by Ruby Rowe
“Yes. I think Olivia just needed to see that she could be single and survive, but it doesn’t mean that’s how she wants to live. She misses you terribly.”
“Fuck, I miss her, but I still think it’s too soon. Also, I don’t know if it’s right to ask her to go on the road again.”
“There’s nothing wrong with asking. If she doesn’t want to, she’ll tell you, and then you figure it out from there.”
Leaning his head back, he stares at the sky.
“Peaches, you make it sound so simple, but I don’t think my life will ever be easy again. I now have to face everything sober. It’s fucking hard.”
“That’s why you go to meetings, have a sponsor and do what you did tonight. You reached out to me when you could’ve turned to drugs and alcohol instead. That’s huge.”
“I guess so.”
“We’re always going to be here for you, and I know Olivia is supposed to be in your life.”
“How are you so sure?”
“An angel told me.”
Lifting his head, he cocks an eyebrow at me.
“An angel?”
“Yep. You know I talk to dead people.”
“I can’t argue with that one.”
“She’s your butterfly for a reason. I understand if you feel it’s too soon to be in a relationship, but at least talk to her so you don’t lose her friendship.”
“I’ll think about it. Uh, I came over for another reason. I want to apologize to you.”
“For what?”
“I’m sorry for ever getting you mixed up with the pills. Regardless of the troubles you were having with sleep, I shouldn’t have given you my shit.”
“Thank you for that.”
“I’m trying.” He blows out the loudest, weighted breath. I hate the pressure he must feel now that he doesn’t have a crutch.
“I know, and I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks.”
“Everything’s going to work out. You’ll see.”
Olivia
Holding my hand up to knock, I pause and shake my head. Why did I agree to this? I must live for punishment. Clearing my throat, I tap on my father’s study.
“Dad, it’s Olivia.”
“Come in.”
Opening the door, I step inside and stop. The room smells like his aftershave, a scent of pine.
“Have a seat, sweetheart.”
“Sweetheart?”
“Please, Olivia.” Dad motions toward the chair in front of his desk. I feel like I’m here for questioning, and I’m not even in the hot seat yet.
“What did you want to see me about?” I ask after sitting.
“Is that a new dress?”
“No.” I look down at the butterfly dress I made after Ken broke my heart. Now, the dress means so much more to me.
“It looks pretty on you.”
“Thanks.”
Loosening his tie, my father sits back in his leather rolling chair.
“Look, I can’t lose both you and your brother.”
A clipped laugh leaves my lips. “Oh, so you can lose me, but you have to prevent losing Landon. Got it.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“What did you mean exactly?”
“I meant that I can’t lose either of my children. I need you to meet me somewhere in the middle here. This meeting is my olive branch to you.”
“What are you proposing?”
“First, I won’t pressure you about Ken or your job if you’ll stop seeing the rock star.”
I look at my lap and fidget with my car keys.
“Zain and I aren’t back together yet, but Apple thinks he’ll call soon. He’s only been back a week, so I imagine he’s got a lot on his plate.”
“Think about your future and our family’s reputation. I’ll be fine with you finding a different, suitable man and sewing for a living.”
He waves his hand toward me and frowns like my job is such a disgrace. “But for the love of God, please don’t be with that outrageous druggy. He’ll never stay sober.”
“You don’t know that because you don’t know him at all.”
“I know the statistics.”
“Well, I think he’ll stay clean. What else are you wanting?”
“I need you to convince Landon to see us. Your mother cries herself to sleep at night. I can’t take it. We need to be a family again.”
“Landon feels the way I do about you and Mom. He wants you both to stop controlling his life. Show him that you will, and he’ll come around. The same goes for me. I can’t promise to stay away from Zain. I love him, and if he’s living a sober life and wants me in it, I’m going to be with him.”
“Fine. Design clothes to your hearts content and be with the rock star. As long as we’re a family again, I’ll convince your mother to back off.”
“That was too easy. What’s the catch?”
“There isn’t one, but if this rock star—”
“He has a name. It’s Zain.”
“If Zain’s going to be in your life, your mother and I need to get to know him.”
I smile. “It’s a deal, and Landon will come back around if I tell him what you said, but you have to mean it. If you or Mom try to change him, he’ll disappear again.”
“We won’t. We miss you both and want this resolved.”
“Acceptance is all we’ve ever wanted. If you’re capable of that, you’ll have us in your lives.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Zain
The studio becomes silent before my bandmates and I smile at each other. We just laid down a fantastic track. If we can’t perform, writing and recording are the next best things.
“That was fantastic, guys. Let’s take a break,” our producer says from the control room where he’s positioned by the recording engineer. I walk out, and Pete catches me in the hallway.
“I need a minute with you.” After the band walks away, he says, “A Wendell Bradford called for you today. Isn’t he Olivia’s father, the congressman?”
“Yeah.”
“He called yesterday, too, and I should’ve told you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I didn’t want him to cause trouble when you were doing so well, but once he called again, I realized it wasn’t my place to keep it from you.”
“What did he want?”
“He didn’t say. He only left his number and asked for you to call him.” Pete holds out a white piece of paper. “If he tries to knock you down, don’t let him.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I don’t give a damn what Congressman Bradford thinks of me.”
Gripping my shoulder, Pete smiles. “Good.” Heading to a nearby empty office, I give Congressman Asswipe a call.
“Wendell speaking.”
“This is Zain Richie returning your call.”
“Mr. Richie, I’d like to meet with you in person. Tonight, if possible.”
“I don’t see a need for that.”
“You and your media circus trampled into my peaceful life, tarnished my family’s reputation, and hurt my daughter. I think you owe me a meeting.”
“Damn. It’s sad how you mentioned Olivia last. When and where?”
“Blackhawk Plaza at ten.”
“That’s a busy shopping district.”
“That’s why I want to meet you there late. I’ll text you the exact address, and please come alone.”
“Seeing how I don’t trust politicians, especially you, there will be one person coming with me–my bodyguard.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
Ending the call, I shake my head. This should be interesting. I bet he plans to tell me to stay away from his daughter. He’s wasting his time and breath. I only have to find a sponsor, and then I’ll feel armed enough to face Olivia.
I’ve been having trouble finding someone since I can’t go to public meetings. I’ve been attending ones that other high-profile people hold in their homes, and I haven’t click
ed with anyone yet.
When I see Olivia, I want her to know how seriously I’m taking my recovery. I never want to see the last look I saw on her face again.
***
“Why did he want to meet at an empty storefront?” I mumble as Nash and I wait in his SUV. We’re in a front parking spot, and thankfully, the area isn’t crazy crowded. I don’t want reporters to find out I’m here. Something tells me that wouldn’t go over well with Olivia.
Mr. Bradford pulls up in front of us in a luxury sedan. He’s not alone, having brought another old fuck. We all exit our vehicles.
“Good evening, Gentlemen,” Wendell says with his hand outstretched. Reluctantly, I shake it.
“Zain Richie, and this is Nash, my friend and bodyguard.”
“Thank you for coming. This is my attorney and close friend Forrest Ingram.” The man only nods, and his pursed lips and beady stare relay he’s not happy to meet me. He’s in a black suit, looking overly professional, whereas Bradford’s sporting khakis and a navy blazer.
“Follow me,” he says before sorting through his set of keys. As we walk to the empty storefront, I try to think of reasons he’d want to talk here. Maybe he leases it and figures it’s somewhere no one would look if they were trying to spy on us. Who the fuck knows?
What I do know is that I could use a double on the rocks about now. No, a whole fucking bottle and a mirror lined with blow. Why am I so damn nervous?
As Bradford opens the door, Nash and I both scope out the area for reporters. We walk inside, and Olivia’s father flips a couple of light switches until he leaves only the one at the rear of the room on.
“Let’s walk back that way,” he says.
“I’m beginning to wonder if you brought me here to off me,” I half joke.
He laughs. “I don’t like you, but I’m not a murderer.”
“The feeling’s mutual, and good to hear.” His attorney glares at me over his shoulder. “Yeah, I’m not feelin’ you, either,” I add.
“I thought you raised Olivia to have higher standards,” the pretentious asshole mumbles to Bradford. “Why she’d choose him over my son is beyond me.”
I come to a stop. “Wait. You’re Ken’s father? Wow, this is awesome. Oh, there’s so much I could say right now.”
Wendell turns to face me, and his tail-wagging buddy follows suit.
“Let’s get this over with. Shall we?” Bradford asks.
“The empty floor is all yours, and I’ll admit; I’m curious to know why we’re here.”
Shoving my hands inside the pockets of my jeans, I lift my eyebrows and wait.
“I don’t want you to contact Olivia.”
“I figured as much, but you could’ve told me that over the phone.”
“I thought you needed a visual of the life she could have if you weren’t in the picture.” He glides his hand along his graying blond hair that’s receding in the front.
“Let me hear your spiel because if I know Olivia like I think I do, she’s not going to approve of you making decisions for her.”
“I believe she’ll like this one. I’m going to lease this space for her to open her own boutique.” He points toward the front doors. “There, she could display her latest designs on those mannequins you find in department stores. I’m sure her mother will help her make the space look classy and appealing.”
He holds his arms out where we’re standing. “Then here, she can have some fitting rooms and a sales counter. I’m thinking we could put a wall up to divide this space from the back room.”
He turns to face the rear of the store. “On the other side of the wall, Olivia could have a few employees who sew while she designs her one-of-a-kind pieces for the tasteful rich and famous.”
I look around the open space as my mouth dries and stomach clenches. I don’t want to admit it, but I see his vision for my girl. From what she’s told me about her dream, she’d be thrilled to have a shop like this.
“She doesn’t need your money to make it happen. She’ll probably have earned enough to open a place soon, and if not, I could pay for it.”
He brandishes a smug smile. “I thought you’d want to steal my idea. I don’t think you’ve thought this through. What happens when you go on tour? I’ve done my research, and you’re leaving soon and won’t return until late next year.
“Are you going to set this up for my daughter and then leave her behind? Or, are you planning to deny Olivia of her dream by asking her to go with you where she’ll be lucky to work at all?” He scowls. “My daughter deserves a better life than the one you’ve shown her, and if you love Olivia, you’ll agree.”
I glance at Nash, and he averts his gaze at lightning speed. Fuck. He gets the position I’ve been put in. Congressman Bradford is slick. I’ll give him that much.
It was easy to picture Olivia working on the road with me like she was doing before, but this scenario… I hadn’t imagined it for her, and that was selfish of me.
If Wendell comes through on this gift, he’ll be showing her that he finally supports her dream. Yeah, I’m sure he and her mother would meddle, but Liv would finally feel like they were trusting her judgment and accepting her. All she’s wanted is their approval.
“You look in deep thought, Mr. Richie.”
“I’m only studying the picture you’ve painted. If I stayed away, would you give her free rein of the business?”
“I would. I mean, her mother loves to tackle creative projects, so she’d be involved a bit, but this would give Olivia and Gwendolyn a real chance to bond while doing something my daughter loves as opposed to something her mother wants.”
He’s a fantastic manipulator. A true fuck-you-in-the-ass politician.
“I don’t know. Liv said she wants to build her career on her own.”
“I’m going to tell her I’m investing in her business.”
“It seems you’ve thought of everything. I’ll consider it, but only because I want Olivia to be happy.” I point at his attorney, Mr. Ingram. “But your son… There’s no way in hell I’ll agree to this if he’s in the picture. Never. Do you understand me?”
“Olivia should be the one to decide that,” he replies.
Bradford holds his hand up between us.
“Olivia has made it clear that she and Ken are finished, but if she changes her mind at a later date, we have no control over it.”
“Promise me you won’t pressure her to do so. If you can’t promise me that, there’s no way in hell I’m staying out of the picture.”
I step closer to Ken’s father. “I know secrets about your son, and the only reason I’m not spewing them in your face right now is because it would hurt Olivia and someone she loves, but you’re in for some shocking surprises at some point in the future, dude. Mark. My. Words,” I sneer.
“It seems Ken has hit a nerve with Mr. Richie. I think he’s jealous,” Wendell says.
“I’m not jealous; I’m protective. Ken’s a slimy piece of shit who’s not hurting her again.”
“Calm down,” he replies. “I’ll make sure Ken doesn’t pressure Olivia, and neither will we.” With a lifted brow, he looks at his friend and gives an unspoken warning that Forrest better not fuck up his chance to rid his life of me.
Maybe Congressman Bradford does love his daughter. Or, he just doesn’t want her with me because he believes it would further damage his career and reputation.
“Don’t do anything rash,” Nash murmurs.
Swallowing hard, I stare at Wendell. “I have to think about it.”
“When will I have your answer?”
“Soon.” I march out of the store, and as soon as my feet touch the parking lot, I yell, “Fuck!”
“Dude, calm down,” Nash says. “That dickhead wants nothing more than to see that he has you over a barrel.”
“He already knows it.” Getting inside the SUV, I slam the door and pull out my phone to call Apple.
“Hi, Zain. Is everything OK?”
“Ho
w’s Olivia’s business going?”
“Great. She hasn’t given me names yet, but she claims some celebrities have contacted her for wardrobes. She even had to start a waitlist. Magazines are interviewing her, and her name is buzzing on social media without yours or mine attached to it. Why?”
“Fuck my life.” I slam my fist on the dash.
“What’s wrong?”
“I can’t ask her to go on tour with us, Apple. How can you not see this? I won’t ask her to put her dreams on hold while I pursue mine.”
“She should be the one to decide.”
“Do you know what I learned more than anything in rehab? How selfish I’ve been. For once, I’m putting someone else’s needs before mine. I have to go.”
Ending the call, I open the door of the SUV.
“Don’t do this,” Nash says. “It’s not what either one of you wants.”
“This is my repentance. Her family’s lack of acceptance crushed her, and I have the power to change that.”
“What if her father’s full of shit?”
“I don’t think he would’ve shown us this place if he was. It’s a chance I’ll have to take.” Shutting the door, I wait while Forrest and Wendell return to their vehicle.
“Did you decide already?” Congressman Asswipe asks.
“I’ll stay away from Olivia, but I expect you to give her all that she needs to run a successful business. Then, you and your wife have to back off and let Liv run it how she sees fit. Lastly … Ken stays the hell away from her.”
“You have a deal.”
“Apple Kingsley and Olivia’s friendship grows stronger every day. I’ll know if you don’t keep your word.”
“Regardless of what you’ve heard or believe, I love my daughter. I only want what’s best for her, and I’m ready to compromise to have her in my life again.”
“That’s all I needed to hear.” I jump back inside the SUV and buckle up. The fucking tears come out of nowhere, the anger and pain clawing at every nerve in my body. I can’t tell if what I’m feeling is instant regret or merely immense disappointment for the sacrifice I’m making.
“Get me out of here,” I say to Nash before I turn toward the window and wipe my eyes.
So long, Butterfly.