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Practically Perfect good girls don't come last written by Jennifer Youngblood narrated by Lori West chapter 1 the cowboy takes the elevator normally I'm a list person and derive a huge amount of satisfaction from Crossing off the tasks completed with a heavy swipe of my medium Point zebra pen today however my to-do list feels tedious and impossibly long I'm sure it's just nerves it's not every day that a girl gets the chance to win such a prestigious award let me rephrase that I'm not the only person up for the award but I feel like my chances are good I pull into the parking lot of the dry cleaners my mind running through the checklist for the eenth time pick up dress have lunch with Tim stop by the architectural firm to look at plans get hair and nails done my expression sours as my thoughts go back to the architectural firm the last thing I want to do today is go over plans with Danny Floyd Tim's buddy from high school it irks me that Tim won't let the new house idea go while Tim has his heart set on us building a house in the Swanky new new subdivision going up by the golf course I don't want to move I love our historic home and neighborhood the only reason I'm even stopping by the firm is to keep peace in my marriage from the time I was a little girl I dreamed of getting married to Tim Norwood now that I am well I never anticipated it would be this difficult Tim has been so distant lately I wonder if he's going through some sort of a emotional crisis whatever's going on he refuses to let me in to make matters worse he's super critical of everything that I do this morning he bulked at my choice of sheets for our bed yesterday he complained about his eggs being too runny I could have pointed out that Tim should be counting his lucky stars that he has a wife willing to go to the trouble of making him breakfast but I bit my tongue no no sense in making things more tense than they already are I'm starting to wonder why Tim even married me getting out of my car I walk briskly into the dry cleaners to be greeted by a fresh-faced teenage girl with braces she must be new because I don't recognize her hello I begin with a brief smile I need to pick up a dress for penel Norwood the girl is wearing a hair scrunchie around her wrist she pushes it up higher on her arm before turning to the computer and tapping on the keyboard a second later she frowns sorry we don't have anything for Penelope Norwood my heart lurches as I swallow hard enough to jolt the thing a do that goes up and down in my throat try Penelope Primrose I suggest giving her my maiden name I hold my breath as she types that in sorry there's nothing in the computer that came can't be right I dropped the dress off two days ago I straighten my spine and look her in the eye I need it for an event tonight her brow furrows in consternation did you bring it inside my words come out in a huff like a cat coughing up a hairball no I left it in the Dropbox I put the dress in the orange cloth bag that was issued by the dry cleaner it has my name tag attached and you're sure you dropped it off at this dry cleaner maybe you took it to hagerman's instead no I argue I always come here Maggie Iverson is a friend of mine the girl's eyes widen let me go to the back to see if I can find it what color is it emerald green it's an evening gown she leaves the counter and vanishes through the door directly behind her perspiration breaks out over my nose as my head whirs I need this dress for tonight I planned everything to the letter my earrings shoes necklace it's critical that I have the dress the girl returns several minutes later with a pinched expression it's not there my hand goes to my forehead this is a disaster how could you lose a dress she shakes her head back and forth I I don't know she blinks several times as her lower lip trembles it's crazy how quickly my frustration reaches a boiling point are you sure it's not back there maybe you should look again my purse is slung over my shoulder I reach inside it and pull out my phone I'll call Maggie right now the girl nods looking downright petrified it goes straight to voicemail I leave a Curt message tell telling Maggie what's going on and ask her to call me immediately I'm so sorry the girl offers I just started working here this week is there a manager here not right now she clenches and unclenches her hands everyone went to lunch it's just me are you sure you looked in the right place I looked through the NS and P's I'll look through all the clothes going from A to Z it'll take me some time I can call you as soon as I go through everything pulling my lips together in tight lines I nod while I want to keep ranting and Raven I realize that the girl is trying her best to help I need the dress for an event tonight I reiterate I'll hurry thanks do you need my phone number I'm sure it's in the system but it can't hurt to jot it down she hands me a slip of paper and a pen I write down my name and sale number what what's your name I'll need to let Maggie know which of her employees I spoke with Cassidy she says hesitantly like I've asked her to donate a kidney thanks I clip as I turn on my heel and walk briskly out the door I'm due to meet Tim at the restaurant in 5 minutes if Cassidy finds the dress then I'll swing back by here after I leave the beauty salon but what if she doesn't find it I chew on my inner cheek as I try to come up with an alternative plan I could wear my black dress I haven't tried it on since before I got married it was a little snug then and I was several pounds thinner than now it should work though it's not nearly as glamorous as the Emerald dress what jewelry could I wear with the black dress an idea instantly takes shape in my mind the strand of pearls that Tim gave me for my birthday would be a good fit they're sensible and practical something even my mother-in-law would approve of I get back into my car and head to the restaurant talk about rotten luck I've been using Maggie's dry cleaners for years and have never had an ounce of trouble the restaurant is just off Main Street in a busy section of town all the parking spots in the front are taken I'm forced to park a street over and walk I look for Tim's Range Rover but don't see it it's 5 minutes after 12 by the time I make it inside I spot several people that I recognize sitting within my frame of vision no sign of Tim I pull out my phone to see if I've missed a call from him nothing hey you the hostess says warmly as she strolls up tall and Bone thin with a smattering of freckles over her nose she has curly hair that's dyed raggedy and red hoop earrings the size of B balls dangle from her ears she's wearing blue eyes Shadow and bright red lipstick Ida is loud outspoken and super proud of her jumbo sized set of fake boobs which were a gift from her boyfriend brick a truck driver hey Ida how have you been I asked in the way of greeting Ida is a few years older than me while the two of us have never run in the same circles Comfort is a small enough town that we know each other well busier than a one-armed paper hanger her light sky blue eyes twinkle as she steps closer I hear tonight's the big night she chimes in a juicy tone what do you mean I asked innocently a large smile fills her face don't play koi with me sugar I read all about the Comfort Woman of the Year award in Nelly keny's blog you're one of the top contain ERS she lowers her voice I hope you get it instead of Colette a look of distaste crosses her features that twit has a high opinion over itself brick went into the bank the other day to apply for a loan for a new semi cab she wouldn't even give him the time of day Colette thought she was going to get her claws into poor Gavin good thing Albany came back from New York when she did and got back together with Gavin those two are a match made in heaven her features go softer than a wad of gooey chewing gum left on the sidewalk as she smiles yes they are I wholeheartedly agree it's great to have Albany back I've never seen her so happy kind of like you and Tim yeah I say automatically Albany and Gavin are nothing like Tim and me a person would have to be struck blind not to see the spark sizzling between Albany and Gavin he looks at her like she's the best thing since buttered biscuits whereas Tim looks at me like I'm a loaf of moldy bread from the day old Bakery I'm still scratching my head and wondering where Tim and I went wrong apprehension clutches my stomach in a hard fist I want to have a good relationship with Tim but I don't know how to fix us I glance around where in the heck is Tim he knows how crazy busy today is for me I don't have time to spend all day waiting around for him to come L gagging in how many Ida asks as she reaches for the menus two Tim should be here any minute right this way Ida says as she SES to a table and places down the menus good to see you honey I'll send Tim over when he gets here thanks I call Tim but it goes to voicemail I leave him a text asking where he is I get an instant text message back from Tim saying that he won't be able to make lunch because a patient came in with a chipped front tooth irritation simmers in my chest I Tamp it down telling myself that I need to be more understanding about Tim's demand and work schedule he and his Dad run the only dental office in town Tim's dad Bart feels like he paid his dues in starting the practice and now it's up to Tim to do the bulk of the work I squatched the urge to reply to the text with something Cad and instead tell Tim I'm sorry that he's missing lunch and hope all goes well with the procedure I end the message with love you and add a heart emoji I wait for him to respond but he doesn't a feeling of glumness settles over me I don't like this funky tension between Tim and me we need to strengthen our relationship spend more time together so we can remember why we fell in love in the first place Tim and I have been together for so long that it was a given that we would eventually get married we need to rekindle the Sparks I suppose it'll have to start with me because Tim doesn't seem to be concerned in the least that there's something a Miss in our marriage a middle-aged server approaches her fleshy face flashes with recognition as she smiles hi you pan hey Rose she points to the empty seat across from me are we waiting for one more no I sigh I thought Tim was joining me but he got held up at the office the corners of her mouth droop I'm sorry sugar I wave a hand no worries it would have been a quick lunch anyway her eyes Zing within uendo because of the award ceremony I take it you've been reading Nelly's blog I asked dry she gives me a sheepish grin I might have taken a peek at it Nelly is a quiet mousy woman with stringy brown hair and coke bottle glasses she graduated high school a year after me I barely noticed her in high school because she hardly said two words she hides behind her computer and dishes out gossip about the town I can't remember the last time I've seen Nelly in public she's probably afraid to come out from under her Rock for fear that people would ride her out on a rail considering all the dirt Nelly drudges up on people I'm sure she has more than a few enemies I have no idea who's feeding Nelly her information but it must be someone who's well connected while I believe in the importance of free speech I don't appreciate the animosity that Nelly's blog causes she routinely calls people out on the carpet for various infractions and never hesitates to share personal and often embarrassing tidbits about people's lives a couple of years back several members of the Chamber of Commerce tried to go after Nelly and get her blog shut down but they were unsuccessful I hope you win honey you deserve it you do a lot of good in our little town thank you I utter touched by Rose's words I've poured my time and energy into my charitable work it's nice to be appreciated Rose wets her thumb with her tongue and flips a page of her pad what do you have not bothering to look at the menu I call out my favorite the turkey avocado and bacon sandwich on sourdough bread you want fries with that yes my mind answers a big mound of cheesy fries the rational side of my brain takes over reminding me that I'm trying to eat healthier what's your soup of the day vegetable beef I'll have that what do you want to drink water okie dokie I'll be right back with that a couple of minutes later she returns with an empty clear plastic glass and a picture of ice water she fills my glass and then trapes his off I feel eyes on me and notice Mildred and paty members of the Lake Pines Women's Club watching me they wave and smile when they realize I've caught them staring I smile back and wave the upside of living in a small town is that everybody cares about their neighbors the downside is that everybody knows every Teensy detail about your business you can't so much as sneeze in Comfort without the whole town knowing about it they'll tell you what type of tissue you used and the color of your snot ew did I really just think of the word snot where is my brain today Rose brings me my food as I dive in the sandwich is divine just what the doctor ordered the bacon is crisp the avocado soft and the turkey tender I don't want to think about how many calories were added with the thick layers of mayo slathered over the toasted bread at least the vegetable soup is healthy and low calorie I'm almost done with my meal when Rose returns to refill my glass of water she starts pouring when I sense more than he a rustle go through the restaurant I spot Ida first leading a man to a table not just any man but a walking billboard of masculinity a Matthew mccon meets Clint Eastwood type before my brain has time to process what's happening my breath hitches I take a snapshot of his leather cowboy hat denim shirt faded jeans and boots then it happens his eyes meet mine sending an electrical charge through my veins my mouth seems to have a mind of its own as a smile wobbles over my lips the guy grins crinkling the edges around his eyes as he nods and tips his hat I hear a giggle and realize that it came from Rose she's ogling the cowboy hubba hubba she draws in a sultry tone talk about a tall drink of water speaking of water an instant later I feel cold liquid on my lap I gasp as I jump my hands going into the air oops Rose says as she turns the water pcture upright sorry about that she gives me a Maya Cula look my lap is soaked I reach for my napkin and use it to blot up the water Ida leaves the guy on past us the people sitting nearby stare at me like I'm on exhibit at the zoo I'll get more napkins Rose scampers away she returns with a thick stack of them I'm so sorry she says again offering a ruul grin I guess I got a little carried away by that eye candy she fans her face he's certainly got this ticker pumping she laughs I can't remember the last time I got so Twitter pated you and me both Rose is pushing 50 with two grown boys I wouldn't think she would even notice another man man other than her husband much less gawk at one then again who am I to judge the water in my lap is secondary to the horror I feel over the bolt of attraction that ricocheted through me when I saw the cowboy I don't remember ever looking at another man other than Tim and feeling so much as a blip of Attraction maybe it was some fluke thing that was brought on by my frustration over my lackluster marriage that must be it come rain or shine I'll be loyal to Tim Norwood till the day I die that's the vow I made at marriage and I intend to hold to it hun your lunch is on me Rose assures me thanks she shakes her head it ought to be against the law for a man to look like that he's gorgeous don't you think I didn't notice I lie keeping my voice nonchalant in my defense the guy was handsome in a raw masculine way I'm sure it was some Primal reaction that nearly every woman would feel when seeing a man like that her eyes pop open wide your hubby's a nice looking guy she tips her head perching her hand on her hip I mean Tim's a bit too pretty and pampered for my taste but I can see how you wouldn't have a reason to look at anyone else she clicks her tongue but that cowboy could cause a Convent of nuns to rethink their stance on celibacy a choral rises in my throat you certainly have a way with words he must be from out of town I wonder if he's just passing through probably I blot up as much water as I can still it looks like I've wet my pants I'll have to go home and change before going to the architectural firm luckily my house is less than a quarter mile away I should get going Rose nods good luck tonight thanks at the rate I'm going I'll need all the luck I can get after changing pants I pull the black dress out of my closet and look it over I suppose it'll have to do if the dry cleaner can't find my green dress please find the dress my mind shouts I don't know what Tim hopes to accomplish by setting me up an appointment with Danny Floyd I have no ention of building some cookie cutter house on the golf course I have half a mind to call and cancel the appointment even as the thought runs through my mind I head out the side door of the kitchen and go to the garage I'll meet with the stupid architect to pacify Tim I'm walking into the building when my phone rings hello Mrs Norwood a young girl begins yes this is Cassidy at the drive ey cleaner my heart picks up its Pace yes I didn't find your dress my manager looked for it too I'm so sorry she stammers I wonder if it accidentally got put in with someone else's clothes my head begins to twirl faster than a ballerina if that happened then why didn't the person bring it back I I'm not sure Maggie's on vacation in Florida I left her a message as soon as I hear back from her I'll let you know I'm sure the dry cleaner will reimburse you for the cost of the dress I'm so Furious that I can hardly see straight that doesn't help me one iota for tonight I spew the dress was a $400 Splurge Maggie won't be happy about having to Fork over that much cash but she's a fair person so I know she'll do it I still can't believe my dress just disappeared I'm really sorry she pauses long enough for me to wonder if she hung up I wish there was something else I could do to help she adds thanks I snip as I end the call my brain races to plan B I guess I'm wearing the black dress after all I've got a pair of black platform heels that will go with it I won't look as stunning as I would have in the green dress but it'll work yikes I just just hope it'll fit I March into the architectural firm and stop in my tracks the place is under siege with construction workers one of the guys notices me hey there he says as his eyes flicker over me in open appreciation what can I do you for he draws with a large grin the older man beside him gives him a shove cut it out stew he shakes his head in disgust just always the Casanova how may I help you ma'am he says respectfully I'm here to see Danny Floyd he moved his offices up to the second floor during the renovation he points take a rip go down that Hall and you'll run smack dab into the elevator thanks I nod as I go that direction ignoring the other guys learing maybe you should take a picture so it'll last longer my brain ch times I grin inwardly at the of repeated saying I'm sure Albany would have just said it out loud to the but I'm not that bold quickly I go down the hall my sandals clopping noisily with each step the walls are covered in plastic and the flooring has been removed I know enough about construction to realize that I'm walking on the subfloor I punch the elevator and wait it takes forever for the doors to finally open I step inside and am about to press the button to close the doors when someone steps into the elevator with me my breath freezes a hard ball in my throat it's the cowboy It's you he says with a boyish grin that sends my traitorous heart skittering from the restaurant he adds when I don't say anything he has a dimple in his left cheek his voice is melodic with the twang all I can think is that I thought the cowboy was goodl looking from a distance up close he's breathtaken Rose was right it should be against the law for a man to look this good it's not just his looks that draw me in this guy has more than just looks he oozes virility his features are rugged his nose a fraction too large his chin a bit too sharp but somehow it all works oh it more than Works he's a freaking work of art Which floor the doors Clos behind him leaving us alone in this impossibly small metal box I try to block the guy out and think of Tim I'm not the kind of woman who gaws at other guys I'm as loyal as the day is long my stupid hormones are going nuts Tim and I really need to work through our problems Pronto so I can get myself straightened out I want to run as far away from this Cowboy as I can get I don't like how unsettled he makes me feel a quirky grin Quivers on his lips as his Lively eyes light with a sparkle of Mirth you okay of course I snip what kind of a question is that I feel a sliver of control returning that's the ticket I'll just act peace and then it'll squelch the attraction Amusement touches his features and he starts speaking like I'm slow to understand we're on an elevator I assume you're going to one of the other floors he points up heat flushes over my face two I blurt well what do you know same as me he reaches over and pushes the button his arm comes dangerously close to mine in the process process I noticed the definition of his forearm and the sprinkle of white hairs on his tanned skin my throat goes drier than a drought ravaged corn field as I swallow it occurs to me that he's standing too close for comfort he's still wearing the cowboy hat his Sandy hair is long enough that it curls on his neck that's strange what I fire back we're not moving we're not I hadn't noticed I'm losing it h maybe I should have just stayed in bed this morning everything is going disastrously wrong he presses the button again this time the elevator jerks slightly like it's disgruntled from being roused out of a nap a few seconds later it starts moving up at a snail's pace the cowboy smiles again sending all thoughts flying Straight Out of My Head do you have a name of course I have a name I retort I blink when I realize he's waiting for me to tell him my name it spills out of my lips Penelope Memphis nice to meet you nice to meet you too I mumble the elevator passes the second floor and picks up speed going clear up to the fourth whoa he Bellows this thing is whacked the doors open to sheets of plastic hanging from the ceiling it's another construction zone he presses two again but nothing happens the doors remain open my stomach lurches are we going to get stuck please no I pray I don't want to be around the cowboy a second longer than necessary he's unearthing disturbing things about myself that I wasn't aware of finally the doors close and my shoulders sag in relief we go down as slowly as we came up the elevator pauses on three but the doors don't open come on I silently urge a crooked grin slides over his lips this thing doesn't like us very much I grunt in partial Amusement no it doesn't just before we reach the second floor the elevator lurches dropping my stomach to my feet I lose my balance and I'm about to fall back back but strong arms catch me easy heave draws I've got you it flashes through my brain that he's holding me in his arms he's strong with chiseled muscles good grief is he real or some figment of my overactive imagination my heart is pounding profusely our Gaz is lock I noticed that his eyes are green rimmed in Gold his eyes seem to hold a perpetual Sparkle like they've captured bits of the Sun the door opens with a jerk I look over and all I can see is Cynthia bee standing by the elevator and holding a stack of files her eyes are bigger than two full moons no not Cynthia bee of all the people in Comfort why did it have to be her the two of us have been on the outs ever since 10th grade when Cynthia be set her sights on Tim he chose me and Cynthia B has disliked me ever since never mind that Cynthia is married with two kids she still holds a grudge it dings through my brain that the cowboy is still holding me I'm sure I look as guilty as Sin great just what I need Cynthia be has a mouth the size of Texas if you want to get the word out about something in comfort then tell Cynthia be tongues are sure to be wagging about this he searches my face you all right I nod thanks I say weakly trying to steady my knees which are knocking together he releases me the elevator is acting up he explains to Cynthia B my mouth starts moving a mile a minute as we step off the elevator the thing nearly fell he caught me A sly grin moves over Cynthia be's lips is that what he did yes I exclaim as I turned to the Cowboy tell her I don't know why I'm bothering to explain myself to Cynthia be she's going to twist everything around regardless of what I say I just did he replies with a low chuckle ladies it has been a pleasure if you'll excuse me with that he tips his hat and strides past us with fluid graceful steps who who in the heck is that Cynthia be asks her eyes sparking with enough interest to light 10 bonfires in one regard Cynthia be and I are cut from the same cloth while we don't like one another we adhere to the unwritten Southern code of being civil especially in public some guy from out of town we just happened to ride up together in the elevator uhhuh she drags out the words in a Nas chant that reeks of insinuation does Tim know about him what's there to know I Harum he's a stranger that I met in the elevator he kept me from falling and getting hurt end of story The innuendo in Cynthia be's eyes turns my gut lucky you she Chimes I arch my eyebrow the situation was purely innocent so you say she draws I change the subject with a grumpy where's Danny's office she points in the opposite direction that the cowboy went down that Hall second door on the right she gives me a speculative look a little birdie told me that you might be getting an award tonight she C congratulations her smile doesn't quite reach her cold eyes I haven't won anything yet I assert stating the obvious oh sugar you have she laughs you want an elevator ride with the cowboy Southern code or not I've had just about enough of Cynthia be Gosset I paced on a frigid smile my voice is l as a feather and lethal as a snake some people need to get their minds out of the gutter she rocks back in surprise but before I can take pleasure in the victory she comes back swinging her voice is equally light and musing and some people need to realize that when they build that Glass Castle on the Hill People are bound to throw stones at it I look her in the eye let he who is without sin cast the first stone her face turns bright red as she tightens her hold on the files she looks like she's about to say something else but Danny interrupts with a hearty hello as he steps up and pumps my hand thanks for coming in a smile fills his thin face you're going to love what I have to show you he promises poor Danny is about to get a major let down I'll be as diplomatic as I possibly can Cynthia B shoots me a malevolent glare before stalking off Danny motions come on into my office I allow myself to be led in that direction lamenting over how this day has not gone remotely as I planned I can only hope that things will start to look up I need to be on my gang tonight and I need a win especially now that the entire town knows I'm up for the award if Nelly Kinsey were here I'd give her a piece of my mind blast Nelly and her stupid idiotic blog chapter 2 just give me the dang award already the Moment of Truth has arrived you've got this Albany assures me as she reaches for my hand and gives it a Quick Squeeze thanks I murmur as I throw her a brief smile before fingering the strand of pearls around my neck even though Albany and I are as different as night and day we've been friends ever since kindergarten I suppose the two of us are a classic case of opposite to trct Albany is outspoken and not afraid to Buck the system she would have put Cynthia be in her place in 2 seconds flat then again I didn't do half bad just because I'm more conventional and prefer to color between the lines doesn't make me a pushover my mother claims that I have two parts of me that are constantly at War the sensible conventional one that I show the world and the outrageous artist that's trying to find a way out of my gilded box she has no idea how hard I've worked to tame my Wilder unrefined side I have zero intention of letting the gremlin out of the bag Albany teases me about being Practically Perfect she says I finally got my picture perfect marriage with the white picket fence and The Garden of Flowers to go along with it if only an image of the cowboy flashes through my mind flushing my body with heat I still can't believe I was so attracted to him I make a vow to wash him from my memories I shift my my thoughts back to Albany she and I lost touch when she left comfort and moved to New York City in a blaze of glory to make her way in the fashion world after the store she was managing in Manhattan closed Albany came home and his open in a boutique with her mom I have to admit that I'm a little envious of Albany and how she always manages to land on her feet despite the fact that she Prides herself in Breaking All the Rules she's back together with her former boyfriend Gavin like Ida said at the restaurant Albany and Gavin are a match made in heaven if Albany is a cat with nine lives I'm more of a Hines 57 mut determined to polish myself into a show dog that will meet not only my mother-in-law's impossibly high expectations but also my personal expectations it's a tireless job but it's the life I've chosen mostly because I don't know how to be any other way did I mention that just because a sheet set is expensive does not necessarily mean that it's high thread count Egyptian cotton yeah I'm learning that lesson the hard way back to Albany now that she's home the two of us picked up right where we left off that's how it is with lifelong friends we can go our separate ways and not speak for months and then the minute we see each other it's like we never were apart I'm glad to have Albany here beside me tonight to celebrate what I hope will be a smashing success according to my mother-in-law who wields a great deal of influence in this town I've got the award in the bag earlier as I was talking to my mom on the phone I told her that it didn't matter if I win that's a bunch of malarkey I want to win so badly that I can taste it the stakes are even higher now that the whole town knows I'm up for the award my mother would argue that my need to win comes from some deficient part of me that craves recognition from prominent members of the town maybe on some level she's right after all it was tough to grow up lower middle class to a single mother who shies away from any type of social event or structure no matter how much I begged and pleaded I couldn't talk mom into coming here with me tonight she said she'd rather be stripped naked and strung up by her toenails then come here and parade around in fancy do dads y'all are like piglets wallowing in the mud pasting on feathers and then gathering at the trough while patting each other on the back and telling each other how wonderful you are I hate it when Mom gets on her high horse is it so wrong of me to want to be recognized for my hard work I set a high goal and by the grace of God and through sheer determination I accomplished it setting a record for money earned I poured my heart into the viaduct renovation project over the past six months I've sacrificed many a weekend heading up various fundraisers ranging from bake sales silent auctions car washes pancake breakfast spaghetti dinners any idea I could possibly dream up to raise enough money to restore the old Viaduct just east of downtown my mother thinks my efforts were a to total waste of time and energy but I disagree it's important to be civic-minded Tim is supportive on the surface but I suspect that deep down he resents the time I took away from us time that we could have been doing his favorite leisure activities golfing and water skiing if I'm being completely honest I find standing out in the hot sun and trying to knock a ball into a microscopic hole in the ground boring and water SK scares the bebies out of me would things be any different if I'd put aside my own Pursuits and poured all of my energy and to molden myself into the type of wife that Tim desires who am I kidding here that's exactly what I've been doing but it's not helping I don't know what Tim wants that's the problem we've only been married for 8 months this should be the happiest Time Of Our Lives the room contract in a hard snap making it hard to breathe I take in a Resolute breath and force myself to calm down I can't think of Tim and our problems right now all couples go through a rough patch maybe Tim and I are going through it early in our marriage because we're childhood sweethearts and been together since the Ice Age nearly the whole town cheered for Joy when we finally made it official and tied the knot I say nearly everyone because I don't know that Viola Norwood will ever deem me good enough for her only son my hand goes up to touch my hair which is wound into a shinol my hairdresser said it would make me look sophisticated but it feels sty half the 60 plus year old women in this room are sporting hairstyles that look younger than mine quit obsessing about your hair I order myself I need to take a chill pill and simply enjoy this moment as the thought circles through my brain I can't help but chuckle inwardly I wouldn't exactly call what I'm doing enjoying the moment it's a miracle that I was able to get into this wretched dress I feel like a Vienna sausage stuffed into a straw I let out as heavy a sigh as I dare after all I don't want to cause too much movement in my body and pop open the zipper I guess it's official I've put on a few extra pounds since the wedding I've avoided stepping on the scales because I was afraid that seeing the higher numbers in black and white would make me spiral into a fit of despondency however this dress is irrefutable proof that I've spent way too much time in the kitchen trying to cook and eat away my disappointments my mother has been singing my Praises saying that it's about time that I filled out a little she says I I was a bean pole before men don't like skinny yard chickens mom insists maybe she's right maybe she's not but I can't seem to gather enough courage to ask the man in my life why he's suddenly lost interest in me a heat wave rolls over me and I have to fight the urge to Fan my face I'm sweating like a horse and my heart is determined to gallop out of my chest a thin she of perspiration breaks over my nose jeez Louise at the rate I'm going people will think I need hormone therapy to regulate my body temp I clasp my hands together in my lap willing myself to get a grip it would be disastrous to fall apart right now here in front of the most prominent ladies of comfort the only option I have is to put on a good face I've fought hard to get where I am and can't lose ground now Sable Featherstone albany's mom takes the stage Sable is the president of the Lake Pines Women's Club she's dressed to the nines not a hair out of place Albany might have dubbed me Practically Perfect but I don't have a thing on Sable Featherstone she makes my effort to appear classy and put together seem like Child's Play Sable is exactly the type of woman that I want to be when I grow up Mom SP spent the entire day and half a month's salary getting ready for tonight Albany quips as if reading my mind look at her parading around like a proud peacock or a hoyy toyy hen who's at the front of the pecking order a snigger rises in my throat as I put a hand over my mouth to stifle it Albany has always known just what to say to tickle my Funny Bone she's the reason I spent the bulk of my junior year in detention Albany would say something snarky in the middle of chemistry class that would get me giggling Mrs Thompson would think I was laughing at her and then I'd get written up lucky for me my detention days are long since over although it won't score me any brownie points if Sable were to think I'm laughing at her Albany and her mother are close even though they fight like cats and dogs Alban's comment is her way of keeping things real it helps to put things in perspective and makes me feel a smidgen better about myself it's good to know that Sable Featherstone has to work hard to look that good well I say admirably whatever she's doing it's working your mom looks great yeah I suppose she does Albany admits with a sigh at least she took my advice and wore the cinnamon colored lipstick instead of the bright red every time she wears the red she looks like she's trying to upstage Bozo the clown or the Joker I Gulp and then swallow hard to keep from busting a gut stop I implore as I SWAT Alban's arm I can tell from the wicked glint in her eyes that she's trying to get me tickled I shift away from her and turn my full attention to the stage no way am I going to cause a scene it's better to play it safe and keep coloring between the lines I'll leave the rebel stuff to Albany people say that the cast system was done away eons ago but it's alive and well in Comfort Alabama the lines between the lower and upper middle class are drawn hard and unyielding that might as well be set in stone even though Albany and I are the best of friends people view US differently she's the cream and I'm the 2% milk variety at least I'm not skim milk the lowest man or woman on the totem pole as hard as my growing up years were they could have always been worse I suppose Albany on the other hand grew up in a prominent family and has the luxury of speaking her mind regardless of what she says or does she's a feather Stone me well I have to mind my p's and q's people would love to see me slip up I can hear it now the poor thing never stood a chance growing up in in that rundown trailer what can you expect her daddy skipped town and left Fern to raise her two kids on her own remember how they used to run around Barefoot all over town Fern bless her heart couldn't afford daycare in the summer when she worked her second job as a grocery store clerk she sent them to the public pool the rest of the year they were latchy kids left to fend for themselves until Fern got home from work Sable drapes a brilliant smile over her face as she peers out over the audience good evening she begins in a cultured tone that radiates more confidence than a stadium full of Alabama Crimson Tide fans at the kickoff of the Iron Bowl thank you so much for coming out tonight we have several auxiliaries and clubs recognized here tonight namely the Lake Pines Women's Club the ladies of comfort preservation Society the West Lake Garden Club and the daughters of comfort she pauses to heighten the importance of her words every year we come together for a special dinner where we honor an exemplary woman who embodies all the qualities that our organizations espouse never has anyone been more deserving of the woman of comfort award this fine lady and her committee have worked tight wirelessly to raise more money than has ever been raised before to restore our venerable Viaduct my breath catches as tears mist my eyes my hand goes over my chest it's finally happening Albany catches hold of my arm pen you did it a smile the width of the Grand Canyon stretches over my face this moment has made the hard work worth it my heart swells with gratitude at being part of such a tight-knit community and to have my life intertwined with such upstanding people maybe this will finally help me morph out of my cocoon and become a Bonafide butterfly once and for all I will have done the nearly impossible and transcend my upbringing I can almost hear the angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus Tim will recognize my charitable efforts as being worthwhile Biola will finally see me as an equal and my mother will have to eat her words about me putting my focus in the wrong place honey you're worse than a cat that keeps doing its business in the same spot and hoping that it'll turn up a can of tuna I scoot back my chair and prepare to receive the coveted award Sable's voice gathers volume without further Ado I give you this year's woman of comfort Viola Norwood Applause breaks out amidst the confusion of my pounding heart people sitting around me are looking at me strangely it occurs to me that I'm standing up Albany grasps my arm and pulls me back down to a sitting position I'm stunned too stunned to even feel angry I'm mostly numb I watch as Viola my mother and law Glides up to the stage to accept the award thank you so much she begins in a magnanimous tone no thank you Sable interrupts what you and your committee accomplished is phenomenal the comment brings more Applause I feel like my spirit is being ripped from my body as I watch Viola I'm holding my breath hoping against hope that she'll do the right thing and give credit where credit is due technically Viola heads up the preservation committee but everyone knows that I'm the one who did all the work not once did Viola even come to any of the fundraisers she and Bart were always too busy hosting parties or off traveling thank you Viola says her cherubic expression kissed with a hint of nobility it was my utmost pleasure pleasure to serve the community what the crap is going on here Albany mutters with all the indignation of the loyal friend that she is that woman is a piece of work she sold you down the river no words come to my throat the best I can do is offer a weak nod in my heart of hearts I've always known that Viola has a selfish streak but I didn't think she'd go this far I thought thought she cared that she was beginning to accept me into the family all those times when I sacrificed she kept reminding me that it would all be worth it when I won the coveted woman of comfort award Viola claimed that she was grooming me to take my rightful place in society but I realize now that she was using me the entire time I feel like I've just learned that there's no Santa Claus although if I me being completely honest I guess I just wanted so badly for Santa to be real that I overlooked the obvious the anger comes on with the force of a crazed bull raging heat through my veins my face is burning hot and I'm sure it's redder than a sunburn I feel eyes on me and catch gazes with several of the women on the committee they regard me with pity which makes the situation A Thousand Times worse Viola continues her speech her voice gushing sweetness she pontificates about the renovation and how she'll work hard to ensure that every penny is spent sensibly then she goes on about how the viaduct is important to the Norwoods because they're one of the town's founding families Viola never has been able to pass up the opportunity to remind everyone how the Norwoods are akin to royalty she talks about the dental practice and how Bart and Tim are always giv back to the town she uses the example of the recent beauty pageant and how the winner got a $10,000 prize donated by Norwood Dental Associates her Dil makes me nauseous I glance at Albany whose eye in Viola with open disdain I still can't get over that huge donation to the beauty pageant Albany whisper too bad strawberry lingerfelt beat me out of the prize unbeknownst to Albany her mother signed her up for the pageant she begrudgingly participated and got second runner up which was impressive considering she didn't even prepare for it why did Tim and his dad donate so much money I can hear the insinuation in Alban's tone it was an exorbitant donation that raised more than a few eyebrows especially when strawberry lingerfelt one some people questioned if it was a conflict of interest since strawberry is a dental hygienist they said it was a tax write off I whisper back Albany looks thoughtful I haven't thought about it that way I suppose that makes sense personally I think the prize money was excessive but Tim and his dad want to help the town also it looks good for their dental practice to be a large donor they claim they'll get lots of business from the notoriety I guess that remains to be seen the goings on of the dental practice are the least of my worries I've got enough to deal with between Tim and me when Viola's speech is finally over Sable wraps up the ceremony telling everyone to be sure and stick around for a reception afterward where cookies brownies pastries and punch will be served you've got to do something Albany asserts as everyone rises from their seats you can't let that woman just mow all over you even if she is your mother-in-law normally Albany and I disagree about nearly everything but right now I know she's 100% correct don't worry I growl I'll handle this before I can talk myself out of it I March over to Viola who's surrounded by a circle of women ooing and awing over her award I've never gone head to-head with Viola Norwood not even when she called my roast beef dry or threw out Barbed comments about my face looking puffy the crazy thing is that I'm not overweight yes my dress is snug and I dread getting on the scales but I'm still slender just not super skinny like I used to be Viola's one salad away from being anorexic so she thinks everyone who's not a twig is fat can I talk to you for a minute I lock eyes with Viola letting her know that I mean business a tight smile forms over her lips excuse me she says magnanimously before steering me over to the side where we can talk privately what's going on she asks innocently how could you I see but right now I'm more hurt than angry she has the audacity to look surprised how could I what take credit for my work Viola is a petite spindly woman with angular shoulders and hawk-like features a plain Jane version of Jaclyn Onasis Kennedy I'm half a head taller than Viola when I'm Barefoot with my platform heels i t power over her I use my height to my advantage as I stare her down I can't count the number of times I've defended Viola Norwood when my mother has gone on a rampage about her mom says that Viola was weaned on fermented pickle juice has claws sharp enough to make an eagle jealous and a tongue that could outs squawk a rooster I've always thought that description was a bit harsh however right now mom's assess is right on the money Viola straightens to her full height and pierces me with a glare so malicious it could take out 10 Hitmen how dare you assert that I would do anything of the sort Viola hisses an incredulous laugh nearly chokes off my breath I'm merely speaking the truth you told me that I was up for the award an undercurrent of Reds seeps under Viola's skin I can't help that I was the one chosen I meet her glare maybe not but you could have told the truth instead of pretending that you were the one who raised all of that money Viola leans forward into my personal space her eyes flashing with the wrath of a dragon ready to defend her Turf think of all that I've done for you Bart was mortified when he learned that our only child was marry and you a wistful sadness drifts over her features we had such high hopes that Tim would marry someone of our social standing she jerks out of her rry as if realizing what she just said I on the other hand defended you saying it wasn't fair to penalize you for your less than desirable upbring ringing her voice sounds put upon wounded I took you under my wing because I believe that you can make something of yourself her eyes flash with acrimony do you really want to ostracize your most powerful Ally she utters in a low tone my blood runs cold no I don't want to make an enemy out of viola she's the mother of my husband granted I've put up with a lot from her I've nearly Twisted myself inside out to fit into the debutant mold that she handcrafted for me I'm cracking at the seams wondering why in the heck I'm doing all of this I only want what I earned I say quietly is that too much to ask defeat enshrouds me like a tomb there's no winning this battle I knew that before I even approached Viola my actions are bound to cause me grief for a second something flashes in her eyes is it shock or guilt whatever it is disappears in the blink of an eye as Viola gives me a Pious look I've seen her give this expression many times when she's putting some poor woman whom she can considers to be subpar in her place you're not yourself she sniffs come to think of it you look a little bloated she looks me up and down feigning concern are you feeling okay is it that time of the month I rock back a single word fallen from my lips no you're not thinking clearly go home her voice has the sharp edge of a knife she gives me a superior look perfected by one who has been bred to get her way she's trying to act all motherly but something in the way she's eyeing me right now makes me think that I'm nothing more to her than a pesky Pebble in her shoe my mind whirls as I consider my Alternatives do I give Viola Norwood a piece of my mind do do I wrench the plaque from her traitorous hands and Pummel it over her head that's exactly what the outrageous artist would do if I go down that path there'll be no turning back my relationship with Biola will be destroyed Tim will be upset I'll be ostracized by all the notable women in town Those whom I've worked so hard to gain their respect Viola seems to be reading my thoughts a hard smile twists over her lips as her voice goes syrupy it wouldn't do either of us any good to cause a sea you don't want to do anything to disappoint Tim the two of y'all are on thin ice as it is I Flinch like I've been slapped as the air whooshes out of my lungs my heart thuds dully in my chest as I force the words from my throat they come out sound like a tortured toad did Tim tell you that we're having problems she pushes out her lower lip in a pout before clicking her tongue oh honey he didn't have to I Can Smell Trouble a mile away now be a good girl and run along home we'll talk about this when you're more like yourself her tone is patronizing I shouldn't let her get away with humiliating me but my ears are ringing and my head is buzzing like it's about to explode I suck in a deep breath to clear my head I feel the fabric of my dress give way and at the same time I hear a tearing sound this is followed by a cold Rush of air Panic races through my veins either my zipper has broken or my dress has pulled away from the zipper I Stumble back and then catch my myself I turn and hurry away as fast as my platform heels will allow did her dress just split open I hear someone say humiliation Burns through my veins I should have quit while I was ahead and stayed home obviously fate is not on my side today Albany catches up to me just as I'm about to go through the double doors leading outside where are you going she demands rather than answering I shake my head she catches hold of my arm pen what happened her eyes widen when she sees the loose folds billowing on me did you pop out of your dress tears blur my vision as my words come out in a ragged gasp I've got to go home you can't let Viola intimidate you she goes into her Warrior mode narrowing her eyes and thrusting out her jaw I'll talk to her no I explode you'll only make things worse Albany makes a face you can't just skull away with your tail tucked between your legs you've got to stay and fight my voice goes high pitched in this dress I don't think so I'll run home and get you something else to put on if only I had a tenth of Alban's Moxy my friend means well but she doesn't understand anything that I'm going through how could she Albany has the love and support of her parents she has Gavin who loves her fiercely and unconditionally whereas me I can't even allow my mind to voice the rest I push out a hard laugh just leave me alone please I croak unable to stop the Avalanche of tears from gushing out they stream crooked Rivers down my cheeks let me help Albany urges you can't help I say miserably no one can with that I break away from her grasp and flee the scene chapter 3 it's time to fight when I get in my car I let the grief overtake me I ball like a baby my shoulders shaking I haven't cried this hard in years it feels good to just let it all out finally when my tears are spent I take in a few halting breaths until I can regulate my breathing my head is pounding like someone is taking a hammer to it Viola's Insidious words keep running through my mind I knew that Tim and I were in trouble but I didn't realize things were bad enough for him to go and blab to his mother my mind races to come up with a solution that will Mend my marriage I need to be more attentive to Tim spend less time on charitable events obviously my efforts in that Arena have gotten me nowhere so it's not like I'll be out anything there if Viola wants to take all the credit then she can start doing the work most likely she'll find some other schmuck to do it but it won't be me having established that in my head I feel a bit more empowered Tim and I could go away for a few days to his parents' cabin yes that would help I've got to find a way to get through to him we'll have to come together and fight for our marriage it'll be tough but we can do it as I start the car engine and pull out of the parking lot my brain tries to sift through the problem of why Tim and I have drifted apart Tim was my first crush my first kiss my first everything in many ways we're a cliche The Golden Boy falls for the girl from the wrong side of the tracks I'm being overly dramatic I'm not exactly from the wrong side of the tracks mom did the best she could to take care of Bo and me she's not into fashion and never took the time to fix my hair or make sure my clothes matched I spent my Elementary school years looking ragged and unkempt which is why I'm so particular about my appearance now Tim was the guy that all the girls flocked after and for some Fantastical mysterious reason he picked me according to Mom I never should have married Tim she thinks I'm not truly in love with him that I can't possibly know what love is because I've been Shackled to one man my entire life the cowboy flashes through my mind bringing a wheelbarrow of guilt Tim and I are very different but we made a lifelong commitment I grit my teeth repeating through my mind that I'll stand by Tim come rain or shine until the day I die I scrunch my face which feels like it's made of hard plastic from all the crying Tim and I have fallen into a trap that I'm sure has plagued many marriage we've gotten too comfortable with the norm and need to put some spice back into our relationship Tim doesn't look at me anymore like the cowboy did but he looked at me that way once I think at any rate I've got to resurrect his former feelings and rekindle the flame I pull into my neighborhood I love the grandure of the historic homes with their unique architecture it boggles my mind that Tim wants to move into a modulated run-of-the-mill new neighborhood instead of living here and being steeped in the rich history of the town the large leafy trees along both sides of the road are my own personal welcoming committee helping to restore a sense of calm this is my refuge my Haven I should probably at least entertain the idea of moving to a new neighborhood because it means so much to Tim the mere Prospect of move and squashes my heart flatter than a Fritter Tim of all people should have an appreciation for our home after all it's been in his family for several Generations his distaste for the house must run in the family because Viola and Bart built themselves a brand spanking new enormous mansion on 10 acres they deed Tim the historical home when we got married they were renting it out before we moved into it when Bart and Viola first got married Bart suggested that they move into the house however Viola bulked at the idea of having to renovate something old and run down as always Bart conceited and built Viola a new house when that house got old they sold it and built their mansion me on the other hand I recognize the potential of the Norwood Mansion while it needs lots of work the bones are good on some Primal level I suppose I feel a kinship with the house there are plenty of people in this town who judging me by my errant youth would have written me off but I'm still standing and so is the house we'll weather life storms together the Norwood Mansion as it is often called by the town's folk of comfort sits at the corner of Oak Avenue in Juniper Street situated prominently on a hill it was once the Jewel of the neighborhood most of the houses in the neighborhood are so close together they hardly have any Elbow Room however my house has the advantage of having an empty lot beside it which gives us an element of privacy the lot is owned by Viola and Bart they've talked about building something on it but I don't know that they'll ever get around to it lights twinkle from inside the house letting me know that Tim is home suddenly I'm anxious to talk to him do I dare mention the elevator incident I kept waiting for someone to mention it tonight at the ceremony but no one did do I dare hope that Cynthia be will keep her mouth shut maybe I'll just keep the elevator thing to myself no sense muddying up the water any more than it already is I will have to tell Tim about the stunt his mother pulled tonight at the award ceremony Tim will expect me to come home with the prize I wonder if I should mention to Tim that his mother said we were having problems yes probably it'll be a good segue into all the things we should do differently more than anything I want Tim to know that I do love him despite what my mother thinks I want our marriage to work I pull into the driveway and follow it as it curves around to the back of the house sliding the garage door opener off my sun visor I click it to open the garage but nothing happens scowling I press harder this time jamming my thumb into the button nothing a frustrated choral rises in my throat par for the evening the Sid lights on the garage offer enough illumination for me to check my reflection in the rear view mirror yuck I look like a raccoon with the remains of my mascara ringing the bottoms of my eyes I lick my finger and then commence rubbing it off I make a point of rubbing toward my nose in light Strokes so that I won't create any undo wrinkles after the mascara is gone I retrieve my makeup bag from my purse and apply concealer and Foundation next comes the lipstick followed by a finishing dab of powder my eyes are bloodshot nothing I can do about that I smile into the mirror Fain in a happy expression hopefully I can be somewhat convincing no need to let Tim know that I fell to Pieces when I didn't win the Comfort Woman of the Year award he'll think I've lost my mind I pull out my phone and call him to ask if he'll open the garage door it rings several times before going to voicemail Tim isn't expecting me home this soon he might be in the shower I'll have to let myself in as I clopped to the back door the loose fabric of my dress Flaps in the back I can't wait to get the hor thing off the minute I step into the kitchen the odor of stale food wafts over me there are several empty boxes of takeout Chinese scattered over the kitchen table crumpled napkins rest in the center of a couple of plates my brain does a double take two plates who else has been here maybe Tim's Dad decided to join him for dinner or one of Tim's Buddies the least they could have done is clean up I'm I press my lips together in hard lines as a wave of weariness rolls over me Tim's a slob worse than a teenager he dumps his clothes beside the hamper leaves the toilet seat up and never puts anything away when we first got married I harped on him about it but I could tell it was causing friction between us so I let it go hello I call I'm home no answer I deposit my purse onto the kitchen island and then trudge down the hall to the stairwell the clacking of my shoes is getting on my nerves I slip them off and sigh in relief as I wiggle my toes now to get this wretched dress off I go up the stairs to the bedroom the door is closed just as I thought Tim's in the shower my hand reaches for the door knob I hear a muffled guttural sound like someone is choking my heart leaks into my throat as I jump into action fling open the door and run inside the bedroom Tim are you okay I stop cold as I look at the bed it takes a second for my brain to focus on the Tangled mass of legs and arms plopped in the middle of the new set of floral sheets that I put on the bed just this morning Tim complained saying that he doesn't like sleeping in the middle of a Rose Garden he certainly has has no problem frolicking in the garden my eyes are drawn to Long strands of copper red locks mingled with Tim's dark hair I hear a shriek and realize it came from my own throat as my hand goes over my mouth the blood drains from my veins and I start to shake all over Tim lets out a string of expletives as he reaches for the sheet to cover himself the woman I recognize her now strawberry lingerfelt is staring at me in horror like I'm a vampire from Fright Night slowly as if afraid of moving too quickly she reaches for a pillow to hide her ample chest P pen Tim stammers in a high-pitched tone I wasn't expecting you home so soon a hysterical laugh riddles my throat seriously that's all you can say to me right now I know I should be more like Albany and go Rambo I should charge over and yank out a chunk of strawberry's hair before clawing out her eyeballs then turn my sights to Tim and punch him in the nose if I had a pair of scissors handy I'd cut off all his protrudent Parts before ordering him to get his raggedy buck naked body out of this house and away from me while my brain is working up the scenario with a feverish frenzy my body is frozen I'm paralyzed from the neck down unable to move a muscle the world starts to spin making me feel like I'm on the tilter WHL at the carnival I feel sick bile rises in my throat and for a split second I wonder if I'll throw up somehow I managed to swallow it back down everything seems to be happening in slow motion Tim calls my name words come out of his mouth and he looks at me with a mixture of what I discern as pity anguish and regret or maybe Tim isn't feeling any of those things while I've been with him for most of my life I realize that I don't truly know him problems or not the Tim I married would never betray me he would fight for our marriage he wouldn't skull around behind my back with some tart face was it just a short while earlier when I was devastated because I didn't win an award I was so angry at Viola so worried about what people would think now all of that seems insignificant in less time than it takes for me to get my hair highlighted and cut my Practically Perfect life comes tumbling down like a house of carts I hear Tim call out my name a second time as my knees Buckle then everything goes black my head is swimming I'm a fly caught in a bowl of split pea soup desperately treading through the thick liquid to stay afloat I think she's coming too a man says I recognize the voice it's my brother Bo I blink a few times before I manage to open my eyes the first thing I see is three faces peering at me Albany Smiles in relief hey welcome back she says gently as she reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze my head is heavier than a pair of clogs what's going on I mumble sifting through the murkiness in my head we're not exactly sure my mom answers her voice coated with concern Tim called saying that you had some sort of a breakdown Bo and I rushed over as fast as we could the front door was unlocked we found you here lying on the couch with your eyes closed for a second there I thought I might have to do CPR but then I realized that your breathing was normal that was a relief GH Bo grunts I would have hated to lock lips with my sister Bo's a firefighter and is always making Wise Cracks about having to give people CPR I'm sure it's his way of dealing with life and death situations day in and day out mom swats his arm hush your mouth this is serious business your sister just had a breakdown why does Mom keep saying that I'm fine I assert it's okay Bo interjects This Is Us you're talking to you don't have to pretend like everything is honky Dory we know you got passed over for the award I called Albany and she told me what was going on he pauses giving me a sympathetic look I'm sorry sis I know how much it meant to you I came over when Bo called we're here for you Albany adds I sit up wincing as a wand slices pain across the bridge of my nose I don't care about the award I feel disoriented and my brain is sluggish did I totally freak out after losing the award cold shivers prickle my skin as a single thought rattles my brain please tell me I didn't make a fool of myself at the ceremony where in the world is Tim mom grumbles as she glances around I can't believe he would just leave you here in such a state my eyes pop open wide as the reality of everything that happened slams me with the force of a bulldozzer fresh tears spring to my eyes my throat constricts and I can't breathe I cough then gurgle fighting for air take it easy Bo urges in the calm tone of one used to dealing with people in crisis situations try and relax your throat breathe in through your nose why are you getting so bent out of shape about some lame award mom demands as she shakes her head you set your heart on foolish insignificant things it's not the award I squeak I do as B suggested and managed to take in slivers of air through my nose however it's not enough dizziness overtakes me as I gulp to get a decent breath it's Tim I sputter Panic spikes through me as an image flashes through my mind Tim and strawberry tangled up on my floral sheets in my bed in my home that's all it takes for acrid anger to sear through me I scoop in a large breath my brain clearing a fraction my Fury emboldens me giving me momentary power over the Panic what about Tim mom prompts as she throws B and Albany worried glances the words spew out I caught him in bed with strawberry linger felt there I got it out stunned silence descends over the room my brain takes a quick snapshot of the their expressions mom looks sad but not surprised Albany looks like a light bulb has just turned on in her head and B my Fearless protector looks like he's about to go on the war path that explains everything Albany exclaims disgust washes over her features now we know why Norwood Dental donated a1k prize to the winner of the beauty pageant mom follows her train of thought punching out the words in fiery darts and why strawberry one the synapses of my brain come together in a hard click all those times Tim claimed he was working late or at the gym he was probably with strawberry Tim's fastidious about getting a shower after coming home from the dental office he claims it's because he's working in people's mouths all day and doesn't want to bring home all sorts of germs his reasoning is plausible I never even questioned it tears bubble over the lower rims of my eyes and dribble down my cheeks I can't believe this is happening Tim was probably with strawberry today during lunch Albany sits down beside me and drapes an arm around my shoulders a sob escapes my throat sorry I quip as I Jam my fist into my mouth to stay the emotion Tim is a self-absorbed schmuck mom seeds just like his parents she rubs a hand over her forehead I'm so sorry I never wanted you or Bo to have to ever go through this I Flinch as the meaning of her words register my dad left Mom when Bo and I were kids he walked out the door and never so much as glanced back the last we heard he was living in Michigan he didn't care that his wife suffers from fibromyalgia and sometimes can't even get out of bed or that his kids cried themselves to sleep for months after he left horror splashes through my veins I don't want to end up like Mom a Hermit who lives alone mom claims to be happy with her life she detests the pretense of people like the Norwoods while many women her age color their hairir to look younger Mom let hers go natural it's Snow White and cut short she doesn't wear a speck of makeup and her clothes are selected for Comfort only an incredulous laugh bubbles in my throat why am I thinking about Mom's appearance at a time like this I feel mom's eyes on me I can tell what she's thinking simply by looking at her expression she warned me about marry and Tim but I was determined to prove her wrong vaguely I'm aware of Albany shifting her arm to a new position as I lean forward cradling my head in my hands my mind travels back through the past few months strawberry started working at the dental office as a hygienist a couple of months after Tim and I got married when did their Affair start he's been distant and disgruntled with everything for a good three or four months a humorless laugh scratches my throat all this time I've wondered why Tim and I have been having problems I thought it was me was worried that I wouldn't be able to live up to the expectation of being a Norwood hogwash mom explodes her face hardening normally I'm the girl with a plan Albany jokes that I even have plans for my plans right now however I I'm clueless the rest of my life stretches before me like a long lonely trail of emptiness I have no idea what to do from here I whimper mostly to myself as I sit back up B starts pacing back and forth like a caged cougar running both hands through his short spiky hair I'll kill him he vows lowering his hands and balling them into Fists chills run through me Bo is one of those old souls who believes that honor comes before all else he's the type who's loyal to the core his handshake is his bond I'm 60% sure that he wouldn't actually kill Tim but it's the other 40% area of doubt that's freaking me out at the very least Bo could do something stupid like lay Tim out flat I don't want my brother to end up in jail or lose his job St no I blurt B stops in his tracks giving me an incredulous look don't you want me to avenge you a high-pitched laugh tickles my throat this isn't some duel and feudal times I sniff as I wipe it my tears trying to get a hold of myself Bose swears under his breath I beg to differ he points to his chest his voice Thunder in with wrath anyone who hurts you hurts me I'm a grown woman I fire back I can take care of myself Bo's expression says he's not so sure about that Mom holds out a hand we all need to calm down and think this through rationally she gives Bo a warning look before anyone does something stupid Fern's right Albany chimes in her eyes flash while I'd like nothing better than to castrate Tim Norwood that's not the answer we have to do what's best for pen she looks at me as she speaks and releases her hold on my shoulders instead she grabs my hands cupping them in hers I hear ringing and realize it's coming from my phone I should probably get that mom's eyes narrow it had better not be Tim an unreasonable hope surges in my breast maybe Tim has realized the error of his ways it'll be tough but I could learn to forgive him we could rebuild our relationship this time I won't lose track of what's truly important I don't know why my mind is going this route maybe it's because it's all I know I've been with Tim so long that I don't want to contemplate a life without him where's your phone Albany asks as she lets go of my hands I fumble to remember in the kitchen on the island mom turns to Bo will you get it sure he goes in that direction by the time he returns the phone has stopped ringing it was Viola Norwood he announces as he hands me the phone I looked down she didn't leave a message should I call her back I wouldn't mom smirks my phone rings again nearly causing me to jump out of my skin my eyes round it's Viola mom rolls her eyes you'd might as well answer it or she'll keep pestering you taking in a quick breath I slide my finger across the screen as I placed the phone to my ear hello Tim just called and told me what happened she Begins crisply for a second I'm not sure that I heard her correctly Tim told you about me finding him in bed with strawberry the instant the words leave my mouth Viola forges on with he told me that your marriage is over I gasp like I've been sucker punched in the stomach Albany touches my arm to offer support I'm sorry that it had to end like this Viola continues but I'm not surprised the hair on the back of my neck bristles what's that supposed to mean do I have to spell it out she pauses for half a second you were never cut out to be a Norwood I have no words I'm stupified by the woman's audacity to be so cruel when her son is clearly the one in the wrong Bart and I will consult our family attorney you'll get a fair amount of alimony of course but we'll need you to move out of the house what's she saying mom hisses I merely shake my head Penelope are you still there Viola demands Albany reaches for the phone and clicks the end button there she says decisively as she steals her jaw tell us everything that she said mom sits down in a chair that's kitty corner to the couch Bo follows her lead and plops down on the love seat across from me all eyes zero in on me I swallow the dryness of my throat none of this seems real I keep hoping that I'll wake up to discover that it was a bad dream what did the witch say Mom eyes me waiting for me to spill it I speak the words dly like I'm reading from a script Tim told his mom that he wants a divorce Viola and Bart will consult their family attorney I'll get alimony You're darn tooting you will mom says savagely I clasp my hands in my lap to stay the trembles they want me to move out of the house tears blur my vision I love this house from the time I crossed through the threshold I felt like I was coming home the prospect of not living here Withers my insides even more than losing Tim that's not going to happen Albany growls it's not I stutter clinging to her words like they're a Lifeline no Viola and Bart Norwood can consult their attorney till they're blue in the face but we've got about something they don't a Checkmate smile slides over her lips my dad he's the best attorney around he'll make sure that you get all that's rightfully yours including this house my mind whirls but I don't have any money to pay him Tim provided our living while I focused on my charitable work money was never an object so long as Tim was in the picture you don't need to worry about that Albany reassures me aside from you being my oldest and closest friend and the fact that we're practically family dad can't tolerate Injustice in any form or fashion I would venture to say that he would take your case on the sheer principle of the situation A Grin splits her face furthermore when my mom finds out what Tim Norwood did both to you and how he orchestrated his donation to The Beauty p pant to give it to his mistress she'll insist that Dad represent you so you're doubly covered I cringe at the word mistress suddenly I'm filled with hatred for Tim and strawberry lingerfelt it burns through me like poison I hold on to that feeling because I'd rather be ticked than devastated my mind seesaws back to the conversation at hand never have I been is grateful to have Albany Featherstone in my corner Dallas Featherstone is the most sought-after attorney around if anyone can help me keep this house he can a curious hope flutters in my stomach bringing home the knowledge that I have more to live for than I realized I feel mom studying me what I Grumble it's not enough to have Dallas represent you she growls out her words with the ferociousness of a lion as she points her finger it moves in sync with her words you've got to dig deep and fight for what you want you've got to be stronger than you've ever been before her words sink into my soul filling me with a new resolve I honestly don't know where the strength is coming from but I'm grateful for it all the same I grit my teeth as I look at the three faces surrounding me okay let's fight chapter four in the know with Nelly Kinsey blog post May 11 breaking news folks Camelot has fallen Tim and Penelope Norwood are calling it quits my sources tell me that both parties have lawyered up and it's about to get ugly I was curious as to what the Fallout would be when Viola Norwood upstaged Penelope and snagged the coveted Comfort Woman of the Year award however I don't think anyone including this humble Rider could have foreseen the calamitous events that would soon follow on a side note poor Penelope bless her heart popped right out of her dress at the ceremony just before she scuttled off it just wasn't her night those who witnessed the event said they felt like they were watching a live version of Cinderella I guess Penelope couldn't run fast enough to keep from turning into a pumpkin it would seem that her days of being a Norwood will soon be over while I'm not privy to the inner workings of Tim and Penelope's relationship I do have my suspicions about what happened I know you're dying to hear my theory but I'm not one to spread undue gossip so I'll keep it to myself for now now the one thing I can tell you is that on the day of the award ceremony Penelope was seen on an elevator cozy enough with some scrumptious Cowboy from out of town I haven't been able to discover the man's name if anyone has additional information on the subject contact Yours Truly at the email address listed on my blog I can keep a confidence to the Grave the big question here is Will Penelope be forced to move out of the Norwood Mansion Penelope seems to have gotten Mighty comfortable in her house on the hill she's quite the gardener by the way those patunas geraniums and gladiolas growing along the picket fence are stunning I'm sure there are plenty of women in this town who are anxiously awaiting the time when Tim Norwood is officially back on the market one thing is certain the next several weeks are bound to be interesting stay tuned your trusted Confidant Nelly June 16 Penelope and Tim's attorneys are still duking it out but rumor has it that they're close to coming up with a resolution there has been no news about Penelope's mysterious Cowboy maybe he got up on his horse and hightailed it back to his Ranch Tim on the other hand seems to be taken Life by the horn he was seen sporting around town in a new Red Corvette with none other than strawberry lingerfelt call me old-fashioned but in my humble opinion it's bad form for a man whose family is the caliber of the Norwoods to be fraternizing with another woman before his divorce is final strawberry works for Tim at the dental office as a hygienist I'm all about giving people a fair Shake but I can't help but wonder if strawberry and Tim might have been doing more at the dental office than just taking care of people's teeth I'm sure more than a few people are now starting to question the 10K donation that Norwood Dental made to the Comfort beauty pageant was it a coincidence that strawberry won or was something else at work if I were in charge of the beauty pageant I'd take a good hard look at the judges and the criteria they used to determine the winner but that's just me in other news Sable Featherstone and her daughter Albany opened their Boutique they're calling it the shop on Main Street a simple name that states the obvious it's a shop on Main Street okay it works but that seems a bit plain to me then again what do I know about fashion the grand opening was a smashing success people were lined up around the block to get in I hear that Albany is putting her time spent in New York to good use by incorporating some of that big city style I guess the long-standing fashion trends in Comfort aren't good enough for her that's all for today your friend and the one you can count on to bring you the latest news in Comfort Nelly July 28th you won't believe what I just found out no it's not the Tim and Penelope's divorce is final that is true they are officially divorced however that's not the big news drum roll please Tim is Maran strawberry lingerfelt and they're building a house out at Glenwood Golf Course who got the Norwood Mansion Penelope it's always a happy day when the underdog wins I'll bet both Bart and Viola Norwood are fit to be tied that the Mansion went to Penelope I'm sure James and Will Norwood Bart's parents would roll over in their graves if they knew that their beloved home went to someone outside of the family that just speaks to what an outstanding and turning Dallas Featherstone is if I were in a jam I'd want him in my corner for sure what's Penelope going to do all by herself in that big house and where does she go from here it'll be interesting to see if the Phoenix can Rise From the Ashes one thing I do know is that her days of living a life of luxury and dabbling in charitable work are over Penelope may have gotten the house but she won't get one cent of alimony I suppose Penelope could always get a job working at albany's Boutique ever since Albany came back from her jaunt in New York the two have been practically joined at the hip I wonder what Gavin has to say about that I'm sure he's missing having his girlfriend all to himself folks around town are wondering when Gavin is going to take the plunge and pop the question or is there more going on here than meets the eye is there trouble in Paradise H I'm sure Colette Williams is holding her breath while Albany was off in New York doing who knows what with who knows who Colette was home making those deposits of the heart ever so Faithfully in the hope that she could score the biggest withdrawal of all marriage but the minute Albany returned Gavin dumped poor kette faster than a snake through green grass it'll be interesting to see what happens signing off Nelly hello folks it's me again I put up the other post earlier today but then had to add to it I just got off the phone with someone at the courthouse don't bother asking me who I spoke to because I never reveal my sources guess who just applied for a business license Penelope Norwood I wonder if Penelope will ditch her married name and go back to her maiden name then again her married name might be advantageous for her new business Penelope is opening a bed and breakfast this this is fabulous news we need a bed and breakfast in our town you might remember that Jill Breen Rich tried running a BNB a few years back but her business went belly up when she kept failing the health department inspections Jill makes biscuits so light and fluffy that even the angels sing about them and her sausage gravy well it's too die for but bless her heart Jill's not the cleanest person on the planet if I know Penelope she'll put her OCD to good use and make sure her BNB is in tiptop shape the good news for Penelope is that the historical section is already zoned for a bed and breakfast which will speed up the approval process I'm sure Penelope is chomping at the bit to get her business up and running Because unless she had some cash saved up she's bound to be hurting financially when will the BNB officially open I'm not not exactly sure but I hope it'll be soon signing off for reals this time Nelly chapter five is that an Airstream trailer Kitty pool and a motorcycle you know that feeling where you're standing at the foot of a mountain the size of Mount Everest and you know clear through to your bones that you absolutely must climb it but you don't know how well that's how I feel every single morning when I get out of bed sometimes as I awake I forget that Tim isn't in bed beside me for one small moment I revert to the time when I lived a Charmed Life I missed those days when I didn't have to fight to scratch out a living is it terrible that I miss the security of my marriage to Tim even more than I miss miss him don't get me wrong Tim hurt me bad every time I think of him with strawberry linger fi it turns my stomach and I get fighting mad I loved Tim and would have gone to the ends of the Earth and back to save our marriage because I believe in commitment however I can't just gloss everything over and pretend that Tim and I weren't having problems maybe part of the issue is that I'm grown up now now and no longer idolize the golden quarterback from The prominent family I was starting to view Tim for him as a man with faults a man who's still trying to relive his Glory Days of when he was King of the Hill a man who was grown up living off the coattails of his parents success Tim and I were going in two different directions that's painfully clear to me now what I can't condone is is the fact that Tim was sneaking around behind my back he betrayed me on a level that may take a lifetime to get over pacing my life back together is the hardest thing I've ever done right after Tim and I split up I tried to push through the grief as though nothing had happened a week later I hit a brick wall and came crashing down there were a couple of days there when I couldn't get out of bed on day three mom used her spare key and came barging into my bedroom she practically dragged me out of bed with a gritty and no feeling sorry for yourself you're getting yourself cleaned up and then we're going to lunch her actions may sound harsh but tough love was the kick in the pants that I needed to jump start me into action I asked Mom how she managed to do it alone when dad left not only did she have to come to terms with her hard AE and being a single mother but she also had to navigate her Fibromyalgia she gave me one of her trademark grins tinged with a smidgen of reproof and the wisdom of 10 Scholars I was never alone I had you and Bo to look after she paused giving me a pointed look the one she gives when she wants me to pay close attention most importantly I had the Lord walking beside me every step of the way her eyes glistened with something Angelic as she continued don't discount the power of prayer you don't have to carry your burden alone Look to Him in all things and he will direct your path something interesting happened to me when mom spoke those words an inexplicable feeling of warmth spread Comfort through me infusing me with new energy while I'm a routine churchgoer I've never considered myself to be particularly religious this may seem strange but it is possible to go through the motions of worship without the true meaning of it actually sinking into your heart I've been praying and reading my Bible some days I still feel lost but there are other times when the gloomy clouds dissipate enough to let in slivers of light one of those moments was when I got the impression that I need to open a bed and breakfast When the Thought came I actually laughed out loud it seemed Preposterous that I would undertake a task so huge in the midst of my turmoil I pushed aside the thought telling myself that it was stupid but the idea wouldn't go away it kept sitting on my shoulder and nagging at me finally I mentioned my idea to Albany I fully expected her to tell me that I'd lost my mind but she did the complete opposite she clapped her hands and squealed proclaiming that it was a fabulous idea one thing led to another and before I knew it Alban's Mom and Dad agreed to give me a low interest loan Dallas Featherstone wanted me to hold out for alimony but I was so ready to get through the divorce that once Tim and his parents agreed to give me the house I conceited I owe a lot to Albany and her parents Dallas and Sable Featherstone took a chance on me I'm determined to do everything in my power to repay their Loan in record time that's easier said than done however especially with all the hoop log going on next door I shoot a dark glare out the window to the lot next door my ex-mother-in-law is determined to thwart me at every turn after much pesterin on Albany in my mom's part I swear those two could cause the staunchest arm me to surrender I took a few days off and went to Orange Beach with Blakeley and ski two of my good friends Albany would have gone with us but she was too busy with her boutique also I suspect that she didn't want to be away from Gavin going on a beach trip was the furthest thing from my mind I didn't see how I could possibly go on vacation when I have so much to do to get ready to open the BNB my friends and Mom insisted that I was wound up tighter than a tick and headed for a breakdown it was nice to get away and work on my tan however I spent most of my time worrying about all the things I wasn't accomplishing yesterday when I returned I was horrified to discover that most of the trees on the lot next door had been cut down even worse a silver Airstream trailer is parked there inside it sits one of those tacky Kitty pools a clothes line and a motorcycle this is a disaster how am I supposed to operate a reputable BNB with that atrocity right beside me last night the music was so loud that I wanted to stuffed cotton in my ears to drown out the noise just as I was about to call the police and register a complaint the music stopped I suspect that one of the other neighbors beat me to the punch and called the police this morning I made a few phone calls and learned that Bart and Viola sold the lot to someone from out of town I called Dallas to ask if anything could be done to remove the eyesore but as it turns out there are no zoning restrictions in this neighborhood against Airstream trailers that's probably because no one ever imagined that one would be put there the lot next door is the only spot in the entire neighborhood that doesn't already have a house on it I can only imagine what Nelly Kinsey will Rite when she learns about the Airstream trailer next door I'm not a violent person by any stretch of the imagination but as I look at the words on my laptop screen I feel the urge to March over to Nelly's house and snatch her bald the only thing worse than going through a divorce and having your life fall apart is doing it in a small town with everyone watching and hanging on every word written by that spiteful wench I probably shouldn't have even looked at Nelly Kinsey's blog now I'm peeved it seems that I've become her favorite topic with Tim and strawberry being a close second and Albany rounding out third the doorbell rings it's probably the Plummer a couple of days ago while I was on the beach I called and scheduled him to come out today and fix several items throughout the house two of the tubs in the guest bathrooms don't drain properly one of the toilets keeps running and when my dishwasher drains it backs up into my kitchen sink I could put up with the nuisances when it was just him and me however guests will expect things to be in good working condition I close my laptop push back my chair and go to answer the door I can see through the sidelights that it's Albany why didn't she just come in she knows she doesn't have to knock or ring the doorbell oh it's because the door is locked quickly I unlock it and open the door Albany is holding two white food bags she holds one up with a wide grin I brought lunch thanks but you didn't have to do that I know how crazy busy it is at the boutique right now that's why I have employees so I won't be chained to the store also mom's there an impish grin curves her lips you know her she'll keep everyone hopping Alban's right Sab Featherstone runs a tight ship I needed a break and figured you need lunch Albany makes a point of looking me up and down I thought I'd better bring you something or you'll forget to eat again if you're not careful you'll wither away to nothing I've seen toothpicks plumper than you she jokes I glanced down at my body body one good thing that came out of the divorce is that I lost my appetite I'm now as sleeky thin as I ever was my clothes fit a lot better which is nice what are you up to Albany asks as we go into the kitchen she stops in her tracks her eyes widening I didn't realize you were having the cabinets repainted the original color is honey gold which I've always thought looked dingy I wanted to redo them when Tim and I first moved into the house but there were so many other things to tackle first that we never got around to the cabinets the new color is gleaming white which is a huge Improvement or it will be when the job is done right now it's a disaster the combination of white and gold reminds me of hardboiled eggs I'm repainting them I correct Albany looks at me like I sprouted another head you just got home from your trip yesterday I ordered the paint before I left last night I figured I'd get a head start I worked a couple hours today I have a lot of paperwork to catch up on so I'll do some more tonight after I eat dinner it helps to stay busy so that I can keep my brain occupied otherwise I sit around thinking of all that I've lost and I start feeling sorry for myself I'm trying to cut Corners every way I can Tim and I had some money saved up in the bank which we divided equally I'm using it to live off of until I can start earning income from the BNB my goal is to stretch the loan money as far as possible hence me doing much of the work myself I like the white it looks modern and streamlined thanks if you need any help I could talk to Gavin I'm sure he can recommend some good painters I think I'm good for now I hedge Gavin owns a hardware store in town he's been a great resource for the remodel as for the painting I'll knock out a piece at a time are you having Granite put in and adding a new backsplash if you do that the kitchen will look brand new the countertops are currently for Micah with a pattern of variegated Browns and beiges how anyone could have thought those color tones would go well with gold is beyond me me I'm thinking about having the counters done in epoxy it would be a fraction of the cost of granite Albany sets the food on the table really yeah the pictures I've seen online look fantastic there's a company in Mobile that does it they're scheduled to come out and give me an estimate the first of next week wow you're hitting the ground running if it were me I would have taken a couple of days after the trip to recoup and then ease into the remodel I grunt if only I had that luxury I have to make sure everything is ready for the open house I know you want to have the open house in conjunction with days of comfort but would it be the end of the world if you held it afterward yes I fire back think of the people who come to town for the celebration if word gets out that the BNB is open we hopefully get booked up days of comfort is a week-long celebration that honors the founding date of the town there are various events bake sales face painting for the kids a petting zoo food trucks dances and concerts Albany pulls out a chair and plops down she begins removing food from the bag and divvying it up I get where you're coming from I just hope you don't kill yourself trying to get ready days of comfort is a little over a month away trust me I know I reply a little too vehemently Albany raises an eyebrow I expect her to launch into a tirade about me working too much thankfully she doesn't I hope you're okay with cheeseburgers and fries sounds great to me I go to the fridge and pull out two cans of sparkling water we unwrap the burgers and dive in I place a fry in my mouth and chew and swallow before speaking when's the last time you read Nelly's block about to take a bite of her Burger Albany lowers it from her mouth frowning uh-oh what did she say this time my temper flares 10° as I start spewing what didn't she say she's spelling out every detail of my life play by play Albany scoffs why do you even read that garbage Nelly Kenzie is a warped hermit who has an axe to grind on The Daily she sniffs if I didn't detest the woman so much I'd almost feel sorry for her you're in there too it's comical how fast Alban's eyes fly open wide before they flash with irritation what did she say uhhuh it's different when it happens to you tell me what that witch said she seeds maybe you'd better just read it I reach for my laptop and flip it open after typing in the URL for Nelly's blog I turn the computer around to Albany who begins reading I must admit that it gives me a blip of satisfaction to watch her expression grow indignant Gavin and I are just fine thank you very much in fact we're great her lips compress into hard lines as she shakes her head for her information Gavin and I are talking marriage what I exclaim that's fantastic a soft smile overtakes Alban's features yeah it is he's pretty incredible she blinks realizing what she just said I'm sorry pen I don't mean to add salt to your wound I reached for her hand don't you dare apologize I say fiercely you never have to dilute your happiness because of me and my situation my throat grows impossibly thick as I swallow I'm happy for my best friend I truly am still it's hard to see everyone else moving on with their lives when I'm stuck thanks Albany says her eyes radiating gratitude I'm so glad I came home and that we could pick right back up where we left off me too I say with conviction while I'm close to Blakeley and ski Albany is my soulle sister Albany turns her attention back to the blog a second later she wrinkles her brows the movement reminds me of two caterpillars scoring to find a comfortable spot in the dirt the name for my Boutique is too plain her voice Rises I've got news for Nelly Kinsey less is more that woman is an atrocity she begins reading aloud I hear that Albany is putting her time spent in New York to good use by incorporating some of that big city style I guess the long-standing fashion trends in Comfort aren't good enough for her a wild expression blitzes through her eyes seriously is she trying to turn the whole freaking Town against me now you know why I'm so upset I chime in feeling Vindicated she sits back and shakes her head Nelly Kinsey needs to get a life and stop meddling in everyone else's business amen I get so tired of her vitriol that she keeps vomiting up a gurgle sounds in Alban's throat before it morphs into giggling vitriol since when are you using such high futin words the corners of my mouth quiver in Amusement since I spent several days with Blakeley ah makes sense Blakeley teaches psychology at the community college which is a hop skip and a jump away from Comfort she has always been the Brainiac of our group I'm the sensible one who thinks everything has to be perfect all the time Albany is the wildcard Fireball and skate is The Lovable scatterbrain who can cook circles around any other person in town Albany turns her her attention back to the computer screen when did Tim get a new car I roll my eyes I don't know and I don't care my stomach roils you know what gets my goat the most I charge on before Albany can answer the words gush out of me like a raging river is how Tim can have an affair and then come out smelling like a rose to think I was beating myself up for being attracted to Memphis while Tim was sleeping with strawberry in my bed on my brand new sheets I tossed those sheets in the garbage and moved out of the bedroom I'm sleeping in one of the guest bedrooms that has an attached bathroom every time I so much as step foot in the master bedroom the gut-wrenching image of Tim and strawberry flashes through my brain there is one bright spot in all of this I can rent out the master suite for a good good amount and it's already remodeled so I won't have to do anything except freshen up the room with new beding and accessories I hate to break it to you but I don't think Tim and strawberry were sleeping Albany retorts you've always had a knack for stating the obvious I say dryly she blinks wait a minute back of the bus who in the heck is Memphis he rushes to to my cheeks oops me and my big mouth I press my lips together as I shake my head she Wags a finger oh no don't go all clam bake on me who's Memphis nobody I only met him once in an elevator her eyes bug as her voice shoots up he's the cowboy biting down on my lower lip I nod a wicked giggle rumbles in her throat that's awesome Nelly Kenzie finally got something right you were cozied up with the cowboy on that elevator was not I nearly shout it was purely innocent she gives me an insinuating look you like him she Chimes how could I like him I don't even know him I Grumble he was just passing through I'll probably never see him again you thought thought about him she picks up a cluster of cheesy fries and plops them into her mouth she motions and speaks with her mouthful go ahead and eat before your food gets cold okay I'll admit that I might have caught myself daydreaming about Memphis a few times over the past couple of months maybe it was because he looked at me with such a depth of feeling like I was something to be valued I haven't had that in a a very long time of course it didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes and a charmer I realize with a jolt that I no longer have to feel guilty about being attracted to Memphis the knowledge drives home the bitter irony that I'm a divorced woman I reach for my laptop close it and move it out of the way the last thing I need right now is for something to spill on it I can't afford a new laptop this one needs to last me a long time I unwrap my burger and gingerly pick it up before taking a bite it's good the warm meat and gooey cheddar cheese are a nice contrast to the crispness of the lettuce onions and pickles Albany looks thoughtful maybe we should try and find the cowboy no thanks I've got bigger fish to fry I grunt as I jerk my thumb toward the window starting with that freak show next door what freak Show Albany asks dubiously she takes another bite of her Burger this is so good I was starving it is good I say dutifully my mind going back to the problem at hand did you not see the Airstream parked next door or that gosh awful Kitty pool or the clothes line she Shak makes her head no but I came from the other direction what's going on I tell her about Viola and Bart selling the property when I'm done her eyes spark with indignation have they no shame evidently not I spout isn't there something you can do melancholy settles around me like a heavy fog according to your dad there's not there are no zoning laws against Airstream or trailers in the neighborhood Albany pushes out a long breath dad knows the law inside out if he says you have no legal recourse then he's right she reached for another group of fries maybe you should go over and talk to the people once they know about the B&B they might be willing to tone it down you mean once I tell them that their Airstream trailer is an eyesore that's wrecking the neighborhood I see your point she sits up straighter in her seat you could build a very tall privacy fence that will help but the people in the upstairs bedrooms on the east side will still be able to see everything that goes on next door sympathy colors are features I'm sorry pen you can't seem to get a break a lump forms in my throat as I put down my burger it certainly feels that way she offers me an encour courage and smile you'll get through this I know you will my eyes missed I hope you're right I force a smile I guess I'll have to take blakeley's advice and fall up what you know Blakeley she was raving about this book that she loves it's called The Happiness Advantage by Sha acre I've read it she gives me a sheepish grin Blakeley insisted that I read it after coming home from New York she was worried that I would fall into some dark Funk and eat myself into Oblivion unlike you who loses weight when you're having a hard time I prefer to drown my sorrow in ice cream I can't help but grin you and your Chunky Monkey ice cream it's the best she tips her head in concentration I think I remember the the concept of falling up it's about Rising above adversity right taking the upward path that propels us to grow and improve during difficult times I haven't read the book yet but from what Blackley told me that's the gist of it Albany waves her hand and compassing the room well from the looks of things I'd say you're doing just that I'm doing the only thing I know how and that is to keep putting one foot in front of the other together and hope that I'll eventually figure things out the doorbell rings I scoot back my chair and stand that's probably the plumber she motions at my food you've hardly eaten two bites no wonder you're so skinny who has time to think about food I Grumble I do Albany says matter of factly as she takes another large bite of her Burger chapter six the new neighbor a little after 6:00 p.m. the plumber wraps up for the day and leaves Hallelujah he was able to fix everything I can now check those items off my list I'll make a turkey sandwich for dinner paint for a couple of hours and take a long soak in the tub with a lavender bath bomb that I've been saving after that I'll go to bed you'd think as hard as I work every day that I would sleep better but it's tough the instant my head hits the pillow my brain starts spinning a mile a minute the only way I can fall asleep is to read oh well such as my life these days I'll just have to keep pushing myself forward my phone rings it's my mom hello hey there what are you up to oh just working on the house the plumber just left left I stopped by Abigail's Bakery and saw ski I didn't realize that she's the new manager yeah she's excited about it Abigail is hardly there anymore she spends most of her time in Florida these days visiting her grandkids ski has been running the bakery for the past year it's nice that Abigail made it official and promoted her to manager I agree mom says hardly ski mentioned that you're hiring her to provide breakfast for your guests that's a great great idea it'll relieve some stress from you yes it will my attention gets diverted from the phone call to a rhythmic throbbing in my chest a second later I hear the music are you kidding me I growl mom's voice lurches what's wrong the neighbors next door are blasting their music are you talking about the mill stads mom asks incredulously a surprise giggle circles through my throat no the mill stads are in their early 80s they're the picture of refinement then wouldn't dream of playing music too loud it's those people in the Airstream trailer I fume flinging my hand in the air how am I supposed to run a reputable business with that circus next door maybe you should go and talk to them kindly explain the situation oh I'll go and talk to them I roar but I can't promise that the situation will be kind I'm sure you can work it out mom sooths my eyes narrow to slits as I grit my teeth you'd better believe I'll work it out I vow I've got to let you go I'm marching over there right now to put a stop to this nonsense wait a minute mom inserts the reason I called is to tell you that b is bringing over a chocolate cream pie I figure you could use a pick me upper it freaks mom out when I get too skinny thanks I clip as I end the call a second later I throw open the front door and stomp next door the grass in my yard is neatly cut and manicured but when I cross the threshold to the lot I'm forced to Wade through tall grass and weeds that slap my ankles what kind of people move to an upscale historical neighborhood and live like The Beverly Hillbillies some people have no cth what do they think this is eye of the tiger is the song blaring I feel like I'm at a rock concert and have to fight the urge to plug my ears my eyes survey the scene as I move closer the plastic swimming pool has an electric blue background with a pattern of colorful fish swimming in all different directions ice blue water RI gently in the pool a lime green donut float is in the center I'm sure kids love the fancifulness of the pool but it sticks out like an eyesore in the yard yard is a loose term this is more of a field I still can't believe they cut down the trees so much for my privacy an acrid bitterness rises in my throat as I ball my fists I'm sure Viola Norwood is getting great pleasure out of this my gaze follows the line of the red twine clothes line that's attached to the side of the silver Airstream and stretches to one of the trees on the edge of the lot several t-shirts men's shorts and a pair of jeans flap in the breeze I know nothing about motorcycles but even I can tell that the one parked beside the trailer is expensive the sight of the motorcycle fans my anger I could almost sympathize with someone who doesn't have much money and is forced to live in an Airstream trailer however that motorcycle cost a pretty penny probably more than my car I guess it's all about priorities I see movement and realize with a jolt that someone is standing on the back side of the pool no not standing a guy wearing boxing gloves is pounding a freestanding punching bag I halt in my tracks as my throat goes dry the guy is shirtless and dripping sweat I'm mortified at the dart of a traction that shoots through me his back is well formed his muscles rolling smoothly beneath tanned skin he's wearing black boxing shorts and Converse tennis shoes his feet move in a Nimble dance as he riddles the bag with powerful punches I note that his biceps are lean and cut who is he Captain America okay enough oing what am I 16 I don't care how good this guy looks he's wrecking my plans this loud music is intolerable I straighten my shoulders and move toward him with purposeful steps hello I call as I approach but my voice won't carry over the music I glare at the speaker perched behind the screened window before looking back at the guy still punching with a Vengeance he doesn't realize that I'm here enough already I'm trying to talk to you I mutter as I step up behind him and Jab his shoulder he grunts in Surprise and jerks his elbow back it lands with brute force in the center of my right eye shooting pain through my face gasping my hands go to my eye as I stumble back I take one step back two before my calves collide with the plastic edge of the pool I shriek as I topple backward and land but first in the center of the water tears spring to my eyes as I slap the water with the palms of my hands the donut float is now pressed against the side of the pool I grab it and fling it across the yard my throbbing eye hurts but it takes a back seat to my injured Pride I'm astounded by the indignity of this situation are you okay the guy asks as he comes over to where I am I'm so sorry I didn't realize you were there he pulls off his gloves and hold them in the crook of his elbow he reaches out to me here let me help you up don't bother I spit As I push his hand away and stand words spew from my mouth you are a menace first you junk up the neighborhood with that awful trailer and then you blast your music my voice grows shrill when I come over to try and talk to you about it you punch me in the eye I didn't punch you exactly I step out of the pool and look down at my soing wet clothes I beg to differ you need to pack up and get out of this neighborhood if you don't stop blasting your your music I'll call the police I'm sure they'll his chuckle stops me cold my mind tries to Grapple with what's happening is he seriously laughing at me the nerve oh wow it's you penelopy right I recognize that melodic twang I look up as my eyes focus on his face a single word gurgles from my throat Memphis a crooked grin touches his lips you remembered my name not sure how to answer I just stand before him blinking like crazy as before awareness sizzles through me lighting my cells on fire his pecs are chiseled like Stone and he has an impressive sixpack he was the cowboy before with his hat and Boots now he looks more more like a fitness commercial I've never seen a real life man look so breathtaking I thought that kind of perfection only existed in movies or magazines with the help of Photoshop he gives me a quirky grin that highlights his dimple yeah he can tell I'm checking him out my face Burns hotter than a Boiling Pot of dumplings as I force my gaze to his face he's just as handsome as I remember remember with his rugged features and firm jaw his dark blonde hair is unruly with loose curls that are kissed with a golden tint I'm sure I look like a goober standing here with my tongue tied in knots because his eyes sparkle with Amusement as he points behind me so you live next door yes I shout the music is so loud that it feels like it's drilling a hole through my brain I look at the speaker my voice 10 volumes too loud can you please turn that down you bet he jogs over to his trailer bounds up the steps and goes in through the open door mercifully the Music Stops my traumatized ears celebrate the Blessed silence a couple of seconds later he comes back out without the boxing gloves thankfully he's wearing a t-shirt I really am sorry about your eye he winces it's going to leave a mark I'm afraid I swallow back a giggle before it can escape that's the understatement of the century my face feels humongous he knocked me so hard that it's a wonder that he didn't fracture my bones I guess it could have been worse he could have knocked one of my teeth out or broken my nose gingerly I touched my eye it's swelling up big time great just what I need a black eye why don't you come inside and I'll put some ice on it my brain races as I try to come to grips with the full scope of the situation I want to start balling and laughing hysterically at the same time of all the people to be my new neighbor not just any neighbor but the one who's wrecking my plans my livelihood is at stake here I've got to Stand My Ground no thanks I level a glare at him you need to do us all a favor and move on to another pasture his eyebrow arches I beg your pardon aund thoughts flood my mind I've never considered myself to be a catty person but sometimes there's Merit in speaking the unvarnished truth look you seem like a nice guy and all laughter dances in his eyes turning them more gold than green he folds his arms over his chest as he widens his stance I've been called a lot of things in my lifetime but a nice guy is not one of them if you've got something to say darling then you'd better quit wasting my time and just spit it out I don't mean to be rude but you seem like a smart guy surely you must realize that your Airstream trailer plastic multicolored swimming pool and loud music don't belong in this neighborhood a flash of surprise registers on his features is that right he eyes me with a combination of what I can only discern as disappointment and distain the voice inside me shouts that he's a force to be reckoned with but but I don't let his penetrating gaze quill me my livelihood is on the line I have to be strong out of sheer self-preservation I lift my chin yes his words shoot out like bullets I bought this property paid cash for it I have just as much right to be here as you or anyone else my blood rages like an inferno through my veins I know what's happening here you're in cahoots with Viola how much did she pay you to move here and destroy my plans tears cloud my vision as my voice quivers with intensity I won't let her win I'll get my BNB off the ground or die trying he looks at me like I've lost my mind which infuriates me even more don't try to deny it I know why you're here I have have no idea what you're talking about he grumbles I get up in his face and point my finger you won't get away with this I'll fight you tooth and nail a hard smile fills his face as he steps back it was nice seeing you again Penelope you know your way home this isn't over I scream he shakes his head in disgust to think I was actually excited when I learned that we were neighbors that was before I knew who you really were what does that even mean I scoff go home he says dully as he turns and goes into his Airstream slamming the door behind him swearing under my breath I turn around and stalk back to the house my wet clothes are sticking to me raising chills over my flesh B is walking up the front steps leading to the porch holding the pie box in his hand hey sis I brought pie he holds it up grinning from ear to ear mom says you're getting too skinny she's hoping this will fatten you up he frowns you're soaked what happened don't ask I growl as I stomp up the steps as I near him he gets a good look at my face face his eyes fly open wide your eye did someone hit you more like popped me I say Darkly rage contorts his features who I jerk my thumb in the direction of the lot Memphis my new idiotic neighbor suddenly I feel weary to the Bone come on in and I'll explain everything he shoves the pie into my hand hands and darts down the steps I'll take care of this he Roars maybe it's because he's three years older or maybe it's because our dad left for whatever reason Bo has always felt the need to protect me he has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone but when his temper gets fired up I never know what he'll do wait I call after him it's not what you think it wasn't accident he's running so fast that I don't even know if he heard me I let out a half growl half shriek my way of ranting and Railing at the Universe I throw open the front door and deposit the pie on the floor a second later I Rush down the steps and across the yard I've got to get to B before he does something stupid my feet slip in my sandals and my wet clothes rub against my skin skin I hear yelling and cursing so I Quicken my Pace I find B and Memphis squared off their faces inches apart both are around the same height and build they look like two roosters ready to tear into one another Memphis says something to Bo it looks like Memphis is trying to calm him down but Bo won't have it he shoves Memphis in the chest stop I scream but it's too too late B hauls off and socks Memphis in the jaw Memphis goes down but then comes back up and levels a blow to Bo's jaw that knocks him back the two dive at one another and go rolling on the ground tradeing blows hysterical laughter bubbles in my throat stop it I shout but my words have no impact it's an allout brawl a fight to the finish it dings through my brain that I hear sirens I whirl around to see a police car pull up to the curb Deputy Dwight Jones jumps out of the car and bolts to the fight a former linebacker in college Dwight is a husky man who's all muscle he has a barrel chest and a deep imposing voice what's going on here he demands as he grabs Bow by the collar and pulls him away from Memphis this man hid my sister Bo asserts Memphis Rises to his feet he adjusts his shirt as his eyes narrow to dark slits this man came over on my property and attacked me Dwight looks at me for an explanation his features tighten when he sees my injured eye I must look awful the entire right side of my face is throbbing did he hit you Dwight asks me I in memph no it was an accident I say hely Memphis was hitting his punching bag I came up behind him he didn't realize I was there and jabbed me with his elbow ouch Dwight grimaces you should probably get some ice on that it's swelling up pretty good why didn't you tell me it was an accident Bo demands his face is blood red and he's breathing hard his chest heaving up and down down my brother can be so infuriating sometimes I tried but you took off in a rage before I could maybe you should learn to listen Memphis mutters giving Bo a blistering look you want some more Bo taunts let's go he tries to go at Memphis again but Dwight holds him back easy now Dwight urges this sounds like a simple case of misunderstanding simple my eye Memphis counters this man came onto my property and attacked me that deserves to be answered chills run through me as I look at Dwight I can see the indecision in his expression he doesn't want to arrest Bo the two are friends played football together if Bo gets thrown in jail it won't sit well with the fire chief or the town's folk Bo could lose his job over for this my throat squeezes I have to do something to fix it this is my fault I squeak as all eyes turn to me how do you figure that Dwight asks I came over here and had words with Memphis I was frustrated because of his loud music Memphis smirks as he pins me with a penetrating gaze just the music a hot embarrassing stings me I don't want to tell the rest not in front of Dwight and Bo Dwight and his wife Meg live in a trailer park just outside the city limits Bo and I grew up in the double wide that my mom still lives in I feel so small and Petty right now my words fall heavy from my lips like bricks hitting the concrete floor I'm trying to get my bed and breakfast off the ground and running Dwight grins Meg was reading about that in Nelly's blog she's tickled pink about your new business it'll be nice to have a place for her folks to stay when they come to town they don't like staying in hotels but I'll bet they'll feel right at home in your place what's all the fuss about a woman cries I turn to see my mom jogging across the grass her face is flush and she's out of breath what happened her eyes move from me to Bo how did you know that something was going down Bo asks her words come out in a jumble as she tries to catch her breath I was on the phone with Emma Lou she heard that there was trouble on her police scanner so I rushed over it's a misunderstanding I mumble as I look at Memphis time to own up for being a brat if my mother knew I was dissing on someone for living in a trailer she'd tan my hide I'm sorry about those things I said I taken a quick breath before soldiering on I'm stressed to the max trying to get my business off the ground I shouldn't have taken it out on you I'm sorry I emphasize again I'm still not happy about his Airstream trailer but I can see how my words could be construed as snoody our gazes lock sending a rush of energy through me ever so slowly a grin tugs at his lips no worries relief gushes through me making me go weak in the knees Dwight turns to Bo are we good here we're good Bo grunts he holds up his hands honest satisfied Dwight releases him he turns his attention to Memphis as his voice goes conversational where are you from Texas I noticed that Memphis has a red wel across his jaw B's lip is cracked and swelling both guys look surprisingly good considering how they were slugging it out a few moments ago no doubt both of them are tough as Nails what's your last name statson a choral bubbles from my mouth before I can stop it your last name is steton like the cologne just like the cologne Memphis quips he gives me a cheeky grin I guess that means I always come out smelling like a rose an image of him shirtless and pouring sweat pops through my mind suddenly I feel hot all over I look down to hide my embarrassment what brings you to comfort Dwight asks my sister and her family live here here I moved to be closer to them who was your sister I bite back a grin Southerners are characteristically curious I guess Memphis should know that considering that he's from Texas he's bound to get the third degree from nearly everyone in Comfort I have to admit that I'm glad to be getting this information without having to ask Trudy Walker Trudy and her husband Jud are newcomers to comfort I don't know truy well but I know who she is we nod and smile at one another in recognition as we pass in the grocery store she's attractive and seems like she's got everything together it's good to connect Memphis with a reputable family Dwight studies him I take it you're the cowboy everybody's been talking about could be Memphis answers easily a KNN grin spreads over Dwight's face I see what this is a lover's quarrel he turns to me he's the cowboy you were cozying up to in the elevator wait till I tell Meg she was reading all about it in Nelly stupid blog I insert my stomach twisting good grief that blog is worse than the national Inquirer word to the wise don't believe one scandalous word that Nelly writes there's nothing going on between me and Memphis I don't have to look in a mirror to know that my face is 10 shades of red I glance at Memphis to get his reaction a lopsided grin pulls at his lips as his gaze locks with mine I don't know if I would agree with that he draws I rock back you know nothing happened I fume he just Chuckles as he throws me a Cavalier wink mom frowns what happened to your eye I shake my head I'll explain later she gives me a long look before finally nodding all righty then I guess it's time to break up this little party and mosy on home she turns to Memphis there's only one way to put any hard feelings to rest she says decisively with supper I want all three of you to come to my house tomorrow night what I gawk hey Dwight counters what about me am I not invited you're always welcome Mom answers Dwight makes a face shoot never mind I'm on duty tomorrow night no way I'm eating supper with him Bo grumbles hush your mouth mom counters you will too she gives Memphis a sweet smile but her voice is as unyielding as iron I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night pan can give you a ride my eyes bulge huh the thought of riding in a car with Memphis nearly takes my breath away 7:00 sharp mom turns to Dwight tell me I said hello and that I'm still waiting for her to come and get some tomatoes and peppers out of my garden thanks F I'll be sure and let her no Dwight looks around I guess I'll be seeing y'all later he squeezes bow on the shoulder stay out of trouble you he mom motions with her head and speaks in the authoritative tone I've heard all my life bow pen let's go she throws Memphis another dazzling smile see you tomorrow night who knew that Mom could be so Charming I'm not sure how many feels about having dinner with us tomorrow night but he has the good sense not to argue with Mom yes ma'am he says respectfully the words roll off his tongue so smoothly that it makes me think that he's been taught good manners Tim would always say yes ma'am to my mom but it sounded patronizing assuming that all has been said and done for the evening I turned to go Memphis calls out my name pen it's not just the melodic note in his sexy voice that gets me but also the familiar way he shortens my name I can't deny that there's some sort of connection running between us like an electrical current slowly I turned back around somehow I managed to find my voice yes he holds my gaze until tomorrow night the promise in his voice fills me with a peculiar warmth I turn and stumble away trying to ignore the army of butterflies flapping up a storm in my stomach what the heck just happened back there b demands when we get out of ear shot is there something going on between you and Memphis he spits out memphis's name like it's a curse word quit pestering your sister mom cut in as she gives him a sharp look she hands him her keys go and move my car to Penn's driveway Bo lets out a long sigh his shoulders sagging yes ma'am as he Lumbers off to do her bidding mom slips her arm around my shoulders now you're going to tell me about that lovely Shiner a large girlish grin fills her face shaving a decade off her egg age and how it is that you got lucky enough to have a man like that move in next door chapter 7 enjoy the ride I can't breathe I can't think straight my brain is spinning out of control how in the heck am I supposed to eat anything at dinner tonight I suck in a calming breath and look at my reflection in the fulllength mirror wondering what Memphis will think of my white Capri and Green Top This is the fourth outfit I've tried on the rejects are piled high on the bed I'm sticking with this outfit because the Green Top brings out the color of my eyes and I'm tired of trying on clothes oh who am I kidding Memphis won't pay a lick of attention to my top because he'll be too busy staring at my hideous black eye I've slathered on a pound of cover up to hide the bruising but all it did was turn my skin a sickly gray the white of my eye is stre with red reminding me of one of those freakish plastic eyeballs that kids pass around on Halloween the soft tissue around my eye is still super swollen I touch it wincing at the tenderness call me vain but if I thought I'd get away with it I'd beg out of tonight but I know Mom she'll March over here and drag me to her house or more likely get B to do her dirty work a heavy sigh Billows from my throat I'd might as well just suck it up and go with any luck mempis will feel sympathy for me after all he's the cause of this sort of in retrospect I should have known better than to step up behind a man who was punching with such a Vengeance talk about raw power power a quiver of Desire runs through me the image of him shirtless will forever be ingrained in my memory my thoughts go back to something he said I've been mulling over it all day I can't remember his exact words but it was something to the effect of him being excited when he learned we were neighbors our Brief Encounter in the elevator must have made an impression on him it certainly made an impression on me I shake my head trying to push away the incriminating thoughts any sort of romantic relationship with Memphis is off the table the Practical side of my brain goes into analytical mode listing the items on my mental chalkboard a I'm still reeling from not only the destruction of my marriage but also the Betrayal of the man with whom I've had my heart intertwined before I was even old enough to know what love was be it's imperative that I put 100% of my energy into the BNB I need to make a success of myself not only so that I can look myself in the mirror but also so that I can pay back Dallas and Sable Featherstone oh and there's the little part about needing to pay the bills and put food on the table it's up to me now to support myself see memphis's atrocious setup with the trailer and swimming pool is certain to hurt my business no way can I get involved with the very man who could unravel everything I'm striving to build I don't know what mom hopes will come out of tonight's dinner however I know what won't come of it I refuse to let my guard down I refuse to give into this ridiculous attraction I will be politely guarded no more no less checking my reflection once more in the mirror I fluff up my hair just because I'm giv Memphis STS in the cold shoulder doesn't mean I can't look good doing it I frown well as good as a girl with a black eye can look my phone rings I go and retrieve it from the dresser it's Albany hey I answer what the aspirin bottle happened there last night she demands what do you mean there was some sort of ruckus and then the police came how did you know about that her voice Rises the whole town knows several customers were yaking about it at the boutique today she pauses and I read about it on Nelly's blog that's all it takes for my body temperature to spike I'm so sick of Nelly Kenzie butting into my business I spat that woman has got to be stopped a vision flashes before my eyes I see myself charging up Nelly's porch and kicking open her door I'll beat her computer to SM the Rings before knocking her on her rear end and I feel certain that most of the people in Comfort would sing my Praises I can't be the only one who's sick of Nelly always stirring the pot tell me everything Alin 's voice takes on an incredulous note the Cowboy from the elevator lives next door and he hit you in the eye he didn't hit me I smirk he knocked me with his elbow oh my gosh my mind spins like a kite in a hurricane wondering what driil Nelly put in her blog this time she obviously knows about the notorious elevator Cowboy living next door who's the rat that squealed Dwight or maybe it was Dwight's wife Meg didn't Dwight say that Meg enjoyed reading Nelly's blog I've always liked Meg I find her outspokenness and jovial manner refreshing maybe I'll have to rethink my feelings about her wait a minute stop the bus it could have been one of the neighbors who squealed or maybe it was Emma Lou mom was on the phone with her when the call came over the police scanner that's the problem with living in a small town down everybody knows everybody's business it can get stifling at times like getting stuffed in a shoe box how did that happen she sputters I blow out a long breath before outlining the ordeal in detail it feels good to get it off my chest of course I leave off the parts about me salivating over memphis's sixpack and that beautiful torso that could be the model for a GI Joe doll when I'm finished Albany trills out a wicked laugh it sounds like fate is determined to throw y all together maybe you should just give in and enjoy the ride yeah right I harumph I enunciate every word with hard thrusts of my tongue I have no intention of entertaining a relationship with Memphis Stetson no matter matter how often mom throws us together for dinners huh you're having dinner with the cowboy she giggles this just keeps getting better and better my words come shooting out in razor tipped arrows quit calling him the cowboy he has a name Memphis Memphis Albany corrects biggity boatload what's eating you I push out a hard breath reminding myself that Alban's not the enemy here I'm sorry I guess I'm just sick sick and sick of being put under a microscope she grunts well you should have thought about that before you married The Golden Boy Albany has always dubbed Tim The Golden Boy I scowl yeah well in my defense I had no idea The Golden Boy would have such a hard time keeping his zipper up I hate to say it but I always had my doubts about old Tim he's too much of a pretty boy who's been handed everything on a silver platter it would have taken a great man to not be ruined by all the agulation and hero worship that goes on in this town she pauses her next words ringing with emphasis one thing you and I both know is that Tim Norwood is most most certainly not a great man or even a good man or even a mediocre man amen I punch out through gritted teeth look I don't know why you're getting your panties in a wad about Memphis so you like him big deal I never said I like him I retort my cheeks growing hot she Chuckles dryly you didn't have to I know you remember her voice softens why do you think the two of us get along so well I don't skip a beat because Opposites Attract there may be some truth to that however there's more to it you may act all prim and proper on the outside but on the inside you've got this Rebel dying to come out my eyes go dinner plate round have you been talking to my mom no why I can tell from the puzzlement in Alban's tone that she's on the level briefly I consider withholding the information but I know that Albany will eventually pester it out of me she's more Relentless than a bulldog mom calls it the outrageous artist the what I sigh according to Mom the outrageous artist in me is trying to escape the Gilded box she giggles that's awesome I've always loved your mom talk about a woman being comfortable in her own skin she's my hero if you ask me it wouldn't hurt mom to be a smidgen more concerned about her appearance and social life I quip a little makeup in a new wardrobe would do her wonders why so she can impress the likes of Viola Norwood ouch the barbed comment hits its Mark with the sting of a dozen wasps it disgusts me to think how hard I worked to impress Viola I have learned a few hard lessons since the divorce I snip you'll be happy to know that I don't give a rat's tail what Viola Norwood or any of her cronies think of me that's mostly true Rome wasn't built in a day I'm trying to change my thought patterns but it's tough Hallelujah Albany booms the more you hold to that mindset the happier you'll be her voice gathers intensity pen you've got to start living your life on your terms you have to let go of that Pinterest ideal you've concocted in your mind my eyes grow moist as I fast blink to clear them as the old saying goes Albany has done stopped preaching and started meddling she's right I can't spend the rest of my life living in fear of what Nelly Kinsey might write in her blog or worrying incessantly about how other people perceive me I'm ashamed of how worked up I got over the Comfort Woman of the Year award talk about being caught up in the thick of thin things it's interesting how a hard jolt can resharpen our vision I'm getting my own version of shock therapy going back to the outrageous artist thing why did you stop painting my rebuttal comes grumbling out I'm painting the kitchen cabinets right now remember she lets out a half laugh you know what I mean you used to do those beautiful landscapes that was a lifetime ago who has time for that you were going to be the next Monae remember she pauses what happened I roll my eyes I grew up that's what happened there are some things you should never grow out of pen I'll add paint and Landscapes to my to-do list are you happy now I gripe yeah I'm being snarky Alban's only trying to help still I don't appreciate her hounding me I'm keenly aware that I have plent plenty of splinters wedged into the skin of my life I don't need almany taking her little needle and poking around in those sensitive areas when I'm ready to yank out the spinter by golly I'll do it myself where are you in Memphis going to dinner to Mom's house B's coming too laughter bubbles through the phone to be a fly on the wall before she can say the rest I cut her off with a droll I don't know why everybody always says that one SWAT and you'd be squashed flat and that would be that she giggles quit being a Sour Puss as I was saying dinner ought to be interesting considering how the cowboy or Memphis and B were just slugging it out yesterday interesting is one word for it I grunt what are you up to tonight I asked to change the subject I'm sicker than sick of talking about my problem riddled life Gavin is making me dinner hearing the buoyancy in her voice makes me smile eventually I want to find my other half someone who rocks my world the way Gavin does albany's an image of Memphis flashes through my mind the Lively Sparkle in his polished jadeed eyes the Deep dimple that appears when he flashes a sideways grin warmth spreads through me shooting straight into the center of my heart I wince no I can't indulge in these fantasies I'm not like alony I don't have a safety net of wealthy parents to fall back on it's just plain old me if I fall I fall hard the four of us should go on a double date sometime my voice shoots up an octave how many times do I have to reiterate that Memphis and I are not a couple she laughs as she goes into her rendition of the Giant from The Princess Bride it was one of our favorite movies when we were teenagers you keep using that word I do not think it means what you think it means I'm moist in my lips about to launch into a rebuttal but stop short when the doorbell rangs Saved by the Bell someone's at the door I announce have fun tonight she sings don't do anything I wouldn't gee thanks but I don't need that much leeway hardy har har you're so funny goodbye I huff ending the call I look at the ceiling and growl Albany knows just how to get my goat the doorbell rings again I glance at my phone it's 10 minutes to 7 butterflies begin flapping a mad March in my stomach I swallow trying to control my nerves it's just dinner with Mom and Bo so what if we happen to have an extra guest speaking the words aloud helps to restore a measure of calm maybe I should take up yoga you're right like I have time for that right now besides I'm more of a cardio girl I'll take running outside in the fresh air any day of the week over a stretching class Boxed In by four walls and a bunch of other sweaty people I have no idea who could be at the door especially this time of the evening I slip on my sandals hurry out the bedroom door and trot down the hall the doorbell rings again I bound down the stairs when I get to the bottom I halt in my tracks when I see him standing behind the beveled glass of the front door my heart thumps like a fatf footed rabbit as I take in a quick breath I force myself to walk slowly to the front door and calmly swing it open making sure to keep my posture erect Memphis I say with as much refinement as I can muster I thought I was supposed to go over and get you the note of reproof in my voice doesn't seem to phas him in the slow lightest he grins showing off that adorable dimple what's the point of life if we can't mix things up a little he steps closer coming into my personal space I catch the slightest hint of his spicy cologne a flash of Attraction flushes heat through my body instinctively I step back as he enters the foyer I still can't get over how distinctly masculine he is his raw energy both excites and disturbs me the two of us are alone in this great big house Heaven Help me he looks me up and down with a flicker of appreciation that warms my blood you look great he murmurs a shaky laugh tickles my throat thanks I smooth a hand over my top isn't this what I wanted for Memphis to notice my outfit I take a quick assessment of his attire jeans Converse tennis shoes and a navy blue t-shirt that forms well to his defined muscles a smile tugs at my lips no cowboy boots mellow laughter rumbles from his throat I thought I'd break the trend give the good folks a comfort something else to talk about other than my boots I tried to suppress a giggle but it comes out as a choked cough you read Nelly's block was that how he knew that the two of us were neighbors even before I went over to confront him when I get to know Memphis better I'm going to ask him about his comment his eyes light with humor as a boyish grin stretches over his face I figure it can't hurt to get the inside scoop into what the neighbors are gassing about about more laughter gurgles in my throat this time it bursts out in peels that shake my shoulders he laughs too it's a rich mellow sound that lightens my spirit suddenly Nelly's blog doesn't seem as medicine but rather trivial and childish he gives me a speculative look I take it the two of us are together my inside lace up tighter than a new Spanx body shaper huh blood thrashes against my temples like a kickboxer demolishing a sheetrock wall he steps even closer his voice playful like the police officer said last night it seems that our little mishap was a Lover's spat Sparks have been sizzling between us since we met in that elevator and now that I'm riding next door they're raging to a wildfire if you must know I purposefully avoided looking at Nelly's blog today but it sounds like she slathered it on thick my voice goes higher than selenon belting out the crescendo note in all by myself Nell he certainly has a big imagination I fake a laugh maybe he says nonchalantly my heart drops through my rib cage and splatters onto the floor I can't believe how disappointed I am right now to hear that one word his eyes take on a devilish glint or maybe not what do you think is he toying with me the air holds its breath waiting for me to answer he's feeling me out to see if I have any romantic interest the urge to throw caution to the wind is so strong that it nearly consumes me my eyes have a mind of their own as they travel to his mouth how would it be to kiss Memphis would I be consumed with passion Amusement simmers in the depths of his liquid Emerald gold eyes with a jolt I realize that he's studying me why do I get The Uncanny feeling that he knows exactly what I'm thinking I've got to say something to fix this fast otherwise I'll be a goner swept out to sea by my traitorous attraction I think you shouldn't believe everything you read in that gossip rag I say lightly surprise blitzes over his expression good one he draws pleasure glows through my veins as we share a look it occurs to me that I very much care what he thinks my breath hitches when he touches my sore eye caressing my skin with maddeningly light Strokes I've been lamenting the soreness of my eye all day but right now it's the furthest thing from my mind all I can think about is his touch and how it infuses heat into my skin I'm sorry he utters with such a depth of feeling that it nearly melts my heart to goo it wasn't your fault I croak before rushing on I'm sorry about Bo he was doing what any good brother would defending his sister's honor That's mighty big of you to say it occurs to me that Memphis doesn't have a scratch on him had I not witnessed it I never would have known he was in a fight maybe he really is Captain America his nearness is intoxicating he charges my cells with a wild energy that I thought only existed in romantic movies instinctively my lips part as my breath comes faster I know I should resist this but I'm a fly caught in the web of a glorious spider whose colors are so brilliant that I can see only him desire deepens in memphis's eyes building with my own to a rapturous cloud that engulfs us then something and shifts he drops his hand from my eye and takes a step back the sting of his rejection is so tangible that I can taste the acridness of it confusion washes over me at the same time heat splashes my face I'm ticked at myself for coming across as desperate if he'd kissed me I would have let him no even worse I would have kissed him back heck I was two shakes away from flinging my arms around his neck and giving him a kiss to end all kisses for all myelf talk about Not Giving into temptation I'm miserably weak why is he rejecting me is it because he doesn't want to get involved with someone who's recently divorced that would be a smart move on his part no good can ever come from being the rebound person or maybe he has other reasons he could be involved with someone else my heart deflates at that thought taking the wind completely out of my sails at this point I'm dead in the water he clears his throat before forcing a smile shall we go yep I clip it's good that Memphis put the brakes on the rational part of my brain argues he saved me from disaster I don't need another problem in my already complicated life I'll just go and grab my purse I left it on the kitchen counter what am I thinking my car is parked in the garage it would be dumb to go out the front door and then have to walk around I keep my voice neutral on second thought it'll be easier for us both to go through the kitchen my car is parked in the garage I add my voice sounds flat and dull in my own ears I have half a mind to bolt out the front door and just keep running like Forest Gump yeah that only works in movies this is my house I can't just run away from it furthermore mom is expecting us for dinner I'm surprised she's not calling already to find out why we're not there yet mom's philosophy is if you're not 5 minutes early you're late if I were to run away right now Memphis would know how much his rejection cut at me one thing I'm good at is keeping up appearances I lift my chin at the thought his features brighten as a lopsided grin washes over his lips I have a better idea I plant my feet on the floor my hand going to my hip oh yeah I'm pleased with how casual my voice is I'll drive in what I think of the expensive motorcycle that I saw parked beside his trailer don't worry he says lightly we'll get there in one piece the corners of my lips turned down um I don't think so I'm not a biker girl even as I speak the words my mind jeers that I'm speaking the obvious anyone looking at me would know that his eyes sparkle with mirth reminding me of scattered Sunshine dancing on lush green leaves it's neat how both our eyes are green although his are more golden than mine is that a sign of Fate throwing us together don't knock it till you try it he gives me an intense look filled with a heat that melts through my bones and causes my knees to wobble Memphis knocks me off kilter like I no longer have any control over my emotions it's a precarious spot to be in I I don't like it not one little bit he motions with his head come on what have you got to lose the adventure on his expression calls to me it's getting harder and harder to keep the outrageous artist pinned in the Box she has a chisel in hand chipping away my hand goes up to touch my hair I went to such pains to fix it first I flat ironed it and then went back added loose curls with my curling iron you know how older people know when it's fixing into storm because their joints start hurting well I swear my body senses deep in my bones that I'm about to cross a Great Divide if I give in to the outrageous artist I might never get the gremlin back in the bag I'll be toast for sure not waiting for me to answer he strides to the door in smooth steps and opens it after you he says with a ceremonious flourish of his hand I'm not getting on your bike I assert but I can feel my resolve giving way I'm a pebble caught in the fury of a Russian River forget what I just said about not liking how Memphis makes me feel that's baloney a part of me Thrills at it maybe that's why it scares me so much so help me I want to ride on his bike I want speed I want to feel the wind in my hair to press my body up against his muscular back okay enough already time's a wasting my brain fumbles for a way to stall I I don't have my purse I guess I don't need it if I'm not going to drive I could just take my phone and house keys no that won't work I never go any anywhere without my purse I'm as bad as the peanut character lius with his trusty blanket a girl never knows when she'll need to apply a Fresh coat of lipstick or powder her nose go get it it'll be okay he assures me with a grin trust me those two words sink in my heart with such force that it steals my breath maybe that's the Crux of the matter I need someone I can trust right now I need that more than I need to be proper and conventional the outrageous artist takes full control and answers for me okay he rewards me with a dazzling smile that displays his pearly white teeth I could get lost in that smile I am getting lost okay this is awkward I can't just stand here gawking at him I can tell from his quirky expression in the way he's trying to Snuff out his smile that he knows the effect he has on me I force my feet into action I Scurry to the kitchen to get my purse my brain is teing with thoughts I'm feverish no it's more like I have a steady drip of adrenaline flowing through my blood my senses are so heightened that I hardly realize what I'm doing as I return to the foyer we go out the door I take several steps before remembering that I forgot to lock it oops I toss him a quick Smile as I turn and lock it Memphis tucks his arm under my elbow and leads me over to his place I'm sure the neighbors are watching but that's the least of my worries right now mainly I'm trying to figure out what it is about Memphis that lights my entire body on fire yes he's handsome but so is Tim I was attracted to Tim in a normal sort of way but this is something more something instinctual and all consuming I start talking to divert my attention to something other than Memphis so did you take a swim in your pool today sarcasm drips like syrup from my voice his response is immediate yep I turned on the music and SW Wham a few laps it took me all a two minutes he turns and throws me a Ry grin in the evening sunlight his hair resembles spun Gold without the cowboy hat and boots he reminds me more of a Greek statue than Clint Eastwood he really is beautiful to look at haha I say dry why do you have the pool his answer is matter of fact to torment you my eyes fly open wide as laughter rises in my throat A sly grin slips over his lips I can tell that he enjoys needling me it's for my niece and nephew he strides over to the bike removes the helmet from the rear view mirror and hands it to me here you go I hate to take your helmet I protest no you don't he teases I laugh you're right if I have to ride on this contraption then I want to make darn sure that I have on a helmet he shakes his head grinning just like a woman I slide the helmet over my head and fasten the strap it's several sizes too big I'm sure I look like a bobblehead doll with it on but at least I'll be protected somewhat he straddles the bike and takes hold of the handlebars now it's my turn I don't know which unsettles me more riding a motorcycle or being close to him my purse strap slung over my shoulder I heave my leg over the seat in what has to be the most ungraceful movement ever I hope he's not paying attention tucking my purse by my side I slide my arms around his lean tight waist energy whooshes through me with enough Force to jumpstart attractor I wonder if Memphis feels it too surely all this attraction can't be one sided what's the address for a second my brain is a blank slate then I Rouse into a working position as my tongue starts wagging 56 Antioch Church Road he plugs it into his GPS starts the engine and we are off as we drive through the neighborhood we pass Misty Campbell out working in her yard she turns and gives us the stare down I'm sure tongues will be wagging in Comfort tonight it occurs to me that right now at this moment I don't even care people are going to talk regardless of what I do I might as well have a little fun Memphis goes at a respectable rolling pace through the neighborhood hang on he calls over a shoulder as he turns onto the main road I don't have to be told twice I Hunker close to his back as he opens the throttle the motorcycle lurches and then we're flying chapter eight don't eat the mushrooms when we pull into Mom's driveway I'm still reeling from the adrenaline rush I'm a teenager again in a good way I scramble off the motorcycle remove the helmet and run a hand through my tangled hair God I can only imagine how Haggard I must look Memphis looks past me his eyes glimmering with Amusement what I follow his trail of vision trying to figure out what he sees this is your mom's place yes I answer wearily it's a trailer he clicks his tongue there goes the neighborhood ache I want to shrink down to the size of a bug and crawl away he's found me out I'm the biggest hypocrite on the planet before I can articulate a response he Chuckles as he leans close his warm breath tickling my skin don't worry your secret's safe with me I won't tell your mom that you're a trailer snob I'm not a trailer snob i g a sweat popping out over the bridge of my nose I would rather cut off my pinky finger than make my mom feel bad for living in a trailer uhhuh P laughs I swallow hard as I attempt to gather my thoughts which are scattered ashes in a windstorm I didn't mean to come across as a snot I'm just worried about the reputation my BNB guess we'll expect a certain environment you mean something other than an Airstream trailer and a plastic Kitty pool he searches my face with an exaggerated wounded expression but his eyes are dancing with a teasing light yeah I admit I'm such a louse for most of my life I've been looked down on because of the way I grew up it stinks now I I've done the same thing to him I'm sorry I sigh does that mean that you're okay with me being next door I blink not sure how to answer honesty is always the best policy you yes my voice Trails off but he raises an eyebrow my spine goes stiff as I look him in the eye but there are more things to consider here than my personal feelings I have a business to run my voice catches it's my livelihood I blow out a breath as my words come out through gritted teeth can we just shove this for now he studies me for what seems like an eternity before nodding I hand him the helmet and push my purse strap higher up on my shoulder as he places the helmet over the rear view mirror a wicked thought circles through my brain maybe it's the motorcycle ride that makes me bold or maybe it's the fact that I don't appreciate Memphis calling me on the carpet about the trailer at any rate it's time to turn the tables and put me back in the driver's seat I make a point of looking at the trailer the corners of my lips droop in a deep frown you sure you're up for this I straighten my shoulders and adopt the determined expression of one about to accomplish an impossible task he gives me a quizzical look ready for what dinner of course should I be worried his mouth quirks with humor petrified I say straight-faced the last guy I brought home ended up getting carried out in a pine box I lower my voice word to the wise don't eat the mushrooms it's fun to watch indecision flit over his handsome face I can no longer contain my laughter it breaks from my lips in a snigger just kidding well what do you know beneath that Barbie doll facade there's a sense of humor in there after all my voice Rises I'm not sure if I should be flattered or insulted by that comment he grins broadly don't dish it out unless you can take it his expression lights with humor as we lock eyes currents of awareness stir through my stomach my breath comes faster his gaze goes to my lips and I wonder if he's contemplating kissing me this time I'm the one who breaks the spell by stepping back never again will I fall into the Trap of throwing myself at him technically I refrained earlier so I can still hold my head up yikes it's scary how close I came to giving in to my base desires the trailer door flies open as Mom sticks her head out are y'all coming inside sometime this Millennium her tone is disgruntled but her eyes are shimmering with laughter I swear she can see right through me she knows I have a huge crush on Memphis ston there I've admitted it see I can be as self-aware as the next person maybe now that I've identified the problem I can rise above it I hope y'all are hungry mom says starving Memphis grins good we're having mushroom and Swiss cheeseburgers memphis's eyes fly open wide at the word mushroom a cackle slips from my throat I place a hand over my mouth to stifle it Mom's gaze moves from me to Memphis what am I missing nothing I say quickly more laughter presses against my throat I swallow it back down with a gulp come on in mom makes a wide Sweep with her arm before darting back inside Memphis steps next to me places his hand on the small of my back and navigates me to the trailer the gesture is so casual that he might have done it a thousand times before however for me something significant is happening aside from the fact that my entire body is thrilling at his touch being with him feels natural the burgers smell amazing causing my stomach to rumble mom makes the best mushroom and swiss burgers on the planet it's her signature dish I suspected it was what she would make hence the comment about the the mushrooms B is lounging on the recliner mom swats his leg lower that thing so pen and Memphis can get by with a grunt he pushes the lever to release the foot rest and sits up straight his expression is a thundercloud waiting to spill I'll just Mosey on into the kitchen and finish up Mom says as she trots over to the stove do you need any help I always help Mom prepare meals we work side by side as a team mom waves a hand I've got it you go and sit down there's a crafty Sparkle in her eyes I've got her number she's playing Matchmaker trying to fix me up with Memphis it boggles my mind that Mom has already decided she likes him she couldn't stand Tim that's really no surprise I can count on one hand the number of times Tim came with me to visit and those rare times when I managed to drag him along he was miserable and detached Memphis and I pick our way past bow and sit down on the couch I try to view the space through memphis's eyes the living room is small mom doesn't have a single decorating bone in her entire body I've offered to help spruce up the place but she likes it the way it is the midtone gray microfiber couch is super comfortable but worn the glass top coffee table was a yard sale find that would have been the height of style in the early '90s the pictures on the wall are a mishmash of bow and me at various ages with several of my unframed landscape canvases thrown in looking at the Landscapes I can reconstruct the pattern of my artistic journey and how thankfully my skills improved my first ones are rudimentary but Mom insists on keeping them it's proof of how hard work dedication and persistence pay off she says I can only hope that Mom is right I need all the success I can get for the B and B nice Shiner B says dry looking at my eye nice swollen lip I bite back a smile B is tough as nails but he certainly didn't Fair as well as Memphis did in the fight then again Memphis boxes for exercise the altercation was probably a walk in the park for him Memphis sits so close that our knees are nearly touching I consider scooting away from him but that would make things awkward casually he slides his arm along the back of the couch to rest behind my shoulders maybe he doesn't mean anything by it but the closeness to him revs up my cells I've got to get a handle on this idiotic attraction thing B scrunches his brows so it's true the two of you are a thing no I explode my face flaming I turned to Memphis who's grinning from ear to ear I shove his arm stop with the shenanigans already tell him the truth he Chuckles this feels oddly familiar my brows knit what do you mean this is a trap I can sense it his voice is as light as it is playful we keep finding ourselves in this situation where you feel the need to explain that we're not together we're not I turn to B we're not I repeat for good measure now Bo is grinning and so is Mom they're smiling like two fat cats who just gulp down prizewinning canaries what I nearly Shout me thinks thou Dost protest too much little sis Bo chides uhhuh mom agrees turning from the stove and perching a hand on her hip it's okay Memphis teases your secret's safe with me nothing I say will change their mind so I just shake my head but I'm not done with Memphis I shoot him a blistering glare you're enjoying this aren't you his eyes rain laughter only because you're so quick to rise to the bait he's right honey mom adds she looks at Memphis I keep telling her that she needs to let her hair down and stop taking herself so seriously I clamp my lips together in tight lines Memphis removes his arm from the back of the couch and leans forward shifting his attention to B about what happened last night B grimaces I'm sorry man he rubs a hand across his forehead I shouldn't have jumped the gun emotions I saw Penn's eye and after what happened with her doofus ex-husband well I guess I'm a little overprotective my first instinct is that I don't want B blabbing about the divorce to Memphis no wait if Memphis has been reading Nelly's wretched Blog then he already knows everything your overprotectiveness didn't just come from my divorce I spout to bow it started when I was born a sprig of tenderness Sprouts in my chest B is impulsive but I'm glad he's my big brother and that he loves me enough to care no hard feelings Memphis says easily we're good he and B size one another up as the silent information passes between them yeah we're good Bo finally agrees his shoulders relaxing good mom inserts now that we have that settled let's eat we gather around the square table that seats four mom has pulled out all the stops there's potato salad baked beans Co SLA and a platter of fresh veggies for the burgers The Ripe red tomatoes are fresh from her garden my mouth Waters mom is a fabulous cook she comes from old Southern stock and feels the need to feed the whole Countryside thanks for having me over Memphis begins it looks delicious his eyes meet mine I'm a big fan of mushrooms a giggle bubbles in my throat thankfully I managed to swallow it back down I hide my amusement by looking down at my PL let us pray mom says ceremoniously she looks at Memphis will you do us the honor he blinks in Surprise sure Mom reaches for bow and memphis's hands B grabs my hand I take the plunge next and reach from memphis's hand his touch is light and warm we bow our heads as Memphis prays the words flow e effortlessly from his lips and I can tell that he has a relationship with God his prayer is simple and from the heart he offers thanks for mom and her efforts in cooking the meal he expresses gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy through living in the United States he asks for a blessing to rest over the home and over all of us he closes the prayer with a hearty amen just before he releases my hand he gives it a SL squeeze trembl zip through my skin no one can argue that Memphis is impressive on a physical level that's all well and good but the superficial will only take a person so far I fell for Tim because on the surface he was everything I thought I Ever Wanted Tim's a shiny sports car that looks like a gazillion bucks on the outside however when you start poking around under the hood you realize that the engine needs some work I know very little about memphis's engine his likes his experiences what makes him tick however it's refreshing to meet a God-fearing man who has the humility to Express gratitude through a sincere prayer the contrast between him and Tim is staggering the more time I spend away from Tim the more I come to realize that I excused much of his behavior shame came on me I was determined to make the wrong shoe fit by wearing it until my foot could no longer feel the pain had Tim not wanted a divorce I would have put up with his crap for the rest of my life a shiver runs through me what would have happened when Tim and I had children would they have ended up as pompous and self- servant as Tim probably dig in mom encourages breaking me out of my thoughts we pass bowls around filling our plates silence drifts between us the only sounds are the clinking of the serving spoons against the bowls and plates before things can get too awkward mom comes to the rescue how's the remodel going pretty good the plumber fixed all the issues that's one more thing I can check off my list I'm painting the kitchen cabinets a little at a time next week I've got a guy coming to give me an estimate on doing epoxy on the countertops after that's done I'll shift my focus to the fine tuning of accessorizing and making sure all the bathrooms are stocked with towels toiletries Etc I grin inwardly when mom's eyes glaze she's no more interested in the remodel than a goose she cares about me of course but decorating is not her cup of tea Bo's attention is solely fixed on his food he's a man's man to the core the epitome of a tough firefighter he'd rather poke his eyeball out with a dull Fork rather than listen to me Dron hon about decorating while Mom's food is to die for there are plenty of places Bo would rather be on his night off namely either out with his buddies or on a date with one of his many female admirers Bo is one of the hotties in Comfort aside from his Devil May hair attitude which drives the girls crazy he has these piercing blue eyes that can see into your soul I would kill for those eyes I can't count the number of times girls have tried to befriend me over the years just to get close to my older brother when I was a senior in high school Miss cloud my English teacher laughed telling me about a conversation she'd overheard some of the girls in her class having if B were a piece of chicken he'd be Finger Licking Good gee thanks Miss Cloud for that lovely visual at the moment Bo is wolfing down his burger what he grumbles feeling me watching him B's eyes spark like he's ready to fight my brother has a fuse shorter than a buzzcut the two of us are always arguing it's how we communicate I scoff in disgust slow down man for goodness sakes chew and swallow it's not like your food's going to jump up and run away a caveman has better manners yeah I'm coming down hard on Bo but I don't want Memphis to think we're a bunch of Neanderthals Bo taunts me with a smile before looking at Memphis don't let Miss Perfect fool you just because she's eating like a bird in front of you doesn't mean that she can't put away some chocolate iced cream filled Donuts that's not true I cut in okay it might be somewhat true A girl's got to have a few guilty pleasures Amusement shimmers in memphis's eyes as he grins so Donuts are the key to your heart not hardly I laugh it'll take more than Donuts good to know Memphis utters yikes what the heck is happening here I look at mom from across the table the expression on her face says it all she has already married me off to Memphis and the ink on my divorce papers hasn't even had time to dry mercifully Memphis changes the subject going back to the epoxy that's a good option I have a buddy who does epoxy work he can make countertops look like Granite for a fraction of the cost I add sure enough B purses his Li lips maybe I should get someone to give me an estimate on my kitchen I'm sick of my for mic countertops I've been trying to talk B into redoing his Harvest Gold countertops for years when the guy comes to do my estimate I can give him your name and number I offer B nods sounds great Memphis picks up his burger and takes a large bite he has already eaten half of it whereas I've only taken a few bites I knew I wouldn't be able to concentrate on eating with Memphis here after he chews and swallows he looks at Mom this is excellent her expression goes buttery soft thanks Memphis is a charmer I can add that to his ever growing list of qualities he's right of course the burger is outstanding so is the potato salad the mushrooms are excellent Memphis asked I startle before a choral slurps through my lips Memphis and I meet eyes and share the moment a befuddled expression washes over Mom what's with y'all and mushrooms Bo looks up from his plate his eyes gleaming Mischief y'all are now sharing inside jokes interesting I kick bow under the table ouch he Yelps she kicked me he complains to Mom she ignores him keeping her eyes pinned on me the mushrooms she prompts crumb I scramble to come up with a response that will satisfy mom mom takes her cooking seriously and won't be amused with my joke of us carrying out the last guy I brought home in a pine box after eating her food my Panic must be broadcasting over my face because Memphis comes to my Aid my mom makes an amazing chicken marsala I was just telling pen on the way over how much I miss her thick creamy mushroom sauce he grins then surprise surprise mushrooms are on the menu a pleased smile overtakes mom's face that's fantastic B's eyebrows shoot up in Amusement so you were talking about chicken marsala while you were riding over on the bike his voice drips in doubt I'd like to give my brother a knuckle sandwich wipe that smug expression off his face for your information we talked about it before we got on the bike I retort and then wince inwardly good grief I'm acting like I'm 12 I need to stop letting B get my goat no matter how old we get we go right back to how we were as kids mom swats Bo's arm quit being so argumentative and annoying I shove B's other arm just keeping you honest little sis ignore him my mind shouts as the words fly out of my mouth what's that supposed to mean I think you know Bo says with a Sly smile he makes a point of looking at Memphis his tone goes musing love never put much stock in that baloney Nelly writes but maybe she's more on track than I realized I could Pummel my brother right now bow mom exclaims you could argue with a stump stop tormenting your sister her hand goes up to smooth her hair before she turns to Memphis and slips into Hostess mode tell us more about yourself you're from Texas and came here to be close to your sister and family I don't know truly well but she seems like a nice person he wipes his mouth with a napkin before settling back in his chair Trudy's great the affection in his tone speaks volumes Memphis is close to his sister as much as I hate the tackiness of his Kitty pool it's impressive that he would care enough to get it for his nephew and niece Trudy's husband Jud manages a car dealership in Mobile is that right yes that's why they moved to Alabama they initially looked at houses in Mobile but Trudy likes the small town flavor of comfort mom is pleased with that answer I can understand that what type of work do you do data analytics I help clients with their online marketing sounds like you can work from anywhere B pipes in as long as I have decent internet do you plan on staying in Comfort mom's voice is casual but interest Kindles on her expression my breath catches as I also wait for the answer Trudy hopes I'll stay he answers diplomatically I guess time will tell he shrugs the full picture fits together Memphis isn't living in an Airstream trailer because he can't afford to get a house he's a free-spirited Wanderer who doesn't want to be tied down the thought of him picking up and moving away makes me feel alarmingly unsettled good grief I'm a mess I want him next door but I want it on my terms is that so terrible it's not like I'm asking much why can't he just build a house in keeping with the neighborhood then the problem would be solved the longer you remain in Comfort the more you'll come to learn that our town offers certain charms that you won't find anywhere else mom answers as she looks straight at me seriously could she be any more overt my face scalds hotter than a second degree burn especially when I see the flash of amusement in memphis's eyes pen has an important event coming up this weekend mom says I blink my voice going squeaky I do Mom gives me a funny look that's suggests I'm losing it she speaks as though she's spouting off a well-known fact like how 2+ 2 equals 4 yeah the vict dinner at the Country Club it's crazy how fast Fury streaks through me I can't believe mom thinks I would actually attend that dinner after all that happened I'm not going I Grumble I'm the one who masterminded the dinner and worked it out so that we could have it at the Country Club it was supposed to be a celebration of us the ladies of comfort preservation Society exceeding our goal for the money raised a rendering of the plans for the viaduct will be revealed by Danny Floyd and his architectural firm now I want nothing to do with it the whole thing is a cruel reminder of how everything has been ripped from me you have to go mom count ERS why is Mom doing this right now in front of Memphis it's all I can do to keep my voice even as I answer no I don't have to go jutting out my chin I look her in the eye the snarky part of me can't resist getting in a jab I grunt out a brittle laugh I don't know why you're so concerned about the dinner anyway you think social events are a big waste of time she do doesn't so much as Flinch you bet I do sheap fires back normally I would tell you not to waste your time casting your Pearls Before Swine but that never seemed to bother you before bow makes a sputtering sound like he's fighting back laughter Memphis looks down at his plate like he's uncomfortable I crumble my napkin in my fist let's not talk about this right now I cut my eyes at Memphis mom doesn't skip a beat this isn't about some ply dinner this is about you and your future you're putting everything you have into your bed and breakfast it's vital for you to maintain a good reputation in the community she pauses giving me a meaningful look if you don't show your face now you never will mom's words slash through Me Like a Knife my eyes collect moisture as I blink the only out I've been on lately are to the grocery store that's hard enough every time I step foot out of the house people watch my every move I'm forced to relive the humiliation of Tim's betrayal and rejection all those so-called friends that I served alongside on various committees have made themselves scarce if it weren't for my true friends Albany Blakeley and ski I don't know what I would do Mom and Bo are always in my corner I know she's right I do need to go to the dinner but how am I supposed to drum up the courage especially with all the rumors flying around with Nelly's blog and my black eye no way can I go to the dinner looking like a freak I really don't think now is the best time to talk about this mom refuses to be quelled you know in your gut that the best way to combat Viola Norwood and her group is to face them head on so now you're saying that I have a gut I joke trying to diffuse the tension mom just looks at me with her Steely eyes that could laser through a brick wall I push out a long breath my voice going flat look I get where you're coming from I know I need to show my face but I'm not ready my voice dribbles off it's all I can do to push back the shelf of Tears pressing against my eyes Memphis turns to me his expression thoughtful what if I go with you what I croak with a half laugh I'll go with you he repeats a ginormous smile fills mom's face that would be fantastic no it wouldn't I shoot her an annoyed look before shifting my attention to Memphis I appreciate what you're trying to do I paused to collect my thoughts but with all the gossip flying around about us I don't think it would be good for the two of us to be seen together his eyes glitter with mirth are you embarrassed to be seen with me no I stutter it has nothing to do with you that's only partly true but no sense in splitting hairs right now I can't go out in public looking like this I touch my eye sure you can Memphis asserts you're beautiful I blink realizing what he just said you're beautiful it's astounding the power those two little words hold as they settle a glow in my chest mom and Bo can see right through me which is why I refuse to look at either of them they know the truth truth despite my best intentions to keep my emotions tucked safely away I'm falling for Memphis Stetson hard and fast this isn't like me at all Memphis continues as for the gossip people are already talking about us what's it going to hurt for them to see us at dinner together an incredulous laugh gurgles in my throat he makes a good point we were just seen riding through the neighborhood on his bike you're crazy I say admiringly shaking my head a lopsided grin pulls at his lips I've been called worse he's ARR in green gold eyes hold mine will you go to the dinner with me he phrases the question as though I would be doing him a favor by going I can't get over how comfortable Memphis is in his own skin he obviously doesn't care a rip about what anyone in this town thinks of him what I would give to be more like him don't leave the man hanging B pipes in a grin pulls at my lips okay I'll go good mom sigh it's a date Memphis murmurs rewarding me with a smile so dazzling that I feel like I'm being transported to the Sun I have no idea what I'll wear or how I'll manage to get through the dinner sitting a few tables away from Tim his parents and strawberry linger felt you got this Memphis says as if reading my thoughts we share a smile then an interesting thing happens suddenly I don't feel as weak or helpless so help me black eye and all I'm going to that blasted dinner time does a weird shift thing even though I'm just getting to know Memphis I feel as though I've known the essence of him since the beginning of my existence his Adventure his Charisma his goodness even his recklessness called to my soul don't ask me how I know this because it makes no rational sense as surely as I'm sitting here in this chair something Whispers that with Memphis ston by my side there's nothing I can't do chapter nine don't you dare take my tickets despite the black eye I feel pretty in my new curve hugging black dress that I bought at albany's adorable Boutique mom may think I'm too skinny but I like my Sleek new look I'm getting back to my old self whatever that means no wonder Alban's Boutique is a success the picture of high style it's still Coy and welcoming Albany and her mom have the business of running a boutique down to a science albany's time spent in New York served her well and Sable has a silver tongue that can finesse the most obstinate customer into buying they gave me the Royal Treatment there was one little hiccup that took place when strawberry came wal into the boutique looking for a necklace to match her dress it's the first time I've seen strawberry in person since the night I caught her in my bed with Tim normally I'm a sensible person but I was two steps away from rushing over and pulling her hair out Albany was right there with me her expression turned three shades of red and she muttered something about throwing strawberry out of the boutique however Sable who's the epitome of a Southern bell traed over and waited on strawberry with efficiency and Grace no one watching Sable would have had the slightest clue that she doesn't like strawberry however her true feelings bubbled to the surface shortly after strawberry left I'm sorry about that Sable sighed strawberry is pretty enough I suppose but there's very little going on upstairs if you get my drift somehow now I don't think Tim was attracted to her brains I snipped Sable's eyes blazed with a ferocity that surprised me I know the divorce has been tough but for the record you're coming out on top Albany has told me all about your cowboy he seems like he's Head and Shoulders above that spoiled brat you were married too oh he is Albany said heartily I tried telling them both the same worn out phrase I've been repeating to my family and myself Memphis and I aren't a couple even to my own ears the words lacked conviction finally I just shut up my thoughts return to the present as I steal a glance at Memphis my gaze traces the defined line of his lean jaw I've never seen a man look as good in a tux with his curls gelled and tamed he looks strikingly similar to Matthew mccon from the moment Memphis picked me up at my house I don't think my feet have touched the ground I keep replaying the appreciative look that flashed into his eyes when he saw me and how he uttered you look fantastic my eye is still black around the edges and bloodshot but thank goodness the swelling has gone down some I wore my hair down to help hide my eye also I didn't want want to be reminded of how my hairdresser had wound my hair in that stodgy updo the night my life imploded Memphis throws me a sidelong grin how you doing good I reply casually clasping my hands in my lap the truth is that I couldn't be more nervous if I had to choose between bathing in a bathtub of snakes and going to this dinner I'd pick the first I know what's coming we'll be surrounded by plenty of poisonous vipers tonight hiding behind their designer dresses and flaunting ping Smiles glitzed in the latest subtle shades of blush lipstick Memphis grasps the wheel do you feel that he turns the wheel sharply causing us to weave back and forth in a jerky motion my stomach drops like a bowling ball hurled from a 10-story building what I gasp catching hold of the oish handle hanging from the roof you have a low tire the back right one I sputter out a laugh all that for a low tire we're in my car and Memphis is driving us to the country club there was no way under the sun that I was riding to the dinner on memphis's bike and getting my hair blown to bits so we opted to take my car Memphis insisted on driving so I let him I'd much rather ride than drive any day of the week do you have a tire gauge should I he laughs I'll take it to a tire shop tomorrow and have them take a look at it thanks I say in surprise you don't have to do that I know he answers simply what I would give for a drink of water right now I swallow to try and generate some moisture into my parched throat I really appreciate you coming to this with me tonight I begin my voice is a little horse the reason my throat is so dry is because all my hydration is coming out in the form of a sticky sweat if Bo were here he'd say my hands are slicker than piig knot on an ice cube ew why did I think about that right now I need to channel my brain toward classier thoughts I'm not that wild urchin running around around town barefooted I'm a grown woman with culture I turned my attention to the glittering black dress it fits me the way a dress should not too loose not too tight at least this go around I won't have to worry about busting out of it the Dolce and gabana designer dress was a Splurge I've never worn anything so Chic or sophisticated the thin fabric is soft and silky against my skin I got the the dress for a steal even though I put up a fuss Albany sold it to me for a fraction of the retail price basically I used the reimbursement money from my green dress that the dry cleaners lost Albany knew how much money I had tucked aside to pay for the dress so she priced it accordingly then as if that weren't generous enough she threw in a new pair of shoes and silver and black dangly earrings she really is too good to me I'm grateful to be able to call her my friend I jump like I've been buzzed by a taser when Memphis reaches for my hand both embarrassment and awareness puls through my veins at the same time a shaky laugh scratches my throat sorry I'm a little nervous he's probably grossed out by my sweaty Palm your hand is ice I know I'm also sweating buckets beneath my arm pits no sense in pointing that out thankfully no one will notice since the dress is black as we drive through the massive iron gated entrance of the country club Memphis lets out a low whistle as he takes in the tutor style country club perched like a proud Castle on a green sloping Hill this is fancy I think we must have left comfort and Gone to Texas nah I counter with a grin it's too green to be Texas hey he protests East Texas is as green as can be his voice lils with humor you know what they say everything is bigger and better in Texas I believe it I clip and then realize what I've said oops heat blowtorches over my face easy laughter flows from his lips pen did you just give me a compliment he links his face fingers through mine my heart Thrills at the close contact but this time what I feel is more than mere attraction there's a connection between Memphis and me it's as real and Powerful as electricity I'm not sure where it's coming from or why it came on so quickly it's just there burning as bright and hot as the midday sun in June he gives me a questioning look I suppose I did I sigh as I throw him an impish grin your ego definitely qualifies as being bigger hey he groans but he knows that I'm teasing it's interesting I never joked much with Tim because he couldn't take it but with Memphis the banter comes naturally maybe it's because I feel so comfortable around Memphis with Tim I always felt like I was walking on eggshells everything was a compromise WR down to where to live or what food to have for dinner I assumed that the more I gave in and sacrificed the stronger our marriage would become dumb me I failed to realize a critical element it takes two to make a marriage work having my hand joined with Memphis is fills me with comfortable security and yet Memphis Thrills me so a thousand thoughts race through my mind all at once what does he like to eat what are his hopes and dreams what is his family like I'm burning to know everything about him my questions will have to wait until after the dinner however because we have arrived he pulls the car up to the valet a pimply-faced teenage boy dressed in khaki pants and a white dress shirt the valet opens the door for Memphis and hands him a ticket a second later Memphis goes around opens my door and helps me out of the car my stomach is tied in knots and I feel like I could throw up I haven't eaten hardly anything today because I've been too keyed up it's catching up with me my legs are weak do I have the strength to go in there and face all those people can I face Tim Viola and Bart I don't feel so great I say to Memphis as he leads me up the steps to the front entrance I pause on the stoop beside the Monstrous double doors I I don't think I can do this my tongue darts over my lips as I look longingly at the valet maybe we should go back determination flicks in memphis's eyes oh no we're going in my spine stiffens like a cat thrown into a tub of ice water you're not the boss of me I harumph that may be true but I promised your mom that I wouldn't let you weasle out of this his jaw hardens to Stone One Way Or Another We're going in a thin smile overtakes his lips so what's it going to be do we walk in arm in arm or do I carry you an incredulous laugh rises in my throat okay Clint Eastwood this isn't some West where you throw the damsel over your shoulder and holler off on a horse don't give me any ideas his eyes take on a smolder that stirs rivens of heat through my stomach making me forget for a moment about the Viper Den we're about to enter I wouldn't mind carrying you off he murmurs but first we've got to see this through my hand goes to my hip since when have you been talking to my my mom she called me today what my brows Bunch how did she get your number there's no telling what mom told Memphis probably that I was desperate and that he should take pity on me Trudy gave it to her for a second I'm at a loss for words what else did my mom tell you just wait till this dinner's over Mom's going to get an earful an evasive grin curves his lips wouldn't you like to know he taunts out of the corner of my eye I see Margaret Watson and her husband Bill coming up the steps Margaret and I worked closely together on the viaduct project we meet glances out of habit I offer her a warm smile of acknowledgement she has the audacity to smirk before sticking her nose in the air that's all it takes for my fear to dissolve poker hot anger takes its place this is my town I've more than earned the right to be at this dinner had I not worked my tail off there would be no Viaduct renovation or dinner it's time I stop cowering in the shadows I'm ready to take the stage if people don't like it then they'd better get out of my way I lift my chin let's do this you got it admiration flicks over memphis's handsome face as he links his arm through mine all eyes are riveted on us as we move through the foyer I've never been more grateful to have Memphis by my side no doubt plenty of people are looking at my black eye and wondering if Memphis actually hit me maybe this will teach them not to believe everything they read in Nelly's blog something Albany often says flashes through my mind the worse you feel the higher the heels amen sister my brain shouts my heels are certainly High tonight hey you a woman says as she touches my arm she's wearing black slacks and a white button-down short sleeved shirt it's my good friend ski she manages the local bakery on Main Street but does catering on the side for extra money I got this event she looks me up and down wow you look like a million bucks she winces well except for the Shiner does it hurt not So Much Anymore Albany told me what happened yikes I'm sorry we're still on speaking terms Memphis interjects glibly SK goes googly eyed as a grin wobbles over her lips hey she gushes her cheek cheeks going pink it's nice to meet the cowboy in person she makes air quotes with her fingers skate has always been a sucker for good-look guys when she gets nervous she gets Goofy and her words come out wrong Ski's dad is from Mexico and her mom is from Comfort petite with long wavy hair that goes naturally blonde on the ends ski is one of the most beautiful people I know inside and out out I do the introductions Memphis this is SK one of my closest friends SK this is Memphis I've heard so much about you Slugger she does a semi snort which she tries to cover up with a laugh as she balls her fist and punches him lightly on the arm sounds like you knocked her up good memphis's jaw drops I'm sorry knocked her out ski blurts her face flaming red that's what I meant to say seeing memphis's befuddled expression I translate she's referring to how you were boxing when you jabbed me with your elbow skat's voice goes juicy that's not all I heard about you oh Memphis asks in Amusement as he looks at me I hope the rest was good mostly good ski Chuckles hm Memphis Muses I guess I'll take that ski clucks her tongue as her eyes dance with Mischief this girl here sings like a parrot you mean like a canary I correct she makes a face you know what I meant I shake my head grinning cut it out ski you know I haven't been jabbering about Memphis Memphis slides an arm around my shoulders it's okay he jokes you can admit that you've been talking about me before I can articulate any type of response Ski's eyes widen actually it wasn't her Alban's the one who's been jabbering about you she thinks it's about dang time that pen traded in her old clunker for a shiny new model her eyes flick over Memphis I'm inclined to agree my face splashes with heat I give ski a look that says put a sock in your big fat mouth who's Albany Memphis asks with a puzzled expression skate looks surprised he hasn't met Albany yet no not yet I answer you're in for a treat ski Giggles Albany and Gavin are already in the ballroom their table is up near the front in the center they're saving y'all seats oh good it's a relief to know that we can sit with friendly faces Ski's catering the dinner her food is amazing gee thanks she says with a coquettish expression I have a lot to be desired the corners of memphis's lips quiver you mean you lack a lot to be desired I ask whatever she G rolling her eyes let's hope you still feel the same way after you eat the food skate sigh hope Jenkins normally helps but her daughter has strep throat I had to pull someone else in at the last minute Sheen looks past us into the ballroom I'd better get back to it a smile stretches from ear to ear it was nice meeting you Memphis she makes a point of looking at me and batting her eyes I'm sure we'll be seeing lots more of you for sure Memphis p in the certainty of his voice sends a warm thrill through me good luck tonight ski lowers her voice the She Wolves are sharpening their claws I don't doubt it I say dry ski Winks you've got this with that she hurries away she seems nice Memphis observes she's a mess I chuckle we've been friends since we were k kids who's Albany my best friend ah the bestie he draws she's the one I need to impress I reply with a glib she'll love you just like everyone else he searches my face are you including yourself in that list I start blinking a mile a minute um he laughs easily you don't have to answer that something inside of me snaps together making me feel somewhat whole again I don't mind answering I meet his gaze yes despite me charging over and attacking him about his trailer and the plastic pool Memphis has been nothing but kind to me he didn't have to come with me tonight and yet he's here standing by my side and offering a world of support he doesn't look like a cowboy tonight he's as debonaire and elegant as any movie star I've seen on the big screen or on TV I had no idea he even owned a tux this one doesn't look like a rental it fits him too perfectly a beautiful smile overtakes his lips crinkling the edges of his eyes my breath catches in the back of my throat as we share a long look my gaze goes to his lips I'm wondering if he'll kiss me tonight get a grip Penelope I can't think about kissing at a time like this no matter how easy Memphis is on the eyes he motions with his head shall we go in and get seated I take in a deep breath let's do it I'm ready to face down those She Wolves starting with Viola let me get our tickets I say as I reach into my purse and grab my phone they're electronic to my knowledge this is the first time that any charitable organization in Comfort has ever had an event where electronic tickets were used this was my brainchild and I'm quite proud of that fact I pull up the tickets as we go over to Joe Ellen who's man in the gates so to speak and check in tickets there has never been any love lost between Joel and Clayton and me not only did she have a huge crush on Tim back in high school but she's also one of Viola's groupies hello I say pleasantly no I don't like Jo Allen but I'm Southern and can shuck and jive with the best of them Penelope she CS in a syrupy voice don't you look lovely a frown drapes over her mouth I'm sorry about the black eye a lady should be careful about the company she keeps she gives Memphis a reproving look the hair on the back of my neck stands at attention it's all I can do to keep my smile hitched over my face nothing to be sorry about it was an accident Memphis steps closer and slides his arm around my waist the gesture sends my cells swirling I hold out my phone so Joe Ellen can scan the tickets she does so and frowns this ticket has already been used both of them have actually a heat wave flushes through my body with the force of a tsunami that's impossible I purchased them I level a glare at Joe Ellen right after I set up the system see this is why I was against using electronic tickets Jo Ellen and I went head tohe head over the tickets it was put to a vote and my suggestion won scan them again I growl uncertainty crosses her features as she glances into the ballroom she tries again I'm sorry but I can't let you in she bites her lower lip and looks in the ballroom again who is joelan looking at I spot the culprit standing a mirr 20 yards from where we are Viola her arms are clamped over her chest her expression triumphant this is outrageous I fume I raise my voice so those standing nearby can hear every word if it weren't for me there would be no Viaduct renovation you can't just act like my tickets are no good I speak even louder did Viola Norwood put you up to this Joe Ellen's face turns Lobster red I I don't know what to tell you it says here that those tickets have already been used maybe Tim and strawberry used them my heartbeat races to a Sprint as I look Viola in the eye I don't care what your little machine says we are going into that Ballroom I'll pay for the two tickets Memphis offers voice is polite but firm Joel and glances at Biola who shakes her head no that's not possible joelan says tightly the dinner is sold out she waves frantically at a nearby security guard we have a problem over here my blood runs cold never in my life have I detested anyone as much as I detest Viola Norwood it sicken me that Joel and is clamoring to do the witch's bidding there are plenty of other people in this town willing to go down the same path a giant fist squeezes my stomach I should have listened to my instinct and stayed home I lock eyes with Jo Ellen Are you seriously throwing me under the bus she just shakes her head and averts her gaze from the heat of my glare I glan back at the Lin stacking up behind us I recognize most of the women and their husbands I talk directly to them do you see what's happening here Viola is trying to blackbone me I clench my jaw don't think any of you are exempt from her wrath she could decide at any minute that she has no further use for you and then where would you be I snaap my fingers out on your tush that's where what's the problem the security guard asks as he steps up his voice ringing with authority I don't recognize the middle-aged man his attention is drawn to my black eye I can tell from the way his mouth tightens that he's already made a snap decision and labeled me a problem Joe Ellen speaks first these people are trying to get in without tickets a hard laugh riddles my throat just like that the gremlin escapes the bag that's not what's Happening Here I roar anger Burns through my blood infusing me with an indignant strength I bought tickets see I hold them out to the man he looks at them his eyes widening in Surprise those tickets have already been used joelan asserts but her words hold no Force she knows she's in a tight spot not I'm nailing her butt to the wall and anyone else who gets in my way you can't use tickets more than once ma'am his tone is patronizing I look at Memphis whose face has gone rock hard he's eyeing the security guard like he's fixing to knock him into next week I place a hand on his arm letting him know that I've got this my voice cuts through the room like a whip as I enunciate every word I purchased those tickets with my credit card right after I authorized the electronic system to be set up the guard's jaw goes slack as he looks from me to Joe Allen and then back at me you set up the system yes sir I shoot back with the force of a Fir and Squad I did that and much more I straightened to my full height my voice gaining volume I'm the one who set up this dinner I planned the menu and worked with the caterer I chose the floral arrangements for the tables in fact I worked directly with your boss Bill SMY if my tickets have been used then it was by my no count ex-husband Tim Norwood and his bird brained Floy the security guard's eyes pop open wide he's just realized that he's in way over his head I turn and look straight at Viola I suggest that you tell Tim to get his slimy butt out here and explain who the devil gave him the right to use my tickets otherwise I'll make a phone call to Deputy Dwight Jones and Tim can explain to him why he stole my tickets the guard holds up his hand there's no need to cause a fuss I'm sure we can work this out he gives Jo Allen a pleading look I think you're better off to just let her go in dang straight I mutter Joe Allen nods numbly thank you Victory swells through my veins as Memphis places his hand on the small of my back and leads me into the ballroom Memphis leans close to my ear and Whispers with a low chuckle that was one of the most magnificent things I've ever seen you're a firecracker remind me never to get on your bad side any other time I'd answer with some cute quip but right now blood is pounding against my temples with the furor of a jackhammer beaten through concrete I look over to where Viola is standing her face is blistering red hatred burning in her eyes in the past it would have upset me to be hated by another person now however I don't care standing off to the side I spot Tim and strawberry watching Memphis and me with worried Expressions strawberry's dress is scandalous plunging in the front ridiculously short and slit up the side showing parts of her body that only her maker should be able to see later I'll reflect on this moment wondering how in the world I mustered up such Moxy but right now my feet have a mind of their own as I turn in their Direction Memphis to his credit stays Right By My Side the years I spent perfecting the art of playing the cultur debutant were not in vain I slip into the roll like it's a second skin as I press on a sugary smile I GL died past Viola without so much a glance making a bean line for Tim and strawberry Tim I begin with oozing sweetness you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Memphis Stetson I've always regarded Tim as an athletic man however I'm startled at how soft and frail he is compared to memphis's tougher than Rawhide Vibe Memphis stands a good 2 in taller than Tim and probably outweighs him by 20 lbs but only because Memphis is all muscle Tim seems to shrink into himself maybe he's afraid Memphis will give him what he deserves a hard punch in the nose I would pay money to see that Memphis gives Tim a Curt nod his jaw is razor sharp he's intimidating the kind of man who busts heads asks questions later uh nice to meet you Tim stammers I throw Memphis an adoring smile you just can't imagine what a blessing Memphis has been to me I'm playing it up for the benefit of everyone within listening range but I mean what I say Memphis is a gem I'm realizing that more and more every day Memphis this is Tim Norwood would my no count chea x-husband and his Conquest Tim's eyes bulge like his tongue is tying a noose around his windpipe strawberry's face turns redder than her hair she clutches Tim's arm for support it was a cheap shot to steal my tickets the next time you or your horrible mother get a otion to tangle with me just remember that I won't go down without a f a stunned silence overtakes the ballroom and then I hear someone clapping from the front it's Albany Fearless amazing Albany Gavin also claps followed by Sable and Dallas trickles of other Applause join in not much but enough to know that I have a few loyal friends in this room tears missed my eyes as I blink away has been lifted from my chest if I had known how liberating it was to break out of the Gilded box I would have done it a long time ago Memphis turns to me his eyes briming with tenderness he senses that this is a huge transitionary moment for me should we take our seats you bet you there's nothing over here for me I throw Tim a withering look there ever was with that I hold my head high and we trapes to our table chapter 10 just kiss me already as we pull into my driveway Memphis removes the remote from the sun visor and uses it to open the garage he drives in and turns off the engine a hail storm of anticipation pings through my entire body I want to kiss Memphis so I can satisfy this intense Craven Building inside me but I'm petrified the garage light is on infusing the car with muted light he shifts to face me a crooked grin tugging at his lips that was an interesting evening I grunt out a partial laugh to which part are you referring the part where I chewed out the SEC security guard or when I gave Tim and strawberry a piece of my mind I grin inwardly picturing how Mom and Bo will react when they learn about the night's events a deep chuckle sounds in his throat both thanks for being such a good sport I take in a long breath I guess I've been holding in some animosity it was good to finally let it out a hard laugh scratches my my throat of course I gave Nelly Kinsey plenty of new material for her blog that you did he grins in admiration it was worth it yes it was I agree a thousand times over I can't get over how much lighter I feel no wonder Albany speaks her mind so freely she'll probably leave to be a hundred because she doesn't internalize her problems he gathers my hands in his sending zings of pleasure zipping through my skin the air goes electric I'm so sorry for all that you've been through thank you I utter swallowing the sudden lump in my throat my words rush out you've been so patient and understanding with all my drama it couldn't have been easy for you to be under such intense scrutiny and yet you bore it like a champ I don't know about that he Chuckles dryly when I saw your ex-husband standing there with that hot to trot redhead and I thought about how much he hurt you well it took all the internal fortitude I could muster to keep from punching his lights out I could tell I grin and then pick up on something he said wait how do you know how much he hurt me before he can answer I feel F in the blank you talked to my mom today she told you a little he admits also I pieced it together from Reading Nellie's blog between Mom and the blog I'm an open book my mom can be such a pill I groan I can't believe she's been blabbing my business to you your mom means well she's just worried about you that's why she asked me to look after you tonight his words are a slap in the face is that what tonight was about him doing my mom a favor I don't need you to feel sorry for me I assert my voice hardening I try to withdraw my hands from his but he holds them fast whoa tiger he laughs take it easy I don't feel sorry for you you don't no what do you feel the instant the words leave my mouth I regret saying them you don't have to answer that God I'm making this so awkward why did I have to open this can of worms I'm not sure how I feel about him how's he supposed to know how he feels about me the automatic light turns off washing Us in darkness my breath hitches when he moves his face close to mine let's go inside and talk sounds good I whisper trying to get a handle on my erratic emotions releasing my hands he opens his door before coming around to help me out when we step into the kitchen he surveys the cabinets your painting project yep I'm moving at a snail's pace I deposit my purse onto the kitchen island my hand hands are trembling slightly the kitchen seems small with memphis's presence looming so large would you like something to drink I cringe at the high-pitched Edge in my voice I'm a hot mess my jumping nerves would make a bucket of crickets look tranquil he Bridges the gap between us I and me with Amusement what I demand it's going to be okay I frown what are you talking about I don't know why I always cover up my discomfort with irritation his expression suggest that he can see right through me this us a crooked grin lifts a corner of his lips tenderly he brushes back a lock of my hair his hand lingers on my cheek stroking my skin with the sides of his fingers his touch is thrilling hypnotic we don't have to rush it can he hear the erratic pounding of my heart never before have I felt such a heady passion pulsing through my blood I drink in the rugged lines of his face I don't know that I'm ready I whisper my mind is barely cognizant of the words I've just spoken his eyes are so magnetic so compelling I'm swimming in a splendid sea of green ever so softly his lips brush my forehead I close my eyes Savor in the lightness of his touch he kisses my nose before moving to my lips he kisses one corner and then the other maddening tingles Circle down my spine evoking a sigh from my throat I'm ready to give into his tantalizing persuasion I anticipate that he'll kiss me now when he doesn't I open my eyes to discover him regarding me with cautious hope are you okay his voice is gentle and soothing almost a whisper a taunting smile tips my lips what are you waiting for cowboy n deepens his eyes as he pulls me into his powerful arms his lips claim mine with a hunger that licks fire down through through my toes my hands find their way to his neck as I thread my fingers up through his curls we cling to each other as our mouths move together in such perfect synchronicity that we might have kissed a hundred times before only this is so deliciously new I only thought I knew what passion was before now we kiss until every fiber of my body melts from the intensity when we pull apart we're both breathing hard I rest my hands against his muscular chest wondering how in the heck he got so chiseled boxing must do a man good A Satisfied smile drifts over his lips that was a long time coming I've wanted to kiss you ever since that day we met in the elevator I blink really his admission does strange things to my heart he Chuckles you felt it too I could see it in your eyes my cheeks burn hot it's on the tip of my tongue to deny it but something in the intense way he looks at me strips away all pretenses yes I admit I felt it it unnerved me I was a married woman I wasn't supposed to feel such a strong attraction to another man he presses his lips together in understanding Looking Back Now I wonder if my reaction to you wasn't some sort of premonition that let me know you were going to be part of my life his eyes simmer with light washing them in Gold I like your way of thinking questions percolate in my brain why were you at the architectural firm that day do you remember seeing me at the the restaurant earlier I'm asking a question I already know the answer to I remember him telling me in the elevator that he saw me in the restaurant I just want to hear him say it I do he grins we shared a look we did I giggle thanks to you I got a lap full of water huh Rose the server was just as taken with you as I was yikes I guess I'm laying it all on the line then again it's not like Memphis doesn't already know that I was enamored with him from the get-go Rose missed my glass and poured the water into my lap musical laughter rumbles in his throat oh wow I had no idea should we go sit down so we can talk his eyes moved to my lips or we could do other things he murmurs in a low throaty tone that sends giddy Quivers through me taking his hand I lead him into the den we sit down on the couch he drapes an arm around my shoulder warmth from his body wraps me in a comforting blanket as I shift so that I can see his face okay you were going to tell me why you were at the architectural firm that day that's right I wasn't there to see an architect but Babs Cox a realtor oh that's right babs's realy group is in the same building as Danny Floyd I explain they must be sharing the same floor during the renovation ever since my sister and her husband moved to comfort Trudy has been after me to move closer to her and her kids do you have any family left in Texas I do my mother and another sister what about your dad does he live in Texas a shadow crosses his features no he passed away several years ago I'm so sorry it's okay he pauses the edges of his eyes tightening I'm curious to know more but I refrain from asking after all I don't want to come across as the Gestapo I had an appointment with Babs to see several properties that's why I was on the elevator that day how did you end up purchasing the lot next door something shifts in his eyes I get the sense that he's trying to decide how much he wants to share don't hold back I grin I came clean to you about being attracted to you in the elevator you can be straight with me he laughs fair enough okay you intrigued me from the very get-go really a burst of pleasure runs through me yeah I purse my lips adopting a sultry model expression was it my extraordinary good looks partly he says without the slightest trace of guile thanks I blink super flattered his eyes meet mine as a grin tugs at his lips deepen in his dimple also I liked that you made me work for it you didn't just f fall at my feet I gurgle out a laugh oh my poor baby I C it must be rough to be so handsome and have all the women falling over you so you think I'm handsome don't let it go to your head it's tough being me he answers flashing a cheeky grin but somehow I manage I shake my head laughing the sad part is that you're serious women probably throw themselves at you all the time a dart of jealousy stabs through me I force my tone to go light you know all about my sorted background with the divorce tell me about the women in your past he interrupts with a dry chuckle I hardly think reading the gossip on the town blog qualifies as a clear understanding of your divorce let's be clear here it's not the town blog But Nelly Kinsey's blog she's in no way sanctioned by the town and you're absolutely right I snap Nelly's a crafty spider who takes bits of Truth and then spins it into her own little web of rumors his eyes flick with interest okay let's hear it straight from the horse's mouth what happened to your marriage I drop my jaw and ham up the outrage Are you seriously comparing me to a horse right now his eyes caress mine if I were you'd be a thorough bread chimy Cricket this guy knows just what to do and say to get my blood pumping faster I never stood a chance he's the pi Piper but instead of unsuspecting children he collects the hearts of women God that's a terrible analogy I don't want Memphis going around and Gathering Hearts like he's a mass in a record collection I want to be the only heart he collects I'm getting off track I shift the conversation back to the question I need answered how did you come to buy the lot next door to me from the way he moistens his lips I get the feeling that he's picking and choosing what to tell me just spit it out I demand okay after our encounter in the elevator I described you to Trudy so I could find out who you were Trudy thought it might be you but she wasn't sure then she read Nelly's blog shortly thereafter Babs called and told me about a lot that had just come up on the market in the historic district I realized you were right next door and the rest is history oh wow and then I tromp over and lamb based you for bringing an Airstream trailer in the neighborhood sorry about that I winse a chuckle sounds in his throat I have to admit that's not how I expected things to go down I touch my black eye me neither and yet here we are he utters his gaze holding mine my focus is pulled to his lips I want to kiss him again but I suppose we should talk more first you were telling me about the women in your past laughter zings in his eyes let me guess anything I say can and will be held against me for the rest of my life absolutely I study his handsome face wishing I could discern his thoughts he takes in a breath there was someone once but it was over a long time ago silence settles between us I can no longer handle it and I prompt the suspense is killing me before I started working in data analytics I was an aspiring singer I nearly choke on my own saliva what kind of singer a crooked grin lifts a corner of his lip do you really have to ask the cowboy boots and hat Texas country music he nods my junior year in college I joined a band we played a few small gigs started getting some notoriety eventually I dropped out of college and became a roadie on River Raglin tour he pauses staring off in the distance I can feel is pain thickening the air around us I touch his arm my voice going soft what happened he sucks in a quick breath as you can imagine my parents weren't thrilled with my decision to quit college we had several arguments about it my dad and I sto talking he pauses his lips pressing into hard lines like he's pushing the emotion back inside himself when he can continues his voice is flat then my dad had a heart attack I was away on tour my mom and sisters couldn't get in touch with me his words dribble off to silence as he offers a strained smile I'm sorry I say again my voice sounds small and insignificant in my ears it's such a TR expression but I don't know what else to say I wish there was some way that I could ease his hurt but there isn't we sit quietly soaking in the Stillness of the silence right after Tim moved out the looming quiet in the big house felt like the morg this is different comfortable thanks for telling me about your dad he traces circles over my arm with his fingers the feather lightness of his touch sends tantalizing tingles through me is this really happening never would I have imagined the turn my life would take I'm so grateful that Memphis is opening up to me we certainly have no problem on the physical level hate simmers through me just thinking about that kiss wower I could live a thousand lifetimes and not be kissed like that again so completely that it leaves me with curled toes and a contented sigh I'm digressing back to my point our physical interaction is great it's nice to know that we're also connected on an emotional level he turns to me as if bringing himself out of the past and back to the present thanks for listening he says quietly of course my heart aches for him and the regret he feels about not being able to say goodbye to his dad at least he had a relationship with his dad I have no idea what my dad is doing these days and I don't give a flying flip any man who deserts his wife and kids doesn't deserve my attention my mind goes back to memphis's narrative it occurs to me that after all that he still didn't tell me about his former girlfriend should I question him more about it or just let it go obviously things didn't work out or he wouldn't be here with me now maybe it's better to just let him tell me about it in due time how did you transition from being a roie to a data analyst my dad's sudden death caused me to view things differently I can understand that I grunt if someone had told me a few months ago that I would March into a public event and make a spectacle of myself I would have said no way I shrug and yet here we are it was a beautiful thing he Chuckles a smile spreads over my lips yes it was the look on Tim's face was priceless maybe Viola got the not so subtle hint that if you mess with me there will be a high price to pay you were going to tell me about your divorce he prompts I Grimace dang it I thought you forgot he Taps his Temple his eyes sparkling a steel trap haha I say dry I shift in my seat as I compile my thoughts how can I put into a few words what happened especially since I'm still trying to understand it myself my tongue darts over my lips as you already know Tim had an affair with strawberry he nods it would be easy to just leave it at that and lay all the blame at Tim's feet but the truth is that Tim and I had problems almost from the moment we said I do I shake my head no I guess it started before that Tim and I were childhood sweethearts when I say childhood I mean from the time we were kids the edges of memphis's eyes tight I can almost read his thoughts he's wondering how he can possibly compete with a relationship that has gone on for so long or maybe he's not thinking that at all he could be wondering why I stayed with Tim as long as I did I'm certainly wondering that I forge on with my story growing up I was the girl everyone felt sorry for I came to school dressed in raggedy clothes my hair a wreck a hard laugh scratches my throat my only saving grace was that I was smart enough to make good grades I creased my brows trying to articulate what I'm feeling mom did the best she could she was fighting her own battle with a broken heart from my father leaving her and us kids also she has fibromyalgia it's a miracle that she was able to take as good of care of us as she did did it couldn't have been easy being a working single mom The Compassion on memphis's face brings moisture to my eyes anger follows close on the heels of my sentimentality how many times have I seen the pity on the faces of my teachers and the town's folk the last thing I want is for Memphis to feel sorry for me I clench my jaw continuing for some reason that I'll never understand Tim Mr Golden Boy showed interest in me eventually I took control of my grooming and transformed myself from the school Pariah into a cheerleader I grunt remembering my senior year I was voted homecoming queen Tim escorted me out on the field I shrug the gist of it is that I fell in love with the hero I had concocted in my brain Tim and I don't have much in common he hated this mansion and all the headaches that come from living in an older home Tim has never gotten along with Mom or Bo mostly because Mom has always been able to see right through him she thinks he's a spoiled rich kid who's been handed everything on a silver platter I pause and look at Memphis to get his reaction to what I'm saying his expression is one of concentration like he's listening intently sensing that something was wrong in our marriage I tried to make myself into the kind of woman that I thought Tim would admire I poured my energy into charitable events I clenched my fist I allowed Viola Norwood to use me a thin smile curls my lips I gar and darn that Viola never imagined that I would call her out about her little stunt with the tickets the outrageous artist finally broke out of her gilded box Memphis says admirably I'm just glad I was there to see it I Flinch outrageous artist how did you know I sputter the answer flashes through my brain mom told you about that a sheepish grin forms over his lips yeah I put on my snippety hat as I look him in the eye what else did she tell you I can't believe mom has been blabbing personal things about me to Memphis where's the Loyalty pretty much what you described that you were in love with the idea of Tim instead of the man himself she wants you to start painting again she says you're good I laugh I have a lot to be desired I quit whip repeating sk's faux paw yes you do he utters his gaze moving over me slowly as if absorbing every detail the moment slows as he cups my face with his hand his fingers Trail warmth over the curve of my jaw before traveling down my neck his maddening light touch ignites my cells as he Strokes the pulse and Hollow of my neck I move closer as his lips take mine moving with a tender exploration that melts ecstasy through my veins his masculine taste and scent his touch the hardness of his muscles the insistence of his lips everything about him draws me in this time I'm the one who deepens the kiss the charge that flows through my veins is electric his phone buzzes in his pocket we jerk slightly before moving apart my mouth still holds the burn of his lips he fishes it out of his pocket and looks at the screen his eyes round it's your mom my mom my brows Dart down into a v why is she calling you hello he answers a few beats pass with him listening it was rough going at first but it turned out out well in the end I surmise that she's asking him about the dinner I'll let Penn tell you all about it he says looking at me a smile tips his lips sure I'd love that thanks for the invitation all right good night he ends the call what was that about a pleased grin overtakes his features causing his dimple to deepen he has such a glow about him that I can almost believe the sun has taken up residence in My Den I'm crushing hard here ski laughs about kids who come into the bakery and press their faces against the dessert case as they salivate over the iced sugar cookies yep that's me right now your mom invited me to go to church with y'all on Sunday and then to have dinner at her place afterward really my voice shoots up and octave chalk one up for Mom if she's inviting you to church she must really like you I bite back a smile you certainly have her fooled hey he counters the corners of his lips droop but his eyes brighten with laughter my phone rings from the kitchen that's probably Mom calling me now I sigh heavily I'm sure after you told her it was rough going at first she's probably wondering what happened as fast as news seems to travel in this town she probably already knows I'm sure you're right I grunt Nelly's probably already posted about it by now I get up from the couch to go and get my phone I'm surprised when Memphis also stands he throws me a wicked smile my throat is parched from that tonsil examination some girl just gave me I HIC up a startled laugh before giving him a playful shove in the chest I'd like to think I'm more than just some girl I retort laughing he encircles my waist with his arm and pulls me toward him his eyes deepen with intensity oh you are he murmurs you're the girl I love the sound of that I peer up into his handsome face face so does that mean you'll stick around hope percolates in my chest Memphis is fast becoming an important part of my life no not just an important part but the important part I might be persuaded he draws under one condition condition I arch an amused eyebrow a grin breaks over his features you'll have to get used to the plastic pool I make a face as determination streaks through me we'll see about that I might just have to sneak over in the middle of the night pour out the water and haul the thing off to someplace never to be found again hey he thrusts out his lips in a pout that's so boyishly Charming it swounds my heart you wouldn't take poor Brooks and Hattie's pool now would you don't be putting a guilt trip on me if your nephew and niece want a pool then you should have put one in after you build your house you got this all planned out his voice is deliciously warm and mellow yep I laugh I've always been the planner I give him a meaningful look but I never counted on you brilliant smile curves his lips I guess it's true what they say the best things in life are never planned a second later he tips his head you hear that what I my ears your phone stopped ringing I guess Mom gave up for now let's go and get you some water for that parched throat I'd hate to be the cause of you fainting from dehydration I I wink his brows Furrow men don't faint ah I've offended the delicate Cowboy ego a reckless expression overtakes his features offend my eye he starts tickling me squealing I try to Dart away but he catches me tickling me harder tears form in my eyes stop I laugh say Mercy Mercy Mercy I shout as he releases me laughter still trickling from my throat I shake my head you're terrible we go into the kitchen after that tickle torture I'm going to need some water too I say as I retrieve two glasses from the cupboard my phone rings again I guess Mom's not giving up you answer I'll get the water I reach into my purse and pull out out my phone my eyes nearly bug out of my head when I realize who's calling it's Tim I say breathlessly Memphis is at the sink he turns his jaw going razor sharp why would Tim be calling me I asked mostly to myself a rigid determination rolls over memphis's handsome face do you want me to answer it I blink do I before my brain can process what's happening I hand him the phone he puts it on speaker and answers with a Curt hello silence comes over the line before Tim speaks uh I'm sorry I must have the wrong number are you looking for pen Memphis Cuts in ye yeah he stammers I step closer to Memphis our heads are almost touching what do you need I clip another awkward pause follows before Tim swears you should be more careful about the company you keep people are starting to talk Fury flashes in memphis's eyes at the same time a hard laugh riddles my throat I shouldn't be surprised at anything Tim says or does but his impudence floor me my voice takes on in a seric sing song quality that's just the thing Tim I'm learning that I don't care nearly as much about what people think of me as I thought I did good grief that was a tongue twister I swallow gearing up for more well you should he says smugly word around town is that you're not cut out to run a business business he slips into his I'm better than you emmo are you really so desperate for a man that you'll hit your wagon to some guy who hit you come on pen you're better than that blood rushes to my temples with such force that I wonder if my head split open like an over rped watermelon the muscles in memphis's jaw twitch his voice is dangerously calm when he speaks beying the rage in his eyes I'd rather be bullwhipped six ways to Sunday than hit a woman but I certainly don't mind punching you into next week Tim curses again why don't you go back to your ranch cowboy this doesn't concern you his voice is coded in whiny cynicism anything that concerns pen concerns me me Memphis States a sense of awe trickles through me Memphis is Rambo Clint Eastwood and Chuck Norris rolled into one he could chew metal and spit out Nails you know pen it's sad to think how low you stooped strawberry has been in the bathroom crying ever since we got home over the things you said you owe her an apology did he really just say that for a couple of seconds I'm speechless aund thoughts ping through my brain at once as I think of all the things I'd like to tell Tim Norwood starting with you're a low down spoiled weak womanizer who couldn't last a day without your Mama and Daddy's Money oh and I've just learned up close and personal that your kisses are totally lackluster I I could say all of those things but I don't want to waste my breath I'm so done with Tim Norwood don't ever call me again I growl ending the call memphis's eyes Blaze with wrath somebody needs to put that self-important pansy in his place once and for all amen I mutter and then consider the ramification of what I just said I was so worried about Bo doing something stupid now my fears extend to Memphis Tim's a coward I spat he would love nothing more than for you to do something so he can hide behind his dad's money in the long arm of the law I lift my chin as a new revelation rustles through me like a fresh healing breeze it's crazy how quickly my anger dissolves you know what what what Memphis grumbles I remove the phone from his hand and place it on the counter then I step up to him and slip my arms around his neck the greatest Revenge I could ever get on Tim or Viola or Nelly Kinsey is to live my life on my terms I lock eyes with him with you the anger lines on his face dissolve as he grins do you mean that he asks cautious hope ringing in his voice a bubble of gentle laughter ripples through my throat yes I mean it I throw him an impish grin on one condition ah so now you have a condition yes sir what's good for the goose is good for the gander he makes a face not the pool again in the trailer poor little Ed wia's going to get her feelings hurt who's Ed WIA his beautiful eyes spark with unreleased laughter my silver jalapeno a choral burst through my lips nearly choking off my breath are you talking about the Airstream trailer heck yeah he answers there's never a dull moment with you I say appraisingly and no my condition has nothing to do with edua or the pool then what my eyes go to his lips as desire stirs heat through my stomach yikes I never knew I could be so forward maybe I should reel the outrageous artist in nah what would be the fun in that my voice goes sultry I was going to say that you and I will be just just fine as long as you keep kissing me his warm Rich laughter fills the room as he slips his arms around my waist and pulls me close with a rough movement yes ma'am he utters as his lips Crush mine chapter 11 stirring the pot August 7th breaking news folks fireworks erupted at the country club last night when Penelope showed up with her eye candy Cowboy by her side Penelope is still sporting a black eye which begs the question did the cowboy hit her if so it didn't take Penelope long to turn the other cheek or the other eye Penelope has trimmed down to her former size and looked terrific in her new designer dress purchased at the shop on Main Street however all's not well in paradise there was some mixup with her tickets and penelopy didn't take it well bystanders were astounded and embarrassed by her loud Brazen remarks to Joe Ellen Clayton and the security guard on duty things got worse when Penelope marched over to Tim Norwood and strawberry lingerfelt and cut them both to shreds with her sharp tongue I'm all about people speak in their mind but it must be done with Civility and respect for the occasion a black tie event is not the place for you to grind your axes people we're too dignified and cultured for that Penelope's actions were totally uncalled for bless her heart I guess it just goes to show that while you can take the girl out of the redneck you can't take the redneck out of the girl what will come of Penelope's bed and breakfast I can't imagine that folks will want to stay at an establishment where the host might be inclined to go off her rocker at the slightest provocation also it's hard to get excited about staying at a nice place when her Cowboys campsite is right next door the weatherman says we're in for record highs next week be sure and stay inside where it's cool and if you happen to run into Penelope well you might want to steer clear of her hot temper or or you just might get your head bitten off until next time your friend and the one in the know Nelly chapter 12 all the good as bad as my life was that's as good as it is the morning following the country club dinner Memphis showed up with a dozen chocolate iced cream filled donuts and paintbrush between the two of us we knocked out the kitchen cabinets in a handful of ours we might have run into a slight delay when Memphis took his brush and painted my nose I got him back by slashing paint on his cheek he tickled me I tickled him we silenced our laughter with several long shivery kisses that left us breathless the next day we went to church with Mom and Bo I made a point of getting all doled up and smiling sweetly at everyone I saw I figure the best way to combat Nelly keny's venomous blog is to shower people with kindness and hope that they will eventually see through the lies my days are filled with preparations for the opening of the BNB Memphis breaks away from his digital marketing and virtual meetings with clients as often as he can and helps me with my work he's good with a hand hammer and has a surprising eye for design who would have thk Memphis is a man of many talents we spend every scrap of free time together I'm worse than a Lovick teenager finding every excuse to run next door and smooch with my boyfriend some evenings we venture over to his place and start fires in his portable fire pit and roast marshmallows Memphis pulls out his guitar and plays and sings his voice is good good and he has the Charisma of a star is it bad to say that I'm glad he didn't become a superstar I want him all to myself without having to share him with hordes of Twitter ped fans one week goes by two three 4 before I know it the open house for the BNB is only 4 days away thanks to my good friend Blakeley who connected me with a marketing agency in Mobile I already have a handful of bookings for September and October I hope to gain even more business after the locals attend the open house and spread the word I hired a photographer to take pictures for my listing on the marketing group's website we were able to exclude the surroundings meaning we avoided showing the Airstream trailer Etc hopefully guests will be so enamored with the mansion that they'll Overlook the lot next door if anyone asks I'll simply tell them the truth truth that the neighbor plans to build a house in the near future Memphis has been looking at plans for a house and even a pool but he doesn't want to build until spring I'm okay with that the main thing is that he intends to stay here there's one word that sums up how I'm feeling happy my phone buzzes pulling me out of my thoughts it's a text from skate which do you want for the open house devil's food or makeful bacon cupcakes both I type back done it's so nice to be at the point where I'm wrapping up the last minute details I'm actually ahead of schedule which is why I'm taking a well-earned break this evening Albany and Gavin are joining Memphis and me for dinner we're ordering pizza from Life by the slice with alony and me being so close it's nice that Memphis and Gavin get along well Gavin plans to take Memphis fishing on his boat and Memphis wants to teach Gavin how to box so he can have a sparring partner just as I open the fridge to grab out items to make a turkey avocado sandwich my phone rings it's Albany hello I answer pulling out a pack of turkey with a head of lettuce she launches in with how are you great I chime just making me something for lunch would you like to stop by I'll make you something to there's a long pause I cradle the phone on my shoulder as I pull a loaf of bread from the bread box on the counter are you still there yeah she sigh have you been online today her voice is off something is wrong my stomach instantly draws into a knot earlier when I ordered some more towels and washcloths why you should get on and look at Nelly's blog what did the witch write this time I mutter you know what I don't even care I'm done with giving that woman power over me nothing she says or does can hurt me anymore maybe you'd better just get on and look I push out a long sigh I'll do it after I eat lunch whatever I read is sure to sour my stomach do it now while I'm on the phone since when do you care what Nelly writes in her blog just do it Albany commands fine I huff rolling my eyes what is Eden at Albany did Nelly say something about the boutique or Gavin there's not much more she can say about me that she hasn't already said I popped down in a chair at the kitchen table and opened my laptop when the blog pops up I start reading the words did the Cowboy murder his girlfriend come at me in a head-on collision a ragged gasp tears through my throat my heart takes off in a mad Sprint as tears blur my vision no it can't be true Nelly has gone too far what if Nelly is telling the truth this time please let it be a lie the room starts to spin as I suck in a breath forcing my eyes to re the words on the screen my brain processes the sentences and disjointed snatches girlfriend Angel swallows a backup singer on river ragland's tour heavily into alcohol and drugs Memphis started her down that path Angel shot dead in a seed roadside Motel Memphis questioned by the police about his involvement albany's voice sounds like it's coming from far away did you know about this I ball my hands into fists to stay the trembles my throat closes up I can't breathe pen Albany prompts is any of it true my tongue is a slab of cement in my mouth somehow I managed to croak out I don't know I grappled to remember what Memphis told me about his past I list the events alowed he was a roie his dad had a fatal heart attack there was a girlfriend I stop ice running through my veins when Memphis told me he had a girlfriend I sensed there was more to the story I should have pressed him to tell me the truth I go from cold to hot as sweat pops over my nose this can't be happening I realize that Albany is talking Nelly wrote that she was curious about memphis's past so she started digging she connected with angel's sister who told her what happened oh my gosh Nelly had a face Toof face interview with the sister the woman's here in Comfort the there must be some mistake you know Nelly she twist things around to suit her own purposes yeah I suppose but she did interview the sister so what I explode why didn't Memphis tell me anger socks me in the gut cutting off my breath has everything been a lie no I refuse to believe that what are you going to do pen the concern in Alban's voice ties a noose around my neck I mop my forehead I don't know tears spring to my eyes how could Memphis keep this from me he knows the turmoil I've been through I trusted him you don't need to be alone right now Albany said says decisively I'm coming over there I don't argue my life was turning around or so I thought I'm one of those pathetic women taken in by good looks and charm how many times do I have to keep making the same mistake a weat eater is hacking at my heart and whacking it to bits my body may be sitting in a chair in my kitchen but my mind hurls through time and space I'm standing on the edge of a cliff staring into the abyss a dark Insidious Cloud moves over me pouring down enough rain and hail to push me over the edge I fall my desperate fingers claw the side searching for something to hold on to why do I keep holding on maybe I should just let the forces sweep me away into nothingness pen I blink huh are you okay Alban's worry seeps through the phone and oozes into my pores horror trickles through me did Memphis kill his former girlfriend if so then why is he not in prison a new thought enters my brain giving me a sliver of hope I don't have to take Nelly's word for this I can research it online my phone beeps I have another call I say mechanically I'm on my way Albany says before she hangs up I click to the other call with a muffled hello my brain is racing in a thousand different directions Penelope the woman's voice is crisp professional yes this is Mindy Howard from Homestay marketing um yes I fumble Homestay marketing is the in Mobile that I'm working with to get the bookings Kate Brennan is my rep but I recognize Mindy's name she's the owner I just got some disturbing news it takes my brain a second to sharpen enough so that I can process her words what's wrong I'm in some Wasteland where everything is moving super slow a concerned citizen from Comfort just called and notified me about your nextdoor neighbor who's also your boyfriend I understand that Memphis statson was involved in his former girlfriend's death also he hit you in the eye he didn't hit me in the eye I growl he elbowed me it was an accident I shake my head what does this have to do with my business everything at Homestay marketing we stake our reputation on representing upstanding establishments our clients depend on us to recommend safe and reputable places to stay under the circumstances I feel that it's in our best interest to terminate our contract with you and cancel the existing reservations you will be required to refund all of the deposits within 48 Hours Panic thickens my throat you can't do this I've put everything into my business it's both safe and reputable white hot anger zigzags through me as I go back to something she said who called you I beg your pardon you said a concerned citizen called you my voice goes shrill was it Viola Norwood I'm not at Liberty to say Mindy says stiffly I take that as a yes Fury is burning so hot in my chest that I wonder if I'll combust did Viola Norwood mention that she used to be my mother-in-law she has a personal Vendetta against me I grasp at straws this is discrimination we reserve the right to dissolve any relationship with our Hospitality partners that is not a good fit for our group Mindy counters testily it sounds like you have gotten in way over your head with Memphis Stetson my advice would be to distance yourself from him I wish you the best she says curtly as she ends the call I'm stunned all my hard work went down the drain in the snap of a finger fear claws at the base of my skull now what the doorbell rings I rise from the chair and go to answer it my insides are dead I should have never trusted Memphis I'm a stupid stupid woman I don't recognize the woman standing at the door I open it how may I help you I asked flatly she's in her early 30s and attractive in a girl next door sort of way with her sandy blonde hair pulled back and held with a clasp at the nape of her neck my name is Brandy Wilson the name means nothing to me angel swallows his sister air whooshes out of my lungs could this day get any worse I take a close look at the woman and pick up on details I didn't catch before there are faint Shadows beneath her eyes and spidery lines branching out from their Corners an aura of sadness cloaks her she's hard around the edges like she might be a pill to deal with I understand that you're dating Memphis ston she motions may I come in my feet remain planted on the floor what do you want she compresses her lips in hard lines I'm taken back by the chilling hatred that twists over her face I want Justice for my sister she says hoarsely I'm sorry for your loss but this is not my fight disgust overtakes her features as she shakes her head he got to you too just like he did Angel I don't appreciate being lked in with some other woman it makes me feel pathetic that woman is dead what a horrible Tangled mess I've gotten myself in my spine goes ramrod straight what could you possibly hope to gain by talking to me I want you to know the truth so he won't destroy your life like he did Angels she points to my eye he hit you her voice hardens in condescension I don't get it why would you put up with that Memphis didn't hit me I say flatly sounding like a broken record she looks at me with pity you're all the same I see movement from behind her and jerk when I realize it's Memphis Brandy turns to see who's coming up the steps he stops in his tracks his face draining what are you doing here Brandy barks out a laugh keeping you from ruining another woman's life Myriad emotions flood through me as I lock gazes with Memphis hurt confusion anger it's all there why didn't you tell me about angel his eyes filled with remorse I should have but I didn't know how his jaw works I didn't want you to view me as a murderer Brandy Cuts in you have no business coming here Memphis mutters a hard smile spreads over bry's lips did you really think you could just run away to a place where no one knows you and start over the past always has a way of catching up let me explain Memphis says given me a pleading look why so you can manipulate her like you did Angel she eyes him with such malevolence that it turns my stomach Brandy seemed attractive at first but with the mask of rage over her face and the veins in her neck cting she has transformed from smeagle in Lord of the Rings to Gollum right before my very eyes I didn't manipulate Angel Memphis says tonelessly grating laughter peels from bry's throat is that the line you're still telling yourself to help you sleep at night she turns to me with crazed eyes don't believe a word he says he's a liar and a murderer enough Memphis Thunders Brandy lets loose a string of curse words that would make a truck driver blush her eyes bulge as she gets up in memphis's face I don't care how long it takes but I swear that I'll see you rot for what you did to my sister the pressure building inside me spews stop it I cut in my voice going horse both of you I home in on Brandy I'm sorry about your sister's death I really am but thanks to you and your little interview with Nelly Kenzie my business just went up in a ball of flames memphis's face Falls what happened tears sprang to my eyes the Marketing Group in Mobile severed our contract I lost all my bookings for September and October he pushes a hand through his hair I'm so sorry what can I do to help help Brandy screams why didn't you help Angel you knew she needed help and you left her the anguish on memphis's face cuts at my insights I can't even begin to make sense of this all I know is that I opened myself up to Memphis and he hurt me Albany jogs up onto the porch her hands going into her hips what in the heck is going on she throws Brandy in Memphis blazing looks I could hear y'all yelling a mile away let me help Memphis urges searching my face digital marketing is what I do I can get you more bookings than you could handle and save you from paying some company a fee I'm so sorry he adds quietly Brandy rattles out another spiteful laugh I can't deal with this I mutter shaking my head smart girl Brandy punches out viciously I narrow my eyes as I point towards the street you've done enough get off my property Brandy rocks back blinking I turned my attention to Memphis my heart is breaking into a million pieces you should have told me about your past despite all the confusion and uncertainty a part of me wants to forgive him on the spot and yet a girl was murdered I can't just sweep this under the rug because of my association with Memphis all my hopes and plans for my business are shattered I know he pauses his eyes pleading with mine I was waiting for the right time let's go inside and talk this through no I can't I say my voice ragged I need you to leave despair overtakes his features you don't mean that a deep sadness washes over me as I lift my chin yes I do it disgusts me to see the look of pleasure on bry's face I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for her to lose her sister in such a tragic violent way but I want no further association with someone who's so bitter and spiteful Memphis gives me a long look don't do this he urges tears are pressing against my eyes with a Vengeance I'm about to lose it it's over I say dully we lock gazes for one long minute his jaw hardens in resolve I'll be gone within the hour he Clips as he turns on his heel and strides away his footsteps Fallen heavily on the wooden steps everything in me wants to go after him but I can't smart girl Brandy says her expression triumphant a sob breaks through my throat I Jam my fist to my mouth to stay it as my knees go weak Alban's eyes burn hot as she turns to Brandy you heard my friend get off her porch and don't ever come back now she screams Brandy stumbles backward before turning and scampering down the steps Albany steps forward and helps me into the house once the door is closed I can no longer hold back the tears they gush waterfalls down my cheeks for some reason I don't understand I feel even more broken and devastated now than I did about Tim's Affair and the divorce that's not exactly true I understand all too well what the problem is here I was falling in love with Memphis not just the weak enamored love that I felt for Tim but a love that consumes me like a river of fire a love that would have sustained me for a lifetime chapter 13 the rest of the story two days after the day my life fell apart I find myself sitting in the kitchen staring aimlessly ly out the window at the empty lot a single tear dribbles down my cheek I don't even bother wiping it away what I would give to see edua and the kitty pool a bleak grin stretches over my lips someone touches my shoulder I turn to see Mom I didn't hear her come in her eyes flick over me with concern I'm a wreck I dragged my myself out of bed threw on a robe and here I sit I figured you'd be busy getting ready for the open house hugging my arms I stare off into the distance I'm working my way into it I can't sit here like a knot on a log all day I've got to muster up some motivation mom pulls out a chair and sits down across from me maybe I should sell this house I can then repay my loan disable in Dallas the house is prepped and ready to be used as a BNB it would be a turnkey business for someone is that what you want mom's perceptive eyes rake over me what other choice do I have tears Splash over the rims of my eyes and Trail down my cheeks mom reaches for my hand and squeezes it her voice goes tender have I ever never told you how proud I am of you she looks around what you've accomplished she smiles it's fantastic you've created a show place a lot of good it did me I Grumble yes I know it's feudal to wallow in self-pity but I can't help it she sits back and folds her arms as an enigmatic smile tips her lips don't you want to hear how my visit with Trudy went I jerk my brain has been so foggy that I completely forgot mom was going to visit memphis's sister I'm worse than one of those zombies on The Walking Dead after Memphis left I looked up angel swallows online there wasn't much only one newspaper article spoke of her getting shot when she and her former boyfriend were struggling for the gun the article said that Angel's death was under investigation but that no charges had been filed the only other thing I found was her obituary there was no mention of how she died only that she was taken too soon my pulse increases as I pull my robe tighter around me and sit up taller in my seat yes I croak I want to know what you found out mom is acting perky hope percolates in my chest that has to be a good sign her smile widens it was just as I thought Memphis wasn't to blame for Angel's death the only sound is my sudden intake of breath my mind begins to spin he wasn't no angel was a backup singer for country music star River Ragland Memphis was a roie yes I nod impatient for her to get to the part I don't know they had a relationship the edges of mom's mouth tighten both were involved in alcohol and drugs my stomach seizes up as I press my lips together I hope the story gets better from here otherwise I'm in trouble I can't eat I can't sleep I can hardly function I miss Memphis so terribly that it hurts when memphis's father died his mother and sisters tried to get in touch with him mom pauses but he was too strung out to even realize they were calling i ball my fist as a bolt of horror darts through my chest his father's death was the impetus that set Memphis on the right path he left the band and went back home to Texas he checked him self into a rehab center and got cleaned up he tried to talk Angel into getting off the drugs and booze but she wouldn't or couldn't do it in her eyes Memphis leaving the band and getting clean was the equivalent of him abandoning her she went to Texas and checked herself into the roadside Motel she called Memphis and asked him to meet her she told him that she needed his help to get clean mom shakes her head her expression going grim only that wasn't true when Memphis arrived at the motel Angel pulled a gun on him her intent was to kill him and then herself he Dove for the gun they struggled she got shot wow I utter taking it all in a bark of laughter rips through my throat and then I'm ugly crying my shoulders Shake Like An Earthquake my breath pushing out in ragged gasps my mom eyes me with concern I thought you'd be glad that Memphis isn't a murderer her words bring giddy laughter to my lips I am I take in a forceful breath trying to gain control over my emotions finally after several seconds I sniff and swipe at my tears with the palms of my hands I am glad I repeat my voice returning to normal but that still doesn't change the fact that I lost him my hand goes to my forehead I should have listen to him hindsight is 2020 mom says practically adrenaline rushes through me maybe I should call him apologize beg him to take me back that's one option my brows knit together as my voice pitches High what other option do I have she looks me in the eye what if I told you there was a way to not only get Memphis back but also to save the B and B do I dare hope that whatever solution mom presents can do all of that I'm all ears I'm going to need you to write a message to Memphis telling him how you feel about him you also need to put the story that I just told you into to words that way everyone in town will realize that he's innocent she holds up a finger you also need to talk about why the BNB is so important to you and how it'll benefit the town if you want to throw in something about your divorce well feel free to do that too should the essay be 500 Words and double spaced I retort mom raises an eyebrow don't get smart with me young lady yes ma'am I say deferentially I look her in the eye why am I doing this a wise smile fills her face because Nelly Kinsey is going to post your letter in her blog that's why my jaw drops a second later frustration Wells inside me I thought Mom had a viable solution but this is ludicrous my voice voice goes shrill are you insane if I send Nelly a letter all she'll do is twist things around to make the situation a thousand times worse oh ye of little faith mom chides with a smirk mom's a smart woman surely she can see the holes in her plan what guarantee do we have that Nelly won't use the letter as a weapon against me a pleased smile overtakes mom's lips because because I have insurance huh she sits back in her seat did I ever tell you about the time I saw Nelly in the school parking lot I shake my head no she Chuckles it's an interesting story she puts a finger to her chin let's see it was 3 years ago shortly before Christmas break I was working late at the library when when I locked up and came out it was sleeping as I went out to my car I spotted two other cars in the lot A man was sitting in one car and a woman Nelly was hurrying to her car crying the man drove off as Nelly was going to her car I was close enough to see that Nelly dropped something she was in such a state that she didn't realize I called out to her but she must not have heard me she got in her car and squealed off a peculiar light sparkles in Mom's eye curiosity got the best of me I went over to see what she dropped she pauses looking at me what was it I asked in a hushed tone a letter I paddle my hand don't leave me hanging here Nelly wrote it to the man she was having an affair with she must have intended to give it to him but then things didn't go as she planned she professed her love and reminded him of how he told her repeatedly that he was going to leave his wife Nelly Kinsey had an affair with a married man I shake my head I'm surprised she got out from behind her computer and left her house long enough to meet someone much less have an affair my brain sorts through the details of the story who's the man she was having an affair with mom's eyes spark with the light of a thousand bulbs Bart Norwood my eyes bug open Bart I wouldn't be any more surprised if IID just learned that martians colonized the moon mom nods H how why didn't you tell me this before I just can't conceive that my ex-father-in-law would have an affair with of all people Nelly Kinsey I suppose Nelly could be considered pretty without her glasses and it would help if she'd do something with her hair well for starters I didn't want to make things between you and your former in-laws any more complicated than they already were and I'm not one to feed the rumor meal besides all that pointing out other people's sins and weaknesses is not the Christian thing to do she juts out her chin however desperate times call for desperate measures Nelly Must Be Stopped once and for all her hateful blog is poisoning Our Town her eyes flash I'll not have her destroy you or your business you're a Marvel I Muse with a trace of awe what do you intend to do I'm going to have a nice face-to-face chat with Nelly she's going to publish your letter word for word how you write it with zero commentary after that a smile curves her lips well let's just say that Nelly Just got herself a new editor I burst out giggling you're going to censor her blog mom's eyes sparkle it's about time Nelly Kenzie learns the value of spreading good news that uplifts and inspires rather than tearing people down never have I been prouder of my mom my eyes grow moist thank you we share a smile my thoughts turned to Memphis as an impatient eagerness overtakes me do you think the letter will help me win him back there's only one way to find out she claps her hands better get to it she wrinkles her nose and for goodness sakes when you get the letter written do us all a favor and take a shower yes ma'am I laugh chapter 14 the letter September 1st Nelly Kinsey here the other day I received a letter that I feel the need to share it's written by our very very own Penelope Primrose Norwood considering all the turmoil that Penelope bless her heart has had in her life of late I'm grateful to be able to set the record straight here's the letter in Penelope's own words dear Memphis there aren't adequate words to tell you how sorry I am about how things went down between us I was angry and upset when I read Nelly's blog about the death of your former girlfriend Angel swallows I have since learned that you were not responsible for Angel's death you did everything you could to try and help her overcome her addictions you begged her to go to a rehab facility but she couldn't find it in herself to change Angel sought you out with the intent to shoot you and then kill herself you Dove for the gun and she got shot as for the interview that Nelly had with angel's sister brand I now see it for what it is a grieving woman's desperate attempt to absolve her sister from blame I don't judge Brandy Wilson for her actions my heart hurts for her and the loss she experienced I hope that she'll one day be able to find the healing and Solace that can only be found by turning her heart to the Lord that first day we met in the elevator you threw me for a loop one look at your Reckless smile and I was captivated while it's hard to admit that I as a married woman found you attractive it's the truth looking back I realized now that I had a huge hole in my heart that I was trying to fill with the hubub of charity work Gatherings and the like let me State plain and clear that there's nothing wrong with charity work there are many women in Comfort who accomplish great things however for me it was a way to hi from my problems you see Tim and I may be from the same town but we come from two very different worlds somehow in my quest to fit into Tim's world I lost sight of who I am I forgot that true happiness doesn't stem from living in a certain house wearing a certain type of clothes or running in the elite Social Circle true happiness comes from having good friends and a family who loves you for who you are on the ins side I grinned thinking of the day when I came home from my beach trip and realized that you'd bought the lot next door I took one look at your Airstream trailer and freaked out fearing it would bring down the neighborhood shame on me for being so concerned about appearances it's something I'm working to overcome I marched over intent on chewing you out of course I had no way of knowing that my new neighbor was the same man whom I'd met met in the elevator you were hitting a punching bag I came up behind you and tapped your shoulder in a knee-jerk reaction you elbowed me giving me the infamous black eye Memphis from the moment you entered my life you caused me to view things differently during the time I spent with you I laughed more than I ever have before I lived each day to the fullest and enjoyed the simple things you filled my great scale life with brilliant color you showed me that often the best things in life are totally unplanned yes there may be those who will bulk at the idea of an Airstream trailer aka edua the silver jalapeno right next to the B&B but I no longer care what people think there's much more at stake here than the neighborhood or even my business the heart wants what the heart wants I don't want to contemplate a life without you the gist of what I'm trying to say here is that I'm falling in love with you please come home trailer plastic pool motorcycle and all yours Penelope chapter 15 The Cowboy can you believe this turnout Albany asks her eyes eyes sparkling I'll bet you'll start getting booking like crazy several people mention getting their relatives to stay here when they're in town I'll bet they did Albany draws especially when they tasted sk's cupcakes the maple bacon ones are to die for she tips her head the only thing that could make it better is a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream I shake my head grinning you and your ice cream Alvin leans closer lowering her voice I don't know how you managed it but that was genius to get Nelly to publish your letter you must have friends in some pretty high places I zip my fingers over my lips as much as I would love to tell Albany all that went down I swore to Mom that I wouldn't breathe a word to anyone not even Bo She searches my face any word from Memphis a heavy Gloom settles over me not a word I had hoped that he would be here tonight do you think he read the blog I'm sure Trudy read it and told him about it she presses her lips together I'm sorry pen me too I force A Smile as I look around at the crowd of people I guess I'll just have to Channel all my efforts into running the BNB t tonight is a night for celebrating my accomplishment I won't allow myself to wallow in self-pity no matter how much I'm hurting the countertops in the kitchen look fantastic Betty Windsor says as she steps up to me thanks they look just like Granite but someone said they were something else epoxy murmurs rustle through the crowd I turned shocked to see none other than then Tim strawberry Viola and Bart step through the front door Albany clutches my arm as I live and breathe I never thought they'd have the nerve to show up here she mutters I guess I should be surprised but I'm really not the four of them step over to the side and strike up a conversation with mayor huff and his wife Peggy I have to choke back a laugh thinking of Bart and n Kinsey they would be the last two I would figure on having an affair shows what you know a few minutes later Tim breaks away and comes over to me he offers a tentative smile hello hello I answer Brusly he looks around and flashes an ironic smile the place looks nice I almost didn't recognize it thanks it's it's interesting how totally disconnected I feel from him I read your letter in Nelly's blog regret Kindles in his eyes I'm sorry about the hole in your heart and that I couldn't be the man you needed okay Tim being contrite is a new one is he for real or does he have some other endgame oh who the heck cares I certainly don't it's liberating actually to know that Tim no longer has any hold over me he arches an eyebrow Primrose Place really he grunts I thought you would at least let Norwood Mansion keep its rightful name aha The Mask slips revealing the real Tim I flash a defiant smile the new name has a nice ring to it yes I realize that people in Comfort are resistant to change they'll probably keep calling at the Norwood Mansion for the next decade that's okay little by little folks will eventually come around I hear a soft gasp beside me and realize it came from Albany I assume she's GE at what Tim said but then she reaches for my arm and squeals he's here people part like the Red Sea before Memphis as he strides toward me with fluid confident steps wearing his hat and boots he looks every bit the cowboy he gives me a crooked grin that has the power to melt my heart sorry I'm late my brother-in-law let me borrow his truck to pull edua I just parked her over in the lot oh and I had to tie up the dog the dog I catch a glimpse of Tim who's eye in Memphis with the uptight disdain of one who thinks he's so far above him Trudy and her family are heading down to Florida I told them that I'd watch flea bag while they're gone a giggle slurps through my throat as I raise a hand to my mouth flea bag Tim's wearing a shocked expression which makes the moment even more delicious yep that's his name a wicked glint flashes in memphis's Golden green eyes or at least that's what I call him his real name's fluffy I tip my head so let me get this straight you came back with an Airstream trailer a kitty pool a motorcycle and a dog named Fluffy a daredevil grin Ruffles his lips and some kick butt new speakers that the neighbors are going to love only you I murmur shaking my head Jiminy Cricket he looks good I'm I'm definitely salivating here memphis's eyes search mine as everyone around us vanishes so you love me a ginormous smile breaks over my face I do he rewards me with a smile so brilliant that I swear it could light up the Eastern Seaboard that's good because I love you too he takes off his hat and thrusts it at Tim with a casual hold this would you oh yes it's a power play and it's beautiful Memphis comes toward me at the same time I Leap Forward and bound into his arms Applause breaks out as he Twirls me around and then sets me back down on the floor as our lips find their way together several thoughts float through my mind life is messy life is real my life is nothing like the Practically Perfect ideal that I had planned it's so much better this has been Practically Perfect good girls don't come last written by Jennifer Youngblood narrated by Lori West copyright 2021 by Jennifer Youngblood production copyright by Jennifer Youngblood