Page 46 of Another Love, Another Time

River

I had my housewarming/meet Baxter party last weekend. He fit in with the team just like I knew he would. I think he enjoyed his time here. It’s nice to have time away from work.

I enjoyed visiting with Baxter, and we got a big chunk of the painting and other stuff done while he was here.

Auggie came by every night to hang out, do some work, and drink beer.

We had a lot of fun. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.

Having Baxter here helped me open up and show a side of myself that I haven’t let Auggie see since I’ve been back.

Every night, Auggie slept on an air mattress that I bought for him. Baxter offered to give him the spare room, but Auggie adamantly refused. He knew he wasn’t getting in my bed. If he wanted to stay, he had to sleep on the air mattress.

I’m glad they both had a chance to hang out and get to know one another. I know Baxter had a talk with Auggie about something. I have a pretty good idea what it was about, but both seemed to be getting along well, so I left it alone.

The day after the party, Baxter and I drove down to visit with his family.

All of them are very aware that we are only married for legal purposes, but they have always treated me like part of the family.

For a long time, they had hoped our marriage would turn into a real one, but they finally realized we would only ever be friends.

I wanted to let them know that when our divorce is finalized, they won’t get rid of me that easily.

Baxter said that his family was worried that when it is official, I’ll forget all about them.

There is no way I will let that happen; they are stuck with me.

Overall, it was a nice little break away from everything.

At their place, we played a bunch of card games.

Every time I come to visit, they have to teach me the same games, but they don’t mind.

His mom is the best cook, too. All the women in my family can cook, but they have all hung out so much that they use the same recipes.

Baxter’s mom is a phenomenal cook and is always trying something different. I’ll be her guinea pig any day.

~~

I got back home yesterday. I wish I had a few days to be lazy, but while I was still visiting Baxter’s family earlier this week, they got an invitation from Aunt Molly, Melissa’s mom, that they were having a get-together at their house.

I thought it was a little weird because they hardly ever host parties, at least not with the family.

My mom encouraged me to go. I really don’t want to go, but I haven’t visited with my aunt since I’ve been back. Regardless of how I feel about Melissa, I hate to take out my hostility for their daughter on them.

All the families were invited, including Logan’s and Auggie’s families.

The invite stated that they were catering food from one of the best restaurants in Hannibal.

I’ll just make an appearance, have a free meal, leave early, and appease my mom at the same time.

I know a few people who are going, so it shouldn’t be that bad.

The dress code is casual, but I’m planning to wear a sundress. It’s hot out, and I need to be able to breathe. Plus, I know Melissa is going to be there. I need to look better than her. It’s petty, but I don’t care. She brings that side out of me.

Logan also said he would be there. I’m excited to see him. I haven’t been able to see him as much since I moved here. He’s been training a lot and barely gets to come home. He’s also in a new relationship, and he spends a lot of time with her. I’ll take this opportunity to visit with him too.

I’m getting ready to go when I get a text from Auggie.

Auggie: You want to ride over to your aunt’s together? I need to talk to you.

River: No. I’ll drive myself. You know I get twitchy around Melissa. I need to be able to get away if needed.

Auggie: Okay I need to talk to you as soon as I see you.

River: k

Auggie stayed over last night. He’s back in the spare room, the air mattress packed away in the closet. He picked me up from the airport since Baxter rented a car. We drove to see his family. On the way back, I had him stop at Lowe’s.

On the flight home, I got on Pinterest and pinned some ideas for my kitchen. I wanted to stop by to see what Lowe’s had and get some estimates on how much it might cost. Auggie said that he would be able to help with some of the work.

We stayed up late, going over what he thought he would be able to do and some things that would be better if I hired someone. I can’t wait for my whole house to be done. Every day, it feels a little more like home.

By the time we finished, it was late, and he decided to stay in the guest bedroom. There are moments when we are together, and I’m taken back to when I was a teenager. Then, he does something, and I notice the changes that I missed in the past five years.

This house feels like home more and more every day.

I feel a little more like myself the more time I spend with Auggie.

I have also noticed that Auggie has started to touch me more.

It’s subtle. I’m not sure if he even realizes he’s doing it.

Maybe he does. I don’t know. But I’ve noticed him placing his hand on my lower back, squeezing my arm.

And what really gets me is when he grabs my pinkie and squeezes it.

I’ve had sex with guys since Auggie, but none of them could wipe him from my memory. Every time he touches me, I feel myself weakening, craving him. I hate feeling weak, though. I won’t let my body make the decision, not when I can’t quite trust my heart to make the right choice.

Melissa is still living with him, and they are still friends. I don’t want to give him an ultimatum, but I can’t afford to have her in our lives. I need to tell him about my attack, but if he doesn’t believe me, that will be the last straw.

I bring myself out of my thoughts, not wanting to leave in a bad mood.

I put my finishing touches of makeup on and head towards the front door.

On the way out, I grab my jean jacket just in case it gets chilly later.

I don’t plan on spending the whole night there, but you never know.

Maybe it will be more fun than I expect. How bad can it be?

~~

On my way out the door, my mom texted to see if I could come pick her up. Apparently, she is planning on taking advantage of the open bar. My Aunt Molly hardly ever hosts parties, and it’s even rarer that she pays for things.

As we pull down the street, it seems like everyone else has the same idea to come in early to drink. Aunt Jessica is already here. Logan texted earlier that he will be a little late. I see some people from work, which is strange. I didn’t know that my aunt and uncle knew my coworkers.

Auggie texts me that he is running a little behind. His parents are here. It’s a good thing Aunt Jess and Connie will be here tonight to control my mom, since she has already abandoned me for the open bar.

I spot Mackey and head in his direction. “Hey, stranger,” I greet. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”

“Me neither. I got the invite and noticed it had free food and an open bar, so I said, ‘Why the hell not?’ Besides, a few of the guys got the invite, so I didn’t think much about it.”

“I wouldn’t.” I furrow my brows. “I just thought it was strange that you’re here. I didn’t know you knew my aunt and uncle. Or the others.”

“I don’t know them, but I’m a single guy who doesn’t turn down free food and booze.” He lifts his hand to ask for another drink.

I’m not drinking tonight since Melissa will be here. I need to be in control of my emotions. I haven’t seen her much since I’ve been back, except for the run-in at Auggie’s parents’ house.

I look around to see if Auggie has arrived yet. I pull out my phone to send him a text.

River: Where are you?

I get a safety response saying he’s driving. I decide to call him, but he doesn’t pick up. My phone pings with a text message.

Auggie: Be there in less than five.

Good. I only have a few minutes before he’s here.

I decide I’ll get us both drinks. As I’m waiting in line for drinks, I see my aunt get up on the DJ’s makeshift stage.

Yes, they got a DJ. She has a microphone like she’s getting ready to make an announcement.

What the hell could they be announcing? I look around the party to see if anyone else might know what’s going on.

“Thank you, everybody, for joining us today,” my aunt says. “I know we don’t host a lot of parties, but we wanted to bring everyone together for this special occasion. It’s not every day that your only daughter gets engaged.”

I snort. My first thought is, “Who the hell would marry her?” My second thought is, “Thank God.” Melissa gets up on stage. Maybe she’ll leave Auggie alone now and move out, but with the thought of Auggie, I scan the backyard for him.

I whip my head back when I realize that he’s up on the makeshift stage beside Melissa.

I vaguely hear someone ask me for my drink order, but all I can hear is static.

Auggie is up on the stage, standing next to Melissa.

He looks confused, but then he smiles and turns to look at Melissa.

Next, I see her lips on his. I see her hold up her hand to show the massive ring.

I’m frozen in shock. I feel like everything is caving in on me. I hear the cheers and clapping, and I’m snapped out of my state of shock.

“Fuck!” This cannot be happening. He asked Melissa to marry him? Bought her a ring? This must have been what he wanted to talk to me about.

He said he asked her to move out. What the hell? I can’t go through this again.

The bartender tries to get my attention again, but I’m leaving. I can’t stand here and pretend like this isn’t killing me. I thought we were making progress. He said he wanted to be with me, and I believed him.

I know I’ve kept him at a distance, but he’s been staying at my house. Was he playing both of us? And he chose her?

I can’t think straight. I have to get out of here.

I spot Mackey, and he gives me a “what the fuck look.” I just shrug, shake my head, and head to my car. Thank God I have the next couple of days off. I need to get out of here.

Baxter’s still visiting his family for a few more days. I need to get my head straight. None of this makes sense to me.

I know it sounds stupid, but I want Auggie to come after me.

He doesn’t.

By the time I make it to my car, I’m in tears. He chose her again.

I’m hopping on a flight to get away from this. I hate to dump this on Baxter, but I know he will be my voice of reason.

I send my mom a text letting her know that I’ll be out of town for a few days and that she shouldn’t worry. She will know why. I don’t want to talk to her either.

I don’t even remember how I got home, but I start to pack an overnight bag and look for the soonest flight out. I find one that leaves in three hours. I’ll be able to make it to the airport in plenty of time. I send Bax a text letting him know that I’m heading his way. Again.

River: Hey I’m coming back to see you. Make room!

Baxter: What happened?

River: I’ll tell you when you pick me up.

Baxter: What time do you land?

River: Midnight

Baxter: I’ll be there.

I never should have come back here. It was a big mistake.

I pick up my bag and walk out the door.