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Avery
Sunshine filters through my curtains, dancing shadows against my closed lids until it rousts me before my alarm. Jaxton warned me he’d be gone before I was up the next morning, but I’m still disappointed when he’s not sprawled next to me. I’m well rested, regardless of the minimal sleep we received.
As I’m walking out the front door, my foot almost crushes a single white rose left on the porch. It’s just like the last one, with thorns clipped and a note attached.
Roses are red, violets are blue, you’ll never leave me, or I’ll find you.
My heart skips a beat, absorbing the subtle threat, but then choosing to ignore it, since I know he’s possessive. In fact, the thought of him hunting me down to the ends of the earth is quite tempting.
A permanent smile stretches my lips when I place the flower in the vase with the others and drive the short distance to the bakery. Mondays are usually the slowest day of the week, so I’m hoping the day doesn’t drag.
Customers were slow to enter until about ten. From that point on, the stream of patrons was steady. The next time I check, it’s after three. My excitement soars at the thought of being off work, knowing I’ll finally get the chance to call Jaxton.
There’s a couple of hours left in the day, so I clean. When closing time rolls around, I’ll be quickly out the door. It’s four-twenty when a woman—close to my age—comes into the shop. She stands about five-four, dark brown hair, brown eyes, with no remarkable features. The reason I’m noting all her characteristics is because she’s eying me suspiciously, instead of looking at the menu. She doesn’t appear to be a person who plans on robbing a small bakery, but what do I know, robbers appear in all shapes and sizes.
“Hi, how can I help you?” I ask politely, even though her vibe is off. Her mesmerized stare is making me uncomfortable, and just as I’m about to ask her to leave, she speaks.
“Yes, you can.” But she doesn’t elaborate, remaining silent.
“Well… What can I help you with?” My voice is stern, tired of playing whatever game this is.
“Do you know, Jaxton?” She asks, her question shocking my next words away.Why is she asking about him?My heart slams into overdrive.
“Yes.” I answer, “Why are you asking?” Now I’m perusing her suspiciously.
“I was just wondering who the home wrecker is that’s trying to steal my best friend’s boyfriend.” Her statement is so nonchalant that I take a second to process her words.
“What are you talking about?” I demand.
She smiles smugly. “We knew he was sneaking around at night, but this is a new low for him to sink toyourlevel. Ugh! You aresonot in the same league.”What am I hearing? Jaxton has a girlfriend.I try to rationalize the information this stranger is spouting.
“I don’t believe you.” Our connection is unique. There’s no way he’s cheating.Right?
Her haughty expression says otherwise, allowing doubt to bury in the pit of my stomach. “You don’t have to believe what I’m telling you. Go see for yourself. They’re together right now, over by the grade school.” Her eyes drift up and down my body, judgingly. “I’ll let my friend know she hasnothingto worry about, that there’snocompetition.” She doesn’t wait for my reply, leaving me standing dumbfounded. My heart is pounding with dread, but my curiosity’s peaked.
My hands are shaking slightly as the information absorbs.Did I just hear that right? Jaxton has a girlfriend.This entire time, he’s been lying to me. My heart plummets next to the rock in my stomach as nausea churns—a stormy ocean rolling until it’s consumed every part of me.They’re together right now.
I have to see this for myself.
Decision made—I’m closing the store early. Apron still tied around my waist, covered in flour as I climbed into my car, and headed toward the school. There’s more traffic than usual, but I’m able to find a spot across the street and begin scanning the surrounding area for Jaxton.
At that moment, I realize how crazy I’m being, stalking my boyfriend’s every move.What are you doing here?I internally scold. Jaxton couldn’t fake our chemistry.
Rolling my eyes at the absurdity, I start towards the car, readying to leave, when I catch sight of him walking across the grass with two women. All thoughts of staying sane fly out the window.
One woman I recognize as Crazy herself, and the one closest to Jaxton, must be the best friend she mentioned. The dark-haired women, a.k.a. Crazy stops to say something to them before laughing and walking away. Off to one side of the parking lot are a couple of trailers, one of which she enters, leaving them alone.
The best friend is standing next to Jaxton, talking and smiling, definitely flirting if her haughty hair flips are any indicator. Her reddish-brown hair floats around her in the light breeze, enunciating her flawless skin. She has a picture-perfect frame—about my height—and is unbelievably pretty. Her features are soft and dollish. Even from this distance, I can see why he’s attracted to her. My heart sinks.Fuck.
They stand next to the trailer casually, but then Jaxton steps into her, as she runs her hand up his chest. He leans down and kisses her, but only for a moment. There’s no passion behind it, like when he kisses me, but I’ve seen enough. Jaxton steps away as they smile at each other, speaking animatedly, and then part ways.
A small sob breaches my sealed lips at the sight, unseating that damn stone in my gut. Tears drip down my cheeks unbidden, drawing attention to the apron still strapped to my chest.
My mind races on the drive home.He has a girlfriend.The devil on my shoulder is mocking me the entire way.How could he?
We started a relationship at mach ten, but it’sreal—or at least it was on my side. The closest I’ll ever come to love at first sight is this whirlwind of a relationship with Jaxton. Yes, it’s corny as fuck, but no less true.
Once home, I slam the front door, relieving a smidge of anger from the effort. Done with the day and wanting to wallow, I head to my room, stripping down the entire way. Frustrations are setting in.Who am I kidding… I let myself get carried away with a guy I barely knew.I thought our connection was electrifying, but I guess it’s not two-sided. That’s my fault for believing the fairytale.
