Page 44 of The One I Hate
“You know what?” he says as he turns back to face me. “You’re going to go.”
That wasn’t the answer I was expecting. “Excuse me?”
“You’re going to go to Rolling Hills, head held high, and you’re going to open the best damn restaurant that town has ever seen. You’re going to make him look at you every day, knowing what he did, and watching you fucking thrive. So yeah, you’re going to go to Rolling Hills, and you’re going to fuckingkill it.”
Wow. I never thought about it like that. I was so blinded by my hatred—and a little frightened if I’m being honest—that I never thought the best revenge might be success.
I like that. I like that a lot.
“Okay,” I say, letting my mind settle on this. “But what about you and Lila? I really can’t stand the thought of leaving you two.”
“We’ll be fine,” he says, sitting back down at the table. “Has splitting rent helped? Yes. But I can manage. Plus, maybe if you like it down there, Lila and I will move down. The thought of her going to school in a small town rather than metro Nashville has some appeal.”
I smile, the tears now flowing. “I’d love that.”
At that moment, I hear Nuggy running on the kitchen tile, jumping on my lap.
“I might even miss you,” I say to her, nuzzling her nose as she tries to lick me.
“You can do this, you know that, right?”
I nod. “I know. It’s just scary as fuck.”
“I know. But all good things are.”
At that moment, Lila comes into the kitchen and climbs on Connor’s lap. She snuggles into him, and I watch my gruff brother become a puddle as he loves on his baby girl.
He’s right. The good things are hard but worth it. Look at the two of them. Nothing has been harder for him than suddenly becoming a dad. And not only has he stepped up, but he’s the best damn dad I know.
He’s overcome scarier things. Hell, so have I.
So I am going to take that restaurant. And it’s going to be better than anything I’ve ever imagined.
And if it comes with getting some revenge on Simon? That will make success all the more sweeter.
Chapter 11
Simon
Simon: Any news?
Emmett: She just texted me. She’s in. Needs the apartment upstairs though. I told her it was included.
Simon: Good. Get it ready. Spare no expense. And while you’re at it, upgrade all of the kitchen appliances. State of the art.
Emmett: You don’t think she’ll notice brand-new ovens and coolers?
Simon: I don’t care if she notices. Make up an excuse.
Emmett: I’m on my way over. You owe me answers.
Simon: Front door is unlocked. Let yourself in. And bring lunch.
Emmett: Anything else, Your Majesty?
Simon: Not that I can think of. And I like the Majesty thing.
Emmett: What the hell have I signed up for …
