Keeping What's His: Tate (Porter Brothers Trilogy 1)

Putting a gallon of bleach and a mop in her buggy, she went to the cash register where she recognized the woman ringing up purchases. Sutton ignored her curious gaze, handing her the cash for her supplies.

“Sutton Creech?” Cheryl asked in dismay.

“Hi, Cheryl.”

“Damn, I can’t believe my eyes. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Sutton was aware of the difference in her appearance. She wasn’t seventeen anymore. Overall, the years had been kind to her, although they had been better to Cheryl, who was still as attractive as she had been in high school.

“How long are you visiting?”

“I don’t know yet. I haven’t made up my mind.” Sutton picked up her bag, wanting to get out the door as fast as possible.

“Wait, you can’t just run off! We used to be best friends. Look, give me a minute, and we can go get a cup of coffee.”

“I’m kind of in a hurry. Maybe next time…” Sutton felt guilty after seeing the disappointment on Cheryl’s face. She remembered the many sleepovers they’d had in high school.

Sutton relented. Trying to avoid everyone was going to be a waste of time. Treepoint was too small. She would be better off just getting it over with and satisfying their curiosity. Then the town gossips could move on to someone else.

“Never mind. I’ll put my bag in my car and meet you outside.”

Cheryl’s face broke into a smile as she motioned for someone to take over the counter. Jared didn’t look happy as Cheryl explained they were going for a break. Sutton hadn’t liked Jared in high school, and she could see he hadn’t changed any since he and Cheryl had been together.

Sutton went outside, placing the bag in the trunk of her car. She was slamming it shut when she saw Cheryl came outside.

“You sure you have the time to go for a coffee? Jared didn’t look too happy.”

Cheryl made a comical face. “I quit worrying about what Jared thought when I found out he was cheating on me.” Cheryl placed her arm through hers as they walked down the sidewalk toward the diner. Sutton felt uncomfortable with the friendly gesture, so she sped up, forcing Cheryl to release her.

The restaurant was busy with the breakfast crowd when they entered, but few of the customers paid them any attention.

She and Cheryl managed to grab a small table for two in the corner and ordered coffee before the waitress could escape.

“I’m sorry to hear about Jared.” Sutton immediately directed the conversation toward Cheryl. If she was still like she was in high school, it would keep them occupied until it was time to return from her break.

Cheryl shrugged. “I went a little crazy when I found out. Our divorce was just final a few weeks ago. He had the nerve to fight it after I found out he was banging five different women in town. He had even put one up in her own apartment so he could visit her anytime he wanted.”

Sutton felt terrible for her friend. She knew how much Cheryl had idolized her jock boyfriend in high school.

“You warned me he was cheating on me before you left town, and I didn’t listen. I should have.”

Sutton’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “I didn’t take any of your advice, either, so we’re even.”

“Which one was the reason you left town? Tate or Cash?”

“Neither.” Sutton leaned back in her chair so the waitress could set their coffees down. “I left for college. Anything I had with Tate and Cash was over before I packed my suitcases.”

Cheryl gave a short laugh. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when you showed up at prom with Cash in that green dress. You two looked like you were made for each other.”

“Hardly. Cash and I never went out again after that night. He had moved on to another girl by Monday.”

“Well, he’s settled down now. He’s married to Rachel Porter.”

“I can’t imagine Cash settling down with one woman.”

“Believe it. Besides, how can he get away with cheating? Her brothers would kill him, and Rachel is just as good with a shotgun.”

“I’m happy for them,” Sutton said truthfully.

“Wish my marriage had turned out as well, but my divorce is working out much better. I quit working at the hardware store when I found out Jared was cheating on me. It was hard with him owning the store, but after the divorce, he offered me my job back. There aren’t a lot of jobs around, and he promised to keep our personal life out of it. So far, it’s worked out well. We’re getting along better than when we were married. We’ve even gone out a couple of times.”

Sutton narrowed her eyes at Cheryl’s expression. “Be careful you don’t fall down that rabbit hole twice, Alice.”

She waved away her concern. “I’m not as innocent as I was in high school. After I found out Jared was cheating, I had a little payback of my own.”