Page 22 of This Thing Between Us

Savannah stared at the brownie dish and licked her lips.

“Maybe I can just take a bite? For scientific purposes.”

“Nice try. Now go sit back down.” I pointed at the table with my bright orange spatula. “Go.”

In a huff, she relented.

“So how was your day?” Savannah asked, changing the topic.

“Pretty good, minus the whole running into Jack thing.” Sav just rolled her eyes at me as I told her all about my day, including the gig Barb set me up with.

“Sounds like a successful day,” said Savannah. And I couldn’t help but nod in agreement. I’d kept busy.

“Oh, that reminds me, I got you something while I was out.” She reached into her pocket, pulling out a business card. “Here you go.”

“What’s this?” I grabbed the card. “Katie Kooney, Haver’s Creek Number One Realtor.” I smacked the card against the palm of my hand. “Thanks, I guess.”

Just as seeing Jack transported me back to when we were in high school, hearing Katie’s name recalled vivid memories that I’d rather leave deeply buried under the surface.

Savannah just shrugged. “I know it’s not ideal, but she’s your only option, really. Maybe in some weird way it will give you closure.” She hip-checked me as she walked past.

As a mature adult, I understood what Savannah was saying. The irrational part of me, the one that the utter torture that is being unpopular in school, wanted to buck at the very idea of voluntarily spending time with my childhood enemy. Even if she didn’t know why I hated her so much.

Savannah had always been the forgiving one. And the popular one. While she knew of my history with Katie, I don’t think she can truly empathize with me. As my sister, Savannah would go along with whatever decision I’d make, but that didn’t mean she would understand it.

“Fine, I’ll call her first thing tomorrow.” Swallowing my pride, I shelved the card and promised myself I’d call in the morning, just like I said I would.

“Is this Katie Kooney?” I asked the posh sounding woman who answered the phone.

“This is she. May I ask who’s calling?” Katie answered, her voice holding a slight southern drawl. I fleetingly wondered where that came from before I remembered I was still on the phone and hadn’t answered her question, just like a creepy stalker might.

“It’s Whitney Rose, from school. I’m actually back in town and looking for a house. I was told you were the best person to talk to about that.”

Katie clicked her teeth. “Whitney Rose, yes,” she said in a voice that suggested she might not remember who I was. But high school was only ten years ago and besides, we grew up together.

I doubted the beautiful former head cheerleader didn’t remember my name.

Sure, we ran in different circles back then, but still. She teased me relentlessly growing up. Maybe inflicting that kind of humiliation was just another day for her.

Katie had started talking, but I wasn’t paying attention.

“I’m available at noon today, if that works with your schedule,” Katie said.

“Noon would be great.”

“Excellent, let’s meet at Coffee Creek on Main Street.” She rattled off the address and said she looked forward to meeting with me before ending the call.

“I guess this is happening.” I laid in bed in my yoga pants and baggy T-shirt for the better part of the morning, so getting around sounded like a good idea.

At noon on the dot, I walked into Coffee Creek, a coffee shop that hadn’t been around in my time. If it had, I totally would have studied there. If I had the disposable income to do so that is.

I dressed as if preparing for battle. My olive-green sheath dress hit mid-thigh and hugged my curves. I knew I looked good in this dress and wanted to feel as confident as possible going into this meeting.

A quick look around confirmed I’d arrived before Katie, which gave me a strange feeling like I’d won the first round of some imaginary war I built up in my head.

After ordering a black coffee, I took a seat at the empty bistro table by the big bay window at the front of the shop. Digging through my massive purse, I found my file folder complete with everything I needed to get the home buying process started. Before leaving LA I got a loan pre-approval notice, which should help speed things along once I found a place I liked.

I removed the lid of my coffee cup to let out some of the steam. Needing the caffeine, I blew on the drink before taking a sip. I flinched as the first drop of scalding hot liquid hit my tongue.

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