Page 106 of When Fate Breaks
Blake laughs. “Goodnight, Evangeline.”
“Goodnight, Blake.” I end the call as I’m stepping out of the truck, butterflies dancing in my stomach as I make my way to the front door.
Something about making my parents proud has always been one of the things that brings me the most joy in this life. I know that they are always supportive and proud of me no matter what, but I think I’ve always felt some sort of guilt about not wanting to take over the hardware store. They’ve never exactly pressured me to do so, but I know how much it would mean to Dad to see his legacy continued. So, in a way, I guess it makes me feel better to be able to show them that, if I’m not taking over the store, I’m at least finding success in my own path. Something worthwhile for allowing the business to come to an end so quickly. I suppose I shouldn’t take all the blame, however. Steph, with her near valedictorian status and full ride volleyball scholarship to Auburn next year, will most certainly be playing her own part in letting the legacy die. As much as it would pain me to one day see Ramer without Jacks Hardware, good for her.
Good for both of us.
I’m already through the front door before I realize that I was too distracted to use the side door like we normally do. I spot Steph sitting on the couch in the living room, still in her volleyball practice clothes, and my dad’s back to me in the doorway. “Hey, guys,” I say, making my way forward. “Y’all got a sec–”
I pause when both Dad and Steph’s eyes turn to meet mine. They both shift uncomfortably and I become aware for the first time of the odd tension in the room. Mom steps into view and my eyes flick in her direction, seeing her crossed arms and tight expression.
“Um, what’s going on?” I question, my eyes bouncing between each of my family members.
“Come sit, Annie,” my mom says. “We have something to talk to you about.”
19
PRESENT DAY
“We’ve already talked about this!” I call as I jog towards the front door, answering what has to be the hundredth knock of the morning between all of the vendors stopping by to drop things off for the shower and random family members and friends dropping by to see the new house and say hello on their way into town for the party tonight.
“Off-white and cream look exactly the same to me, Miss Lori Beth! Just choose whichever napkins you prefer! Or just do both! I seriously don’t think anyone will notice!”
I blow a loose strand of hair out of my face as I fling the door open. “Oh–Oh my God,” I sputter when I realize that it’s not Lori Beth at the door again to test my last shred of sanity. “Hi!”
“Wow, off-whiteandcream napkins?” Madeline questions, her brows raised.
“What kind of rager exactly did we sign up for here?” Carmen finishes, her lips pulled up in amusement.
I don’t respond to their very valid question, letting out a squeal as I pull both of my former college roommates into a bear hug.
“Missed you, sunshine,” Carmen says.
“I missed you guys, too,” I smile, pulling back from them. “It’s so good to see you.”
“And what about me?” a familiar voice calls from ahead.
I poke my head over Madeline’s shoulder to see Riya making her way up the gravel driveway, her dark hair and deep tan skin glowing in the midday heat. “Ri!” I shout, meeting her halfway to wrap her in a hug.
“Thank you guys so much for coming,” I say, looking between my long-time friends. “It really means a lot.”
“Hey, what are bridesmaids for?” Carmen grins.
“And sisters!”
I turn to see Steph stumbling out of a rideshare car, plowing her way up the driveway to meet us, her rolling suitcase flinging gravel the whole way. My eyes instantly begin to water as she throws herself into my arms.
“Y’all’s timing really is impeccable,” I chuckle.
Steph releases her hold on me, her green eyes meeting mine. “I made it to the mansion, bitch,” she whispers, only loud enough for me to hear. I shake my head at her, laughter wracking my body as I hug her one more time.
God, I missed my sister.
“Hey, rat,” Leah calls from the doorway, a sympathetic smile on her face as she balances several boxes of decor in her arms and holds my cell phone out in my direction. “I’m really here for this kumbaya moment, but Lori Beth just called you for the fifth time in the last two minutes and I’m just afraid that if you don’t call her back she’ll just show up and–”
“Gotcha,” I reply, completely in agreement with Leah’s fears as I jog up the porch and take the phone from her hand. “I’ll call her. Thank you.”
“No, thankyou,” she says with a wink. “Y’all want to follow me inside?” she calls to the girls. “Champagne is popped.”
