Page 56 of Beneath the Stars (Sugarlake 1)

“Not long enough,” she responds, a smile as sweet as candy painting her face.

“Goldi didn’t tell you I was back?”

Becca’s eyes widen before she schools her features, and I realize I may have just fucked-up and thrown Goldi under the bus.

“What Lee and I talk about is none of your concern. Actually, nothin’ to do with Lee is your concern.” She eyes me critically. “Are you back for good?”

I nod, giving her a smirk. “Afraid so. Sorry to disappoint.”

Her eyes ice over. “You think this is a joke?” Her finger pokes at my solar plexus, digging in just enough to hurt. “You better stay the hell away from Lee, Chase. I’m not kiddin’. You have no business sniffin’ around her after what you did.”

I’ve moved up in line and order my coffee from the barista. Once I pay, I move to the side, waiting until Becca’s done with her order before I speak. “Listen, not that I owe you any explanations, but I was a kid when I was with Goldi, and yeah, I screwed up. I wish I could take it back, but I can’t. I would apologize, but the only person who deserves the words is Goldi, and she isn’t exactly open to hearing them. And that’s okay, I’ve come to terms with how things are. But I’m here. I’m not leaving. My family needs me, and that’s my only concern. I don’t want to cause any problems.”

Becca squints, her head angling as she taps her high-heeled foot. “You’re different.”

My mouth quirks. “Yeah, well, growing up can do that to a person.”

“Whatever. Just remember what I said. Stay away from her, Chase. Live your life and let her live hers. She’s moved on and she doesn’t need you messin’ with her head.”

The barista calls my name, handing over my coffee, but I’ve lost the taste for it.

I think about Becca’s words all the way to Sweetwater.

Jack, the head of my demolition crew, is waiting for me in the parking lot when I arrive. Today we’re doing a standard walk-through of the property. Laying out what needs to be done, and checking for hazardous conditions. If all goes smoothly, we’ll be able to start the demolition of the main area in the next couple of weeks.

“Hey, Jack.”

“Chase, good to see you, man. Is it just us today?”

“Yep. You and me, buddy. Well, almost. The owner’s a little suffocating, to say the least. She put her office manager on us like a guard dog.”

I look around the lot, checking for Goldi’s car. She’s still driving that same shitty Kia she had eight-years ago. I wonder if she’s holding on to it for sentimental value, or if she hasn’t had the money to get a new one. I’m surprised as hell the thing even runs. I guess if she’s still friends with Jax that probably explains it. Becca’s parting words filter through my mind. Is she with Jax now? My stomach curdles at the thought, and envy that I have no right to feel spreads through my veins.

Jack pats me on the shoulder before heading inside. I steal another glance at Goldi’s car, mentally preparing myself for another day in her presence. I’m gonna get my money’s worth this month with Doc, that’s for sure.

I don’t see her at all while we conduct the walk-through, and I’m grateful for it. She’s the worst kind of distraction, and I need to focus on the task at hand. It’s not until a few hours later that I finally have to suck it up and find her. She needs to know about the progress we’ve made, and some of the issues we’ve found.

I knock on the office door.

“Come in.”

Her voice makes my stomach flip. Get a fucking grip. She’s sitting behind the desk, her hands on the computer keyboard.

“Hey, G—Alina.” I grimace as I correct myself. It’s hard not to slip up and call her Goldi. It’s all I’ve ever known her as, and the name Alina feels like sandpaper on my tongue.

She continues typing on the computer, her jaw tightening.

I shift on my feet, uncomfortable with the way she’s ignoring me. “So, we just finished the walk-through for the areas being renovated.” Still no response. “Unfortunately, there are some issues.”

Her fingers pause on the keys, the desk chair creaking as she leans back. “What do you mean, issues?”

“Well, there are some areas, especially in the front room, that are concerning. Possibly asbestos. My demo leader, Jack, is taking samples now to be sent to the lab for analysis.”

“How long will that take?”

“It usually takes at least a week for the results. We’ll have them rushed, but there isn’t much we can do in the meantime.”

“What do you mean there’s not much you can do? Can’t you just work around the areas?”

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