by A. J. Logan
“I’m sorry,” I say, perching next to him. “I don’t know what else to say, but I know that if Dad drives a wedge between us now, it’ll never go away. And I don’t want that to happen. You’re my brother. You protected me. Please don’t shut me out now.”
“I’m scared,” he whispers. It’s something I’ve never heard him admit. “I’m scared if he gets out, I’ll put a bullet through his head because I can’t let him hurt anyone else. I won’t let him ever put his hands on Mom again. Yes, it bothers me that she didn’t stop him. But Nathan did, at least for a while. And I’m ashamed that Elliot had to stop me from reaching you tonight. I would like to think that I wouldn’t have laid a hand on you, but I was so angry, I couldn’t think straight. Just like him.”
“You’re not him.”
“No, and I don’t want to be. I’m sorry.” He looks towards the door then back to me. “Please tell Elliot I’m grateful he would defend you, keep someone from hurting you, even me.”
There’s still a tension between the two of them, one I hope fades soon. “You tell him yourself.”
“He listens to you. He doesn’t listen to me.”
“He doesn’t listen to anyone.”
“True.”
“Olivia showed up at the house this morning.”
“I didn’t realize she’d been released.”
“Neither did he until she showed up. Maybe he could use a best friend to chat with.”
“Maybe we all could. Let’s go.”
“No. I really think you should go without me.”
Asher nods, standing from his bed. Then he pulls me to standing and into a hug. “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
He releases me, making his way out of his bedroom and I head to my room. Hopefully the two of them can work out their bromance because I don’t want the tension between them anymore. Both need their best friend, even if they are too stubborn to admit it.
29
Elliot
The damn lounge chair. That’s where I’m sitting when I spot Asher stepping onto the patio and make his way over to sit in the one beside me. There have been many times he’s shown up at my house to find me here. This time feels different. Shame has weighed heavily on me since I’d left his house. I was fully ready to fight him, and that’s not something I’ve ever wanted to do before. He’s the one I fight beside not against.
“It’s Victoria’s fault I’m here,” Asher says, clearly annoyed. “She wouldn’t tell you and said I had to even though we both agree you don’t listen.”
“This is a good pep talk,” I laugh, looking over to him.
“It’s not a pep talk.”
“Good thing,” I joke.
“I’m sorry.”
“Apology accepted.”
“That’s it? You don’t even know why I’m apologizing.”
“Doesn’t matter. I forgive you and happy as hell Victoria always gets her way and made you drag your ass over here.”
“Whatever. I prepared a whole speech on the way over here.”
“Is it a good one?”
“How the hell am I supposed to know?”
“Well, let’s hear it.”
“You really are a pain in the ass.” Asher shakes his head, looking out over the yard.
“I try.”
“Thank you. For protecting her.”
“I don’t think you would’ve hurt her. That’s not you, even angry, you’re not like him.”
“It makes me sick that it was from me, but now I know you really will do anything for her. You wouldn’t fight me when I hit you, but you looked like you were ready to kill me when I was a threat to her.”
I can’t respond because that was a good speech. One that reminds me how much I care about her and how happy I am to have my best friend back—to have both of them in my life, and neither wants to deck me in the nose. That probably won’t last for long, but at least they are both in my life. It can’t get any better than that.
The joy is short lived when I hear my father say my name. Looking across the patio, he waves me into the house before walking back through the door.
Damn it.
When I don’t immediately run into the house, he pokes his head out, then walks over to where we are reclined.
“I need to speak with you, Elliot.”
“I’m listening.”
My dad looks over to Asher then back to me. “We should speak in private.”
“I’ll tell him later so you’d really be doing me a favor to just say whatever is on your mind right here.”
He looks pretty pissed but he gives in. “Your mother has been released.”
“Yep. I know.”
“Was she here? What did she say?”
“What was she not supposed to say?”
“I don’t have time for your riddles.”
“They’re not that complex. I just want to know what you’re so frazzled about. You’ve already moved on, so why do you care?”
“I want to work it out. She’s the one refusing me.”
“Can’t imagine why. It’s not like you got your mistress knocked up or anything.”
“I’m trying the best I can.”
“Damn. I’d hate to see if you weren’t trying.”
“I don’t know why I even bother.”
“Yeah, me neither.”
My father finally gives up, heading back into the house. I sincerely don’t know why he’s bothering. He hadn’t tried before, why wait until he has his new Start-a-Family ready to go?
“How is your mom?” Asher asks.
“I don’t know how she is. I couldn’t tell before and I sure as hell can’t tell now. But she did invite me to lunch, of all things.”
“Well, you have to eat sometime, so maybe just try it out and see how things go.”
“Stick to speeches because that’s a crappy plan.” Not that mine are any better. “Want to go with us?”
“I will if you want me to, but I think Victoria is better suited for this one. She’s close to your mom and they can talk about art all night. They never let us get a word in.”
That’s right. And that makes me feel better about the lunch date. The few minutes we’d stood in the garage had been awkward, so I couldn’t imagine sitting down to eat for an hour or more and having to make conversation. We’d need buffers. “Double date.”
“What?”
“Double date. Wait. Is Quinn still speaking to you or did you screw that up again?”
“Not yet.”
“Good deal. Double date. Bring Quinn and I’m sure between her and Victoria, all the awkwardness will be filled in.”
“My plans aren’t the only bad ones apparently.”
“Tomorrow. Lunch. Bring Quinn if you haven’t pissed her off by then.”
“Whatever.” Asher moves his arm over his eyes, leaning his head back.
“That’s the spirit,” I joke, but I’m right alongside him. It sounds like a terrible plan, but that won’t derail me.
As night falls, Asher stands from the chair, stretching, as he looks to me. “I’m going to head to Quinn’s house.”
“Okay. I’m gonna head to your house.”
He shakes his head as he walks away and I follow, getting into my car. I wasn’t crazy about leaving earlier, and I’m even less crazy about spending the night without her.
Once I reach her bedroom, I’m thankful to everything on the planet that the door is unlocked. I was fully prepared to sit on a numb ass until she let me in, but I’m grateful I don’t have to tonight. I quietly shut the door behind me, spotting her snuggled comfortably in the bed. I lift my shirt off, pulling it over my head as I drop it to the floor, then unbutton my jeans. Kicking them aside, I adjust the waistband of my boxers, which stay in place.
Pulling the comforter back, I slip beneath it as I move behind her, her body molding with mine as my arms hold her tight against me. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For sending yo
ur brother to babysit me.”
“You weren’t so happy the last time I did that.”
“Because I needed you last time. This time, I needed to hear he didn’t hate me.”
“You know he could never hate you. The bromance is too strong for that.”
I laugh, breathing in her. Eventually I drift off to sleep, relaxed against her. I pray I get some sleep, because I’ll need it for tomorrow.
30
Victoria
“Are you sure you still want to go?” I ask Elliot, sliding off the bed.
“Yes, I’m positive,” he responds, but I’m not convinced this is the best idea. Richard is still lurking in the shadows, and even without that threat, Elliot is still understandably emotional.
“I had to wake you up three times last night. Are you certain it’s a good idea to jump in so suddenly?”
“If you don’t want to go, just tell me.” Elliot takes a serious tone that I don’t like because it reminds me of when he was tormenting me, putting on a happy show for everyone else.
“I want to. I just wanted to double check that you’re okay.”
“Of course I am. It’ll be fun, right?”
Fun. Not the word that comes to mind when I think of the upcoming lunch date. “Sure.”
“It’ll be fantastic if you wear a dress.”
I ignore his comment and head into the bathroom. Turning on the faucet, steam rises up from the water as I step underneath it, praying that the day goes off without a hitch. Both Olivia and Elliot deserve that much after everything they’ve been through, but I already know it won’t be that simple. Nothing ever is.
Step one complete. We have been shown to our table, Elliot sits to my right, Olivia seated on the other side of him. Asher pulls Quinn’s chair out for her as she takes the seat on my left, completely shocking the crap out of me. I’ve never seen him act that way with anyone, and I’m so glad it’s with Quinn because she has easily become my best friend. I hate the circumstances that brought her into our lives, but I’m so thankful she’s here.
Asher sits beside her, filling all the chairs at the round table situated in the corner of the café. It’s a quaint little place with homecooked comfort food, perfect for our occasion because we need comfort right about now.
Reaching over, I grab Elliot’s hand, clasping it in mine. I would be lying if I said it was to ease him. I need something to steady me. I’ve never been nervous around Olivia, but it’s so different now. Not only because of what happened but because I’m dating her son.
Elliot was right though. Having Quinn and Asher join us takes off some of the pressure.
“Did you meet each other at school?” Olivia asks Quinn.
“Yep,” Quinn says, looking over to Elliot. “Elliot was the worst tour guide ever. I didn’t learn where anything was and it ended with me pushing Asher into the lake.”
“You’re welcome.” Elliot winks at Quinn, earning a glare from Asher.
“I can’t believe I missed it.” I laugh, relaxing as Quinn describes the plunge into the lake in detail. Everyone around the table is amused, even Asher has a smile on his face. Everything is going well, everyone enjoying themselves. It’s so wonderful, my heart is filled to the brim with joy as I watch Elliot and Olivia fall into conversation with ease. That was something I wasn’t sure I’d see anytime soon.
Before we know it, we’re done and heading out of the café. Olivia walks with us, having parked a few spots down from Elliot’s car.
She hesitantly pulls him into a hug, and he hugs her back. “Stop by your grandpa’s house later if you have a chance. I’ll be there all day.”
Smiling at me, she pulls me into a warm embrace as she whispers, “Thank you.”
I didn’t do anything. I just tagged along. With any luck, it’s the first of many times.
“Hope to see both of you later,” Olivia says.
“We’ll be there,” Elliot replies, to which Olivia beams as she steps away. She tells us that she loves us and grabs her keys out of her purse as I look to Elliot. He’s not fully relaxed, but it’s a start.
“You don’t mind swinging by my grandpa’s house later, do you?”
“No, not at all.” Because it’s a clear indication that Elliot is on the way to healing. Just as he’s pulling open the passenger door of the NSX, a car horn sounds. I look over to see a silver car, and I know that car. Time slows as I watch the familiar car head straight towards us, only it’s not aiming for Elliot and me. It’s pointed straight at Olivia and where she’s walking to her car, fumbling in her purse. A scream leaves my lips as I warn Olivia, but it’s too late. Her head whips to the side as the front bumper connects with her knees, sending her up onto the hood before crashing into the windshield and finally tumbling to the ground.
The only other thing I remember, the one thing I will never forget, is the bloodcurdling scream that leaves Elliot’s mouth as he rushes over to her. Stooping down on the ground, he shrieks, “Mom.” The car takes off, zooming away as I watch it fly by.
Heidi.
That was the same car stopped at the traffic light yesterday—the one with the car behind it blaring their horn when I pulled over to talk to Olivia—and it’s also the same car that Heidi had been driving when she came to Elliot’s house.
It wasn’t Richard who wanted to end Olivia’s life. Or maybe it was.
Fumbling with my phone, I quickly dial emergency services, and everything else is a blur. Except for Elliot’s panicked pleas for his mom to not leave him as he kneels in her blood on the cement all around her.
31
Elliot
Red. It’s everywhere. On my jeans, on my shirt, on my hands.
I flinch as Victoria grabs my hand, squeezing. There’s blood on her too. It’s everywhere. How is it everywhere again? Flashbacks from the night I’d found her at home flash through my mind. Can she pull through this time? Please let her pull through again. I don’t want her to die. I was supposed to be visiting her at my grandpa’s house, not here. Not sitting in the waiting room at the hospital, the same hospital. The same waiting room. I can’t do this again.
Jumping up, I race to the nearest bathroom, going straight to the sink. Turning the knob, water flows out as I scrub my hands, the water turning as red as her blood when it goes down the drain. Why did this happen to her? She didn’t want to die, she wanted to live. She made plans with me. She wanted to get better. She was getting better.
I don’t notice Victoria in the bathroom with me until her hands cover mine, pulling them out from under the scalding water as she grabs some paper towels, drying them off. “It’s all off. Asher is grabbing you something to change into.”
My knees buckle as I hit the floor. “I can’t lose her.”
“She’s going to be okay. She has to be okay. I’m so sorry.” Victoria sobs, kneeling on the floor next to me, leaning forward as she clings to my neck. “I’m so sorry.”
The door pushes open and Quinn peeks her head through the doorway, slowly walking inside the bathroom. “There’s a police officer here who wants to ask you some questions.”
Yes. Finding the person responsible and making them pay by any means necessary is the only thing that will make this better. Shoving off the floor, I walk back into the waiting room, Victoria and Quinn following behind. The officer asks my name, takes some basic information, and asks me to recount the moments of the accident. It didn’t look like an accident. I struggle to detail the moment, flashes of it smothering me as the scene plays out over and over. Again.
“And you were also a witness?” the police officer asks Victoria as she nods. “Give me your name and everything you remember.”
Victoria slowly turns her eyes to mine, my heart drops. The look on her face is so pained that it hurts to breathe.
She turns to look at the officer as she steps away from me. “It was Heidi.”
“Excuse me?” the officer asks in disbelief. I look to her with the same feeling only ten times stronger and with a
lot more urgency. “Did you see the driver?”
“No, but the car. It’s her car. She drove it to the house a few weeks ago. And it was at the stoplight. It was stopped at a green light and the person behind it was honking. I didn’t know it was her. I didn’t know.” Victoria looks to me as she whispers, “I should’ve said something.”
“You couldn’t have known,” I tell her, unsure why the look on her face grows worse, graver, and then I realize. “What are you not saying?”
“Do you know Heidi’s last name?” the officer asks, jotting down notes on a small notepad.
“No.”
The words won’t leave my mouth, but I want to ask the question again. There’s something she’s holding back.
“Would Heidi have a reason to harm your mom?” the officer asks, but I don’t respond. Victoria does.
“Olivia thought it was Richard who wanted her dead. She didn’t know it was Heidi.” Victoria won’t look to me. Her eyes dart to the floor, the officer, scan the room, landing everywhere and anywhere but on me.
“What? What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Calm down, son,” the officer replies sternly but dismissively.
How? How does he suppose I calm down when my world is incinerating around me?
“I’m not your fucking son. I want to know what the fuck is going on.”
“We all want to get to the bottom of this. The only way that will happen is if you remain levelheaded so I can do my job.” He turns to Victoria, who still won’t look at me. “What did Mrs. Bass say exactly?”
“That she didn’t attempt suicide. She said Richard tried to kill her, but she couldn’t say anything more because she feared for her life and Elliot’s. She said she didn’t know who to trust because the police report was changed. She did not want to die.” Turning to me, finally, she says, “She did not want to leave you, Elliot. I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you. She said your life was at stake.”
“When?” I ask through gritted teeth.