Chapter Eight
Kory
The screen door shut, leaving us together. I liked Alexa. She had a kind spirit unlike anyone I had ever met.
“Kory, if you need a girl to talk to, I’m here. I know we don’t know each other very well—well… at all—but I’m hoping we can change that. Drake told me about your situation, and I just want you to know you’re not alone.”
Hayden had mentioned he’d given his family a quick overview of what had happened. I was relieved to feel only kindness and acceptance from Alexa. I’d never had a friend who’d been there for me without an ulterior motive. All of the friendships throughout my life had been cultivated for my parents’ financial gain. There was something innocent and honest about what she was offering. “I would love that.”
She leaned in and gave me a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. I never thought I’d see the day when Hayden Foster would move heaven and earth for a woman.”
Move heaven and earth. He’d come for me. It was still hard to believe. “He’s wonderful.”
“Yes, he is. Drake is excited to meet you, too.”
I was nervous to meet his family—especially his brothers. I kept the nerves at bay by rubbing my thumb and index finger together. Somehow, the motion helped me stay focused. “There’s Kane, as well, right?”
“Oh yes. He’s a little crass and grumpy, but he’s loyal to the core.”
Hayden came in with the first load. “What the hell are in these?”
“Stuff for Kory.”
My eyes widened. Alexa opened the first box. “Last night, I asked Hayden what size you wear. Being the typical guy, he had no idea and said we were about the same size. So I went through all my stuff. I have winter gear, winter clothes, and all sorts of shoes. Accessories, too.”
Oh my gosh. I stared at the enormous box with my mouth open. “I can’t take your clothes.”
Alexa swiped some stray blond hairs that had fallen from her ponytail out of her face. “Trust me, you’re doing me a favor. Drake and I are consolidating things, and I needed to clear out the storage units. As I keep going through boxes, I’ll bring over more stuff for you to go through. And it won’t hurt my feelings if you don’t like it.”
Not like it? How could I not like it? There were no strings attached to the offering. None. In Ketchikan, I’d experienced the same kindness from people. One time, I had been shopping in a clothing store when it began to pour. The clerk had recognized me from Maggie’s and offered to lend her umbrella since I’d forgotten mine. At times, I forgot how Alaska was also a rain forest. It rained over ninety percent of the time.
“This is amazing. I can’t believe it. It’s just… I have no words to express my gratitude.”
Alexa gave me another hug. “I’m glad you like it. The other boxes in the truck have some pots and pans and other kitchen things that were in the storage unit. I think there’s one or two sets of sheets upstairs in the linen closet. If not, I—”
I cut her off. “You honestly don’t have to do any more.”
“Well, if there’s something you need, I’m a phone call away.” She turned to Hayden. “Can you give Kory my cell phone number?”
“Of course.” He nodded. “I’ll give her everyone’s.”
She smiled. “Perfect. Oh, and your mom asked me if there was a date you guys could come over for dinner.” Alexa turned back to me. “Amie is dying to meet you. She’s the most amazing person I have ever known.”
Meeting his parents was a serious step. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “Will you be there?”
“If you want us to be, Drake and I can come, for sure.”
It would be easier with a familiar face. “If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Are there any dates we should avoid? I’ll work on getting a date together.”
Hayden rubbed the back of his neck. “I need to check my flight schedule. I know we have a couple of excursions this week. Can I text you later?”
“That works.” Alexa paused and blew out a breath. “Elvira and Sylvia already called me to see if I knew who the pretty little blond in your truck was.”
Oh dear. The Twiner sisters. Hayden’s words from earlier regarding the sisters made me stiffen. I wasn’t ready to be in a gossip column. He ran his hands through his hair. “Fuck. I don’t want them meddling.”
“I know. I had to think fast on my feet.” She grimaced. “I didn’t think you guys wanted all your personal details splattered in the Twiner Tellings newsletter.” Looking at me, she sighed, “That’ll be another night of drinks. When I came back a little over a month ago, I found my way into several newsletters. And a couple of red-hot editions. It’s fine when it’s someone else. But I hate being the center of it all.”
“Oh, dear.” This was worse than I thought. I dreaded the thought of my past being used as fodder for this newsletter. I still hadn’t processed what had happened.
Hayden asked, “What did you tell them?”
“That you met Kory while you were away this summer. Things progressed, and she decided to move here since she doesn’t have any family.”
No family. It was close enough to the truth, I imagined.
When neither of us responded, Alexa twisted her fingers. “Listen, I’m really sorry about the lie. I didn’t know how you wanted to handle your parents. I thought it would be easier if you had a more boring past until you decided what you wanted to say. Then, any ‘misunderstanding’ can be blamed on me.”
Without even meeting me, Alexa had looked out for my best interests simply because of Hayden. I rushed to her and grabbed her hand. “Thank you. I’m just really overwhelmed. I appreciate the story you gave them. That’s what I want to stick with for the time being.”
Alexa smiled at me. “I get it. More than you probably understand. And it’ll make it easier without having people meddle in your business while you try to sort it out. You’ll most likely make the ’New to Town’ section of the Twiner Tellings.”
Her phone rang, and she stepped back. “Let me get this. One second.” She connected the call. “Hey. Okay, I’ll be right there. Hollis, she doesn’t bite. Stop being melodramatic. I don’t know… maybe give her a tour of the clinic. Make her a fancy schmancy coffee. You’re smart; figure it out. I swear if you get grumpy I’m going to throw another book at you.”
What in the world?
Alexa hung up the phone and rolled her eyes. “My best friend from college came back to Skagway with me. He’s a doctor and a bit over the top at times. Sometimes I have to throw books at him to make him see sense.”
A firecracker. I liked it.
“I remember Hayden telling me about your clinic. What an amazing accomplishment—and so important for the town. Congrats.”
“Thank you.” Her phone vibrated, and she sighed. “I have to get back to the clinic before Hollis scares off our new receptionist.” At my confused look, she just shook her head. “It’s a long story.” She pulled a set of keys out of her pocket. “Anyway, here’s the keys to the place. Think it over with Hayden. And if you decide you don’t want to stay here, I swear it’s fine. Oh, and the furniture comes with the house. Hollis ordered an entire houseful before we even got here. Now that he’s decided to be ‘Alaskan,’ he doesn’t need this furniture.” She rolled her eyes. “Men. Anyway, Ike’s making him manly furniture.” She giggled. “I’m making him sound ridiculous. You’ll have to swing by the clinic to fully understand.”
“I’d like that. I will never forget your kindness. Thank you.”
She smiled. “Anytime. We women dating the Foster men have to stick together. There’s so much testosterone with those men it can be a little overwhelming.”
“Hey, we aren’t that bad,” Hayden protested.
Slapping Hayden on the back, she laughed. “Whatever makes you feel better.” Then she mouthed to me, “You’ll see.”
And for the first time in my life, I looked forward to what tomorrow would bring—without any sort of schedule or deadline to bring an end to my happiness.