Finding a Home in Shear Forgiveness

By Melinda McQueen

Escaping a bad relationship, Amelia moves back to her home state of Texas. Only, she opts to go to Dallas instead of Houston where she is from. Her reason is because she doesn’t want to run into Ridge, her high school boyfriend, who had been the reason she moved to Oklahoma fifteen years ago. She doesn’t want to run into him after he’d hurt her all those years ago, as she still harbors unforgiveness. She doesn’t think she ever wants to see him again. Now back in Texas, her ex, Trent, sends text messages, threatening to find her as she wasn’t answering his calls. Landing a job in her career choice, she works at a beauty salon where she befriends her co-workers. This turns out to be a good thing as she will need all the support she can get.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melinda McQueen
• Release date: Mar 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005596057

Melinda McQueen

Hello, I'm Melinda from Texas. I am a published author. I'm in a chair with Cerebral Palsy and writing is my outlet. I have found deep pleasure in writing poetry. Writing helps me express my emotions. Sometimes when I'm sad, I sit in front of my computer and begin typing. I type until I get an idea; from there, I proceed to write a poem. When I complete a poem I feel much better. I guess you could say I feel at peace with myself. But I don't just write when I'm sad. I write when I'm happy. I write when I want someone to know how I feel about them, when I'm unable to tell them face to face. I also write just to remind myself and others not to take life for granted. I also write to glorify God. I believe He instilled in me the gift of writing. I'm currently writing my third novel.If you would like a copy of my novel you can purchase Her Happiest Place by Melinda McQueen on Amazon and B&N.com.

Book preview

Chapter One

The way she saw it, things couldn’t get any worse. Could they? The answer to this she wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Her apartment was a mess, a perfect example of her life. But oh well, she didn’t have time for housekeeping. Amelia spent her days working at a beauty salon where she was a hairdresser and sometimes helped in the nail department. The irony wasn’t lost on her, for the fact that she barely had time to throw her hair up in a pony and apply lipstick, much less spend time doing nails—her own, that is.

Besides her job, her time was spent holding onto her passion. A passion that started in her teens and had grown through the years. A passion that helped her cope with what was going on in her life. That passion was running. She was hailed as the top runner in high school track, from which point an ember of a dream was birthed. The dream that so flooded her soul was to make it to the Olympics.

Though she had ran in a few marathons, due to certain events in her life she hadn’t made it to the Olympics. She had had been forced to give it up when she hurt her leg, tearing her ACL requiring surgery and aggressive physical therapy. At first, she was determined to rehabilitate and continue her training for the Olympics, but her life took a hit which had taken her into a downward spiral.

Even so, she still ran for her pleasure, at a pace which wouldn’t aggravate her injury. To Amelia, running was like breathing. She couldn’t imagine her life without running. She loved the feel of the wind in her face and the adrenaline roaring throughout her body. This was how she decompressed, how she dealt with the emotions she otherwise kept bottled inside. Running offered a release she desperately needed.

Like now.

She was out for a run trying to clear her head after she was woken to the sound of text messages being sent to her phone. She had known who they were from even before she reluctantly grabbed her phone from the nightstand, but she never could resist a beeping phone. Yep. There it was. The name she once loved. The name she now despised.

Trent.

He had been her latest boyfriend. They were together for five years before she gathered enough courage to leave him. They met at a coffee shop where he offered to buy her a Mocha. So, their relationship had begun over coffee and a slice of apple pie. Amelia was instantly attracted to him. He was the perfect example of the phrase tall, dark and handsome. His smile had been addicting; a flash of those pearly whites and she was a goner.

What was she thinking? She was thinking she had finally found someone who was worthy of her time, someone who had potential. She was thinking she had found Mr. Right. He was a successful businessman who had real estate in several states. The fact that he had his own plane was quite alluring. If she were honest, everything about him was alluring… at first.

At first, things were great, it was everything she had ever wanted in a relationship. Trent was attentive to her every need, making her feel special as never before. He’d taken her on dates—dates which required the use of his plane. It wasn’t uncommon for them to go to places like Las Vegas and Paris on any given weekend. She felt like someone important, even more amazing, she felt important to him.

Amelia waved at Jim, an old man who she would often see during her runs in the park. He was always sitting on the same bench, tossing breadcrumbs to the ducks. Sometimes she stopped to say hello, but today she had a lot on her mind. Hopefully, he would understand. He seemed perfectly content with the ducks anyway. She made a mental note to stop and chat during her next run. She continued her run as her thoughts found her again.

She had fallen head over heels in love… which was why she’d accepted Trent’s marriage proposal. It was of course a lavished affair, taking place during one of their trips to Paris. He pulled out all the stops, including paying someone to put Amelia’s name in lights asking her a question, the words Will you marry me? twinkling from the Eiffel Tower. And the ring… the glorious diamond ring which stood three inches off her finger had put a sparkle in her eyes.

They decided on a long engagement to allot plenty of time to plan an extravagant wedding. It had been Trent’s decision, saying only the best would do. Amelia had wanted a beautiful wedding, sure… but she didn’t care or even want a big elaborate wedding with hundreds of guests they didn’t even know. To her, intimate weddings were ideal, to be surrounded by people they not only knew but loved.

Though she voiced these thoughts, Trent dismissed her attempts to dial back on the planning. He thought she was being modest, because in his thinking, what woman wouldn’t want a wedding like the one he could give her? But Amelia wasn’t like most women; she’d known this since high school. Even so, she let him do his thing and allowed herself to dive in full force into the big pool of wedding planning.

However, over the course of a year he had become more possessive. It was cute in the beginning how he never wanted to let her out of his sight, or the way he called her every hour when they had to be apart. She’d felt loved and needed. She’d thought maybe it was because their relationship was new, and he would loosen his grip with time. But his grip had only tightened.

Trent had a temper which often came to a boiling point faster than a racecar on a racetrack. He could go from 0 to 100 in a matter of seconds. It didn’t take much to set him off. She couldn’t talk to a girlfriend on the phone without him complaining that she didn’t want to spend time with him. She had wanted to be needed by someone, but he was too needy. Not just that, but everything he did and said told her that he didn’t trust her, which had made her wonder if she could trust him.

There was just something about him that had begun to set off some alarms. He’d become secretive, taking calls in another room and being paranoid that someone was following them when they were out. What had he gotten himself into? It was clear that he wasn’t the man she thought him to be. By then, she knew him well enough not to ask questions. Frankly, she was afraid to.

Once, while he was on one of his many business trips, she decided to do some snooping. She hoped to find clues that would tell her who she was about to marry. She’d looked all over his mansion of a house and found nothing that set off any alarms. That is, not until she found a closet in an empty guest room. The closet was locked of course. It took her a few minutes to decide if she was brave enough. Then, she squared her shoulders and proceeded to pick the lock. She had to know what he was into. Not only that, but she wanted to know what she’d gotten herself into.

Having succeeded, she opened the door and saw a closet filled with extremely pregnant duffel bags. Unzipping one, she fell back on her haunches. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Green, tons of crisp green bundles of cash. Hurriedly, she unzipped another, then another, until she was convinced that all the bags contained the green stuff. She knew Trent was wealthy, but why wasn’t this money in one of his bank accounts. Then, the answer came to her faster than her next breath. The money was dirty. That was when she knew she had to leave him.

She had also known he wouldn’t take it well, and boy, was that an understatement. He had begged her to stay, promising he would change. But she’d heard that from him before when she had threatened to leave. She had stayed because she hoped her love could change him. No such luck. So, she wised up and waited until he went on a business trip and made her escape.

She had packed her clothes and a few other belongings and hopped in her Camaro. She didn’t know where she was going, all she knew was she wanted to put miles between she and Trent. The further she drove the more her shoulders relaxed as the tension slowly dissipated. She hadn’t realized how her stress had affected her body. Before she had known it, she’d left Oklahoma behind and reached the Texas State Line.

It shouldn’t have surprised her. While she and her family had moved to Oklahoma, her heart would always call Texas home. But even so, she hadn’t been back since moving fifteen years ago upon graduating high school. There were two reasons that had kept her away. Number one, she’d been too busy with college. Number two, she had left a big chunk of her heart in the lone star state, a chunk she would never get back.

So why had she come back now? She didn’t know the answer. She only knew that she had to get away from Trent. Granted, she knew that he was aware that she was from Texas and he would come looking for her. She now regretted telling him so much about her life. But she had been in love and when in love you give all of yourself. However, she was sure she had mentioned that she was from Houston Texas, which was why she was in Dallas.

When she first arrived in Dallas she had slept in her Camaro until she could land a job. She’d smirked to herself, at least she was sleeping in a brand-new Camaro. Trent had bought it for her birthday. It was her favorite color of purple. She had been elated upon seeing it in the driveway complete with a big red bow. She now knew that gifts weren’t equal to being loved. Sure, he had meant well, but she would have been just as happy, or more so, if he had showered her with love and affection without buying expensive gifts. She had wasted no time in obtaining new license plates, knowing he’d try to track her down.

Upon leaving, she had left the credit card he had given her, along with the stunning engagement ring, on the table. She didn’t want his money and never had—she wanted his love. So, she was in dire need of a job. She had gone to beauty school and had worked in several beauty shops prior to meeting him, so naturally, she scouted the beauty salons. She went to four or five, none of which were hiring. Feeling discouraged, she had almost given up until she spotted another salon whose name had caught her attention. Though apprehensive, she kept moving toward its entrance.

Walking into the place, she felt nervous. This had to be the place for her simply because she needed it to be. At the jingle of the bell above the door, a woman with greying hair and a happy disposition had greeted her. Hi there! The woman seemed friendly. Hi, I’m Amelia Aimsworth, and I’m looking for a job. she said before she changed her mind. What a coincidence. I’m Barb, and I’m hiring! the woman smirked. Amelia proceeded to tell her about herself without revealing too much of her story. The woman had again expressed her need for help, and her body language had told Amelia that she had the job before she spoke the words.

She soon learned that Barb was not only observant but kindhearted. Two weeks after Amelia had been hired, Barb handed her a check which was much larger than a week’s pay. Amelia looked at her in question. Barb nodded to Amelia’s Camaro and said That’s a nice car but still not nice enough to live in. Busted. Amelia thought she had done a good job in keeping her meager belongings out of line of vision. But on that day, she had forgotten to hide away her pillow and blanket. Through blushed cheeks, she had thanked Barb for the advancement.

She found an apartment not too far from the solon—which was great especially in Dallas—but that hadn’t been what sold her on it. The fact that she would be living so close to the park which she was now running in had been the clencher. Granted, the apartment building wasn’t the best. Not only was Shady Oaks run-down, but there were tenants who were living alternate lifestyles. She hadn’t had much of a choice with her limited income, so she would make do. The park she loved. The park was beautiful with its flowers and babbling water fountains placed throughout. The flowers were indeed amazing. There were several flower gardens throughout it, hence its name, The Garden Park. The place served as a peaceful haven which was needed by all. Peace was something Amelia needed. Albeit, she had always felt peace—her meager version of peace, anyway—in running.

This morning she was using running to settle not only her mind but her nerves. Though it had been six months since she left Tent, he still called and sent several texts. She had obtained a new phone and new number, but he had somehow gotten her new number each time. She had hoped he would have given up after a while but that hadn’t been the case. In fact, this morning’s text messages were worse than they had been—dare she say threatening—which had her nerves frayed.

Checking her watch, she discovered that time had gotten away from her as it was almost time for work. Still in runner’s mode, she made her way to the apartment to take a quick shower. Before leaving, she grabbed her phone from the bed where she had tossed it earlier. Again, she couldn’t stop herself from checking the messages. Could this quality as self-harm? Upon swiping, sure enough, she found that Trent had a texting party all to himself while she was in the park. Blowing up an exasperated puff of breath which ruffled her bangs, she threw the phone into her purse. Though she wished she could leave it, she didn’t want to miss a call from her mother. She wouldn’t hear the end of it if she did.

Upon entering Pretty Princesses, she was assaulted with the familiar sounds and smells which often accompanied beauty salons. The smells were comforting to her, and the chatter she welcomed as it tended to take her mind off her problems. Each time she stepped through the door she dusted her cares from her shoulders and busied herself in transforming ladies into their own versions of pretty princesses.

Oh good. You’re here. Barb said, holding the phone away from her ear. Glad to know you missed me!’ Amelia joked. Yeah, you’re gonna need that sense of humor today! she then nodded to the packed waiting area. What in the world? Amelia whispered as she passed Barb to put away her purse. It is Prom Night, after all. That’s right. Amelia had forgotten prom being in May, or at least around this time of year. But now she remembered Prom Night—her prom from years ago—and she winced.

Miss Amelia… a girl with long blonde hair pulled Amelia back from a time long ago. Amelia was thankful that the girl had interrupted her thoughts. Thoughts she didn’t want to rehash. Thoughts that didn’t belong in the forefront of her mind. Pushing the memories out of her already crowded mind, she said What’s your name? The girl smiled, her excitement bubbling over, I’m Gabby. Amelia motioned to the chair beside her, Well, Gabby… let’s get you ready for a night you’ll remember for the rest of your life! Amelia knew just how true her words were and she hoped that Gabby would have far better memories—she almost had to.

Chapter Two

Having dolled up five anxious girls for prom, Amelia was well spent. She had kicked off her shoes upon entering her apartment and now she sat on the couch eating a meatloaf TV dinner. She knew they weren’t exactly healthy, but right now she couldn’t care less. Who cooked for just one anyway? Certainly not her. She used to cook all the time and had even enjoyed it, but now she had no one to cook for.

She found herself missing Tent. However, it didn’t take but a few minutes to realize that it wasn’t him she missed. She missed having someone to love, someone to share her life with. For a while, she thought it could be Trent, now she knew she had needed him to be the one. Because if he was the one, it meant that something good had come out of something—or whether someone—she had lost.

When she learned that tonight was Prom Night old emotions had bubbled up to the surface and now remained at the forefront. She hadn’t allowed herself to go back to that time in her life, because while the beginning had been wonderful, the end had been devastating. So much so, she hadn’t spoken his name in years. Dare she now?

Ridge.

Once she had said it—even to an empty room—she instantly regretted it, as it somehow made him real to her again. Sure, she had thought about him throughout the years but had refused to dwell on it. She had put him into a category of someone she once knew a lifetime ago. Now, however, he invaded her thoughts and though she tried to put him out of her mind, his memory refused to leave her alone.

What was he doing? Was he still in Texas? She had no idea, which is why she’d played it safe by moving to Dallas rather than Houston. Houston had still been his stomping ground. This she knew because about seven years ago a friend had contacted by way of social media to tell her that she had bumped into him. Amelia had fought the urge to ask if he had asked about her. No, she certainly didn’t want to run into him. Simply saying his name was painful, how much more would it hurt to see him? No thanks! She had made the right move, both geography and figuratively.

Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone played the tune indicating she was receiving a call. She blew a breath when seeing her Mother’s number and reluctantly answered. Hi, Mom. she said as she sat back on the couch and pulled her legs beneath her. Might as well get her body comfortable at least.

Hi Baby. How are you?

I’m fine. How about you?

You don’t sound fine…

I’m just tired.

Is that Betty woman working you too hard?

Her name’s Barb and no, she’s not.

Are you sleeping well?

Yep. Amelia lied.

I wish you would come back to Oklahoma.

I can’t. You know that.

You can stay with Dad and me. Trent won’t know. He’s already been here looking for you, so he knows you’re not here. The fact that she had almost whispered Trent’s name wasn’t lost on Amelia.

That doesn’t mean he won’t come back! she said, which initiated a long pause.

I just miss you.

I miss you, too, Mom. But I’m not that far. I could have gone to Houston.

Yeah, I knew you wouldn’t go th—

Mom, I need to go. I’m tired.

Once the call ended, Amelia threw the phone to the other end of the couch. She couldn’t get off the line fast enough. Her mom had always had her own opinions about not only Trent, but Ridge. Even while Amelia was hopelessly in love with Trent, her mom hadn’t liked him. Perhaps she had seen through him or maybe, just maybe she was still holding on to the hope of Amelia and Ridge getting back together. She didn’t know how her mother could think of such a thing after what had happened.

It was a given though. Mom had spent more time around Ridge, with him coming to their house to hang out with Amelia. The two had been high school sweethearts since freshman year. They had been inseparable, back then anyway. She missed those days even more than the first elaborate dates with Trent. She gave a long sigh; she had to stop thinking about them both before she drove herself crazy. And she did just that, but only because she fell asleep.

The next day she was at work busy curling a client’s hair when she realized just how exhausted she was. Last night she had fallen asleep on the couch but had woken at 3 AM after having a reoccurring nightmare and made her way to her bed. Of course, she was then wide awake—a phenomenon that had always annoyed her. She’d twisted and turned before finally giving up an hour later and laced up her running shoes.

Grateful for the lights in the park, which had allowed her to get her run in so early in the morning that it still had been dark. For late May the temperature was comfortable, even a little cool at that hour, which seemed to make it even more enjoyable. It was better than staying in bed staring up at the popcorn ceiling, and far better than the dreadful nightmare. She didn’t want to dwell on it while awake for fear of it coming true.

Amelia was surprised when the sun’s glow began to peek behind the trees, both because it was quite beautiful and the fact that she had been running for nearly an hour and a half. As she ran upon the infamous bench on her third lap she was just as surprised to see Old Man Jim sitting there. She hadn’t noticed him during the first two laps, but then again, given with what she was dealing with, she’d have missed a rattlesnake in her way. Still, it was only six. Was he here this early every day?

Hi Mr. Jim. she said as she sat beside him.

Well, hello there! You’re here early this morning.

Yeah… I couldn’t sleep so I thought I’d get an early start. Are you usually here this early?

Yep.

Any reason?

’I like the ducks and the people.

That’s nice, I guess.

You seem down…

I suppose I am.

What’s up, Buttercup?

Just life. I wish things could be different.

Have you prayed about it?

You mean… like to God??

Well yeah… that would be the One.

I don’t pray anymore.

Why’s that?

He allowed bad things to happen. And He doesn’t hear me when I pray.

He hears you. But you have to trust Him to answer.

He doesn’t care about me.

He sure cared enough to die for you.

Things have been so hard.

It will get better. Just have faith.

Thanks. I think I’m gonna go have a nice breakfast for once. Amelia stood to make her leave.

Sounds like a good plan. See you in the morning?

Sure, but hopefully not as early!

I’ll be here! Jim called after her.

While Amelia enjoyed pancakes at Sallie’s, a restaurant in the vicinity of the salon, she had thought about the conversation she’d had with Jim. Though she had been brought up in the faith, she hadn’t thought about God in a long time. She had fallen away when her life was turned upside down. God had abandoned her when she needed Him most. He had known the desires of her heart, so why had he allowed everything to go so wrong?

Trent hadn’t been a believer, so His Name had never come up. Amelia had put all her love and devotion into her boyfriend, doing and going places to please him. Trent had become her whole world in the attempt to forget her past, which included God. But now she didn’t have Trent either. She was perfectly fine being alone. She didn’t need anyone.

These curlers are getting hot, and you’re not even done putting them in! the older woman fussed.

I am so sorry! Amelia said once the woman’s shriek brought her back to the task at hand.

As well you should be! You may have fried my hair, not to mention, wasting my time!

I’m sorry, Mrs. Wallards. But I can assure you that your hair isn’t fried.

You better hope not! she threatened.

A threat Amelia took seriously. Barb had told her the story when she’d first started as though warning her to keep the woman happy. Mrs. Wallards was a regular client of Pretty Princesses, frequenting once a week. She was also wealthy and had given Barb a healthy sum to renovate the place a few years ago after there had been a minor fire. The woman liked the place and offered to not only repair the damaged area but remodel the whole salon. Barb had been apprehensive at first, but she was desperate; she had unknowingly let her insurance lapse three months prior and hadn’t had the money to pay up. Mrs. Wallards’s offer had ultimately been too good to pass up, especially when the only thing she asked in return was a lifetime of free pampering.

This fact had Amelia on edge. What if the woman told Barb of the mishap? Would Barb fire her just to appease Mrs. Wallards? She was certainly a woman used to getting her way. Amelia had only been employed there a few months, so Barb’s loyalty would be to the woman. She could only try to make things better between herself and the special client. What’s the saying? Something about catching more flies with honey than vinegar?

Removing the curlers from the grey hair she found herself praying—even though she didn’t think God was listening—that the hair wouldn’t come out with them. She was pleased to find neat and tidy curls one after another. Only then did she release her breath. Seeing the woman’s reflection in the mirror Amelia tried to stifle her smirk upon noticing the relief on Mrs. Wallards’s wrinkled face. Fluffing her hair as she had times before on others, she couldn’t keep herself from saying Well, look at that! Your hair is still attached! Looking at Amelia’s reflection, the woman scoffed It’s your lucky day. To which Amelia replied with a pasted smile, You have a great day!

As for Amelia, her day had only gotten busier as it wore on. A line had formed at one o’clock and still hadn’t shrunk though it was now half past three. She had no complaints as Barb could only afford to pay her by how many clients she had on any given day. And of course, she enjoyed what she did. Afterall, she had gone to beauty school in hopes of having her own salon someday, which hadn’t happened. Trent had seen no need for her to work when he could take care of her.

Now she was glad to have a job. It felt good to earn her own way and not have to depend on a man. She vowed to never depend on another man ever again… not for money… and definitely not for love. She had a job and was doing her thing, hoping that someday it would pay off. Right now, she was focused on the work before her. She went from one customer to another with such ease, not rushing so that each experienced an enjoyable treatment.

Did you hear about Maryanne? She’s getting a divorce! Ms. Mayweather said.

That’s sad…

You’d think after forty-six years—

That is indeed sad…. But it happens. Amelia said as she trimmed the woman’s grey hair.

Well, I’ve never heard such a thing… not of a long marriage. Stanley and I were married fifty-five years.’

That’s great! I’m sure you miss him.

Yes, I do. she then added, How about you? Any suitors?

’Nope.

How come, dear? You have such a pretty face.

Thank you. I’m just not looking.

Why not? Ms. Mayweather pried.

Your hair is all done. You like it?

Love it!

Amelia took a deep breath before cleaning up the area for her next client. Ms. Mayweather was the best gossiper in the area. In her line of work, Amelia heard a lot of gossip and was sure she had dirt on everyone. She told herself that it was just part of the territory, just as a bartender who not only serves drinks but listens to people’s problems. She was used to that, but when the woman had asked about her love life she’d clammed up. She didn’t like talking about her choosing not to date. No one understood how she felt, how difficult it would be to date. Especially when her ex was still obsessed with her, a fact she was reminded of with every unwanted text message.

When finally, she was doing last touches on her last client of the day, she heard the jingle above the door. Oh great, another customer and she was the only hairdresser still there. Busy with her work, she didn’t bother to turn around to see who her next customer would be. But upon hearing a male voice speaking to Barb, Amelia’s heart jackhammered in her chest. No, it couldn’t be. She was just exhausted, and her mind was playing tricks on her. It couldn’t be him.

Slowly but surely, whether she wanted to or not, she turned around, locking eyes with Ridge Ramsey. For a moment, her world stood still; she couldn’t move, and neither could she speak. Amelia?? he said her name in almost a whisper. Hi Ridge. She’d managed to find her voice, but her feet were still plastered to the floor.

Amelia, this little princess wants a haircut. Can you please spare a few more minutes? Barb asked. It wasn’t until that moment that she noticed the little brown-haired girl by his side, and it took all she had, to breathe. Even so, she willed herself to speak. She had to be professional. It was the only way she would get through this. Sure thing! Come sit in this chair and I’ll try to make you a prettier princess than what you already are! Ridge then managed to form a complete sentence, We were doing a little shopping after school and she saw this place and just had to come in. Breanna loves princesses. He was now standing beside the girl.

Daddy says I’m his princess!

Amelia winced and felt the color drain from her face once more. She’d hoped he hadn’t noticed, but one look at his face told her that she wasn’t the only one affected by Breanna’s comment. However, Amelia’s reaction was two-fold. First, she had only thought the girl could be his daughter but hearing her call him Daddy had made it reality. The second fold wasn’t hers alone, it was his as well. The fact that she knew exactly what he was thinking unnerved her.

Amelia removed the barrette from the girl’s ponytail. This is so pretty! As in reply, Breanna took it and held it to her chest. It’s my favorite barrette in the whole world! Even though her emotions were everywhere, Amelia couldn’t help but smile. What’s your name?

Breanna.

That’s a pretty name.

Thank you.

Ok, how does Miss Breanna want her hair? she spoke more to Ridge.

Just cut a few inches and give her some bangs. I don’t want a repeat of last year when she decided to cut them herself!

Daddy! You don’t have to tell everybody! I was only six then! I’m seven now!

Amelia laughed at her cuteness, but then thought about how old she said she was. Amelia hesitantly looked at Ridge and found sorrow in his eyes. Again, they were on the same page. Then, as if beyond her control, her eyes scanned down to his left hand. And there it was… the wedding band. This time she didn’t dare meet his eyes for fear of bursting into tears. Instead, she concentrated on Breanna’s hair.

How have you been? It was Ridge who broke the silence.

Good, and yourself?

I’ve been ok.

Daddy’s been sad. said the girl.

Breanna… what have I told you about interrupting grownups when they’re talking??

I’m sorry, Daddy.

Redirecting his attention to Amelia, So, you’re in the beauty business.

Yep, I did the beauty school thing.

Yeah, I remember that being your plan.

Yeah, some plans actually work out! Ok Amelia, keep it together! Focus!

What about you? What do you do? she asked.

I’m a builder of houses.

Oh really? Nice. She took note of the way he said it.

Yep. Do you have a house nearby? he was clearly fishing for information, but she decided to play along.

I’m in an apartment. she purposely left out its location.

How long have you been in Dallas?

Awhile now. she made a point to be vague, How about you? Never thought you’d leave Houston.

We moved here about a year ago. his reply was brief.

Not willing to ask further questions, Amelia finished Breanna’s haircut. You look so pretty! Do you like it?

Yeah!

’Yeah’? Ridge scolded.

Yes Ma’am!

Before they left, he turned back, Maybe I’ll see you around…

All Amelia could do was to smile politely.

Once they were gone, she collapsed onto the chair. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. Ridge was in Dallas of all places, and not only that, but he’d also shown up at the beauty shop. Seeing him had thrown her for a loop but finding out he was married with a kid… well, there were no words for that. The tears she had managed to keep at bay earlier now poured onto her cheeks.

Then, she got up to clean before going home and found Breanna’s barrette on the table. Picking it up, Amelia smiled a weak smile upon reading the word Princess written on it. Daddy says I’m his princess! Amelia recalled Breanna’s words which had pricked her heart no matter how ridiculous it seemed.

She placed the barrette in a desk drawer… in case they came back.

Chapter Three

Waking up the next morning was quite different than what she had been used to for the past year. Instead of thoughts of Trent and his dreadful antics, Ridge was now at the forefront of her mind. Sure, she’d thought of him, but she had packed his memory away to protect her sanity. This morning, however, was like stepping back in time; a time when she woke every morning to thoughts of him.

At first, she thought yesterday may have been a dream… or a nightmare… she hadn’t decided which. But she knew it had been reality because she still had flutters in her heart and felt as though a brick was in her stomach. She didn’t know why she had been surprised that he was married. Any woman would be considered lucky to have him, which was what the girls said back in the day.

Making her way to the kitchen, she grabbed the jar of peanut butter, then took a spoon from the silverware drawer. Sitting at the table, she dug the spoon into the jar, then mindlessly nibbled the smooth PB. It had always been her favorite go-to treat—a treat which she had never outgrew, not since childhood. Peanut butter was her absolute favorite. Now, she attempted to soothe herself as her mind was filled with thoughts of Ridge.

Though it had been ages since she had last seen him, he still looked pretty much the same apart from his hair being longer and a bit darker. His dark eyes were still piercing when she looked into them, which was why she’d tried to make as little eye contact as possible. His hands were bigger than what she remembered. But she hadn’t seen him since high school, he was no longer a boy, but a man with hard-working hands. Afterall, as he had put it… he was a builder of houses.

Seeing him had stirred up emotions, both good and bad. Seeing him had brought back fond memories of what now felt like a lifetime ago. Those eyes of the deepest brown had reminded her of why she’d fallen in love with him years ago. He had been her first love, having met freshman year of high school. Indeed, the two were high school sweethearts and their peers had regarded them as such. They had been the most popular couple of Highland Park High School.

Then came the memories which had weighed on her soul and were back in full force within moments of seeing him. How had things gone so wrong back then? She could barely look at him without feeling as though a boulder sat in the pit of her stomach. He was the last person she’d expected to see in Dallas, much less a beauty salon. And discovering he had a daughter had pounded another boulder on top of the other. How could he go on with his life and marry someone else? Never mind that she had tried to do the same thing.

Amelia was pulled from her thoughts by the ding of her phone, and she knew it was Trent texting her. Like a bee to a light, she went straight to it even though she always dreaded reading his calculated words. Why she did this to herself she didn’t know. Perhaps she wanted to be forewarned of any motives he may have.

Hey, Sweetie, how are you?

I miss you. Please come back.

We’ll work things out. I need you.

Hello?

Why are you ignoring me?

Amelia, come on… don’t do this.

Hon? Are you there?

Fine! Have it your way… for now.

This isn’t over! Mark my words!

She turned off her phone and headed out for her morning run. She had to get a start on her day; she refused to mope around. She had a life to lead and dreams to pursue, she wasn’t going to let Trent or… any man get in her way… not anymore. She hated that Trent had gotten under her skin once again. And what she abhorred even more was the fact that he knew it and was using it to his advantage.

Upon reaching the park she was more than ready to empty her mind of Trent. Although, as she ran, thoughts of him invaded and she found it impossible to forget his warning. This isn’t over! Mark my words! It was indeed a warning. She knew Trent well