Lady Luck (Lucky You Book 2 1) (13 page)

I didn’t pay much attention as we entered the market. We went separate ways. I perused the poultry and seafood section, while she wandered off to pork and beef.

As I’m rounding the corner, I’m met with the one person I’d hope to never see again. He stares back at me, a smile appearing on his features. I feel this creepy vibe coming off of him. Never has he sought me out, in public. I pull out my phone from my back pocket, secretively I turn off the ringer, and act like I just received a call. I turn my back on him and continue my charade. ‘Hey Jere Bear, I’m picking up ingredients for dinner tonight. I was thinking of keeping our meal light, if you know what I mean?”

“Of course, I will give you that…yeah I have to keep it PG, I’m not alone.’

“No, it wont be long. I promise. Jessa and I should be wrapping things up soon. This is our last stop.”

“I miss you too Jere Bear.” I realize I haven’t turned around to see if he’s still standing there. I pray to God he’s moved on, knowing I’m not alone and also showing him that I’m with someone now. He ruined what little chance he was given. Of course back then, I still wasn’t in the right mind to attach myself to someone. I don’t know when I finally changed my ways, either before Jeremiah or because of him. But now that I know for sure that he’s in this with me all the way, my fears seem non-existent. Don’t get me wrong, I still ask myself everyday why I deserve to have him in my life. I wonder what God thinks of us together. I’m sure he’d have some words about our living arrangements and the fact that we aren’t married.

I’m sure a shit storm is brewing beyond the foggy horizon of this blissful, honeymoon stage of our relationship. I feel like eventually he’ll see that I’m not good enough for him. I’m not his usual M.O.

I pick out my selection, letting the attendant know my pickings. I end my fake call and slide my phone back into my pocket.

I place the packages in my shopping basket and turn to look for my sister.

Fuck! He hasn’t moved. What am I supposed to do now?

He approaches me, that creepy smirk adorning his face again. I wish I could scream, but my reflexes seemed to have stalled. My normal attitude is far from here, she’s scared shitless hiding in the corner.

“How’s the house coming?”

“It’s none of your concern.” I barely choke out. My throat is dry, the words want to come out but it feels like I’m losing a battle of my own will. I can’t even get my body to work when I want it to. I feel so helpless.

“I miss seeing you around town. Would you be interested in meeting me for a drink later so we can catch up?”

“I’m sorry, I have plans for dinner with my boyfriend.” Finally, I got what I wanted to say out. Finally!

“Your Jeremiah is a lucky man. Tell him I said so.”

I ignore his comment, continuing down the aisle past him. I see Jessa near the front and flag her down.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah, I’m good, didn’t you need to get more stuff?”

“I’ll come back another time to pick up the rest. I need to get out of here, now!” She nods her head skeptically and follows behind me.

Hightailing it to the truck, I peel out of the parking lot and gun the engine down the road.

“What’s wrong? What happened back there?”

“Adam Baker followed us there, he asked me out for drinks later. Of all the things to say to me after all this time, he acts like it never happened. I don’t understand men sometimes.”

“What? He was there? Oh damn, we need to call your brother, and Jeremiah.”

“No, I don’t want them to know. They’ll make a big deal of it, and I don’t want to draw any more attention to me. Adam backed off, after I clued him into my relationship with Jere. We shouldn’t have to deal with him again.”

“As long as you’re sure. I’m worried about you, because I love you and care about you.’

“I love you too. Thanks for shopping with me today, even though it wasn’t for apparel purposes. I appreciate any time I have with you. It felt like old times.”

“I had fun too. It was a nice reprieve from diaper changing and feedings. I felt like a normal human being, putting on actual clothes and makeup and to go out somewhere, even if I didn’t get you a new wardrobe.”

I drop her off and even though I’m less than a two-minute drive home, I stretch it to more like ten.

I dread having to explain my saddened state to Jeremiah. I need this time to figure out how I’m going to tell him about that night. I just don’t think I’m ready. I mean he wouldn’t look at me as the strong, fearless female, his lady luck. He’d only see me as the girl who was too stupid to trust an old friend.

Chapter 18

Jeremiah

I’ve been hanging out at the cafe near the hardware store on the days Addie works, today I had a craving for this amazing shaved roasted beef sandwich. And even though she’s not working this afternoon, I’ve got to have my fix.

I’m enjoying my meal when a man who I’ve only seen from a distance, approaches me.

     “Hey, Jeremiah, right?”

    “Yeah, I’m Jeremiah and you are?”

    “My name is Adam, so hey, I wanted to ask you what you thought of Jax’s sister Addison? I’ve hooked up with her before but she probably won’t put out for you. Although if I had another chance I’d nail her to her hearts content. It could be bloody but who cares. Right?”

    “What are you talking about? She’s my girlfriend, and I’m not talking to you about our sex life. Besides I’m the only one she’s ever been with.”

    “You may want to reconsider that statement. I’ve got some pictures of her that may prove otherwise.”

    “What pictures? I don’t know what you’re talking about but I need you to leave.”

    “Just look,” he hands me the phone and sure enough that’s my lady, spread wide, exposed and he’s bent between her legs.

My roast beef sandwich rolls around in my stomach, I feel like I’m going to be sick.

    “How the hell did you get this? When?”

    “See she has secrets she’s keeping from you, makes you wonder what else she’s been hiding huh? Here give me your number I’ll send them to you.”

     I hand over my phone; my actions are not registering in my brain. It’s too jumbled to know what’s taking place. My world feels like it’s stopped again. How can this be?

How could she not tell me I wasn’t the only one? And then it registers in my brain that this guy has had his hands on my girl, and he still wants to fuck her? Not happening, that's my territory. She may have some explaining to do, but that doesn’t constitute this motherfucker putting his hands on my girl.

     I lunge at him. My fist lands on his upper jaw. I throw another blow to just under his chin, his head falls back and his body crashes to the ground.

He doesn’t get back up again, but I see that he’s still breathing. He may have a good concussion when he wakes but who am I to care.

    I walk away and jump in my truck. Destination: Addie’s house. I want answers.

I find her in the barn, tending to her puppies.

Throwing my phone down at her, with the picture displayed she gasps and shoots her head up to me.

    “You scared me, hey Jere bear. I missed you.”

     “I’m not here to mingle. Tell me what this is.” She looks down and sees the graphic picture. With tears erupting from her eyes she looks back up to me.

    ‘You don’t understand Jeremiah. Its not what it looks like.
”

    “It looks like you lied to me. When you said you’ve never been with anyone. It’s not hard to see. Why couldn’t you tell me? I would’ve understood. But you lied to me. I told you I don’t deal with liars and cheaters. And it looks like you did both.”

     I can’t look at her anymore. How could I just let her in, and then bam I’m back where I started before? Heartbroken. Devastated. Defeated.

    “I’m leaving, since you cant give me answers, let me know when you’ll be by to get your stuff. I can’t do this anymore.” I grab my phone from her hands and walk out of her life. All I hear from her are sobs, but not a word. Why the hell did I trust her? Is she upset I found out? Or upset that I’m walking out on her?

    I jump in the truck and head next door to my place. I'm so enraged, I've never felt this angry and hurt all at once before, even with Camryn leaving, I never felt this type of darkness seep into my bones.

Destruction! Mass Destruction! I want to rip apart something, break it into tiny little pieces, just like my heart feels.

You know that basement project to tear out all the walls to open the space. I'm going to knock it out; the adrenaline coursing through my brain could fuel the sunroom too. I hate the in wall shelving and wood paneling, who knows the dining room wall may come down too. I don’t care what the designer says, it’s my fucking house and I’m done listening to liar.

To Be Continued….

Some say love conquers all.

But…. Lies, deceit and secrets have a way of opening wounds too deep to fill.

Will Jeremiah and Addie find a way to back each other?

Is their love strong enough to conquer all?

Please stay tuned for Lady Luck Part Two coming January 2015.

~ A Note from the Author ~

After you read this book, please leave a review from the retailer you purchased it. Your reviews mean more than you realize. Indie Authors need all the support that they can possibly get.

Acknowledgements

First and foremost I want to thank my wonderful husband. I couldn’t have done this one without your understanding. You’re love and support through it all is what carried me through. You braved eating take out and left overs and also missing out on quality time spent with me. I’m one lucky girl to wake up everyday with you at my side. You’re my inspiration too.

To my sister Brooke, I’ve said this before and I will say it again, you are my best friend. Our bond began at birth and is even stronger now. I love you.

To my mom who loves without question and teaches you to use your talents to better your world. When I told you I was writing a book, you told me I may have found my creative spark, although it didn’t surprise you at all. Thank you for all you have done for me. I never could have asked for a better mom!

To my dad who has supported me from the beginning of my writing and with everything I do.

Again to all the women in my life, there too many to name, just know you’re advice and support is well appreciated.

To Delaine Roberts, your advice and support is never ending and I wouldn’t have been able to see my dream come true without you.

To
Abbe St.  Clair,
Kimmie Easley, Kelly Collins, Geri Foster, Taylor J. Tims, Sarah Robinson, and many others, thank you for winding your way to what I call my inner circle. Whether through social media or email, or even in real life, you all have inspired me both with your writing but also in your advice. I cant tell you how many times one of you has bailed me out of a headache. It means so much to have built a friendship with each of you.

To my photographer Tov, you did an amazing job and wonderful to work with.

To the cover models, Sarah and Paul, y’all did amazing even in the Texas heat.

Sarah- I adore the friendship we’ve created and look forward to working with you more.

To my coworkers, particularly, Sarah, Scot, Danielle, Sarah Park, Karina, Anthony, and Amy, thank you for sharing ideas and asking how the process is coming. Sometimes just voicing my ideas is the best brainstorm so thanks for being my sounding board.

Last but not least to Pistol Packin’ Mama, you are an amazing group of talented guys. Thank you for allowing me the endless repeat of Tractor Song and Ask for Tea, oh and don’t be too upset to end up in the story line. Thanks Paul.

If you’re ever in the Dallas/Fort Worth area check out one of their shows, I guarantee they will provide an awesome experience.

https://www.facebook.com/PistolPackinMamaBand

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Avery is a married with three fur babies. She is a native Texan, born and raised in Fort Worth. She loves all things southern including sweet tea and BBQ, not to mention the country music.

When she’s not reading or writing, you will find her baking, crafting, remodeling her house, and studying. She’s a full time student, and really has no idea how she was able to write a book, much less two, in under a year. With a busy schedule she finds a way to make it all happen.