Page 9 of Back to Me
“I appreciate that, and you for stopping by and checking on me. Again, I am sorry for all the mess yesterday.”
“Thanks, Duchess, you let me know if they give you any trouble, won’t you?” I nodded and walked Austin out of the kitchen and to the front door. Unlocking it, he stepped out and went to say something but looked over to his car. “Lord, give me strength.” I turned to see Cash leaning against a truck, his arms crossed over his chest.
“Brother.”
“Cash.”
“Enjoying your afternoon?”
“I was until about ten seconds ago. What are you doing here?”
“Driving past and saw your truck here so I stopped to say hello.”
“Did you not get my text earlier?”
“Oh no, I got it. Thing is, Austin, you don’t get to tell me where I can and can’t go.”
“Are you serious right now? Is this really the path you want to go down because it doesn’t end well.”
“Is that a threat, Austin?” He looked over at me and it took all my strength not to turn around and go back inside with Austin. I owned this shop so it would be trespassing.
“Let’s all just calm down. No one is threatening anyone.”
“That’s a change in tune from last night, Alyson.”
“Yes well, I wasn’t being harassed today like I was yesterday. Austin and I have calmly talked things over.”
“Everything? You told him everything?”
“No, she didn’t tell me about the entire conversation because I didn’t ask. Don’t try and turn us against each other, it wont work.”
“Wow, here I was thinking that Holly was the snake.” I sucked in a breath as the words came out of Cash’s mouth. I turned around and walked back into the shop. I was done. Locking the door, I switched off the lights as I went into the kitchen. Blinking back tears, I began cleaning up and putting the cupcakes away. The highway out of here was looking mighty fucking good right now. Maybe if I was gone, Cash would get the stick out of his ass before Austin beat the crap out of him. Savannah would go back to being in anyone’s business but mine and this wouldn’t keep hurting the man that I loved. Of course, they would spin this narrative. I was turning him against them because they had no idea what Austin and I talked about. All I knew is my phone was being ignore unless it was Mom or Dad. Austin and Dallas, if I was feeling up to it but I was officially done with the world.
After getting the shop in order, I took the money from the register and zipped it in a bag. I would normally just lock it in the safe, but I would be doing a stop by the bank in the morning, and I’ll just bring the change with me. Grabbing my bag from my office, I took my keys out and set the alarm and locked the door behind me. Getting in my car, I dropped my bag in the passenger seat. Looking over my shoulder, I saw my gym bag on the back seat and was so glad that I decided to put it in the car this morning. I needed to go and visit my personal trainer and have a session with the punching bag or something. Anything that would keep me out of a jail cell for the night. After starting up my car, I pulled out of the parking lot and headed for the gym. As I stopped at a traffic light, my phone started to ring. Looking at the caller ID as it came up on the screen, I hit the button on the steering wheel to ignore it. I would call Austin back later; I didn’t want to hear it right now. I continued on my way once the light changed color and pulled into the parking lot of the gym. Leaning over, I sat my handbag on the floor before pushing it under the seat so that it was hidden from view. The last thing that I wanted was for my car to be broken into because that would just top off my day.
I took the keys out of the ignition, picked up my phone, and got out of my car, then grabbed my gym bag from the back seat. Putting it over my shoulder, I headed inside. Scanning my membership card as I entered, I waved to my PT and headed for the locker room. Finding a locker that wasn’t occupied, I opened it and put my phone and keys inside. Sitting my bag down on the bench behind me, I took out my leggings, sports bra, and singlet top. After quickly changing into them, I stuffed my work clothes in the bag and pulled my towel and water bottle out. Putting my gym bag in the locker too with my other belongings, I grabbed my phone and wireless headphones before closing the locker door and headed out. I would start with the treadmill and see how I went from there. I made a quick stop at the water cooler to top up my bottle before continuing.
Turning my headphones on, I waited for them to connect before selecting my workout playlist. Putting my water in the holder, I stepped onto the treadmill and increased the speed until I was at a pace that I was comfortable with. I ran for about forty-five minutes before my trainer came over to join me.
“Ally, I wasn’t expecting you in today, was I?”
“No, it wasn’t planned but I needed to blow off steam, so I came in.”
“Are you going to be here much longer? I am off in fifteen but can stick around if you want to do something more than run.”
“I was going to spend some time with the boxing bags if the boys aren’t using them all.”
“Leave it with me, I will check. If not, we can use the pads.”
“Thanks, Ella.” She squeezed my hand before disappearing. I gave myself ten more minutes before coming to a stop and getting off the treadmill. I had just finished wiping it down when my phone rang again, but I ignored it. I opened a new text message:
Ally: Hey, sorry, I know you have tried to call. In the middle of something, also, don’t feel up to talking right now. Can we talk later?
Austin: Sure! Call me if you are up to it.
Opening my water bottle, I took a drink and headed for the boxing area. Ella was waiting for me with a set of gloves and boxing pads.
“Sorry, this is the best I could do. The boys have some fights coming up so they needed the bags. I hope that’s okay.” I shrugged.
