Page 18 of Deception & Daylight
My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach, and by the time we’re finished, I’m full to bursting. Rosie and Paige talk animatedly about the Blossom Festival and all the events they’ll be hosting — each one benefiting a different local organization. I can’t help but smile, my heart filled with pride for my best friend. She’s come so far in just two years, and I’m happy to see her thriving. But as their laughter envelops me, the weight of my uncertainty settles in. I still feel a little lost and the thought of putting down roots here is overwhelming. For now, I’ll enjoy this moment, even if I’m not ready to think about what comes next.
Miles
“I waited for you.”
Maggie’s words replay on a loop in my head as they have done since we parted ways earlier today. I’ve never felt like more of an asshole than I did at that moment. Just when I think things can’t get worse, I uncover another level of Matty’s deception and it’s like a gut punch every time.
I want us to get past this, but it’s clear Mags is still harboring a lot of anger, and she’s not ready to hear me out. Instead, I head back into town for lunch and a chance to clear my head.
The bell chimes above the door as I walk into my favorite place in the world. Rosie’s has been a refuge for me since before I can even remember. Ma would bring me here when things would get tense with my dad, though I’m not sure she truly knew the extent of things back then. She’s been good friends with the owners for years, and there’s nothing a slice of Rosie’s pie can’t fix.
My mouth waters as the scent of fresh apple pie teases my senses. Fuuuck I’m starving — and not just for dessert. Maggie’s pert ass is perched on a stool at the counter as she rests her cheek on her hand, her elbow propped against the counter as she listens to Paige and Rosie chatting. A smile breaks out over her face and a sudden pang of jealousy hits me square in the chest. I want her smiles.
“Well, if it isn’t the town golden boy,” a sarcastic voice says from somewhere behind me.
I turn on my heel to face the intruder. “Matty.”
“Hey big brother,” he drawls, his voice dripping with mock enthusiasm.
“Thought you were off sticking your dick in every available hole,” I scoff. His gaze flicks to the counter where Maggie and Paige are still seated and my body tenses. “Don’t even fucking think about it.”
“Oh, you know damn well I’ve already thought about it.”
It takes all of my self control not to wipe the smirk off his fucking face with my fist.
“Everything ok over there?” Paige’s voice cuts through the tension like a knife, and Matty’s mask slides effortlessly into place. His smile might appear handsome to everyone else, but I know far too much about my brother to find it endearing.
He saunters over tomygirls with an unsettling swagger. “Gonna introduce me to your lovely lady friends, bro?”
“Nope,” I say, exaggerating the p with a nonchalance that betrays my true feelings for the boy I once loved and protected fiercely. Memories of black eyes and aching ribs flood my mind as I recall every beating I took on his behalf.
If I had known then how our relationship would change, would I do things differently? No. I did what I had to do to protect my brother. I was bigger and stronger — I could take every blow my dad dealt and carry on. I don’t know if Matty would’ve survived. Though I don’t think he was any better off witnessing the blows. It broke us both in different ways. The best thing my dad ever did was leave.
“Miles?” Maggie’s sweet voice brings me back to the present as a soft hand lands on my biceps, a slight frown marring her beautiful face. The tender gesture catches me off-guard, and I flinch, causing Mags to release her hold on me. I don’t miss her body’s reaction to my sudden movement, and guilt swamps me at the sight of her shrinking in on herself.
“Sorry, Wildcat.”
“Wildcat, huh?” Matty’s tone is dripping with condescension, and Mags glares at my brother, which in itself is a win in my book. Maggie hates the nickname, but it looks like she might just hate my brother’s smug attitude more.
“And just who the fuck are you?” My brother’s eyes sweep over her body from head to toe and she recoils as if he slapped her. “My eyes are up here,” she seethes.
“Okaaay,” Paige swiftly hops down from her stool with a flourish. “This has been — something. I have a baby to get back to. Mags — you ready to go?”
“Yep.” They wave to Rosie through the swinging doors, to-go boxes in hand, and I watch as they disappear out the door before rounding on my slimy as fuck brother.
“You stay the fuck away from her,” I seethe. My finger stabbing into his chest at the last word.
“You’ve got it bad, brother. We’ll just have to see who gets the girl this time.”
Chapter 7
Mags
? All Too Well (10 minute version) - Taylor Swift
2 years ago:
Paige & Cade’s Wedding
