Sweet but Sexy Boxed Set (59 page)

Chapter Eight

Memories of Ryan
’s finger touching her bare shoulder replayed in a continuous loop all night. Each time the feeling settled, she’d bump into her sleeping grandmother lying next to her. Part of her wanted to throw her mother’s rules out the window and sleep with George. At least there, she’d avoid her grandmother kicking her and she’d have someone to replay the story of Ryan’s finger to.

George
’s question wasn’t any clearer during the first breaks of morning light through her window. Her grandmother woke before the sun rose, allowing Allison time to freely stretch across her bed. Exhaustion never took over causing her to fall asleep. Defeated, she sat up in bed to make a pros and cons list about rehashing the past with Ryan.

The blank page stared at her with a blue pen poised to attack in her hand. The pros were obvious. She
’d finally know if six years ago meant anything to him. The hard part was actually asking him. Even worse, what if the moments they shared meant little to him. They both dated in high school, him more than her. And then there was college. Guys and parties filled her weekends but no one seemed to compare to what she wanted with Ryan. Six years was a long time with ample opportunity for a good looking guy.

Admitting defeat, Allison sat her notebook and pen on the nightstand. Her grandmother emerged from the bathroom in a fog. The steam from her shower spilled into the bedroom.

“That is some great water pressure. You should really try it.” Her grandmother moved from one open suitcase to the next. With a white towel wrapped around her head, she clutched a pink terry cloth robe closed.

“
Thanks grandma, I’ll do that.” Allison couldn’t help the smile pulling at her cheeks. She wondered how much her grandmother knew what was going on around her or if she said silly things to catch people off guard. Either way, she loved her dearly for her easy way.

“
I’m almost done, dear. Then it’s all yours. I just need to get dressed and put my face on.” Her grandmother turned with a royal blue dress draped across her arm. “Do you think this will be okay for the bridal shower today?” She held the dress up with both hands. Her robe gaped open but with the dress in front of her, her body remained mostly concealed. Skinny legs stuck out beneath the blue fabric. Would she resemble her grandmother in her older golden years? She’d always considered her a striking older woman with jet-black hair, golden brown eyes and high cheekbones.

Stifling a laugh, Allison held her hand in front of her face, pretending to cough.
“Yes. Love the color.” Seconds later, her grandmother shuffled across the carpet back into the bathroom.

A soft double knock against her door sounded before blonde hair peeked around the corner.
“You up,” George whispered.

“
Yes,” Allison replied in the same soft tone.

“
Oh good. Where’s Grandma?” George flung the covers and climbed into bed beside Allison.

“
Getting dressed. And you can’t be in here like this.”

“
Why not?”

“
If my mom finds out she’ll have a cow.”

“
Allison, you’re a grown woman and besides, what are we going to do with your elderly grandmother in the next room? I’m a gentleman who happens to be cold. And I’m fully clothed. Relax.”

Allison eased against a stack of pillows, pulling the covers to her chin. A chill ran along her legs. She wondered if her parents turned the furnace on for the season. Fall in the Midwest meant a variety of different things. Either mid 80
’s temperatures or the opposite; mid to low 40’s with a chance of snow. Allison preferred middle of the road but living in Chicago, she dealt with blustering winds.

“
Have you decided what you’re going to do about Ryan?”

“
No and keep it down. I think my grandmother has bat ears.”

“
You have a week to decide but know I’m here for you. I think it’s kind of sweet you still have a thing for this guy. And from what I saw yesterday he may return your feelings.”

Allison jerked forward uncovering both she and George.
“What? You didn’t say anything last night when I came to talk to you.”

“
You didn’t ask.”

Her eyes shot wide open like saucers. Her mouth matched.
“Okay. New rule. As a couple,” she added air quotes to the word. “We tell each other everything. No secrets. And when someone knows something about the other someone’s love interest, full disclosure.”

“
Fine. In honor of full disclosure, you need to brush your teeth.”

Allison rolled her eyes and scooted away to her side of the bed.
“Fair enough. What did he do?”

George pulled the covers back into place, smoothing his hands across his body.
“Well, first off, from what I can gather, he is normally a really good golfer but yesterday he didn’t do so well. Or so I was told. Anyway, he asked about you…a lot.”

“
Yeah.” She inched closer and then moved back remembering her teeth. “He asked you?”

“
Me and Adam. Asked how long we’d been seeing each other. How we met. If you were happy.”

She sat back against the headboard. He
’d asked about her. After six years, he wondered about her. Warmth filled her face along with a smile tugging at her lips. Her two fingers touched her lips.

“
What did you tell him?” She whispered.

“
I told him the truth. We met two years ago and spend most of our free time together. Although, I told him that wasn’t much because you…we…both work long hours. And I said we were happy together. I mean, truthfully, we are when we’re together, right?”

“
Yes. Of course.” She patted his hand.

Allison looked at her friend and knowing the sacrifice he was making for her, tears burned the back of her eyes, forming a lump in her throat. His thoughtfulness was boundless and she knew he
’d always be there for her. A tear rolled from her eye, down her check before it dropped to the blankets below. She smiled at him.

George sat straighter in the bed with worry scrunching around his blue eyes.
“Hey. What’s this?” He ran a finger across her cheek, catching the next droplet.

“
Oh nothing. I’m not sad. The opposite really.” She grabbed his hand and pulled it onto her lap. “You’re a great friend and I guess I’m a little struck by what you’re doing for me. I really appreciate you.”

With his hand in hers, he pulled her to him, wrapping her in a hug. She breathed in deep, pulling his familiar cologne into her lungs. She closed her eyes, enjoying the closeness.

“Oh, excuse me. Next time you should consider hanging a sock on the doorknob. Back in my day, we wrapped a tie around the handle. But times have changed. Maybe you’re freer with your love. Not that I was a prude or anything.” Grandma Daughtry emerged from the bathroom wearing her blue dress and her hair teased into a chiffon. “I’m not one to judge. But if we’re going to share a room, I’d appreciate a little notice. I know how to make myself scarce.”

Allison pulled from George, watching the little black haired woman mill around the room, keeping her eyes averted to her tasks at hand. Both smiled, listening to her ramble about the situation she
’d walked in on.

“
Grandma, nothing happened.”

“
Yeah, but we both know she wanted to.” George winked at the elderly woman when she finally met their eyes. “Now, don’t you look lovely.”

Grandma turned in place offering a full view.
“Thank you. But you keep your freshness to yourself. I’m not one to try and steal my granddaughter’s man.” She moved toward the bedroom door offering her own wink toward the couple in bed. “Allison honey. You better get a move on. The bridal shower starts in a couple of hours and you know how your mother is about being on time. And after yesterday, you’re already on her naughty list.”

Once she left the room, George turned to Allison beside him in bed.
“What happened yesterday?”

Allison shook her head.
“Oh, nothing that won’t haunt me this entire week.”

Chapter Nine

Satisfied with her appearance, Allison followed the sound of silverware on dishes and laughter to the main floor of her parent
’s house. George went out with Adam again, making sure the house remained a man free zone.

A cascade of crepe paper fell from the foyer chandelier to the perimeter of the room in navy blue and silver. Light danced across the shiny paper, mimicking sparklers from the Fourth of July. Matching balloons flanked the bottom steps with tabletop versions floating above the food and heads of the guests seated below. Right of the foyer, the formal sitting room showcased several round tables with dining place settings matching the ones from the dining room. More balloons and decorations were tucked in the corners.

A group of women stood, hovering by Sarah, looking at her engagement ring and giggling about how Adam proposed.

Allison made her rounds, greeting guests, making small talk and smiling when needed. With each passing face, she realized the gathering felt more like a reunion than a bridal shower. Sarah, a year younger than Allison, stayed close with most of her high school friends. She recognized many and figured the others were either college friends or work associates.

Sarah’s mother, a close friend of Allison’s mother, bobbed from one group to the next making small talk and filling flutes with mimosas. Her salon frosted tips fluttered around the room leaving a trail of laughs. Unlike Allison’s mom, Mrs. Henson had a broader sense of humor, laughing at herself when needed.

“
Oh, Allison. Sarah told me about the dress shop. How funny.” With a glass pitcher full the frothy orange drink, she placed a free hand across Allison’s arm. “You are a hoot. Well, I’m glad it all worked out.”

“
Yes and I hope to run by the shop tomorrow to make sure it fits,” Allison offered.

Mrs. Henson smiled and walked away waving her free hand over her shoulder.
“It’s all good.”

Not wanting to waste another minute talking, Allison headed to the kitchen to dampen the Harley Davidson engine revving noises her stomach made. Inside, spread across the center island laid a banquet of brunch foods. Standing on either side sat two counter high tables with navy blue tablecloths. Leave it to her mother to find card tables the same height as their counter. Her mother was like a mini Martha Stewart.

Croissants, jellies and fruit kabobs adorned one side, while quiche, frittatas and cooked meats sat on the other. In the middle her mother presented a combination of salads and refreshments rested on a side counter.

The room smelled heavenly, especially the woodsy aroma of coffee, which Allison hadn
’t had a cup of yet. Time escaped her before the shower began and Allison wanted to avoid her mother so she remained in her room for as long as possible. She started to realize later that her actions resulted in her to suffer caffeine withdrawal.

She piled a healthy helping of fruit, pasta salad and spinach frittata. With her free hand, she managed to poor a steaming mug of coffee adding a splash of gingerbread creamer. She loved how the fall brought out the warm flavors of the season like peppermint, gingerbread and pumpkin. She even marked her calendar for the arrival of the seasonal flavors at a franchised coffee chain.

“Allison Daughtry? Is that you?”

The voice was undeniable. The feeling the voice instilled unforgettable.

She secretly promised herself a perfect day. No problems. No issues during the shower. Not even her thoughts of Ryan interfered with her bridesmaid duties. The day was about Sarah.

But when her high school arch nemesis stood inches behind her, what could she do? Words were bound to be said. Looks given. Would she come out on top? Would she still be presentable when all was done? She wasn
’t sure. Only time would tell.

Taking advantage of a free space on the beverage counter, Allison slid her plate and mug across the top. Running an unsteady hand down the lavender sweater set, she turned, aware of everything around her. If she needed a weapon, the sugar dish would have to do.

“Lynette? Lynette Jenkins? What a surprise? I didn’t know you were invited.” If she had, she would’ve made sure she wasn’t there.

“
Ha, ha. You are too funny.” She said with a surprising almost southern accent to her voice. Which was odd considering they lived in the Midwest and not Alabama. Now the blonde, blue-eyed Amazon from her past added a fake accent to her repertoire.

“
Yeah. That’s me. Funny girl. So, what brings you here today?” She knew the answer was obvious but she needed to hear it for herself. She wanted to strangle her brother at this point. She wasn’t aware if he knew about her feelings for Ryan but he knew for sure her dislike for Lynette. Compounded by the fact Ryan and Lynette dated in high school.

She made a mental note to sit her dear brother down later to go over the guest list. She didn
’t think she could take any more surprises. Was the English literature teacher who gave her detention officiating the ceremony?

“
Oh you know. Sarah and Adam’s blessed day. You might not have known this, since you weren’t that close with her, but Sarah and I were neighbors growing up.” Now she wanted to laugh. Not know her very well. The girl had spent the majority of two years at the Daughtry house before Allison left for college. They shared family dinners, holidays and even late night swimming. She did in fact know they were neighbors. What she didn’t realize was that they were close enough for her to be invited to the wedding.

Allison placed a firm fist to her hip.
“Oh, I knew.”

“
Well, when I got their invitation in the mail, I told my mother we had to attend. So I cancelled my travel plans.” She leaned in Allison’s direction, “I was going to the Bahamas for a photo shoot.” She moved back with a look of triumph on her face. Allison wanted to shake the delusional girl and tell her she didn’t care. “So, here I am and I cannot wait to see all the old faces from Valley.”

“
Oh, do you not live here anymore?”

“
No. I still live at home but I don’t hang out here. Much too busy with the career to socialize with high school people.” Lynette flung a cascade of blonde hair over her shoulder.

“
Yeah. I know what you mean.” Where was her mother when she needed her? Another person with a busy work life. Although, she didn’t think Lynette was the famous model she thought she was. Lynette was in the same grade as she and Ryan. A cheerleader like her and constantly trying to one up her with everything. Allison brought to school a new Coach purse, something she’d gotten as a Christmas present. The next day, Lynette had a Dooney. Allison cut her hair to look like Jennifer Aniston. A week later, Lynette sported a similar style except she’d gotten it done at a high-end salon in the city.

Lynette upped her in one aspect that mattered the most. She dated Ryan.

“So, I hear you’re in Chicago.”

“
Yep.” Great, she was stuck making small talk watching her frittata getting cold. She sneaked a peek at her plate. A stream of steam still rose from the slice of egg pie and her cup of coffee called her name with its creamy milky color.

“
Do you make it home much?” Lynette turned away filling her own plate with fruit and pastries. Allison couldn’t help but wonder about her modeling career if she continued to eat a dish full of carbs.

“
Not really. But I hope to change that soon. I miss my family and soon I’m sure, Adam and Sarah will start to have children and I’d hate to miss out.”

“
Oh, that’s sweet.”

A paused stretched out between the two women. Allison took it as a sign and grabbed her plate.

“You know who I can’t wait to see?” Lynette asked.

Allison held onto her plate and turned back toward her nemesis. She hoped with the food in her hands, Lynette would catch a clue and release her from the pointless run of boring conversation.
“I have no idea.”

“
Ryan Johnson. Now, there is a fine gentleman.” Lynette stopped and turned to face Allison. “You know, that’s the only guy I truly could be myself with. And he was so sweet.”

Heat rose into Allison
’s face. Her hold tightened on the sides of the plate, thankful her mother used the good china instead of paper otherwise her brunch would be in a pile on the floor.

“
Actually. I ran into him a month or so ago at the gym. Now there was a sight. Mmmm. Well, we talked for a long time. You know, we dated and went to college together. We didn’t hang out much past the first week. I did the Greek thing and I didn’t want to be tied down to a high school boyfriend. What with all the parties I attended. But it was real nice seeing him again.” Lynette turned her back to Allison, who stuck her tongue out at the blonde.

“
Really.” Allison managed to say through gritted teeth. She hadn’t realized the two dated in college. She wondered if he ran from her bedroom straight into Lynette’s arms. Was their kiss that revolting?

Lynette knew what happened with Ryan after he left home. Facts Allison always wondered about.

“When I saw him, all those silly high school feelings came back and if it wasn’t for all the staff members around, I might have taken him right there on the rowing machine.” Lynette winked as if they were girlfriends sharing a dirty secret.

A terribly, sick image imbedded in Allison
’s mind and she needed to get away without making a scene.

“
That’s lovely to know,” she bit out. How much longer was she going to have to take this?

“
He promised to save me a dance, but between you and me. I hope to get more out of him than just a dance. I might just have to give him a call and ask him to be my date.”

That was the last straw. Allison grinded her jaws, trying her best to keep a pleasant smile on her face when Lynette turned her way. Her red lips smiled while her blue eyes shined. With her free hand, she flung a large curl of blonde hair over her shoulder. Lynette wasn
’t playing fair and the evil blonde knew. Her words affected Allison and she needed to shut it down making sure she wouldn’t let Lynette win.

“
Well, it sounds like you have a plan. Good luck to you.” Allison leaned toward the open kitchen door, “What?” she called to no one. “Oh, okay.” She turned her attention back to Lynette, “I’m sorry Lynette, but someone is calling for me. You know bridesmaid duty.” She stretched out the word bridesmaid. “It was nice to see you.” Allison held back sticking out her tongue and throwing the fact she was in the wedding, walking with Ryan, in Lynette’s face.

Without letting her respond, Allison grabbed her mug of now cold coffee and left the kitchen. She didn
’t look back. Didn’t offer a pleasant wave. Instead, she made a b-line for the dining room, found an empty chair next to her grandmother, sat down and took a long drink from her cup.

“
Yuck,” she spat, but not loud enough for the entire room to hear.

“
I know what you mean sweetie,” her grandmother said, patting her hand. “Your mother makes the worst coffee.”

Instead of correcting her, Allison beamed at her grandmother, grabbed her fork and dove into her plate.

Before she could take another fork full, her mother appeared in the empty chair beside her.

“
I hadn’t realized you’d come down yet.” Her mother clutched a flute filled with mimosa. “Sit up straight, dear.”

“
Mom.” Allison said beneath her breathe.

“
What? You’re such a pretty girl and I know you don’t have big breasts or anything. But look at Audrey. Hers are all flat from the babies. That’s never stopped her. She sits up tall and sticks out those saggy boobies.” Her mother drained her glass of mimosa before she continued. “It’s from my side of the family, I’m afraid. Small breasts that look like deflated balloons. I mean, look at your grandmother. She’s toting around, what D’s over there.” Allison’s mother thumbed a finger at her mother-in-law keeping a breezy look upon her face.

“
She’s right you know. The women on my side never had a man complain about their breasts. I mean, your grandfather used to…” Her grandmother started.

“
Grandma!” Allison shouted. Realizing how loud she’d been, she smiled at the guests who looked her way and pretended to laugh. “Oh, you tell the best jokes,” she said to cover up her outburst.

She turned to her mother, hoping her grandmother didn
’t plan on pulling her blouse open to show her how large she was or demonstrate what her husband used to do. Both were images, if she let her imagination get out of control, she didn’t want haunting her at night. Or as she ate.

“
Mother.” Allison snapped. “How many drinks have you had today? I mean the shower isn’t even close to being over yet and you’re already hammered.”

Her mother slowly turned her head to Allison.
“We don’t say hammered, Allison. It’s not lady like.”