Twenty-Two

Jace and Ivory looked happy when I found them in the corn maze, and I couldn't be happier for them. And I felt like a wrung-out wet cat. Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, my lawyer called this morning for an early morning meeting. I lie in bed praying it's nothing serious, but shit with Nancy isn't easy, and I should know better.

I slowly hoist myself up and glance around my room. Perhaps it's time for a bit of change. I've been doing the same thing almost daily; I feel stuck in a hamster wheel, never going anywhere. Maybe reopening the shop wasn't a good idea; perhaps I should've taken that vacation when I had the chance, not causing a shitstorm.

Now, I'm afraid it's too late. I dug myself a grave and now have no choice but to get out of it: me and my big mouth. I eventually move to the closet and try to find something decent that doesn't scream. I work in a bookstore, and I'm lazy half the time. You don't realize your wardrobe is lacking until you need to find professional wear.

I grab a black dress since you can't go wrong there. It's classy and screams I'm not one to be fucked with. I pull off my nightgown, and the necklace falls against my chest. I touch the heart that's filled with his blood. It's the creepiest gift I've ever received. I reach for the clasp and stop. Something in the back of my mind screams at me to stop. What if he catches me again, and I don't have it on? I'm over his grabs and fucks. I swear, next time, his balls will meet my fucking knee. Who are we kidding? I damn near begged him last night like an idiot. I crumbled so fast. But the sex—goddamn, it was hot.

I hope my lawyer has good news because I don't know why he would want to meet with me. I've done everything he suggested, even though I've secretly hoped for a run-in with Nancy. I grab my bag off the island and my car keys.

I was so caught up thinking about the meeting I almost didn't notice the dark object on the grass in the front yard. I swear, if it's kids throwing trash on my grass, I'm going to be pissed. The closer I get, the more confused I am.

The mask is flipped over, revealing the cushioned foam on the forehead, an adjustable strap, and a cord leading to the battery pack. If this is what I think it is, that means he came here last night. I kick the mask over, revealing white LED stripes. Like, I figured it was the mask.

I look around, wondering if he's out here watching me now. I scan the neighbourhood as I slowly back up; deep down, I know he won't show his face during the day, but secretly, I want him to. I want to know who is behind the mask. I thought I was close last night when I smacked his mask off; if only he weren't wearing that stupid balaclava under it. I can't quite make out his voice, and it's so muffled that I can't tell if I recognize him or not. That's what bugs me; his speech pattern is just not familiar.

Opening the car door, I take one more peek at the mask; shivers roll down my spine. I can't think of him today. I have Nancy bullshit to deal with. I back out of the driveway like a mad woman, trying to add distance between me and that mask. That's a problem for afternoon Teagan.

Fredrick and Jason Law Office, a quiet office tucked behind the only grocery store in town. The building's exterior is all classic red brick, but you're immediately surrounded by luxury when you step inside. The floors are white tile, the walls are white, and there's sleek black leather furniture for clients in the waiting room. It's quite the contrast, but it works.

The lawyers here are cunty as fuck, but they come with a considerable price tag. Unfortunately for me. My lawyer, Sam, comes strolling into the waiting room with my folder tucked under his arm. When he sees me, he shakes his head.

"Teagan, good morning."

"Morning, Sam."

He nods for me to follow him, time to get this over with. Whatever happens, happens.

"I got a disturbing phone call from Tom, Nancy's lawyer, and I figured we should get together before cops were involved," he says when we enter the small office.

"Why? What did she do?" I take a seat across from him.

He places the folder on the desk, opens it, takes a piece of paper out and slides it toward me. I grab it and try to read lawyer talk.

"I'm not following; what does this mean? "

"It seems some vandalization happened at Nancy's house last night, and she's accusing you."

"Hold the fucking phone. I was at home. Does she even have proof that it was me, or is she just saying this because she hates me and cause I may or may not have threatened her cunty ass?"

Sam grins. "She's saying you threw a bottle of liquor at her house last night."

"The fuck. I have better shit to do than waste booze on her. What does this mean now?"

"She's becoming unhinged, and I shouldn't say that, but it's true. I'm unsure why she has it out for you Teagan, but I would be careful. I wouldn't put it past her to push you so she can get a restraining order. Don't get violent. That's all I can say."

"Great, so I have to watch myself while she goes on her merry way, tormenting people still. How is that fair?"

He shakes his head. "Life isn't fair, but jail isn't where you want to be."

Perfect. I get punished for something I haven't done, and Nancy gets away with being a dick. This isn't how I was expecting this morning to go. At this point, I might as well try and grow eyes on the back of my head because, at this rate, I'll never survive.

"Anything else I should be aware of?"

"Yes. Nancy's lawyer says if she complains one more time, he'll go straight to the cops. I'm doing the best I can, but my hands are tied. It's the note you wrote that isn't helping."

"Allegedly. It's in Kendall's writing, not mine. You still don't have proof I said it."

"You do know Kendall came forward and said you told her what to write."

"Snitch. There was a reason I never liked her." What a bitch, what happened to girls helping girls?

"Teagan, no more threats," Sam warns.

"Sure. Is that everything? I need to head to the shop."

"That's everything. If something comes up, I'll call." He stands, walks to the door and opens it for me. "I mean it, no more threats. Nancy isn't one to be messed with. I can't help if you dig a deep grave."

"Thanks, Sam." Everyone is afraid of that deep grave of Nancy's wrath. I should've known even my lawyer was afraid of Nancy. What does that say about her power in this town? I need to find some dirt on her before I end up in the dirt. She probably smashed a bottle of liquor and blamed me, and I wouldn't put it past her to go to such lengths just to get me off her back.

Two more days and the shop will officially reopen. The nerves are getting to me. What if Nancy does something then? I leave the office feeling defeated. I can see where Sam is coming from, telling me to cool my jets, but that woman irritates the living shit out of me. I have a sneaking suspicion she will show up on opening day and cause trouble, and I don't have any backup unless I call Dad to man the door, but then it looks like security is needed. It's bad enough that people are talking about my name; do I want Dad to be dragged into it?

I've got a lot on my mind, but asserting my dominance over Nancy's is at the top of my priorities. It's time to show her who the real boss is.

Being back at my shop, I'm over the moon; John and his crew have outdone themselves. The space is more open without the backroom blocking most of the space. I'm in love with it, but now I'm not sure I want to add the coffee bar; maybe a tiny retail space filled with bookish items would be perfect.

The only thing missing is someone to celebrate this with. When I talked about renovations, it was with Silas; he was supportive, and I looked forward to sharing this moment with him. Fuck it. Grabbing my phone, I find his number.

Me: I know it's a long shot, and you probably stopped talking to me for a reason, but the shop is reopening in two days, and I want you to be here when it does. Don't feel obligated to just because I'm messaging you. I hope everything is okay with you. Anyway, take care Sunshine.

If he chooses to ignore me, it was worth a shot. I'll finally get my answer and be able to move forward.

I step into my office to a complete mess, paperwork scattered from one end to the other across my desk, boxes of books piled in the corner. I have a delivery coming tomorrow, and I still need to clean this entire place from top to bottom.

At least cleaning will help distract my mind.

I'm working on wiping down all the bookshelves when a knock on the door startles me. I peek around the shelf and see Elma's face squished against the door, trying to look inside. I see her eyes lock onto mine, and I know I'm fucked. She greets me with a wave, looking so happy, like she hasn't been spreading rumours about me.

"Teagan, open up. It's been ages, Hun." She knocks again and pulls on the handle. Thankfully, I locked the door.

Is it too late to pretend I didn't see her? She knocks once more. I drop my rag in the water bucket and slowly make my way to the door. She won't give up, and god knows what she has to say. I turn the lock, and she pushes the door open.

"About time. It's getting cold out there for an old lady like me. You won't believe the news, I have to say. I feel like it's been ages since I've told you some juicy gossip. Where have you been hiding out?" She waves me off and walks further into the shop, leaving me behind. "Doesn't matter; let me tell you what I heard."

"Elma, can't this wait? I have a lot to do before I reopen."

"Nonsense, this won't take long." She looks around the empty shop before facing me. "I heard some folks were caught having intercourse in the corn maze."

My head felt like it was going through a tunnel, and I didn't hear her correctly. "I'm sorry. What?"

"A group of teenagers took pictures of a couple in the middle of—"

I hold my hand up. "Got it. Who was it?" Sweat forms on my forehead, praying it's not me.

"I'm not sure; it was dark, and they didn't have the flash on. Who would choose a public place to have sex? You have to be sick in the head. "

"Some people like to have fun, Elma. Even if it's in public, was this the juicy gossip you were in dire need to tell me?"

"No. I heard no one is coming to your reopening. They are upset about what you did with Nancy."

"Gee, I wonder where they heard that little tidbit of news?"

"I only tell the people what they should know."

"Well, your facts are out to fucking lunch, Elma. Next time, go to the source for everything before you ruin their livelihood. So, if you don't mind, there's the fucking door. Don't come back until you learn your place in this town."

She places her hand on her chest, and her eyes grow wide. "Are you threatening me?"

"No, Elma. I'm tired of you spreading rumours about me." I point to my chest.

"I'm sorry, Teagan. But that's how things work."

I shake my head. Unreal, I step back, opening the door. "Then you can leave. Our friendship, or whatever you think it was, is over. Don't come back."

Elma brushes past me without another word. If someone prefers spreading rumours over building friendships, they're not someone I want around.

I already have enough drama to deal with for a lifetime.