Page 111 of How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother
It took a few years, but I’m finally starting to accept that I’m better off without her. I loved Jocelyn. And I don’t doubt that she loved me. Just not enough to be okay when I told her I wanted a different life—one that didn’t involve the corporate games she wanted to play. I didn’t expect it to end things. I thought she’d understand me wanting to go in a different direction. Instead, she begged me to hang on a little longer, then she plotted her escape.
The betrayal still burns—a thick coil of festering heat that lives deep in my gut, pulsing whenever I think about her. Whenever I realize how foolish I was, how many signs I missed.
My hand tightens on the steering wheel, but I force my grip to loosen, rolling my shoulders to shake out some of the gathering tension. It’s over and done with. And I’m better for it. I realize that now.
Seconds later, I tense right back up when my truck lurches and jumps. I slow my speed, immediately recognizing the sound and feel of a blown tire.Freaking buttercupping buttercup.
I pull onto the shoulder and get out to assess the damage. The tire isn’t salvageable, but luckily, I’ve got a full-size spare. I move to the back of the truck to get the tire and everything else I’ll need and—oh no.
I search the truck bed. Every logical place and then every illogical place.
I do have a full-size spare. But thanks to my idiot brother who took mine and forgot to put it back, I don’t have a jack.
I’ll put it right back,Lennox said.You’ll never know it was gone.
I climb into the truck and drop my head onto the steering wheel. Of all the stupid days to blow a tire. When I’m way out here in the middle of nowhere. Without the one thing I need to make changing a tire possible.
I call Lennox first, but he’s right in the middle of a training run with his kitchen staff and can’t leave for another two hours or more. Brody’s phone goes straight to voicemail, which means he’s probably on the river with his after-school kayaking club. Mom is at physical therapy with Dad. Tyler is in a meeting. I even tried calling Brody’s new wife, Kate, but she’s in Asheville doing an interview. She can stop by on her way home, but it’ll be dinnertime before she’s finished.
The whole situation feels like a strange and uncomfortable repetition of the night I battled Buttercup alone. Why does it feel like everyone has someone but me?
The only person I haven’t called is Olivia. But all calling her would do is make her feel guilty that she isn’t available to help. Or else it would make her put her month-old baby in the car and come to my rescue, something I won’t ask her to do until I’m really desperate.
I’m looking up numbers for the nearest roadside assistance when Olivia calls me. It’s a video call, which means I might get to see Asher. A glimpse of my nephew might be the only thing that could put a smile on my face right now.
“Hey, Liv,” I say, answering the call. “What’s up?”
“Mom just called. Have you found someone to rescue you yet?”
I shouldn’t be surprised that word traveled so fast. Not when it comes to my family. “I’m looking up roadside assistance right now.”
“If you’re still stranded in an hour, I’ll send Tyler, once his meeting is over. Or I could just come. Asher’s sleeping, but he’d probably stay asleep in the car.”
“Don’t wake your baby up. Isn’t that some kind of cardinal rule? You never wake a sleeping baby?”
Olivia yawns. “Sounds about right.” She perks up. “Ohh! You know who you should call? Lila. She lives in Hendersonville, right?”
I frown. “I’m not sure that falls under her realm of responsibilities.”
“Whatever. She’s your assistant. When have you ever needed assisting more than you do right now?”
“It’s not the same thing,” I say, shaking my head. “She’s a virtual assistant. She can’t send me a car jack in a direct message.”
“But don’t you have any desire to meet her in person? See what she’s like?”
“I know what she’s like.”
“You do?”
“Sure. She’s older. Gray hair. She likes to crochet.”
She yawns again. “She could still bring you a jack. Even little old ladies know how to drive.”
“Go take a nap, Liv. You look exhausted.”
“K, but promise you’ll call if you can’t find someone to help you. I’ll come, Perry. I don’t mind.”
“I’ll figure it out. Don’t worry about me.”
