The Perpetual Quest for the Perfect Life

by Pace, Michelle

  “Oh no. We wouldn’t want to disturb the other three customers.” Avery laughed.

  Once the tour started, they got an hour-long lecture about the early days of Jefferson Point, which was originally called Harper’s Landing. Avery’s great grandfather, Elijah Harper, a prominent Riverboat captain, was instrumental in establishing the town as a successful port. He owned a substantial amount of the surrounding land that had been passed down to his descendants. As they rounded the corner, Avery froze. Shilah, who’d been holding her hand, stopped and shot her a questioning look. A large portrait of her family hung in the center of the wall. They‘d posed for the picture her senior year in high school. Until that moment she’d forgotten about its existence, but seeing the image immediately reminded her of how hung over she and Ryan had been that day. They’d been with Aaron and Nic at the drinking shack the night before and they’d showed up late for the sitting. Even her mother’s painted image looked furious!

  Avery looked at Shilah. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Can we go now?”

  Shilah pulled her out of the closest exit. They walked a block, and as they approached Mitch and Jo’s business, Shilah gasped.

  “Harper Microbrewery! I had no idea I was with a celebrity. You guys are everywhere.”

  “Kiss my ass.”

  “Oh, I plan to, princess.”

  She bit her lip as he took her hand and pulled her into her brother’s business. Mitch looked up from a display case and smiled broadly when he saw Avery.

  “Hey, sis.”

  “Shilah, this is my brother, Mitch. Mitch, Shilah. He’s making me take him around to visit the fabulous sights of J.P.”

  “Ah. Well, that should take five minutes.” Avery pointed to Mitch and looked at Shilah as if to say ‘I told you so.’ “You two want to try a couple new recipes?”

  As they sat sipping beer and looking out at the overcast sky reflected in the Mississippi, Avery marveled at the comfortable silence that hung between them. Shilah was a lot of fun, and his spontaneity felt like it was good for her.

  “I’m glad we did this,” she said, and took a long pull off a bottle of Red Headed Woman.

  “Me too. Work and hotel. That’s my day in, day out life.”

  “Why don’t we do it again sometime?” Surprised at herself for asking, Avery blushed. It was the first time she’d ever asked a guy out.

  “Yeah. I would love to do it again with you.” They both laughed for so long that Mitch poked his head in the room.

  “Should I cut you two off?” Mitch asked, and Shilah and Avery chuckled again.

  Jack loaded the girls into the minivan and after much begging and bargaining, he allowed them to keep their bags of candy on their laps for the ride home. If they had 15 cavities apiece at the next dentist appointment, he’d have no one to blame but himself. His mind was still on Lauren and their blowout the night before, and he didn’t have the energy to fight with the two other little ladies in his life.

  After he’d left with Jason, they’d gone to an all-night diner on the interstate and pigged out on hangover food. He worried Jason would pitch a fit about not going to a party when he brought up breakfast, but it seemed Jason was a lot more interested in hash browns than partying. Neither man was up for much conversation, so they had drowned their sorrows in cheese and bacon.

  Lauren had been in bed all day, recovering from her colossal bender. The fact that she was too ill to take the girls trick or treating with him spoke volumes about how bad off she was.

  As he and the girls entered the house from the garage, he saw Lauren standing by the kitchen island looking human again. Her color had returned, but her smile hadn’t. As she gushed over the girls’ bountiful catch, she avoided his eyes, which stung. She busied herself getting them through their bedtime routine, and he waited. He knew a long talk was coming, and wasn’t sure whether or not he should look forward to it.

  As she closed the girls’ bedroom door, he braced himself. She looked at him with weary eyes, her lips pressed in a flat, humorless line.

  “What really chaps my ass, Jack,” she began, as if they’d only had a minute’s interruption in their argument, “is that I am expected to watch women press their boobs against you, grab your ass, and practically hump your leg, with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. But I mention in a ladies’ room that a guy is attractive, and I’m a whore. I’m sure the only reason you even heard about it is because a couple of sluts wanted to try to take you home.”

  Jack sat and gaped at her. He closed his mouth, opened it to reply, and then closed it again. He had no argument. He suspected she was correct on all points. She watched him process her words and seemed satisfied that, as usual, she was right.

  “I’m sorry.” His response was automatic, but sincere.

  “Of course you are, you always are.”

  He cringed at her tone. This was not his loving wife talking. This was the other Lauren—the one who gets deeply depressed this time of year. Lauren had lost her mother on Halloween, many years before they met. She struggled every fall to keep it together, but no amount of cancer fundraisers or antidepressants could keep her anger and grief completely at bay. Jack forced himself not to reply, knowing that nothing he could say could make things right. This was about so much more than their quarrel the previous night.

  “I’m done talking about this,” she continued, when it became apparent he wasn’t going to respond. “Believe it or not, Jack, some people find me attractive, too.”

  She spun on her heel and disappeared into their bedroom. He watched as she reappeared with a blanket and a pillow, and settled in on the couch in the family room.

  “Baby, I know people think you’re beautiful. How could they not?” He crossed over to her and spoke in a loud whisper. His parents had fought in front of him all the time as a kid, so he was always careful to keep their fights away from the girls.

  “So you just don’t trust me then? What is it, Jack? Guilty conscience?” She didn’t even turn to look at him as she hurled the accusation. He felt anger brewing in him and did his best to squelch it.

  “Darlin’, I was buzzed and those guys pissed me off. The way everyone was looking at you in that costume . . . it really got to me.” After a full minute of silence, she rolled over and looked at him.

  “Now you know how I feel every time we’re in public.” The anger was gone from her voice, and her eyes welled with unshed tears.

  Jack dropped to his knees beside the couch. His greedy lips were on hers, and he hoped his love could somehow cure the cracked part of her he had never been able to reach. She matched the force of his kisses, and he sensed her desperate need for him. As a sob escaped her lips, she clung fervently to him. Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her to their room; in the only way he knew how, he was ready to reassure her he would never abandon her.

  Avery traced Shilah’s perfect pecs as they lay languid in his bed. The past three-and-a-half weeks had been a whirlwind of unbridled sexual escapades. She was so at ease with him, so relaxed. She’d called in sick twice, which was completely unprecedented. Every time she did go to work, the entire staff stared at her in wonderment. She knew she was ripe and glowing and she didn’t care.

  Her mother had lost the election to Colin’s dad by a landslide. According to her father, Sandra was devastated, and kept saying, “Sometimes it really pays to own a bar.” Avery wisely stayed away from her childhood home.

  Now Thanksgiving was less than a week away, looming like a stranger on a foggy day. She’d been trying to decide how to approach the subject with Shilah without sounding like a total girl. Riddled with conflict, she wanted him to come to her family’s celebration, but she didn’t want to pressure him. She wondered if her mother would make him feel uncomfortable and wasn’t completely sure what type of reception the rest of the Harpers would give him, either.

  “What’s on your mind, Avery?” His chest reverberated under her cheek as he spoke. She raised her head and looked
into his dark, thoughtful eyes. A soft smile played on his lips, as he seemed to drink her in. She melted under his gaze. Exchanging looks with Shilah was a strange and glorious contradiction. His gaze excited her and relaxed her at the same time. She could lose herself in his eyes.

  “Thanksgiving.”

  “Ah, yes. A celebration of the day your ancestors broke bread with my savage ancestors,” he deadpanned. Avery smirked. She'd become familiar with the subtle tells of his beautiful features and she knew he was toying with her by the way his luscious lips twitched at the right corner.

  “Yep. Amongst the many other atrocities, my people made your people put on clothes. Bastards.” He beamed down at her appreciatively and ran his large fingers delicately along her thigh.

  “What are your plans for the blessed event?” His tone was light, but she noticed his smile didn't meet his eyes. She hesitated, but only for a millisecond.

  “Large family feast. Want to come with me?” Her heart fluttered and it took every ounce of willpower she could muster not to look away from his eyes. Some strange expression flickered across his face. She hadn't seen it before, but if she had to guess, she suspected it was fear. She decided to attack it with humor.

  “You’re not scared, are you Shilah? Big strapping warrior like you?” Shilah uttered a laugh and caressed Avery’s cheek.

  “I’ll go on one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m not teaching anyone how to hunt or fish.” Shilah smirked as Avery uttered a surprised laugh.

  “Sounds fair.” She flashed him a toothy grin, unable to contain her excitement. Shilah glanced at the clock on his bedside table and exhaled.

  “I’ve got to get to work. Jason is watching like a hawk for an excuse to tattle on me and I don’t want to give him any ammo.” As he climbed out of bed, Avery shot him a concerned look. She hadn’t seen Jason since Nicole’s party, and this was the first time Shilah had mentioned him. Seeing her expression, he shrugged nonchalantly.

  “It’s really not a big deal, Avery. I can outperform Jason with my hands tied behind my back.”

  “It’s just a bunch of bullshit. We broke up forever ago.”

  “He still thinks you’re his. It’s going to take some getting used to. I’d feel the same way if I were in his shoes.”

  Avery toiled over Shilah’s words all the way to Stone Valley. As heartless as Jason often seemed, she hated that she’d hurt him. She knew Shilah could handle himself, but she loathed that he had to work side by side with Jason. At times like this she wished she lived in a larger city; the incestuous nature of Jefferson Point could be so stifling.

  As she entered Onyx, tempting smells made her mouth water. The popular breakfast buffet brought in many locals during the off-season. Tables in the restaurant were only half full, but it was early. To her surprise, she spotted Nicole by the windows with one of the wealthiest women in town. Nic had been busy making a reputation for herself, zipping through design jobs. It appeared she was about to land another client, and this one was a hell of a catch.

  Avery peeled off her coat and headed to her office. Several local businesses had contacted her about booking rooms for their company Christmas parties, and she needed to organize the rooms by party size and dates. She had just pulled up her email and calendar when Nicole appeared at her door.

  “Hey. I’m coming in on Black Friday to decorate for Christmas. Did you call Aaron about the trees?” For some reason, Nicole had kept to herself since the night of her Halloween party. She’d flat out asked Avery to call Aaron about placing an order, and Avery couldn’t blame her. Though Joy had come to her party with Jason, she’d taken Aaron home. No matter what Nicole said, it was as clear as glass to anyone with eyes that she and Aaron were crazy about each other. Unfortunately, neither of them seemed to get it. The only person Nicole seemed to be spending any time with (besides Ike, of course) was Colin O’Connell. Both times Avery had called her about lunch plans Nicole was already at lunch with Colin. To be fair, Avery had been busy with Shilah; she couldn’t completely blame Nicole for their lack of girl time.

  Avery wasn’t sure what had happened between Nicole and Lauren, but neither woman wanted to discuss the subject. Jules was tightlipped about the entire situation, and even though Jack and Lauren had left for their cruise, Nicole had been avoiding CoffeeSmith’s like the plague.

  “I called Aaron. They’ll be delivered on Thanksgiving Day, just like you asked.”

  Nicole simply nodded in response. Thanksgiving Day was the only day Stone Valley and Foster’s were both closed. The country club had placed a rather large order and Aaron had said he would supervise the delivery personally. Avery intentionally neglected to mention that part to Nicole and said nothing to Aaron about Nicole receiving the delivery. She knew Nicole was avoiding Aaron and that she would stress about it if she was told in advance, and no one was going to want to take her place on Thanksgiving Day. Besides, they were both being ridiculous and deserved it.

  “Hey, Nic. You want to go have dinner tonight? I’ve been dying for nachos from Azul.”

  “Sure. Mind if I bring Ike?’

  “You have to ask? Of course not!”

  “What do you think? 6:00?”

  “It’s a date.”

  Azul was bustling at 6:00 and Avery was glad she’d called ahead for a booth. The cold rainy weather had the town in the mood for Mexican food. Ike entertained himself attacking the chips and salsa. Nicole’s phone kept buzzing and she’d repeatedly glanced at texts looking troubled.

  “What the hell, Nicole?” Avery sighed after the fourth time she’d checked her texts.

  “It’s Colin. He’s bugging me to ask you if Ike can spend the night with you Friday so he can stay over.” Nicole toyed with the straw in her margarita and frowned.

  “I’d love to take Ike,” Avery replied, running her hand over Ike’s newly buzzed hair. Oddly, since hearing about Ryan’s indiscretions, the idea of Nicole dating hadn’t bothered her as much. Colin was a cool enough guy, though he had a reputation for being a bit of a player. Nicole seemed less than thrilled.

  “I don’t know. I’m going to be busy decorating at Stone Valley that day.” Nicole looked out the wet windows at Main Street, barely visible in the darkness.

  “Ike and I will have a blast. Live a little, why don’t you?” Avery watched Nicole’s body language. Her trepidation was undeniable. “Nervous?”

  Nicole met her gaze and the expression she wore was so complex, Avery was taken aback. Her eyes seemed misty and seeing her friend in that condition made Avery’s throat close. She sipped her tequila and opened her mouth to barrage her with questions, then closed it abruptly when she saw Nicole start to speak.

  “He’s fun. He plays guitar. He’s got great taste in music, which is very refreshing after Ryan and all his jock rock drivel. And he understands what I’m talking about when I mention Afremov.”

  “Who?”

  “He’s an artist, but thanks for proving my point. Colin’s the first guy I’ve ever dated that I have anything in common with. Plus he’s really sweet.”

  “And gorgeous…” Avery saw Nicole’s eyebrow twitch and the sides of her mouth curved with a smile.

  “He’s sexy as hell.” Nicole practically giggled.

  “So why are we still talking about this?” Avery leaned her elbows on the table.

  Nicole paused. “It’s more complicated than it should be. I just don’t know if I should go down that road. What about you and Shilah? How are things?” The conversation volleyed back into her court and it caught Avery off guard. She shrugged.

  “He’s phenomenal. I invited him to The Hell House for Thanksgiving.”

  “And?”

  “He’s coming. I hope it was a good move. I’ve never brought anybody home except for Jason.”

  “Don’t you think it’s time you move past Jason?” Nicole’s serious expression gave her pause, but she plunged forward with her retort.

  “And don
’t you think it’s time you moved past Ryan? Let me take Ike, Nicole.” Nicole stared into her margarita as if it were a crystal ball.

  “All right. Have you prepared Shilah for your mother?” The thought of her mother holding court with Shilah caused her to wince.

  “No.”

  “Well then I’m traumatized for him.”

  Avery had a sinking feeling of foreboding at Nicole’s comment, and as the door to the restaurant opened, she watched Nic’s gaze shift automatically as a burst of cold wind hit them. Avery had her back to the door and the metamorphosis of Nicole’s features from amused interest to horrified anger caused her to whip her head around. Aaron had just entered the restaurant and was holding the door open for a familiar looking woman. Avery wracked her brain trying to place her.

  “Why do I know her?” Avery asked aloud.

  “The dominatrix, Hooker Boots.” Nicole’s voice was cold as the waiter approached with their plates. Aaron led his date to the bar, where they sipped their beers without removing their coats. Avery assumed they were waiting for a takeout order. Nicole seemed to ignore that side of the restaurant and pushed her food around on her plate. The merriment of the Mexican music so dramatically contrasted the mood at their table that Avery wanted to laugh out loud.

  “Should we just get some boxes? You don’t seem very hungry.” A simple nod was all the response she got. As Avery motioned for the waiter, she saw Aaron and his date heading back toward the door with their carryout. Aaron spotted them first and to Avery he looked guilty and sad. Avery and Aaron exchanged nods and Nic refused to look in his direction, busying herself wiping off Ike’s hands. The look Hooker Boots gave them could have withered a redwood tree.

  “He gets around,” Nicole mumbled, pursing her lips. They watched the couple climb into Aaron’s truck.

  “No doubt.” Avery wondered how tense the Christmas tree delivery would be now. “Lauren said that Joy changed her relationship status to ‘single’ on Facebook the day after your party and there was some long rant about ‘men who act like little boys.’”