Taylor Lynne: The Women of Merryton - Book Two by Jennifer Peel Page A

my eyes
and tell him I would never in a million years rely on him again, but I didn’t
want to give the women’s group too much to gossip about. I bit my tongue and turned
away to continue toward Sunday school. I could tell he was frustrated with my
reaction when we sat down. I could tell, too, that he wanted to say something
to me about it. But honestly, what could he say? His track record stunk for
being there for me.
    It didn’t take long
before someone else grabbed his attention. Some woman who looked like she was
on the prowl sat down on his other side and practically purred at him. She
looked like she was dressed for the club, not church. I honestly wasn’t
surprised. A handsome, single doctor was a woman magnet. It was kind of fun to
watch my ex-husband squirm a little. That was, it was funny until I got dragged
into it.
    “Amy, let me introduce
you to my daughter Ashley’s mother, Taylor Cole.”
    It was the first time he
had used my last name. I had a feeling he did it on purpose. I also noticed he
still wouldn’t say ex-wife. I wondered if he called Kathryn “Emmy’s mom.”
    She reluctantly held out
her hand across Easton and surveyed me very closely.
    I smiled brightly as I shook
her limp hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. Aly was it?”
    “No, it’s Amy.”
    “My mistake,” I said,
sweetly.
    That did the trick. She
moved several rows back from us.
    Easton chuckled low in my
ear. “Thank you,” he whispered.
    I did it for my own
selfish reasons. While I loved seeing Easton squirm, I had no desire to see
women hit on my ex-husband.
    I looked around and
noticed the many eyes on us. We looked too cozy next to each other, especially
since Easton had his arm draped across the back of my hard plastic chair. His
arm wasn’t around me, but it gave the wrong impression. There would definitely
be talk. I did my best to shift away from him.
    After Sunday school, I
was approached by Gloria Ryan, Jessie’s mom. She ran the women’s group. To say
she was eager to talk to me was a vast understatement. She kept looking between
Easton and me with great curiosity.
    She grabbed my arm. “I
heard you filled the position of clinical nutritionist at the hospital. Davis,
though retired, is still in the loop on everything that happens at the
hospital.”
    I remembered that her
husband had been the chief of staff there. “That is correct,” I replied.
    “Perfect, dear. You will
have to come and teach a class for us one evening, and of course we would be
happy for you to join the women’s group.”
    I was uncomfortable with
that thought. I wasn’t sure I wanted to open myself up to anyone, or worse,
have them piece together my family history. Frank had given this town plenty to
gossip about. I knew it was going to happen no matter what I did, but I was
hoping to ease into it. Besides, being Easton’s ex-wife was already going to be
a hot topic of conversation.
    I smiled at the elegant
Gloria Ryan, who was beautiful, like her daughter, and still waiting for an
answer. “I’m going to have to see how my work load is and Ashley’s schedule.” I
hoped that would deter her.
    No luck. She smiled
sweetly. “I’ll call you later to discuss.”
    Oh, this town .
Gloria left me and I found that Easton had waited for me. I shook my head and
he grinned. He really was annoying. Extremely handsome in his shirt, tie, and
jeans, but really annoying.
    He stood up and took his
un-rightful place by my side. “Hey, I was thinking that we should do Sunday
dinners together. You know, for the girls.”
    I looked at him like he
had lost his ever living mind. I’m sure my eyes bugged out of my head.
    “Emmy needs family right
now, and I want the girls to have traditions together,” he explained.
    I pulled Easton over to
the side so we wouldn’t be overheard. “I agree that the girls should get to
know each other and make memories and do all the things sisters do.” I pointed
between the two of us. “But we are not some happy