Marry Me, Jackson (Best Friends To Forever Book 1) Page 14

  “Sparks didn’t fly?” Josie asked, with Bryn waiting for the answer.

  “Not that I could feel.”

  “You’d know,” Bryn assured her. “The conversation would flow and turn into flirting.”

  Now she really felt bad. Emily wanted that. Wanted to feel the spark of interest. Feel the warmth in a man’s eyes. Those teasing comments, almost like a friend but more. “Absolutely no flirting. He seemed to count and measure everything. Worked in a family business.”

  “Sounds nice and secure.” Bryn was so kind. “I mean, if he’s the right guy.”

  “True. Granted my own career path isn’t for everyone. But I didn’t sense any genuine interest until it came to playing kneesie with me.”

  Bryn’s face fell. “What a creep.”

  “I would’ve stabbed his knee with my keys.” Josie’s eyes sparked.

  “I didn’t want to make a scene.” Thinking back, she shivered. “I couldn’t wait to get out of there. When he suggested dinner, I made up an excuse.”

  “Good move.” Josie made another turn so that they were headed back to the square. “Do men think we can be bought with a burger?”

  “I was careful leaving. Shane left first and seemed to take the opposite direction.” Chills rippled down her back when she remembered the ride home. “When I was driving back, I caught headlights in my rearview mirror.”

  Coming to a halt, Josie took her elbow. “Are you kidding me? Maybe I should go with you from now on. Hide in your back seat.”

  “Sweet of you but no.” Only Josie would suggest that.

  They were both hanging on her words. “When I came to a train crossing, the arm was down.”

  Bryn gave a soft gasp.

  “Was your door locked?” Josie still held her arm in a firm grip.

  “Of course.”

  “Oh, sweetie. You’re scaring me. What happened.” Despite their brisk walk, Bryn’s face was completely pale.

  “The headlights behind me were from a larger vehicle.” Remembering, she got this clammy feeling.

  “This sounds scary. Maybe online dating is too dangerous,” Bryn whispered.

  “What did you do?” Josie pushed on for details.

  “Looking in my rearview mirror, I noticed it was a black truck. Pretty common but Jackson drives one. I called him.” Total silence except for the squirrels chattering in the trees overhead. “It was Jackson.”

  “Jackson?” Josie let go of her arm.

  “Right.” Emily shook her head, remembering how relieved she’d felt. Relieved and annoyed at the same time. “He was just checking to make sure I made it home okay. I’d mentioned the meeting to him earlier. I don’t think I’ll do that again.”

  Josie and Bryn exchanged a look.

  “That is so darn sweet,” Bryn said.

  Emily shook her head. “No, it wasn’t like that, Bryn. When we were in college together, he listened to so many sad tales from me. He’s just looking out for me. Maybe I don’t date successfully.”

  “What does that mean?” Bryn’s forehead wrinkled.

  “It means, and these are Jackson’s words, not mine, that I bake cookies for the wrong guy on the second date. But how do you know?” And hadn’t she baked cookies for him not too long ago? Her cheeks turned hot. No way would she mention that. “He really spooked me out.”

  “I’m not surprised.” Josie looked totally disgusted while Bryn seemed to be in a romantic fog. They took up their walk.

  “Yeah, okay. Jackson’s not perfect. He is a great friend, though. He apologized and suggested that I meet my ‘prospects,’ as he calls them, in town. Which sounds like a good idea, except I might run into someone I know.”

  “Yeah, like us.” Josie looked to Bryn, who nodded. “We’ll stake out the place and huddle at the end of the bar in ball caps.”

  She threw them a warning look. “Don’t even think about it. This is my private embarrassment. I don’t want the whole town to know.” Well, except for Jackson. And she was only including him to get his male perspective.

  They’d reached the square. “Through or around?” Emily asked.

  “Around,” Bryn said, starting out on her own. Emily didn’t know if she could stand the look of stark deprivation on her friend’s face. This was so unfair, Victoria scooping up that prime real estate.

  The rising sun sparkled on the clean windows of Worthmore Drugstore, which still had a soda fountain in addition to dispensing most of the prescriptions in town. Emily’s favorite store was Coralee’s, of course. By the Yard, the fabric store, now sold essential oils since Mrs. Miniver had closed shop. The square held almost everything anyone could need, although Winn Dixie was out on the road to town. The merchants of Sweetwater Creek didn’t want anyone traveling out of the area for anything.

  Finally they stood in front of Victoria’s Pantry.

  “This gets more depressing by the day.” Bryn was riveted by the purple sign scripted in white overhead, held in place by a pretty wrought iron casing.

  “I hate this.” Josie stared up at the sign while Emily perused the inside. “What do you think ‘pantry’ means? Cookies, salads, coffee?”

  “The open house is only two weeks away. Look at the new display cases.” Bryn was practically drooling on the glass.

  “Your display cases and coolers are just fine.” Emily slung an arm over Bryn’s shoulder. “And you’re a lot more fun than Victoria.”

  Bryn pouted. “How do you know that?”

  Emily’s shoulders slumped. “The truth is, I don’t. But from the things I hear her say to the workmen, she’s not so nice. They’re not allowed an afternoon break.”

  “Since she just graduated from school, we don’t even know any of her friends. But no one else comes around, not that I’ve seen.” Emily tugged them from the window. “Come on. Let’s walk.”

  “Jackson is robbing the cradle,” Josie said, with a throaty chuckle. “Never knew he had that in him.”

  “Every man likes someone younger to make them feel young,” Bryn said with a sigh. “Isn’t that how it goes?”

  “That’s nonsense.” Emily wasn’t having it. “We’re not even thirty.”

  “Yet.” Bryn made a face.

  They walked the sidewalk in silence for awhile. This was a great morning to visit the marina and they headed down. The sun sparkled on the water. Some of the owners slept on their boats and right now they were greeting the morning with a mug of coffee in hand as they sat in their deck chairs.

  After waving to Billy, the old guy who managed the marina, they left. Emily said good bye to her friends and struck out for her apartment. As the weather got warmer, she didn’t need so many layers. Unzipping her jacket, she slipped it off and tied it around her waist. Emily could almost feel the bliss of a hot shower. Her hair needed shampooing, and she slipped the elastic band from her ponytail. Rounding the corner that led to the alley behind her building, she stumbled to a halt, her walking shoes catching on the cobblestones.

  Victoria and Jackson were unloading what looked like display racks from the back of Jackson’s pickup. It wasn’t going well.

  “Why did we have to do this so early in the morning?” Victoria grumbled. “I haven’t had my coffee yet.”

  “Working people get up early. Better get used to it.” Jackson was holding most of the rack, from what Emily could see.

  “My shop won’t open until ten and I’m thinking of moving that back to eleven.”

  Emily almost giggled. But she didn’t want to call attention to herself. Instead she crouched between her car and Victoria’s, digging her keys from the pouch she wore around her waist.

  “If you open at eleven and get here at ten thirty, you won’t be ready to serve lunch customers.”

  More mumbling. Metal squeaked against wood as they maneuvered a rack through the open back door.

  How could she avoid them? She stayed crouched low and counted to sixty. Once they were inside, she’d make a run for it.

  “Emily
?” Jackson’s boots appeared.

  Busted. Her eyes scanned upward, from the boots to hands fisted on those low rider jeans. “Oh, hi, Jackson. Beautiful morning isn’t it?”

  “What are you doing down there on the ground?”

  “Tying my shoe. It came undone while I was walking.” Her hands fumbled with the laces of the right walking shoe. Her face was streaked with sweat. She leapt to her feet. “Looks like you’re kind of busy.”

  “Jackson, I...” Victoria had joined them. “Well, hello. Emily, right?”

  She wished the ground could swallow her. But Victoria actually looked happy to see her.

  “Right. Hi.” Eight thirty in the morning and Victoria looked totally put together. Her long blonde wavy hair had not a wisp out of place. The red jacket provided a bright accent to her camel slacks, with real leather boots to match.

  Yes, please let me disappear right now.

  “So, looks like you’re getting your place all set for your opening.” She pushed a stubborn strand of hair off her sweaty forehead.

  “Mercy me, yes. There’s still lots to do. The kitchen will be put in next week.” Here Victoria threw a meaningful look at Jackson as if he were the one slacking off.

  “The crews will be here tomorrow.” Jackson turned to Emily. “Might be kind of noisy while they break things down and install.”

  “I’m sure Emily doesn’t mind.” If Victoria kept clenching her jaw like that, Emily’s new neighbor could get TMJ.

  Emily felt wicked for enjoying the thought of Victoria in a head brace. “I have a good set of head phones.” Which she intended to use.

  “See? No problem.” Victoria lifted the palms of her hands, as if to say another problem solved.

  Jackson wore a look that took her back to the days when Emily tried to explain the subjunctive tense in Spanish. He’d never be good at languages, and maybe he’d never see Victoria for what she was.” Emily edged toward her door. “Well, then. I’ll just let you go so you can get to work.”

  “Nice to see you again.” Victoria grabbed some signs from her trunk. Words like scones and crumpets popped out, scripted in a pretty shade of green.

  Emily’s stomach growled. Victoria’s Pantry would be perfect.

  Maybe she’d pop down in the mornings for a warm scone.

  And chat with Victoria? No way.

  “Jackson, we should move along.” With that, Victoria whirled back into her perfect shop, carrying the perfect signs with her.

  The quiet left behind felt soothing, although it sure didn’t fill her stomach. Emily yearned for a warm scone topped with orange marmalade. Jackson drew closer, wearing a half smile she couldn’t quite read.

  “Do you have any other appointments, you know, with prospects?” To his credit, Jackson looked uneasy as he pried into her personal life. Not that it stopped him. Uneasy and hot could be a deadly combination. The smell of his soap drifted toward her. She breathed it in like a puppy hanging its head out the back window on a spring day. Thank goodness she was standing upwind, uncomfortably aware that she did not smell like soap. She unlocked her door.

  “No more appointments booked.” From her tone you’d think she was talking about a hair appointment. “But I haven’t checked my inbox.”

  “Jackson?” Victoria’s voice had a commanding edge.

  “Be right there.” His jaw shifted. Clearly he wasn’t happy about being ordered around like an underling. So why did he allow this? Ah, true love. If this was how love looked and sounded, she wanted no part of it. “Let me know if you want any help. I mean, my opinion on any thing.” Jackson began to fumble.

  Her heart went out to him. He was trying to be so nice. And it wouldn’t hurt to have some advice. Although he’d scared her to death following her from Delton, the gesture had been sweet.

  “Jackson!” Framed by the doorway, Victoria had reached her limit.

  “See you later.” Emily disappeared into her stairwell, shutting the door behind her. For a second she fell back against the door, comparing Jackson to Shane. Maybe she preferred men in jeans. Guys who didn’t wear trim sport coats and pressed slacks. Jackson was rocking that gray henley shirt.

  Maybe she’d add that to her ad. Looking for man who looks great in jeans and henley shirts, muscles preferred. Chuckling, she sprinted up the stairs.

  Once in her apartment, she stripped down, showered and shampooed her hair. Slipping into her gray warm-up suit, she twined her hair into one thick braid. No time for styling today and no need to care. Maybe she’d put in some earrings in case Jackson broke out of jail and decided to stop by. Hah! Now back to work.

  Sitting down at her computer, she began her article on the different kinds of lettuce. When it comes to lettuce, go for the dark green, like kale or spinach. Kale is a power house vegetable because it has more nutrients, such as iron, calcium and potassium. Noises from below interrupted her thought process.

  She wouldn’t listen. Wouldn’t wonder. Back to lettuce. Spinach is packed with vitamin A as well as C and K. Not only is lettuce full of vitamins, it’s a great source of fiber. Emily stopped, distracted by the voices raised below her. Now, this would be the time to put on her headphones. Block out the noise. Because what did she care if Jackson and Victoria were arguing? She glanced around. Sure enough, her heating vents must somehow be linked to the first floor. Casting a guilty glance at her unfinished post, she slid off the chair and dropped to the floor.

  Of course Sasha plopped down from her perch on the desk to join her. Although it sure wasn’t comfortable, Emily got her ear as close to the vent as possible. In the bits of words echoing up the shaft, she heard “deadline” low and clear. And then Jackson’s voice would drop, while Victoria’s voice rose and fell. This was a girl who was used to giving orders.

  Emily wanted to hear the whole conversation.

  “Not that I care,” she told Sasha, who was sniffing at her hair. “Not one bit.”

  Sasha wasn’t buying it. Flipping up a leg with amazing ease, her dainty kitty began to groom herself.

  “Don’t you know that nice girls don’t do that.” Sasha didn’t care.

  Well, back to work. Emily had her own deadline. But when she tried to pull herself up, she yelped in pain. Her earring was caught in the vent. Served her right. Fumbling for the back, she unhooked it. The thought of having to call for help made her laugh.

  “What was that?” Victoria’s voice tunneled up the metal chute.

  “Nothing. Probably a TV show upstairs.” At least Emily thought that’s what Jackson said. Being very quiet, she took her seat at her desk, fingering her stinging earlobe.

  As she wrote about the glories of lettuce, her mind wandered to Jackson. What had he been doing since college graduation? She’d never even asked. After he graduated and went home to Sweetwater Creek, they’d lost touch. She felt bad about that. Back then her attention had been focused on Macon. Atlanta was home for him and he’d quickly connected with high school buddies. Together, they hung out in bars after work.

  Emily was struggling to afford her apartment alone. Through an ad in the paper, she’d found two roommates, Greta and Rosemary. Greta was a party girl who, as it turned out, often brought the party back with her. Rosemary spent most of her time in her room when she got home from work at a bank. She was way beyond introverted.

  Oh, she’d checked with Jackson for a while. His mom improved and he’d settled into some business. He never gave her details. When she came home for a holiday or Mother’s Day, she devoted herself to time with family.

  Eventually, she met Eric. A law student when she met him, he talked about the need for health insurance and an IRA. He was definitely career-motivated and she liked that. The firm that eventually hired him offered great benefits. He’d proudly listed them for her. By the time they broke up, he was on track to make partner. In some corner of her mind, she wondered if she fit into his master plan. Those were the words he always used. He had a “master plan.” Then she launched Healthy Eating, Bet
ter Life, and work consumed her. Of course, she had no perks, no benefits.

  But she thought she had him.

  Although their relationship wasn’t perfect, it was enough. Until he met Amber. How could she ever forget that noisy bar where drinks flowed freely, laughter filled the rafters and her life went down the tubes.

  Seeing Eric bend over Amber’s bright smile, Emily felt panic rip across her chest. What was happening? The frightening sensation sent her lurching out into the night. Eric didn’t even notice her leave. She leaned against the brick wall, feeling it solid along her back while her breathing settled. Should she go to the ER? But the weird, scary feeling faded. No way was she going back inside.

  Eric broke up with her in an email. After three years, a blasted email with two typos.

  After that, Emily buried herself in her business. Sometimes she’d meet friends for a drink on Friday. Most of them would stop straight from work. Her wardrobe of casual tops and slacks set her apart. Sure, guys hit on her but no more men in suits for her. Besides, another panic attack always threatened. She finally sought help at a clinic with a sliding fee scale. Eileen was a big help.

  As time passed, her new friends peeled off, got married and moved away. Emily moved to her own miniscule apartment. She often took her laptop to a neighborhood coffee shop, just to be around people.

  Visiting her folks for Christmas, Emily ran into Josie at Winn Dixie. They became Facebook friends and before long Bryn friended her. They made each other laugh. And Emily needed to laugh.

  Sweetwater Creek began to look more and more appealing. The crime rate was practically nonexistent and the cost of living was way lower than in the city. Moving back home seemed like a no-brainer.

  Emily was happy with her decision. But she was almost thirty and wanted to meet someone, this time the right someone. And no more suits for her. No more highly charged guys with promises, who may or may not stick around.

  After she uploaded her latest blog, she structured a menu for another older new client. Miss Charlotte had a lot of friends in other cites through some sort of Mah Jong club, and she’d spread the word. She was so cute, so proud that she had her own nutritionist.