Page 48 of Changing Lanes

“I thought for sure I was okay. I was until I saw him again. I mean, what're the fucking chances?” I opt for water this go around or they may have to carry me home.

“Small world. So, you haven’t spoken to Brannon in ten years, at all?” Thayer asks.

“I did check to see if he had dropped out of school, and I sent a text and called within hours but heard nothing from him. I guess the money was more important to him.” Shrugging through my last words.

“Money? You mean to tell me that you have such an attachment to this man, you physically and mentally get rattled seeing him. And you still think he took your father’s money? Are you sure you knew him at all?” Thayer questions.

Nodding, I answer her, “I saw it with my own eyes, he took the check and left. I’m sure his farm is nice now. A million dollars can do a lot of stuff.”

Lea spits her drink across the table as Thayer hits her on the back. “A million dollars? To stay away from you?” Lea says, wiping her mouth.

“Yes, but there is one thing that bothered me more than him taking the money. I mean, I might understand how he felt as though he needed to help his mom.” Looking from one to the other, I see they’re waiting. “Why he never told me how his father died. I mean, here I am falling in love with a man who supposedly killed his father.” This time, it’s Thayer who shoots her drink across the table.

“What in the—? Why in the—? Who—oh, your father’s story I suppose?” Lea asks.

“Yes. Ladies, I know my father. I have no doubt he is capable of anything, but I read everything myself.” Lowering my eyes, I pick at my food when it arrives.

After the subject at dinner, including the fact I drank too much, we decide to put off the shopping for a day or so. I need to clear my head and my heart before making a public appearance, so not to make a public nuisance of myself.

My time here is limited, it’s best if I stay away from him. When my father finds out, all hell will break loose. I can’t risk it, this close to getting the company. Brannon’s lips tasted so good the other night. Then there’s Ava, why in the hell is she still around.

I’m sure he’d give me song and dance about how she’s family, he can’t hurt her. Some bullshit he expects me to believe. I hate myself for kissing him, what was I thinking? I could kiss him and leave him wanting more? I’m even more miserable than I already was.

I fall into bed, buzzing and mad at myself. I have to come to terms with Brannon, some way, somehow. Push past the bullshit, do my job, and get the hell out of here. That’s my plan, and I’m sticking to it. Unless he kisses me again, then I’ll come up with a new plan.

“Good afternoon. How are you?” I ask Thayer as I enter her office.

“Great. How are you, girl?” She brings me in for a hug.

“Better. I’m going to work with him, but I’ll be damned if I kiss him again.” Saying emphatically.

“Is this the kiss Ava was talking about?” Thayer’s busy pulling sample pamphlets.

“Yes. The other night after dinner.” I stare into thin air, dazed with the memory.

“He kiss you? You kiss him?” The girl wants details.

Laughing, I answer best I can. “Him. Me. Both. We were all over each other. Damn, country boy kills me.”

She laughs with me. “Ahhh, yes. Have you seen him on his tractor?” She fans herself.

“No!” I say with big eyes. “But now, I need to see that.”

“Oh, yes you do. Damn.” She continues to fan herself as we laugh louder. And who should walk to the door?

“Ladies, y’all okay?” Brannon pops his head through the door to ask.

“Shit. Yes.” Thayer squeals as I turn blood red.

“We’re good. How are you?” I try to pull my shit together.

“Good. What are y’all talking about?” He’s fishing.

“Different sizes of tractors,” Thayer offers, and I burst into laughter.

“Tractor sizes?” Brannon’s brow rises as he smirks. “What size you looking for?” He turns to me to ask. Thayer almost falls from her seat.

“Hot damn. Go ahead and show Torrie some tractors.” Thayer waves her hand, shewing us to go.