say that when you’re the one I hurt.”

  “At some point, I have to let the anger and hurt go. I have to find forgiveness.”

  “Do you think you ever could?” I’m pretty sure I stop breathing as I wait for his answer.

  He moves his hand and I expect him to slide it away, but he locks our hands together instead. “I’m trying. I really am.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  He’s quiet for the rest of the trip, but he doesn’t release my hand. When we pull up the long driveway to Hank and Marla’s house on the hill, my gut twists.

  “What’re we doing here?” I ask.

  “We’re having a late lunch with Hank and Marla. I’ve put her off long enough and she was bummed about missing the party. She’s anxious to see you.”

  I nod, and he parks the truck at the top of the driveway.

  “It’s only us here. I told the rest of my family they couldn’t come. Plus, it’s a weekday, so that only leaves Fisher and maybe Xavier who might be around. So no worries.”

  “Okay.”

  I hate to release his hand for fear it won’t happen again, but we can’t really get out of the truck like that. So I open my door and climb down, staring at the basketball hoop I remember the boys playing when we weren’t old enough to drive but still all hung out. Cora and I practically lived here during the summer since they had the pool with the heater and pretty much all the toys everyone wanted.

  “Do you think we could go four-wheeling some time?” I ask as we approach the house.

  He glances at me while punching in the garage door code on the opener. “Sure. What spurred that?”

  “I don’t know. I saw these people the other day on a trail and thought it looked really fun.”

  He chuckles and the door opens. “Done.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Do you want it to be everyone or just us?” he asks, stepping inside and waiting for me.

  There’s a minivan in the garage, along with every sports toy you could imagine, all aligned in some contraption made for sports gear.

  “Maybe just us. I might be rusty, and I don’t want everyone watching me.”

  He stops before opening the door that leads inside the house. Since it’s a gloomy day outside, it’s darker in here. His body is so close to mine, I want to rub against him, but that’d be creepy and unwelcome, I’m sure. “I’m off on Friday if that works.”

  “Not like I have a ton of plans.”

  “Then it’s a date… er… I mean.”

  I giggle and hold up my hand. “It’s okay. I understand what you mean.”

  Our eyes lock, and for the briefest second, I think this could be it. Maybe he’ll lean in and kiss me.

  Instead he pushes open the door and screams, “Marla!”

  She comes around the corner, arms out, pushing Adam out of the way and swathing me in the biggest hug. “My Lucy!” She sways us back and forth while Adam shakes his head, walking into the house.

  At least Marla loved the old Lucy.

  Adam eats some veggies and dip while Marla gushes over me.

  “You look so beautiful,” she says, going to the fridge and taking out items. “They’ve kept you from me. Afraid I would be too overbearing. I mean, it’s like they don’t even know me.” She rolls her eyes then winks.

  Adam shakes his head, chomping down on another carrot with ranch dip.

  “I made all your favorites. Cucumber sandwiches.” She places a tray on the table. “Pasta salad with my famous Italian dressing.” She shoves a bowl into Adam’s stomach, and he fumbles to grab it, a carrot hanging out of his mouth. “And caramel brownies.” She points toward the counter where there’s a tray.

  “Lucy’s experimenting with her food,” Adam says.

  I shoot him a glare. “Adam.”

  “Experimenting?” A crease forms on the bridge of Marla’s nose.

  “I’m just trying new foods, figuring out what I like. It’s not a big deal. This all looks delicious.” I give Adam a ‘shut the hell up’ look behind Marla’s back.

  “Oh, I could have added something different. You hated pickles. Want to try those now?”

  “I hate pickles?”

  “And love cucumbers. Sounds crazy, but to each their own.” Marla grabs a decorative plate and piles the cucumber sandwiches on it.

  Adam reaches into the fridge, takes out a jar, and cracks it open, giving me a visual of how strong his biceps are. Then he places the jar in front of me. “Have at it.”

  I pick up a fork Marla’s taken out for the pasta salad and grab a pickle out of the jar. “What didn’t I like?”

  Adam shrugs. “You’ve never liked them since I’ve known you.”

  I eat one, and the tart acidic taste of vinegar with the pickle tastes good to me. I take another bite.

  Adam’s eyes widen. “Looks like another taste bud changed with that fall off the horse.”

  “You like it? She likes it?” Marla glances over her shoulder from the sink.

  “Lucy likes it,” Adam says in the same manner of that old commercial about Mikey liking it.

  I roll my eyes, but it is funny. “Please don’t start that.”

  He grins. “I like pickles, so I’m glad you’ve seen the light.”

  I hold the one I just plucked out of the jar out to him in case he wants one.

  He laughs, directing my wrist to bring the pickle to his mouth, then bites the end off it. “Guess we’ll keep them in the fridge at home.”

  It isn’t until I catch Marla staring at us that I realize how instinctual what we just did was.

  Adam must realize it afterward too because he goes back to his veggies and dip and clears his throat. “Where’s Dad?”

  “He’ll be here soon. He’s out doing some bids, but promised he’d take a lunch break.”

  She opens the screen door, revealing the table she’s set out back for lunch. Only in Alaska. It’s an unseasonably
mild spring day, but if we were in the lower forty-eight, they’d probably balk at eating outside in this weather. But I remember that you only get so many months of decent weather in Alaska and you enjoy every last bit of it you can.

  “I have lemonade, or soda, or anything you want. Show her, Adam.” Marla begins taking the food outside.

  “Want to play hot or cold?” Adam asks. “You search and I’ll tell you if you’re close to the drink fridge?”

  “Joke’s on you, I remember.” I stick my tongue out at him playfully.

  “Well then.” He holds out his arm. “By all means, lead the way.”

  I head into the laundry room where there’s a fridge that holds all the drinks—unless they’re having a party, then you usually find desserts in it.

  “Smart girl,” Adam says, following me into the laundry room.

  Rylan’s soccer uniform is hanging on the dryer rack. I didn’t go with everyone to watch his game last week, opting to stay behind and go through one of the boxes from the closet. “Can I go to one of Rylan’s games?”

  “Sure. The kid plays all the damn time. He’s playing all weekend.”

  “Great. Let me know where and when?”

  “I can take you,” he says, opening the fridge door.

  “Oh, thanks. I didn’t want to assume.”

  He hems and haws. “It’s fine. I told you I’d see you through this process. Now.” He holds open the fridge door. “Pick your poison.”

  You’d think the Greenes owned a soda business with the selection in there. I grab a diet soda and Adam slides by me, cornering me against the wall and the door of the fridge. He reaches in and grabs a sports drink. “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” I say, a little breathless.

  He’s so gorgeous. Those hazel eyes pierce mine with the questions I find myself up at night debating. Can we get over this threshold? Can we ever be Adam and Lucy Greene again? What if I never find out what spurred my leaving? What if he can never forgive me? And the biggest question—do I want him to forgive me?

  He doesn’t allow the fridge door to shut but stands straighter, his free hand falling to my face, his thumb lightly finding my lip. “Marla’s right, you look really beautiful today.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Luce…y,” he says.

  The moment fades when he adds the “y” to my name. As if I’m a stranger.

  “We should get back.” I slide by him and out of the laundry room, trying to calm the flush that’s overheating my body.

  When I reach the kitchen, I find Hank and Marla kissing by the sink. She’s swatting him away, but his lips keep finding skin to kiss.

  “The kids,” she says with a chuckle.

  “Yeah, Hank, the kids,” Adam says and walks right by me, paying me no attention.

  Hank turns and gives his son a scolding look. Then he turns his attention to me. “Lucy, it’s great to have you.”

  “Thank you.”

  He comes over and kisses my cheek in hello.

  “You two hold down the fort. I just have one thing to show Lucy before lunch.” Marla takes my hand.

  “Marla, you promised,” Hank says.

  She shushes him with her hand.

  “What?” Adam asks.

  Hank groans. “You know Marla.”

  But I’m already being rushed upstairs before I can hear the rest of their conversation. She gets me into what’s now a spare room, but I remember it used to be Nikki and Mandi’s. And hanging by the closet is a giant white dress—a wedding dress. I gasp.

  “You remember?” Marla looks so hopeful.

  My shoulders sink. “No, I just figured if you’re showing me a wedding dress that it’d be mine unless you and Mr. Greene are renewing your vows. And in that case the dress might be a little overboard.”

  She laughs and stands next to me. “You always were funny.”

  “I was?” I turn to her.

  “Yes.”

  That’s one good quality, I guess.

  “Now.” She heads over to the bed, picks up the veil, and positions it on my head before I have an opportunity to object.

  I look at my reflection in the mirror and feel something oddly familiar about this situation. Like every other memory that’s come back, it flickers to life and I’m right there, reliving the moment.

  “You’re gorgeous,” Marla said, pinning my veil in place. “Isn’t she, girls?”

  I was staring at my reflection when Nikki came to my side, smiling. “You are. Adam’s going to die. Let’s hope you make it to the reception.”

  “Nikki,” Marla scolded.

  “They’re gonna be married, Mom. You can’t be that naive.” Nikki sat on the bed, putting on her heels.

  The bridesmaids’ dresses were a bluish-green, but every girl wore a different style. Mandi didn’t want hers as revealing as Nikki’s, and Hank hadn’t been happy with Chevelle’s first choice, insisting the slit was too high.

  I watched them all stand there behind me, looking at me, and I was so happy they were going to be my family. My parents had refused to come back from Idaho and said I shouldn’t be marrying into the Greene family. They were people who took from others.

  I’d grown up in Sunrise Bay, so I knew that when Hank and Marla got together, it wasn’t brushed under the rug. Marla was Hank’s cousin’s ex-wife. She’d returned to town after Jeff Greene cheated on her, and she and Hank rekindled a relationship they’d had when they were in their senior year of high school. Marla had told me it happened fast, and that she quickly knew Hank was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She’d told me that story when I came to her crying that my family wouldn’t agree to me getting married. They thought I was too young and didn’t know what I wanted.

  Happiness radiated from me that Adam was my future. I turned away from the mirror and allowed everyone to ahh over my dress.

  Hank knocked on the door and stood outside the room in a tuxedo. “Ready, ladies?”

  “We’re ready,” Marla said, looking back at me to make sure.

  I nodded.

  “Good. The boys will meet us there.”

  Tires squealed out of their driveway—the groomsmen, who consisted of all the Greene men, along with Toby.

  “Fucking Toby. We’ll be lucky if Adam gets there alive.” Cora rolled her eyes.

  “They’ll be fine,” Marla assured me.

  We all went down the stairs, through the Greenes’ big house, and out to the cars that would take us to the spot where we were to get married. Adam and I had toyed with the idea of eloping somewhere, but I’d wanted everyone to witness me marrying the love of my life. So Adam had found the perfect spot since he’d been working at the park ranger office.

  “Not too far in that your dress will get dirty, but far enough that we won’t have spectators,” he’d said.

  I sat in the back of a rented limo with Marla and Hank and Cora. The rest of the bridesmaids were in another car. Cora smiled at me.

  Marla took my hand. “Hank and I would like to give you one last thing you need before you get married. Something old.”

  “Oh.” I hadn’t been worried about that superstition, but it seemed important to Marla.

  “Adam’s mom received quite the jewelry collection when her mom passed. The collection has been passed down for generations. Chevelle’s already picked out what she wants, and each of the boys picked out the items they’d like to give their significant others once they marry,” Hank said.

  “Really?” Adam hadn’t said anything. It must’ve hurt him to go through things his mother loved.

  “Well, we didn’t expect to be at that stage yet, but here we are. Fate is fate.” Hank smiled and pulled a small box out of his pocket. He cleared his throat. “Adam would like you to wear this on the way down the aisle.”

  Hank opened the box, revealing a sapphire stone surrounded by diamonds nestled inside.

  “Holy shit!” Cora exclaimed next to Hank. “That’s huge.”

  Han
k laughed, familiar with my best friend’s lack of a filter.

  Marla took the necklace from the box and held it out in front of me. “May I?”

  Tears stung my eyes, but I tried to push them back because I didn’t want to ruin my makeup. “Please.”

  She removed the necklace I’d bought from the bridal store. It wasn’t a sentimental piece anyway. My hair had been styled up, so she easily clasped the necklace for me. My thumb and forefinger held the sapphire while I felt the rough edges and smoothness of the jewel.

  Hank stared at it around my neck for a moment, then he relaxed in his seat and stared out the window. Marla squeezed his knee as though she understood what this moment meant to him. Then he grabbed her hand and smiled at her.

  When we reached the area Adam had picked, it was covered in peonies. The sky had been glowing with pinks and blues. Since we couldn’t have candles, we’d opted to have battery-operated ones, but the effect was the same.

  “Let’s get you married.” Marla kissed my cheek and rushed up the flower petal path toward where the ceremony would take place.

  I caught a glimpse of Jed, who’d been holding out his arm and waiting to walk his mom down to her seat. The rest of the groomsmen and bridesmaids then lined up and walked down the aisle.

  Toby and Cora walked up the aisle, leaving only me and Hank.

  Hank held out his arm. “I know you wish it was your father walking you down the aisle, but I want you to know how honored I am to give you to my son. Marla and I are both ecstatic that you’ve chosen Adam to be your husband.”

  “Thank you,” I said and tried not to cry before I reached Adam.

  “Laurie would have loved you. I like to think she’s smiling down on us today.” He nodded a few times as though he was fighting his own tears. “Let’s make you an official part of the family, shall we?”

  “Sounds great.”

  We walked down the aisle, and at the clearing, Adam was standing in the middle of a flower petal circle, right at the edge of a cliff. I didn’t see the guests in the white chairs or anyone else standing at the front. All I could see was him and his giant smile. His gaze had shifted to the necklace for a brief moment and his smile had grown. He mouthed he loved me, and my heart could’ve burst into confetti I was so happy.