Page 51 of Highest Bidder
“What’s the story with it, anyway?” It’s been fun that every day we’ve been able to uncover more about each other.
“Well, when I was younger, I didn’t have a dad to show me how to fix things or anything, really. My mom was always at work, so I was at home a lot by myself. I had a neighbor, Mr. Arnold, who didn’t have any family close by. He was a handyman, and he hated that his grandkids weren’t around so he could teach them different odds-and-ends jobs. He noticed I was by myself a lot and didn’t like that I didn’t have a male figure in my life. So he took it upon himself to teach me. I basically went to his house every day after school.”
“Wow. That was nice of him. I’m glad he could teach you. Were you like an adopted grandson to him?” she asks.
I smile. “Yeah. He always called me that. He said he adopted me, and I didn’t have any say in the matter. I was stuck with him. I think he only said that to make me feel better about going over there. He knew I wanted to, but I didn’t want to upset my mom and make her feel like she wasn’t doing enough. So he would tell her heneededmy help for things.” I miss the old man. He was grumpy, but he meant the world to me.
“How long did you know him for?”
“I started when I was about nine years old, and he passed when I was fifteen. I would have had to stop going over there, anyway. That was when I started working to help my mama.” I sigh and scratch the back of my neck. “He left me something in his will, and his family knew about it. They weren’t upset, but they weren’t exactly happy about it either. I didn’t even go to the lawyers to see what he left me. I told his kids that he gave me enough, but I only wanted his old hat. They, of course, had no problem giving it to me. So I’ve been wearing it ever since.”
“Wow. You must have meant a lot to him. He sounds like an amazing man.”
The entire day, I have thought about Hunter, and her going to this fancy event. Jess hinted at Hunter needing to stay away fromher ex. I have to know why. I have a sinking feeling that something bad happened, and I’m too far away to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I rake my fingers through my hair.
“Hunter, tell me about your ex.”
She sighs. “That’s a long story, and a complicated one. I met him at work. He buys cattle for a big company, so he would kiss my dad’s ass trying to get a better deal. My dad treated everyone the same, never showing favorites, but that didn’t stop Steve from trying to get on his good side. One day, Steve started paying me more attention, and I thought it was harmless. We ended up dating, but slowly, I stopped recognizing myself. He made me feel as if I wasn't important and only his wants and needs were. Eventually, I believed I was there to please him, but no matter what I did, he was never fully happy with me. One night, we went out on a date, and he drank too much. I didn’t order what he wanted me to order for myself, and he backhanded me as soon as we were alone in the parking lot. I stood there, shocked, as he drove off. He had been a little too handsy or tightened his grip on me a little too hard in the past, always apologizing later, but this was the first time he physically hit me, drawing blood. I called my dad, barely able to talk through my tears. I’ve never seen him so angry as when his eyes landed on my bloody lip.”
“Hunter.” My voice barely comes out above a whisper, while my body aches to hold her.
“My dad wanted to press charges, but I knew I wanted to leave, had to leave. My dad respected my wishes and helped me find a job far away. I know it killed him to have me go, but he has always supported me above all else.”
“I’m so sorry. You should have never had to go through that.” I sit on the edge of the couch. “Hunter, I don’t want you around him. I’m not saying that to tell you what to do, but I’m worried about you. Your dad won’t be at the function to help you, and it doesn’t sound like your mom will be much protection.”
“It’s okay. It’s a large event. I’ll make sure to never be alone with him. He wouldn’t do anything in front of people.”
I can hear her yawning. “You should get some sleep.”
“No, we just started talking.” She whines a little, making me chuckle.
“Yeah, but I woke you up early this morning. You missed out on some shut-eye, but I’m here for you. I would never lay a hand on you. I just want you to know that.”
“I know you wouldn’t, Myles.”
We continued to talk for a while until we both physically couldn’t stay awake any longer.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Get some sleep,” I say through a yawn.
“Okay. Good night.”
“Night.” I hang up the phone, turn off my TV, and get ready for bed. I don’t know how she does it. Even though we had some intense topics of conversation, we were able to end the phone call on a good note. I can feel that she will be coming home soon, and I can’t wait.
22
HUNTER
“Wow! That one looks amazing.”The sales associate cups her cheeks as she looks at me.
I'm pretty sure she’s only trying to make a sale and get me out of here. Believe me, I want to be gone. But I refuse to show up in a dress that isn’t something I’m confident about. I’ve tried on a simple purple strapless that Jess said made me look like a crayon, an orange knee-high dress with some tulle around the skirt, which she said looked like a loofah. Then a red one that hugged all my curves. All she sent back was a picture of Myles. His eyes looked like they were bulging out of his head. I didn’t realize she’d been sharing the photos with him. The red one I sent to tease Jess. I didn’t want to buy it. It was too tight, and it had a deep plunging neckline. Of course, teasing her would bite me on the butt because she had shown Myles.
The dress I have on though, I actually like. It’s a floor-length, dark olive green strapless dress with a high slit. My favorite part is the little peekaboo cutouts along the bodice. I love the way I look in it. Now that I know Jess is showing Myles, I adjust the dress to show my best angles. I want him to like the one I pick. I send her the picture and go to my clothes back on. I don’t want totry on any more, so I hope Jess sends a thumbs-up. My phone rings.
“Well? Do you like it? I’m over trying these things on, Jess. Please don’t make me try on any more.” I let out a frustrated breath.
“Yessss! That’s the one, Hunter.” She pauses. “Myles absolutely loves it too, but he has a green monster on his back called Mr. Jealousy.” She sings out, and I hear Myles in the background groaning at her and telling her to knock it off.
He’s jealous? But why?
