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“Yeah. On a Saturday.”
“Oh, alright then. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Ending the call, I dropped my phone in my lap and covered my eyes. The tears welled up and I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to hold them back. But fuck it, I was all alone. I could afford to indulge myself in a few bitter tears.
So, I let them flow for a few moments, a stray sob escaping my lips. Mom’s words cut deep, as they always did. The constant pressure to “settle down” and find a man felt suffocating at times. Couldn’t she see that I was perfectly happy being single and focusing on my career? That I didn’t need a husband or kids to feel fulfilled?
With a heavy sigh, I wiped the tears from my cheeks and glanced at my reflection in the rearview mirror. God, I looked like hell. My eyes were red and puffy, and my mascara had smeared all over my cheeks. Not a great look. Pulling a tissue from my bag, I dabbed at my cheeks, but it was no good. I’d have to wash my face inside, I guess.
I grabbed my bag and the apple pie I’d made for the family dinner. I’d brought it home with me and shoved it in the freezer, knowing I wouldn’t eat it on my own. Then, every time I opened the fucking freezer, there it was. Taunting me. Yeah, maybe that meant I was going a bit crazy, but it just annoyed the fuck out of me every time. I needed to get rid of it, but couldn’t quite bring myself to throw it in the bin. Figuring Stef would probably like it, I’d boxed it up and here we were.
I gripped the pie tin tightly as I got out of the car, the aluminum edge digging into my palm. Taking a deep breath, I started up the path towards Stef and Grayson’s place, trying to shake off the remnants of my phone call with Mom.
Halfway there, the front door opened, and Rhett stepped out onto the veranda. Looking perfect. Immaculate. Like he’d just stepped out of a catalogue. It made me clench my teeth with irritation. He caught sight of me and stopped in surprise.
Shit. Fuck. I had another go at wiping the mascara smudges from under my eyes, but it was too late. He opened his mouth to speak. Definitely about to make some smart ass remark I knew I couldn’t deal with right now. Ihadto cut him off. Because I couldn’t think of anything else to say, I blurted out, “Do you like apple pie?”
He frowned in confusion, which somehow made him look a bit cute. So fucking annoying. “Apple pie?”
“Yeah.” I wiggled the box in my hands, just for emphasis.
“Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine. Nothing wrong with me at all. So, you like apple pie. Yes, or no?”
“Um, sure.”
“Here you go then.” I shoved it into his hands and before he could ask me anymore questions, brushed past him into the house.
Stef came down the hallway in leggings, a baggy t-shirt that I suspect belonged to her fiancé, and her blue hair tied up in a loose bun. “Holy fuck, you look like shit. Go wash up while I get Grayson to make us coffee. Then you’re going to tell me why you look like someone just kicked your favorite puppy.”
I felt better already.
An hour later and I’d vented all my mom bullshit to Stef and felt a hundred times better. Until my phone vibrated with a text.
I pulled it out with a sigh, expecting another passive-aggressive comment from my mother. But it was from an unsaved number. Frowning, I opened it.
There was a photo of my apple pie, already half eaten.
Unknown Number:Not that I’m complaining about receiving random baked goods, but care to explain the impromptu pie delivery? I’m not open to bribes, in case you were wondering.
I rolled my eyes, picturing the self-satisfied smirk on his stupidly handsome face. Part of me wanted to ignore him completely.The last thing I needed was someone else getting under my skin today. But the petty side of me couldn’t resist taking the bait.
Me:Thought you could use some sugar in your life.You seemed pretty sour when I arrived.
There, that ought to wipe that smirk right off. I waited for his witty retort, tapping my foot impatiently.
I could feel Stef’s eyes on me. “Who’re you texting?” she asked innocently. Too innocently.
“No one important,” I muttered, glancing back at my phone’s screen.
A few moments later, a new message popped up.
Unknown Number:So, what had your panties in a twist? Some rodents on the brink of extinction that you can’t save?
I shouldn’t. I reeeeally shouldn’t. Fuck it.