by M. A. Foster
To the right of the foyer is a sweeping staircase leading to the second floor and just beyond the stairs is the dining room.
To the left is a small formal sitting area. A hallway leads to an office that connects to a music room with a small recording studio, followed by a master suite for my mom, and two bathrooms at the far end.
Straight ahead is a wall of windows overlooking the pool and beyond the pool area is a man-made lake, a dock, and a boathouse.
I hear a gasp from Grace as she steps into the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, a commercial grade subzero refrigerator, and gas range with a double oven. A large granite-top island—white with swirls of gray and cream—lined with barstools doubles as a breakfast bar. A farmhouse table sits off to the side with a chandelier hanging over it.
The kitchen overlooks the great room, which is spacious and decorated with slip-covered sofas surrounding a coffee table that looks like a tree trunk. A large flat-screen hangs on the wall over a uniquely carved wooden entertainment unit.
Behind the kitchen is another staircase leading to the second floor. There’s also a laundry/mudroom, small guest bathroom, a gym, and a door that leads to the garage.
I love it.
The house is big—three stories—but it’s cozy.
Tomorrow I plan to look around, but for now I want to see my room—specifically, my closet. My suite is on the second floor, along with five additional guest rooms with adjoining bathrooms, and two additional guest bathrooms. At the end of the hall is a door that leads to a separate apartment over the garage, which is where Bass will live. And on the third floor is the media/game room and another door leading to an additional apartment for Grace.
My king-size bed, piled high with white linens, is centered against the left wall on top of an oversized area rug and flanked by two shabby-chic nightstands topped with lamps. The tufted headboard is made with gray satin fabric, and a matching bench sits at the foot of the bed. The aquamarine silk drapes add a perfect amount of color to complement the room. A small seating area is arranged on the far side of the room in front of the French doors leading to the terrace. I’m tempted to skip the shower and dive right into bed, but first I have a closet to inspect.
A set of double doors opens to a massive closet which resembles a boutique or a small department store, filled with aisles of clothes which are all mine. I’m a bit of a fashion whore, sue me. A small seating area is arranged in the corner of the room in front of a three-way mirror.
On the far wall are two separate but smaller closets for shoes, handbags, and accessories. Inside the shoe closet is a built-in dresser, and on top is a large vase filled with fresh ranunculus in shades of light pink and cream.
“You have entirely too much shit,” Cole says, coming in behind me.
I scoff. “There’s no such thing.”
Every square foot of this house is beautiful and perfect.
And suddenly I get the strangest feeling.
Goose bumps cover my arms as a sense of calm comes over me. It’s as if my dad is here, with his arms around me, and he’s telling me everything is going to be okay.
You’re home now, Jaybird.
AFTER EVERYONE LEAVES, I head back up to my room to shower, then shoot a text to Evangeline and Lucas, letting them know that I’ve arrived and will talk to them tomorrow.
Beside my phone is an envelope addressed to Jaybird in familiar handwriting. A shudder runs through me as I sit on the edge of the bed and reach for the envelope. As I brush my fingers over the letters, I realize my hands are shaking. Shifting on the bed, I scoot so that my back is against the headboard and open the envelope slowly, careful not to rip it.
Jaybird,
Welcome home, baby girl. I hope it’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of because it’s all for you. I’m providing you with a foundation, but it’s up to you to build the life you want for yourself. Fill it with new memories and remember that no matter which path you choose to follow, it will always lead you back home. I hope I’ve made you as proud as you’ve made me. I love you so much, my sweet girl.
Love always and forever,
Daddy
DO I SMELL bacon?
Blinking the sleep away from my eyes, I throw the covers back, roll out of bed, and head to the bathroom, cringing when my eyes meet the mirror. I look like a hot mess. My eyes are red and puffy from crying myself to sleep after reading the note from my father. It makes me sick to my stomach thinking how hard it had to be for him to write that note, knowing his fate had already been decided.
With a fresh face and minty breath, I throw on a pair of shorts and tank, snag my sunglasses from my bag and slide them over my swollen eyes before making my way down to the kitchen.
Cole is sitting at the island messing with his phone while Mimi and Grace flutter around the kitchen. “Good morning, sunshine,” Mimi sings from the coffeepot as Grace sets down a plate in front of Cole.
With an excited squeal, I rush toward Mimi and wrap my arms around her petite frame. Pulling back, I look around. “Where’s Mac Daddy?”
“Mac Daddy” is my grandfather, Max Mackenzie. Everyone calls him “Mac” but I call him “Mac Daddy” because he’s cool like that.
“He had a meeting, but he promises he’ll be over later.” She frowns. “What’s with the sunglasses?”
Shrugging, I turn away from her, snatching up a bacon strip from the platter as I move to sit beside Cole, ruffling his hair as I pass, which he immediately tries to fix. Such a diva.
“I thought you had practice this morning,” I say, sliding onto the stool beside him.
Cole eyes my sunglasses, then looks down at his watch. “I do, in about thirty minutes. So, what’s with the sunglasses?” he asks, reaching for them.
Leaning back, I swat his hand away. “Stop. I’m fine, Cole.”
“What do you think of the house?” Mimi interrupts as she sets down a mug of steaming hot coffee in front of me.
Wrapping my hands around the mug, I look around and say, “It’s beautiful, Mimi,” before bringing the mug to my lips, blowing on it before taking a sip. “I haven’t been in all of the rooms or out back yet, but so far, I love it. Of course, the closet is my favorite room in the house.” I smile.
“That closet is ridiculous.” Cole rolls his eyes. “I don’t get why women need an entire room for their shit.”
“Oh, hush, you.” Mimi smacks him on the arm, as do I.
I turn my attention back to Mimi. “Seriously, Mimi, you guys did such a beautiful job. I appreciate you and Aunt Jess and I’d like to do something nice for you both. Maybe a spa day or dinner with the whole family.”
Mimi winks. “You’re welcome, and that’s not necessary. You’re my granddaughter. I’d do anything for you.”
“Speak for yourself, Mimi,” Cole says before turning to me. “I helped too. There’s a new place that just opened in Pelican Cove. Feel free to thank me by taking me to dinner.”
I snort a laugh. “You got it.” I reach up and ruffle his hair again. “How much crap do you put in that hair, pretty boy?”
Jerking his head back, he swats at my hand before combing his fingers through his hair.
“Shut up.” He laughs and stands to shove his phone into his front pocket. “I gotta get to practice, but I’ll be back afterward to pick you up. I’m taking you to my friend Brad’s end-of-summer party.”
I go still for a fraction of a second, remembering Zach’s message, ‘I’m on my way to my friend Brad’s end-of-summer party.’
“Okay. Just text me and let me know what time. And don’t forget what I said earlier.” I’d warned him not to tell anyone—Zach—that I’m in town. I want to surprise him.
Cole shakes head. “Chill out, girl. I won’t.” He smacks a kiss on the top of my head and another on Mimi’s cheek before rounding the island to plant one on Grace’s cheek, thanking her for breakfast. Then he’s out the door. Cole comes off as an asshole to most people, especially to those who don’t know hi
m, but when it comes to family, he’s good people.
“YO, MACKENZIE!” BRAD calls out as we walk into the locker room where Cole is sitting on the bench, lacing up his cleats. “Where’d you go last night?” he asks, reaching out to give Cole a fist bump. “Or should I ask, who’d you disappear with? I know it wasn’t Ashton because she was still at the party being her usual annoying-ass self.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “So, who was she?”
Cole shakes his head. “I wasn’t hooking up. I had some family sh—stuff.”
I lift my eyebrows, intrigued.
“Yo, I was up at Mac’s the other night,” Justin says. “Who’s the new redheaded chick?” He blows out a low whistle. “She’s bangin’.”
Cole’s brows pull together in confusion before he shakes his head. “No idea. Haven’t see her.”
Dex closes his locker and turns to face us. “I have and, dude, she’s a dime piece,” he confirms, nodding. “But don’t tell my girl I said that. She’ll have my balls. My baby gets jealous.”
“Pussy,” Justin taunts with a laugh, then dodges Dex’s fist. “Scared of his girl.”
“Let’s go, ladies! Quit your gossiping and get your asses on the field,” Coach Morgan orders, passing us on his way through the locker room and out the door. One by one, we all file out and jog toward the field.
Cole and I fall to the back of the line. “I saw Jay on the cover of Rhythm & Riffs. Well the cartoon version of her.” I chuckle. “Lexi has a girl crush on her.”
Cole snorts. “Yeah, I saw it too.”
“How’s Jay doing?” I ask.
“She’s better.”
“I can’t imagine what she’s been through.”
Without looking at me, he scratches his jaw and replies, “She took it pretty hard. Harder than anyone expected and she made herself sick.”
“Sick how?”
Cole shakes his head. “Just sick. But she’s better now.”
Before I can push him for more information, Coach Morgan yells, “Easton, Mackenzie! Move it!”
COACH BLOWS HIS whistle before cupping his hands around his mouth. “All right, guys, that’s it for today.”
“So, Reagan texted me last night after I left the party,” Cole tells me when we get back to the locker room.
“Of course, she did,” I huff. “Took her long enough. Let me guess. ‘Come over’?”
“Something like that.”
“She sent the same message to Evan. What’d you tell her?”
“Nothing.” He scowls. “I’d rather ignore her. I know you say you don’t care, but bottom line, she fucked you over.”
I shrug. “Yeah, but it’s not like she hurt me. She just pissed me off. Ignoring her will only make her try harder. She loves to play games and you’re presenting her with a challenge.”
“She needs a dose of reality,” he says. “Ashton and I aren’t in a relationship, but I think it’s pretty shitty of Reagan to be texting me behind Ashton’s back.”
“I agree. Especially when Ashton stood up for her last night after Lexi nearly ripped her hair out.”
He chuckles. “I wish I’d been there to see that. Evan’s got his hands full with that one.”
“I saw Lindsay last night at Brad’s.”
“Miller?”
I nod. “I’m bringing her to the party today.”
“She wants the D,” Brad cuts in. Always the clown.
I shake my head.
“You trying to hit that?” Cole asks me before he turns to smirk at Evan. “I wonder how Grayson would feel about it.”
Evan shrugs. “He’s the idiot for cheating on her.”
“Better watch out, Mackenzie. Our boy Zach is gonna steal your playa card,” Dex singsongs and pops him in the ass with his sweat-soaked tank top.
“Zach doesn’t have what it takes to be a player,” Cole teases, grinning. What’s he doing? “His conscience won’t allow it.” True.
“That’s because I have one.” I chuckle. “But I’ve done the girlfriend thing and we all saw how well that worked out. Besides, I don’t need any distractions this year. I’ve gotta keep my head in the game.”
“A hundred bucks says you’ll have a girlfriend by the second week of school,” Cole challenges with a smirk.
“What?”
“A hundred bucks—”
“I heard you,” I say, scowling at my best friend. “Where is this coming from?”
Cole grins and holds out his hand.
“Fine.” I clasp his hand with mine and tug him toward me. “Be ready to crack open your piggy bank.” I smack him hard on the ass before shoving him back.
“Hold up!” Evan walks over. “I want in on this.”
“Okay, what the fuck is going on?” I say to the ever-growing group around me.
“Something tells me I gotta get in on this,” Brad says with a grimace. “Sorry, Zach. Count me in, Mackenzie.”
“Me, too,” Dex jumps in.
“Are you guys serious?”
“Sorry, Zach, but I gotta get in on this, too,” Justin says.
“You guys are dicks.” I look around. “Is this a joke? Did you sign me up on Tinder or something?”
“Oh, come on, Zach,” Evans says, smacking me on the back. “Having a girlfriend isn’t a bad thing. You just gotta find the right girl.”
“Easy for you to say, Evan. Your girlfriend isn’t a whore,” I argue, but they all just stare back at me with stupid smirks on their faces. “Okay, assholes, you better have my money when it’s time to pay up.”
“YOU FUCKERS READY to party?” Brad shouts, stepping between Cole and me, throwing his arms over both of our shoulders.
“I need to pick something up first. Give me a half hour or so.” Cole turns and calls out to Evan. “E, you want me to swing by and pick you up on the way?” It’s rare that Cole ever drinks, so most of the time he’s the designated driver.
“Nah. Lexi’s driving,” Evan replies before climbing in his truck.
Cole turns to me. “You need me to pick you up?”
“Nah. I gotta pick up Lindsay.”
“All right. I’ll see you in thirty.” Cole whips his shirt around and pops Brad in the chest.
“Ow! Dick.”
“Later, pussies.” Cole laughs as he jogs over to his truck.
“I think my nipple’s bleeding,” Brad hisses, rubbing his chest.
LINDSAY STEPS OUT of her house wearing a short yellow dress with the neon green strings of her bikini top tied around her neck and a beach bag slung over her shoulder. Her eyes are hidden behind a pair of oversized sunglasses that take up half of her small face and her long blonde hair is twisted into a side braid and draped over her right shoulder.
Behind the lenses of my own sunglasses, I scan over her features. Lindsay is cute in the whole girl-next-door kind of way and it makes me wonder what it is about her that attracted Grayson. He likes slutty girls, like Reagan. Lindsay is far from slutty.
She’s one of the good ones.
It’s too bad I’m not interested in her like that.
I’ve sort of been in a shitty mood all day. No, I’ve been in a shitty mood since last night after seeing my girl on the cover of a popular rock magazine.
But that’s not even what pissed me off.
What pissed me off is the hurt I felt.
The not knowing.
My heart still wants her.
I still want her.
I still love her.
But I can’t have her.
I PULL UP to Brad’s and park in my usual spot while Lindsay texts her friends. I pull off my t-shirt and sunglasses and toss them in the front seat before Lindsay and I make our way along the paved walkway and step through the gate that leads to the backyard and the beach. I bump fists with Joe, an old friend of the Mannings, who Brad pays big bucks to guard the gate, watch over things, and keep his mouth shut. I pass Joe my keys, which he tags before tossing them into a bucket with the rest.
Lindsay and I continue
up the walkway, rounding the side of the house, and nearly collide into Reagan.
“What the hell?” I bark out.
“Zach, can I talk to you for a minute?” Her eyes flick between Lindsay and me.
“Stalk much,” Lindsay mumbles under her breath. Lindsay’s got a little fight in her. I like it.
“Jesus, Reagan, I just got here. What do you want?”
“I just need to talk to you for a second.” Her gaze moves to Lindsay. “Alone.”
Lindsay looks up at me and rolls her eyes. “Go ahead. Kristen just texted me that she’s inside. Come find me whenever you’re done.”
Lindsay walks off and Reagan watches her until she disappears into the sea of bodies before turning back to me with raised brows. “Lindsay Miller, really?” She puts her hands on her hips, cocking one hip to the side. “I always knew she wanted to bang you.”
This girl is certifiable. “So, what if she does? It’s none of your business. You’ve got some nerve talking shit about Lindsay when you’re the one who cheated on me with her boyfriend. If anything, you should be apologizing to her for what you did.”
“Ugh! Whatever.” She waves me off with a flick of her wrist. “Will you please talk to Lexi? I know she’s here somewhere and I don’t want to spend the entire day looking over my shoulder.”
I laugh. Go, Lexi. “You invited her boyfriend over to your house. What do you expect?”
“I didn’t mean to send that text to Evan. I swear.”
“You’re so full of shit. I know you’ve been texting my friends and if you’re doing it to make me jealous, you’re wasting your time. I don’t care who you bang, so get over yourself. If you get your ass kicked, it’s your own fault. Stop chasing after guys who aren’t available.”
Her jaw drops and eyes go wide. “Your friends are the ones texting me.”
“Really? Then show me the texts.” I hold out my hand. “Show me the texts and I’ll tell Lexi to leave you alone.”