CHAPTER 15
You Can't Do That
One week into school and my life had become rote. Ty picked me up each morning and brought me home afterward. I'd do my homework, start dinner, eat with the family, and Ty came over at 7:30. This was a comfortable routine, but it was also boring. I decided I needed a job. Sure, whenever I was with Ty, he insisted on paying for everything, but I wanted my own money and something besides him to take up my free time. Although I would never admit it to her, I was starting to think my mother might be right about spending all my time with him. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," she would say with a hint of I'm just saying in her tone.
When I mentioned it to Ty while driving home from school, his response was unexpected. "Why would you want to work when I can give you everything you want?"
"Are you serious?" I asked, surprised. I suddenly felt like a housewife from the fifties.
"Yes. I am serious. If you get a job, that will take time away from us," he stated matter-of-factly. "You can't get a job."
I hardly knew what to say. He was obviously unaware of my uncontrollable compulsion to do the exact opposite of any unreasonable command given me. I could feel my whole body stiffen with resentment, and I sat silently for the remainder of the ride home, resolving to get the first job I could find.
When he pulled in to his usual spot in my driveway, I looked straight ahead and said icily, "I don't want you to come over today."
I felt his stare, but I refused to make eye contact, knowing the undeniable power he could have over me.
I sat there for a long moment, giving him ample opportunity to make this right, but he said nothing. I hmphed softly and shook my head as I collected my books and my purse from the floor and reached for the door handle. He grabbed my left arm too tightly. I turned my head and looked at him defiantly, saying nothing. He let go. As soon as I had closed the door, he slammed the Ferrari into reverse and peeled out of the driveway. I was thankful that my mother was at work and the school bus hadn't dropped off the kids yet. Axl ran to greet me, excited as always that I was finally home, the commotion not seeming to bother him.
On my way to the front door, I picked up the newspaper that was thrown close enough to the porch stairs, anxious to see if there were any part-time jobs available for which I was qualified. I sprinted up the stairs to my bedroom, dropped my stuff near the bottom of my bed and flopped down hard on the soft mattress. I reached over to the nightstand and attached my phone to the dock, pressed shuffle, and, as I quickly found the page of want ads in the thin paper, the drama of a few minutes ago replayed in my mind.
Who did he think he was telling me I couldn't get a job? I scanned the meager listings hoping to find something that I could apply for today just to spite him, all the while realizing how immature I was being. But I couldn't help myself. I was so angry. If he thought I was the kind of girl who would just follow where he led and be happy that he was taking care of me, he didn't know me at all.
And then I saw it. "Part-Time Help Wanted at Local Nursery, Afternoons & Weekends. Apply in Person". "Perfect!" I said out loud. I jumped up and ran to the bathroom to floss and brush my teeth and run my fingers through my hair. With newspaper in hand, I flew down the stairs and out the door. I had barely driven my car since I started dating Ty and it took me a second to reacquaint myself with the interior. I glanced at the ad again, looking for the address, and realized that I must have driven by the place many times but had somehow overlooked it. Truth be told, the thought of working outside did not appeal to me at all, especially in Georgia, when it was ninety degrees in the shade for months on end. But I was determined to get a job and my options in Eden were limited.
The nursery was located on the right hand side of the main road heading toward Pooler. It took me less than ten minutes to get there. As I pulled in slowly, I noticed how beautifully the property was landscaped. How had I missed this place? The gate at the entrance had a rich green patina that made it appear to be ancient. It was flanked by two cherubim statues. A few yards past the entrance, on the left, was a koi pond; beyond it sat a large statue of a lion holding a weathered wooden sign with ivy twisting around its edges on which was etched, "The Gardens of Eden" in an elegant golden scroll. How clever! I decided right then that I really wanted to work here.
I parked my car in the fairly empty lot. Good, I thought. They won't be too busy to interview me. I walked confidently toward the small main structure, shoulders back and a slight smile on my face. When I opened the door, bells chimed softly. I looked around for a moment and heard someone call out, "I'll be right with you."
"Thank you," I called back.
A few seconds later, the body that belonged to the voice appeared behind the counter. When I saw him, I stopped and stood frozen, staring. He did the same. It was the boy from my dreams. Was I dreaming right now? Why wasn't he saying anything? Why was he staring at me? I felt an indescribable energy in the air, and as my brain scrambled to make sense of it, he spoke first.
"Hi. Can I help you?" he said with regained composure in a sweet drawl a little thicker than Ty's.
I wasn't so fortunate. My brain had yet to catch up with my mouth, which was hanging open. I think I shook my head.
"Are you looking for something in particular, miss?" he offered, in a gracious attempt to help me out.
"I am so sorry," I finally blurted out. "I came here to interview for the position you advertised. But you look exactly like someone I used to know," I lied, "and you caught me off guard. Can we please start over?" I smiled and extended my hand. "My name is Essie Jacobs. Are you still looking for part-time help?"
"We are, Essie," he smiled back, taking my hand to shake it. When he did, a spark of electricity, like that light jolt you get when you slide your stocking feet over the carpet and then touch something, made me jump. He looked at me nervously.
"Sorry about that," he gulped, dropping my hand quickly and taking a step back. "My name is Michael. Michael Powers. My family owns the nursery. Are you interested in landscape design?"
"To be honest, I've never really given it much thought. But I saw the ad when I got home from school today and I rushed right over. The hours are perfect for me. And the property is so beautifully landscaped that I think I've just developed an interest."
He laughed. "You live here in Eden?"
"I do."
"Why haven't we met before?"
"My family just moved here over the summer."
"Are you at South Effingham?"
"I am. I'm a senior. You?"
He nodded. "I'm surprised we haven't met at school yet."
"Me, too." I agreed, noting to myself that the boy of my dreams seemed to be the only person who didn't know I had moved to town. We compared classes, only to come to the obvious conclusion that, although we had several in common, we weren't on the same schedule. We didn't even have lunch at the same time.
He asked if I'd had a chance to make any friends.
"Actually, I have. The first week that I was here, I met Ty Gregory at the Piggly Wiggly. He invited me and my family to his home for dinner. I've been hanging out with him and his sister, Mara, ever since. I also met Jackson Parry and Colton Jen one day while I was walking my dog and they invited me to go four-wheeling at Black Creek. I met some more people there. I was really lucky to have met a few fellow students before school began."
"Mmmmm. Lucky," he agreed unenthusiastically.
"What does that mean?"
"What does what mean?"
"You said that sarcastically."
"I did? I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what?"
"For being sarcastic."
"Ugh! Why did you say 'lucky' sarcastically?" I asked, exasperated.
"I apologize. I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean to. Why don't we just leave it at that."
"I can't do that. Please tell me why. Please," I implored.
"Ty and I don't get along. To be more precise, the Powers and the Gregorys don't associate at all.
And I really can't expound on that right now. I just met you, Essie. Plus, you're friends with them and it's not right for me to say anything more."
"Actually," I started, drawing out the word, "we're more than friends. I've been dating Ty since we met."
"Of course you are." He smiled somberly. "He's a lucky guy."
"Does that mean you can't consider hiring me?"
"Not at all. I'd love to have you working here. Ty won't like it, though. Do you need to talk to him first?"
"Absolutely not! He didn't want me to get a job in the first place and we argued about it earlier. And I certainly don't want whatever's going on between you to make matters worse."
"You might not have much of a choice in that matter," he warned.
I ignored his comment. "When can I start?" I asked anxiously.
"This weekend, then. Be here at eight on Saturday morning." And he smiled a big wide smile.
"I'll be here," I said, returning the smile as I turned and walked out.
For the first time that I could remember, I didn't put any music on as I drove home. I thought my head might explode. I was sure that this was the guy from my dream. But I was with Ty. At least I thought I was with Ty. But I saw a side of him this afternoon that I didn't like at all. He had never gotten angry with me before. And, from what Michael just told me, he would surely lose it once he found out that not only had I gotten a job, but I'd be working for the Powers family. I decided I needed to know what their feud was all about. Was this a part of the mystery that he was reluctant to tell me about? I wondered if Ty would now be forthcoming after this turn of events.
I saw him sitting in one of the rocking chairs on my front porch when I pulled in to the driveway, despite the fact that I had told him I didn't want to see him. My heart sank as I imagined an antagonistic conversation, although I was somewhat hopeful now that I had something to counter with. I would deflect his argument against getting a job with questions about his relationship with Michael. I walked slowly toward him, formulating my retorts, and I could see that he was holding a present. Now I felt guilty. I sat down in the chair next to him but didn't say anything. I began to rock.
After a long moment, he broke the silence. "I'm sorry that I lost my temper with you earlier. You have an effect on me, Essie, that..." He stopped mid-sentence and his demeanor changed. "I got you something," he said playfully as he handed me the beautifully wrapped package.
I took it hesitantly, not wanting to be swayed by some extravagant gift. He grinned as I untied the bow. When I turned the box over to open the paper, something inside rattled. I shook it. I knew that sound. I ripped open the paper to reveal a box of Whoppers. I laughed. "Malted milk balls - the best present ever! Thanks."
I loved that he gave me simple presents like Whoppers or the necklace with the shell that he had found on the beach or the bookmark. He did so much for me already - all our meals out, all the places he took me, all the things we did - extravagant gifts would have been unacceptable. It seemed as though he had me pretty much figured out. At least in that area.
"I'm sorry I stressed you out. I hope they help."
"Me, too." I opened the box and poured a few in my hand. "We need to talk."
"Oh, no. The dreaded 'we need to talk'. What's going on? Are you breaking up with me?"
"No. But you might be breaking up with me. I got a job," I said hastily, attempting to employ the bandage strategy. Rip it off quickly and get the pain over with.
"Seriously?"
"Yes. At 'The Gardens of Eden' nursery."
"So, I guess you met Mike."
"I did."
"And did he tell you that our families don't associate?"
"That's exactly what he told me."
"Nothing else?"
"No. I was hoping our conversation would be more enlightening."
"You can't work there, Essie."
"That's not the conversation I had in mind."
"I'm sorry. I am. But you can't work for the Powers."
"And why not?"
"Essie, please."
"I guess we have nothing else to talk about, Ty," I said flatly as I walked into the house and slammed the door.
I was beyond frustrated and determined to use the investigative skills I'd honed over the past three years to bring this mystery to light, but first I needed to talk to Jane. I hurried to my room, barely acknowledging the kids who were home by now, reaching my hand into my purse to locate my phone as I bounded up the stairs. Before I even had a chance to unlock it, it started singing "Ballad of Jane".
"Wow. I was just about to call you," I said, foregoing a formal greeting.
"What's up?"
"Did you have something to tell me or did you just call to chat?"
"Just bored. You obviously have something to tell me. What is it?"
"Do you remember me telling you about the dream I had that starred that beautiful boy with the dark hair and blue eyes? We were having a picnic?"
"I think so. Why?"
"Janie, he's real."
"What are you talking about?"
"I applied for a job today at a local nursery. I walked in and he appeared behind the counter. I was speechless. I just stared at him."
"Why do you think it was him?" she asked skeptically.
"I don't think it was him. I know it was him."
"What did you do?"
"Well, first of all, sparks literally flew when we shook hands. After I composed myself, we talked for a few minutes and I got the job."
"Congratulations. Did you tell him you had dreamt about him?"
"Are you kidding? Of course not. I covered my speechlessness and the stupid blank look on my face by saying that he looked like someone I used to know and he let it go. But it kind of seemed for just a second that he recognized me too."
"Are you going to be okay working with him?"
"I'll be fine. I was okay once we started talking. Plus, I told him that I was dating Ty."
"That's good. You wouldn't want to mislead him."
"Oh, that brings up another matter."
"What's that?" she asked with renewed curiosity.
"Well, he said that his family and Ty's family didn't associate but he wouldn't explain why. Then Ty was here waiting for me when I got back and I told him about my new job and he said the same thing. He even went so far as to tell me that I couldn't work there."
"Uh, oh."
"I know, right?"
"Wait. You didn't tell me his name."
"Oops. Sorry. His name is Michael Powers. His family owns the nursery. And, get this - it's called 'The Gardens of Eden'. How cute is that?"
"Very cute. But did you forget that you don't garden? And you're always saying how hot it is there. Are you sure you want to work there?"
"I'm sure, Janie. I need something to do. It's only a couple of days after school, plus weekends. Besides, if I was apprehensive at all, you know I have to take the job now that Ty told me I couldn't."
She sighed. "I don't know why you always have to be so contrary. You said you really like Ty, now you're going to have a problem with him every time you go to work. Besides, you're obviously attracted to Michael. Are you sure you're doing the right thing?"
It was my turn to sigh. "Who knows, Janie. But I already took the job. I'm starting this Saturday. Ty will just have to get over it."
"Good luck then. I can't wait to hear how it goes. Call me Saturday night, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks. I will. I've got to look something up on the computer so I'll let you go for now. Talk to you Saturday."
"Bye, Essie."
"See you, Janie."