Forever Moore (Moore Family Book 1) Page 18

  “Interesting? Please…” Patty interjects, blowing air through her pursed lips. “It was brilliant.” Patty (although she is almost sixty) is pretty hip with the times. I wasn’t too worried about her.

  “Patricia, seriously? Some of the scenes were anatomically impossible,” Michelle, likely the most conservative member of our group, adds.

  “Not really. I haven’t personally tried many of the positions but I know friends who have,” Scarlett intervenes. I can tell she is enjoying seeing some ruffled feathers.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Scarlett. There is no way…” Michelle looks around to make sure no one is near, then whispers, “…she had two men enter her at once, in the same location.” She shivers, recalling the scene.

  Yea, I haven’t known Scarlett for very long and we do not get to hang out much, each of us having busy work schedules and all. But we are becoming fast friends. That’s right, last week she suggested a reverse harem to the group. I couldn’t believe it! It wasn’t the fact that she reads them, more so that she would suggest it for open discussion. Not only that, but the book itself was fairly erotic.

  “It is a stretchable muscle that is designed to expand. Given that a woman can accommodate child birth, I am not sure this is much different?” Scarlett retorts. Yes, she is making some of the most conservative members in our community talk about a girl being double-stuffed by two guys—who, by the description, have “long cocks as thick as her wrist”. I am a fairly petite woman and, well, that definitely sounds like an undertaking. That’s for sure.

  “That may be true, but childbirth is not an easy or enjoyable experience. Then, couple that with her giving fellatio to a third male…” Michelle arches her eyebrow. “I am sorry but only a professional sex-worker might be able to handle that. The woman claimed to have been a virgin and had never done a sexual act beyond kissing, before engaging in intercourse with these men. It was all highly improbable.”

  I try my hardest to suppress my laughter. Hearing Michelle, the Sunday school teacher, talk about the probability of a menage sexual position is almost too much.

  “Though I find the intercourse impractical, I do understand the appeal of the polyamorous relationship.” My jaw drops as Michelle tosses that bomb at the group. “The three men were all very similar but different. While I love my Hughie with all my heart and would never cheat on him, there are times where as a partner, I feel he is lacking. The other week I wanted to go try this new restaurant. It was some sort of Japanese fusion and he refused, complaining about how awful going out to eat is and how he would rather save the money and have me buy him a takeout burger. Then, he mentioned wanting to use the money saved to purchase more model plane kits. To be able to have my Hughie and then another man or two, who are able to satisfy my other needs, would be wonderful.”

  “Absolutely. All I want is for Steve to give me a back rub,” Amanda joins in the conversation. “But it ends up being a half-assed one-handed massage that lasts five minutes, before his hand starts wandering to a different region. Then, he is too turned on to continue, so we need to take care of him. And of course, afterwards, he is too exhausted to resume the back rub.”

  We all laugh as the women in the group discuss the issues they have with their partners. I won’t deny that I would find some aspects appealing. But I honestly can’t imagine myself with anyone but Jax. It would maybe be cool if he had a best friend that we could be a throuple with. That way he could keep his career and I wouldn’t be alone. But his best friend is my brother. And, well, I am not even going to travel down how very wrong that road is.

  “So, what is our next read?” Sally inquires.

  “Scarlett, I know it is technically my turn to pick. But your suggestion last week was so wonderful, I’d be happy to let you pick again this week,” Michelle offers.

  “Sure.” Scarlett smiles. “Let me think about it for a minute.”

  We resumed the discussion on last week's book, talking about the advantages and disadvantages associated with a polyamorous relationship and the impracticalities of multi-person sex acts. I almost wish Jake was here tonight. I am sure he has some stories he could share about his experiences. Although I wish I didn’t know, I am aware he has participated in a few menages. While Scarlett’s book suggestion was a little unconventional for this group, it seemed to go over better than I had expected. I was honestly prepared for pitchforks and the flagrant cries for a book burning.

  As we wrap up the evening, Scarlett suggests a less controversial enemy-to-lovers romantic comedy. I’m sure everyone expected her to choose another risqué book, but I don’t doubt she will shock everyone later. Besides, we can’t overload these ladies too much. “Hey, do you need any help picking up?” Scarlett asks me as I work on putting things away.

  “Sure, would you mind stacking up the chairs?” I ask as I gather the leftover coffee and snacks. “How are you enjoying Tral Lake so far?”

  “Oh, it is nice and quiet. Nothing like LA,” Scarlett mentions absentmindedly.

  “LA must be nice though?” I have never been but it looks so glamorous on the TV, with all the celebrities and the beaches.

  “It isn't terrible, but I needed somewhere more mellow. Everything there is so fast-paced and busy. I was ready to slow down.” I understand that. Although I have always lived in Tral Lake, whenever I go visit the Twin Cities, I feel like I need to decompress.

  “How’d you end up at the bed and breakfast?” It isn’t often that we get new people who move here, especially those who are not already local to the area.

  “Oh, my grandfather left it to me,” Scarlett replies quietly.

  “I didn’t know that Mr. Peterson had a granddaughter.”

  “Yea, he and my mom weren’t very close. She left Tral Lake for LA before I was born.” That explains why I never heard about her. Tral Lake is a fairly small town with a population of about five thousand. It is big enough to have a slight economy, but small enough that you tend to know the majority of people who live here… especially when it comes to business owners.

  “Thank you for letting me join the reading group. I was worried about moving to a small town where I didn’t know anyone.”

  “Absolutely. Fortunately, we aren’t one of those weird towns where all outsiders are avoided like the plague.” I give her a big smile. “If you are interested, Sunday Letty and I are going to get mani-pedis. Then, we usually grab a bite at the diner afterwards.”

  Scarlett looks down at her hands. “That sounds wonderful. Letty… she works at Harper’s, right?”

  “Yea, she is actually about to own it soon.” I can’t help but gloat about my bestie’s dream coming true.

  “Oh, wow. That is awesome. Good for her,” Scarlett says with genuine excitement.

  “She is really hyped. It has been a dream of hers ever since she started working there. I know she has a ton of plans for the place.”

  “Hey, babe. About finished?” Jax asks, strolling in. With the whole Keith situation, he isn’t comfortable with the idea of me being alone anywhere, and insisted on meeting me at closing.

  “Yes, just about. You remember Scarlett, right?” I motion to Scarlett, who just finished putting away the chairs.

  “Yes, we met Friday at the meeting. How are you enjoying Tral Lake so far? Tilly mentioned you were fairly new to town,” he asks, shaking her hand.

  “It has been pleasant, a nice change of pace. I was actually hoping to talk to you. Would you possibly mind coming to take some photos of the Inn for me? The ones my grandfather has out there are really outdated, and I have made some improvements since taking over.”

  “Honestly, I would love to. But I was recently advised I am not an approved vendor and cannot take images for shops anymore, unless I am an official employee.” Jax gives her a remorseful smile.

  “Well, technically, I am licensed by the department of health—not local ordinances like other shops. So… that rule doesn’t apply to me. I told Keith as much when he tried to serve me th
at ridiculous notice.” Scarlett is clearly happy with herself. “I have actually seen some of your stuff in the past. The resort I worked at in LA was always messaging your magazine, hoping to get a feature. Unfortunately, they have yet to accept. But compared to other resorts in SoCal, ours was nothing special. I was really surprised to see you in such a small town and looking for work. No offense, but that Keith who runs the committee is an idiot. I couldn’t believe that he didn’t hire someone of your caliber on the spot.”

  Jax stands there, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. I shift uncomfortably at the topic of Keith and the job. “Yea, well, it is what it is. I am looking at some other options as well. But if it won’t affect your license, I’d be happy to help.”

  “I would appreciate it. I was looking at some freelance photographers in the area. But their specialties are more weddings and portraits. I know I need someone with a real eye for architecture to help capture the historic beauty of the Inn.”

  Jax and Scarlett exchange contact information and will look to schedule a shoot soon. She still has some improvement projects to wrap up before he takes photos. Jax and I lock up and make our way home.

  Once inside the house, I can smell the delicious aroma of whatever Jax decided to cook for dinner tonight. “That smells amazing. What did you make?”

  “I made a chicken pot pie. Some southern lady on the cooking network was making one yesterday. I figured that while you were at your book group, I would try my hand at it.” He pulls the pot pie out of the warmth of the oven. “I think it has had enough time to rest… if you are ready to eat?”

  “Yes, I am.” I stretch up on my tippytoes to give him a quick kiss. “I’m just gonna go upstairs and change and will be back down.”

  “Okay, I will get the table set.”

  Upstairs, I quickly change into my leggings and a light sweater. Then I throw my hair up into a messy bun. I try to freshen up a little bit before heading back down.

  Downstairs, Jax has the table set again for our dinner. I swear since he has been home and taken up cooking, our dining room has gotten more use then it has in years. Usually, we would end up just sitting around the kitchen counter. But that was after Jax moved away. When he used to live here, we would always eat at the big table.

  Jax dishes me a big serving of pot pie and then passes me a couple of dinner rolls, which (by the looks of them) he made from scratch. Then, grabbing my wine glass (though I am about to protest, letting him know water is fine) he goes to the kitchen and comes back a minute later. When he returns, my glass has clear bubbling liquid inside.

  “I don’t think champagne goes well with pot pie, Jax?” He just chuckles at me and sets the glass down.

  “I did not serve you champagne. It’s Sprite. I bought some for you today at the market. I figured it has been your drink of choice recently.”

  “Oh, thank you. How thoughtful.”

  Dinner is amazing. I swear, every dish he makes gets better. I won't lie… I could absolutely get used to these delicious home-cooked meals. I was worried that with mom gone, I would never have one again. After we are done eating, I help Jax clean up the kitchen before we settle down on the couch to continue watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I have to admit, re-watching this as an adult, Jax is right. I might be team Spike now. But because I enjoy our heated debates on the subject, I will never tell him that.

  Chapter 30

  Jackson

  “How’s it going?” Jake asks, flopping down on the couch.

  “Eh…” I shrug in response.

  I have been looking around for some possible work in town. So far, I haven’t found much in my field. My small freelance operation idea is kind of dead in the water with Keith threatening the shops. Fortunately, I can help Scarlett and Tilly, but that isn’t really a career. I put in my resume with a few marketing firms in the Twin Cities, but Tilly was right… The commute would be awful and not to mention, sitting at a desk all day would be absolute hell.

  “I am sure there is something out there, maybe Robbie…” I cut off Jake shaking my head.

  “I was already desperate enough to ask Robbie about a job. He laughed at me like I was insane.” I tried to tell him I was serious, which just elicited more laughter. He told me that unless I can do books and manage a back office, there was nothing for me in his shop. We both very well know that I would be awful as an office manager.

  “I am getting nervous,” I admit. “I know any day now my boss is going to call me for an assignment. My three weeks is almost up. And unfortunately, I don’t have a solid enough plan to justify leaving my career just yet.” I know without a doubt I want to stay here with Tilly, but first I need to find something. I’ve got some money, but I feel like it would be wasted if I used it just to live off of. I’d rather use it to put into some sort of business, invest it for the future, or even take Tilly on an amazing trip. But to use it just to survive seems ridiculous.

  “Don’t worry, man. Tilly really doesn’t need your money. You could live here, be her house-husband. Cooking and cleaning—she would love it.” Jake chuckles, “She can be your sugar momma.”

  I roll my eyes at Jake before shutting down my laptop. There is nothing more I can do right now. Looking at the clock, I notice it is almost six. I need to pick Tilly up from the shop. “Well, I better get going. I told Tilly I’d meet her at closing.” I came home early today to prepare another dinner. This time, I went with roasted chicken and vegetables. The recipe looked really awesome. I did something called a brine. I basically soaked the chicken overnight in a pot with herbs, spices, and orange peels. It is supposed to make it super flavorful and moist. I heard it is common to do for turkey also. Maybe I can convince everyone to let me take over the turkey this year.

  “Sure thing, just make sure you lock the door before getting freaky in the shop,” Jake teases as I grab my coat and keys. I don’t even bother dignifying his lame joke with a response and instead, I head out the door.

  As I approach the storefront, I admire our handiwork. We have been so caught up in everything going on, we almost didn’t realize that Halloween is this weekend. I helped Scott and Tilly hang up all the decor for the bookstore and the cafe. They have a pretty cool spooky-chic thing going on. Cobwebs are strung about, decorative pumpkins are placed around the shop, and Tilly set-up a display for some of the old worn books she keeps in the back. They kind of look like old spell books. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a couple of them thrown in there.

  Entering the shop, I notice Tilly sitting at the counter with her head in her hands, looking down at some sort of paperwork. Whatever she is looking at has caused her to cry. Her eyes are still red and puffy. I sneak around the counter and place an arm over her shoulder. “Hey, babe, what’s the matter?”

  She looks up at me with tear-stained cheeks. “He can’t do this,” she murmurs.

  “Who can’t do what?” I ask, alarm bells sounding off inside my head.

  “Keith,” Tilly whispers.

  “Was he here? Did he do something to you? I told you we needed to fucking report his ass. This shit is ridiculous.” I am furious. I knew he wasn’t done with Tilly. There is only one way to stop a guy like him (well, two ways, but still…). Sitting and doing nothing wasn't going to fix the issue.

  “Yes, he was here. But he didn’t do anything. Well, anything like what you are thinking.” She sits up and hands me the piece of paper in her hand. I quickly read over the document. It is some formal notice, advising her that she is no longer welcome on the board of tourism due to misconduct.

  “What the shit is this?” I can feel my blood boiling. How the fuck can he kick Tilly off the board for misconduct, when he was the one who attacked her?

  “The letter claims that I abused my power on the board, basically trying to force the town to give a position to an unqualified candidate for my own personal gain.” Tilly sits there, wiping tears from her face.

  “Fuck, Tilly, I’m sorry. This is all of my fault.” I
pull her into a tight embrace, in an attempt to calm her down, as she shakes her head no. “Yes, it is. The only reason any of this is happening to you is because I came back to Tral Lake. Everything was better before I came here.”

  Tilly stiffens in my arms, before pulling away and looking up at me. “What are you trying to say, Jackson?”

  “I don’t know what I am trying to say.” I rub my hand over my face. I don’t want to go, but I also don’t want to destroy Tilly’s life by being here. Ever since I returned home and talked about staying, it has caused her nothing but issues. The more I think about it, leaving might be best. As much as I want Tilly, the only option seems to be long-distance, which she doesn’t want. She loved me enough once to give me up, so I could pursue my own dreams. Maybe it is time I return the favor. This shop… this town… is her whole life. I can’t take that away from her.

  “You are leaving, aren’t you?” Tilly looks me in the eyes, no longer crying. I can see she is furious with me. I stand there in silence. The last thing I want to do is leave, but I just don’t know how I can stay.

  “Tilly, please listen. I am not sure what I am trying to say. But it is one thing for him to keep me from working in this town. But now messing with you, what’s next? I am terrified that I move here, and then the next thing we know, your shop is being torn apart by this asshole.” I try to reason with Tilly.

  “So that’s it, you give up? He wins? Keith McCalester doesn’t want you in this town, so you might as well obey?” Tilly taunts me.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Tilly. That isn’t what I am saying. But this town, your shop, it is your life. I can’t be what takes that away from you.” I grab her shoulders and try to have her look me in the eyes. “I love you, Tilly. I want nothing more than to be with you. But at what cost?”

  “So, what? I’m just not worth it? We are not worth it?” Tilly pushes away from me. I can see that wall going back up. The same one I put there the other night and tore back down. Clearly, I am fucking this all up again.