Page 11 of Willow

I madea foolout of myself yesterday in front of Caleb. I’m blaming the damn champagne. The man’s sexy-as-fuck and smells delectable. Like I could turn him into a seven-course meal and take my sweet ass time. Enjoying every delicious entrée. Unfortunately, Trevor put an end to that real quick when he insisted on giving me a ride home. Yesterday I was pissed. Today, I’m grateful. I want to be sober when I kiss that man. I know it’s just a matter of time before that happens because his very essence demands my attention.

Caleb aside, this month has chewed me up and spit me out. And, it’s far from over. I dread the next few days with a passion. The only thing that makes it worthwhile is Caleb. Yeah, I went there again. There’s something about the way he looks at me. Like he can see into my soul. The truth is, he’s stirred up a few feelings that I haven’t felt in so long. Never thought I ever would again. It’s nice but a whole hella scary. Maybe I’m just fantasizing about him because he’s my boss and off limits. Forbidden and taboo.

Okay, moving on. Now I need to paint my fake smile on my face and perform for my friends. Don’t worry, I’m used to it, I’ve been doing it for so long now that it’s second nature to me. I pretend everything’s wonderful when I’m dying inside. It’s not that I need a man in my life. Hell no, and I’m not holding out for one either. My heart couldn’t survive that kind of pain again. All I need is a warm body to satisfy this ache that courses through my blood. It’s lonely and even if it’s for a few hours, I could forget.

When the sun kisses my face, I throw off the covers and get ready to face the day. No matter how much I want these next few days to fly by, I need to live through them in order for them to be over. Right? Wish me luck.

After I finish my morning regime, I head downstairs and pray Mom remembers I’m using her car. She told me last week I could. I def need to get my own place after this tour. I have plenty of money and it would be nice to have my own space. Decorate it the way I want. Buy all new stuff. My heart flutters at the possibilities, and for a few minutes I’m excited.

Mom’s ready to walk out the door when my feet hit the landing. “Mom, I need your car. Remember?” She spins around smiling.

“I do. Mary’s picking me up. Have fun with the girls. You can tell me all about it when you get home tonight.” Wow, she’s in a good mood.

Thirty minutes later, I’m pulling intoDress by Designfor our last fitting. Then Abby’s footing the bill atCarbo’sfor lunch. She’s also splurging for our mani-pedis before the rehearsal dinner tomorrow. I still can’t believe she forfeited her bachelorette party. She’s a sweetheart and didn’t want the whole night out, partying with all the headaches that go along with it. Real class act.

They’re all sipping mimosas and chatting when I walk in. “Yeah, Willow’s here! Here sweetie, grab a glass.” Abby hands it over and I guzzle it down. Liquid courage is exactly what I need. Mingling is not my thing. She reaches out and squeezes my shoulder. Abby knows and I’m thankful she understands this is hard for me.

Quinn, Cheryl, and I all try on our dresses first. Saving the best for last. Beth’s not in the wedding party, but since she’s Abby’s friend, she’s here. The bitterness shows on her pinched face as she downs her fourth or fifth mimosa. I lost count. Not my turn to watch her.

Everyone sucks in a breath when Abby walks in the room. Her mom starts crying. “You’re beautiful, baby girl.”

I force the lump down in my throat. She’s gorgeous, happy, and doesn’t deserve my nasty mood. I open my mouth to tell her just that when Beth opens her mouth first.

“Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, right Willow? All of these hot men in the band and you’re just another bridesmaid. Must suck to be you. Seeing all your friends finding their forever.”

The room grows silent. All I can think about is how her bitterness just cost Abby her moment in the spotlight. What a wicked fucking bitch! You’d think she’d stop there but she has diarrhea of the mouth.

“We all know Trevor’s off limits since he’s your cousin. Although I hear incest is best. Hmm? You can spill the tea.” All the girls are screaming at her to stop. She ignores them. “I know for a fact you’ve hooked up with Jet, guess you couldn’t satisfy him since he’s with Quinn now.” Quinn shuts her up by slapping her across the face, but one word bellowed from the doorway quiets everyone in the room.

“Enough! You miserable little bitch.” That voice. Smooth as whiskey but so very angry. I feel Caleb’s heat at my back the second he’s behind me. “Apologize this instant.”

I hate all this unwanted attention. Hate it. The last thing I want to do is spoil Abby’s day. Beth’s her friend and I’m just an outsider. Ignoring everyone, I walk over to Abby, give her a great big hug and whisper in her ear, “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. Embrace it. Don’t let Beth or anyone else ruin your day. I’m going to leave. See you tomorrow.” There won’t be any apologies today because she meant every word she said. Drunk or not. For whatever reason, she never liked me from the start. Feeling’s mutual.

“You’re having lunch with me.” I stop dead in my tracks and turn to face Caleb. Why is he everywhere?

“Thanks. I’ve lost my appetite.” I continue walking and when I reach my car, he grabs my elbow.

“Get in my car, Willow. I won’t ask again.” Say what? Who the fuck does he think he is? I’m so damn tired of everyone telling me what to do. Finally!

“I don’t take orders from you or anyone else. Do you hear me? The only reason I left was to avoid a confrontation.” He stares at me like I have two heads, then rubs his hands over his scruffy face. Which is a first.

“Understood. Look, I enjoy your company and would like to have lunch with you. Plain and simple.” Well, why didn’t he just tell me that instead of commanding me? I weigh my choices and decide that going to lunch with him would be better than going home and feeling sorry for myself. What Beth said is true and it hit too close to home.

“Okay, you win. I’ll have lunch with you on one condition.” He quirks an eyebrow and I can’t help but find it sexy.

“What’s the condition?” A small smile pulls at the corner of his mouth. I like that too. I’m so screwed where Caleb’s concerned.

“We don’t talk about weddings or what happened in there. Oh damn. I need to go back. I forgot my damn dress.”

“No need. I asked Quinn to bring it for you.” Aw, he thought of everything didn’t he?

Sweet.

* * *

CALEB

Willow doesn’t knowher worth. Not only is she beautiful, she’s also an old soul. Other women her age would have used their words to cut Beth deep. Not Willow. Her quiet grace and dignity allowed her to walk away. I applaud her since that’s by far the hardest thing to do. Hell, even Quinn couldn’t contain herself. I find it admirable that she stood up for her friend.