Lily had spent all of Thursday in her room. She refused to come out to prepare meals or do her chores. Her sisters hovered outside her room one at a time at different moments of the day. Marguerite had even ventured inside but couldn’t get Lily out from under her sheets.
The sun went down and Lily continued to sit in darkness. No word from Wesley. Christian had been strangely silent as well. It was like the world had stopped turning altogether. It might as well have. She’d made a fool of herself while losing her best friend and possibly the love of her life. It looked like she’d end up an old maid after all.
A quiet knock sounded on her door. Lily groaned and held the pillow over her face. “Go away, Marguerite.”
The door opened and light flooded the room. “It’s not Marguerite.” Azalea moved into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. “We’re all worried about you, Lily. Ever since Wesley came back into town, you haven’t quite been yourself.”
Lily let out another groan. Of course they all knew what was going on. Her sisters could read her like a book.
“Whatever happened, I’m sure it isn’t as bad as you think it is.”
Lily threw the pillow across the room and sat up. “Oh yeah? Did you set up your best friends with each other even though you had feelings for one of them? Then when they hit it off, did you watch as they held hands and kissed even though you thought it should have been you? Then when the guy you loved moved away, did you waste all your time comparing other men to him?” Her face flushed as her sister listened with quiet patience.
She put her face in her hands. “And when he did show up again, did you turn him down again and again… just because you were scared you’d lose him in the long run?” The last question came out in a hoarse whisper. “I had him, Azalea. He was right there and I pushed him away.”
“Why?”
“Because I didn’t want to move.”
“He asked you to move?”
Lily shook her head. “Well, no. But I could tell that was where it was going. He didn’t exactly deny it when I brought it up.”
Azalea scrunched up her face. “You broke up with him because he didn’t ask you to move?”
Great, the way her little sister said it only made it sound worse. Was she so insecure and stubborn that she let him slip through her fingers so easily?
Azalea brought her legs up and folded them beneath her. “Lily, can I ask you something?”
“What?”
“When did you know you loved him?”
“Love?” she squeaked. “I don’t love him.”
Azalea reached forward and patted Lily’s leg. “You just said you did.”
“I did?” Her stomach knotted tightly. Her mind was a whirlwind and emotions were driving all her thoughts. She did say she loved him and it was a true statement. Wesley was the boy she’d loved spending time with growing up. He was funny, exciting, and sweet. He always knew how to make her laugh. She’d pined for him for years, wondering if he’d ever notice her. When he finally did notice her, she ran. She’d let fear overtake everything. “I don’t know.”
Azalea smiled softly. “According to everyone downstairs, you’ve been in love with him since you were eleven.”
Lily sucked in a sharp breath. “Everyone is talking about it?”
“How could they not? This is the first time any of them had to fend for themselves in years, Lily. I think they realized just how much you do for everyone here.” Her eyes widened and she patted Lily’s leg again. “Not that we didn’t appreciate it, I just think we all took it for granted. You do so much for us, Lily. We just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
Lily took Azalea’s hand and squeezed it. “I’ll be fine.” Emotion threatened to erupt again. “It’s just going to take a little while to figure all this out.”
Azalea nodded. They both stared at nothing in particular for a few moments. Then her sister spoke up again. “Lily, Wesley loves you too.”
Lily’s eyes shot to meet Azalea’s. “How would you know that?” It wasn’t like he’d shouted this information from the mountaintops. When he’d mentioned he loved her, it was in the form of a question. It had been hard to swallow even then.
Azalea let out a laugh that turned into a snort. “You can’t be serious.” Her eyes widened as she took in Lily’s shocked expression. “You are serious. Oh my gosh, Lily! Do you see the way he looks at you? That man came into town and the first person he came to visit was you.” She bounced a little on the bed. “I may be a few years younger than you, but even I can tell when something is going on. You guys hadn’t seen each other in years, Lily. A guy doesn’t just make breakfast for a girl’s whole family because he’s her friend. Wesley has more important things to do with his life than hanging out with us.” She wagged her eyebrows. “Unless he hopes to impress someone.”
Everything she said made complete sense. Lily threw her face into her hands again. “You’re totally right.” Wesley wasn’t the type of guy to lead people on. His brother had that reputation. The conversation with Wesley after her date with Christian came flooding back. Wesley had been furious. She thought it was just sore feelings over her picking someone over him, but maybe there was something more to it. Jealousy? Concern? Whatever it was, she shouldn’t have slapped him.
She threw herself back with another moan. “I’m such a fool.”
Azalea crawled across the bed and lay on her side. She faced Lily, who turned toward her. Azalea brushed Lily’s hair out of her face. “Why would you say a silly thing like that?”
Lily grimaced. “I slapped him.”
Azalea’s eyes widened. “Why?”
“He got in a fight with Christian.”
Azalea scrunched up her nose. “And you wanted to add insult to injury?”
Lily sighed and flipped to her back. She stared at the dark ceiling. “He wasn’t happy I’d gone on a date with his brother. They got in a fight. He told me it was a bad idea. He just said it in a way that hurt.”
Azalea rolled to her back. “Maybe he had a point.”
Lily clenched her hands at her sides.
Her sister continued. “The truth usually hurts a lot more coming from someone you love.”
Turning her head, Lily’s eyes narrowed. “How did you get to be so smart?”
Azalea shrugged. “I have some pretty smart sisters.”
“Yeah, I guess we do.” Lily returned her gaze to the ceiling. Now the question was, what would she do with the information she had? She chewed on her lower lip. “Azalea?”
“Hmm?
“If I moved away, do you think Dad would be okay?”
Azalea turned her face toward Lily. “Dad’s a capable person, Lily. You do a lot for him, but he’s your father, not your child—or your husband. You deserve to be happy, Lily.”
She let out a soft laugh. “People keep telling me that.”
“Maybe it’s time you listen to them.”
“Yeah. Maybe.” It was settled, then. First chance she got, she’d confront Wesley and apologize. If he took her back and things got serious, moving to New Jersey would be the next step. They could always come home for the holidays.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Cowboys littered every square inch of Silverstone Ranch. Wesley had forgotten what it was like to attend a local rodeo. But this one put all the others to shame. Marguerite had really outdone herself. She’d moved up in the world of entertainment.
Sponsors’ signs hung on almost every available space of the arena. Companies small and big alike. It may have all started with Cade’s first visit, but the whole thing had snowballed bigger than anyone could have expected.
He stood in the doorway of the cafeteria, his arms folded. Marguerite had said he’d be serving food later in the evening. The opening ceremonies would start the night off with a bang. Then the bride and groom would say their vows in the arena, and everyone was invited to the cafeteria—which looked more like a reception center after Lily had given it her magical touch.
She hadn’t messaged him or called since Wednesday night. He’d picked up his phone at least a dozen times, only to put the thing down and push it away. What would he say? That he was still deeply in love with her? He could lie and tell her he didn’t care if she had feelings for Christian. But the truth remained, he’d wait as long as it took to have her in his arms again.
He wandered down to the top step and sat down. His elbows rested on his knees as he continued looking for her without any luck. He’d almost asked Zinnia if she’d seen Lily, but that reeked of desperation.
A familiar blonde hopped up the steps and sat beside him. “Hey, Wes.”
“Hey,” he muttered.
Her features pinched together. “What’s the matter?”
Wesley lifted a shoulder.
“Yeah. I get it.”
He glanced in her direction. “Still no luck on the guy front?”
“Not really. I thought we were getting somewhere, but it turns out all he sees is who I was, not who I am now.” She sighed as she placed her head on his shoulder. His arm came around her waist, like it was a reflex.
“I’m sorry.”
She nudged him in the ribs. “You tell her you love her yet?”
Wesley stiffened. “What? Who?”
Mia lifted her head and rolled her eyes. “For heaven’s sake, Wes. We all see it. And I mean everyone. It’s like the two of you are the only ones who don’t get it.”
He forced himself to remain still. No reaction. He couldn’t give anything away. Not now, not after the embarrassment of her rejection he currently lived with.
“Wes! You and Lily.”
Heat crawled up his neck. “What?”
“Oh. My. Gosh. Do I have to spell it out for you?” She tossed her head back and let out a long breath. Then she met his gaze with the most serious look he’d ever seen. “Wesley, you love Lily. Everyone sees it. Even I saw it the moment I saw you in the barn. I don’t know how long you’ve felt this way. I’d like to think you had sincere feelings for me at one point.”
“I did—”
“Doesn’t matter. Lily has feelings for you too. She has since she was a kid. Lily just never thought you liked her back. You guys were buds. And we all know how hard it is to get out of the friend zone.”
“Yeah,” he muttered. His eyes jumped to meet hers. “Wait, you could tell there was something there?”
Mia gave an exaggerated groan.
He lifted his hands. “Okay. Okay.”
Mia placed a hand on his cheek. “You guys are perfect for each other, Wes. You should be together.”
His expression darkened. “I don’t think she feels the same way anymore. She’s interested in Christian now.” Wesley spat out his brother’s name like it was poison. The betrayal ran deep. “And my so-called brother doesn’t seem to care. He’s stepped between Lily and me this entire time.”
Mia laughed. Not a quiet chuckle, but a throw-her-head-back-and-burst-from-the-absurdity-of-it-all kind of laugh. “Wes, your brother hasn’t been in your way. You have.”
He gave her an incredulous look. “Um, you might not know this because you’ve been in the city for the last couple days, but Christian has done everything he can to make Lily fall for him. He took her on an evening picnic on Wednesday. You know, the night you showed up?”
She lifted an eyebrow and gave him a little smirk. “I know.”
“You know? How would you know—” He dragged his hands down his face. “Of course you’d know. You’re Lily’s friend too.”
“Actually, Lily hasn’t been talking to me lately and I suspect it’s because she thinks I’d be hurt if I knew.” She leaned forward and rested her forearms on her knees. She stared out at the crowds of people and sighed. “We’ve grown apart a bit since high school. I’m not surprised by it. I miss how close we were.”
“You and me both.” He didn’t think she heard his mumbled reply, but apparently she had.
Mia turned to him. “That’s your own fault. You can’t expect her to believe you care about her when you stay aloof for years and then suddenly show up and tell her you have feelings for her. You have to build her trust again.” She blew a strand of blonde hair from her face.
She’d always been able to see the bigger picture. When they’d broken things off before he moved, she’d insisted the distance would be too hard to overcome. She’d been right. When he was away, it was difficult for him to keep in touch. His lifestyle didn’t allow for phone calls, impromptu video calls, or quick trips to reconnect. For crying out loud, he only looked at emails about every three to four days.
“You think she’s still interested?” He peeked at her out of the corner of his eye. He didn’t dare hope. “I said something pretty awful to her that night.”
Mia cocked her head to the side. “Do I even want to know?”
He flushed and stared at his hands, stretching his fingers and retracting them into fists. “Probably not. But it was bad enough she slapped me.”
“Ouch.”
“Yeah. I can’t say I didn’t deserve it, though. I shouldn’t have said anything. I just saw her with Christian and I lost it. Even if she reconsiders, how am I supposed to compete with him?”
She shook her head. “You still don’t get it.”
“What?”
“Christian wasn’t trying to win her over. He’s been trying to make you realize you can’t live without her. We both saw how upset you were when we went golfing. The way you looked at each other—dude, nothing could be more obvious. We teamed up.”
“You did what?”
She snickered. “The plan was to make both of you jealous. Or at least realize just how much you want to be with each other, so you’d stop this crazy dance.”
Tension drained from his body. “I don’t think it worked.”
“You were kinda mad.” She held up her hands. “I told you I wasn’t interested. That gave you the opportunity to go after her. Christian just gave you more incentive to fight for her. We thought it was a done deal until Lily said she’d go out with Christian. Whatever happened between you was something you had to overcome together.”
The distance. “She didn’t want to move to New Jersey.”
She nodded in understanding. “You still love her?”
“Of course.”
Mia shrugged. “All you can do is try, right? Maybe you just need to make some grand gesture. I don’t know, something to show her you know her inside and out and you never want to leave her side.” Her voice grew dreamy and she sighed. Mia was a bombshell. Any guy who couldn’t see that was as blind as he’d apparently been.
“You really like this guy?”
“Yeah. I really do.”
Wesley nudged her with his elbow. “Then what’s stopping you? Where’s your grand gesture?”
She gave him a funny kind of look.
“It goes both ways, Mia.”
He got to his feet and she stood beside him. He placed his palm against her cheek. His thumb trailed along her cheekbone. “I don’t know what I would do without you.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Mia smiled. “Go get your girl.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lily’s stomach roiled. Even from this distance, she could tell what was going on. Mia did, in fact, love him and he cared for her. Wesley sat beside her, a soft kind of smile on his face. The spark between them sure didn’t look like nothing.
They stood up and he cupped her cheek. Lily wrapped her arms around her middle, unable to pry her gaze from them even though she wanted to look away. She’d spent extra time with her hair and makeup. She�
��d gotten all dolled up to help boost her confidence so she could stand in front of him and admit her feelings for the first time. But it had all been for nothing.
Wesley had already moved on. He didn’t love her anymore. Maybe he never did. She’d been so confused and uncertain about all this and she was so annoyed with herself for being such a coward. Pieces of her heart shattered into dust within her. Her breathing became shallow. Why did love have to hurt so much?
She whirled around and rammed right into a tall, firm body. She looked up into Christian’s eyes, her own brimming with tears.
His brows pulled together as he took her in. His focus shifted behind her, then understanding lit his face. A look of pity crossed his features and he shook his head, his hands coming up to hold her upper arms. “Lily, it’s not what it looks like.”
Lily tore herself away from him. “Sure looks like something important.” She pushed past him, blinking away the sting behind her eyes.
“Lily, wait!”
She hurried toward the barn. She needed to get out of there. Her car was blocked in. She wouldn’t be able to get out with all the visitors. Riding was her only option. The barn doors hung open, allowing her to retreat from prying eyes.
Her vision blurred as she hefted the saddle onto the back of her favorite chestnut. She’d go for a ride to clear her head. By the time she got back, maybe he’d be gone. All she knew was she couldn’t be in the same place as him. Not now.
“Wes!”
Wesley turned from Mia to see his brother charging toward him. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides. Wesley descended the porch steps and leaned against the pillar at his side. “What do you want, Christian?” His chest tightened. It was hard to forgive the guy despite finding out he was trying to help in his own sadistic way.
Christian scowled at him, then at Mia. He returned his irritation to Wesley. “Well this is all jacked up now.”
Wesley’s head reared back. “What?”
Christian jabbed a finger into his chest, poking him with each word. “You always mess everything up.” He looked up at Mia. “And you. This whole scheme was your idea and you let this happen.”
The Chef Chases his Cowboy Dream (Silverstone Ranch Book 3) Page 12