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“You okay?” The sympathy is in his eyes. He was there when it all went to shit. It was Tommy’s sister who filled in for me when I couldn’t get out of bed. He’s been a part of this company since Ellen and I took over and he’s as loyal as they come. But even more than being loyal he watched me fall apart and he was there to pick up the pieces. Without Tommy this place would’ve gone under when my life was at its lowest point.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I respond, trying not to let it show that I’m bothered by Jack’s friendliness toward Penny.
Tommy rests his hands on my shoulders, his eyes looking directly into mine. “Don’t let anyone change the progress you’ve made. Things are good. You’re good.”
I nod my head unable to speak, a lump forming in my throat at the kindness in his words. I fight back the tears that form in my eyes, blinking hard as I hear Jack call out my name.
“This guy giving you a hard time, Lu?” Jack calls as he approaches, a stern look on his face. He slips his arm around my waist and I shy away, that feeling of tears suddenly returning.
“No Jack. Tommy and I were just discussing some production issues.” My voice sounds hollow and right now I’d give anything to be back in the shed with Jack, the hose drenching both of us. It’s better than feeling like this.
“I gotta get back to work,” Tommy says, his glare staring deeply at Jack.
“Good call, mate,” Jack quips, and I turn to look at him, my lips pursed as I swat at his arm.
“Mind your business, Jack,” I warn, walking away to finally change out of these wet clothes.
“Need some help?” Jack calls after me, jogging a bit catch up. “I’ve had me a shower, but I’m happy to help you out.” He nudges me with his shoulder and it’s hard to not find his blatant comes-ons kind of charming.
“While I appreciate your help, I think I can take care of this myself.”
“Well, I guess I’ll see you later, Lu,” Jack says, giving up far easier than he usually does and the stupid part of me can’t help but read into it. Maybe he is interested in Penny? Maybe I’ve played hard to get for a little too long? “Hey, Lu?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re lucky Olivia caught us because that kiss was about to be fucking epic.”
And just like that he draws me back in.
The night comes quickly, but sleep doesn’t. I’m three wines deep, but still wide awake and my thoughts are swirling with everything that Ellen, Tommy and Jack said today. I turn off the TV even though I know I’m not going to fall asleep.
I slide my feet into my boots and grab a flashlight this time, but when I look out the window, there isn’t a light on in the cottage Jack is currently occupying. Guess I don’t really need to worry about him sneaking up on me.
The flashlight is unnecessary. I know the path in the darkness. I’d know it with my eyes closed. It’s something I’ll never be able to erase from my memory.
It only takes me about five minutes to walk there, my key slipping into the lock of the small shed set a little farther back.
I turn the light on and find the fuse box, flipping the dozen or so labeled switches and I take a deep breath before I walk out.
My eyes are closed when I step out the door, and for a second, I rethink my actions. It’s been awhile since I’ve done this and I should probably just head back to my house.
But I don’t stop myself from opening my eyes and taking in the hundreds of trees and grapevines covered in tiny white lights. The trellis’ flowers are now blooming and they practically glow under the sparkling white lights that are wrapped around it.
This is where I was supposed to get married, and while the chairs are missing and the people are gone, I can still picture it like it was yesterday.
The flowers on the trellis were planted a year in advance, pale pink Eden roses, because I needed them to be in bloom on that day. They’ve been growing ever since, even when I don’t water them, even though I couldn’t care less if they die.
I stand under the trellis for a few seconds before my gaze falls on the Weeping Willow’s trunk wrapped in lights; the swing still tied with thick rope to one of its branches.
I remember watching weddings take place here as a kid and being mesmerized by its beauty, and I knew then that this would be the place where I would get married. I’d sit on the swing in my white dress, the backdrop of the vineyard and the lights. It would be as perfect as all the weddings I’d seen play out here.
But now it’s all ruined.
I hate that he was able to take my happiness with him, but I hate that he ruined all the wonderful memories I have of this place.
I walk over to the swing, tugging on the rope, wondering if it will hold me. It’s been unused for some time now. There have been no pictures of brides or grooms on it for months.
I’m certain Oscar and Olivia haven’t used it either, especially after I yelled at them on a particularly bad day. Telling them to get off it and never come back here again.
