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“Oh, yes, it’s been a wonderful day. How about yours?”
Why the hell is Shelia talking to her like they’re best friends?
“We don’t have any plans right now, but I suspect we’re going to try to get up there sometime during the first of February. We’d like to see Devon’s exhibit, and since it’s so close to Norfolk, we’ll
drive over.”
Pause.
“Of course, I’ll tell Bryce to let you know. We have to eat at that diner that has the delicious pancakes, and I’d love to go shopping again. That boutique was adorable. They may even carry a dress appropriate for the wedding.”
Shopping? Boutique? What the fuck? At least she mentioned my wedding.
“Actually, dear, he’s out back chopping wood. Devon’s here. Would you like to talk to her?”
Pause.
“Alright, then. I’ll tell him you called and you’re at home. We’ll let you know our plans. I think Dave and I deserve a rematch in poker. I was having an off-night.”
Hell no! Why the fuck were my future in-laws playing cards with Liza? Better yet, why didn’t I know?
My blood boils so hot there’s a buzzing in my ears. I know without looking that my face is red. Mom notices and shoots me a worried expression. She opens her mouth, but I drop my head, and she stays quiet.
“Okay, Merry Christmas again. Goodbye.” Shelia hangs up and then looks around for me. Her eyes grow wide when they land on mine. “Devon? Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” I rush past them and bolt out the door, making a beeline to Bryce.
He and Nate are both chopping wood, and when he sees me, his face lights up then immediately darkens.
I shove the coats at them and try to control the rage simmering inside but fail.
“Dev? What’s wrong?” Bryce reaches for me, but I step away.
“What’s wrong? WHAT’S WRONG?” I shout. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong. Shelia and Liza just had a lovely conversation about Christmas. Then they reminisced about their shopping experience and the little boutique your mom loved. The conversation ended with the promise for a rematch in cards the next time they visit.”
Nate blows out a loud breath and sets down his ax. He gives me an irritated glance then walks into the house.
“Babe.”
“Don’t you dare fucking babe me! When did she go shopping with Sheila, and when the fuck did she play poker with your parents?”
He steps back and runs his hands down his face and up through his hair. “You knew she went out with Nicole for an afternoon when she and Dad visited. I also told you about everyone coming over for dinner. Liza was with them.”
“You didn’t think that was something you should mention?”
“Why would I mention it? I didn’t think twice about it.”
I blow out a frustrated breath then hang my head in shame. I’m being entirely immature and irrational. “She called you on Christmas. Why won’t she go away?”
This time, I don’t slink away when he reaches for me, tugging me into his chest. “Devon, I can’t understand why you see red when it comes to her. There’s nothing between us but a professional relationship. She most likely called everyone to wish them a Merry Christmas.”
“She’d like more from you, Bryce, and she’s doing everything she can to get it.”
“We’re peers. She’s been a friend of Tommy’s for a long time. She, Dani, Rick, and Tommy met after boot camp. She’s worked really hard to get where she is. To be honest, she’s excellent at her job, but she’s having a hard time getting respect from some of her team, so we try to support her as a group. That’s it.”
“It sounds like you’re defending her.”
“I’m not defending her. I’m defending me. You came out here with fire in your eyes, furious about something that meant nothing. So what if she went shopping with Mom and beat her in poker? Who the fuck cares?”
