“He’s a walking time bomb. Drinking. Drugs. He’s going to kill himself.” This was his father, which made him angry. What did his father even care what he was doing with his life? He wasn’t around.
“I don’t know what to do. I’ve tried talking to him. He doesn’t want to listen.” His mother sounded worried, which made him feel guilty. He had been ignoring her. And now look how much pain he’d caused.
“I think he just needs some time away from it all. Now would be the perfect time. I have a spare bedroom.” His aunt.
“Shipping him off to your sister’s isn’t the answer,” his father said.
“It wouldn’t be like that,” his mother said. “He would be with family, but in a controlled environment.”
“Can’t you control his environment here?”
“You don’t know what it’s like. He’s hardly ever home.”
Brandon picked up his phone. He didn’t want to listen anymore. His head hurt even worse than before. He needed to talk to someone. Maybe Vlogger girl was still up. It wasn’t too late yet.
Are you available to talk?
Yes.
He pressed her number and waited for her to pick up. “Hey,” she said.
“Hi. It’s nice to hear your voice.” He didn’t realize how nice it would be until it came through the line.
“How are you?”
He drew in a breath and then let it out. “I’m okay. In pain, but ya know, I could have died, so I think some pain is preferable to that.”
“No kidding. How long do you think it will take to heal?”
“The doctor thinks a good six months to a year. My manager is freaking out about it. Says I won’t get any parts with my arm all messed up.”
“What?” Stephanie’s voice squeaked. “Is that what he’s worried out? Doesn’t he care that you could have been killed?”
Huh. Brandon was just used to that kind of attitude. Everyone around him treated him like their next meal ticket. He hadn’t stopped to think about it, but Stephanie was right. His manager should care that he was alive. “It didn’t even cross my mind.”
“It didn’t cross your mind that the people closest to you should care about your welfare?” she asked, her voice quiet.
“I guess I’m just used to them caring about my work, and not really about me.” What did that say about the people closest to him in his life? He closed his eyes, not wanting to think about it. His mother’s voice carried from down the stairs. At least he knew she cared about him, even though right now she was upset.
He was the one she was upset at. He’d been stupid. And it almost cost him his life.
“That’s so sad,” Stephanie said.
“Yeah.”
She cleared her throat. “So, you think you’re coming to Rockford?”
The question sounded tentative, like she wasn’t sure how she felt about it yet. “That’s one of the plans I overheard yesterday as I fell asleep. I mean, no one’s talked to me about it yet. I just heard it being discussed.” And it was still being discussed. Quite loudly.
“Discussed…like it didn’t matter what you thought?”
“Pretty much. But I don’t blame my mom. She’s worried about me.”
Stephanie let out a breath. “I’m worried about you too. They say you and Tony were drinking.”
Brandon gritted his teeth. He hated the way the truth got twisted. “No. I didn’t take a single drink that night. I swear. I kept my promise to you.”
“Then—”
“Let me explain. Tony gave me some pills, but he said they were ibuprofen to help my headache. I shouldn’t have taken them, but I did. I had ecstasy in my bloodstream when the accident happened.”
“Oh.”
“I should have just left. I knew Tony was on something. I should have followed my gut and took my limo home. But I didn’t mean to get high. I swear. And I didn’t know Tony was going to end up running from the cops. That was messed up.”
“You weren’t driving. At least they can’t charge you for that, right?”
“I don’t know what they’re trying to charge me for. No one’s told me yet. The police interviewed me but didn’t arrest me. My father said he wouldn’t let them.”
“Your father?” Stephanie sucked in a breath. “He’s there?”
Brandon’s throat grew tight. “Yeah.” It felt good having someone to talk to who understood. “He showed up at the hospital.”
“O.M.G. And this is the first you’ve seen of him since he left when you were little?”
“Yep.”
“Oh, my gosh, that must feel terrible. I’m so sorry.”
Stephanie really did understand. He shifted, and pain shot up his arm. It was really starting to ache now. He glanced at the clock. It would be another fifteen minutes before his mother would give him a pain pill. “Yes. It feels pretty crappy.”
“That sucks that he ghosted and it took this to see him again. Although, I guess it’s better he showed up now rather than not coming at all, even after you got in a terrible accident.”
She was right, and he knew it. He’d probably feel ten times worse if his father had ignored what had happened. “Yeah.”
Stephanie sighed. “I hope you’re not in too much pain.”
“I’ll live.”
“That’s good.”
He held his phone to his ear with his shoulder. “At least one good thing can come from this.”
“A break from all that work you do?”
He chuckled. “No. I’ll get to meet you in person.”
She didn’t say anything.
“Vlogger girl? Did I creep you out?”
Another pause. “No, I guess not.”
“Then what is it?”
“I just never expected to see you, like in person.”
“And that’s a bad thing? To see me in person?” He didn’t know why, but he sat very still, waiting for her reply.
“It’s just different. I—I’m different.”
“Different than what?”
She shuffled the phone. “Different than most girls.”
What the heck did that mean? Why was she being cryptic? “How?”
“Now, see, this is going to get all weird because I don’t really know how to explain it without making all kinds of assumptions, and I don’t want to assume anything.”
He was so confused. “What exactly are you assuming?”
“Your intentions.”
Oh. He was starting to understand now. “You don’t want to assume that I’m interested in you.”
“Yeah. Because that would be weird if I said I’m not looking for a relationship when you hadn’t been thinking that at all.”
Ouch. He was being shot down, and he hadn’t even made a move yet. He frowned. “Man, girl. You are one mean chick.”
She sighed. “It’s not like that. I’m just not at a place yet where I can open myself up again.”
He suddenly felt terrible. She wasn’t rejecting him because of his personality or looks. This wasn’t about him at all. She’d been hurt. He clenched his good hand into a fist. And now he wanted to find the scum who hurt her and beat him into the ground. “I see.”
“So, you can understand why I feel weird…knowing you and I might meet face to face.”
“I do understand, and let me assure you, I would never want to make you uncomfortable. If you want to be just friends, that’s fine. But if I’m going to be in Rockford, I can’t imagine ignoring the fact that you live in the same town. I already consider you a friend. Don’t you feel the same?”
“Yes,” she agreed, but there was still hesitancy in her voice.
“Then, there’s no problem.”
“So, you won’t press for anything between us?”
“Geesh, what kind of a guy do you think I am?”
“The kind I see in the tabloids with a different girl on his arm every weekend.”
He smirked. “You follow me in the tabloids?”
“Don’t be so ful
l of yourself.”
He chuckled and lay back on his pillows. “That’s what I like about you, Vlogger girl. You don’t put up with anything.”
She laughed, and he could imagine the look on her face. “That’s what you like about me? My sarcastic sass?”
“Yes. I don’t know anyone else like you.”
The voices downstairs grew louder, and he shielded the phone in case Stephanie could hear his parents fighting.
“What’s going on?” Stephanie asked.
“You can hear that?”
“Yeah. Someone’s shouting.”
“Ugh. I’d better go.”
“You okay?”
He wasn’t sure what to say to that. He was emotionally spent. And having his parents arguing downstairs wasn’t helping at all. But he wasn’t in danger, or anything like that. His father was a loser, but he wasn’t physically abusive. “I’m fine.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you later, then. Get some rest.”
“I will. Thanks, Vlogger girl.”
“Bye, Brandon.”
He broke the connection, then worked to stand up. It was harder than he thought, without moving his left arm, but he managed to get out of bed. He walked to the stairs, the noise from downstairs getting louder.
He hung onto the banister with his good hand and walked down the stairs, careful not to go too fast. He didn’t want to fall and mess up his arm even more.
When he got to the bottom of the stairs, he turned and walked down the hallway toward the kitchen. The voices were coming from in there. He felt dizzy, but he continued. He had something he wanted to say to them.
When he walked into the kitchen, everyone stopped talking, and they all stared at him. His mother was the first to move, rushing to him. “Are you okay, sweetheart? Do you need anything?”
“More pain meds, but that’s not why I came down here.”
“I’m sorry. Did we wake you?” His mother’s face was etched with worry. She looked old all of a sudden. Like she’d aged ten years in the last two days. That was probably his fault.
“No. I was awake. Listen. I want to say something, and I don’t want anyone to argue with me.”
“We wouldn’t argue,” his father said. “We just want what’s best for you.”
Brandon held back the words threatening to spill forth at his father. He didn’t want to tell his father off right now. He had other things to say. He ignored his father and turned to his aunt.
“I want to move in with you, Aunt Monica.”
Everyone in the room looked stunned, even his aunt. She blinked, then worked her mouth. “Well, sure. We were just talking about that, actually.”
“Why would you want to throw your career down the toilet?” His father’s face was turning red.
“He’s not throwing his career down the toilet. He—”
“Mom,” Brandon said, putting his hand on her shoulder. “Just calm down. Everyone needs to chill.” He winced as pain shot up his arm. He must have tightened his muscles. He made a concentrated effort to relax. “I will come back in the spring. I want to take some time off and go to high school. Like a regular person.”
“That’s insane,” his father said.
“Daniel, let him talk.” His mother shot a glare at his father.
Brandon waited until everyone was silent again. “My arm has to heal anyway. I might as well leave.” He turned to his mother. “I’m sorry I caused you so much grief. I didn’t mean to. I swear.”
His mother blinked back tears. “I know. You’re a good kid. I think you just got wrapped up in this Hollywood life. I think going to Wisconsin will do you some good. I love you, honey.”
“You won’t have a regular high school experience,” his father said. “Everyone will know who you are.”
“I don’t care. It will be a novelty at first, having me at the high school, but they’ll get used to it.” He almost admitted he knew someone going to that high school, but then thought better of it. Maybe it was best if no one knew that part. It might make them question his motives.
His aunt brushed back her long, blonde hair. At almost ten years younger than his mom, she had always been the cool aunt to him. “I think you’ll like Rockford.”
“When can I leave?”
Again, his words made everyone speechless. His mother recovered first. “Your father got all charges of illegal drug possession against you dropped. You can leave whenever you’d like.”
“Fine. I’d like to leave as soon as possible.”
Chapter 15
The bell rang and Stephanie gathered up her books, her nerves shot. This was it. It was Friday, school was out for the weekend, and Brandon was arriving this evening. And the first thing he wanted to do was meet her.
She was going to meet a freakin’ movie star. It was unreal. And she was sure it wouldn’t go well. He was going to be sorely disappointed in her. She wasn’t terrible-looking, but she wasn’t movie-star hot, either. And she was sarcastic. Like, all the time. If he thought she was going to bow down and worship him, he was in for a surprise.
Jade slung her arm around her shoulders when she got to her locker. “Heard from him yet?”
“No. He’s not arriving until later.”
“What are you going to do when he gets here?” Jade wiggled her eyebrows. “You going to show him all the cool places we have in Rockford?”
“Which places are those? Because I’m pretty sure there are none.”
Down the hallway, she saw Christopher turn the corner and then nod his head at her. Jade turned to see who Stephanie was looking at. “Hey, here comes Chris.”
“I see.”
Chris walked up and smiled, his hands in his pockets. “Hey, Steph. Have any plans for tonight?”
Jade flashed a grin. “She does. She’s meeting up with someone.”
Stephanie elbowed Jade and Chris frowned. “Meeting up? Like a date? I thought you weren’t wanting to date right now.”
“I don’t. It’s not a date.” Heat crept up Stephanie’s neck. Her phone chimed and she pulled it out of her pocket, glad for the interruption. She didn’t really want to explain all that to Chris. A text from Brandon sat on her screen. Her heart jumped.
Did you just get out of school?
“It’s just Brandon Travers,” Jade said, a sarcastic tone in her voice.
“Wait, what?” Chris stepped back. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope. Not kidding.” Jade rocked back on her heels, obviously pleased to report this information to Chris.
“Did you win a contest or something?”
“No,” Stephanie said as she texted Brandon back.
Yes. How did you know? Are you texting me from your plane??
“She and Brandon know each other. And he’s coming here to heal from his accident.” Jade grinned. “Isn’t that sweet?”
Chris just stared at Jade. Stephanie got another text.
No. I’m at your school. Where’s your locker?
The hallway grew hot, and Stephanie frantically looked around, but she didn’t see Brandon.
“What are you looking for?” Jade asked, having noticed Stephanie’s reaction.
“He’s here.”
“Wait. You’re telling me Brandon Travers is here? In Rockford? Right now?” Chris looked incredulous.
“Yep.”
Jade squealed and bounced on her toes. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know. He wants to know where my locker is.”
“Well, tell him!” Jade waved, fanning her face like she was going to faint.
“Chill.” Stephanie texted him back, her fingers shaking. Why was she this nervous? She already knew Brandon from talking with him on the phone. He was a friend. That was all.
Fourth floor. Where are you?
At the office. I just registered.
“Holy crap.” Stephanie didn’t realize she’d said anything out loud until she saw Chris and Jade staring at her. Her face heated. “Sorry. Just got shocked by what he said.�
��
“What did he say?” Jade asked, her smile widening. Chris, on the other hand, looked like he had eaten some rotten chicken for lunch, and it was coming back to bite him.
“He registered. Here. For classes.”
“What?” Jade practically screamed. “He’s going to go to our school?”
“That’s great,” Chris muttered, folding his arms.
“He’s at the office.”
“Come on, then. Let’s go meet him.” Jade grabbed Stephanie’s hand and pulled her down the hallway before she could resist. Chris followed after them.
The office was on the second floor. The school was mostly empty now, all the students eager to get their weekend started. As they approached, she saw him leaning against the wall, one arm in a sling. He was wearing a baseball cap and gray long-sleeved shirt, and he was staring at his phone. A pair of sunglasses hung from the front of his shirt. He glanced up, and his gaze connected with hers.
She’d seen him on the movie screen, and on television. She knew he was good-looking. But nothing prepared her for what it was like to look into his stunning blue eyes and watch a smile creep onto his lips. She’d heard people talk about getting weak in the knees. To her it had been a dumb exaggeration. Until now. She felt like her legs were going to buckle as her mouth dried out.
“Hey,” he said, pocketing his phone and pushing off the wall.
“Hey,” Stephanie said, all intelligent thought jumping ship. Nice. She knew he would be intimidating, but this was ridiculous. Couldn’t she think of one thing to say, other than repeating what he’d just said to her?
Jade made a few mewing noises beside her, like she was trying to talk but forgot to open her mouth. Stephanie snapped out of her own stupor and motioned. “Brandon, this is Jade. And Chris.” She turned back to him. “They obviously know who you are.” She felt immensely stupid.
Brandon stuck out his hand to Jade. “Hi. Nice to meet you.”
Jade giggled and then blushed. “Nice to meet you too.”
Chris just said, “Hey,” and shoved his hands in his pockets.
Brandon’s gaze traveled over Chris. “So, are you two, uh…” He motioned between Chris and Jade. “Together?”
“Us?” Jade giggled again. “Oh, no. Chris is Stephanie’s match. From my app.” She grinned and rocked back on her heels. Stephanie had never seen her act so starstruck. “But they’re just friends.”
A Young Adult Romance Collection Page 52