Safe With You, page 5
She sped up and past him. “Don’t worry, I’m not sticking around.” Who did this guy think he was?
“You’re not?”
She had already said too much. “Look, just leave me alone.”
“Fine.” He stopped, falling behind her. “Good luck, Rachael.”
As he climbed down the rocks, reality hit her. Where was she going to go, after this? She had no car, she had just enough money for first and last months’ rent, but not much more if she wanted to eat. What if she couldn’t find another place at this time of the year? What if she ended up without any money?
“Wait!”
He had reached the head of another trail. Her head dropped as she gave in. He didn’t turn around. He waited for what she had to say.
Begrudgingly, she asked, “How much is the apartment?”
He turned with that smile on his face. Her belly did another flip-flop. She wanted to hate him, but there was something about him. Something made her want to stay where she was.
“What can you afford?”
Her face flushed, and the way he looked at her bothered her more, because he knew she did need help. She hated that he called her out.
Then, before she could answer, he said, “I can take you to see it, if you want?”
“Okay.”
“Will you be okay climbing back up to the trail?” he asked, pointing to the footpath that climbed up the cliff.
She grabbed her bag and climbed the rocks with no trouble at all. She might be giving in about the apartment, but she could still climb up some rocks on her own. She heard him laughing behind her, but focused on the seagulls flying above.
“That’s the way to the apartment.” He pointed to the left and let her take the lead, walking behind her along the winding path. “That’s my place over there.”
A small cottage sat back from the rocky cliff. She noticed the proximity to the water and to the restaurant. He couldn’t have found a better spot.
“That’s quite a commute.” The two-story cottage had faded gray shingles and white trim. Windows covered the whole back end, facing out toward the water. Either Jack had a very successful restaurant, or he had an incredible bank account, or both. Either way, she couldn’t help but hope that someday, she’d just have a place to call home.
“I had been waiting for years for one of these cottages to sell, while I lived above the restaurant. I just moved in at the beginning of summer. Then some college kids rented it out.”
“The rent must be steep for an apartment on the ocean?” The view alone probably cost more than her entire life savings.
“Not really.” He grimaced. “Not too many people want to stay in Camden Cove during the winter.”
As they reached the end of the trail, she noticed more cars in the parking lot. The sun had warmed up the day, and tourists walked along the sidewalks. He walked around to the other side of the building. A staircase led up to a second floor.
“It’s just upstairs.” He jogged up the steps, pulling out a set of keys to unlock the door. When he opened the door, she heard noises from inside. He froze in the doorway, slamming the door closed before she could peek inside. “Holy —”
“What?” She poked her head around him, trying to see inside. “Are there rodents?”
“You could say that.” His face turned a lighter shade of white as he stood there, not moving from the door. He covered his mouth with his hand.
Movement from inside made her look again, and she could hear people’s voices, a man’s and a woman’s. Two almost naked figures ran around, collecting clothes off the floor.
He looked behind him into the window again. “I think it’s best if I show you the apartment later.”
“I thought you said it was empty?”
“Usually it is, but it seems that my brother’s wife is using it for the time being.”
“Your brother’s wife?” Finally, Rachael got a look inside and recognized the man’s face. “Isn’t that ...?”
“Yup. That’s the jerk from last night.” Jack’s face was turning red. “That would be Freddy Harrington, the third.”
“We should look for the dog.”
He looked at her like she was crazy. “What?”
She almost couldn’t believe she suggested it, either. Now that it was out there though, she figured if she didn’t take him looking for the dog, something worse might happen than having to hang out with him a bit longer. He dropped his hand from the door handle.
“You want to look for the dog? With me?”
“We should call the shelters to see if anyone’s missing a dog.”
He looked in the window again. The two figures were now talking to one another, rushing around the room. “You know what, that actually sounds like a great idea. I have a buddy down at the police station.”
“Let’s start with the shelters.” She didn’t want to be around the police.
Just as he stepped down the stairs, his attention was stolen by the man’s voice from inside the apartment and the door swung open. The woman ran barefoot down the steps toward Jack. She caught up to him as soon as he reached the bottom.
“Jack! Please, wait!” Panic filled her voice. She clasped her hands together as he turned to face her.
“You’re sleeping with Freddy Harrington, Justine?” He didn’t wait for her to answer. “How could you do that to Matt?”
“You don’t know what our marriage has been like.” She flung her finger in his face. Rachael’s heart suddenly raced. A cold sweat formed at her hairline. She wanted to get away from the situation unfolding before her. She started to walk away without knowing where she was going. Anywhere but here.
“You need to talk to your husband, before I do,” she heard him say from behind her. “Rachael, wait up!”
His footsteps turned into a jog as he caught up to her.
“You still want to look for that dog?” he asked.
She stopped and looked back at the woman standing in the middle of the road. Her chest heaved up and down as she focused on Jack. When Freddy came out of the apartment and walked down the stairs, he was fully dressed.
The woman ran toward Jack and Rachael in her bare feet. “Jack, please, we need to talk about this.”
Freddy didn’t appear upset at all. He swept back his hair. “Look Jack, you don’t need to get involved in this.”
Rachael noticed Jack’s fist tense up.
“Stay off my property,” Jack warned him.
“Looks like we interrupted his own plans for the apartment,” Freddy smirked as he said this.
“Please, Jack, please understand,” the woman sounded desperate.
“Go find your husband, before I do.”
“Let’s get out of here, Justine.” Freddy pulled her back toward him by her elbow. Justine stumbled backwards, looking at them, her eyes wide. She didn’t go back up to retrieve her things, instead, the two walked away down the road, out of sight.
Jack’s fist loosened, but his eyes stayed on Justine and Freddy as they walked off.
“You okay?” Rachael asked.
He nodded, saying nothing at first, just kept his eyes on the retreating couple. When they were out of sight, he said, “How about we check the apartment out tomorrow?”
Worry trickled through her like water coming from a hose. What if he changes his mind and offers it to someone who can actually afford a place on the ocean? Where would she go then? “Do you mind if we still check the place out now?”
He looked surprised. “You want to go in there after all of that?”
“I would really appreciate it.”
He gave her a look over, unsure. “Okay, no problem.”
He walked back toward the restaurant, climbing up the stairs. She couldn’t help but notice his perfectly worn jeans from behind. No full-blooded woman, no matter what her circumstances, could deny Jack’s good looks and charisma, but she would never get involved with another man again.
He opened the door, but held out his hand, like he was stopping traffic. “Give me a minute.”
He disappeared into the apartment as she walked to the length of the deck that ran along the back end of the restaurant. Rachael couldn’t believe the place was for rent. She peeked through the window. Jack ran around the room, opening all the windows, grabbing the sheets and blankets and pulling them off.
“Go inside and check the place out,” he said, as he descended the stairs with a ball of sheets in his hands.
She hesitated at first, glancing over her shoulder at the whole Atlantic Ocean sitting in front of her. The low tide revealed a seaweed-covered, rocky coast that curved slightly inward, like a waning moon. She covered her mouth with her hands, hiding a smile. She tiptoed inside as though she had to be careful or the whole place would fall apart beneath her feet. She stopped in the middle turning in a circle.
Jack leaned against the doorframe. “So, what do you think?”
She moved to the kitchen, opening up a cabinet door, checking inside, even though she wasn’t looking for anything in particular. Next, she peeked inside the bathroom, flipping on the light. Inside there was a small stand-up shower, sink and toilet. She came out just as a flock of seagulls flew by the window. She watched as they floated in the air. “I’ll take it.”
He immediately smiled. “Great.”
With his nails, he plied open the ring to his keys, twisted off a brass key and handed it over to her. He gestured his chin toward the living room. “So, the couch obviously pulls out and there’s silverware, pots and pans in the kitchen. I’ll grab some sheets and blankets for you, and a lot of disinfectant.”
She shook her head. “I can go buy my own stuff.”
“Where?” He shook his head. “It’s Sunday. Nothing’s open. It won’t be a problem.”
“Thanks, but I’m fine, really.” She gave him a half smile, but she didn’t want to be more indebted to him.
“There’s a phone hooked up to the wall over there.” He pointed to the kitchen. “The fire extinguisher is under the sink. Baking soda in the fridge.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ve got to take this,” he said, “but I’ll come back with those sheets.”
Of all the times in her life, why’d she have to meet a nice guy like Jack now?
Four
Rachael held her hands behind her so Jack couldn’t give back the money she had handed him.
“I don’t want your money. You can pay me at the end of the month, when you’re settled.”
“No.”
He eyed her, holding the cash in his hand. “You can pay at the end of the month.”
“Rents are due at the beginning.”
“You’re seriously the most stubborn person I’ve ever met.” He reached for his wallet and put the cash inside. “I’ll be back with that lock.”
“It’s really okay.” His generosity made her uncomfortable. “You don’t have to go out of your way.”
“I should’ve put a deadbolt in years ago.” He rested his hands on his hips and looked around the room. “I can install it after I go to the hardware store, but in the meantime...” Jack pulled a business card from his wallet and wrote down a number. “This is my cell, in case you need anything.”
She grabbed the card and held it up. Jack Williams, Executive Chef, The Fish Market.
“Executive Chef.”
He stuffed his wallet in his back pocket. “Yup.”
She held up the card. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He hesitated for a second, looking as though he wanted to say something more, but then opened the door.
With a quick wave Jack left, and she watched him walk toward his truck in the parking lot and had to remind herself no matter how charming, she shouldn’t trust him. When he was out of sight, she spun in a circle in the middle of the apartment, hugging herself, trying to hold onto the feeling she had at that moment.
Her own place to call home.
Right then, more than anything, she wished she could call her mother. Tell her about the view in front of her. Tell her about Finn, and how she was working a shift in a couple of hours.
She pulled out her phone and looked at her mom’s number.
It wouldn’t be worth it. She’d complain she left. What did she have to be ungrateful for? She had a man who wanted to stick around. Unlike her father, her mother would say.
She stuffed the phone in her back pocket and checked the place out. The wood floors creaked under her feet. She never had her own place before. A place where she could do what she wanted. Watch what she wanted. Play whatever music she wanted. Decorate the way she wanted.
She couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel and grab the rest of her things, and checked out.
“Do you need any toiletries or towels?” Sue asked as she handed over extra toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and a hug.
“I’m fine.”
Sue shoved a box of donuts in her hands. “Come back if you do. No one’s using them, you might as well.”
“Thank you, Sue.” Rachael gave her a hug.
“Don’t even worry about it, honey.” Sue squeezed the air out of her. “So, you’re moving above the restaurant? You know, that Jack Williams is quite a catch.”
Rachael shook her head. “I’m only interested in his apartment.”
“Every single woman in Camden Cove has tried to hook that one, but...maybe...?”
Rachael knew what the woman was suggesting.
“Maybe all it takes is a newcomer.”
Rachael had no business thinking about Jack Williams as more than her new landlord. “Goodbye, Sue.”
“You be safe, and don’t let that old grump Finn McCabe get under your skin.”
Rachael laughed, then left and raced back to the apartment. The afternoon sun had crept behind the trees, sending long shadows against the pavement. A loud pop from a car’s exhaust shot out, and an image of Nick flashed in her head. Her heart raced, and she felt light-headed. She walked to a tree, grabbing the rough bark to steady herself.
She still didn’t know how he figured out her plan. She hadn’t told anyone, not even her mother. She mulled it over, never writing down a thing, repeating it over and over in her head, so she wouldn’t forget the details. How he figured it out frightened her more than Nick himself.
She climbed the steps to her new home, and checking over her shoulder the whole time, making sure no one had followed her or hid behind the dumpster. Her chest tightened as she unlocked the door, and only when the door clicked behind her was she able to take a deep breath. The excitement of her freedom was overshadowed by her fear of being found.
The sun lowered further in the sky, casting a golden hue throughout the space. Off in the distance, seagulls rested on the granite boulders at the water’s edge. Memories she hadn’t thought about in years flooded back. Memories of going to the beach as a kid. That was the happiest time in her life. They had been a family back then. Before he came back to get them, before he lost his job, and before he started drinking. On the weekends, Finn took her by the hand and walked all the way down to the beach where the rocks made tide pools. He’d let her explore inside the tiny crevices and climb along the barnacle-covered rocks. When she found something, he’d hold it in his hand for her, and she’d examine the sea creature. The mystical beings of the ocean, right at her fingertips.
A seagull floated out to sea, its wings forming a V as it reached up toward the sky.
“Everything will be okay,” she whispered to herself.
Without warning, a tear came loose and fell onto her chin. She quickly wiped it away, focusing on the room. The space wasn’t very big, maybe the size of her living room back home in Rhode Island, but it would be hers.
Only hers.
She would be okay.
JACK STOPPED AT THE docks to find Matt’s boat docked and empty. He swung by his house, but no one answered the door. He texted and called to no avail. In the meantime, he decided to stop at the hardware store and buy a new lock.
When he pulled into his driveway, Matt’s truck was parked in front of the garage. He didn’t see him until he walked out onto the deck in the back yard, sitting in one of his Adirondack chairs with a six-pack on the table next to him.
“I would’ve texted, but I wanted to be alone.” Matt didn’t look at him, just stared off at the horizon.
Jack patted Matt’s back before sitting down in the other chair and grabbing one of the beers, twisting off the cap. “So, you’ve talked to Justine?”
Matt nodded and took a sip of his beer. “Yup.”
“You okay?”
“I will be.”
“Did you know?”
“I had a suspicion.” Matt shrugged. “She got a bracelet for her birthday from someone anonymous. It was pretty expensive.” Matt sighed. “At the time, I didn’t know it was Freddy.”
Jack should’ve hit Freddy. He had always undercut Matt throughout their childhood and now, even as an adult, he couldn’t stop competing with him, with the fishing, the territories, the bull that went with it all. But no matter what Freddy’s part was in all of this, nothing compared to the betrayal Justine had made. He knew better than anyone.
“Don’t tell mom about any of this.”
“Are you serious? You can’t keep anything a secret in this town.”
“Don’t tell her anything, I mean it, Jack.” Matt’s tone said he meant business. “I don’t need her knowing any more than she needs to. She already hates Justine.”
“Why keep protecting her?”
“Because Justine and I have been through a lot together.”
Jack held up his hands. He hadn’t forgotten the year his brother had had. The shotgun wedding, the miscarriage, the nights they spent away from one another. The relationship had been doomed from the start. “She could’ve used a different place to sleep with Freddy.”
“Well, she obviously wanted me to find out somehow.”
“What was she thinking, sleeping with him?” The thought made him nauseous.
“Dude, stop reminding me.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Jack almost said something sarcastic, but instead let out a sigh. “How are you staying so flipping rational?”
