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A moment later and I straightened. I’d give Lizzy’s advice a trial period. I could give Bailey time. I owed her that much, and more.
For now, I’d go home. I had plans to make for the future.
Five
By the time I made it to my parents’ place, I was frozen. I walked straight into the house, as doors weren’t normally kept locked, and headed into my old room. I found a towel and dried my snow-covered hair as best I could. I’d donned a bonnet I found and warmed myself by the large cast iron stove before heading off to the place that gave me the most comfort outside of home.
Every other woman in town that I passed was garbed in similar clothing, except for my coat. Many gave me curious glances but said nothing outside of a polite greeting. I slipped into the schoolhouse office without my younger siblings noticing. I got a nod from the head teacher before I was behind the closed door.
I sat at the big desk and wondered where my older sister Violet was. I was out of sorts and needed someone I could trust to talk to. But she was working, and it would be frowned upon for me to interrupt, so I stayed put.
It was easy to slip into the familiar. I dived in using my auditing skills to continue to review the community’s books. It was something unique I could offer, so I did it without being asked. It was doubtful my replacement, which was the woman who apprenticed me, would be doing anything wrong. It was just something to keep me busy.
My focus kept shifting between the phone and the ledgers over and over again. Out of three ruined relationships, I was the only common denominator. Maybe Scott was right. It was me all along.
Hesitantly, I picked up the faded moss green colored handset from the cradle and pushed the buttons on the base. Our phones had non-registered numbers and would display UNKNOWN as the caller. I wasn’t sure if my call would be answered.
“Hello.”
“Lizzy,” I said on an exhale of relief.
“Oh my God, honey. Are you okay?”
There was noise in the background.
“I’m fine. Where are you?”
“At the airport. I’m going to Chicago to see that artist, Haven. I want to commission more of her work. Plus, I want to check up on Matt.”
“Oh,” I said, feeling sorry for myself.
Lizzy’s life was moving forward, while mine was moving backward.
“Did you make it home?” she asked. “I got your message and I’m worried about you driving in that weather.”
“It’s fine. I’m here.”
“They have phones?” she asked, sounding utterly shocked.
I let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, and a couple of computers too. Though we aren’t allowed to use them regularly. I should probably cut this short.”
“Don’t go. Your stalker stopped by.”
My heart did a little traitorous pitter-patter.
“He didn’t,” I said, not sure why I was surprised.
The man was used to getting what he wanted. The only reason he was pursuing me was because I was probably the first woman to tell him no.
“He did with damnable puppy dog eyes. You should have seen him. I almost gave in.”
“You didn’t,” I warned even though it would have been too late as I tried and failed to imagine puppy dog eyes on the arrogant bastard.
“I didn’t,” she agreed. “I gave him hell. But sweetie, I hate to say this because I’m totally on your side. But he had the look of a man in love.”
I rolled my eyes. “That look is someone who isn’t used to losing.”
“If you say so. If I were a betting woman, I’d say he’s got it bad for you.”
For a second, I felt my resolve wavering, but I pushed past it.
“Good thing you don’t bet,” I said. “Give my love to Matt.”
She laughed. “I will not. That would give him hope. And we both know you’ve got it bad for a certain King,” she teased in a sing-song voice.
“Not anymore,” I muttered, unable to completely lie.
“You can lie to yourself but not to me. Anywho, they are boarding my plane.”
“You’re flying commercial?” I asked.
“Damn right. You see this weather. I want someone solid to fly me in these unfriendly skies. Oh, before I go. You got roses.”
I blew out a breath. “From him.”
“I don’t think so. He didn’t mention them, and they were black roses. Weird, huh?” A chill ran up my spine. “I imagine they will die a timely death before you can see them. I took a picture for you, though.”
“No message?” I asked, my mouth feeling suddenly dry.
“None,” she said.
“Safe travels,” I added, with a little cheer. I missed her so much already. “I’ll try to call you in a few days. I don’t have my cell so you can’t call me.”
“You know how weird that is, right?” she asked.
