Broken: Taylor Read online

  Most nights, she struggled to go to sleep before one in the morning, but last night, one a.m. had come and went. By the time she fell asleep, it was closer to three in the morning.

  In her estimation, by mid afternoon she’d be useless and in dire need of a nap.

  Sometimes in the middle of the night, she’d wake up freaked out. Every possible scenario of what could go wrong with her life or anyone who she loved would take over. And after tossing and turning for hours, she always gave up and got out of bed.

  The early morning was a series of check up calls and lurking on social media to make sure everyone was all right.

  Jaden, her twenty-two-year-old stepson, always answered the phone by the third ring. Used to her occasional early morning calls, Jaden’s groggy voice always assured her. He’d wave away her apologies for waking him and ensure he’d fall right back to sleep. Knowing him, he would.

  Although Allison got married too young and was not prepared for it, she’d enjoyed helping to raise her ex-husband’s young son. Even after an amicable divorce, she’d ensured to be a constant in Jaden’s life.

  After double-checking her bank account balances, and ensuring no one had broken into the shop and stolen everything she owned, the doubt of something unforeseen or that she’d missed an ominous sign would continue to bother her until at least two cups of coffee were downed.

  Unfortunately, the day ahead always ended up being a total waste. With lack of sleep came irritability and absence of focus.

  This morning, she’d already called Jaden, checked the accounts, and every room in her grandmother’s old house.

  After walking through the bottom floor of the house where her flower and gift shop was located, she trudged upstairs to the kitchen to pour another cup of coffee.

  The warm cup between her palms soothed Allison as she went to stand by a window, which looked over Broad Street in downtown Laurel Creek, Montana.

  Through the glass, she had a view of the entire street and on past to the outskirts of town, where the road disappeared from view.

  Although it was nine o’clock in the morning, the center of town was strangely quiet.

  The boutique across the way had not opened yet and next to it, the small pizzeria’s blinds were still down.

  A car and a truck were parked in front of the coffee shop, the only place with the lighted “Open” sign.

  Fresh air blew in through the window when she slid it open, the singing of birds filling the air. It would be a perfect time to meditate, read her devotional, or do the yoga exercises she was supposed to do on mornings like this.

  Her shop didn’t open until ten, so she took advantage of the early rise to make her bed, put a load of laundry into the washer, and tidy up the bathroom.

  An hour later, dressed in jeans and an off one shoulder pale peach top, Allison pulled her wavy hair up into a messy bun that allowed curls to escape and frame her face. She swiped a couple of coats of mascara on and did the same with a sheer coral lip-gloss.

  Cup of coffee in hand, she went downstairs to open her shop noting a large truck had pulled up.

  She opened the door just as the deliveryman walked up to the front porch with a large item on a hand truck.

  “I’ve got your sign,” the heavyset bearded man mumbled and held up a clipboard.

  Her new business sign had arrived.

  “Can we unwrap it so I can see it please?” There was a strange bright orange colored corner poking out, but the rest was covered with cardboard and packing tape.

  The more the man uncovered, the worse it got. The sign was horrendous.

  “The Flower Pot” in bright neon green letters on an even brighter orange background was not exactly what the website had shown. It definitely did not fit the theme for her shop.

  Obviously the computer had done an amazing job of making the colors look very different. Allison leaned back, shaded her eyes and looked at the sign.

  She scrunched up her face. “That is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  The deliveryman was honest enough to nod. “It’ll definitely stand out.”

  “Ya think?” Allison laughed. “If it wasn’t so darn expensive, I would take a hammer to it.”

  By the way the man shuffled from one foot to the other, he either had to use the bathroom or was hoping to get away before she decided to ask him to take it back.

  “I suppose I can paint over the letters or outline them in black.” It was a lie. Nothing she could do herself would fix the monstrous colors. “I have to return it. I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.” She rushed inside to get her cell before the man could stop her.

  The phone on the other end rang at least five times before a woman answered and asked her to hold for a few moments while they retrieved her order.

  Through the window, a new annoyance came into view. Taylor Hamilton walked up to the deliveryman and they exchanged greetings. So, Taylor knew the guy. Interesting.

  Taylor then looked to the front porch and his eyebrows lifted. He nodded at something the delivery guy said. At least the ugly sign was sure to attract attention if she was forced to keep it.

  Damn the man was so good looking. Wisps of gray at his temples added a sensual maturity to the already hot country boy. He’d always been about fitness and sports, but he’d certainly filled out nicely in all the right places over the years.

  A jock in high school, everyone had expected him to go into sports. Instead, while in college on a football scholarship, he’d studied criminal justice and joined the Billings police department right after graduation. Until recently, he’d been living there.

  The ex-cop seemed to sense her regard and his hazel gaze met hers through the glass. His lips did not curve in greeting, instead he gave a subtle nod.

  Queue the idiotic butterflies in her stomach. Of course, she smiled widely and waved.

  What a lunatic.

  Could she be more obvious? She might as well have ordered a second sign with the words “I moved to Laurel Creek in hopes I can have a relationship with Taylor Hamilton.”

  The woman at the sign company took pity and gave her instructions for a return. Thankfully, they seemed to understand the reason for the return and would give her credit for a new one. Allison took a deep breath and walked out to give the deliveryman the message and return confirmation number.

  Just as she exited the shop, Taylor left. He didn’t look back, nor did he seem particularly interested in making it apparent how fast he rushed away.

  Her gaze lingered on his butt before she turned to the deliveryman. “You know Taylor huh?”

  “Yeah, we played together in a city league years back.”

  Taylor’s truck peeled away from the curb and down the road. “Wonder what the rush is?”

  The delivery guy gave a one-shoulder shrug.

  Men were dumbasses.

  It would probably be a while before customers came to browse, so Allison took advantage of the lull and hustled across the street to the coffee shop.

  Mindy Clark, the owner of Cuppa Joe, was from the neighboring town, but had moved to Laurel Creek a few years earlier. She looked up and smiled. “Hey there Allie. Good morning.”

  Mindy was always in a good mood. Allison wondered if after hours, she went home and kicked her cat or something. It was doubtful, as Mindy seemed to genuinely enjoy her life.

  “Did you finally get the shop sign? I saw a delivery truck pull up?” Mindy asked while steaming milk for a latte.

  Allison huffed. “It was hideous I had to send it back. Lost a hundred bucks for shipping and stuff, but it’s worth it.”

  “You shouldn’t have to pay for their mistake.” Tori, a pretty brunette had just entered and Allison hugged her.

  Tori, she and Leah, who lived in Laurel Creek as well, had once been very close. However, they’d all gone to separate colleges and as expected she and Tori had not seen much of each other since.

  Now that Allison was back in town and Tori worked at her small pizzeria
across the street, they were becoming reacquainted.

  Plenty of conversation and a toasted bagel sandwich later, Allison hurried back across the street to open up shop.

  Her shop was an oasis. Fresh cut flowers and aromatic teas formed a soothing combination. The entwined fragrances were a perfect greeting for customers.

  It was hard to remain stressed or uptight when surrounded by the beauty of flowers like roses, lilies, or carnations and the prospect of a delicious cup of tea.

  The ambiance was finished off with soft spa like music from hidden speakers.

  The serene atmosphere of her new shop suited Allison perfectly. Even after the sleepless night, ugly sign episode, and Taylor Hamilton’s appearance, she felt calm and relaxed.

  Thank goodness she’d found a love of flowers after her divorce. Amidst the days of feeling adrift, Allison took a flower arranging night class to fill the time. From that instruction, she discovered a gift for it. Months later her talent became a way to earn a living while doing something she loved.

  Sure, there were times when shipments were late or a bride had a meltdown. These issues could make her job stressful. However, for the most part, flowers were all about special occasions.

  Whether it was a happy or sad circumstance, the presence of flowers brightened people’s days.

  The bell over the door jingled as her best friend Leah walked in. Ever since moving to Laurel Creek and getting together with Taylor’s cousin, Luke, Leah was in a perpetual glowing from the inside mode. Allison chalked it up to regular doses of good lovemaking.

  Even now, her friend’s lips were curved into what could only be described as a satisfied smile.

  “Hi,” Leah said, immediately distracted by the new display of chocolate truffles. “Ooh. I forgot you were getting these.”

  Allison laughed. “Yeah right. Then why are you in town so early?”

  “I’ll have you know Luke and I decided to have a breakfast date before he left for Billings.”

  Was that the reason Taylor was in town as well? “Who all is going?”

  “Luke and Tobias. Tobias is leaving from his vacation trip with the family and meeting Luke in Billings. Taylor is staying behind to take care of the ranch. Besides, Luke says he’s been a bear to be around lately. Probably needs to be alone.”

  It was hard to imagine Luke calling anyone a bear, especially since Luke wasn’t exactly the most easygoing of guys.

  “What’s up with Taylor? He was here in town earlier. Didn’t say much, just nodded and high-tailed it.”

  Judging by her scowl, Leah was pondering how much to say. When her friend shrugged, it meant she’d unload an entire shipment of four-one-one.

  “It’s the anniversary of his kids and ex-in-laws’ accident.” Leah let out a long sigh. “And I guess his ex wants him to come to Wyoming and pick up some boxes. She’s ready to move on or something and wants him to take the kids’ stuff she’s keeping. Seems that Taylor never dealt with all the belongings and she’s been storing them.”

  “I can’t imagine,” Allison said walking to the truffle display. “They lost both kids and her parents at the same time in a car accident. How devastating.”

  She took a pink-topped truffle out and placed it on a small marble board. After carefully cutting it in half, she held out one part to Leah. “We can’t test them all, I’ll go broke.”

  “We can always order more,” Leah mumbled between chews. “Oh.”

  Allison had to admit, the confection was delicious. “We?”

  “I’ll pay for a truckload. Imagine these with a glass of cabernet.”

  “We’re going to be chubby drunk chicks with rotten teeth.” Allison frowned as she considered a second one.

  “True,” Leah agreed. “I feel horrible about what happened to Taylor’s children and in-laws. And then there was the follow-up of his marriage ending and the bank shooting that cost him his career. It’s all so tragic. I wish there was something we could do.”

  “Poor guy, how horrible,” Allison agreed.

  Her friend pointed to another truffle and she obliged. “Oh and his mom is in prison for life. You knew that, didn’t you?”

  Allison nodded. “I remember it happened after he arrived here. We all thought he came because his parents were moving to Laurel Creek, but it turned out his mom planned it so that he’d be gone when she killed his dad.”

  “Yeah, that was crazy.” Leah shuddered. “She was hoping to cash the life insurance or something.”

  Leah left with six truffles just as two women walked in. By the quick scans and the look of utter dismay on the younger one’s face, it was obvious they were a mother and bride to be.

  Allison had been in the business long enough to know how to recognize them.

  “Hello ladies. How about we start off with a cup of tea and discuss what you’re up to today.”

  The older woman sighed. “That sounds lovely, but I don’t know if we have time. We need to show you pictures and get an estimate for flowers before heading to a luncheon.”

  “I have some ideas,” the bride, who looked to be in her mid-twenties said, holding up a thick binder. “My wedding colors are buttercream and chocolate.”

  Why did brides insist on naming their color choices after food? If and when she got remarried, there would be no color theme whatsoever.

  Allison steered them to a table with four chairs. “Sounds great, let’s talk.” While they settled and placed magazines and the binder on the surface of the glass table, she poured two cups of lavender chamomile tea.

  It was almost comical. Both immediately picked up their cup and took a sip and at the same time slow smiles curved their lips. Yes, as always, chamomile tea was magical.

  By the time the women left, both were satisfied with her suggestions. Not only had she urged the bride into a contrasting color, which the mother wanted to add, but also, she’d helped them design a cake around the theme.

  Her cell buzzed and she picked it up while waving to a new customer.

  “Can you go by Taylor’s and tell him to answer his damn phone?” Luke sounded frustrated. “I tried to ask Leah, but she’s gone to a meeting with her dad.”

  “I can go by there this afternoon,” Allison replied, already thinking that perhaps she could get someone else to go.

  Luke grunted. “Okay. That’ll work. I need to get some information from him tonight before making some decisions.”

  “You guys don’t have a landline?” Allison asked. A lot of people in the area still had landlines.

  She could hear Luke ask his brother. “Yeah there is, but they don’t have a phone hooked up to it.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it. He can use your phone if you don’t mind. But I need to talk to him.”

  After they ended the call, Allison decided it was best to go sooner than later. She quickly helped the customer with a bouquet so she could go find Taylor. It sounded as if they really did need to talk to Taylor. She grabbed her purse and light jacket.

  Allison studied her reflection in the antique mirror she’d hung by the door. It was good to check one’s appearance before leaving.

  Not that it mattered how she looked. Allison was pretty sure she could show up dressed in a prison uniform and cornrows without Taylor blinking an eye.

  Taylor was not interested in her, or dating anyone as far as she’d heard. He’d stopped by just a few weeks earlier and ordered flowers. It seemed he was still hung up on his ex-wife.

  Chapter 3

  The gate to the Hamilton lands was rarely closed and that day was no exception. Allison drove through the opening, guiding her late model light green Prius toward the house. Taylor was probably at the stables, but if she went to the house first and he was not there, she could claim to have tried to find him. She’d leave a big note so he’d know to call his cousins.

  The ranch house was a beautiful log cabin with a wide front porch that spanned the entire length of it. On the spacious front area, there were a couple of rockers on on
e side and a swing on the other.

  Luke and Tobias’ mother had often decorated according to the seasons. Allison remembered on several occasions when visiting the family with her mother, she’d hung out on the porch with either of the twins.

  Between Luke and Tobias, Tobias was the more easygoing of the two and also the one whom she was closer to.

  Back then, in her early teens, the last thing on her mind was dating or flirting. If anything, she found the twins annoying and stinky. It all changed when Taylor came to spend the summer during their sophomore year. Since his parents were planning to move to Laurel Creek, they had sent Taylor ahead so he could get to know the kids around there and start school. Of course, things had turned out horribly, and Taylor had ended up living with his cousins.

  The first time she’d seen him, he rode up on a bicycle, dropped it on the ground and rushed inside the house. He’d not paid her the slightest attention, and Allison had been relieved. She’d barely been able to form a thought, much less speak.

  That night she’d gone to bed thinking of the cute boy who lived with the Hamiltons and couldn’t wait for school to start so she could see him regularly.

  Enough with the musings, she had to let Taylor know to call his cousins. After digging around, she found a notepad in her glove compartment and wrote a quick note instructing Taylor to call them. Satisfied no one was about, she got out of the car and hurried to the front door.

  Guilt assailed her as she wondered if he’d see the note. What if he was already inside and didn’t see it until morning?

  It wasn’t as if she was in awe of him like back in high school. It was more that at the moment, they were at a strange impasse of sorts. They’d not had a disagreement per se, more of an uncomfortable occurrence.

  Taylor had been at her shop to order flowers for his ex-wife. She’d gone to stand beside him as he chose the bouquet on her laptop.