by Tigris Eden
Jackson stood to shake hands with Liam and Mr. Wilson. Talia made sure to insert herself between the men going straight for a hug. Jackson stepped back and addressed her point-blank.
“Talia, I’m not going to tell you again. Nothing is happening between us. I don’t know what your brother and father think is going on here, but I’m going to say this one more time to you and in front of them. You have zero chance with me. It’s your character; you’re shady. I don’t do shady.”
Talia smiled sweetly.
“I don’t understand what you mean, Jax. I was just trying to give you a friendly Southern greeting.” Her voice was sugar sweet, and he knew something was up. He just didn’t realize what until he saw Anna walk in and take a seat in the corner booth closet to the private dining area. Her back was to them, but she’d realize he was here eventually. He wasn’t about to let that happen.
“If y’all will excuse me, I need to go and talk to Anna.”
“Anna?” Talia’s brother asked.
“Yeah, my Anna. She’s back.”
Liam smiled wide, and his father just nodded his head, taking a seat at the table.
Jackson walked into the main dining area where Anna sat, her back to him. She still hadn’t turned yet. She was wearing a baseball cap, her sexy as hell nerd glasses, jeans, and a tank top. His woman looked amazing.
He cleared his throat and she turned, looking up with a smile.
“Swear I wasn’t following you,” she joked, raising her hands up in mock surrender.
“Wouldn’t care if you were, baby. Look, Liam and his old man are back there in the back. Talia came with them.”
Her eyes narrowed as she twisted her head around his body looking into the private dining area.
“Ho,” she said under her breath.
Jackson had to admit she was accurate.
“I just wanted you to know.”
She turned her back to look up at him, and smiled. He loved her smile. It went straight to his dick every single time she gifted him with it and settled warmly in his heart. Perfect combination, if you asked him.
“It’s okay, Jackson. I trust you.”
“Never said you didn’t. I’m trying to ensure that we have our second date.”
“Who says we have a date tonight?”
She stared up at him from beneath the baseball cap, devilishness sparkling in her eyes as she grinned.
“Annabelle,” he warned.
“Jackson,” she warned right back.
“I’m going back there now so I can get this meeting over with. You wait here, and we’ll have breakfast together.”
“I’m hungry now though,” she pouted.
She was doing it on purpose. Baiting him.
“Your ass better be here when I’m done.”
“And if my ass is not here?”
“Then I’ll throw you over my knee and remind you why you should do as I say.”
She outright laughed at him, and he couldn’t help it. He grinned. He loved her laugh. She was such a goof, but in a sexy way.
“Later, dork.”
“Later, Sheriff.”
Jackson walked in to the private dining area still grinning.
“Well, it looks like Miss Anna is the one that keeps you smiling now,” Liam said with a smirk on his face. The two of them back in the days had played the field together when he drove up to Lake Jackson in Texas. That was then, and this was now. He didn’t know if he wanted Liam showing interest in his woman at all.
“Yeah, well, love will do that to a man.”
“Really, Jackson, love? You gonna put a ring on her finger?”
He stared at his friend. Wondered if he was trying to poke fun at him or not. He wasn’t going to answer the question at first, because it wasn’t any of Liam’s business. But then he saw the look on Talia’s face. The calculation and the scheming written plainly in her eyes. Jackson realized he had to set the record straight at some point, and figured now was as good a time as any.
“Yeah, man. I’ll be putting a ring on her finger soon.”
Benson Wilson chose the moment to offer his thoughts. “Your mama approves of that girl?”
That girl?
“Doesn’t matter what my mother says about Anna. She’s not the one that is going to marry her, I am.”
Liam walked over and clapped him on the back. “Just be sure I get an invite to the bachelor party. That way I can make sure you have the best night of your life.”
“Don’t need it. But thanks for the offer. Annabelle is the best. Hands down.”
And that was the God’s honest truth. She did something to him that no other woman had. Brought out his protective side, made him want to be a better man, and an even better husband. He’d take on the world if he knew it would make her happy.
“Come on, Jackson, every man needs to celebrate his last night as a free man.”
Jackson shook his head. If Liam believed that, well then, he was an idiot. He’d never be the type of man who did what others did. If Anna needed a party the night before they tied the knot, he’d let her have one, but for him, he’d settle for a night in with his closest friend. Friend not friends. Liam Wilson wouldn’t be invited.
“Not me. I’ve done all the celebrating and then some that a single man can do. I’m more than ready to settle down.”
“I was hoping you’d make an honest woman out of Talia here,” Liam joked.
“Don’t bring me into this. Besides, Jackson’s already proven he can’t run with the big girls.”
Well, if she thought that was true, he’d let her keep on believing it.
“Why don’t we talk about business and you all let me handle my life with Anna?”
“Y’all heard the man. Talia, go out front and get us some coffee.”
Talia stood, placing her hands on her hips and cocking her head to the side. “Daddy, I’m not your maid, and I sure as hell ain’t a waitress. I have clients I could be talking to right now.”
“Then go and do that, girl. This is grown man’s business.”
Talia turned and stormed out.
Benson placed both hands on the table leaning forward and watching as his daughter left.
“Women like Anna are okay to play around with Jackson, women like Talia, that’s who you bring into the family, boy.”
The back of Jackson’s neck tingled with rage. He wasn’t about to sit there and let some old ass man stuck in his stubborn ways dictate to him who he should and shouldn’t be with.
“That’s twice now you’ve disrespected me and my woman. You won’t get any more chances Benson, now are we here to discuss terms, or is the deal as full of shit as you are?”
Benson Wilson’s eyes narrowed.
Liam laughed.
“Don’t mind my father, Jackson, he’s old school.”
Jackson glared at Liam.
“Do we have things to discuss or not?”
Both men nodded in Jackson’s direction. He took a seat across from Liam and Benson and the three of them discussed what Benson Wilson called, the perfect opportunity.
“Thanks, Lane.”
“Anytime, Anna– and kudos to you for snagging the elusive Sheriff Jackson Storme.”
I laugh. Why do people think he is so unattainable?
You thought so too at one point.
“I don’t know about snagging, but I sure did something.”
“Honey, if I could get me one of those in his size, it would be all good.”
Lane and I are chatting as Talia walks up, smiles sweetly at Lane and winks at me. Like we are friends or some shit. I’m going to be a part of whatever mind game she was going for. I don’t know why I ever cared before when she would act out and grab the attention of men I had either shown interest in or dated. I can hear Lola in my head calling her all kinds of names. Skank. Hater. Beyotch.
I want to laugh but decide against it. The last thing I want to do is start a verbal altercation with Talia. I can’t promise myself I won�
�t want to go to town on her ass, just on general purpose. So I keep my mouth shut. She tried to make it seem like she and Jackson were sleeping together when they weren’t. I would have never pegged Talia as the jealous type, but the more I think about it, the more I realize it’s true. It’s absurd. She comes from money. I come from nothing, but there’s something about me she doesn’t like. Even when we were in college, everything was a competition to her. She said it was to get me out of my shell, but now I know it was just an excuse for her to try to outshine me.
She’s insignificant.
“Well if it isn’t Annabelle Macon.” Talia sings.
I turn in my seat so I can look her in the eyes.
“You got something to say?”
She smiles. It’s a wouldn’t-you-like-to-know smile. If Lola and the twins were with me, her smile would be wiped right off her face. Everyone in town knows I don’t like attention. I don’t like to draw crowds. Talia knows this too, so she’s shocked when I stand and step in her personal space.
“I asked if you had something to say.”
“You think just because you’re with Jackson that you’re safe, Anna. Untouchable.”
“Jackson has nothing to do with what I think. What I know is you better get out of my sight and fast.”
Lane stands back against the counter and watches our heated conversation.
“You should know he’s never going to marry someone like you. Not when he realizes he can have someone like me.”
“Really, and this concerns me why? Who said anything about getting married, because I sure didn’t?" I know the next words out of my mouth are nasty. I know it, but I say them anyway. "I'm just fucking him. Hard. Something you wish you could do. If that leads to marriage, well then I’m not opposed to it. But do me a favor, worry about your own, and not mine.”
“Your own huh, Jackson’s not your kind. Do you really think Corrine is going to allow her son to marry some half-breed whose mother is a maid and a whore to boot? Tell me, do you even know who your daddy is, Anna? Or was your mama too busy spreading her black thighs to countless men to take stock in who was the last one to drop their load?”
I lose it then. The shock of her words wears off and I’m free to exact my retribution.
I didn’t know I could hit someone so hard, so fast, that I’m not able to see her hit the floor, because I was too busy jumping on top of her and taking my fists to her face. There is blood on my hands. Again. How dare she try to run my mother’s name in the dirt?
Fights seem like they last forever, but it’s a drop in the bucket. Seconds that stretch into more seconds, and then someone has their arms locked around my waist, and is pulling me off Talia while I’m kicking and screaming.
“Talk about my mother like that again, you trashy whore!” I scream as I’m yanked off Talia.
“Anna! Anna! Calm down.”
My baseball cap has fallen off. Somewhere on the diner’s floor are my glasses. I know they are broken. Talia is screaming like someone is trying to murder her. Why it is the mouthy ones always scream? Her brother is between us as I try to kick out with my leg to hit her one more time. Heads turn in our direction, and I know I’m going to jail for assault. Talia is going to press charges and if she doesn’t, her brother or father surely will. I struck first. Didn’t matter that it was Talia who lit the fire.
“Fuck you, Anna. You ignorant black--”
She doesn’t get to say the last part because somehow I’ve miraculously gotten free and make it past her brother and I’m on top of her again. I don’t grab her by the hair, but the neck. I’m not choking her, just holding her in place as my other hand lands multiple blows to her face. I can’t see clear, my rage is clouding not only my vision, but also my reason on why I’m not supposed to be attacking Talia. Jackson has me by the waist again. He restrains me by holding my hands behind my back, which restricts all movement. If I try to struggle, it will only hurt more.
“Baby, calm down. Calm the fuck down. Damn, you’re strong.” Jackson says, trying to get me to stay still.
I’m breathing heavy, and I taste blood. My blood. I busted my lip. I don’t remember Talia connecting any punches at all. The onlookers in the diner are all staring at the scene with avid curiosity.
“You’re gonna be sorry you did that! You hear me? I have witnesses you attacked me! For no reason, no reason at all!”
“I didn’t see anything.” Lane points out. “Sheriff, Anna and I was minding our own business when this woman just started talking crazy. One thing led to another. I would have stopped it, Jackson, honest, but the crazy bitch was fast. She popped Anna in the mouth, and well that was all she wrote.”
Jackson sits me in a chair. He bends low at the waist so he can get a good look at my face. Turning my head up, down, and then side to side.
“Is that true, Anna?”
I can’t talk. Not because I don’t want to go to jail. Because I will. Don’t care at this point. But my chest feels like it’s on fire, and I am starting to see black spots. My head is splitting into two different sections.
“Sheriff, I’m telling you that’s what happened.” Lane insists.
“That’s not true! Jackson, Anna hit me first.” Talia squeals.
Her voice is making my head hurt worse.
“Talia, I’m asking the questions.” Jackson focuses on me again, grabbing my hands and inspecting my knuckles. “Anna, darlin', you gotta talk to me.”
I suck in air through my nose and lean against his shoulder. I’m starting to get dizzy. Maybe even sick.
“Take another breath, baby. You’re jacked up on adrenaline. Listen to my voice. Focus on me.”
I do as he asks, taking deep breaths and stare into his eyes. There is genuine concern, as he looks me over.
“Jackson,” Earl, the cook calls from behind the counter. “I saw the whole thing. It was just as Lane said, they were minding their business when this gal came up and started harassing Anna.”
I look over Jackson’s shoulder and eye Earl. He’d been nowhere near, at least from what I remember. Earl is Lane’s uncle and the owner of Earl’s Diner.
“I want to press charges against that little troublemaker, coming to my establishment, disrupting good people. We don’t tolerate rabble-rousers in Earl’s. I have a strict policy against it, Sheriff.”
“Press charges on me? What the fuck for?” Talia screams.
Earl clucks his tongue. “Didn’t your mama ever teach you to mind your manners? Huh, gal? You need to take yourself out of my place. I reserve the right to refuse service, and you’re permanently banned from here on out. Coming in here talking crazy about Pearl and her girl Anna. Who do you think you are any way, huh?”
“Now you hold on a minute. If my daughter says she was attacked, she was attacked.”
Earl looks at Benson Wilson and huffs.
“And if I say she’s a troublemaker and I want to press chargers, that’s exactly what I’m gonna do. Go on now; get out of my place of business.”
Other patrons start getting involved, vouching for me. I don’t know why. The good people in Beauville have been somewhat partial to me, but never this nice. They all at one point talked trash about me and my mother, just never to our faces. Except for Lane and her Uncle Earl, most people in here never even bothered to say hello to me.
“Jackson,” I croak. My mouth is dry, and starts to hurt from my busted lip.
“Yeah, baby, what do you need?”
“Water, please, and maybe a wet cloth.”
“What about me? My face is going to need stitches.”
“Didn’t I tell you to leave, girl? Get out of here or I’m calling Grady. Sheriff is tending to his woman, and he can’t handle her and you at the same time. Not without getting your stink on him.”
One of the patrons in the diner starts laughing, which starts more. I would laugh too if I wasn’t in so much pain.
I use Jackson as leverage so I can stand. Lane already has a glass of water and a wet to
wel.
“Thanks, Lane.”
“No problem.”
Jackson turns toward Talia and her family and pulls his phone from his pocket.
“Grady, we’ve had some trouble over at Earl’s. Can you call Craig and the guys over at the firehouse and have them bring out the truck? We have two injured females. Anna Macon and Talia Wilson. Yeah, that’s right. Anna, my Anna.” He listens to what Grady is saying before responding. “Just get the guys out here, and you come down, too. We may have to take someone to jail.”
He closes his phone and looks at the others.
“Alright folks, is what Lane and Earl saying true? I need some answers.”
“Bet your ass it’s true. I saw it from here,” a gentleman at the far end of the counter answers.
“Yeah, what he said,” someone else says.
“You wouldn’t believe the filth that came out of that young lady’s mouth. Although now knowing what I know, she couldn’t possibly be a lady,” one older woman comments.
I’m floored. Awed by the support of the patrons inside Earl’s.
Five minutes later, the EMTs have arrived. They take Talia first, her scowl making her look more monstrous than pretty. Her red hair is wild, and there is blood on her favorite blouse. I know it was her favorite, because she made it a point to tell me every single time she wore it. Inwardly, I’m smiling and I shouldn’t be. On the outside, I am in pain.
“Anna, you gotta tell me what happened.”
“She called my mother a whore. You saw the rest; you were there for her second ass whooping.”
Jackson helps me sit back down and crouches in front of me, grabbing me by the chin and bringing me forward for a soft kiss.
“I love you, baby. But you have got to stop all this physical violence. No one would ever think to call you a problem. But, baby, you’re gonna have to check that anger.”
“Love you more,” I answer. He’s right, but I don’t want to go into a long conversation of my anger or the issues I have with Talia.
“Impossible.”
I shake my head against his and wince. My bottom lip really hurts.
“Let the guys take a look at you. I’ll handle Talia and her people. Guess I won’t be taking the job after all.”