Page 23 of Every Single Wildflower
I blow out a breath. “Yeah. I’ve seen him.”
Before I can elaborate, I hear the jingle again. “Sorry, Ivy. Alanzo just walked in. I’ll call you later to check in.”
She hangs up quickly before I can respond, and that uneasy feeling strikes in my gut. It always did when Alanzo came into the shop. He’s Merit’s boyfriend, and even though he’s never done anythingwrong,he always gave me a bad vibe. But who was I to give dating advice? I had only been on a total of three dates in the last three years. One which ended with me attempting to have sex in the back seat of a Dodge Durango. When I panicked halfway to second base, I was dropped off at my apartment and I never heard from him again. Which was fine. It wasn’t like I was in love withJosh. He was everything Maddox wasn’t, and it was the only reason I swiped right. Then I ended up spending my evening crying in the shower over the fact that I almost gave a part of myself, the small part that in my heart only belonged to one man, to a complete stranger.
Putting aside my thoughts, I escape to the bathroom and start the shower. When I glance out the window, my eyes catch on a familiar figure. The one walking toward the barn with a stride I could pick out of any crowd. It took almost all of my strength, but I tore my eyes away. Even now, it still hurt to look at him. And I’d love to know when that feeling will finally go away.
Chapter eighteen
Ivy
The Mayson Jar is bubbling with the lunch rush as I enter the resturaunt. I’m meeting Cooper and Ryder to go over the information I found and let them know they could breathe easy. At least we had something to fall back on once the fire chief is finished with his report. I wasn’t sure how long it would take the insurance company to pay out, so I still wanted to dig through the finances as long as dad and mom were ok with it.
After Fern leads me to a table across from the bar, she drops some menus down and fortunately doesn't question me today.
“Hey sugar,” Penelope calls from the kitchen door.
I wave as she winks and disappears with an empty tray balancing on her shoulder. When I face forward, I’m met with a pair of light brown eyes.
Brady.
With a wide smile he strides over, sliding into the booth across from me. “Eating alone?”
I grab a menu and flip it open. “Not today. Just waiting on Coop and Ryder.”
He nods and I don’t miss the way his eyes access me. It’s not heated. It’s not really even sexual, it's more of a look from a long-lost friend. Like he's trying to see what’s changed. “I’m glad you're back.”
I shake my head. “I’m not back, Brady. Just here until we get everything sorted.”
“How’s your dad?” He asks.
“He’s ok. I plan on stopping by after this.” I place the menu down and fold my hands together. “Do you know when the fire chief plans to come out?”
His fingers drum against the table, a move he’s absent mindedly done since we were kids. “Not sure. I think he mentioned sending Nixon out.”
Warren Nixon was the fire captain and had been since I was thirteen. “They’ll get it all taken care of.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” My hand moves to tuck my hair behind my ear. “The last couple of days have been kind of hectic.”
Brady reaches out, his palm covering my hand that still rests on the plastic menu. “I'm really sorry, Ivy.”
His words are sincere, and it’s nice to hear them. It’s clear that Brady has come a long way, and I was proud of him. I’ve always wanted the best for him. Regardless of our relationship status.
“Thank you,” I whisper as my eyes are summoned to the jingle coming from the door that just opened, bringing in the sunshine and a cowboy hat.
It didn’t take long for my gaze to lock with the pair of hazel eyes hidden beneath the brim. Maddox’s stare holds mine only for a second, before they dip to Brady’s hand on mine.
Those eyes then veer over to the bar and I instinctively tug my hand away. Brady must have followed my line of sight, because he glances over his shoulder, calling for Maddox with a wave. Maddox briefly lifts his hand in greeting before taking a seat at the bar.
“Need a drink?” He asks.
“Sure.” I smile weakly, my heart skipping a beat as I peer over at Maddox’s back.
“Be right back.” Brady winks, then hustles to the bar, while I use his absence to take in a solid breath.
The last thing I want is to give my ex any ill illusions. But right now, for some idiotic reason, I’m only worried about the illusions his older brother has.
Chapter nineteen
