Fifteen

This isn't how I left the shop a few hours ago. The floor has been torn up, bookshelves pushed to the back of the shop, and the rental room is nothing but a shell. Surprisingly, the windows and doors are still intact. What was the purpose of this? We were doing amazing earlier. I look around, and then I see it. The devil woman's paper is sitting next to a tool belt. That fucking cunt. I should've known this had her handy work written all over it.

I rip the paper off the floor, reading Nancy's words of shit wisdom. She shut us down until I get the permit. Surprise, surprise. Why couldn't there be a lawyer in the family? Because I need one. This is bullshit, she can't keep ruining my business.

"John, you and the boys might as well head home. We are officially shut down."

"I tried everything to hold her off, but she threatened to shut my company down. I'm sorry, Teagan."

"No. I would do the same thing. I'll try to resolve this without violence."

John chuckles. "I have bail money if you need it. I'm also a phone call away if you need that too." He whistles to his crew and twirls his finger in the air. I'm mesmerized as they pack up effortlessly, moving in perfect harmony like synchronized swimmers.

I almost wish Silas had stayed, but I thought I wouldn't need him here since construction was ongoing. This is a disaster. But I can't always rely on him to be here for me. Him taking me to his house earlier was too much and something I'd never expected from him.

After locking the shop, I march toward city hall and will make sure she hears from me daily until she understands I'm not backing down. The city is at fault for the damage, and I refuse to obtain a permit for their error. It's complete horseshit that my insurance is suffering because of it. I guarantee she's the reason why I had to go through insurance in the first place.

City Hall sits right in the heart of Holden, surrounded by gorgeous oak trees that have been around since the beginning of the town. The brick building also serves as the courthouse, pulling double duty. The spacious grassy area out front is perfect for enjoying picnics in the summer months; it's what lies behind the walls that I hate. Nancy Montgomery.

My shoes squeak along the tiled floor, and I pity anyone who gets in my way. I'm a woman on a mission. I storm up to the reception desk where Kendall is typing away on her computer. I tap on the desk, grabbing her attention. When she looks up, her smile vanishes when I slam the pink paper down.

"Teagan. How may I help you?" she squeaked.

"Where the fuck is Nancy? And don't even lie to me, Kendall. I know she's here." My body shakes with rage as Kendall glanced away, clearly trying to dodge my question.

"I'm sorry, Teagan. She's in a meeting."

Of course, she is. "Is that the go-to response she tells you to give out? Call her now and tell her I'm about to kill her fucking cat if she doesn't get her ass down her. I'm not playing anymore."

"Teagan, I understand you're upset, but I can't allow you to talk to her when you are this upset."

Laughing wildly, I grab my paper and crumple it. "Kendall, you haven't seen me upset yet. Give the witch a message for me, will you?" I wait for her to grab a pen and paper. "Ready?" Kendall nods.

" Dearest Nancy, watch your back. You don't own this town, and if you think a permit will stop me, you're mistaken. You might want to step up your security at home. Love you, babe. Teagan. How does that sound?"

Kendall shakingly finishes writing the notes before glancing my way again. "The cops will be called. You know that."

"I'm not scared of Taylor; he can't even hurt a fly. I'll see you around the shop once it's reopened."

She nods. "Yeah, sure." Her voice was nothing but a small whisper.

I leave feeling on top of the world. Nancy can suck my dick. This is one small business owner that isn't taking any shit. Now I need a drink, but it's a little early unless I hit up happy hour.

Me: You on call?

Jace: No. Ivory and I are shopping for Halloween. Why?

Me: Want to join me for drinks?

Jace: Oh boy. Is it table dancing or karaoke kind of drinks?

Me: To be determine d

Jace: Ivory says she's game, and I guess I'll be getting lucky tonight

Me: You're welcome. The Hollow in thirty, if that works?

Jace: Doable. See ya!

I have enough time to head home and change. And enough time to prep myself for the lecture I'll get for not telling them about Silas. I could only imagine what they would say if I told them about my rendezvous with stalker boy in the park. It would be like the end of the world, and I would be a dirty little hoe, although Ivory would be secretly high fiving me under the table for being a little daredevil. Then, give Jace a dirty look for not doing anything like that to her.

If I had the secret to why and how my stalker found me, I'd spill the beans. But alas, I remain utterly clueless. Maybe one day I'll be able to shake him, but until then, I'm screwed—literally.

The Hollow is the perfect place to drink. Well, who am I kidding it's the only fucking bar in town. But the décor is to die for. The timber rafters are set against the industrial metal, giving a cool mix of textures. One wall is stacked with records, while the other is decked out with taxidermy—just some funky vibes going on.

I grab a booth in the back, facing the stage. When the server comes around, I order a pitcher of margaritas for Ivory and me and a beer for Jace. Leave it to them to run late; I know exactly who to blame.

"Sorry, we're late. Someone had to style their hair." Ivory sits next to me and glares across the table at Jace.

"I figured Miss Beauty Queen had to look his best."

Jace touches his hair. "This is quality work, ladies. It's a masterpiece; don't be knocking the lord's work."

I snort. "The lord's work might need a little more work." I lean in. "Is that grey hair?"

"Fuck off, Tee."

"She's right, babe. Forty is right around the corner. You might want to start dying those luscious locks of yours." Ivory laughs as she pours us a glass of margaritas.

"Watch it, woman, or else."

Ivory grins and raises a dark brow at Jace. The way they gaze into each other's eyes makes it seem as if the entire room fades away and they are the only two souls in existence. Nothing and no one could come between them. I'm glad Jace found his other half; Ivory grounds him, and Jace lifts Ivory. I want that, to be wanted in someone else's life.

"Alright, Tee. Tell us what's been going on. The great flood, how is that going?"

"Noah didn't make it, if that's what you're wondering. Although he probably didn't have issues building his boat."

"Nancy?"

I nod, taking a sip.

"Should we turn this conversation into a drinking game?" He teases.

"Dude. We would be shit faced before I reach the climax of the story. Nancy is such a cunt you have no idea, she pisses me off, and I'm sure the cops are gonna be knocking on my door come tomorrow, so there's that."

Ivory stops mid drink. "Excuse me? What did you do?"

I shrug and turn my head to the stage. "Nothing serious. I just left her a little note that may or may not have been threatening."

Jace groans. "Tee. The fuck."

I whip my head toward him, snap my fingers, and point at him. "Hey, she came at me. This is war, and Sparta will win. "

"Easy tiger. We all know how that will end. Are you ready for it?"

On the outside, I'm ready, but deep down, I'm a chicken shit. Nancy can end me. She will drag my name through the dirt to prove she's top dog. I can't let anyone know I'm scared. Once news about any of this hits the streets, I have to act strong. Nancy needs to be ruined.

"I've got this. Now, can we drink so I can forget about my water logged shop?"

"I'll drink to that." Ivory holds her glass up.

I lift my glass, and so does Jace. "I'll cheer to that." I click her glass and Jace's empty beer bottle.

"I'll get another round. I have a feeling it's a karaoke kind of night." He shakes his head.

Ivory leans in. "At least he knows us."

We both fall into a fit of laughter because it's true. Ivory turns to me, looking serious.

"Tell me, any men in your life? This is the time to spill the beans while Jace is away."

I tap my fingers on the table, the subject I knew would come up. I appreciate Ivory waiting until Jace left because it would be a fight. "There might be a guy, but seriously, he's a friend. I hired him to work in the shop. It could get messy."

"Messy, how?"

"I can tell he wants more but refuses to open up about his life. I'm not sure I can date someone with trust issues."

"Teagan. Relationships aren't built overnight. It takes time. Have you ever thought about how he feels trying to open up to you? It's scary to be judged. What if he bares his soul to you, and you run off because he said something you disagree with? Everyone has a past; we aren't perfect humans. Some scars aren't meant to be shown."

"Goddamn woman. What if I pushed him too far away, and he doesn't want to try anymore?"

"What's worst that can happen? You get a no."

Rejection is a hard pill to swallow, and I have so much shit going on in my life I'm not sure I can handle more. I'm afraid Silas and I are better off as friends and nothing more.