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That’s one thing I miss about the South. It’s February and in the seventies. If we were in Philadelphia right now, it would be cold and probably snowing.
We settle in the old rocking chairs that have been on this porch longer than we’ve been alive.
“Okay, I want to hear all about the luncheon,” Julia commands.
Swiping a hand through my hair, I let out a sigh. “Well, my mother was her typical self, you know, ordering the waitstaff around like slaves, and probably having a few of them contemplating dropping ex-lax in her Waldorf salad.” I roll my eyes as we both laugh. “I was a bit surprised to see how much my sister’s changed, though.”
Remembering her cold greeting has me dropping my eyes to the glass of tea I’m holding.
“She seemed upset with me. Either that or she’s turning into my mother with each year that passes. Her friends were a real treat,” I say, sarcasm lacing my words.
“Oh yeah. I’ve seen her around town with those stuck-up bitches. Nice to your face, but as soon as you turn around, they waste no time snickering behind your back,” Julia tells me.
“Yeah, I definitely got that impression from them. They were pretty snarky when she mentioned me dating Jackson. They definitely gave me the impression that not only did they think I wasn’t on par with his standards, but I overheard a couple of them saying that as soon as they introduce themselves to him at the party they’ll have him questioning his choice in girlfriends.” My eyes practically roll to the back of my head at the memory.
Jackson laughs into his glass as he takes a sip of tea. “Aw, Red, you don’t have anything to worry about. You know you’re the only feisty Southern belle I have eyes for.”
“And don’t you forget it, darlin’,” I reply in a thick accent as I exaggeratedly bat my eyelashes at him.
He grabs my hand resting on the arm of the rocker and brings it to his mouth.
“Never,” he rumbles while staring me in the eyes. His blue eyes sparkle with mischief and promise. Two things I often see in them. It used to annoy the shit out of me, but now I would say the exact opposite is true.
The moment is broken when Julia begins gagging next to me.
“Jesus, you two, get a room.”
“We have one, and I think I’m about ready to take my lady back to it.”
Julia scoffs. “Lady? Where?” She looks around the porch dramatically.
Laughing at her, I smack her in the arm. “Asshole.” She begins to laugh with me. I love being here, laughing and joking around with my old friend.
We sit on the porch for a little while longer and Julia fills me in on everyone I used to know in town. I tell her about my conversation with Raelynn, but don’t go into too much detail. If she wants people to know the reason she married Davis, and why they got divorced, she can tell them herself. I just told Julia she had her reasons, and no, it still isn’t an excuse, but I understand a little more of what happened and what made her do what she did.
Julia rolls her eyes. “I don’t care what her reasons are. She’s still a thirsty bitch as far as I’m concerned.”
I quirk my brow. “I think she got the idea when you turned the hose on her when she came to attempt a conversation.”
Julia simply shrugs her shoulders, absolutely no remorse on her face. “And I’d do it again.”
It’s not my place to try to get those two to be friends again. Hell, I’m not even sureIwant to be Raelynn’s friend again. Julia continues to update me on everyone but conveniently leaves out any mention of Grayson Abernathy. She’s always been close lipped about what they were to each other, if anything. From what I’ve heard, he’s back trying to buy the ranch, even going so far as to challenge the property lines. I’m not sure what the story is there, but when Julia’s ready to tell it, I know she will.
The afternoon sun is waning in the sky, and I know Julia needs to get to her evening chores. Growing up, I used to help her with them. Even though her family has plenty of money and manpower to do them, her parents never let her or her brothers out of chores. They used to tell them, “If you’re going to run this ranch one day, you need to get your hands dirty.” Of course, growing up, there was a significant amount of grumbling, but Pop and Julia’s mom wouldn’t even consider doing it any other way.
After saying our goodbyes, Jackson and I head back to the hotel. We’re both exhausted from our day in the sun and crash on the bed as soon as we make our way into the room.
When we wake, we’re both starving and decide to eat at the hotel’s restaurant.
“Are you looking forward to the party tomorrow?” Jackson asks before taking a bite of his perfectly cooked steak. I may have persuaded him to give me a taste. God love a man willing to share his food.
I tilt my head side to side a few times before answering. “No.” I laugh out. “Not really. It’s something I feel like we have to do though. My sister is a lot less excited to have me here than my mom made me believe.” Taking a sip of wine, I roll my eyes. “Not surprising. She probably thought it would look bad not having me here. Cesily and I have barely spoken in the last few years. I just got so damn sick of her trying to push Davis on me, then rubbing it in my face when he married Raelynn. When she called to tell me they were getting married, she made sure to point out it could have been me. I’d hoped she had matured, but I guess the ship has sailed on us being close again.” I let out a deep sigh. “Honestly, I’m not sure I would even want to be at this point. It’s just sad, y’know?”
Kasey has confided in me that Jackson and Donovan drifted apart during college. Donovan became the responsible one, making sure the family name wasn’t smeared in the press and Jackson is, well, Jackson. He couldn’t give two shits about keeping his reputation clean. That caused a rift between the brothers that’s just recently started mending.
“I would say don’t give up, but your sister sounds like a twat.” He shrugs his shoulders like it’s just a simple statement of fact.
“You’ve been hanging out with Aiden too much.” I laugh, then sigh again, thinking about the statement. “But you’re not wrong. We were never as wild as some people sitting at this table.” I raise a brow and look at him. “But we used to have fun. Now she’s just like every other society bitch.”
