Scarred for Life

by S. L. Kassidy

  "Yes. She thought it was his house and she was coming for a visit. He didn't take her with him when he left, didn't explain anything to her. That's the kind of person Tyler is," Nicole insisted, sounding and looking disgusted.

  "That doesn't make any sense. He says he loves you and he says his cousin is dangerous, but he leaves her with you? It's like he was putting you in danger. Tyler wouldn't be so irresponsible. How did she end up staying with you, though? Why didn't she just go back home?" Raymond looked quite baffled.

  "That's irrelevant to the argument. Right now, I need you to know that Danny makes me happy. I want you to get to know her as a person before you pass judgment on her. She really is wonderful—"

  Nicole smiled so brightly she almost looked like a different person. Her father blinked hard, appearing taken aback. Her eyes lit up again and as she spoke, her voice was filled with a joy that he had never heard from her.

  "Before I met her, I didn't know what happiness truly was, Daddy. Not this constant, beautiful light feeling that flows through me everyday just because of her. I can't give it up." She shook her head and her face tightened again, making her seriousness clear. "I went without her for the last few weeks and it was a dreadful nightmare. I refuse to go through it again."

  He squinted and his eyes searched her face. "These last few weeks? You were so miserable because she was gone?"

  "Yes, Danny left me after that incident with her parents. I can't go through that again, Daddy," Nicole shook her head. "Not for you, not for Mommy, not for anyone. I need Danny in my life. It's either something that you accept or you'll just have to learn to ignore it." Her tone made it clear there were no other choices. She wouldn't be dictated to anymore, especially not when it came to her love life.

  Raymond sighed and nodded. There was no room for a debate with her. She was vaguely aware she sounded like her mother while making the argument, but that helped get the idea across. Despite losing the argument, her father still shared his opinion.

  "I know you feel strongly about her if you're willing to go through all of this. I suppose I could try for you, Nikki. Still, I think Tyler would know his cousin better than you would."

  "I don't understand what makes you think that just because they're family means they're close."

  Raymond's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "I guess you're right. I don't see how a person couldn't know his cousin, especially if they're about the same age."

  "Daddy, not every family is close like the ones you and Mommy were raised in. Not every family is like ours. You were there and you saw what type of man Danny's father is to her. Does that look like a close family?"

  The frown that cut across his face would've frightened away small children. "You're right," he conceded. It looked like he wanted to say more, but she was sure that her newfound backbone halted those words.

  "Daddy, even if Tyler knew Danny well, he doesn't like her and he's been telling outrageous lies about her because of that. It doesn't help that he thinks she stole me from him, which I can assure you was not the case. I was done with Tyler long before Danny walked into the picture."

  "Why?" Raymond leaned forward slightly. "Why were you done with Tyler? Your mother and I thought that he was going to be the one for you."

  Nicole scoffed loudly and rolled her eyes, which flashed with indignation. "You wanted him to be the one for me. Mommy wants any man I date to be the one, but you don't know Tyler like I do. You interact with him at work, but not much there since you're working and on a different floor. I get to see him on a personal level everyday and it's not a pretty sight. Tyler's on his very best behavior and trying to impress you and Mommy when you see him outside of work. He's a kiss-up to you because you're his boss and my father, but he's pretty much an asshole to everyone else. He can be charming, but it's to hide the fact that he's a snake. He hits on almost all of the women at work, uses abusive language to staff members, and is a general butthead to anyone on his level or just beneath him. Unfortunately, he knows how to avoid getting into trouble. He can and will lie right to your face without any break between words. He has no conscience whatsoever. He's underhanded and shifty. Hell, he was actually stealing from me while we were dating."

  "Stealing from you?" Although his voice was incredulous, his face hardened and his emerald eyes narrowed.

  Nicole scowled because it sounded like he didn't believe her—again. "Yes, stealing from me. He denies it and I can't prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt, but if there are only two people in a house and money is missing and I know I didn't do anything with it, it has to be the other person. He wasn't stealing large amounts, although I'm sure it added up over time. I was with him for six months, after all."

  Raymond was silent and blinked a few times as if trying to get over his shock. "Are you sure?"

  Nicole huffed. "Yes, I'm sure. Money was missing every time he was over and while he lived here. He's not a nice person, Daddy. Just believe me on that." Her eyes pleaded desperately for understanding. "Believe me on something…" she begged, losing some of her composure because of the hurt that came from her parents always second-guessing her.

  Raymond suddenly nodded. "I believe you, Nikki. I'm sorry you didn't feel safe saying something sooner." He reached across the table and squeezed her smaller hand.

  She squeezed his hand back, feeling his sincerity. "I'm grown, Daddy. I don't need to tell you and Mommy everything about me now. I could handle Tyler just fine on my own, but then he started going behind my back and talking to you two. There was no reason for him to do that."

  "He said he was concerned," Raymond argued, though not as strongly as she expected. She felt like she was getting through to him.

  "Of course he said that because he couldn't very well tell you the truth. Instead, he has to play like he's doing the good deed for the day. Daddy, if you can, I want you and Mommy to meet Danny. You can see for yourself what type of person she is and you can judge her from that."

  "You know, it'll be hard to convince your mother to do that. She liked Tyler for the most part and she never wants to meet your girlfriends."

  They both paused and cringed as several memories hit them about times when Nicole brought home girlfriends. She recalled how her mother hid the night of her prom instead of coming out to take pictures because Nicole had escorted another girl to the dance.

  "Will you talk to her? Danny has already agreed and she's already planning a menu. Come by Friday night and just see, please."

  Raymond's large hand scratched his squared jaw. "I'll try my best, Nikki, but I don't know if I can talk your mother into this."

  Nicole smiled. "I'm sure you can if you put your mind to it."

  Raymond chuckled. "I'll do it for you, Nikki. I have to meet this girl, anyway. I've never heard your voice laced with this kind of passion before, so I know she must mean a lot to you. So, I promise to try, but you know how your mom can be. I'm not a miracle worker, you know."

  Nicole smiled. "Thank you, Daddy."

  ***

  "Are you sure this is good enough?" Dane asked while tugging nervously on her plain black, short sleeve shirt. She felt like she should be wearing something more formal for such an occasion. She had never met anyone's parents before and it had been showing all evening through the questions that she asked—over and over again.

  "You look fine, honey," Nicole assured her while smoothing out her own clothing. She wore a white and yellow sundress that was designed to look like curves in sand.

  "And you're sure they'll be fine with salmon?" Dane inquired, mentally going over the things that she could have made.

  "The way you make it, yes, they'll be perfectly happy with salmon."

  "Should I have bought different shoes?" Dane glanced down at her black leather loafers, which were partially covered by her khakis. "I look like a bathroom attendant. God, what if I offer your parents a towel or hold my hand out for a tip?"

  "Baby, you're fine." Nicole knew Danny was anxious, but she thought that Danny was
taking things too seriously. She had told Dane that for the past three hours while Dane freaked out about the dinner.

  "I want to make a good first impression." Dane actually whined. I want these people to like me.

  "You'll be fine

  The doorbell echoed through the house and the couple rushed to the door; Dane limped heavily as her leg and knee were still healing. All of her congestion was gone, so she wouldn't have to worry about any coughing fits during dinner. They took a moment to compose themselves before Nicole opened he door. Dane was surprised that she didn't faint as soon as she laid eyes on Nicole's parents while Nicole motioned for her parents to enter.

  "Mommy, Daddy, I'm so happy that you decided to come. I'd like to introduce you to my soul mate, Danny Wolfe." Nicole took Dane's hand in her own. "And, Danny, I would like you to meet my mother and father, Kate and Raymond Cardell." She made a sweeping motion toward her parents with her free hand.

  "Kathleen," Kate corrected her daughter, eyes locked on Dane. The guitarist knew the hostile vibes coming from Kate in powerful, venomous waves were directed right at her.

  Dane glanced right over the resentment. "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am. I've heard a lot about you." She reached out and shook Kate's hand, even though the hand wasn't even offered. Kate pulled away quickly, which didn't faze Dane at all. She then turned her attention to Raymond and reached out to shake his hand.

  "Now, is it Danny or Dane?" Raymond asked politely giving Danny a firm handshake.

  "It's Danny to those who are near and dear to me and Dane to everyone else."

  "Danny it is then," Raymond declared with a smile, which brought a smile to Nicole's face. Kate glared at her husband, but he ignored her.

  "Good to know, sir," Danny replied with a smile of her own. One down, one to go.

  "Let's go to the table since dinner's ready. Danny put a lot of effort into the salmon tonight, so the least we can do is eat it while it's hot," Nicole quipped.

  "You cooked?" Raymond asked Dane.

  "She cooks almost every night," Nicole chimed in proudly.

  "Nikki, why don't you take your mother to the table? I'd like a minute alone with Danny," Raymond said.

  "Daddy—"

  "It's all right, Nick. I'll be fine and if not, at least dinner's ready," Dane joked. She had a feeling that Raymond wanted to give her a lecture that only a father could—she had seen them on television

  Nicole didn't question Danny. Nicole led her mother away, even though Kate resisted some in an attempt to stick around for the carnage. Raymond's smile faded as soon as he was alone with Dane, who gulped when she saw the severe change in his demeanor. Maybe he doesn't like me and it was a damned good act when Nick was here.

  "Okay, Danny, let's get this straight, I want Nikki to be happy. She says that you make her happy and from what I can tell, she's is. What I don't want is for you to do something stupid and she ends up in state that she was in a week ago. You obviously mean a lot to her, making you responsible for a lot. So, if I see my little girl unhappy, I'm holding you responsible," Raymond stated in a hard tone with a rough expression, pointing at Danny.

  "Sounds very fair, sir," Dane concurred with a nod.

  "Now, I don't think that you're the absolute darling that Nicole makes you out to be, but I doubt you could be the absolute demon that Tyler made you into, either, not with the sparkle you put on Nikki's face. I just want to make sure we're clear on a few things. You're never to bring drugs anywhere near this house

  Dane's response was swift and decisive. "I promise."

  "No hookers either."

  "I have never and never plan to use hookers, sir,"

  "No strippers or other seedy characters."

  "Done."

  "You will try to live up to these expectations that Nikki has of you."

  "I will try my best, sir."

  "Now then, I'm going to give you a tentative trial run," Raymond remarked, but nothing in his demeanor hinted that he was joking. "If in the end I feel like you're worth it, I'll talk to my wife and try to convince her. As you might guess, she's only here tonight to see Nikki."

  Dane nodded. "I'd appreciate that, sir, and I'll try my best to get you in my corner."

  "You know, I really wanted to put pressure on you and watch you crack, Danny. But, you're a lot more respectful than I expected and it's nice to see that. It's a big change. Usually, Nikki dates these arrogant jackasses that think they're doing Nikki a favor by going out with her or that think I should humble myself before them. Of course, they never say it out loud, but you can feel it, especially when I tried to give them this talk. Unfortunately, I never gave it to your cousin, thinking he was good enough for her, thinking he'd take care of her. I hope I'm not wrong in thinking you will."

  "I promise you, sir, I will do my best. She deserves all that and more,"

  The pair walked into the dining room to join their ladies. The couples sat on opposite sides of the rectangular table. Raymond and Kate took in the meal, which was already laid out on plates and in their places. Dinner looked almost professionally done with salmon, pilaf rice, and mixed vegetables on the plate. There were hot rolls in a basket in the center of the table and Nicole poured a glass of wine for herself and her parents. Danny had apple juice.

  "You cook really well, Danny. Where'd you learn to do it?" Raymond asked in an attempt to break the ice.

  "A friend taught me when I was younger, but I never really had a chance to put it into practice. Now, I mostly just follow the recipes in books. This is sort of a mix between Nicole and my cooking. She told me what type of spices and stuff to use that weren't in the book."

  "Well, you do a good job. Doesn't she, Kate?" Raymond said.

  "Nikki probably made the food," Kate assumed in a cold tone. From that answer they could all guess what type of night it was going to be, but Kate wasn't done yet. "So, Dane, what type of work do you do and are you just after Nikki's money?"

  Nicole groaned while Dane tried to figure out how to answer that question without making it seem like Kate was right. Raymond watched as Danny kept her cool under his wife's intense and hard questioning. It was going to be a long night. Dane was about to answer that she taught the guitar, but she wasn't too sure if she did that anymore. She had taken a three-week vacation without telling her clients and no one had called for an appointment, so that gig was probably done. She couldn't say that she played in a band, either, because that was far from true. She might never play in a band again considering her hand. She realized she was unemployed again, but it bothered her now. She liked giving music lessons.

  "No, I'm not after Nick's money, I can assure you of that," Dane answered in a respectful manner, even though she could already see that she'd get none in return from Kate.

  "Oh, no? So I take it you would be able to support Nicole?" Kate inquired, making a show of stabbing her fork into her salmon.

  A small smile grew on Dane's face. "I'd like to believe that I'll be able to support Nick through any and everything from this moment on. No, I might not make as much money as she does, but if she needs a shoulder to cry on, she can have both of mine. If she needs an ear to listen, she can have both of mine. If she needs a hug, I'll give her as many as she needs and a whole lot more."

  Kate was momentarily silenced by that response and glared at Dane while putting her fork down. Nicole and Raymond smiled.

  "That's a pretty clever answer, huh, Kate?" Raymond asked before turning to Dane. "I can almost see what Nikki likes about you." His wife frowned at his blatant amusement.

  Kate glared at Dane. "Sounds like you've already written your vows, but please, don't go out and buy a wedding ring just yet. Will you be able to support Nikki financially?"

  Nicole chimed in. "Mommy, I don't see why that's a concern of yours. I've been able to take care of myself financially just fine. I don't require someone to step in and suddenly take over. What I get from Danny goes beyond money and always will."

  "Nikki, don't be silly. Mo
st people in the world are after money and she is more than likely after yours since it's very obvious that she has less than you, if any at all," Kate argued.

  "Now, wait a minute," Dane jumped right back into what she viewed as her fight. "You make it sound as if only someone with equal or more money would love Nick, which isn't true. Yes, it's possible that I could be after her money, but it's also possible that I love her plain and simple. I'm pretty sure it's the latter since I could easily get money. Don't sell your daughter short."

  "I'm not selling her short. Nikki is a bright and beautiful woman, who deserves the best, which you clearly are not," Kate stated with such bluntness that Dane felt slapped in the face by her tone.

  Nicole cleared her throat. "I would appreciate it if you didn't speak about me like I'm not here and at my own table, Mommy. Having this relationship is my choice and I get to decide who I deserve. I think I'll take my chances with Danny, thank you very much. Now, can we move onto other topics of conversation and eat before this lovely meal gets cold?"

  Kate frowned deeply. "If my opinion and thoughts on the matter do not count toward anything, what was the purpose of this meeting?"

  Nicole didn't miss a beat. "For you to meet my love. Now, who do you think looks good in baseball for next season, Daddy?"

  Raymond chuckled and proceeded to get into a discussion with Nicole about the one sport she followed. Dane was surprised to find out how much Nicole liked baseball since they had never watched a game the whole time she lived at the house. On a few occasions, Nicole mentioned baseball, but nothing like she was doing now. Listening to the conversation, Dane quickly found out why. Nicole's favorite player had retired a couple of seasons ago and she only watched his team for him. Raymond threw out possible rookies that Nicole might like.

  "So, Danny, do you watch any sports?" Raymond asked.

  "Uh, not really, sir," Dane answered, praying Nicole didn't pick this moment to tease her about how she sometimes watched beach volleyball.

  "No? You look like the type," he commented. She guessed he figured that didn't sound too offensive, even though he was stereotyping.