“Hello, Mindy. Just the person I came to speak to,” she said in a smooth tone then turned to wave at someone in the car. “I think it’s so amazing that Cooper’s Hawk has Uber service. Who would have thought it possible?”
“And the town also has running water and indoor toilets,” Mindy groaned and crossed her arms over her chest to keep from slapping the smug smile off the woman’s face. “I don’t know what you think we’d have to say to one another, but you’re wasting your time.”
“Let’s be adults about this. If you’re sleeping with my ex-husband, the father of my child, we should at least have an open chat.” Melody opened the screen door and stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. She was still beautiful with large blue eyes surrounded in thick lashes. The red top she wore showed off deep cleavage and a small waist. “So how about that talk?”
“Come right in why don’t you.” Mindy sighed. Closing the door, she geared up for an ensuing argument like the last time the two had spoken. “Creed didn’t tell me you were coming to town.”
“Then we’re on the same page. He didn’t tell me you were back either, although I guessed.” She sashayed across the room, stopping in the center then giving a dramatic flip of her long hair.
“I’m sure Livvy is very happy to see you.”
“She’s very happy.” Her smile showed off an even row of sparkling white teeth. “Why are you back here, Mindy? You were living in…Florida?”
“California.”
“Same difference.” She waved a slender hand. The diamond on her middle finger sparkled in the lighting. “I thought we both learned our lesson about Cooper’s Hawk.”
Seeing the other woman’s arrogant expression made Mindy’s chest tighten. “I’ve missed this place.”
Melody’s brow snapped up. “I’ve never had those warm, cozy feelings. But that’s me. I’m not a country girl at heart.” She slipped her gaze down Mindy’s T-shirt, cut off shorts and flip flips.
“It’s late, Melody—”
“Do you have anything to drink? I’m a little parched.”
“Water?”
“I was thinking scotch.”
“No.”
“It’s no big deal. I won’t be staying long.”
Mindy snapped her jaws tight “Why are you here?”
“Oh, I was just curious.” She smoothed her hands down her waist. “So you and Creed are an item again.”
“No, Creed and I aren’t an item.” Mindy wasn’t sure what they were doing…
The woman’s chuckle dripped of acid. “Come on, no reason to deny the truth to me. You two always were…well, hooked at the hips,” she slurred. “Livvy told me that you and Creed were seeing each other again. You look shocked. Don’t you think my daughter speaks to me? Tells me what’s going on?”
“I won’t deny that I care for Creed, and Livvy too.” Mindy had no reason to deny her feelings.
“Hmm, so I’m right. You’re back and ready to sink your claws into Creed. I mean, how could I blame you? He still has it after all these years.” She spun and faked interest in a picture on the wall. “Isn’t it interesting how things have worked out?”
“What things are you referring to?” Mindy could see where this was headed, but it was like watching a horror movie and she couldn’t turn away.
“Don’t be daft.” She turned back around to face Mindy. “You know what I’m referring to. How I ended up with Creed instead of you?”
Mindy lifted her chin, dropping her arms to her sides. “That’s in the past.”
“Sure it is, but I have my daughter to think about. I want to make sure anyone who comes into her life is, well, a perfect fit.” Her crimson mouth puckered.
“I can understand your concern, but with all due respect, I think Creed would never bring anyone into Livvy’s life that isn’t respectful or deserving.”
With another wave of her hand as if she could wipe Mindy’s words away, she sniffed loudly. “He’s always been blind when it came to your friendship. I really never knew what he saw in you.” She shrugged. “But I must say, you’re not that skinny, freckled face, dirt under your nails girl any longer either.”
“And you’re still the beautiful woman you’ve always been.”
Melody ran her fingers through her hair and grinned from ear to ear. “It takes some work.”
“I’m sure it does. Can I ask a question?”
“Go ahead.”
“What happened to the letter I’d written Creed?” It was time Mindy had the answers she deserved.
“Letter? What letter?” Melody played naivety like a role in a movie.
“To use your play of words, don’t be daft. You know what letter I’m referring to.”
“Just as I told Creed, I have no idea what letter you’re describing. Whatever would I have to gain by taking a letter?” She snorted and her face tuned pale.
“You’d have a lot to gain. You’d have Creed.”
“Really?” She grunted. “I already had Creed, honey. Lock, stock and barrel.”
“If that were true you wouldn’t have felt any risk with me being in town. You wouldn’t have taken the letter and things would be much different now.”
“Wow, you really are delusional. Fine, if it makes you feel better, I do remember something about a letter. I might have set it aside and forgotten to give it to him. Completely unintentional and definitely not out of fear that you’d come along and get him back.”
And there came the truth.
Finally.
“Mom, do you know where the extra blankets are?” Jane stepped into the room and came to a sudden stop. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you had company.”
“Hello. I’m Melody, an old friend of your mothers. And who might you be?” Melody oozed fake interest.
“I’m Jane. Mindy’s daughter.”
“Oh…well…” Several expressions flickered across Melody’s face before realization
