Chapter 7: Teach Me: Chapter 7

“We had some for dinner last night. It’s extra sweet this year.” Mama says that about our corn every year. I usually can’t tell one year from another, except for that one time we didn’t have enough rain. The cobs were half the size and tasteless.

“You always do have the best corn around.” Peggy Sue counts out two dollars and seventy-five cents’ worth from her little change purse, eying each quarter and dime carefully. I’d love to just give her the corn for free because she’s so kind and has helped us out a ton, but by that thought process, I’d be giving everyone corn for free. It’s just an unwritten rule that we support each other’s businesses where we can and today, that business for us is our stand at the farmers’ market.

With it being August, everyone’s having corn roasts. Jed’s already topped up the wagon once and it’s only noon.

“I saw you driving through town in your shiny new truck,” Peggy remarks, accepting the bag of cobs I handpicked for her. “Charlie down at the dealership said that Henry had that delivered to your house?”

I knew it wouldn’t take long for that to come out, even if Mama is trying her best to hide the fact that her heathen daughter is accepting a sixty-thousand-dollar gift from the devil himself.

The fan muffles whatever Mama grumbles under her breath, but I can imagine it isn’t in the least pleasant. We exchanged nothing but light civilities this morning over breakfast, something I’m relieved for. While she won’t come out and say anything negative about the man who helped save Daddy’s life to anyone besides the Enderbeys, I’m sure everyone has already figured out that she doesn’t approve.

I ignore her, but say loud enough for her to hear, “At least now I don’t have to worry about breaking down somewhere, or losing my bumper and hurting an innocent person. Henry wanted me to be safe.” Good luck disparaging him for that, Mama.

“That’s so kind of him. And how’s Roger doing, Bernadette?”

“Oh, he’s settlin’ in just fine. May is over there right now, fetching him water and food, so I could help sell some of these tomatoes.”

I could have sold the tomatoes fine on my own. Mama’s just in gossip withdrawal. Next to church, the market is the best place to catch up on who’s cheating on who and who’s pregnant. Mama likes to show up at Sunday service already in the know, so she can add her two cents’ worth with some conviction.

Peggy tucks her half dozen corn cobs into her trolley, a sly smile curling her wrinkled face. “So, Abigail, when will we be seeing your handsome friend again?”

She just loves getting under Mama’s skin apparently.

“I’m not sure, honestly. Not any time soon, likely. He travels a lot.”

“Not exactly family man material, is he?” Mama makes a small chortle of satisfaction and I don’t bother hiding my eye roll.

“Well, I hope you get to join him on some of those trips. What an adventure that would be.”

I smile at the old woman. “I hope I do, too. See you at church tomorrow.”

“Yes, dear. And do you think you’re going to make any more of that chamomile soap? It does wonders for my skin.”

“I’m just waiting on the avocado oil I ordered. As soon as it gets in, I’ll make a batch and let you know.” Which reminds me, I have that call with the branding person in just over a week. I’m beginning to grow curious about what she could possibly suggest. I have to trust Henry’s judgement about this. He is good at what he does.

“That’d be just wonderful. Good day, Bernadette.”

“Uh-huh.” As soon as Peggy Sue’s out of earshot, she adds, “That old coot drove her husband to drink with all her meddling. It’s not a wonder he died so early.”

Really charitable, Mama. “I like her,” I murmur, smiling as the next customer approaches the table.

For such a small town, our market is one of the biggest around. It brings in tourists from all over the State. I sold out of whatever soap I brought within the first hour. If I had time to make more, I could have made a pretty penny. Not that I need any money right now, anyway.

It’s three o’clock and we’re almost through our stock of corn when Edith’s daughter, Mary Jane, trots up. “Hey, Abigail! Long time, no see!”

“I know. How are you?” She hasn’t changed much since I saw her last, her long straight blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, her eyebrows natural and in need of some grooming. She’s put on a bit of weight around her already sturdy bottom half. Kids in middle school used to call her Thunder Thighs, on account of her thick legs.

She’s always been nothing but kind to me, even with her secret crush on Jed that everyone, including Jed, knows about.

“Have you heard? I’m running the Sunday school program for the kids. Temporarily, for now, but I’m hoping it’ll turn into something more permanent.”

Temporarily because Reverend Enderbey still hasn’t given up the hope that I’ll run it once I’m done with college. I guess he’s hoping that, if he gets me firmly engrained back into the church, I’ll change my mind about Jed.

“That’s great. Congratulations.”

She beams with pride. “It’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

I smile at her as I quietly wonder if she’d still say that had she left Greenbank. Truly left. Sure, she went to college, but it was an hour away and she commuted each day. Does she really know what she wants to do with the rest of her life, or is she simply choosing from the options she’s aware of, like I was?

But that’s up to her, I remind myself. If she’s happy, then… good for her.

“Hi, Mrs. Mitchell!” She waves at Mama, who’s off her feet and helping another customer buy a few jars of jams and such.

Mama gives her a warm smile back. “Be with you in a sec, hon.” Mama loves Mary Jane for many reasons, one being that Mary Jane is a social media junkie and has taken a personal interest in Wolf Hotels.

“I’m so sorry I missed your daddy’s welcome home party. I heard it was fantastic.” There’s a twinkle in Mary Jane’s eye. “So Henry was in New York last night?”

“He was.” I stifle my eye roll. So she’s on first-name basis now?

“I don’t know how you do it, Abigail. I’d be insane with jealousy every time I saw pictures of him with another woman.”

Her words are like a punch to my gut, but I keep my smile plastered on my face. “He has a lot of business meetings. And the media likes to take pictures of him.” Another woman? What is she talking about?

I sense Mama listening.

“Oh, I know.” She waves that away like she does actually know. “But still, I’d go crazy! Especially with Margo Lauren!”

Margo Lauren?

The supermodel?

That’s who Henry had an important business meeting with?

He had to so urgently fly to New York to meet with a supermodel in person?

“I trust him.”

I trust him.

I trust him.

I trust him.

How many times do I have to repeat that in my head before I’m confident that I do? We’re not going down this road again, Abbi.

“Mary Jane!

She glances over her shoulder to the honey stand across the way, where Edith waits for her. “Gotta go. See you later!” Mary Jane offers a little wave and trots off, leaving me to feel ill.

What did Mary Jane see? And where?

I need to find it.

“Didn’t I tell you?” Mama’s voice is higher than normal. She’s trying to hide the fact that she’s gloating inside.

“I need to use the restroom.” I grab my purse from beneath the table.

“Okay. Jed’s here. Jed, you take over for Abigail, right?” He drops the cooler of jams and jellies under the table and then turns to face me, letting me get a good look at the red bruise across his cheek. “Sure thing.” He’s all sugar and pie today. No talk of whores.

I head to the nearby coffee shop, counting out enough money to buy a cold drink. That’s the only way Ms. Delyn will let people use her restrooms. She watches like a hawk and will embarrass you in front of everyone if you dare sneak in.

“A peach smoothie please, Ms. Delyn!” I wave the bills up on my way past her.

As soon as I’m safely in the stall, I check my search feeds. One of my roommates, Autumn the concierge, got me following Wolf Hotels on social media and I still do it religiously. I don’t see anything about Henry and Margo Lauren in them. Where would Mary Jane have seen it? After a bit more sleuthing, I find it on Margo Lauren’s Instagram account.

It’s a picture from behind, of the two of them walking up to a restaurant with a bright marquee and globe lights lining a red carpet. They’re smartly dressed, her in a sexy backless black dress, him in a suit.

His hand is splayed over the small of her back as he escorts her toward the doors.

I would recognize Henry even if she hadn’t specifically called him out in her caption:

A lady and a wolf. Henry Wolf, that is. Followed by a series of heart emoticons.

My stomach rolls with jealousy. Why didn’t he tell me he was having dinner with a beautiful and glamorous French supermodel? If he didn’t tell me, does that mean he’s hiding her from me? It’s clear she isn’t hiding this dinner from anyone. And that she has a thing for him. Of course she does. Any female would.

Stop it, Abbi!

He didn’t cheat on you before and he’s not cheating on you now!

I was the one who cheated on him, I remind myself.

But he didn’t know exactly what had happened with Ronan and Connor before. Now he does. What if learning that turns out to be too much for him? What if he feels like he should get a free pass?

Or two.

The restroom door squeaks open, reminding me that I’ve been sitting here for far too long. I’m sure my drink is sitting on the counter and beginning to separate by now.

But what do I do?

Should I say something to him? Ask him why he didn’t tell me?

Say nothing and pretend I don’t know and continue on in ignorant bliss?

Too late….

This is going to drive me insane!

After three seconds of gritting my teeth, I quickly punch out,

Had dinner with any gorgeous supermodels lately?

And then I hit Send before I can change my mind, collect my drink, and head back into the hot tent.

~ ~ ~

It takes nearly an hour for Henry’s response to arrive, and when it does, it doesn’t set my mind at ease.

I have, actually. Why do you ask?

Just thought it would be something you would mention.

“Abigail, put your phone away. If he wants to waste his breath lyin’, he’ll have to do it when we’re not servin’ customers.” Mama smiles, as if that balances out her sharp words.

It’s ten minutes before I catch a break and can check my phone again.

I didn’t realize I had to give you details about every business meeting I’m in.

A business meeting?

Is that what I saw?

Are you jealous?

Maybe.

There’s no point lying. Henry sees right through my lies as it is.

We can’t do this every time you see my name attached to an attractive female. I thought you trusted me.

It’s a text, and tone in texts is hard to get right. Yet, I sense his anger coming through.

It’s happening again. I’m assuming he’s screwing around on me.

You’re right. I’m sorry. I can’t help it. It’s this place, and everyone around here. They keep filling my head with doubt. I don’t know how much longer I can take this.

“Abigail!”

I slide my phone into my pocket. This really isn’t the right time or way to be having this conversation—via text in the middle of a corn stand, me trying not to worry and failing miserably.

Twenty seconds later, my phone rings.

I immediately reach for it.

“We have customers,” Mama says, adjusting the speed on the fan.

Henry’s name and picture fills my screen and my heart automatically skips a beat.

I answer it under her scathing eye. “Give me a sec?” I round the stand.

“Abigail!”

I come out from under the canopy, smiling an apology at the two people waiting to buy corn as I pass them. Mama and Jed can handle two customers.

“Hey, I’m just at the market,” I explain, cutting through the crowd, heading for the small park across the street.

“What’s going on?” His deep voice vibrates inside me. There’s a hint of something there… worry?

I close my eyes and sigh, and wish that he were right here with me. “A lot.” I tell him all about yesterday with the truck and the Enderbeys, and Jed. “And then Mary Jane tells me about Margo Lauren and, I don’t know… I just panicked. I thought maybe…. Why didn’t you just tell me you were going out with her after your business meetings?”

“She was my business meeting, Abbi. She has a proposition for a property in France. It’s an old castle that’s been in her family for generations. She wants to turn it into a hotel under the Wolf name.”

“A castle? Seriously?” My relief is momentarily overshadowed by curiosity. “That would be really cool.”

His deep chuckle tickles my ear. “Yeah, I thought so, too. It’s all very preliminary and confidential at this point. In fact, no one knows about it but me. And now you.”

I sigh. “I’m so sorry. I just…. I need to get away from my mother. Even for a night. She wants what she wants and she doesn’t care if she’s hurting me trying to get it.”

“I’ve already told you, I’ll hire help to run the farm while your dad recovers so you don’t have to stay there.”

“No, I can’t. Thank you, but I can’t.” Accepting the truck is one thing, but abandoning my family when they need me to travel around and have endless, fantastic sex with Henry is wrong. I don’t even know if that’s an option. He hasn’t exactly offered it up.

“Fine. Come to New York when you’re done for the day.”

My heart flutters. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“Today?” I quickly do the math. “That means I wouldn’t get there until ten, at least.”

“Can you be ready for six?”

“Uh….” I frown. “I guess. Why?”

“I’ll come get you.”

“Wait! I don’t know if I can get away.” Aunt May said she’d help out if I gave her notice. This would be… four hours’ notice. Not great. But my parents will be at the Enderbeys’ for Saturday dinner, so she can come after her dinner shift. And we don’t have to do any baling tomorrow. Jed can handle the animals without me.

“Do you remember saying that you’d drop everything and come running if I demanded you come to me?”

“Yes.”

“I’m demanding it. Be ready and waiting outside for me at six.”

“Okay?” I cringe. “What should I bring?”

“Yourself.”

He hangs up before I can respond. I’m left staring at my phone, a mixture of shock, confusion, and excitement overwhelming me. I’m going to see Henry again, tonight?

I’m going to see Henry tonight.

I glance back at our stand. A few people rifle through the stack, searching for the best cobs from what’s left. Is it wrong for me to leave for the night?

I quickly dial the Pearl and cross my fingers that Aunt May isn’t too busy to answer.

“The Pearl, what can I do for you?”

“Hey.”

“Abigail?”

“Yeah.” I hesitate. “I have a favor to ask.”

The phone fills with her sigh. “When are you leaving?”

“At six?” How did she know?

“Okay. I can wrap up the busy stretch and get Chrissy to close up.” Chrissy and my aunt have been best friends for years. She’s at the Pearl almost as much at May is. “I’ll have to leave early in the morning though, what with the after-church rush.”

Sunday church. “Shit!” I totally forgot.

“Gesundheit.” That’s Aunt May’s way of responding to a cuss word. It’s her gentle way of scolding me.

“Sorry, it’s just, I forgot tomorrow was Sunday. It’s Daddy’s first service back. Mama’s gonna have a meltdown if I’m not there.” I’m on the verge of tears as reality sets in. I knew this wasn’t going to happen.

I’m not going to see Henry. I had better call him back before he gets on his plane.

“Abigail?”

I sigh, my disappointment overwhelming. “Yeah?”

“Would you rather go to church or see Henry?”

“See Henry.” I don’t miss a beat.

“Then that’s what you should do. You can talk to God anywhere. You can be a good person anywhere. You don’t need four walls and a reverend telling you right from wrong to be a good person or to talk to God.”

“But Mama—”

“Will survive. Just maybe don’t mention that you’re going until your bag is in the car. Save yourself the headache. But remember….”

“You’ll deny deny deny.” I smile. “Thanks, Aunt May.”

“I’ll be there for around eight. I’ll even bring leftovers. What time will you be back?”

“I don’t know, exactly. Afternoon? Evening?”

“Okay. We’ll plan for evening. You go and have fun.”

I hang up. And smile.

A night with Henry in a hotel. My first night staying with Henry. No Mama, no hiding from employees. It sounds like heaven. I just have to pass through hell first to get there.

Mama must mistake my dread over telling her for heartache, because the second I return to the corn stand, she’s reaching for me, rubbing my back soothingly. “Now, now. It’ll hurt for a while, but you’ll get over it soon enough and you’ll be so thankful.” She clucks her tongue. “I’m just glad that man found someone else. You don’t need the likes of him. You’ve got exactly what you need right over there.” She nods toward Jed, who’s tossing the last few cobs left—picked over and good for nothing but the animals now—into a box.

She’s the Terminator.

She won’t ever stop.

“We’ll get home and clean up, then head over to the Enderbeys’ for dinner. And after that, the Baldwins are coming over. You can take your Daddy’s spot if he’s not up to playin’ bridge.”

I cringe. Bridge with the Baldwins almost always results in Mrs. Baldwin asking me about my menstruation cycle and Mr. Baldwin staring at my breasts without shame. Those two are plain fucking weird.

I don’t say a word. I simply collect the money box and head for my truck, trying to hide the slight bounce in my step.