As they bicker, Katie and Owen enter and make it a reunion. My dad greets them, then tells me he’ll meet me outside when I’m done.
“What’s going on?” Katie asks.
“Just siblings fighting like cats and dogs while literally arguing about cats and dogs.”
Katie bursts out laughing. “Damn, I missed all the fun.”
“Swear word!” Owen shouts, then opens his palm.
Katie groans as she digs into her purse. “He was a lot cuter before he could talk.”
Everleigh and I giggle as she hands Owen a dollar bill.
“My parents are watching him tonight. Wanna get Mexican food and drink margaritas?”
“I’d love to,” Tyler interrupts with a shit-eating smirk.
“Girls’ night, sorry,” Katie sing-songs sarcastically. “If you’re there, we won’t be able to talk about you.”
Blood rushes to my face, and my cheeks heat.
“And trust me, I hear there’s a lot to talk about,” Katie says pointedly.
I turn to Tyler, who’s shooting daggers at Everleigh, who must’ve shared what she knew. She’s so busted.
“What? Katie and I chatted this morning, and it kinda slipped out.” Everleigh gives me an apologetic look, then shrugs it off. It grows awkward, so she busies herself by reorganizing clothes. “Oh, Cara needs help at the register. Gotta go! But count me in for tonight! Bye!” She shoots me a wink.
I glare at her, knowing she’s full of shit because her new employee is handling it just fine.
“Alright, well I better go too. Don’t want all the fresh fruit to sell out.” Katie smirks, then glances between Tyler and me. She and Owen walk out, leaving us alone.
“Sorry, I told Everleigh.”
“It’s totally fine. They would’ve found out eventually. Guess I need to accept that it’s only a matter of time before everyone else does too.”
“I’d ask if you’re okay, but that feels like a dumb question.”
The roughness in his tone makes me smile. He’s nervous.
“Nah, it’s alright. I talked to my dad this morning and told him about the wedding.”
“Really?” His eyes light up. “How’d he take it?”
“Surprisingly well. I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders now.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear that. I know how worried you were about having that conversation.” Seeing Tyler’s genuine concern makes my heart burst.
“He asked about you too,” I add.
With an arched brow, he gives me a cocky grin. “Yeah?”
“I explained we were just friends and you had nothing to do with the breakup. Though I’m not sure he believed me.”
“What’s the real reason then?”
I lower my gaze, noticing Sassy’s getting restless. “It’s…complicated?”
Tyler chuckles with a nod. “Guess that works.”
Sassy whines and pulls on her leash. “You better go before she makes a mess in here,” I tell him. “Have a good weekend.”
“Yeah, you too.” Tyler turns toward the door, and I quickly stop him, then step closer.
“Thank you again for last night. I owe you one.”
“Owe me one, huh?” One side of his lips tilts up. “Guess I better think of something then.”
His insinuation causes me to blush. “Get out of here.”
Tyler flashes me a wink that causes my insides to melt, and I watch as he leaves with the dog. I recompose myself then meet my dad outside so we can head to the farmer’s market like planned.
As I soak in the tub, I can’t stop smiling while thinking about Tyler. After Dad and I came home, I did some laundry, then decided to take a bath before meeting Katie and Gemma for our girls’ night.
* * *
Dear Gemma,
You’re a real fresh breath of air, you know that? I love reading your letters even when you go in-depth about the movies you’ve watched. Helps me picture the scenes in my head and imagine I was there with you.
A few of my friends and I have leave this weekend. We’re gonna hit the bars and will most likely drink till we’re good and stupid. We’re meeting a bunch of locals and will probably regret everything on Monday morning, but letting loose has been a long time coming. We could use some time to forget about the long, shitty days, especially in this grueling heat. Let’s just say, I’ll never complain about Alabama summers again. If I do, you have my permission to kick my ass.
Every picture you’ve sent was hanging on the wall near my bed. Everleigh sent me a few too, and the bastards I share a room with were constantly staring at your photos. I even had to punch a guy for stealing one. Sick fuck. So they’re now tucked safely inside my notebook. I still look at yours every night before I go to sleep because they remind me of home. Although there isn’t much for me there, I can’t wait for the moment I’ll see you again.
I recently heard a new song, and it made me think of you. Look up “Power Over Me” and listen to the lyrics.