“Of course they were. It’s the middle of the week. He did say to call him as soon as we can, he has to hit the road for another fair tonight.” He points to opening. “I put a speaker, blanket, food and wine up there. I think I got everything you requested.”
“Thanks, man. Seriously, you’ve been a big help in getting this together for me.”
“It’s all good. How long do you want me to give you to set up?”
I glance at the notes in my hand and at the fun house. “Ten minutes. Can you get the generator going while I set up inside?”
“Sure thing.”
Both of us get out of the golf cart. He heads around the side toward the back, and I head for the front door. Each note will lead her straight to me.
I place one on the entrance before picking up the supplies. At least he put it all in a basket. Otherwise, this would be a lot harder. After walking in, I take a left and set another note. Thelights come on and I can hear the generator hum as I make my way through to the mirrors. I’ve placed notes along the way and when I get to my destination, I set everything down.
I lay the blanket out and shove the basket behind one of the walls. There are a couple of seat cushions and I set those across from each other before pouring two glasses of wine. This will either go amazing or she’ll throw the wine in my face.
Now, all I can do is wait. Parker should be on his way to get his sister. I don’t know how he is going to get her to leave whatever she’s working on. But I’m hoping when she see’s everything, she’ll hear me out.
Twenty minutes pass by and I’m almost convinced she’s not coming. It serves me right. I did fuck this up. I should have listened to my gut and told her everything from the beginning. The fear of Pierce finding out and her losing her job was too much, though.
I know her brother can’t technically do that. Especially after what their dad said at the cookout the other day. They are all in, or he’s selling. It’s a drastic move, but I’m glad it won’t give Pierce the ability to do whatever he wants without consequence. Although, it’d be a bad idea to get rid of Piper now that business is picking up thanks to her efforts.
My phone vibrates against the floor. Please don’t be a text saying she’s not coming. We’ve texted a little this week, but it’s been very surface level. Nothing too deep and mostly gifs of puppies. That’s Piper’s go to when she’s not feeling great, or everything feels like too much.
I unlock my phone and glance at the text.
Parker
She’s heading in. Good luck.
Hmm, why do I need luck? This doesn’t bode well for the course of the day. I’m not going to reply and ask him to elaborate. I’ll find out as soon as she makes her way back here.
Another ten minutes pass. What is taking her so long? It didn’t even take me this long to set up. Maybe it’s nerves. I stand in the mirrored hallway before pacing back and forth. I’ve never been nervous to see Piper. Well, except for the last time we were in this space. This is a thousand times worse, though. Everything hangs in the balance.
“Beau?” My name on Piper’s lips stops me in my tracks and I turn to face her. “What is all this?” She waves her hands around to encompass the fun house.
“The beginning of an apology?” Shit. That wasn’t supposed to come out as a question. How is she supposed to take me seriously if I sound unsure?
“I assumed that much.” Her steps are slow and deliberate as she comes closer to me. “But why?”
I can’t tell her it’s because we’ve watched enough rom-coms for me to know I need to do something big. She may act like she doesn’t want all the focus on her, but I know it’s a lie. All she’s ever wanted was her siblings to see her for the amazing person she is. I want, no need, her to know that I see her.
“Because you love fun houses, and I thought it was the perfect place to tell you how sorry I am.”
I back up as she comes closer, not wanting to scare her off. I take a seat on the far corner of the blanket and wait for her to sit down. She takes a moment to glance around at everything I’ve done. The bright yellow of the sticky notes stand out in this dimly lit space.
“You lied to me, Beau.” She sets down the notes and clasps her hands together. But she doesn’t look at me. “We’ve never lied to each other.”
“I know.” I study the wine bottle so she doesn’t see the shame written across my face. “I had a good reason, though.”
She throws her hands in the air. I don’t blame her, I’d be frustrated, too. “That’s the thing. We’ve always been honest with each other no matter how bad the information is. What in the hell was so detrimental that you couldn’t tell me the truth?”
I’ve never seen her like this. She’s never cussed at me, and I know for a fact I don’t want her to ever do that again. Not that it’s not deserved. It is, one hundred percent. But it doesn’t feel great.
“Pierce.” It’s the only word I can come up with for the moment. At least until I can find the words to tell her exactly what was said that won’t make her angrier.
“Yes, I know Pierce was part of this whole thing. He knew the entire time, but I don’t see why you couldn’t tell me anything.”
Well, there’s no way she’s not going to be pissed. I guess I need to come out and say it.
