Chapter 25

Reese

 

 

Even the smell of butter and sugar couldn’t pull me out of my funk. Every time the bell above the door sounded, I immediately looked to see if a pair of sexy green eyes would greet me. I don’t remember the last time I lay in bed at night and didn’t stare at my ceiling. Each night my mind ran through various scenarios of how it would go down when Trent came to see me—because in my dreamy thoughts that was how it would happen.

Except, he hadn’t walked in. Customers came and went, a couple reporters popped in that Erica politely sent on their way with a dozen cookies. I would have just kicked them out empty-handed, but she believed her sweet cut-outs only made things better. I suppose that was what made Sugarcoat This! a successful business.

Poor Alexa did everything short of dancing on the tables to change my sour mood—I had no doubt that would be coming if I didn’t perk up. “Do you want to go to the Tavern tonight? It’s ladies’ night. And you know that brings the boys to the bar.” I shook my head but couldn’t help a small laugh that came out. “See, it’ll be good for you. Come on, let’s go.”

“Maybe.”

Alexa beamed. “So much better than a flat-out no. Progress, my dear child.” She popped a kiss on my cheek and tossed me a towel. “Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone? You know the best way to get over someone—”

My hand flew up. “I got it, thanks.” The bell rang, and my head snapped to the front of the store. A few ladies walked in with shopping bags. Not wanting to look like a teenage girl waiting for her phone to ring… because that hadn’t happened either, I made my way around the glass case, and toward the four-top that needed to be cleaned.

Long seconds had drifted by when that damn door opened again. Don’t look, I told myself. Because another scenario that played in my head was that he would walk in with a bevy of women on his arms. Why wouldn’t I think that when I decided to scan the internet for pictures of Trent? Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. Thankfully, none had been too recent, but he definitely never lacked female companionship.

Thinking about the time he called Casey to tell her that we were together should have been a beacon of how desired he’d been. I could only imagine her elation knowing he was now available.

Ugh. Snap out of it! I heard Cher scream at me. Maybe I did need to get out more and stop watching movies. And maybe I should have looked the last time the door opened because when I looked up, a tall, dark, and handsome man stood in front of me. Except his eyes weren’t the ones I’d been dreaming of. My fingers hadn’t played with his hair. And worst of all, he didn’t make my heart grow wings and soar.

“Hey, Bird.”

“Hi, Jackson…” My voice trailed off as fear told me not to turn around.

“He’s not here.” I nodded at his flat tone trying not to look disappointed. “Can we sit for a minute?” Jackson pulled a chair out for me, not leaving me a chance to answer. “I want to talk to you about Trent.”

“Is he okay?”

A tight smile grew across his handsome face. “Yes, he just got back from Arizona. They made him an offer.”

Another inevitable occurrence. “That’s good. I’m sure that made him happy.”

“So you do still care about him.”

I could feel my eyebrows tighten. Almost feeling offended, I didn’t know how to respond to that. Then just like when I last saw Trent, my blood began to simmer. “I’m not exactly sure why anyone would think otherwise.”

“He told me what happened.”

“Right, so this is all my fault?” The legs on my chair screeched across the floor as I stood. “Was there anything else, because I’m working?”

“I didn’t come here to upset you.”

Annoyed I just shook my head. “I’m sorry, and I don’t mean this rudely, but why are you here? It’s clear that Trent is ready to move on. In some ways he has, hasn’t he?”

“Yeah, I guess, but—”

My hand flew up, stopping him. I couldn’t listen to Jackson tell me Trent was back to his whatever ways with Casey. Or worse that he was moving across the country. At least he didn’t need to go into hot pursuit to gain her attention. All of my thoughts made my stomach flip. When I glanced up and locked eyes with Alexa, she must have sensed my need to be rescued and tossed me a lifeline.

“Reese, can you give me a hand for a minute?” When Jackson pivoted in his chair she added, “Sorry to interrupt. Hi, Jackson.”

“Hey.” He stood and the blank look on his face said it all. “I should get going. Good to see you both again.”

Jackson took a couple steps forward, stopped, turned, and his lips parted but no words came out. Instead he blandly raised his hand before walking out the door. That damn chime sounded more ominous as the day went on and I still had no idea why he came. However he did confirm my suspicions that Trent had moved on.

Letting out a long exhale, I wrung the small towel between my hands. “Are you okay?” Alexa gave me one look before pulling me into her arms. “Did he say something about Trent?”

“Yeah. He has just come back from a meeting in Arizona. It’s fine. I knew he wouldn’t listen to me. He’s an athlete. Sometimes their need to compete outweighs everything else. As long as he’s happy…”

“He’s dumb.” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “He is, Reese. Let’s just forget about men for a while. We’re going to have the best time at the gala, right?”

“Yes, you’re absolutely right. I think we should go to the salon before the event. I could use some highlights.”

“That’s my girl! Ooh… let’s get our makeup done too.”

Finally feeling a bit better, I nodded. “Sounds perfect.”

Alexa hugged me once more, and I’d never been more thankful to be able to call her my best friend.

***

The opulent pink, black, and gold décor looked magical. All the tables in the Opal Hotel’s grand ballroom were similarly decorated with a low floral arrangement for easy conversation, black linen table cloths, and alternating pink and white napkins. Just stunning.

Soft music from the six-piece band along with chatter and laughter from the guests filled the room. Alexa and I stood in the doorway, taking it all in. Thanks to my nervousness, we opted to skip the dinner portion of the event and instead grabbed dinner on our own before heading over.

Most of the men had on black tuxedos. Some with pink vests, others with pink ties in either traditional or bow styles. There were a few men who dared to wear a pink tux, which brought a smile to my face. All of the women may as well have walked out of a fashion magazine. It amazed me that despite the number of guests, I hadn’t seen any duplicate dresses. Granted, most were full-length and there was probably a seventy/thirty percent split between black and pink, but it seemed I had been the only one to wear a dress that didn’t hit the floor.

Of course I couldn’t help my wandering eyes from scanning the room in search of familiar faces. I knew my grandparents would be here as well as others from the Thunder’s organization. I recognized a few, but still no sign of Trent. I let out a sigh, wondering if maybe that was a good thing. However, when it came to him, I didn’t know what was good anymore.

Photographers and local news reporters chatted with some of the benefactors and guests. Every year this event grew in popularity. The tickets carried a hefty price tag that, aside from a very small portion, all went to the Kids Around the Corner foundation.

“Hey, let’s get a drink.” Alexa looped her arm through mine and guided me toward the bar at the side of the room. We stood in line waiting our turn, and once again, my eyes began to wander. That time they landed on my grandmother, who raised her hand before leaning in to say something to my granddad.

“Wow, he’s spectacular.” Alexa tilted her head in the direction of the very handsome bartender as we inched our way forward. Yes, he was very good-looking, but at the moment all I cared about was if he could mix a cocktail. As always, this event had a list of signature blends, most of which were pink.

“Good evening, ladies. What can I get you?”

Alexa gave him a smile that I’d seen several times before. One that ensured our drinks wouldn’t be watered down or made with more mixer than liquor. “I’ll have the Party in Your Mouth.” My head snapped toward my best friend as I felt blood fill my face. “What?” she asked incredulously with a shrug before pointing toward a small chalkboard sitting on the corner of the bar. “It’s on the menu.”

“Oh, right.” I shyly smiled. “Make it two please.”

When we had our drinks in hand, we turned, intent on going to greet my grandparents. Except they were dancing. A genuine smile spread across my face. There were no two people in the world that I loved more. Since I was a little girl, I’d hoped to find what they had. I continued to stare at them when Kenzie and Dave came into view. She was laughing at something he must have said. Either that or he stepped on her foot—something my sister was used to, according to her.

My Party in Your Mouth drink bizarrely tasted like strawberry shortcake mixed with a tartness I couldn’t put my finger on. Either way, it was delicious and slid down my throat rather easily as we strolled around the room.

“Girls, you look divine!” Mrs. Lancaster air-kissed our cheeks. “Just lovely. Your dresses suit you both perfectly.” Someone called her name and waved. “Please excuse me. Have a good time, ladies.”

She glided away in her full-length black gown. “I love her.” Alexa beamed, draining her drink. “Want another?”

I knew I shouldn’t, but nodded anyway. When I went to move with her, she shook her head. “I’ll get them. You can wait for your grandparents.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as the chill traipsed down my bare arms, causing my skin to prickle. Slowly lifting my gaze, my heart slammed into my throat. For a minute, I thought it had stopped beating, seeing Trent on the dance floor with Casey. Then when his eyes met mine, my pulse quickened and filled my eardrums, muffling out the sounds around me. Including Alexa calling out my name as I ran out of the ballroom, once again leaving a piece of my soul behind.