by J. P. Comeau
Julianna let out a sigh and sat back in her chair.
“Not every guy is going to be like your ex-boyfriend.” Her voice had taken on a much calmer tone, and deep down, I knew she was right. Just thinking about my ex made my skin crawl. “I mean, look at Jake and me. You remember when we first started dating.”
I nodded, remembering how nervous and scared she was of dating him. After being good friends in high school, Jake had left River Valley and became a billionaire womanizer in San Diego. Yet there he was, getting married and settling down in his small-town, childhood home.
“That was different, though. You guys were friends. Richard and I are just neighbors.”
“You guys text a lot, though, right?”
I shrugged my shoulders. We sent each other funny memes, kept up to date with each other’s lives, but that was about it. “I think it’s best that we just leave it as a one-night stand, Julianna. He and I just don’t seem like we belong together. Plus, you know the kind of life that he leads.”
“I think you’re just putting up a wall, Annie. You know, it’s okay to care about someone.”
I smiled, realizing that she was right as usual. I was putting up a wall.
“It’s not just the whole thing with my ex, though. Richard has such a complicated life. I mean, he’s working 12, sometimes 14-hour days, and then goes to bars on the weekends. I’m a yoga instructor who promotes a holistic lifestyle. When you put us side by side, we’re opposite.”
She put her hand on my knee. “And opposites attract. Maybe Richard needs someone like you to bring him back down to earth, and I know you need someone like him to shake things up.”
“Hey, my life isn’t boring.”
She laughed a little bit.
“I’m not saying that it’s boring, but Richard could bring a little spice into it.”
Just then, Caley walked into Julianna’s bedroom, her hair in curlers, wearing a bathrobe.
I stood up quickly and furrowed my brow. “I thought your hair was going to be straight today? Who put curlers in?”
Our mother came walking in behind Caley.
“If you insist on wearing bright pink lipstick, then why not have Caley wear curls? Besides, I think she’s going to look very pretty with curly hair. Won’t you, dear?”
Caley looked at me and then Julianna. She didn’t seem very happy.
“They’re too hot,” she said, putting her hands on the top of her head.
“For goodness sake, don’t touch them, honey. Trust me on this one, okay?” Our mother turned to us. “Are you done with girl time? Because Caley needs her makeup done, you need to put your dress on, and Annie needs to get dressed!”
Julianna winked at me and then stood up, telling Caley to sit down at her vanity. I pulled out a fresh set of makeup brushes while our mother helped Julianna get into her gown.
Butterflies formed in my stomach as I thought about Richard. He was, without a doubt, the hottest man I had ever slept with. I couldn’t even remember the last time I saw a more attractive guy. I just about melted when he took off his shirt, revealing that gorgeous body of his.
And the actual sex… Good grief.
As I began to apply Caley's’ makeup, I thought again about what Julianna had said. Richard might have a complicated life, but he was also incredibly sweet. Then again, all men were friendly when they were trying to have sex with you.
I didn’t know all of the details about his ex-girlfriend, the one who just up and left him, but there was something about him that I didn’t trust. He just didn’t seem like the kind of guy who would ever settle down. He was almost 45, for crying out loud.
Forty-five-years-old and hot as hell.
I’d seen his womanizing ways, though. I couldn’t even begin to count the number of women he’d slept with since I’d met him. Richard kept a pretty low profile, but River Valley was a small town where everybody knew each other. It wouldn’t take much for a stripper in a nearby city to tell the press or media what he was up to.
A lump formed in my throat, thinking about a few of those stories. Wild nights with exotic dancers that ended in hotel rooms. He was often seen with gorgeous, model-type women at significant social functions, too.
Even if I were one of the few women who would get to have sex with him more than once, I realized it would only interfere with my life.
My yoga studio was taking off, so much so that I was ready to assign a few classes to Crystal. I spent most of my free time researching products for a holistic health line, too. Julianna might be right in saying that I needed to have more fun, but I didn’t think that meant I should necessarily date Richard.
Especially if things didn’t work out, it would be pretty uncomfortable for the rest of the family. I’d see him at birthday parties, holiday meals, and other family gatherings. The thought of him bringing another woman to something like that was already making me feel insecure.
I let out a sigh while choosing a lipstick for Caley, picking out a more muted pink.
No, I decided while swiping it onto her lips. If Richard asked me out again, I would decline. Tell him that I really enjoyed our night together, but we should remain just friendly neighbors. I didn’t need a man like him ruining my life.
It had already been ruined once by my last boyfriend, and I refused to let that happen again.
6
_____
RICHARD
THE NEXT MONDAY
I sat down to work in my office, located in the wing of my parent’s mansion dedicated to our family business. It was spacious and overlooked River Valley since their home was at the top of a hill just like mine. My long, oak desk was stacked with contracts and other paperwork that needed my attention.
Yet, all I could think about was Annie.
As I sat tapping a pen against my lips, my best friend, Gavin Tillery, popped his head into my office. He’d texted me that morning asking if he could swing by since he would be nearby at an appointment. We had been friends for a long time, and he was there for me throughout the whole Heather saga. Out of all of my friends, he was one of the few who knew my real reason for avoiding long-term relationships.
“How’s it going, man? How was the bachelor party and wedding?”
He sat down in one of the dark leather chairs in front of my desk. Unlike myself, Gavin was on the skinnier side despite having the appetite of an elephant. I got the sense that he was jealous of my muscular physique, though. Especially since he’d tried so hard to bulk up over the years.
“When’s the last time you ate?” I reached into my desk drawer and tossed a protein bar at him, but he made a grimace and pushed it back.
“I don’t know how you can eat that crap,” he said. “It tastes like chalk, and besides. I just came from the dentist’s office.”
“Oh, yeah. Your face isn’t sagging, though.” I chuckled.
“It wasn’t too bad… just glad it’s over.”
“Anyway, the bachelor party and wedding were great,” I explained, putting the protein bar back inside my desk. “Jake and Julianna are married, and I’ve never seen him so happy. Plus, their wedding had some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. Steak, lobster, lasagna, you name it. I had to unbutton my pants halfway through the reception.”
“Speaking of unbuttoning your pants,” he said with a smirk. “Tell me about the bridesmaids. You don’t have to give me all of the details, but I know you took at least one back home right.”
I laughed and just shook my head. “Well, I did spend some time with Julianna’s sister, Annie. But it’s not like that, man. She’s different than most women.”
“Good for you, Richard. You deserve someone special in your life. You haven’t been interested in anything serious since Heather left.”
I let out a breath and leaned back in my chair, rocking back and forth for a few minutes. “That’s the problem, though. I suspect that Annie doesn’t want anything more than what we did that night.”
Gavin smiled. “So, you hi
t it, huh? Nice. Tell me about her.”
My eyes shifted up to the ceiling. I wasn’t even sure how to describe her. “She’s unique. You know, really different than other women. She owns that yoga studio in town, and has dreams for a holistic food and supplement company, and she’s family oriented, the whole nine yards. And on top of that she’s incredibly sweet with a fireball personality.”
“What about the sex, though?”
I smiled at Gavin while trying to remember that night, but most of it was a blur.
“From what I can remember, it was amazing. But we were both so hammered. I’m lucky that I even survived Jake’s wedding the next day.”
“I hear ya, man. That’s what happens as you get older. I can’t even remember the last time I got wasted.”
“We sure did have some fun in our younger days,” I said, remembering some of the bachelor parties we’d attended. “I’m kind of glad those are behind me, though. Especially now that I’ve been with Annie. I just wish she was more open.”
I popped a breath mint into my mouth.
“What makes you think she doesn’t want a relationship, though? Women who have their own businesses and are career-focused aren’t necessarily opposed to relationships, Richard. They just need a bit more lubrication when it comes to opening up. From an emotional standpoint, that is. It sounds like you had no problem in the physical department.”
I thought about what Gavin said, especially since Annie had made it clear about a year before that she didn’t want to date me. I couldn’t help but wonder if the only reason the two of us hooked up was because of how drunk we were. That moment when I accidentally bumped into her while playing pool had sealed the deal.
Deep down, though, I knew it was no accident.
“She just seemed apprehensive. That’s all.”
Gavin gave me a knowing look, the one where he arched his left eyebrow.
I let out a groan. “Alright, fine. I’m afraid she’ll go all Heather on me.”
Gavin shook his head, but I was honest with him. That’s why I limited myself to certain women. I had no intention of starting my own business, especially that late in my life. What if Annie and I became serious, and then one day she got sick of me working for my father? Women wanted a man who made his own money, not one who followed in their father’s footsteps.
“I’ve known the Belmont women forever, and they’re anything but the Heather type. You’re short-selling yourself, man. Plus, you’re almost fifty years old. Do you realize how hard it’ll be to get women to sleep with you as you get older?”
I shot him an angry look, remembering how Jake had said those same words to me before his wedding.
“Fine, I get it. I’m getting up there in age. Maybe I’ll ask Annie out to lunch or something. Maybe you’re right.” My phone rang, and I picked it up once I saw that it was my father. “Yeah, I’ll be right there, Dad.”
“Everything okay?” Gavin stood up as I did.
“I’m not sure,” I said, locking my computer. “My dad wants me in his office. Sorry to cut this short, man.”
“That’s fine, but promise me you’ll ask Annie out. Even for a cup of coffee, which wouldn’t be that weird. You guys have been friends for a while, anyway.”
I smiled and nodded, politely escorting him toward the front entrance.
After watching as Gavin pulled away, I walked down the long hallway that led to my father’s office. The carpet was maroon with gold details, and the walls were the same color. Portraits of our ancestors lined the hallway. My father often told me the same story about his great-great-grandfather, whose picture I stared at before entering Dad’s office.
Byron Truman had started a real estate company, back when he was in England. He was the one who started it all, who encouraged generations of men after him to make their own money. I often stared at his painting and wondered what my great-great-great-grandfather would say to me. Would he want me to go into business on my own, or follow in my father’s footsteps?
I walked into my father’s office and sat down across from him. Both of our offices were on the same side of the building, which meant that we both had the same view of River Valley. He was hunched over his desk, squinting through his eyeglasses to read the fine print on a document.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes,” he said, putting his glasses down. “First of all, how’s your day going? Productive?”
I nodded. “I got the Martelli contracts finalized. And then Gavin stopped by.” My father lifted a brow but didn’t look at me. “He didn’t stay long, though, Dad. Just a few minutes to chat about the wedding.”
“He lives on the other side of town.”
I nodded. “Yes, of course, but he goes to River Valley Dental and just had a root canal done.”
“Ugh,” Dad groaned, then leaned back and put his hands on his big, hanging belly.
Even though my parents bickered quite a bit, she fed him well.
“I wanted to talk to you about that piece of farmland,” he said. “The one that we’ve been mulling over for a while now.”
My heart started racing a bit, excited that my father was finally thinking about buying it. It was in the middle of a factory district, and the owner had been holding out forever.
“Is the farmer willing to sell?” My father nodded. “Dad, this is wonderful. I know that we own property across the country-“
“We own property in every state, son. From California to Alaska and New York. This company has expanded multiple times over the years.”
I nodded. “And Lord knows that most of the real estate we sell is worth millions of dollars. So, buying a piece of farmland might not seem that important, but I hope you’re interested in diversifying, Dad. Farmland could expand our portfolio and attract new buyers.”
“I’m on board with you, son. If we purchase the farmland, any ideas as to what we should do with it, though? Are we interested in running a farm, or would we use it for something a bit more industrial?”
“That’s a good question, Dad. I think we should consider keeping it as farmland. I know how important it is that we branch out, but as you pointed out, we own properties in every state. I say keep it local, sell it to another farmer or hell, start our own farm. Who’s to say we couldn’t do it? While most of the land around it is now industrial, it’s the only piece on that side of the county that is still zoned residential and agricultural.”
My dad was smiling from ear to ear, and I could tell that he was proud of me.
“I like the way you think, son.” He leaned forward across the desk. “Out of everything that I have ever taught you, what’s one of the most important rules of business?”
I sat back and rubbed my chin.
“To always invest in the local economy,” I said matter-of-factly.
My father nodded. “River Valley is our home, and America needs small, independent farmers. We could start our own farm, selling organic products and hire locals, or resell it to someone who wants to run a farm of their own. Just so long as we keep it in River Valley to support the local economy. I don’t think we should have an absentee landlord situation.”
“It would also help with sustainability,” I pointed out. “A new farm could sell their produce to some of the local stores, pump money back into the economy, and create new jobs.”
My mind was running a mile a minute. It wasn’t often that my father asked for that much input.
“Are you ready to take over this expansion?”
My mouth fell open. “What?”
“I want you to take over this expansion, Richard. You’ve proven to me that you have a good head on your shoulders. You’re business-savvy, too. Purchasing that farmland will be your new project.”
I fought back the tears forming in my eyes. My father was a good man, but he was never one to show too much emotion. “Are you sure, Dad? I mean, this has always been your department.”
He waved his hands in front of his face. “I’m getting a
little too old to be doing all of these expansions, son. It’s time to pass the torch.”
He put a stack of papers in a manila envelope and handed it to me. After shaking his hand and leaving his office, I took a moment to look at my great-great-great-grandfather Byron’s portrait. As I held the expansion papers close to my chest, I knew he’d be proud of me for following in my father’s footsteps.
My stomach started growling as I walked back to my office. After glancing at my watch, I decided to get a bite to eat.
So, I sat down in my desk chair and pulled out my cellphone, my thumb hovered over Annie's contact information. Inviting her to lunch would be a perfect opportunity. I wanted to see how she reacted to me being in charge of the new project.
Knots formed in my stomach as I thought about Heather, who would have scoffed and rolled her eyes at me for being in charge of the new expansion. I could hear her chastising me for not going into business on my own.
I decided to ask Annie out in person. Even if she declined my invitation, at least I'd be able to see her.
7
_____
ANNIE
After teaching my 11:15 AM yoga class, I made my way into the office and shut the door. Crystal was out to lunch, which meant that it was my job to oversee any students who wanted to practice yoga on their own today. I made some detoxifying peach herbal tea, and when it finished brewing, I decided to check in on Caley and Jude.
Since Julianna and Jake were on their honeymoon, Caley and Jude were staying with Mom and Dad. They lived a little way out of town, and Caley always enjoyed visiting them since it was like a mini-vacation for her. No doubt they were spoiling her, too. She usually returned to River Valley a few pounds heavier and with a few new toys and lots of new outfits after her visits.
As I dialed their house number, a few regular students walked into the studio. I waved at them through the office window. Most were senior members who enjoyed and supported each other as they learned more difficult poses.