New Beginnings

Chapter 9

The next morning, Saralynn and I went to the mall and spent the day just hanging out.

“So my brother comes home from the Navy tomorrow.”

“I bet you are so excited.”

“Not really. I mean, I love my brother but he is a fool.”

“Why?”

“He comes home and messes around with Abby and then she treats him like crap and stays with Colton.”

“Wait, she cheats on Colton with your brother?”

“Yep. It’s one of the reasons I don’t fit with Abby, Becca, and Julie.”

“So you were friends with them.”

“Best friends.” I could see the sadness in her eyes.

“Hey, you have me now.”

We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together and Saralynn talked me into a few outfits.

The weekend went by quickly and before I knew it, I had to go back to work.

As soon as Trent walked into the bakery, I made it a point to stay in the back.

“Marie. We have to talk about your schedule.” Nicky, the assistant manager said, giving me the perfect excuse to not help Saralynn serve Trent.

“ OK.” I made my way to the office with Nicky to find Susan already sitting.

“Marie, sit please,” Susan said.

“Since you started here, we have increased sales by almost 25%. Your lemon bars and cheese cakes have been the biggest hot ticket item. But your blueberry donuts we can’t keep on the shelves and we have been receiving orders.”

“Wow, I didn’t know.”

“I want you here Monday through Friday. Most of your day will be spent back here baking.”

“Whatever you need, Susan.”

I made my way back to Saralynn. I was so excited to share my news. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice Trent was still waiting for me.

“Marie.” I turned to find him standing next to the counter. “Please can I have a minute.”

“I don’t think you know how to tell time.” I started to walk to the back and grabbed my wrist.

“I am so sorry. Can I make it up to you?”

“No, Trent, you can’t. You left me sitting alone in a restaurant while you made out with your ex in your truck. I then had to walk 6 miles home.”

I turned and walked away.

The rest of the week he still came with Hunter, but I was too busy back baking. But today after work I was having dinner with Saralynn’s family to meet her big brother.

I was excited about meeting the man that Abby couldn’t stay away from when she had Colton.

As soon as my shift was over, I ran up to get ready and made my way back to the bakery before Saralynn’s shift was over. I rushed into the back of the bakery and I ran right into Colton.

“Sorry I didn’t see you.”

He smiled at me, making my heart melt. “You can run into me whenever you want.”

My face turned red and I wasn’t sure what to say.

Thank goodness Saralynn saved me and we made our way to her house.

When we got to her house, she introduced me to her brother and parents before running upstairs to get changed.

Clay, her brother, was handsome. Like he stepped out of a magazine handsome. His body was muscular and tall, at least 6’3 and he had amazing green eyes with jet black hair.

I understand the appeal. I was finding it hard to stop staring at him.

Dinner was nice but as soon as we finished eating, Clay made his way out. Saralynn and I knew he was going to see Abby.

It broke my heart to think she could treat either of them that way and I wanted to say something but I wasn’t sure how or if it was my place.

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Over the next two days, I saw Colton once and I had a really hard time making eye contact and having a conversation with him. However, I was able to avoid Trent easily.

Susan invited me over for lunch on Sunday with the family again. I wanted to decline but I agreed to go.

I was surprised when I found Colton waiting to pick me up.

I got up in his truck and wasn’t surprised to not see Abby. I knew she was with Clay.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” I said back.

“So what did I do to stop you from looking at me?”

I felt myself holding my breath. I couldn’t believe he asked me. What do I say? Did I tell him?

“I don’t think it’s my place to tell you.”

“Well, it’s affecting the way you act around me, so I think it is your place.”

“I learned something and I don’t know how to say it.”

“Just say it.”

I sat and debated telling him and for some reason I gave into telling him.

“Abby is with Clay in a more than a friendly way.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted it.

“Have you seen them together?”

“Well.. No.”

“Then you no nothing. She was right about you.”

“What…What is that supposed to mean?”

“Abby said you wanted me and you would make up lies to get me to break up with her.”

After hearing that come out of his mouth, I knew it wouldn’t matter what I said. When we arrived at his house, he was angry and slammed the door shut and went right inside. I could hear him telling Susan that I was causing issues and telling lies.

I decided at the moment I was going to start walking home. I started my way down the driveway and about a mile away from the house I called Saralynn.

She managed to get to me in less than 10 minutes and drove me home.

She couldn’t stay and, honestly, I just wanted some time alone. How could I have been so stupid? I had no real proof and I did exactly what Abby said.

I ordered myself a pizza and decided I was going to watch some Netflix. I heard a knock at the door and I assumed it was the pizza. When I opened the door, I found Issac and Evan.

“What are you doing here?”

“Can we come in?”

I stepped aside and noticed the pizza delivery guy parking. I waited and paid the man and put the pizza on the table.

“We know what you told Colton,” Issac said.

“I bet you guys hate me too.”

“Nope, we agree with you, but you can’t tell Colton anything when it comes to Abby.”

“We decided to skip the family lunch and come spend it with you instead.” Evan added.

“Should I order more pizza?” I picked my phone up and ordered two more pizzas.

The three of us sat and ate pizza and watched Netflix.

For dinner, I had chili in the crockpot and we ate together.

“Does your family hate me?”

“Nah, well, Colton might and Hunter has been weird and this just got him worked up because he doesn’t want it to mess up his chances with Becca.”Evan said.

“But Mom still loves you but,” Issac stopped.

“But I won’t be invited to family lunches anymore?”

“Yeah," Evan said sadly.