Poison & Wine - Melissa Toppen Page 0,51
that pops into her head.
“Oakley.” She gives me a disapproving look.
“I was drunk, okay.” I toss up my arms in frustration. “I know that’s not an excuse, but there it is. He came home the evening of Tommy’s funeral. He was so torn up. I was feeling bad for him. It was a moment of weakness.”
“So what, are you two getting back together?”
“What? No, of course not. It was a one-time thing.”
“I hear what you’re saying but I can’t say that I believe you. You’ve never seen clearly where that man is concerned. And what about Lance?” she hammers on. “He’s still holding out hope that you two will be able to work things out.”
Of course she would choose now to throw Lance in my face.
He’s tried to call me a couple of times, but I have yet to answer. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t want to talk to him or because I don’t want another person lecturing me about how skewed my decision making seems to be these days.
“I didn’t cheat on him,” I bite, feeling like this is what she’s implying. “We broke up.”
“I know that. But seriously, Oak. You have an amazing guy that’s walking around like a lost puppy because he’s so in love with you and here you are, sleeping with your ex, who happens to be a drug addict, might I add.”
“Recovering addict,” I correct her.
“Yeah, for now.” She scoffs.
“Listen, I get that you want things to work with me and Lance, but it’s not going to happen. At least not right now. I need some time to figure all this out.”
“You mean you need time to see if things are going to work out with Jace.”
“No.” I shake my head. “Things right now are just… complicated.”
A noise from the backyard pulls both of our gazes to the side. My stomach does a full flip when I see Jace round the garage and start down the driveway toward us. He looks even more handsome if that’s even possible.
He’s got a ball cap pulled low on his forehead. Dressed in faded jeans and a gray Ole Miss shirt that I instantly recognize.
When we were younger, Jace wanted to go to the University of Mississippi. Not that he had any real aspirations as far as careers or anything. I think it was more about the experience. Shortly after I started my first job, I went shopping with some friends and came across this shirt. So I bought it for him. I’m honestly surprised he still has it, and that it’s not riddled with holes.
“Well, they’re about to get even more complicated,” Keira mutters under her breath.
“Hey.” A hesitant smile passes over Jace’s face as he reaches us, his eyes bouncing between me and Keira.
“Hey.” I try to see normal but really, what is normal at this point?
“Hi. I’m Keira.” My cousin turns, extending her hand to Jace.
“Jace.” He takes her hand, giving it a brief shake.
“I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Not very good things I’m sure.” He switches his weight from one foot to the other.
“Well, it’s nice to finally put a face to the name.” She purposely avoids commenting on his statement.
I refrain from pointing out that she’s seen pictures of him from when we were teenagers, so technically she already had a face to put to the name.
“Yeah, you too.” He leans to the side when a loud squeal comes from the car. A smile crosses his lips when he sees Ellie bouncing impatiently in the backseat. “Your daughter is beautiful, by the way. I saw her the other day when she was here visiting.”
I watch Keira’s eyebrows shoot up, her gaze sliding to me for a brief moment. Clearly she reads my expression right because her features smooth and she nods. “Thank you. She’s a handful from time to time.”
“Redheads.” Jace chuckles, his blue eyes meeting mine. “I apologize for interrupting; I was hoping I could talk to you for a minute.” His gaze meets mine.
“Actually, I’m getting ready to leave for work.” I gesture down to my dark blue scrubs.”
“I see that.” He rocks back on his heels. “It won’t be long. Two minutes.”
“I should get going anyway,” Keira interrupts before I can answer. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, see you tomorrow.” I step away from the car, giving Ellie a wave through the window.
“Mama!” she calls for me when Keira opens the door, but luckily my cousin is fast on her feet and covers it quickly.
“I’m here. We’re going,