Unexpected

By Tanya Gilford

Life has an odd way of throwing us curve balls. It's no different for Levi Smith and Alice Webb. Levi is a young man whose life was going great until one day, his high school sweetheart leaves him without a word four months before their wedding. Two days later, his father passed from Lung Cancer. Alice is a successful young author from New England, who just finished up another successful book tour promoting her 10th book. When she arrives home, she finds her fiancé of 3 years in bed with another. She packs up and leaves. She is on an adventure of self-discovery and healing. When their paths cross, sparks fly... Will they get together? Will Alice stay or continue passing through?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312418271

Book preview

2021

Copy right @Tanya Gilford

Lulu publishing

Unexpected

Chapter 1

Levi

Hard to believe that after six years together she just packed up and left without warning.  I guess I should have seen the warning signs that she wasn’t happy.  I got home from work at dinner time as always to find all her stuff gone.  No note, no text, nothing but a half empty house. 

I sat in the dark for a night trying to wrap my head around everything.  Tonight, I’m sitting on a bar stool at the local pub trying to drown my sorrows.  The worst part about living in a small town is everyone knows your business.  Sitting on this barstool, and already seven different people came to check in on how I’m holding up and to tell me they were sorry to hear she skipped town. 

Marla was my high school sweetheart, and to make this even more devastating, we were engaged to be married in 4 months.  She was my everything.  All the money I made, I put away for our future together.  In all my life I never thought Marla would leave me like this.  I’ve been wondering if she’s been having an affair all this time, or did I do something wrong.  If only someone had the answers for me.

After a few hours of trying to drown my sorrows, I pay my tab and drag myself home.  As I entered my house, I let out a loud sigh.  I bought this big house for Marla.  She talked about wanting to have a big family, but now I’m left with a giant empty house on the lake.  What am I going to do?

My phone ringing in my pocket pulls me out of my sorrows.  Hello?  I answered a bit groggy.

Levi, it’s your momma.  I need you to come over here as soon as possible.  Your daddy’s not doing good.  The doctor says he may not make it through the night.  My mom’s voice cracked as she began to sob.

Hang on, momma.  I’ll be there as soon as I can.  I hung up, grabbed my hat, pulled on my boots and took off out the door.  I know I broke every speed limit there is between my house and my parent’s.  I’ve never really been close to my pa, but I know my mom loves him dearly.  It’s hard to think that the cancer is finally taking him after 7 long years of battling it.

I pull in the driveway not knowing what to say as I enter the house.  My older brother, Joe is there as well as my sister, Mary-Kay.  Apparently, I’m the last one to arrive, nothing new there.  Being the baby of the family, my mom constantly tries to protect me more than I need to be. 

I enter the house to hear hushed voices talking in the parlor.  Hey momma.  I whispered going to her and wrapping her in a hug. 

Oh, Levi.  You made it.  My mom sobbed against my chest.  She’s always been a petite woman, but loveable.

Have you been drinking?  Joe snapped at me appalled.  What the hell are you thinking?

Sorry my life isn’t perfect like your Joe.  I shot back with a glare.

Boys, this is no time to be bitter or petty.  Levi, you should go say your goodbyes to dad.  Mary-Kay interfered.  The doctor says it’s only a matter of time now.

I nodded as I released my mom and walked towards the room my dad is sleeping in.  I take a deep breath and enter the room.  I see my dad, a once strong sturdy man, lying in bed with wires hooked up to machines and a fragile frame of a man.  The sight is gut wrenching to say the least.  Pa, it’s me, Levi.  I came as soon as ma called.  I’m sorry I have come by recently; I’ve just been so busy with work and… and Marla.  I sobbed at her name.  The guilt of wasting my time on her came flooding through me with rage. 

You’re a good boy.  My dad whispered.  She’s not.

I love you Pa.  I wish we could redo some things.  I admitted.

Love you to Lee.  His voice sounded so weak.  I reached for his hand and felt him give it a little squeeze.  My baby boy.

Momma!  I called as the machines began beeping differently.

Everyone came rushing into the room, as I remained seated holding my dad’s hand.  My mom leaned over and kissed his lips gently.  I’ll be okay dear.  You rest now.  She told him as she took his other hand.  Mary-Kay stood holding my shoulders as Joe held mom.  Within the hour my dad took his last breath.

******************************************************

Alice

I love working as an author, it gives me an escape from the real world once in a while.  Though when I’m stuck on book tours it can be daunting.  Luckily this past book tour was only a week long, and nothing too exciting happened.  I only wish my boyfriend, Hank, came to pick me up from the airport like he promised he would.  I know my plane came in late, but he should at least answer his damn phone.  Instead, I’m stuck taking an Uber back to our loft.

I get home, unlock my door and kick off my shoes.  I take off my coat that is soaked thanks to the unrelenting rain of the evening and head to the kitchen to grab a snack before bed.  Only in the kitchen I spot two dirty wine glasses that look like they were recently used.  I grab a protein shake from the fridge and sip. 

As I try to get my head on straight, that’s when I hear it.  A loud moaning coming from my bedroom.  It’s a female moan, mixed with Hank’s groans of pleasure.  That snake is fucking someone in my bed.  I don’t hesitate, I storm down the hall and burst through the bedroom door.  What the fuck are you doing!  I scream.

Shit.  Alice, your home early.  Hank jumps.  The woman fumbles to cover herself with the comforter.

No, Hank actually I’m home late.  Though if you weren’t busy screwing this whore you would know that, since I called you 3 times.  I snapped.  You little bitch, get out of my house.  And Hank.  Take your shit and leave with your trash.

Alice, baby let’s talk about this.  Hank replied.

How about no.  I remarked.  Actually, both of you stay.  Continue to enjoy yourselves.  I’ll leave.  And Hank, I’ll be by in the morning to get my things.  You can buy me out of this loft, my lawyer will be in touch.  Cheers.

I grabbed my suitcase, put my coat and shoes back on and left.  I got in my car and drove to the nearest hotel for the night.  I need to sort this mess out and plan my next move.  To think I thought he was faithful to me.  We’ve been together for 3 years now, and recently became engaged.  I’m devastated to say the least.

The next morning, I called up my manager and let her know what’s happening.  I plan to give myself some breathing room for a month or so.  Then I call up my bestie, Josie to tell her everything.  Oh my God!  What a snake!  Josie shrieked into the phone.  I told you, you're too good for him.

I really don’t need to hear the I told you so, right now Jose.  I sighed.  I can’t live in a hotel room forever.

Ugh, what are you going to do?

I’ve been thinking… You know how I have always talked about just going on a road trip without a destination.  Throw caution to the wind.

Yes.

I may do that this year.  My book tour is over, and now I have time to work on another novel.  So, why not just go?  Nothing keeps me here.  I can still fly back when needed, and I’ll have my phone on me.  Who knows what the future could hold for me… What do you think? 

Well, I’ll sorely miss you.  But I get where you’re coming from.  Maybe putting some miles between you and Hank will be a good thing.  Just promise me that you’ll call at least once a week to check in.  Josie pleaded.

You got it.  I’ll head out on my adventure tomorrow.  I smiled into the phone. 

Go live your dream girl.  Josie chuckled.

The rest of the night I continued to make phone calls, and send emails to get everything in order before I leave.  I have dreamed about an adventure like this since I was a teenager, but never had the guts to do it.  Now, I can’t think of a reason not to go. 

I return to the loft to thankfully find it empty, and pack up what I can of my belongings.  I leave a note for him to send everything else of my belongings to Josie’s house by the end of the month.  Also, I left my lawyer’s card with the note.  Since we’re co-habitants of this loft I need to legally remove my name from the mortgage.  As I bring the last box down to my SUV, I let out a sigh of relief.  I know I’m definitely making the right decision in this adventure as crazy as it sounds.

Chapter 2

Alice

Early the next morning, I’m on the road heading south.  I don’t care where I end up as long as I can put miles between me and Hank.  My wheels keep turning and I only stop to get gas, until night falls.  I’m somewhere around New Jersey and Delaware when I finally stop. I pull into a motel and get a room for the night. 

The next morning, I’m showered and ready to hit the road again.  I send Josie a quick text telling her where I am before I head off.  On the road again, I keep driving like I did the day before.  As I cross over the border into Georgia, I note that I need an oil change before I kill my car.  I pull into a local garage, and see a sign hanging that says ‘out to lunch.  Be back at 2.’  I leave my SUV in the parking lot of the garage and walk over to the diner across the way.

It’s a quaint little diner with booths lining one side of the place and bar stools lining the counter.  There are two waitresses shuffling back and forth to the open window leading into the kitchen.  The cooks are shouting and moving things around back there.  I note a sign on the wall that reads ‘sit where you like.’  I find myself a booth in the corner by the window.

What can I get you?  A waitress with pink hair asks.

Umm.  What do you recommend?  I ask looking up at her.  Her brown eyes study me for a minute before breaking into a smile.

New to town?  Is that a yankee accent I hear?  She asks.

Passing through.  I’m on a journey of self-discovery, but I’m in need of an oil change.  The mechanic shop said they’ll be back by 2 so I figured I can grab lunch while I wait.  I explained.

Honey, Levi’s daddy passed away a few days ago.  He won’t be in until Monday.  The waitress replied.  If you’re willing to wait, he’ll give you a break on your bill for waiting.  Poor guys had it rough lately.

Oh, well I should really get that oil change.  Don’t want my motor seizing on me while I’m traveling without a destination in mind.

How about I get you some sweet tea and some grub and we can chat about your crazy plan to wander aimlessly around.

Sounds good.  I’ll have whatever you recommend for a meal.  Anything will be better than fast food and gas station grub at this point.  I chuckled.

Coming right up.  The waitress went back to the counter and put a slip on the window for the cooks while she poured me a glass of sweet tea.  She returned and took a seat.  Well, let’s start with introductions.  My name is Betty-Lou.  And yours?

Alice… Alice Webb.  I replied.

Oh, my stars.  You’re not Alice Webb, the author.

I am.  I take it you’re a fan?  I smile.

I just loved your book… Oh what was it called… It was about the female detective who solved the serial murders… 

One of my best sellers.  To catch a serial killer.  I recalled.

I absolutely loved it.  My book club will be so jealous to know I met you.  We read that book last year.

Great, maybe you would recommend my the newest one, All white wedding.  It was released last month.  In fact, I just completed a book tour for it.  I’ll have to check but I may have a copy that I can sign and give to you.

I would love that, but you don’t need to do that.  Betty-Lou replied with a sweet smile.  Though, I would love to have you be a guest at the book club I’m hosting on Sunday afternoon if you're still here.

It would be my honor. 

Oh, my days.  You're so kind.  Betty-Lou clasped her hands together.  Oh, that’s your lunch.  I’ll be right back.  She got up and walked over to the window, and carried back a plate of food.  It was a simple cheese burger with the works and some French fries, but it looked good. 

As I ate lunch, Betty-Lou and I talked.  We talked about the two of my books that she’s read.  We talked about what brought me to town, and she told me all about the town.  This place sounds nice, so nice I may write a new book about it.

I’ll stay here until Tuesday then set out on my journey some more.  I replied.

I understand.  It’s just so nice meeting you and talking to you.

Is there a hotel or someplace I can stay for the next few days?  I asked.

Umm.  Well, there’s the bed and breakfast a couple blocks over.  Betty-Lou suggested.  We’re good folks around here, I promise you.

I don’t doubt that at all.  I smiled with a small sigh.  Once I was finished with lunch, I headed over to the bed and breakfast to see about renting a room for a few days.

***********************************************************

Levi

Planning a funeral is no easy task by any means.  Joe and Mary-Kay have been handling all the fine details, while I just sit and keep mom company.  She is in the kitchen again today, baking like always.  She always bakes when she’s upset.  Momma, why don’t you just come sit down and rest.  It’s not good for you to run yourself ragged baking up a storm like this in this heat.  I scold her.

Now, son I’m supposed to tell you how to take care of yourself.  She smiled sweetly.  She took a seat at the table with me with a sigh.  Levi dear, I haven’t seen Marla lately.  Is she ill?  She wondered.  I realized then that with my dad’s passing, I haven’t told my family about Marla.

I don’t know.  Ma, Marla left me the day before dad passed.  I don’t know why; I came home from work Wednesday night to find her and half of everything gone.  No note, no warning, nothing.  I confessed.

Oh, my poor boy.  You dad always had a feeling that girl was going to break your heart.  You must be a mess right now.  My mom reached out to take my hand in hers.  It’ll get better son.  You know the lord doesn’t give us more than we can handle.  Leave it to my mom to bring religion into this situation.

I know momma.  It’s just tough, so I’m taking it one day at a time.  I replied the only way I know how to.  I know I’ll be okay eventually; it just hurts right now.

You can always come home if you need to son.

I know.  I love you momma.  I told her as I