Chapter Twenty-Six
Emerson
I was sick of crying over some guy who was just going to act like a dumbass for no reason. I had already laid in bed the night before having a pity party. The last thing I needed was to waste my energy on this crap; I needed to focus on driving in Portland traffic. I needed a pep talk. Hell, what I really needed was some girl time. I grabbed my phone and called the one person I knew who could give me just that.
“Hello Jello,” Rachel’s bright voice came across the phone.
“Hey.”
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I could hear the concern in her voice.
“Luke and I had a fight, and he thinks I am cheating on him.”
“Who the hell would you cheat on him with? It's not like you are in a place where there are tons of men. Oh my God, did you sleep with Ryan?”
“What? No!” I almost laughed.
“Too bad. I would have wanted all the details on that. That man is eye candy.”
“He thinks I'm cheating on him with Chris.”
“Seriously, what? Although, that dude has been crushing on you since high school. Does he still work for your grandfather?”
“He isn't crushing on me. And yes, he still works with us.”
“Girl, you must be blind not to see what I've seen. I've only been around him twice, and I know he wants you.”
“It isn't like that. I could care less what Chris wants.”
“I get that, but does he?”
“Rach, I know it's last minute, but I really need to get out of here for a few days.”
“Yes. Don't even finish that sentence. You can help me dress shop.”
“Okay. I'll catch a flight out this evening. I’ll text you later with details.”
“Sweet! You know these doors are always open to you. Call me before you leave.”
I hung up the phone, did a quick search online, and booked my flight. I packed a quick bag and walked out the door, locking it behind me. I wanted to at least see him before I left, but I also knew that seeing him would make no difference. He’d been ignoring me for the past two days, and nothing had changed since I’d gone to bed the night before.
I backed out of the driveway and took off toward Portland.
***
After a long day at the office, I walked up to the ticket counter and checked in for my flight to LAX. I would fly from there to Maine. I needed a break from my reality. I needed to get away from everything that was going wrong in my life, and this was the only way I knew to do it.
My friendship with Chris had been around a whole lot longer than Luke and even though I was willing to give up everything for him, I wasn't going to start a relationship with him telling me who I could and couldn't talk to.
I looked at my phone and thought about sending Ryan a message but decided against it as it would probably end up in Luke’s ear.
I sat in LAX looking around and people watching, wondering if the people who passed were happy. The last couple of weeks had been easy and fun. I hadn't known life could be so simple. And then it was gone. I was angry at Luke. No, I was livid.
If he had only talked to me about it, it may have been different. I called my grandfather to ask what he thought about me moving to Portland now and finishing my grant there while I continued to work for him.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Granddad.”
“Hey sugar, how are you?”
“I'm good. I decided to fly up to Maine and see Rachel.”
“So you won't be in this week?”
“No. But everything is taken care of. Once the last panel is in at Salston, we can finish the last job of the month.”
“Good. I assume Chris is handling everything while you’re gone?”
“I haven't talked to him and would prefer not to right now. I left instructions with John. He’s going to assist Chris with what needs to be done.”
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“I just need a few days to clear my head. I have some personal stuff going on, and I just...” I sighed loudly.
“Did Chris do something?”
“I don't think he did directly, but Luke isn't too fond of him for some reason.”
“Luke is special to you, and you are to him. So, of course he isn't going to be fond of any other man who spends time with you.”
“But Chris is only a coworker.”
“That you have lunch with on a regular basis and from what your mother has said also dinner.”
“It isn't like that.”
“How would you feel if the tables were turned?”
“I wouldn't hold it against him. Chris and I have known each other forever, and he has worked for you for years. I just don't see what the problem is.”
“Maybe you should talk to Luke.”
“He won't talk to me.”
“Give him some time, dear. I am sure he is just hurt, and you know how we men can be. Hurt can come across as anger. You two are so much like your Mimi and me.”
“I wish we were. You guys have a perfect love.”
“I wish it was perfect. It is far from it. We just made a promise to each other that we wouldn't give up. Maybe that's why we’re still married. Your grandmother has threatened to murder me on more than one occasion. The problem starts when you are oblivious to what’s going on around you. When innocence is questioned, it makes you defensive. Maybe your intentions were pure, but maybe Chris’ weren’t, and Luke picked up on that. Do you remember Shirley?”
“Yeah, she used to work for you.”
“Yes, Shirley and I worked together a lot. One day, Mimi told me she had to go. I didn't understand why. She insisted Shirley wasn't the person I thought she was and that I needed to protect myself and my family. I started paying closer attention and seeing little things that made me understand. While I would never do anything to hurt my wife, things were happening that made it look like I was doing things I shouldn’t have been doing. Once I figured out what was going on, I put a stop to it. Shirley wasn't happy and tried to convince me that my life should be with her.”
“Wow.” It was all I could say. I remembered Shirley, and I couldn't see her doing something like that.
“When you flush the devil out, he’s usually pretty obvious.”
“I can see that.”
“I like Chris. Always have. And he’s a good worker, but if he is dabbling in your personal life, then he can be replaced.”
“I don't think he is. I just think maybe Luke overreacted.”
“Well, time will tell. Take your time and enjoy it. You are only young once. Love you, see you when you get back.”
“Thanks, love you too.” I hit the end button stared at my phone. I lifted it and finally reached out to Luke.
Can we talk when I get home?
Emerson
I watched the screen and waited for him to answer. After a few minutes, I dropped my phone in my lap and laid my head against the wall, waiting for my flight.
***
When I landed, Rachel was waiting on me with a huge smile on her face, and when her arms wrapped around me, I lost it.
“Oh, honey. It's going to be okay,” she cooed.
“I just don't know what I did.”
“He's being a stupid boy. He will come around.”
“I don't know.”
“He will realize his mistake soon enough,” she assured me. “Come on. I fixed your old room up for you. We’ll drink wine and watch something funny to get your mind off how stupid boys are.”