Page 7 of Memphis

“That they are, but mine can be, too.”

I could tell by the way she spoke that she loved my father. I loved him, too, and there was a time when we were really close. He was my person. I thought the world revolved around him, but things between us had been strained over the past few years. Things changed after my mother died. He withdrew and became distant, throwing himself into his work.

I tried to be understanding. I knew he was hurt, but over time, I started to resent the fact that my father hadn’t been there when I needed him most. Then, out of the blue—just a few short months after my mother’s death, he announced that he’d met someone.

I loved Kay. She was sweet and sincere, and she seemed head over heels for my father. And he seemed to be equally enamored with her. I was happy for them both, but I was also jealous.

Very, very jealous.

I didn’t want to be, but like it or not, the feeling was there in the pit of my stomach. And seeing all this birthday hoopla for her when mine was completely forgotten was hard to swallow. It hurt more than I cared to admit, but I put on my best smile and tried to pretend that all was well in the world as I listened to her ramble about her short fuse.

“I’d tried on three different outfits and had worked myself into a fit. I was trying on yet another outfit when your father walked in. He started telling me that I looked beautiful—which I didn’t feel nor believe, so I snapped at him. I don’t know what came over me. I feel bad just thinking about it.”

“We all have our moments.”

“Yes, I know, but he didn’t deserve that. Thankfully, he understood and even helped me find the perfect thing to wear.”

“That was very sweet of him.”

“Yes, it was.” She was practically beaming as she told me, “I don’t know what I would do without him.”

“He feels the same way about you.”

I was about to go to the kitchen to see if the caterer needed any help when I heard a familiar rumble of a motorcycle pull into the drive. I’d heard it many times over the past year, and each time, the sound made my stomach fill with butterflies. He was coming.

I didn’t want to get excited about it. I didn’t want the butterflies he gave me or the sweaty palms and the racing heartbeat. I didn’t want any of it, but the second I saw him walk past the window up to the door, I was hit with all of it. Without knocking, he stepped inside, and I tried to busy myself with the flowers, ignoring the easy smile that marked his handsome face.

“Weston!” Kay gasped at the sight of her son. “I didn’t know you were coming by.”

“It’s your birthday.” Wes walked over and gave her a big hug. “I had to come by and see ya. Besides, I was in the area.”

“Well, it’s very sweet of you.”

“It looks like quite the shindig over here.”

His eyes found mine, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world stopped. I quickly looked away, hoping he wouldn’t notice the blush creeping up my cheeks, and I busied myself even more with the flowers. I pretended not to notice as they exchanged pleasantries, but every word he spoke, every smile he gave, only made me more envious of Kay.

She not only had my father, but she had Wes—the man who haunted my dreams since the night we met in that stupid hotel. When I couldn’t stand it a moment longer, I turned and started for the kitchen. I was almost in the clear when Weston called out to me, “Hey, Toni. Didn’t realize you were going to be here today.”

“I’m not staying. I just came by to give your mom a hand.”

“I see.” His eyes skirted over me. “You been doing okay?”

“Yeah, I’ve been busy, but good. How ‘bout yourself?”

“Can’t complain.” His face was void of expression as he announced, “Mom mentioned that you’ve got yourself a new fella.”

“Of course she did.” I glanced over at Kay, expecting to give her a reprimanding glare, but she was too busy chatting with the caterer to pay me any mind. “It doesn’t really matter. I don’t think anything will come of it. What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

“Nah.”

“Oh, that’s surprising.” I crossed my arms. “I figured you would have your pick of women.”

“Never said I didn’t.” He cocked his brow. “Just don’t see any point in wasting my time going after something I don’t want.”

“I see.”

His eyes were still locked on mine when his mother stepped between us and announced, “I have a great idea!”

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