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“Thank you.” I take the cup, still standing there awkwardly. “Most of this stuff actually belonged to Anton’s Grandmother. I donated a lot of stuff when I first moved in because it felt a lot like I was living in a shrine to her. I packed up the more sentimental things and have those tucked away in a guest room.”
No one says anything, so I just take my glass and sit down on the couch that faces the kitchen. Still close enough to talk with everyone as Isaiah and Zach cook.
The cottage has three bedrooms, a large living room, and a decent-sized kitchen with a small dining area. I kept a lot of stuff and donated just as much. I didn’t like feeling like I was just living her life. I needed to make this place a home of my own.
“Well, Zach and I opened a small tattoo shop in town. It’s connected to a coffee shop. Don’t worry, the spaces are separate, and it’s all up to code,” Jer says, but I just laugh.
“I wasn’t worried,” I say, sipping my wine. “Mmm, oh man, that’s delicious,” I sigh, sinking into the couch. “It’s been…four years.” I laugh. “Thad limited my drinking to once a year, and even then, if I tried, he’d pitch a fit, so I haven’t had a sip of wine since my twenty-first birthday party. At work. Just to be clear. My coworkers threw it for me. A week later, Thad made me quit.” The room is silent, so I look up. All eyes are on me, and I have to think about what I just said. Shit. “Sorry.” I sip the wine again, and Zach shakes his head.
“I had this girlfriend right out of high school.”
“Fucking Corrine,” Jer practically spits, and my eyebrows shoot up because I have never heard him so angry.
“Yeah, Jer still hates her. Anyway, she was controlling and a bit unhinged. It wasn’t until two years into dating her that I realized she was a narcissist. If I did anything she disliked, she lost her fucking mind. For example, I lose track of time when I’m drawing. Before I started tattooing, I spent a lot of time drawing or practicing on fruit. She’d show up at my house, screaming about having a girl over.”
“One day, she came over while Jer was home, and started hitting on him. When he stopped her, she acted like her actions were his fault.” Zach shakes his head as he fills a pot with water. “I came home, and she tried to accuse him of making the first move on her. I know my twin. So I kicked her out. She stalked me for six months until I got a restraining order.”
“That, and Bethal threatened to burn her parents' house down and even shot a firework off at her car. I think the violence is what actually scared her off.” Jer chuckles. “Once she realized there was a woman in our family far crazier than her?” Jer shakes his head and pours himself a glass of wine, joining me on the couch.
“Anyway, I just wanted you to know, you’re not alone, and I understand. Don’t feel bad.” Zach’s genuine smile makes my heart melt.
“Thank you. I’m okay now. I got used to no one giving a shit about my birthdays and dealing with his bullshit.” I shrug, and Jer reaches over to pat my thigh.
“I’m sorry, hotcakes. No one deserves that.”
I nod, sipping my wine to push the knot in my throat down. I don’t want them to see me crying.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Dinner with the guys was actually kind of amazing. Isaiah can cook really well, and even though Jer managed to burn the garlic bread, everything else was delicious. I had a great time, thanks to each of them making me feel right at home among them.
They left about an hour after we finished eating, with promises to come back soon.
Explaining that I still didn’t have a phone was a bit cringe, but they understood. Isaiah offered to bring me his old phone since I expressed not wanting it for anything other than emergencies.
Today, I decided to head out into the main part of the town. I want to see the twins’ coffee house-tattoo shop and see if maybe there’s a place in town I could work at.
I walk into a small bookstore that I’ve been eyeing since I arrived and immediately fall in love.
It’s attached to a strip of stores that seem to be right in the heart of this small town. Across the street is a bakery, a mom-and-pop diner, and a little boutique. Next door to the left of the bookstore is an antique store, and to the right on the corner is a bar. The bar doesn’t open until five in the afternoon, though, so it’s empty at the moment. The road here is shaped like a T, and the twins’ shop is only about a five-minute walk from here. I can’t see it from this angle, but I know it’s there.
I push the heavy wooden door open and step inside, immediately taking a deep breath. The scent of old paper and dust fills my lungs like a salve to my soul. Memories of easier days give a sense of melancholy. My heart longs for those days, even though I’m safer now.
Thad hated my love of reading. Honestly, the man is a walking red flag. Who dislikes someone else reading? I’ve learned that the good times with him weren't really good times at all. He was love-bombing me, so I’d let my guard back down.
To make it easier for him to bend me to his will. I swallow thickly, forcing the tears away. I won’t cry for that beast ever again.
Shaking off the sadness that I nearly let set in, I take a look around the old store. Even if I don't get a job here, I already know I'll be spending a lot of time between these stacks. I can grab a book, walk to the coffee shop, and visit with the twins. Actually, be social for what feels like the first time in my life.
The stacks go nearly up to the ceiling. And the books range from brand new to seriously old. Is that the sparkly vampire book? I snort at the sight. There seems to be no organization because right next to it is a classic.Wuthering Heights. I shake my head but move around the room, taking it all in.
The sign said help wanted, and I think I can see why. Despite its charm, this place is a mess, and I don't see anyone behind the register. I don’t see anyone, anywhere, at all, actually. Frowning, I check between each stack. When I find no one, I head to the back. I want to ask about applications, but I’m starting to worry this store has been abandoned.
"Stupid fucking thing! Ugh!" a male voice grumbles, seconds before I hear a loud crash. It sounded like a stack of books falling over. "Of course, you left this hellhole to me, Caroline. Knowing damn well, I'd hate it here. How am I supposed to run a fucking bookstore in the middle of a tiny ass town?!" he shouts as I get closer, and as I turn the corner, he slams the book he was holding down on the floor. The tall, handsome man looks a bit disheveled.
“Oh, jeez,” I jump about fifty feet when he barks out another curse before spinning around to find me clutching my chest.
“Shit, I’m sorry.” He throws his hands up, looking around at the mess surrounding him. “I don’t even have an excuse.” When he drops his hands at his sides, I can see the sadness he’s trying to hide. I don’t think my sudden appearance is even on the list of things ruining his day, though.
