Is This Shoulder Taken?

Chapter 24

Kendall

I left Carrington Ranch with my mind and heart racing. I was shaken by the events of Andrea's wedding day. Greyson offering to drop me to pick up my car was completely unexpected. He sensed I needed to leave, he still knew me.

I arrived home to my apartment and my feet felt like lead. I parked and leaned my forehead on the steering wheel and let out a loud sigh. What was I going to do about my feelings for Greyson? I was trying my hardest to compartmentalize them.

I had a different outcome imagined in my mind with he and I for the foreseeable future. I actually allowed myself to believe that I could find my heart again, with him. I would finally remove the concrete fortress I had built around it, after Mark had broken our engagement.

The song—When I Fall in Love, came blaring out of my radio. I forgot I still had the car running. It sounded so crisp and clear in the stillness of my empty car. I thought that I could find love, but it still eluded me at every turn.

My heart plunged deeper with every lyric of the song. Why did I keep falling in love—only to walk away broken inside?

"Are you okay, Kendall?" My neighbor was tapping on my car window and I rolled it down. "I was walking my puppy and noticed you sitting with your head leaning on the steering wheel. The car is still running, so I wanted to check."

I sniffled. "Thank you Brenda. I'm fine, it's been one of those days. I just came from my best friends wedding reception."

She looked at me perceptively. "Oh, you must have been a bridesmaid. You look lovely." She pulled on her dogs leash who wanted to keep walking. I wanted them to keep walking. I was having a private pity party.

I yawned. "I'm heading inside my apartment, it's been a long day." I didn't want to be rude—but I needed to be alone with my thoughts.

"I'm glad you're alright. Have a goodnight." She waved.

"Thanks." I couldn't tell her how I felt inside. I pulled the key out of the ignition to get out of the car. She left with her happy puppy sniffing the ground near a tree.

I couldn't get Greyson out of my mind or my heart. He was so kind to me the entire day. Dancing with him caused all my feelings I was holding at bay to break the levy. It was like a storm surge during a hurricane. I did a slow shuffle to my apartment door from the sidewalk. I finally entered inside feeling dismayed.

My cellphone rang loudly. "Hey Kendall. I wanted to make sure you made it home safely." Greyson's baritone voice was a shock to my ears. It was like someone splashed cold water on my face. His question surprised me, but reminded me of the old Greyson who'd call and ask that. He was like an old friend.

I paused. "As a matter-of-fact, I just got home. I'm fine, I'm going to relax after this long day. I hope you're enjoying the reception."

"I am. I just ate a piece of the wedding cake. It was delicious. I had the waiter wrap up a piece for you, since you went home before the cake was cut. I was wondering if I could stop by the gallery tomorrow, and drop it off to you." His voice smiled, as he spoke over the music.

I debated how to answer—I wasn't going to be working on a Sunday. "Sure . . . I'll be working tomorrow. That was very thoughtful of you. Thank you, I'll see you tomorrow." I pushed end and sat down in a nearby chair before I fell over. That was definitely unexpected. Now, I had to ask Sheila to come in to work on her day off.

I drummed my fingers on my chin waiting for Sheila to answer her phone. "Hi Sheila, are you busy tomorrow?" I questioned.

"Why do you ask?"

"Greyson wants to stop by the gallery tomorrow and drop off a piece of cake from the wedding. I told him I'd be working tomorrow—not thinking it's Sunday. I got thrown off with the wedding and lost track of days." I waited for her answer.

"Why are you home so early and why is Grey bring you a piece of cake from Andrea and Colton's wedding? Scratch that—I'll work tomorrow, I don't have any plans." I could tell her wheels were turning.

"Thank you . . . thank you. I left because it was too much, pretending to be overjoyed any longer. I felt anything, but overjoyed. I'm happy for my best friend, but it was hard for me seeing Greyson with Savannah the entire wedding. We were asked to dance to Paper Hearts by Tori Kelly, and I had a hard time keeping my composure. But I got through the dance. He kissed me before walking away and I was undone. I knew then, that I still had feelings for him." I was talking to Sheila like I was in therapy, as I kicked off my shoes.

She felt bad for me. "I'm sorry Kendall. I can only imagine what it must have been like, plastering on a smile for everyone else's sake and hiding how you really felt. You poor thing—I can hear the hurt in your voice. I'd be happy to work tomorrow. It sounds like Grey may have some feelings for you too—if he's going out of his way to bring you a single piece of cake from the wedding. I think he's using that as an excuse to see you." She chuckled.

I had to giggle. "It does sound kind of ridiculous when you put it like that. Now my curiosity has the best of me. After the way I felt tonight driving home all by myself, imagining everyone enjoying the rest of the evening. . . . The man I love, with a woman I do not like and me trying to make sense of it all is beyond words. His unexpected phone call lifted my entire mood. This came at the perfect time." I flopped on my sofa with a smile from ear to ear.

I hope he doesn't plan on bringing her with him. That thought just occurred to me.

"Sheila, you don't think he's planning on bringing Savannah—do you? I never asked and never said."

"Hmmm that's that's a good question." She thought for a moment. "I'm sure he knows how you feel and knowing Grey—I can't see him bringing her along like you two are best friends."

"True."

"I wouldn't worry about it. I think Grey has good sense. Find a nice outfit for tomorrow and try to get some sleep, you had a long day." Sheila was the voice of reason.

"Thank you so much, you're right. I think I still know Grey and even though he and I aren't dating, I don't think he'd bring Savannah. I'm overthinking this whole thing. I'll find something to wear and get a good night's sleep. Goodnight." I hung up the phone. I couldn't help but wonder what this is really all about.

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