The last couple of days had me occupied with Holden’s car and dates with Axel. We buried Lexa too, it was hard on Maybelle she didn’t understand and Andrin wouldn’t let me near her. Andrin was too stubborn he couldn’t take care of a child on his own, he could barely wash his own close let alone raise a little girl.
Comrade said he’d talk to an attorney about getting custody. The only reason Andrin would fight it would be not wanting Mama and I near his daughter.
I strolled into Rebel Ways, despite my family drama my days were bright and calm. Letting go of Matthias and letting Axel in really changed something in my stars. I went to a salon yesterday and cut my hair. Nothing drastic! My wavy black hair didn’t flow down to my thighs anymore it stopped mid back.
‘We have strawberry muffins today!’ Rebel beamed.
‘Aw, no chocolate mint?’
She frowned, ‘You need a little diversity in your life Addie.’
I laughed, ‘Fine let me have it.’
Rebel placed a warm pink muffin in front of me. The moist muffin melted in my mouth. Rebel was a witch and put some sort of potion in her food. At least one of the dozens of people that came in everyday would agree.
‘You keep making them like this it’ll be hard to pick a favorite.’ I said.
‘That’s what I like to hear. Makes coming in everyday worth it.’ A sad smile possessed her face.
She’d grown to be my closest friend in the couple weeks I’d been here, always providing support and paying the bill at Rebel Ways. I wished she’d open up about what ate at her soul, but in due time.
‘I’m working on a new cappuccino— Oh my—’
I turned as Holden strolled in at the same time as Amber Rayne. I had a feeling the reaction wasn’t for Amber. I smirked at the fierce blush on Rebel's face.
‘Holden huh,’ I teased.
‘Oh hush,’ she swatted me with a towel.
I giggled. Holden stopped to talk to women who were probably Ada’s friends. One of the pulled him over to kiss his cheeks. I chuckled, how sweet.
Amber paused right before the counter to speak to Rodger who couldn’t contain his inner fan girl. I rolled my eyes. It’d been a pleasant minute without seeing her.
‘Isn’t it the future Mrs. Hadley, we haven’t had you around here in a while. I’m pleased to say the sun's shinning now.’ He chuckled.
Amber blushed. Rebel and I rolled our eyes. Kiss up.
‘Oh, you know been real busy. I’ve been working hand in hand with Sharon we’ve been organizing this year’s Heritage Festival.’
‘Sharon, what a saint she is for always taking care of us.’
Rebel and I snickered, but stopped when Amber caught us.
‘Rebel, Addie haven’t you around in a while. Never did get back to me on my offer.’ She winked.
I couldn’t believe she was still playing the wedding rues. I offered her a pressed smile.
‘Geez, you know I’ve been busy too, but I’d love to be your maid of honor.’
Rebel’s mouth popped open. Amber blinked back.
‘Y-you will?’
‘Of course, might even give you a few tips to help with Matthias,’ I winked.
She straightened and scanned the counter. The grin on my face only grew knowing I’d struck a nerve.
‘I’ll be in touch then. I shouldn’t dwell, Matthias is in the car. Two black coffees. Three sugars for Matt.’
I almost told her Matthias hated his tea black and took four sugars. It rattled me that I still remembered that.
‘Anything you get is on the house.’ Rodger butted in.
Rebel handed Amber a coffee tray and a box of pastries. Holden finally managed to escape the old ladies and made his way to the counter.
‘Well, Addie I’ll be in touch we have lots to do before the wedding.’
I pressed my lips together. I watched her leave and shook my head.
‘I can’t wait for the wedding,’ Rebel rolled her eyes.
Holden chuckled, ‘She a friend of yours?’
Rebel gasped and covered my mouth to hold in a laugh.
‘Holden?’
He smiled, his pale blue eyes smiled with him. ‘It’s been a while hasn’t it?’
Rebel stared at her hands on the counter, ‘It has.’
‘Holden Hampton, haven’t seen you since you were a teen running around with your brother. What a shame the tragedy was.’ Rodger shook his head.
Holden’s expression changed from light to dark and annoyed. How’d I forget Kenny had an older son who died… in a car accident.
‘It’s all well now,’ he looked away.
‘I presume so with all your success. You must not want to stay long in little Chester Springs.’ He nasty grin played on his lips.
Holden shoved his hands in his pockets. ‘Who knows.’
‘Rodger… I need the quotation from the suppliers you met and I need to know when I can sample them.’
Rodger smiled, ‘I’ll get right on that dear.’
Rodger disappeared and Rebel visibly released the tension in her shoulders. Such a two faced man every time he left my presence he left behind an even fowler taste of his character.
‘I ordered the rims you wanted and Carl said he’ll be happy to do the car’s body for you.’ I said, hoping to listen the mood.
‘Great, I won’t be able to help you today I’m heading over to the construction site.’
My face fell, ‘You’re Mom’s going to kill me if you’re not there.’
His hearty laugh brightened his features. ‘We can work tomorrow.’
‘What’re you working on out there?’ Rebel asked, not able to let her eyes sit on Holden longer than a few seconds.
‘Chester Spring’s first heritage museum. It’ll have relics and stories from those who kept our past. It’s totally awesome.’
The thought of relics and keeping caused sweat to form on my brow.
‘Still a history fanatic I see,’ Rebel said.
Holden smiled. I picked up my bag, I had a lunch date with Axel.
‘I’ve gotta go guys. I have a date with Axel.’
Rebel giggled, ‘Look who came to pick you up.’
I turned and Axel strolled in. He wore one of his favorite black skin hugging shirts and blue jeans. He pulled me in and kissed my cheek.
‘I’m not so late you came looking for me am I?’
He chuckled, ‘I thought I’d bump up our date a bit.’
I spent so much time here he didn’t bother to ask where I was. I noticed Holden scrutinizing Axel and realized they didn’t know each other.
‘Axel this is Holden, the guy who’s car I’ve been fixing.’
Axel turned to Holden, he froze for a millisecond and pulled his hand back. I looked at Rebel who noticed the weird exchange.
‘We should go I have to meet the chief in a few hours.’ He squeezed my hand.
We left the bakery in silence and only when we were in his car in my questions blurt out of me.
‘You’re not jealous are you?’
His head snapped in my direction. ‘I have no reasons to be jealous.’
‘Then what was that about, do you know him?’
‘No, let’s just say I have a good sense of people.’
I frowned, ‘That was barely ten seconds.’
He turned to me and sighed, ‘Adele… can we just go to lunch.’
I let it go for the moment even Holden acted weird. Instead of straight to the restaurant we went to Axel's apartment for a quick service stop then proceeded to the classy Greek restaurant next to a gambling joint. After a wonderful meal I felt the heat of arousal rear it’s ugly head again. Axel grinned and insisted he had to go. I couldn’t believe he’d dare leave me that way. He teased me by rubbing my thigh and climbing up to the fabric of my underwear.
‘Axel…’
‘I don’t want to be late,’ he smirked.
I looked out the window as we drove through the sleepy streets. I shut my eyes as he caressed my entrance and I opened my legs to give him better access.
‘I hate you…’ I whispered.
He chuckled and withdrew his hand.
‘No, no I didn’t mean it!’
He smirked.
‘Oh, I hate you.’
My phone vibrated with an incoming call. I fished it out and it was Rebel.
‘Hey, what’s up?’ I frowned at Axel.
‘Where are you?’ She whispered, the tremble in her voice audible.
‘I-I'm with Axel, you don’t sound so good. Where are you?’
‘I’m in my car parked outside your house.’
‘Rebel, what’s going on?’ I looked at Axel.
‘I can’t do this anymore. I can’t.’
‘No, no, no Rebel you can do whatever it is you can’t. Don’t move please I’m coming.’