Misty Reigenborn Romance Boxed Set (218 page)

Chapter 8

She slept better that night.  It was a little after eight a.m. when she got out of bed.  She took a quick shower, then got dressed and started a pot of coffee.

She opened her e-mail and saw another e-mail from her mother.  She opened it and read ‘Jess, have you talked to Selana?  I was just wondering how you were and whether you decided to get yourself a phone.  Who convinced you to call your mother?  I think I'd like to meet them.  Levi has been asking about you.  He's been back in town for a while now.  I thought I would pass along the message.  Well, take care sweetheart and call me anytime.  I love you, Mom.  PS I enclosed a picture I found of you and Levi at the spring dance.  You look so beautiful, so happy’

She clicked on the picture and looked at it.  They did look happy.  Maybe because the young Jess didn't know that her wonderful boyfriend was going to screw her and dump her less than a month later.  And her mother thought that she would jump at the chance at getting back together with Levi?  Yuck, Jess thought.  Last she’d known he was supposed to marry some girl he had gotten pregnant before he left to join the army.  Then again, that had been a long time ago and things had obviously changed.

She typed out a reply to her mother.  ‘Mom, I did e-mail Selana.  I'll set up a meeting with her and the kids when I feel ready, which isn't now.’  She didn't know how to explain Daylin to her mother.  She didn't think that her mother would approve whether or not she was twenty-four years old; of a man that she had went to bed with a few hours after she had met him.  She agonized for a minute and then said ‘The guy that made me call you is Daylin.  I don't know when you'll meet him.  He wants me to spend Thanksgiving with his family, but I don't know if I'll go or not.  About Levi, I'm not really interested.  I thought that he was going to marry that girl, the one that was supposed to be pregnant with his baby when he left.  How are your parents doing?  Well, I start a new job tomorrow so I'd better let you go.  I'll give you a call in the next few days.  Love you, Jess.’

She spent the day watching movies to keep her mind off of Daylin.  It didn’t really work and she wondered how much longer she could fool herself into thinking that she didn’t care for him.  She ate a light dinner and then made herself a cup of tea.   Once she had her tea and was back in the living room, she sat down in front of the computer and started an e-mail to Daylin, figuring that it would be safer to e-mail him than to call him.  ‘I don't know how you managed to leave the shirt under my pillow, but I appreciate it.  I do miss you Daylin and hope things are going okay for everyone.  I'll probably call you Thursday evening if that's okay.  Let me know if you have plans.  Jess’

She hit send and then stretched.  She was beat.  She turned off the computer and went to the bedroom, feeling a little less silly tonight when she slipped Daylin's t-shirt over her head.

Her sleep wasn't as sound that night.  She had a dream about Daylin.  It was so vivid that when she woke up she could almost feel his hands on her body.  She was sweaty and felt weird.  She'd never had a dream quite like that before.  She'd had sex dreams of course, but nothing like that.

She used the restroom and brushed her teeth, then went out to the living room.  She lit a cigarette and turned on her computer, wondering if Daylin had e-mailed her back.

He had.  She smiled as she read what he had written.  ‘I thought you'd like the shirt.  Bet you're wondering how I got it there without you noticing huh?  It's my little secret darlin’.  Of course you can call me on Thursday.  Don't ask, just do it.  Oh, my mom's not doing very well, so Cam and Luce decided to move the wedding up to make sure she can be there.  They're getting married the day after Christmas.  While I promise I won't bug you about a double wedding anymore (too much), I still expect you to be there.  I miss you love.  Take care, Daylin.’

She typed out a reply ‘Now you've really got me curious about where the shirt came from.  Am I sleeping in some smelly shirt you had in your car?  Kidding, because it really does smell good.  I'm so sorry about your mom, but yes, I will come to the wedding with you.  I miss you too.  Jess’

She made herself a cup of coffee and read a book until it was time to go to work.  She felt a little overwhelmed behind the bar.  There was a lot to remember, but the guy she was working with whose name was John was very helpful.  She felt like he was flirting with her a little at first, but then he told her that he’d heard around town that she was with Daylin.  She told him that she wasn’t really with Daylin, but he just smiled and told her to be careful.  She was tired of hearing about how many hearts Daylin had broken, how many women he had been with.  She was beginning to wonder if she should call him tomorrow at all, since she had the night off.

But she did miss him already and her decision to call him was cemented when she went home to her empty apartment.  Her bed felt so empty without him.

She slept in his shirt again that night.  She had another sex dream about Daylin that night and wondered if calling him was a good idea.  But then she figured she might as well at least give him a chance while she was in town and decided to call him early that evening, figuring he should be home from work then.

The day seemed to drag.  She realized how nervous she was when she dialed his number.  There was no answer.  She was disappointed, but decided against leaving him a voicemail and decided she’d spend the evening by herself watching movies.

When she had looked through what felt like half of the movies on her internet subscription site and nothing looked good she decided to try Daylin one more time.  If he didn’t answer the phone, she was going to show up on his doorstep she thought.

Daylin didn’t answer his phone.  So, feeling better than she had all day with her spur of the moment decision to visit him, she locked her apartment and headed to her car.  If things went well she thought she might even give in to him and spend the night again.

When she reached Daylin’s house, his car was in the driveway and the lights were on in the living room and the kitchen.  But nobody answered when she knocked.

There was loud music playing so she figured he hadn't heard her and tried knocking louder.  There was still no response.  She wondered if he was in the shower.  She started to turn around, figuring she would call him to let him know she was there, but something told her to try the door.

It was unlocked.  She pushed it open.  About two seconds later she wished she hadn't.  The scene in front of her made her upset stomach feel worse.

The man and woman before her on the couch weren't naked, but both their jeans were undone and Daylin's mouth was locked in a passionate kiss with Kateisha.  Her hand was down the front of Daylin's pants and his hand was down the front of hers.

She let out a little gasp that she hadn't known had come from her lips until Kateisha turned.  The look on the woman's face turned from one of irritation at being interrupted to one of utter triumph. 

Daylin saw her then and said "Oh, shit."

She turned to the door before he could say anything else and ending up slamming it in his face.

Her legs were shaky as she went back to her car.  It took her two tries to get the door open because she hadn't pressed the button hard enough the first time.  She sat behind the wheel for a moment, head in her hands, waiting for the door to open.  She had sat up and lit a cigarette, trying to calm her nerves when Daylin came out, still buttoning his pants.  As the door closed she heard Kateisha call out "Don't be too long baby.  We have unfinished business."

"Shut the fuck up Kateisha." Daylin slammed the door. 

He went around to the passenger side of her car and tried the door, but she responded by clicking the button to lock it.  He sighed and came back around to her window.  "Jess, that was not what it looked like."

She had to laugh.  "What could that possibly have been other than what it looked like Daylin?"

"Okay, so fuck me, it was what it looked like."

"I thought you didn't like her Daylin."

"I don't.  You're the one I want."

"It wasn't my pants your hand was down, wasn't my hand on your dick."

"Jess please.  You've got to listen to me.  I know that I told you I was ready to feel what I feel for you but I was wrong.  I got scared, and when I’m scared I tend to fuck things up."

"Good excuse Daylin.  How am I supposed to believe that you’ve changed when you’re with another woman just a few days after you told me that you wanted to be with me?  You were the one that was trying to convince me that we should give what we might have a chance.  I’m such an idiot.  I’m going to leave Welton and never look back."

"You've got to forgive me Jess.  I don't want to live without you."

"You're going to have to Daylin.”

It hurt like hell when she said it but she meant it.  She wasn’t going to let Daylin get to her anymore, and she was going to figure out what the hell she needed to do to get her life together as soon as possible.  Then she really would leave Welton and never look back.

"Baby please.  I promise it will never happen again."

"That's what they all say.  I'm supposed to believe that you're the first one that really means it right?  You disgust me Daylin."

"Jess you will never know how sorry I am."

"I know exactly how sorry you are Daylin, believe me."

He tried to reach in the car window to touch her.  She glared at him.  "Don't you dare touch me."

He pulled back.  "Can we please talk about this Jess?  Come inside.  I'd be more than happy to get Kateisha the hell out of there."

"Keep your please and your sorry.  And you can sure as hell keep your Kateisha.  I don't want a part of any of it.  I don't want any part of you either.  I can't believe I was stupid enough to believe you were sincere.  I must have swallowed more bullshit in three days than most women swallow in a lifetime."

"It wasn't bullshit.  I want you more than you know.  I need you more than you know."

"You need to get away from my car so I can get the hell away from your sorry ass.  I'll send you your shirt in the mail.  If I don't decide to burn it first."

"Jess come on."  She thought that he looked desperate, like he wanted to cry. 

"I hope a girl you supposedly don't like was worth it.  Goodbye Daylin."

She looked behind her and backed out of the driveway.  He was still standing there watching her. 

Her phone rang.  She stifled the urge to throw it out the window.  Instead she let it ring.

It rang and then stopped and rang at least five more times before she got home.

Jess parked her car in the lot and went to her apartment, suddenly feeling very tired.  She used the restroom, trying to avoid her reflection in the mirror.

She splashed some water on her face and then left the bathroom.

She didn't bother to look at her computer as she passed it.  She went to her bedroom, undressed and put on her pajamas, not letting herself look at Daylin's shirt resting on the bed yet. 

When the light was off, she picked it up, feeling a sudden urge to tear it to shreds.  But instead, she tossed it off the side of the bed.

She tossed and turned for what seemed like hours, but it was only a little after one a.m.  when she fell into an uneasy sleep.

Chapter 9

The next morning she decided that it would be a good time to call Selana.  She certainly needed something to take her mind off of Daylin. 

She opened her mother’s e-mail and dialed Selana’s number, wondering if she’d even be able to reach the woman since she had no idea when the woman worked.

A woman’s voice answered after a few rings.  It was a little eerie because Selana even sounded similar to her mother.

“Selana?  This is Jess.  Craig’s daughter.”

“Hi sweetie.  It’s so good to hear from you.  I've wanted to talk to you for a long time Jess.  To explain my side of the story.  I never wanted to take your father away from your mother, away from you.  I was just lost without him for so long.  When I wrote him the letter I didn't realize that he was married and had a child.  I felt so bad for so long.  He wanted to see you but your mother didn't think you could handle it.  I never agreed with it, but we went along with your mother's wishes because your father was the one that walked away.  He tried so hard to find you after you turned eighteen honey.  It broke his heart when he wasn't able to see you again before he passed away.  I have a letter waiting for you that he wrote.  It's just words, but it might help you feel better."

"I think I'd like to read it.”

"I can send it to you if you'd like or I can save it for you.  I'd really like to meet you and I know your brother and sister would too.  Your mom sent some pictures of you growing up.  You and Chelsea look so much alike.  Of course you've both got your Daddy's eyes."

"I think you're about three hours away from me.  My car's pretty good on gas so I could drive up sometime.  When do you think would be a good time?"  She had decided that she was going to do it.  She wanted some sense of her father's life after he had left her.   And she felt so empty.  Maybe the letter her father had written her would help.

"You're more than welcome anytime Jess, but let me think.  You can spend Thanksgiving with us of course since you're so far away from your mom, but that's still a ways away and Chelsea's been bugging me about meeting you nonstop since your mother called me.  Craig's not in football this year and Chelsea gave up on cheerleading.  Chelsea's in the choir.  They're always having programs.  Wait, I know the perfect time if it will work for you.  The kids are both working on the school play.  Chelsea's got a lead role which she's very proud of and Craig is working on the sets.  It opens on Friday October 15th.  I'm taking my vacation that week so someone will always be around.  I don't know what your work schedule is like but you could come up any day that week, stay and see the play.”

It was about three weeks away.  She could drive up on Thursday she thought.  It would probably be better if she asked for Saturday off too, but she figured if she asked her boss right away if would be okay.  "That would be great.  I'll have to check with my boss to make sure that I can get Saturday off too since it would be kind of a pain to drive back and have to go to work.   But she should be fine with it."

"Wonderful.  The kids will be so excited.  Do you need the money your father left you right away?"

"No.  I'm fine."  She still felt a little weird about taking so much money.

"Are you sure?  It's been waiting for you for a long time.  If you even need part of it for anything, you let me know.  Otherwise I'll make sure the check's drawn up and ready for you when you get here."

"I'm okay on money really.  Thank you though."

"Anything you need Jess, I'm here.  I know it may seem a little strange with your father gone but I've always felt like we were missing part of our family not having you around."

The woman's words made her want to cry.  What would her life have been like if her father would have taken her with him?  Or even if her mother would have let her father see her Jess wondered?  Selana certainly didn't sound like someone that would have cut her a check to get the hell out of her father's life because she wasn't hers. 

"Thank you.  I really appreciate it."

"Have you been to see your father's grave?  I wanted to put the stone out here but he insisted on it being at home.  We lived there for a while when the kids were real young but there wasn't enough opportunity there.  His ashes are sitting on the mantle here though so I guess that's what really counts.  Which reminds me, Craig made sure I put aside some of his ashes for you if you want them."

Cremation had always seemed a little weird to her but it wasn't much weirder than her carrying around a twenty-one year old jacket she thought.  "Okay.  If I can't get the time off from work or if anything changes I'll let you know.  Otherwise I guess I will see you probably sometime Thursday October 14th."

"Good.  It was so nice talking to you Jess.  It puts my mind at ease to know you're okay."

“It was nice talking to you too.  Thank you.  I guess I'd better let you go."

"Is it okay if I save your number?  If I give it to your sister she'll probably blast you with text messages, but if it's okay I'll give it to her too."

Jess smiled.  Her sister.  She almost missed being a teenager.  "That's fine.  I don't mind."

"She has so many questions for you.  If you don't want to answer something just tell her.  She's at the age where a big sister sounds a lot more interesting to talk to than a mother."

There were definitely times growing up where she would have liked to have had a big sister Jess thought.  "I'm sure it'll be fine.  I should be able get directions online to make it to your place okay, but if I get lost I'll be sure to call you."

"Okay honey.  You take care of yourself and again, if you need anything you call me."

"Thank you.  Bye Selana."

"Bye Jess."

Her father's wife sounded like a nice woman.  She was glad she had talked to her.  She considered calling her mother, but realized that she wasn't in the mood to talk to her.  It was going to take a lot for her to get over what her mother had done where her father was concerned.

She had to work that night, with a woman she hadn’t yet met named Starla.  She wasn’t looking forward to it much, since John had let it slip that Starla had had a thing with Daylin for a while.  She also hoped that Daylin wouldn’t show up at the bar.  She didn’t think she could face him after what he’d done. 

When she got to the bar, a beautiful blonde woman who looked like a model was standing behind the bar with Mary, the owner.  Mary introduced them and then left her alone with Starla.  Starla was nice, but Jess didn’t like the fact that she brought up Daylin, telling Jess that it would probably be a good idea if she stayed away from him.  She didn’t mention her relationship with Daylin, but she did mention Kateisha and several other women that Daylin had been with.

It made Jess want to leave Welton more and more, but by the end of the night she realized that she really liked Starla.  The woman was friendly and open and she felt like she could talk to her about anything.  It was something to have a friend after keeping people out of her life for so long.  Jess traded phone numbers with Starla at the end of the night and decided that maybe she would stay in Welton for a while at least, though she didn’t like to think that her decision had anything to do with what she felt for Daylin.

She got her first text message from her sister the next day around noon.  The girl was shy at first but soon she was rattling off questions before Jess had a chance to answer them.  She wanted to know if Jess had a boyfriend, what he looked like if she did.  She told Jess about a boy she liked in class that she thought liked her but was too shy to say anything.  She told Jess about school, the classes she liked and the ones she didn't.  It seemed as if her half-sister must have spent her entire lunch hour texting back and forth with the sister she'd never met.

It made Jess feel good.  Chelsea was sweet and smart.  She sent pictures of her friends, her brother, the boy she had a crush on.  She told Jess how excited she was to finally meet her.  She told her how much she missed their father and how her mother had always been her hero.  She told Jess that their brother could be a pain in the ass and that his girlfriend was the prettiest girl in school.  By the time her sister had to go back to class Jess felt like she knew her. 

Was she a good role model for a fifteen year old kid Jess wondered?  Probably not.  She'd taken up their father's bad habit and worked in a bar.  She hadn't gone to college and had taken one dead end job after another.  She didn't think Chelsea cared though.  She obviously adored her mother but sometimes a girl needs a big sister.  She certainly wouldn't recommend that the girl follow in her footsteps but she figured Chelsea had enough common sense not to.  She knew where she wanted to go to college, what her second choice was.  She wanted to be a teacher and already had a head start since she tutored freshman and middle school students at her school.  She wanted a family, but she wanted to finish school first.  She was sometimes afraid that she wasn't pretty enough.  She asked Jess what it was like to fall in love.

Jess hadn't known how to answer that question so she'd fudged a little.  She assured her sister that she was very pretty though it felt weird saying it to someone who looked like a younger version of herself. 

She was glad she talked to Chelsea and figured that no matter how much time they might spend together that she was going to end up being a very proud big sister.

She was a little more worried about her half-brother, didn't think that the almost man that was named after their father would share his sister's easy acceptance of her.  Then again she'd know for sure in a couple weeks one way or the other she thought.  She was starting to get excited about her trip.

Mary had said that she was fine with giving her Saturday off.