“That’s awesome. I know you loved to sing when we were kids.”
She sang in every play, chorus, and at church for as long as I can remember. Her mother and mine are close friends. Well, everyone who’s the same age here are close friends.
Emily shrugs. “I can’t seem to stop. It’s my passion.”
We start to walk down the sidewalk. “That’s really great, Em. I’m so happy you’ve found something you love.”
“Thanks.” She smiles. “What about you? What the hell are you doing back in Bell Buckle?”
Oh, just trying to not go insane. “Had some things happen, needed a change.” I don’t want to explain it anymore.
“Good for you. Oh, my God!” Her voice gets very dramatic. “Have you seen Zach?” Her eyes alight with wonder. “He’s gotten so good looking. I mean, he’s with the town bitch, but.” She sighs. “Now that you’re back . . .”
Now that I’m back what? He’s got his girlfriend. I’ve got my miserable life. End of story.
“Did I mention I have two boys that are almost eleven now?” I try to throw her off the topic.
She stops and stands in front of me. “Oh, nice try, Presley Townsend. You’re not going to give me the questions with a question thing. You know you can’t pull that crap down here.”
I sigh and decide to give her a tiny piece of information. “I saw him. He was with Felicia. We said hello, I said goodbye.”
I have to remember to answer only the question. I don’t know how anyone tries to get away with anything here. My mother could’ve been a detective with the way she’s able to wring out information. You think they’re asking one thing, but the follow up question is what gets you.
She smirks. “Were the sparks there?”
“Can we not talk about this?” I beseech her. “I’m sorry, it’s been a long day, and I’m out of coffee.” And I don’t want to think about him. It’s bad enough he starred in my dream last night; I don’t need that becoming reality.
“Oh, let’s go to the coffee shop,” she suggests. “We can talk more about all the things you’ve been doing since you’ve been gone.”
Yay! Not.
“Sounds great.”
We get some coffee, which immediately makes me feel more human. Everyone looks as I walk in, and I hear the whispers. God, I miss Philly. At least there I could walk into a Starbucks and no one would even notice.
“You should come to Nashville soon. I have a few gigs lined up,” Emily says as she sips her coffee.
“I would love that.”
“I’m sure this is a tough change from the city life.”
I laugh. “That’s an understatement.”
“Even though you were raised here?”
“It’s different from what I remember. I’ve become so used to having everything close. The boys have had a major culture shock.”
“I bet.”
We spend time filling each other in on our lives, and people stare as if I’m an apparition. My mother had to have told her friends. It baffles me that anyone is shocked at this point. Then again, I’ve been pretending it wasn’t real by staying at the ranch.
“I need to head out.” Emily checks her watch. “I hope you and Zach get a chance to talk.”
“Em, it’s over. It’s been over for almost two decades.” I wish my heart would accept that. Seeing him again, knowing he’s close, has me all torn up inside.
It’s like I’m fourteen all over again and he’s asking me to go on our first horseback ride. The assured grin he wore, the tight jeans that made his butt look great, and the way his eyes would convey everything he wouldn’t say. We were so young, so in love, and so idealistic.
“Sure, it is. You know, this town isn’t ready to believe that. We all watched you both. There’s not a single memory I have without you two in it. Your love is the kind people write songs about.”
Great, my life is a country song. I’m a widow, living on a ranch, driving a truck, and the long-lost “love of my life” and I are face to face. All I need is a dog.
“I think you all remember things very different. And we’re not in love anymore. Besides, if our love was so special, we would still be together.”
Emily grabs my hand. “I’m serious, Pres. You’ll see. Y’all are soul mates.”
I give her hand a squeeze as I shake my head. “There’s no such thing.”
She stands and grins. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.”
I get out of my seat and give her another hug. “I think it’s time everyone lets it go.”
“Whatever. Love doesn’t let go, it grows stronger. I’ll see you soon?” she asked, leaning in to give me a kiss on the cheek.
“Definitely.”
I open the door to leave and see the truck I’d know anywhere. There’s no way I want to see him. I yank my sweatshirt hood over my head and rush to my car. The more I can avoid him, the safer my heart will be.