Nex

by Cheryl Douglas

  “I’ll tell you where this relationship is going,” she said, reaching into her purse. “Nowhere.” She dropped the keychain I’d given her on the dashboard. “Take your truck. I don’t need it.”

  “You’re being unreasonable,” I said, feeling the panic rising. Me and my big mouth. I really needed to learn how to keep my opinions to myself sometimes. “Let’s talk about this some more.”

  “There’s nothing left to say,” she said, reaching for her door handle. “I don’t want to be with a man who would suggest I leave my mother’s care to a bunch of strangers while I’m living it up a state away.”

  “For Christ’s sake, Jaci,” I said, grabbing her arm. “That’s not what I suggested.”

  “That’s exactly what you suggested,” she said, peeling my hand off her arm. “So don’t even try to sugarcoat it.” When I tried to defend myself, she raised her hand. “I have to go. I have classes this afternoon.”

  I watched her leave, muttering a curse before putting the car in reverse and laying a strip on her quiet street.

  ***

  I walked into the bakery twenty minutes later, not because I was hungry, but because I needed advice. A woman’s perspective.

  “Well, well,” Mary said, coming out from behind the counter as she wiped her hands on a clean pink apron. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”

  Mac’s mom had become a surrogate mother to all of us after our mom died, and I’d often gone to her just to talk over the years when I needed to work out some moral dilemma.

  I kissed her cheek soundly while she enveloped me in a hug. “Your beautiful daughter around?” I wasn’t sure I was ready to let my family in on the problems I was having with Jaci just yet.

  “No, she won’t be in for a few hours,” Mary said, holding up a finger to catch the attention of one of the two young girls behind the counter. “But I can take a break if you want to talk for a bit?”

  “I’d love that.” She’d always had this uncanny ability to read my mind, to know exactly when I needed a shoulder to lean on.

  “Can I get you a coffee, or maybe a chocolate pecan pastry? They’re fresh out of the oven.”

  “I’ve already had breakfast, thanks.” And how could a day that had started so great have gone to shit so fast?

  She grabbed my hand, leading me to one of the few empty tables.

  “Looks like business is booming,” I said, glancing around. There were more than a dozen customers filling tables, enjoying their morning coffee with fresh muffins or pastries before heading off to work or school.

  “It’s going great,” she said, slapping the hand I’d set on the table. “But I know you aren’t here to talk about that.” Her hand curled over mine. “Come on now, Nex. You’re always the one with the ready smile, who never takes life too seriously. So why the hang-dog expression this morning, honey?”

  “I met a girl.” I smirked when she nodded, giving me a knowing smile. “I guess that doesn’t surprise you, huh? What else could put me in a mood like this, right?”

  “Tell me about her.”

  What could I say about the woman who’d turned me inside out without even trying? “She’s a college student, actually.” I smiled at Mary’s frown, squeezing her hand. “Don’t worry, she’s only six years younger than me.”

  “Oh, okay. She’s a graduate student then?”

  “No, a freshman. She had to wait a while, save money before she could start school.”

  “Very impressive,” Mary said, nodding her approval. “She sounds like a very determined young lady.”

  Bullheaded felt like a more apt description after our argument. “Yeah, you could say that. She works part-time as a waitress at Downlow.”

  Mary laughed. “You mean that biker bar? She must be tough too. Most women wouldn’t survive in an environment like that.”

  I hadn’t thought about it before, but Jaci had never shown fear dealing with that crowd. She treated them with respect, and they returned the favor. The odd time one of the new guys would ask her out or make a grab for her, she quickly put them in their place, or one of their brothers did before I could. “Yeah, I guess she is tough.”

  “So what kind of problems are you having with this young lady of yours?” Mary asked, leaning in to let me know I had her undivided attention.

  “She’s from Georgia and intends to go back for the summer.”

  “I see. And I’m guessing you’re not too happy with her decision?”

  “No, but I think we could make that work. She has this ex though, who wants her back, and her mama happens to think she belongs with this guy.”

  “Mmm.” Mary clasped her hands under her chin. “And how does your girl feel about him?”

  After this morning, I wasn’t even sure I could call Jaci mine anymore, but I wasn’t about to correct Mary if she chose to refer to her that way. “Jaci says she’s done with him.”

  “But you don’t believe her?”

  “I do. It’s just that her mother’s opinion is pretty important to her.”

  “And you’re worried she’ll try to influence Jaci while they’re under the same roof the whole summer?”

  “Yeah, I guess I am.” I realized my fear and insecurity were part of the reason I’d approached the subject that morning, instead of being happy and satisfied we’d had such a great night together.

  “Is she the type of woman to be easily influenced?”

  Given the way she’d let me have it when I tried to impose my opinions on her, she definitely was not easily swayed. “Uh, no.”

  “Then what are you worried about? If she’s made up her mind and you’re convinced she’s done with the ex, you have nothing to worry about.”

  I reached for Mary’s hand, making her laugh when I kissed it. “You’re awesome, you know that?”

  She leaned over to pat my cheek before wiggling her fingers as though she was ready for more. “Come on, I know you, Nex. There’s something else bothering you. What is it?”

  “She intends to head back to Georgia after she gets her degree. Her mama has Parkinson’s, and Jaci wants to be there to care for her.”

  Mary smiled. “I think that’s very admirable. This one definitely sounds like a keeper.”

  “Yeah, but how can I keep her if she’s so determined to go back home in a few years?”

  “An awful lot can happen in a few years, my boy.” She shook her head, her expression grave. “If three years ago someone had told me that by now I’d have lost my husband and started a business with my daughter, I would have thought they were crazy. That just proves you don’t have the foresight to see everything. And maybe it’s better that way, don’t you think?”

  “You think I’m overanalyzing this?” I’d never been accused of that before, but then I’d never been this invested in a relationship before either.

  “I think, like I said, a lot can happen in three years. You have no way of knowing what’s going to happen. But if you build a strong relationship with this young lady and you fall in love, do you think she’s going to be any more willing to leave you than you are to let her go?”

  Mary made a good point, but I still couldn’t shake my concern. “But she’s really committed to caring for her mama, Mar.”

  “And that tells me that she’ll be a wonderful wife and mother someday. She’s a caregiver. She loves deeply and wants to take care of the people who matter most to her.” She smiled, patting my heavily inked forearm. “Play your cards right, and by the time three years roll around, you might be on that short list, son.”

  I heard her loud and clear. Leaning over the table, I kissed her cheek. “What would I do without you?”

  She laughed, her blue eyes sparkling with affection. “I love you too, honey.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Jaci

  “What’s got you in such a pissy mood today?” Jade asked when I tossed my book bag on the floor with a heavy thud before plopping my ass down in the chair next to her, scowling at the near-empty p
izza box on the coffee table.

  “Y’all didn’t think to save some for me?”

  “There’re two pieces left,” she said. “Help yourself.”

  I couldn’t wipe the scowl off my face as I picked up one of two slivers left in the box. I hadn’t bothered to eat all day, and I was so hungry, I had a pounding headache. Since we each tossed fifty bucks a month in the pot to cover takeout food, I was entitled to a quarter of the pizza they’d scarfed down without thinking twice. Bitches.

  “I know it’s not the pizza that’s got your panties in a twist. So what is it?”

  “Aside from the fact you bitches left me high and dry at some party to get groped by—”

  “We all said we were sorry and begged forgiveness,” Jade said. “How long are you going to make us suffer for that?”

  Since that wasn’t the real reason I was angry, I decided to let her off the hook. I wasn’t one to hold a grudge and she knew it. “That’s not why I’m in a pissy mood.” I chewed slowly, replaying my conversation with Nex in my head. He’d tried texting me a few times during the day, always to apologize, often with cute little icons that made me smile. Still, I wasn’t sure if I should call him back.

  “Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What is it?” She sighed when I didn’t respond. “I noticed you didn’t take Nex’s truck to school today. Is he the reason you’re mad at the world?”

  I didn’t know why he hadn’t picked up the truck, but since I’d given him the keys, I had no use for it. “We kind of got into it this morning. He’s not too happy I’m going back home this summer.”

  “You think he’s worried about Scott?”

  I reached for the second piece of pizza, which really just looked like a single piece cut in two. I wouldn’t put that past Jade when she decided she wanted more than her fair share. “I don’t know why he would be. I told Nex I’m done with Scott. I think he’s more concerned about me going back and falling into my old way of life. I don’t know, maybe he’s questioning whether I’ll come back at all in the fall.”

  “Any chance of that happening?” Jade asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

  “You really think I worked my ass off for the years to save enough for my college tuition only to bail after the first year?” I asked, taking a greedy bite of my second sliver.

  “You could always transfer if you decided you didn’t want to be that far from home. I can’t say I blame Nex for being worried. Honestly, I’m a little concerned too. You have to admit, you haven’t been enjoying the college experience as much as the rest of us.”

  “Only because your parents are footing the bill for you. I have to work my way through school. That means I can’t afford to be out partying every night.”

  “Understood,” Jade said, nodding. “So what are you going to do about Nex? If you don’t want him, I’d be happy to take him off your hands.”

  I glared at her, kicking her foot with mine. “No, thanks.”

  “Then you’re going to keep seeing him, even during the summer?”

  “That was the plan, but now I’m not so sure. It seems he doesn’t approve of my returning to Hartwell to take care of Mama after graduation.”

  “Can you blame him?” Jade asked, reaching for her soft drink. “No guy wants to invest that kind of time on a girl only to have her bail on him. Especially someone like Nex. You said he doesn’t do relationships, right?”

  “Yeah.” I’d been so angry that morning, I hadn’t even tried to see things from his perspective, but Jade made a good point. “So what do you think I should do? I really don’t want to lead him on. That wouldn’t be fair.”

  “You wouldn’t be leading him on,” Jade said, tipping her can back to get the last few drops. “You told him your plans. If he wants to keep seeing you, it’s on him.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Maybe I was feeling guilty for no reason.

  “Don’t take this the wrong way, ’cause you know I love you, but, girl, you analyze everything to death. Why can’t you just let go and have some fun? Isn’t that what the whole college experience was supposed to be about, having fun and leaving all of your problems at home behind?”

  I’d told her that on the first day I arrived, and I was suddenly glad I had. I needed to be reminded of my own intentions every now and then. “You’re right. Thanks.”

  “And hey, maybe Nex is the right guy for you; maybe he’s not. Either way, you’ll figure it out eventually, but only if you’re willing to give it a chance.”

  “Is that your not-so-subtle way of telling me to call him?”

  “Well, duh! What do you think?”

  I laughed, slapping her leg. “Okay, okay, I’m going.”

  ***

  I was starting to get more and more nervous as I listened to the phone ringing in my ear. Maybe he didn’t want to talk to me. Could be he’d decided I wasn’t worth the effort anymore.

  “Hey,” he said, picking up just before his voice mail would have kicked in. “Sorry, I was in a movie theater. I had to step outside so I could take the call.”

  He was out on a date? What the hell? “Oh, sorry to bother you. We can talk later.” Or not at all.

  “No, wait. I’m glad you called. I’m sorry for the way I came across this morning. A friend helped me realize I need to back off a little.”

  Back off—meaning he was going to gain some perspective by dating other people? “It’s okay. You’re entitled to your opinion, just as I’m entitled to mine.”

  “But you’re still pissed?”

  “Wouldn’t you be if I were out with another guy?”

  “What?” He started to laugh. “You think I’m out on a date?”

  “Aren’t you?” I’d been pacing my small room, but I sank down on my bed, ready to try to listen with an open mind.

  “No, I’m out with my nephews. There was this action flick we all wanted to see, so we grabbed dinner and here we are.”

  “Oh.” Now I felt stupid for jumping to conclusions. “I’ll let you get back to them then.”

  “Can I stop by later? I’d like to give back the keys to the truck.”

  He was asking me to pretend our argument had never happened, that we go back to the way things were. Since I was partially responsible, I decided to meet him halfway. “Nex, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but you really don’t have to do all this. I can take care of myself.”

  “What if I like helping you out?”

  I smiled, thinking how nice it was to have a man in my life who put me first. It had never been that way with Scott. He always expected me to take care of him, from the little things like preparing meals and picking up his dry cleaning, to the big things, like planning his parents’ anniversary party. He’d always taken a lot more than he gave to the relationship.

  “Hey, you still there?”

  “Yeah, sorry,” I said, shaking my head to bring myself back to the present. “I guess my mind was just wandering.”

  “Oh yeah? What were you thinking about?”

  I was almost afraid to tell him. I knew Nex was the kind of guy who was used to being in control, and while I appreciated his thoughtfulness, I didn’t want him to think he could take over my life. “I just…” There had to be a way to make him understand. “I appreciate you.” There, that said it all, didn’t it?

  He chuckled. “I appreciate you too.”

  “I mean, I appreciate the fact you care enough to want to do nice things for me without expecting anything in return.”

  “But you’d appreciate it even more if I knew when to back off, right?”

  Huh. He really did get me. “Something like that.”

  “I heard you loud and clear this morning, baby. You don’t have to worry. From now on, your plans are your business. Unless you ask for my opinion, I won’t give it.”

  I knew there were times when I would invite his opinion, if we were going to move forward as a couple, but I was glad he realized I was capable of making my own decisions. Even after
all of the years we’d spent together, Scott had never come to that realization, which was a big part of the reason we were no longer together.

  “Nex?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I would like to see you tonight if you’re sure you can swing it.” I needed to feel his arms around me, to put all of this morning’s ugliness behind us.

  “Sure, I can. I’ll stop by as soon as I drop the boys off. It might be kind of late though, maybe around eleven?”

  “It’s okay. Jade said something about a date, and no one else is home. I have to stay up late studying, so I won’t get to sleep anytime soon.”

  “Perfect. I’ll see you soon, beautiful.”

  ***

  I was struggling to keep my eyes open when Nex knocked on the front door. He’s texted me fifteen minutes ago to let me know he was on his way, so I knew it was him.

  I set the book I’d been trying to read down on my bed before rushing out of the room, cursing when I caught my baby toe on the metal bedpost.

  “What’s wrong?” Nex asked, frowning, when I threw the door opening while hopping up and down on one foot.

  “I stubbed my toe!” I was laughing at myself, but at the same time, the pain brought tears to my eyes. “I’m such an idiot.”

  He chuckled before shutting and locking the door behind him. “Come here, you,” he said, scooping me up in his arms and carrying me to the couch. “Let’s have a look at the little piggy.”

  I giggled, resting my head against his solid chest. “My hero.”

  “And don’t you forget it,” he said, nipping my neck.

  He set me down on the couch carefully before sitting at the end with my injured foot in his lap. “This one?” he asked, brushing his thumb against the throbbing pink toe.

  “Yeah.” I winced, afraid he might try to move it.