ONE EVENING HAILEY and I sat sprawled in the chairs on my porch, watching a warm spring rain drip off the eaves. Each day further trapped me in the web she wove around my heart. I couldn’t remember a reason why I’d resisted this. She never made demands and I didn’t feel the urge to run or deflect. I fell into dating Hailey like falling off a boat: panicked and fighting at the beginning but floating on the surface with little effort once I accepted I was in the water.
My fingers traced a random pattern on her arm, and she rested her feet across my lap.
Over the past two months, we’d survived going public with parents and siblings, work, and friends. It had all gone well, better than I imagined. No one screamed or tore their clothes when they learned I was off the market. There had been shock, disbelief, and laughter over the idea of me settling down, but all in all, uneventful.
With the exception of Ashley. I hadn’t seen or heard from her. Her silence worried me. I hadn’t expected her congratulations, I wasn’t that egotistical. Or delusional. I anticipated some reaction from her, especially after Lori’s insight.
Then again, no one expects a package of hamburger meat to the head.
I ran into Ashley while grocery shopping. I had been standing in the meat section when the sound of stomping feet approached. I glanced up and got a package of ground beef straight in the face.
“What the hell?” I asked.
“You, Tom Donnely, are an asshole.” Her hands rested on her hips and she glared at me.
I picked up the cellophane enclosed tray and set it in the case. “I’m sure many would agree with you, but can you give me the reason this time?” I knew the answer, but I figured she would feel better getting it off her chest in person, in front of the butcher, Connie, Sally, and Sandy, who all conveniently stood off to the side.
“You ladies need some popcorn for the show?” I called over to them.
“No, we’re good,” Sandy said. “Carry on.”
I closed my eyes and shook my head. “Can we do this somewhere less public?”
“Oh, no, this is perfect.” Ashley showed her teeth.
“Great,” I muttered to myself and braced for the floor show.
“You. You and I were alike. No strings, no commitments, no dating. I got you. I never asked for anything more. I waited. I bided my time.”
“We were friends, Ashley. For years.”
She snorted. “Right. Friends.”
“What else would you call it? We hung out, we enjoyed each other’s company and had fun.” I kept my voice low. It didn’t matter with our attentive audience gathered around us. I thought I saw Connie with her phone pointed in our direction. Sandy’s fingers flew across the screen of her own phone. Great. One of them was probably live Tweeting this entire conversation.
“Ashley, please don’t. You’re better than a big dramatic scene using meat as a weapon. You’re a cool girl. I’m not the right guy.”
“You weren’t the right guy for anyone. You’re not the boyfriend type!” Her voice rose to screech level. “What does Hailey have that I don’t? A magical vagina?”
Soft gasps came from the peanut gallery. I stared at the ceiling, my nose flaring as I tried to count.
“I’m not doing this here.” I set my basket on the floor and marched toward the entrance.
“And another thing?” Ashley called from behind me.
“What?” I paused and turned, waiting for another round of crazy-woman.
“You’re banned from the coffee huts. Don’t come around asking for your morning hit or afternoon pick-me-up anymore.” She spun on her heel and stomped past me, knocking over a display of paper towels on the way out of the store.
Someone clapped at the end of the aisle. I needed to get out of here.
“So it’s official with you and Hailey King?” Connie’s voice dripped with sweetness. “We’re so happy to hear the good news.”
What did I say? Thanks? I rubbed my ear and shook my head. “Okay then, I’ll let her know you send your congratulations,” I responded politely, slowly backing away until I reached the far end of the aisle.
Outside, I inhaled fresh air and stood in the misty rain for a moment before I texted Hailey the short version.
*You missed a great new performance of This is Tom’s Life at Payless Foods, starring Ashley as the angry woman. Chorus played by the Island Gossips.*
*I heard it was amazing and people applauded at the end.*
*What?*
*Connie sent me the video. You’re very handsome in that flannel. Come over and I’ll give you an afternoon pick-me-up.*
*Oops. Forgot the ;) *
I smiled despite the ridiculous situation. Damnit, I loved her.
My breath caught in my throat.
I loved her.
The new truth washed over me.
I was in love.