Page 5 of Make Me Trust Again (Bluebonnet Creek #3)

“That interview from the other day didn’t go well, I take it?”

Blinking, I turn my focus to Rebecca. There is no gloating on her face, only sympathy. Not that I deserve it.

Rebecca and I used to be good friends when we were kids.

Then her dad died in a car accident, and she retreated into herself.

The only people she hung out with were Miguel and Emmett.

Looking back, I know it was because they were the ones constantly reaching out to her, something I didn’t bother doing because back then, I was angry and jealous.

Angry that my best friend ditched me for these two boys.

Jealous of the attention they were giving her.

After that, we drifted apart. I found a new group of friends, and Rebecca stuck with the boys.

Our paths would cross occasionally, not strange considering the size of Bluebonnet Creek, and we would butt heads.

One thing about Rebecca Williams? She didn’t take shit from anybody, and that especially included me.

So imagine my surprise when we moved back to Bluebonnet after John was done with college, and when I ran into her, she was nice to me.

“Oh, the interview went well, I’m just not a good fit. Again .”

I stopped counting the number of rejections I received over the last few weeks, but I suppose it was better to know where I stand than to hope for something that would never happen.

Letting out a sigh, I shoot her an apologetic look. “Sorry, just ignore me. You didn’t sign up for my pity party.”

“No worries, we all deserve a pity party occasionally. It’s just a sucky situation.”

“It is. Which is why I’m here to get the biggest iced caramel latte you have.”

The corner of Rebecca’s mouth tips upward. “One extra-large iced caramel latte coming right up.”

She turns to the counter and grabs a cup; her movements are quick and methodical as she works on my drink, and my gaze darts to the glass display and all the treats.

Rebecca has always loved to bake and read, and this place was a perfect retreat for people who enjoyed both.

And it has the best coffee in our small town.

We are the same age, and yet, we couldn’t be more different. Rebecca has her life figured out. She is happily married, has a baby, and owns a business. Meanwhile, I am going through a divorce and have no idea what I want to do with my life.

“Are you looking for something specific?” Startled, I look up. She must see my confusion because she explains, “For a job, I mean.”

“Umm… I can’t really be picky. At this point, I’ll take anything that will allow me to work part-time, is close by, and offers a paycheck to go along with it.”

I don’t necessarily need the money, but I don’t want to rely one hundred percent on the trust fund my grandparents left me.

Not when I need to put Kyle through school, make sure he keeps up with his doctor’s appointments and speech therapy, feed and clothe him.

And figure out our living situation. Let’s not forget about that.

Becky places the lid on the cup and puts it on the counter in front of me. “Do you know how to make coffee?”

I blink, unsure if I heard her correctly. Rebecca quirks her brow in question, and it takes me a moment to realize she’s serious.

“Rebecca.” I shake my head. “You don’t have to do this.”

She rolls her eyes. “It’s not a pity offer, Rose.

I actually need somebody to work at the café part-time.

Jessica is finishing her degree and will work fewer hours so she can prepare for her exams. Then she will look for a job as a nurse after that.

I love that for her, but that means I’m one barista short, and while I don’t mind picking up the slack, I’d love to use the time I have with Miguel before summer camp comes, followed by a new football season.

” She tilts her head, a small smile forming on her lips.

“So? What do you say? But let me warn you, if your coffee is shit, you’re getting the boot. ”

A strangled laugh escapes me as I just stare at her, still unable to believe this. “I’ll try my best to learn how to make a decent cup of coffee.”

“Good answer.” Rebecca grins.

I start to pull out my wallet, but Rebecca just waves me off. “Employee perks.”

I slowly let go of the bag. “Maybe you should have started with that.”

This makes her chuckle. “I’ll remember it for next time. When can you start?”

The bell chimes, drawing our attention as two women enter. “I’m free now. I’m waiting for my truck to be done at Darrow’s.”

“Sounds like a plan. C’mon back.” She turns her attention to the chatting women and smiles at them. “Hi, ladies. What can we get for you?”

I try to stay out of the way as Rebecca moves behind the counter and works on orders, showing me how the machines work and where I can find everything.

There is a lot, all the different ingredients and recipes make my head spin.

But I’m determined to learn. I will not be blowing this chance she’s given me.

In between customers, Rebecca and I go over my terms and paycheck, and I give her my information for the contract.

“There, you’re all set.”

I take the contract and just stare at it.

I have a job.

An actual job.

My throat goes tight as some of the weight I’ve been carrying for the last few months falls off my shoulders.

“Thank you so much,” I croak out, my words coming out raspy. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“Don’t stress about it.” Rebecca smiles at me, her hazel eyes crinkling at the corners.

Another pair of hazel eyes pops into my mind, these more serious, hiding so much darkness and pain behind them—something a part of me recognized all too well.

It seems that the Williams’ siblings keep saving me these days.

“I don’t know how to repay you. I was such a bitch to you in high school, and now you’re giving me a job…”

“Oh, please. I gave it as good as I got.” Rebecca shrugs. “We’re not those girls any longer. Besides, I need an employee, and you’re looking for a job. It’s a win-win in my book. But I’m warning you, now that you work here, you won’t be able to avoid coming to our monthly book club sessions.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “I think I’ll survive.”

Grabbing my things, I make my way to the mechanic, where my truck is waiting for me with brand new tires.

I chat for a bit with Mrs. Darrow at the checkout before slipping into the truck.

I still have enough time to stop by my house and take a quick shower before I have to pick Kyle up from school and take him to speech therapy.

I’m just about to pull in front of my parents’ house when I spot the shiny sports car parked in my spot, and any excitement and relief I was feeling dissipates immediately.

“You’ve gotta be shitting me,” I mutter as I come to a sudden stop, my fingers curling around the steering wheel to the point my knuckles have turned white.

So much for my luck.

Parking on the street, I grab my things and go inside. For a moment, I’m hoping to sneak past them, but my mom lifts her head just as I slip into the hallway.

“Rose.” Mom smiles at me as she waves me over. “Good, you’re here; we were just talking about you.”

“You don’t say,” I mutter dryly, not even trying to hide my annoyance. I don’t want them talking about me. Hell, I don’t want to see John at all.

“Yes, John here stopped by just a little?—”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I shift my attention from my mom to my ex.

“What are you doing here?” I hiss at John, who just smiles sheepishly.

“I don’t know what you mean. I’m just drinking some sweet tea with my mother-in-law.”

“ Ex- mother-in-law,” I grit through my clenched teeth. I don’t have it in me to play his games.

Something dark gleams in his eyes, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Rose!” Mom chastises, glaring at me. “Language, young lady. I raised you better than that.”

“It’s fine, Harriet,” John reassures her softly. “We’re going through a divorce. It’s what your daughter wants. I’m not planning to hold her back.”

His words make me scoff.

Of course.

Make me the villain because why not?

“Then why not just give me the divorce already so we can be done with it?”

It’s been months, and he’s been the one to drag it out all this time.

“Rose!”

“Because I want to see my son. I actually came to pick him up.” He glances at my mom, shooting her one of his charming smiles. “A little father-son time.”

I chuckle humorlessly. “Maybe next time you want a little father-son time, you should actually pay attention to his schedule. He’s still in school, and after that, I’m driving him to his speech therapy. You know the same one he’s been going to three times a week for the last six years?”

The muscle in John’s jaw tics at my words, but I won’t let him make me feel bad for putting him in his place.

I wasn’t lying when I said I would be open to him having a relationship with Kyle.

I don’t want to take him away, but I sure as hell won’t allow him to keep breaking my boy’s heart with his behavior.

“Oh, right, sorry. You were too busy focusing on football,” I bite out, unable to hide my disdain.

He wants to play this game of his?

Fine, I will play.

“He’s trying, Rose,” Mom defends.

Of course she does. He has her completely wrapped around his little finger.

“Well, it’s a little too late for that now.”

With a shake of my head, I let my arms fall, turn on the balls of my feet, and get the hell away from them.

I can’t keep doing this. It has to stop. He has to stop. But he won’t. I know that better than anybody.

Which means I have to be the one to draw the line, and there is only one way I can do that.

I have to move out.