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“No!” I squeal at him. I don’t have many friends, so I don’t want him to scare him away.

When we get in the house, I am so bummed. There is a woman with big boobs sitting at the table in the kitchen having coffee with my Nana. This must be Barb. She has on bright red lipstick, her hair is bleach blonde, stick straight and hanging down over her shoulders. I don’t like her already. Not. One. Bit.

This woman—Barb, looks out of place in my Nana’s kitchen. Then my daddy goes over wrapping his arms around her shoulders and kisses her cheek. She is stealing my daddy away from me. I don’t like it. I don’t want to share my time with her. This is my weekend. What gives her the right to intrude? Who does she think she is anyway?

Nan orders me to go wash up for dinner and I go, not liking leaving my daddy in the clutches of big boobs in there.

Back at the table dinner is served, and I am stuffing my face with fried chicken, mashed taters, and corn. My Nana is the best cook in the world.

Barb keeps trying to make conversation with me. “Do you like to play with dolls, Peyton?”

With a mischievous grin I answer, “I like the Chucky doll. I asked Santa to bring me him and his bride last Christmas, but I must have been bad cause I didn’t get them. I got a new bike instead.”

My father’s mouth sets in a hard line and my Nana laughs at me. Barb looks appalled. My grandpa shakes his head.

“I told you I didn’t want her watching those movies. It isn’t healthy.”

“The girl has a healthy imagination. She is curious, is all.” My Nana is defending me. She spoils me rotten. I always get my way with her. I love watching horror flicks and well anything sappy and sad that deals with dying.

Before Barb can say anything, I excuse myself from the table, run to my room, pop my headphones on, and crank up Motley Crue. I found a stack of CD’s in my mom’s stuff. She had this whole collection of epic rock songs.

Chapter 4

Jameson

Coming home after five years feels surreal. I swore I’d never step foot on this street again. Not after what I did, not after what—who, I left behind. However, this is where my family lives. I’ve been dying to see Ruby Jane; my baby sister is my world. Growing up it was just the two of us, well other than Peyton. Her name tears at my heart. She was my best friend and I betrayed her. I was selfish and I left her behind. It was for the best even though it tore me apart and cost me the most important thing I had ever had…her friendship — her love.

The cab I grabbed at the airport, drops me at the curb. I grab my duffel bag from the backseat and reach the driver a twenty. I could have called my Uncle Rodney to pick me up, but I want to surprise them. The media hasn’t caught on to my being in town yet and I plan to keep it that way as long as I possibly can.

Being on the road for five years hasn’t allotted much time with my family. I have no idea what I am walking into as I unlock the gate and make my way to the front door. I know Thea and Rodney have talked about separating a few times but as far as I know he never officially moved out. I can’t imagine them not married. I’ve always looked up to their relationship. Before my knuckles hit the door, my Aunt Thea yanks the front door open, squealing at the sight of me.

“Jameson!” She calls, pulling me into a hug. Pulling back, she looks me over. “It’s good to have you home. How long you here for? Have you been eating good? You look a little skinny.” She squeezes me so hard I can’t breathe.

I follow her inside before answering. I drop my bag in the hallway, go into the kitchen, and pour myself a glass of sweet tea.

“Depends on how my meeting goes in the morning.” I take a big drink, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. Damn that tastes good. I’ve missed Thea’s tea. “I’ve missed your cooking too.” I grin.

“What meeting?” Her brows are raised, piqued with curiosity.

“One that could bring me home for a while.” I wink as her face lights up. “How’s everyone been? When I talked to Ruby Jane yesterday, she seemed real down about something.” I didn’t tell her I was flying home, I wanted it to be a surprise.

My Aunt smirks, smiling at an inside joke. “Did she now. Well, as you can see, we’re all fine here. Rodney is working but he’ll be glad to have you home.”

“Where’s my sister?”

“Down the street…,” she trails off coolly.

“Which is where?” I have a feeling I know exactly where is. I’m just hoping she has a different answer.

“With Peyton,” she states, clearing what sounds like a tickle in her throat.

Damn, I wasn’t prepared for her to still be living here. I had hoped, sure, but didn’t think it’d be a reality. Ruby Jane avoids mentioning Peyton at all costs when we talk. We haven’t spoken of her in nearly two years, if not longer. My sister knows I screwed up with Peyton and it has been a sore spot between us.

“I was about to go and get her, she has testing this week and needs to focus on her studies. You should go down, say hello, and surprise Ruby.”

“Right...” I agree awkwardly. No time like the present to bring me face to face with my past. Might as well get it over with now. I plan on spending as much time as I can with my family, and if that includes bumping into Peyton, I might as well rip the bandage off now.

I make a quick detour to the bathroom. Seeing Peyton shouldn’t make me so damn nervous. We were best friends for years. I thought that one day we would become more, well more than we were. I steady my trembling hand, gripping the sink as I look at the man I have become. The man looking back at me isn’t the boy I left here, surely Peyton will be able to


Tags: Glenna Maynard Romance