Going Home

Part 6

Jess showed up just in time. I couldn't stop myself from staring out every window trying to get a look at Luke. I watched him hard at work with Ben and other ranch hands you could tell he was in charge. His skin glistening in the sun made me tingle all over wishing he was against me. I jumped when I heard the slamming of the screen door. I held a glass of ice water against my neck to cool the thoughts away.

"Oh geez Dels you look flustered, you ok? Heat getting to you already?"

"Yes, actually it is. " lie, I lied.

How could I tell her I was fantasizing about Luke slamming me against the barn and fucking me until I couldn't see straight? I couldn't so I would just keep that to myself.

"Ok, well you look hot. I love that sundress, you're gonna have all the men at the diner going crazy."

I laughed a little knowing the only person I wanted to drive crazy was Luke. We walked out to get in her truck and Ben stopped Jess to give her a big hug goodbye. He asked her to pick up a few things for him while in town. I couldn't help but look back at the barn. Luke was standing there staring at me. My eyes caught his and for a moment I could almost feel the hunger behind his stare or was it anger? Whatever it was I couldn't stop looking at him and he couldn't stop looking at me. It felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I felt my mouth open slightly and I let out a much needed breath I had been holding. Behind me, I heard Ben clear his throat.

"Big city, earth to big city?"

I hesitated to turn away but I did to see Jess was in the truck waiting for me.

"Geeze, the city has made you a little strange lady. " he laughed and tapped my shoulder " hey tomorrow morning will you be in that same gitup? I'd like to get here earlier for breakfast if so." He winked, laughing as he walked away.

I looked back one more time to Luke, he was still standing there staring at me. I knew I would have to talk to him sooner than later.

Jess rambled the entire way to town about all the new stores and who owns what and who's with who. But not one word about Luke. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and I spoke up.

"Jess, when did he come back."

"Hmm? Oh, yea Luke. I was wondering when this would come up."

"Dels, I'm not the one you should talk to about that. I love you, more than you know but that's a subject I'm not touching."

" Why is everyone hiding it from me? Why is everyone... My voice was cut off by Jess.

"We are telling you to talk to him because it's his story to tell Dels. I love Luke too. You should know though it's not what you think."

" Nothing in this town ever is. " I said almost under my breath.

I crossed my arms over my chest and Jess just laughed at me and continued to ramble on about the day's errands we needed to do.

We pulled up to the flower shop Jess parked and grabbed her purse. I reached for the door handle and Jess grabbed my arm, " you'll want to wait in here."

She was acting weird and had a sad look on her face. I looked out at the shop sign, it read Downing Flowers. I swallowed hard, it was Luke's last name which could only mean he was married. My heart sank into my chest I felt those tears rising to the surface again. Back off tears, I'm stronger than this, this is my past I need to look forward.

"Oh, I'm ok. Here take my credit card I want to pay for my Dad's funeral." I kept my eyes on the store as I handed my card to Jess.

"Hon, I can't."

"Wh...what why?" Pulling my eyes from the store to look at her.

"It's paid for. I thought you knew."

I sighed turning away from her in time to see her coming out the from door to put a store sign out. Margo. The one person I didn't want to see. That woman ruined Luke and me and now he was married to her.

I felt Jess grip my arm. "Dels, it's not what you think. I'll be right back."

Jess slammed the door and I kept staring straight ahead. Margo greeted her at the door and looked back towards the truck.

I threw daggers at her with my eyes she just glanced away as if she could care less.

I thought back to the last time I saw her in Luke's t-shirt, in his bed. He cheated on me with her, redheaded death of me her.

He broke me.

My phone buzzed it was Tabatha.

"Tabatha! I'm so glad to hear your voice."

"Delila how are you I was so worried yesterday."

Jess was getting back in the truck I put my finger up to let her know I would be a minute.

"I'm fine yes. I decided to come back after the funeral. I'm going to try to catch a red eye if I can."

" Delila are you sure? Take the time you need. The partners are ok. Partners. I'm so proud of you girl!"

" Thank you, kind of weird timing we will celebrate when I get back. Email me whatever you need me to look over I'll have time this evening. Thank you, Tabatha"

I could feel Jess's eyes burrowing into me I turned to her.

" Out with it what Jess?"

"You can't leave tomorrow you just got here! Also, your Dads being honored at the Honk & Holler Friday."

She started the truck to back out, Margo was at the door smirking at me. I could feel a fire rumble inside me like I was about to combust.