by Harloe Rae
“What’s up, kid?”
I’m twenty-three, but Jack still considers me a snot-nose punk. In most ways, he’s not far off.
I shrug. “Almost done with the 30,000-mile maintenance for Marla. Then I’m getting started on that 2016 Ford’s rotation. After that,” I wave toward the lot, “whatever’s left.”
His forehead wrinkles. “That’s all fine, but I mean, what’s going on up here?” Jack taps my temple for emphasis.
I jerk back. “The fuck?” We rarely talk feelings. As in never.
“You’ve been acting strange lately. Could it have anything to do with your Friday night at Dagos?”
Damn small-town gossip.
I lean against the car’s bumper and meet his eyes, the same caramel shade as mine. “Since when do you care about the rumor mill?”
“I can’t ask about trouble you’re causing?”
“Aren’t I always?”
Jack’s fingers rake through his shaggy hair. “Greyson told me your reaction was extreme to a new girl.”
I grunt. “What the hell does he know?”
“Considering he grew up with you, I’d say a lot.”
“There were a few chicks I argued with. Not sure which one you’re referring to.” I’m lying straight through my teeth.
His nostrils flare with a heavy breath. “Think about it, Trey. This time sounded worse than usual. What happened?”
“You assume it’s my fault?”
“Isn’t it always? You’re acting like I haven’t spent the last twelve years raising your ass. Tell me about her.”
My muscles bunch at the mention of Raven, an instinct I can’t control. My uncle laughs.
“Fuck, she already got her claws in you.” It’s not a question.
I scoff and cross my arms tight over my chest. “Ha, I thought you knew everything? No woman gets under my skin. You trained me well.”
“Ah, shit. That makes me feel like the worst role model ever. I should have done better by you, for your parents’ sake if nothing else.”
I give him a blank stare. This guy is my idol. He’s everything I’ve always wanted to be. Hearing him say this crazy shit makes my head spin.
“Are we really having this conversation right now? What twilight zone did I get dropped into?”
He punches my arm. “Knock it off. I’m serious. You’ve grown up proud and strong but rude as hell. I didn’t think much of it considering all that’s happened. You’re still young and can get away with it, but eventually that shit gets old.”
“Have you looked in a mirror lately, gramps? Where do you think I got my manners from?” Only eleven years separate us, making Jack more of a brother than anything. But I like giving him shit whenever possible, especially when he’s blasting me.
“Oh, fuck off. I might be a grumpy bastard, but I’ll always offer an available seat to a woman. Hell, I’d give up my own spot in a heartbeat. I’d rather swallow razor blades than watch a lady stand around while I sit. I might have taught you a lot of stupid garbage, but that didn’t come from me. What is wrong with you?”
My temper flares and grows with each of his words. “Where is this all coming from? Why are you suddenly shoving advice down my throat?”
“I’ve always been proud of you, Trey. I hope you know that. Working beside you each day, watching your talent shine, seeing the love for this shop in your eyes . . . that all makes me feel like I did alright. But when I hear two biddies yammering away about you cussing out a girl, just for trying to sit down at the bar?” His bellow vibrates through me when he asks, “How can I be happy about that?”
He’s right. I know that like an indisputable fact. But backing down has never been my thing.
“Save the lecture, Jack. I’m not a child you need to scold. The situation was handled, end of story. There’s nothing for you to worry about,” I growl.
He scratches his scruffy jaw. “Oh, yeah? It’d be nice if I could actually believe that. You’ve got the entire town buzzing like pissed-off hornets. Why didn’t you just give that girl a chair?”
“Because I was in a bad fucking mood and she was the final straw. Am I not allowed to have a peaceful night to myself? I’d already dealt with too much female drama and didn’t want to sit around listening to more. She caught me off guard, and that really pissed me off. She was too damn tempting, and I’d had enough. Happy now? Was that enough sharing for you?” I give far too much away, but it’s too late for regrets.
I comb through my hair before yanking on the ends. It’s not even noon, and this day is already shot to hell. A loud groan rips from my throat as the frustration boils in my gut. A desire to punch the Chevy’s grille burns my hand. I’m mad at Jack and Raven and all the damn gossips in town.
Fuck.
“Hey,” Jack murmurs while resting a hand on my back. “We’re all good, Kid. Calm down, huh?” I shake him off. My eyes meet his, and as I study him, he appears older. Jack’s face is creasing with strain as he tries talking sense into me, like he’s been doing for more than a decade. He was far too young when he got saddled with sole custody of me. Who wants that type of responsibility at twenty-two? Yet he didn’t think twice before signing the papers and taking me in. And how do I repay him? By making his life a struggle.
I really am an asshole.
He reaches for me again, and this time, I accept his peace offering. “No use getting all bent outta shape, Trey. We’re just having a respectful discussion. I didn’t come out here to start a fight. Just try being respectful, especially around newcomers. You never know what they’re in town for. Maybe she needs her car fixed. How do you think it’ll go over when she sees you behind the counter after what happened at Dagos?” His all-knowing stare bores into me, hammering the point straight home. “But seriously. If the chick is smokin’, that’s more reason to have her sit by you. I feel like there are pieces missing to this picture.”
“I don’t sleep with every woman who shows interest, regardless of how appealing she is. Plus, Raven made it clear she wants nothing to do with me. Not that I would have done anything. Can we stop talking about this now?”
When a smirk curls his lips, I realize my mistake. Another frustrated groan escapes me.
“Raven, eh? You know her name? What else aren’t you telling me, Trey?”
“Nothing. End of story. I only got her name because Delilah kept repeating it while demanding an apology. If I ever see her again, it will be too soon.” The words hold no truth, but Jack doesn’t need to know that. I wouldn’t mind getting another look at Raven, so long as she keeps her trap shut. “No happily ever after for this guy. I’ll be a bachelor all my life, just like you.”
Jack sighs, regret clinging to the sound. “You don’t know it all, Trey. Think I actually planned to spend my life alone? Nah. I had a girl once, the one, but she got away. We were too young, and I treated her badly. When she left for school, I didn’t stop her. I was way too stubborn, and my wounded pride wouldn’t allow it. She wasn’t willing to stay without a promise of more. I didn’t give her what she needed.”
He rubs at his eyes, looking more weary and worn than I’ve seen in a long while. The snarky response waiting on the tip of my tongue dies off. Jack has always been a solid pillar for me to lean on. Witnessing this side of him is a shock to my system. I wait silently while he seems to gather his thoughts. His voice is low and almost hoarse when he continues.
“Life happened, and you came to stay with me. Don’t think for a minute you held me back from chasing her because I wasn’t going anywhere regardless. I planted deeper roots, opened the shop, did my best raising you, but never forgot her. I’ve done alright, sure. Could I be doing better? Absolutely,” he mutters with a sad smile. “Being an ornery old goat ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. I’m sure you don’t care, but that’s a life lesson worth listening to.”
I let his words sink in, confusion clouding my thoughts. “Why are you telling me this now? Not sure I understand the point.”
“Because of your girl. Raven.”
My arm slashes through the air. “Oh, hell no. She isn’t my anything.”
“Uh huh. I said the same thing once. Damn, it really is like looking in the mirror sometimes.” Jack squints and tilts his head.
“Knock it off. I’m nothing like you in that respect. I have no interest in finding the one,” I lace the words out with extra venom, “or believe she even exists. Just no.”
“You’re such a shit, Trey,” he says with a smirk. “Don’t end up like me. I’m trying to give you advice.”
“And I’m telling you to take a hike.”
“Where did I go wrong?”
“I lost track years ago.”
He chuckles. “At least you’ve got a bit of humor left. But seriously—”
“Can we drop this yet?” I interrupt. “If I try to be less of an asshole to women, will you leave me alone?”
“Fine, just stop burning bridges all over town, yeah? It’s bad for business. You represent our brand so if nothing else, think of that.”
And that’s when his spiel sinks in and strikes a chord. I’d never purposefully cause harm to the shop. “Yeah, all right. I’ll do better.”
“Even when the girls are driving you crazy?” He pushes further.
“I get the message,” I snap.
“Good. I’m glad that’s settled.” He taps the car’s frame. “Now, stop slacking off and get back to work.”
MATCHMAKERS
Raven
THE BELL OVER the door chimes, signaling another customer. The folks of Garden Grove are jonesing to cure coffee cravings, which makes the perfect slogan for Jitters.
I have no complaints about the steady flow of traffic. The consistency keeps my mind occupied so I can avoid thoughts of—
“Oh, my word!” The woman in front of me exclaims. “You’re just the prettiest thing! All the bridge club gals have been in a tizzy since you moved in. I had to come meet you for myself.” This lady appears to be my grandma’s age, but far more fancy. Her bright purple hat and matching jumpsuit says it all.
I smile as my cheeks heat, uncomfortable as others in the store turn to stare at us. “Uhh, thank you. That’s very nice of you to say. This is such a wonderful place to live, and I’ve already met so many wonderful people. Delilah is a lifesaver for letting me work with her.”
She grins back and offers her hand. “I’m Marlene, and it’s a pleasure to meet you . . .”
“Raven,” I finish for her while accepting the proffered greeting.
“So, you’re here to stay?”
“Yes, ma’am. Not sure D could get rid of me if she tried.”
She waves off my pleasantries. “None of that. Call me Marlene. We’ll get to know each other well. I’m the town’s social butterfly so everyone’s business is mine. At least I like to think so,” she explains with a wink.
I chuckle softly, her spunky personality lifting my spirits. “Unfortunately, you won’t find anything too exciting about me. Just the typical single girl story here.”
“There’s no man in your life?”
“No, afraid not. But that’s alright.” I smile while explaining, “I graduated college last month and need to decide where my life is headed. All those boring adult decisions.”
Marlene hums. “Back in my day, finding a husband was the greatest priority for a young lady. I know several strapping gentlemen who would love to take you out.”
My stomach knots at the idea of being set up on numerous blind dates. I grip the counter and clamp my jaw shut, unsure what to say. The lack of control terrifies me but turning down her friendly offer is almost as scary. Thankfully Delilah swoops in and rescues me.
“Oh, Marlene. Give my girl some space. Raven is far too nice but I’ll tell you the truth—she’s not interested.”
This time, my entire face sets on fire as both women look at me. I cover my bubbling nerves with a laugh and find my backbone. “Delilah’s right, blunt as she might be. I’m still settling in and definitely not ready to date yet. I appreciate the offer though.”
Marlene pops my confidence when she asks, “Does your refusal have anything to do with Trey Sollens? I heard you two shared words and it wasn’t pretty. Hopefully he didn’t scare you off men forever.”
My eyes squeeze shut at the mention of precisely who I’ve been avoiding thinking about. Why did she have to bring him up? I’d been doing so well too. With a sigh, I tell her, “It was just a minor misunderstanding. Nothing to worry about. To be honest, I’d forgotten all about it until now.” I internally roll my eyes at the pathetic understatement.
“And you know exactly what you’re doing, Marlene,” Delilah adds. “Stirring the pot and sniffing around for dirt. It was just the standard snit where Trey is involved. No harm was done so enough gossiping about. Now, what can we get you to drink?”
With that, the subject is dropped and Marlene orders her cappuccino to go. I give her the bright teal cup, thank her again, and promise we’ll chat soon. She purses her lips while giving me a final onceover.
“Think about what I said, Raven. Nice guys don’t stay unattached for long.” Marlene waves before strutting out the door.
“Nice to meet you,” I call out to her retreating form.
“Glad that’s over,” Delilah huffs.
“She’s a bit pushy, isn’t she?”
“You can say that again. But don’t mind her. Marlene’s probably the sweetest of the matchmaker bunch.”
I lift a questioning brow, and Delilah explains, “They’re a group of nosey old ladies. With nothing better to do, they spread rumors between teatime and try to pair up the singletons. Real old school views, like the only goal in life is getting married and having babies. So progressive,” she drones.
I laugh at her haughty expression. “Every small town has them, right?”
Delilah spreads her arms out. “Welcome to Garden Grove, where vultures and buzzards are always circling.”
“And drinking coffee,” I add.
“Ah, yes. We all love the java.”
“Does this place ever slow down? I swear it’s go, go, go from open to close.”
“Isn’t it great? Talk about supplying the ultimate demand. Opportunity was practically banging down my door when I moved back from school.”
“I’m very impressed. You’ve built a very booming business. And not everyone could pull it off. I mean, you’ve created a very comfortable and relaxing environment. All the cozy furniture and chic details make it a home away from home. I love all the different mugs too,” I tell her with a grin. “Plus, the place smells divine all the time. If we brought in a bed, I’d sleep here.”
She loops her arm around me. “Thanks, Rave. That means a lot. Having you here makes all the difference. Graduating early was fabulous, but leaving you behind was tough. I consider it a blessing in disguise that your mom took off overseas.”
My forehead pinches tight. “Ugh, I wouldn’t have moved closer to her regardless. You know I can’t handle husband number three.”
“Right, right. Sorry about bringing her up. But speaking of people we’re not talking about . . . I saw your face when Marlene brought up Trey. Is that situation still bothering you?”
I scratch my temple. “It feels more like a loose end, and I’m terrible about letting things go. He got under my skin, and I don’t know why. It’s not like I want to know more about him or anything.” Well, I do but Delilah will take my curiosity as romantic interest.
There’s a nagging in my brain that won’t shut up. Trey represents an incomplete storyline and I need more information to finish his chapter. I’ve tried blocking him out, but it’s useless. Each time I pour a cup of coffee, I’m reminded of his eyes. Considering I’m working at a café full time, that’s a lot of damn reminders.
“Right,” Delilah drawls. “The gears are spinning so fast, there’s steam coming out of your ears. What’s eating you?”
I take a deep breath and decide to just spit it out.
“Can I ask you something without getting a pile of grief for it?” She lifts a brow, and I know her answer. It doesn’t stop me. “Tell me more about Trey.”
Delilah startles from my blurted statement. “I’m sorry. Can you repeat that? It sounded like you want to know more about the guy we were never going to speak of again.”
That’s a pact we settled on after too many shots at Dagos. Looks like I’m going back on my drunken word. Fancy that.
I roll my eyes. “I know what we said, but it’s driving me crazy. He got the final jab and made me feel foolish. I stood there like a moron while he beat me down. I mean, why is he so mean? I can’t get past someone being naturally nasty to the bone without reason.”
“Didn’t we already go over this?”
“Kind of, I guess. But there’s gotta be more to Trey than a shitty attitude and man-whore tendencies.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes?” My faith in this argument is slipping.
The bell chimes, and our conversation halts as we serve the customers. While I’m filling their order, the need to know flares like a festering wound. Now that I’ve asked, there’s no shying away. Once the couple is out of earshot, I turn back to my friend.
“You’ve known him forever. He’s always been mean?”
“Well, he definitely got worse after his parents and sister died.” She sucks in a sharp breath. “Shit, I shouldn’t have said that. Not that you wouldn’t hear elsewhere soon enough.”
“They all passed away?” I whisper.
Delilah nods. “A ways back, over ten years ago in a car accident. It was just a typical day. Trey was playing baseball at the park with some friends. Jack had to deliver the news. It was fucking horrific.”
My heart leaps as my own past vibrates through me. Unfortunately, I know the debilitating pain of losing a parent. I understand how fast life can be taken due to someone else’s careless mistakes. With a few crushing words, I soften toward him. We’re linked through mutual tragedies.
“Sadly ironic, right? I’m sorry, Rave. It’s not my story to tell and I shouldn’t have said anything. He’s still an ass no matter what,” she murmurs while rubbing my back.