Page 276 of Love in Riverbend
“No,” I say quickly. “I spoke to Mr. Stevens this afternoon.”
“About what?”
I sigh, unsure why he isn’t seeing the bigger picture. “About you.”
“What the hell, Marilyn? You have no right.”
Stepping closer, I reach out, laying my hand on his chest. “Ricky, it’s not bad. It’s good. Mr. Stevens came to me.”
He steps back from my touch and shakes his head. “What’s good about what happened? What’s good about Justin in the hospital or me missing the opportunity I wanted?”
I force a smile. “That’s the thing. Once I explained the situation to Mr. Stevens...”
Ricky runs his fingers over his facial hair and stares at me. “It was none of your fucking business to do that. I don’t want a job because you got it for me. Fuck, people are going to think I slept my way into the position.”
My blood heats at his insanity. “Really? Did you fuck Mr. Stevens? Or was it Mr. Parker?”
“No. You know what I mean!” he yells, louder than necessary.
“Of course you didn’t.” My flesh feels tight at this unexpected argument. “You showed them that you have a subset of knowledge they’ve been looking for.”
Ricky shakes his head. “Unbelievable.”
“I didn’t get you the job. You got you the job. I just gave Mr. Stevens the information to understand why you would turn down such a great offer.”
Ricky clenches his jaw. “You want me to take the job and leave Justin to lose everything?”
I stare in disbelief. “Do you think I want Justin and Devan to lose everything?” I motion around the newly renovated kitchen. “Look what they’ve done. I want them to keep the farm and for you to have the position you want.”
His lips come together as the muscles pull tight in his jaw. “I see. You want me to have that position, because you don’t want to tell people you’re dating a farmer.”
“What the hell?”
“That’s it. You’ve wanted out of Riverbend for as long as I can remember. The last thing you want is for me to be back here. So you went out of your way to smooth things over behind my back and get me a job that you find more prestigious.”
Turning around, I lift my overnight bag strap to my shoulder. “Fuck you, Ricky Dunn. I don’t know if you’re full of yourself or you’re drowning in disappointment. Mr. Stevens came to me. I answered his questions. If you weren’t so damn deep in your pity party, you might realize that what I did was for you, not for me. You really think my friends would give a shit if I dated a farmer? Maybe you’ve forgotten, but one of my best friends is married to a farmer.”
“Marilyn.” His tone is softer.
“Go to hell.” I fight the tears pricking the backs of my eyes. “I gave you another chance. I only asked for one thing—not to hurt me again. Well, congratulations, you’re hurting me by pushing me away. Have a nice fucking life.” Spinning toward the door, I open the solid door and push open the screen.
The door slams behind me.
I’m not sure if Ricky follows me or not. I don’t turn around or even look at the house until I’m in my car. My hands tremble on the steering wheel. Despite my blurry vision, I throw the car into reverse and do a three-point turn. My foot slams down on the gas pedal, leaving Ricky behind, where I should have kept him.
At the end of the lane by the white barn, I stop the car and send my mom a text message.
* * *
Sorry for the short notice. I visited the hospital, but I need to get back to Carmel. The new tax rules were just released. I have a weekend of exciting reading.
* * *
I even add a laughing emoji.
Hitting my playlist, I listen to that new album again. The tears keep me from singing, but I don’t need to. I can feel the words “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” in my soul.
My body is still shaking by the time I make it back to my apartment. I’m not even sure how I made it home. The entire drive is a blur. Grabbing my bags, I walk back into my apartment building and, finally, into my apartment.
