“What’s this mess?”
“Preparations for Susannah’s wedding tomorrow. Didn’t you get your invite?” I know one was sent because Tanner all but forced me to put Roy’s name down on one. I was tempted to invite his baby mama, but I’m under strict orders to play nice, at least until after tomorrow. I feel for Jessica in a way. Everyone in town talks about her, and these same people keep asking me how I’m doing, thinking Roy has broken my heart. I’ve seen her around a few times, she dodges me, hides her face, and will walk in the opposite direction. She’s always hiding her baby bump too.
“I did. I’m rather confused as to why it said plus one on it though. I assumed we’d go together?”
I tap him on the nose and give him a sweet southern grin. “And why would we do that?”
“Gee, Eleanora, I don’t know… because we’re a couple?”
From inside the house, I hear laughter. I hadn’t realized I left the door open. I don’t bother to shut it. Everyone can listen to what I have to say to him. “And how many times do I have to tell you we’re not. You’re having a baby, Roy!” I rap my knuckles against his head. “Why can’t you get that through your thick skull.”
“What if I say it ain’t mine.”
“First off, it is a baby, and second, I wouldn’t believe you.”
“And why not?”
I step back and cross my arms over my chest. “Because Jessica does everything she can to avoid me. If she weren’t carrying your baby, why would she care about little ole me? Hmm?”
Roy looks away. I think the cats finally got his tongue. “Still think the proper thing to do is to go together. They’re our friends.”
“Don’t matter. I’m the maid of honor so I’ll be standing next to Susannah when she takes her vows with a man who loves and respects her.”
“We’ll dance together for sure then at the reception.”
I shrug. Being noncommittal with him makes me laugh. I know I shouldn’t be, but my mama suggested I play nice. She has a feeling Roy’s hiding a lot from his family, which is why he keeps sniffing around here. They expected a marriage into the Boone family and he’s gone and messed it up.
“Where are you going, dressed like that?”
I look down at my swimsuit cover-up, which doesn’t really cover anything. You can see my bright pink bikini through the material. I bought it with Kellie on one of our shopping trips. “Heading over to the pond for a dip.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“Don’t you have to work?”
He shakes his head.
“Then why are you here so early?”
Roy drops down to his knees. I step away until my back is flush to the wall. “What the heck are you doing Roybert?”
“I’m begging for a second chance, Eleanora. I know I messed up, but we’ve been a couple for a long time and well…” He stops and shakes his head. “I’m a fool. We know this, but even fools need redemption. What do you say? Will you be my girl again?”
I saunter toward him and lean over slightly so I’m hovering over him. I cup his cheek and smile. “Never, in a million years.” I push him, and he topples over. “Go to work Roy. Jessica needs someone to take care of the baby y’all created.”
Behind me the screen door creaks. Without turning around, I know it’s Rhett. His cologne is permeating through the air. “Roy, I think she’s told you no plenty of times.”
“She’s making a mistake, Rhett. You know that,” Roy says, righting himself. He brushes off dirt from his pants. Pushing him like that was a little mean, but he deserved it.
“It’s her decision, nonetheless.”
Roy stands there, dumbfounded. He’s never lost anything in his life. His parents have given him everything on a silver platter, except for me. Truth is, if I hadn’t met Quinn, it would be my wedding happening here tomorrow and not Susannah’s.
Rhett and I watch Roy walk away. Every few steps, he turns and looks back here, and each time I wave. I’m praying that this is the last time he brings up getting back together because it’s honestly growing tiresome.
“Tomorrow will be fine,” Rhett says.
I nod. “You and your harem. You know, I invited Kellie. It’s too bad she couldn’t come.”