Page 45 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

As soon as I step outside, I remember that my truck is sitting in front of the main house. And everyone cleared out after the excitement died down. I’ll just have to take Lettie’s car.

I go back inside, and she’s asleep, curled up on her side.

All the craziness wore her out. It has me questioning everything. When I got that text from her, I didn’t panic because a friend was in trouble. I was terrified of losing her. Again. But I’m equally afraid of trusting her with my heart.

And that doesn’t even make sense because she sort of has it already.

As I reach for the door, someone knocks. Still rattled, I peek out the window. Anderson holds up two plates covered in foil.

I pull open the door. “You brought food.”

“I did. Ava also sent dessert. That’s still in my truck. I didn’t want to risk dropping it.” He sets the food on the counter, then drops his voice to a lower volume. “If you give me your keys, I’ll make sure your truck makes it over here.”

After handing over my keys, I rub the back of my neck. “Thanks for everything today.”

“Any time. And if y’all need anything, you have my number.” He runs to the truck and comes back with a small box. “Pie. I’ll text when we’re headed back with your truck.”

“I can go later and get it if it’s a hassle.”

“Not a hassle, and I think someone needs you right now.” He swings the keys around his finger. “Have a good one.”

* * *

Lettie setsher plate on the coffee table and leans her head back. “Ava is a good cook.”

“She is. I used to say she was the best, but then I tasted your food.”

“Everyone has been so nice.” She wraps the afghan around her, then glances at my lap.

I grab one of her throw pillows and set it on my leg. “Cuddle up.”

I hesitate to ask her more about Wes and how things were at home before she left, but there’s stuff she’s not telling me.

Lettie’s phone lights up, and the word Mom flashes on the screen.

“I think we should see what she wants.”

Lettie nods, so I swipe to answer, and she says, “Hello.”

“You set him up and had him arrested? You’re awful. Your father left me with nothing. Nothing! And I sacrificed to take care of you. But your grandparents couldn’t be bothered to help. But now, they leave money for you. That’s not right. I deserve it. So get your tail back home and sign whatever papers are needed so that I get the money.” Her words are slurred, and she practically spews the entire rant in one breath.

“What grandparents?” Lettie sits up. “You said my grandparents died right after dad did.”

There is silence for nearly a full second.

“Mom, why would you lie about something like that?” Lettie is tearing up.

“They weren’t nice people. I did you a favor. Now come home and do this for me.”

I reach to end the call, but Lettie shakes her head. “You sent Wes to bring me home so that... what? How were you planning to get me to sign everything over?”

“We had a plan. But you messed it up by getting him arrested.”

Lettie taps the screen and ends the call. “I’m not sure I want to know what her plan was.” She lies back down, her head in my lap. “I moved out because Wes kept walking into my room unannounced if I didn’t have the door locked. Then one day I came home and my knob had been changed to one without a lock. When I told Mom that he made me uncomfortable, she screamed at me for trying to steal her boyfriend and told me to move out. So I did. That’s when I moved here.”

I run my fingers through her dark hair, wishing I could erase all the yuck from her past.

“The saddest part is that my mom wasn’t like this when Dad was alive. She was wonderful, loving. I was only seven, but I remember. Even before the funeral, she started drinking. And it turned her into someone awful.”

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