Saved by Him

by Kristie Leigh

  She moved over to sit on my lap and nodded. “Thank you, Hunter. I’m really sorry. You know I don’t want to leave you. I just need this. I can’t give up school, and the student loans would kill me.”

  I brushed her hair off her face and kissed her. "We’re going to be okay. We’ll get through this."

  Being smacked in the eye by a palmetto bug brought me back to the present. “Shit.” I brought my hand up. Damn, those things were huge and clearly they could do some damage, bet that’d leave a mark.

  All those old feelings from so long ago were now at the surface. The love, the disappointment, the everything—I just couldn’t go through that again. She had a life in California, but she had a life here and people who loved her so much and still do. I’d never stopped loving Jules. I’d been in love with her since before I knew what the word truly meant. I’d always love her, whether she was here or not; but I needed her here, with me.

  It wouldn’t be easy. She had a son, and he’d have to take priority no matter what, but I’d love him like my own. I’d do anything for her, and in turn, that meant I’d do anything for Calum, too.

  I needed to figure out a way to convince her that leaving wasn’t the best way.

  3

  Jules

  I checked my phone for the billionth time this morning. I’d called and texted Hunter more times than I could count last night, and he still hadn’t returned any of my messages.

  “He’ll call. Just give him some space to cool off.” Taylor came over first thing this morning. She knew I’d be a nervous wreck and probably knew that Hunter wouldn’t call.

  “I just wish he would call already. I know he’s pissed, but I can’t leave like this.” I looked over at her. “He wouldn’t let me leave without saying goodbye, would he?” I knew last time I took the easy way out when I left, but I was an adult now. I needed to see him before I left.

  Taylor sighed. “I’m sure he’ll come around soon. Have you decided when you’re leaving?” She looked away.

  I knew I was hurting her, shit, I was hurting myself too, but it was for the best. “Next week. I still don’t know who the estate lawyer is, and I haven’t found a will anywhere. My mother had everything planned out. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to go about selling the house without getting in contact with whoever did her will. I’ll have to keep digging. I need to get that all taken care of before I leave or at least get the ball rolling.” I’d scoured the entire house and hadn’t found any paperwork about a lawyer or a will. It seemed off since she was so well organized.

  “Higher, higher.” Calum was in the swing. This kid was a daredevil; I could picture all the broken bones in our future.

  “I’m sure something will turn up. It’s definitely odd that no one has been in contact, especially with such a small community. Have you tried the lawyers in town?”

  “I have. I called all of them and got nowhere. I guess I could rent it out in the meantime. I just don’t want to be a landlord, especially from so far away.” Just the thought of dealing with a tenant was almost enough to make me contemplate staying, almost, but not quite.

  “Hey, that’s not a bad idea. It would give you an excuse to come back to visit. I miss you when you’re gone. I know I get out there a few times a year to see you, but it’s not the same. I need you to promise me you’re coming and often.” She was pleading with her eyes, I felt like such a bad friend right now.

  “I’m going to make more of an effort. I promise.” I smiled at my best friend, thinking about how much I was going to miss her. Being here with her these past couple weeks had been amazing.

  “So, I was thinking. Tomorrow night we should do our girls’ night. Be sure to get it done before you decide to hightail it out of here.”

  Is she serious? I gave her the stink eye.

  “I didn’t mean it like that. I know you aren’t leaving without a proper goodbye. I just— Never mind. So, you in?”

  She was so excited I couldn’t say no. “Of course, I’m in. This will be a much-needed girls’ night, and it works out perfectly as Margaret asked if Calum could have a sleepover with her granddaughter. She’s spending the weekend with her.” She hugged me tightly.

  “Eek, Tipsy Cattle is not going to know what hit ’em.”

  We laughed, but I was a little scared at what this one had planned for me. I went to check my phone again, but Taylor snatched it out of my hand.

  “Stop checking your phone. It hasn’t made a peep, and you’re driving yourself crazy. Who wants to swim?” She turned to Calum. “What do you think, Cali? Do you want to swim with Aunty Tay Tay?” His little body started to flail in excitement, causing the swing to turn side to side, I grabbed it quickly, so he didn’t get dizzy.

  “Swim, swim!” He reached for Taylor as soon as he stopped moving.

  “It’s official. We’re going swimming. Let’s go get ready and hide Mommy’s phone while we’re at it.” She took off, running with Calum on her hip, laughing up a storm.

  I rolled my eyes. That girl was crazy, but I loved her all the more for it. I just hoped this would distract me enough to keep me from scouring the house for my phone.

  We spent the afternoon in the pool, and it worked until I heard Taylor’s phone as we were about to head inside to order dinner. She looked up at me apologetically as she answered the call.

  “Hey.” Taylor paused. “I can’t talk right now.” She spoke quietly and looked at me out of the corner of her eye. “Yes, I am. You need to call her, though.” Her face screwed up. “Well, pull your head out of your ass.” She pressed end and tossed the phone onto the chair.

  “Was that Hunter?”

  She looked up with a sad look on her face. “Yeah, sorry. He was just checking in to see if you still had plans to leave. He’s really upset, Jules.” She sounded like she was begging, but I couldn’t give in.

  “I can’t believe he won’t call or text me. Ugh, he’s so frustrating, is he twelve?” I was super pissed. I knew he was mad, but this was crazy.

  “He’s hurting, Jules. Telling him that you’re leaving just took him back to the last time you left. He’s reliving it all over again.” She came over and put her hand on my shoulder. “I understand your side of this and why you feel you have to leave, but I can sympathize with him because I feel the same way. I’ve seen you over the past eight years; he hasn’t. He just got you back, and you’re ripping his world apart all over again.”

  I sat down on the chair and put my head in my hands. “What am I going to do?” My voice broke, and a tear rolled down my cheek. “I have to get out of here, but I don’t want to hurt him.”

  She plopped down beside me. “I know, and deep down he knows that, too. Just give him time.”

  She sighed.

  “Let’s not let this ruin what time we have left, please. Can we try to forget about this and enjoy the rest of our night?” Taylor jumped up. “Who wants pizza and ice cream?”

  Calum jumped up and down. “Ice ceam.”

  I looked up and laughed at my best friend and son. “I’m in.” I got up, scooped Calum into my arms, making him giggle. I just needed to try to keep myself busy for the next few hours before bed.

  After Calum was down for the count, we decided that the hot tub would be a nice distraction. Well, Taylor decided. I was just going along with it. I was not going to complain though as wine plus hot tub equaled a good night’s sleep, and I could really use one.

  “I’m so excited for girls’ night, aren’t you?” Taylor was practically squealing like a high school valley girl.

  “I’m really looking forward to it, it’s been so long since I’ve seen everyone. Should be good times.” I raised my glass, and we clinked in cheers. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask you. How are things with the mystery man?” I decided to distract myself with a little chat about Taylor’s love life.

  Taylor’s cheeks flushed. “Shit, I was hoping you’d forget about that. I’m still not divulging who he is. We’re just fuckin’ around, nothing
serious. He’s not that type. I’m not sure I am either.”

  Was she for real?

  “Wait, what? We’ll get back to this guy, but first, what do you mean you aren’t that type? Like you don’t want to get married?” I sounded shocked because I was. I had no idea. What kind of best friend didn’t know these things?

  “Don’t look so surprised. I mean, I guess I would consider it if the right guy came along, but I don’t dream of getting married and settling down. I’m having fun, and I want to continue to do so.”

  I was sure my mouth hung open in shock.

  “Honestly, Jules, why are you so surprised by this? Think about it. You’ll see that the white-picket-fence shit just isn’t for me.” She had one brow raised, daring me to challenge her.

  I thought long and hard. She was right. I didn’t know why I was shocked. She’d never talked about getting married. Shit, I didn’t remember her ever gushing over a guy. When we talked, I didn’t believe she’d ever even mentioned a man in her life.

  “Holy shit. Have you ever had a relationship? I feel like a terrible BFF right now. I mean, I never noticed it. I guess because it was just part of who you are. But now that we’re actually discussing it, it’s like, wow!”

  “Haha. Come to think of it, nope, no relationships. I’ve had consistent fuck buddies. I’ve even had guys I’ve gone out with consecutively, but never in a quote-unquote relationship. All terms are negotiated up front. No sleepovers, no meeting the family, no discussions about the future, shit, I prefer not to even hang out with friends.” She shrugged like it was no biggie.

  “I’m sorry, what? I can understand not dreaming of a white picket fence, but that all sounds like a business transaction. How didn’t I know this? Where the fuck have I been?” I was a little upset with myself at this point. I felt like I was seeing Taylor in a whole new light.

  “It’s not like I advertise it, and this is probably the first conversation we’ve had about boys since high school. It just makes it easier for everyone involved, okay?” She was a getting a little defensive.

  “Hey, I’m not judging. To each their own. I mean, my sex life is clearly lacking. I haven’t been with anyone since Blake, and that was the time I got pregnant over three fucking years ago. Oh my God, saying that out loud makes me realize how depressing my love life really is.” I dropped my head back on the side of the hot tub and sighed.

  “Speaking of your love life, or lack thereof, I know Hunter is giving you the cold shoulder right now.”

  I rolled my eyes and groaned, not wanting to discuss this.

  “Don’t you roll your eyes at me. He’ll come around.” She moved over to sit beside me and looked me in the eyes. “He still loves you. I just want you guys to get your shot at true happiness. Neither of you will ever have that without each other.” She sighed. “It’s like a tragic love story.”

  “Seriously, Taylor? Layin’ it on a little thick, aren’t you? My life is in California. This was a short trip from the beginning. It was never supposed to be permanent. Yes, I got comfortable being here, hanging out with y’all, but that doesn’t change anything.” I looked up at the sky and tried to compose myself.

  “Listen, I’m not trying to change your mind.”

  I gave her a skeptical look.

  “Oh, don’t get me wrong. I would love to, but you need to make this decision on your own. But I do want to know what’s stopping you from selling this place and buying something else?” She watched me carefully.

  “It’s not just this house. Being back in this town with her not here feels wrong. I know that when I left and went to California, it was hard at first. Ultimately, being so far away and having nothing to remind me of home was what truly helped me push everything to the back of my mind and move on.”

  “Hunter.” She said his name like a statement. “Girl, if you think you’ve moved on from Hunter by being there, you’re dead wrong. I see the way you look at him. You’re still madly in love with that boy. You may have been able to mask the feelings while being out there, but you’re not fooling anyone, especially me with that line of bullshit.”

  I looked up again, trying to avoid eye contact. She was right, I avoided him because every phone call or text brought all the feelings back with a vengeance. As much as I loved to hear his voice, speaking with him killed me.

  “You’re probably right, but I have to try, if not for me, for Calum. He needs me whole, and right now, I’m not even close. I’ve never felt this emptiness before, and every time I turn around, I see something that reminds me of my mom and the emptiness grows. I literally want to run away and never come back.” I took a deep breath and looked at her.

  Taylor took my hand. “I get it; I really do. I just feel like you’re making a big mistake, and you’re running away. It’s not going to be any better. Your mama lives on in your heart, and she’s going to be there every step of the way for the rest of your life. She would never truly leave you. You have to know that.”

  I hugged my best friend close and allowed a few tears to spill. “Maybe you’re right, but I have to try.” I sniffled and pulled back.

  “All right, enough sappy shit. It’s getting late, and I have to go in for a meeting tomorrow.” Taylor rolled her eyes. “Saturday morning meetings are the worst, whatever happened to Monday through Friday. Ugh.” She stood and grabbed her towel before stepping out, and I did the same.

  Taylor got dressed while I got all cozy in my PJs and fuzzy slippers before walking her to the door.

  “Margaret wants to take Cali around lunchtime, so do we want to get ready at your place tomorrow? I could head over after she gets him, and we could get our drink on right away?” I gave her a half smile.

  “Sounds good to me. I’ll text the others and invite them as well. Can’t wait.” Taylor opened the door and walked away, shouting, “Love you, slut.” All while waving over her shoulder.

  I waved back, although she couldn’t see me. “Love you, whorebag. See you tomorrow.”

  I closed the door and locked it before plopping down on my other best friend, the sofa. That wine and the hot tub were exactly what I had needed to pass out tonight.

  4

  Hunter

  The home I grew up in always brought a smile to my face. As I opened the front door, I shouted, “I’m home.” Walking into my grandparents’ foyer, it was eerily quiet. Usually they were waiting in the driveway when I came over.

  I continued on toward the back of the house. “Grams? Gramps? You here?” Still nothing, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye and heard the faint sound of my grandmother’s voice coming through the kitchen window.

  “Good morning,” I said as I walked out back to find them on the porch. They both looked up with huge smiles.

  “Hi,” they said in unison before coming over to hug me.

  “I was worried when you weren’t inside to greet me.” I kissed my grandmother’s cheek and shook my grandfather’s hand.

  “Sorry, son, we were gardening, and time must have gotten away from us.”

  Grams looked at him. “We were gardening? You mean, I was gardening, and you were supervising.” She turned to me and smiled. “Ever since he retired, he loves to overlook every job; it makes him feel like he’s still the boss.” She snickered, her eyes squinting with amusement. “Wish he’d put some of that construction experience to use in that old house of ours. It could use some sprucing up.”

  I laughed at her; she loved to pull his leg. “Do you need something done? I’d be happy to come over with the guys and get anything you need fixed up.”

  Gramps cut me off. “The hell you will. I am plenty capable.”

  I put my hands up in surrender. “Point taken.”

  “So, what’s on the agenda for today? How’re things?” Grandma said as she sat down.

  I looked up, and her face fell.

  She reached out to Gramps. “Why don’t you go fix a snack for us. I need to chat with Hunter for a few minutes, George.”

  H
e didn’t question her, just got up and walked inside.

  “What’s wrong? You look out of sorts.” She touched my hand, and I covered hers with my other.

  I sank back in my seat and sighed. “It’s Jules.”

  She gasped and put her hand to her chest.

  “No, she’s all right. It’s nothing like that. She’s just, well, she’s decided to leave again.” I cupped my head in my hands.

  “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. I know you’ve waited so long for her to come back. I can’t imagine how that must feel to be so short-lived. What did she say?” Her tone was soft.

  I winced, knowing she was not going to like that I ran out. “Well, to be honest, not much. She told us she was moving back to California when we were there for dinner on Thursday. We talked for a bit, and eventually, I walked out, and I haven’t talked to her since.” I held my breath, waiting for the lashing she was bound to give me.

  “Boy, you better smarten your butt up. You walked out? What’s wrong with you? I raised you better than that. She drops a bomb like that, I’m sure you’re devastated and need some time to compose yourself, but to leave and then not speak to her for days?” She was disappointed. I could see it in her eyes.

  “I know. Sh— I mean, I’m so upset and really angry. I don’t even know what I would say to her at this point. She made it clear that she’d made her decision.” I shrugged, trying to play it off. “I’ve waited eight years for her. I don’t think I can wait any longer, and the fact that she’s leaving means that I will have to move on. That’s what’s truly devastating.” My voice cracked. I was always such a pussy when it came to Jules.