Page 6 of Standing Still

Okay then. I grab my purse and the keys, lock the house up and follow her down the steps. I offer to drive, but the place she wants to go is a short walk away, and she says it does her good to get off her fat ass and move around.

“I hate to ask,” I start as we walk down the sidewalk to the end of the street.

“Tom Greenwood,” she says, waving her hand at me, showing her wedding and engagement ring. “That boy knocked me up right out of college and we’ve never looked back.” She laughs when my eyes widen. “Don’t worry, I love the big lug. We’re doing great and even though his two other children are terrors sent to drive me mad, we’re happy. At least I will be when this one makes an appearance.”

I’m not sure what else to say but Dawn has no compunction about filling the silence, telling me about her kids, her job at the cafe we’re heading to, hence why she is craving their hot chocolate because she knows they make the best.

She doesn’t ask me any questions, doesn’t look at me with pity or anger, she’s just Dawn. And thank God for that, because being at that house stripped me of everything. I didn’t think I could get through another day here until this ball of sunshine grabbed me by the hand and dragged me back into the present.

“Dawn,” I say as we reach the door to the café.

“You don’t have to say it,” she says softly.

“You don’t even know what I was going to say,” I protest.

“Sure I do, I know you Elle. I always have. The last few years, forget about them. I want to hear all about your career. I’ve read all your books, by the way. Who knew you had such a filthy mind?”she giggles. “In fact, you’re the reason we had our middle child. Now, let’s go, no being maudlin, or apologies, I won’t hear it and I’m pregnant, humour me,” she takes my hand, her head tilts slightly. “Okay?”

After a few moments searching her face for any signs, this is all for show. I nod my head and she leads me inside the café.

Chapter Four

The boat with my brother on left two hours ago. I’d held in a laugh as it did. Not just at my brother, but at the other guys glaring at me. They would have rather been a man down than have Denny helping, but I know they can’t get as much done with a man short.

I spent the last couple of hours going over the paperwork. Sarah is amazing at what she does, keeping the office running, but I know she’s looking for another job. She isn’t getting paid enough here. I don’t want to lose her, so I’m pinning everything on today. Acer assured me I had nothing to worry about, but neither he nor I know what his daughter will do. She could wreck everything if she contests the will.

Once I’ve done all I can, that doesn’t involve being out on the boat. I head home, take Jedi for a quick walk, then grab a shower and put on the only suit I own. Funnily enough, it is the one I wear to funerals. And weddings. I’d been to more of the latter than the former lately, but I’d need to get it out again when we bury Acer.

It made me feel a combination of pissed and sad that Acer organized and paid for everything before he died. I mean, who the hell wants to organize their own funeral because they don’tthink anyone else will do it for them? I’m pissed as fuck he never contacted her to tell her what was going on with him. At least he didn’t die alone, well. He died in his sleep. He still has a lot of friends. His funeral will be packed. I don’t know if she intends to stick around, or even show her face.

Part of me gets it. I know what she went through all those years ago. Fuck, I contributed to a lot of the shit she ended up dealing with, but is that any reason to completely cut your family out? I couldn’t imagine not seeing or being around my family, even for a week. As much as they can be a pain in the ass, they mean the world to me.

Who the hell knows? She won’t be the same girl I knew all those years ago. I steel myself for seeing her again. I want one thing from this meeting, and it is not a reunion with Elle George.

Jedi isn’t impressed at being left alone, especially as he got himself excited I’d be around when I got back earlier than usual. I indicate his bed and he drops his head and walks over like a sulky toddler. I roll my eyes and grab my keys and phone and head out. It’s only a short walk into town, so I forego the truck and take off.

The receptionist welcomes me with a huge and flirty smile. We dated for a while about two years ago. It ended amicably, but I have no desire for a repeat, even though she hints at it endlessly when we run into each other. This is the reading of a will and discussions about Acer’s assets. He was my friend. I’m not in the mood for any flirting. Still, I can’t be rude.

“Hey Ev,” I lean against the counter. “How’s things?”

“Oh, you know, can’t complain. How about you?” her eyes roam over the suit.

I’ve made something of an effort, but I’ve not shaved off the beard, just tidied it up a little. I’ve been far from clean cut for the last decade. It’s never put anyone off. If anything, the rugged look attracts more women.

“Not so bad. Today is not a greatday, though.”

She eyes me with sympathy. “I know. It’s going to be tough.” She reaches over and puts a hand on my arm. “If you need anything, I’m here.”

“Thanks, Ev. Appreciate that. Am I first here?”

“No,” she indicates behind her. “The other party arrived about ten minutes ago,” her voice has taken on a more hardened, cold edge. Ev knew Elle back in high school.

I turn around and do a double take. I don’t know how I hadn’t spotted her sitting there when I first came in. I hate to admit it, but my stomach jolts.

Fuck. She is even more gorgeous than she was when we were kids. My eyes travel up her legs, which are bare up to her knee where a navy-blue skirt ends. She’s wearing matching heels that accentuate her calves, even sitting down. She always did have amazing, long legs.

The perusal is slow as it continues up. Her blazer covers most of her top half, hiding what I’m guessing is as impressive as the rest of her. Her rich brown hair is down and tumbling over her shoulders. Her face is more angular than I remember. She could do with a few good home-cooked meals, but it doesn’t distract from her beauty. It’s almost blinding. I feel a bit sick.

The knowing look on her face doesn’t help. I get an odd sense of satisfaction from that look. She didn’t like witnessing the flirting with Ev.

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