Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Cliff was right. I should’ve sucked it up and called her by now. We left things so up in the air. With Uncle Travis’s death, I didn’t get to fix things before heading back to school.
“Um, hey, Cliff. Hey, Trevor. You guys doing some Christmas shopping?”
“No, we’re looking for Halloween costumes,” I grumble.
“Uh, right.”
“How are you doing, Cody?” My mama says warmly as she glares at me.
“I’m fine, ma’am. Been busy with work and all.”
“Oh, yes. I heard you were offered a permanent position with your internship. That’s so wonderful.”
“Yes, ma’am, it is. I’m excited. I didn’t know about staying in New York, but I’m glad I decided to take the job. I see the potential to grow with the company. My boss has been giving me so much responsibility I didn’t have as an intern.”
“That’s great. It looks like you’re happy and flourishing. You don’t forget us little old country folks while you’re off doing big things,” my mama chortles.
“I won’t, ma’am. I’ll never forget where I’m from. It’s been a slice of home that’s grounded me in New York.”
I growl. I actually release a growl. Cody blanches and takes a step back.
“Trevor, what the devil has gotten into you?” my mama chides.
“I’m gonna go. I still have a few things to pick up. It was good seeing y’all. If I don’t see you again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
I almost tell him to bite me. However, from the look on my mama’s face, I have to reel my temper in. Cliff places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze.
“What was that all about?” Mama asks.
“Cody had a thing for Cakes. He sort of stepped on Trev’s toes in Paris,” Cliff informs her.
I glare at my cousin. I told him that in confidence. Shaking my head, I move to the display of engagement rings. I try not to fume as I realize it’s the same area where Cody had been standing as the clerk handed him his purchase.
I’d fucking kill him. My nostrils flare, my face heats, and my chest burns with rage. I need to see Lynn and talk to her before I lose my shit.
“I’ll be right back,” I mutter.
I turn and storm out of the store, leaving my mama and Cliff staring after me. When I step outside, I pull out my phone immediately. Taking a deep breath, I press to dial Lynn’s number with a shaky finger.
It rings a few times before the line picks up. I stop my pacing the moment I hear her sweet voice through the line. It’s like a breath of fresh air to hear her.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Cakes. How are you doing, darlin’?”
“Hey. I’m okay. Having pie with Nanna. How have you been?”
“I’m missing you something awful. That’s how I’m doing. I want to see you.
“Can you have dinner with me tonight? We can drive a town or two over. I’m not trying to cause trouble. I just need to see your face.”
“Trev, I don’t know. I want to see you. I really do, but I have plans with friends. If I cancel to be with you, my daddy will find out.
“Besides, I’m doing my friends a favor. I understand what they’re going through. I want to help them out as much as I can.”
“Okay, not tonight. Let’s not do this behind your daddy’s back either. I can come by the house and sit with you there. No more hiding.”
“Wow, are you sure? That’s big.”
“Darlin’, I’ve missed you so much. These past few months have shown me I can’t live without you. I’m willing to do anything to spend time with you. I’m positive.”
“Well, all right. Nanna says to come over to her house for dinner Saturday evening. Daddy will be here and you know Nanna’s not allowing him to throw her dinner guest out of her house.”
“Thanks, Nanna. I’ll be there.”
“You’re welcome, sugar. I can’t wait to see that handsome face and those dimples.”
“Trev, I have to go. See you then.”
“I love you, baby girl. I’ll see you Saturday. I hope to hear from you before then.”
“I love you too, Trev. I can’t wait. I’ll call you in the morning.”
“Sounds good. Later, Cakes.”
“Later, Monroe,” she chuckles before she hangs up.
Lynn
“Now do you believe your nanna?” Nanna says as I hang up with a smile on my face.
“Yeah, I guess you were right. I just don’t get why he hasn’t called until now. I was sure he was angry with me or something,” I say into my bowl as I return to sitting.
I had been pacing the entire call. I wanted to call Trevor as soon as the plane landed, but I didn’t know if he would answer. It would have broken my heart if he hadn’t.
“It was good to hear his voice. I can’t wait to see him. Do you think Daddy is going to lose it?”