Page 6 of Back to Me
“Hey, Ally, I am sorry to call you again.”
“It’s fine, what’s up?”
“I just wanted to check in and make sure you were okay. Cash got home not long ago after dropping Austin home.”
“I’m fine.”
“Really, because you don’t sound it. I am sorry for meddling like this. I should have stayed out of it.”
“Yeah, you should have but what’s done is done. I’m fine, your brother-law and Dallas are both a mess and once again, it’s all my fault. Everything is great.”
“Ally… I really wish I could do something to help.”
“Don’t you think you have done enough? Yes, I should have told them both that I was back but there was a way to handle that, and that wasn’t it. Ambushing me before I was ready was not the way for that to play out. I had a plan and you have blown that to hell so thank you for that.”
“What so you think them finding out on their own was a better idea?”
“No, I don’t but I needed to find my feet before I dealt with this shit but of course, you had to stick your nose in where it’s not needed. You were always in everyone else’s business because God forbid you mind your own.”
“How far are you gonna dig that grave, Ally?”
“Well, I wouldn’t be the first of Austin’s exes to be six feet under so…” It was then that another voice came over the phone.
“Low blow, Ally, low fucking blow. I get that you are upset but that was uncalled for. Do me a favor and stay the hell away from Austin until you get your head out of your ass. He doesn’t need your bullshit right now.”
“I didn’t start this, Cash! Your family did! Right now, you are all making me regret ever stepping foot back in this fucking town! Everyone is all ‘poor Austin, let’s don’t upset Austin!’ What about me? Do you know how hard it was to come back knowing the damage that I caused? How many people wouldn’t want to see me? I did though and before I had a chance to start trying to mend things, you lot get involved. I don’t know why I am surprised though and now, I am the worst person in the world again!”
“Well, if shoe fits, Ally.”
“The shoe will fit up your ass if you aren’t careful, Cash.”
“Threatening a police officer, that’s going to get you far.” Before I could say anything, he ended the call. Throwing my phone on the table in front of me, I sat my bowl down, my appetite having disappeared, and hid my face in my hands with a scream. What the actual fuck happened today?!
ChapterFive
Austin
Getting into work early,an attempt to avoid everyone until I had to, I locked my door and got stuck into work. I had back-to-back clients and a few interviews for piercers. I had more of a demand for piercings since I reopened my shop, and I didn’t want to have to split my time between that and tattoos, so I was bringing in some part-time help for now.
After my last client had left, I kept my office door open. Though, I really wanted to keep myself hidden away. I had it closed throughout the day, because I didn’t want anything to ruin my creativity or piss me off. Savannah knew when my door was closed I didn’t want to be disturbed, and so far, she had respected that. I was just stretching my back when Savannah knocked on my door.
“Hey.”
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Good, just finishing off a piece for a client I have first thing in the morning before I call it a day.” She nodded. “Are you okay?”
“I just wanted to apologize for yesterday.”
“What’s done is done, it happened, let’s just leave it alone.” She looked down at the ground and chewed on her lip. Raising my brow, my stomach sank. I knew that look and it was not good. It never ends well for me. “Savannah, what did you do?”
“After Cash got home last night, he told me what happened.”
“Please tell me you didn’t call her, Savannah.”
“I just wanted to apologize! I wanted to make this right!” With a groan, I pushed back from my chair and started packing my things up.
“Why can’t you just leave shit alone? Not even a couple of hours while the dust settles.”
