“Holy shit, how much are you worth?”
I’m not answering that and he’s making me angry that he even asked. What’s that got to do with anything? It’s none of his concern. If he gets weird about money, he’s not who I thought he was.
“You shouldn’t ask me that.”
“Why not?”
“It’s rude and frankly none of your business.” I push further away from him.
“Why are you saying that? It was just a question. What are you freaking out about?”
“If it’s just a question and it doesn’t matter then we’ll just drop it.” I can’t just sit here anymore, I’m getting aggravated. I get up and go to my bedroom and shut the door. I just need a few minutes alone. Am I overreacting? I know anyone would be curious when faced with all this. I should have seen it coming. It was naïve to think he’d just blindly accept everything. I guess I’m so used to not hiding when I’m here that it never entered my mind.
There’s a quiet knock on my bedroom door. I take a deep breath.
“Come in.” My voice sounds weak. I don’t like it.
Asher slowly opens the door to see me sat on the edge of my bed. He comes and sits next to me and takes a hold of my hand. We sit in silence for a few minutes before he speaks.
“I’m sorry, baby. You’re right, it’s none of my business. I don’t need to know anything about your money, it just popped out. I’m just a bit flabbergasted to be honest. When I see all this,” he motions around the room with his hand “it feels like there’s a whole side of you I don’t know.”
“I understand that. It’s not your fault, I blew everything you said out of proportion. Your right about you not knowing all about me and I’m sure there’s things you haven’t shared either. We just need time and do it when we’re ready.
I’m a bit touchy about the money because if I had a choice, I’d rather have my Dad. I think - what’s four Winnebagos compared to my Dad? Nothing. I suppose that’s why I’m doing all this. I’m trying to build a new family, and families do everything they can for each other. I’m in the fortunate position that I can give this to them. I don’t know, maybe I’m forcing everything too fast and it’ll all fall down around my ears but I’ve got to try. I know I’ll hate myself if I don’t.
“I came here looking for something different. I felt like I was drowning in the familiar at home and no one was left there to pull me out. I guess this is my version of a fresh start. My Dad asked me to be charitable, and although this isn’t charity it feels good to be able to do this for my friends. Making their lives easier is all I want to do. It’s a small thing to me compared to what they did. They took a chance on a girl who was wandering the streets looking for an alternative to the sorority thing. I’m so lucky and blessed that they did.
“I guess when you asked about the money it just came back to me that that’s all I really have to offer anyone, all I’m worth as you put it and I didn’t want it that way with us. Money has a way of changing things. We’re still so new and I don’t want what we have to change.”
I peer up from looking at the floor to Asher. He looks devastated by what I’ve said. He suddenly tackles me to the bed and binds me to him with his arms and throws one of his legs over mine.
Asher
My girl just poured out her heart and I don’t know what to say. She looks so small and lonely sat there tearing herself to pieces. An overwhelming urge to shelter her moves like a tsunami through me. I push her flat to the bed and then bundle her against me. I hook her legs to mine and just hold her close. I’m not one to talk about my feelings but Bow deserves more from me right now.
“You took a chance on me too you know. I’m such a lucky bastard that you did. You’ve got so much to offer and the least of them all is money. You’re never judgemental, you light up my whole day when I manage to make you laugh or smile, you’d do anything for anyone if you thought you were helping them, you ignore everything petty and focus on what’s important and your kind, through and through. You were lucky that you found such great friends but they are just as lucky to have found you. And I’m luckier than all of you combined because I get to call you mine.”
I feel her body shake with tears and she frees her arms and clings to me. I let myself sink into this feeling of utter contentment and listen as Bow’s breathing deepens as she falls asleep in my arms. I reach up to grab a pillow and let myself drift off too.
***
I wake up slowly and my time with Bow earlier and what she said floods back to me. I pull her tight and stroke the soft skin of her arm. A throat clears nearby, scaring the absolute shit out of me. I tear my eyes open and whip my head around to find Michael and Glen stood silently fuming in the doorway. I put my finger to my lips indicating to them to stay quiet, then carefully untangle myself from Bow, making sure not to wake her. I rest her head on the pillow I was using and then I spot a blanket looking thing sat on a box near her bed and use it to cover her up. I usher Michael and Glen out before softly closing the door.
Michael immediately rounds on me. “What’s wrong with B? I can see she’s been crying. I swear to God if you’ve hurt her I’ll test these windows’ strength with your head.”
“Fucking hell, take a breath, Michael. She was telling me some things and a bit about her Dad when she got upset. I just held her and we fell asleep. Have a bit of faith. The last thing I wanna do is hurt my girl.”
I see Michael and Glen both sag slightly in relief. Glen speaks up, “Yeah, her Dad and her were very close from what she’s said. He was an amazing man too, if what’s written about him is true and now knowing Bow, I’m inclined to think it is. A loss like that’s gotta hurt and leave a void, especially when he was the last of her family. Well, apart from Ralph, but that’s different.”
“Oh yeah, Ralph. He’s her uncle, right?” I follow them outside to the make shift seating area. Glen grabs us all beers before continuing.
“Sort of. He might as well be. Bow refers to him as that. He was her Dad’s best friend and has always been in her life. He may not be blood but he’s as good as. He visited not long ago, seriously smart and intimidating dude, and you could see just how much Bow and him care for each other.”
“She’s got all of us now as well. And if you stick it out, you too. She’s not as alone as she thinks sometimes. It’ll get through eventually.” Michael adds.
We spend the next hour talking about her surprise party. They want to keep it just the ‘Oddballs’, Colby, Tate and I. They offer to let us bunk with them the night of the party. That way we can all have a drink and not worry about getting home. I’m hoping that I’ll be spending the night with Bow by then.
Bow emerges from her Winnebago, comes over to us and snuggles up on the lounger with me. She looks so cute all ruffled having just woke up. She tries to apologise for falling asleep but I stop her before she can start. I’ll never be sorry about what happened. I feel so much closer to her now.
Eventually everyone else shows up and we sit around catching up. Glen tells me to call Colby and Tate and invite them round and we’ll have a barbecue. Bow says she’s not grilling but will make salads and Pepper says she’ll sort the sides.
Getting a ‘hell yeah’ from Colby and Tate when I call, Michael comes with me to pick them up and then we go and buy the meat to grill. Colby insists on paying which I appreciate him doing and we head back. Michael asks to stop off on the way to get more beers and soda. While he’s in the shop, I fill the guys in.
“Okay, listen to me now and if either of you fuck this up, I’ll kill you both.” I’ve never been more serious.
“What the hell? What’s going on?” Tate asks, taken aback by my tone.
I tell them about the huge, massively expensive Winnebagos and the fact that Bow is clearly filthy rich. I warn them to not make a big deal about it or they’ll upset her. Colby agrees straight away while Tate stares dumbfounded. Michael climbs back in after dropping everything in the back. I hear Colby elbow Tate out of his stupor
and am glad the sound of the engine covers my chuckle.
When we get back the guys are gathered around the grill and the girls have disappeared.
“Where’s Bow?” Anthony points to her Winnebago, Colby and Tate follow me inside. I find her in the kitchen making big bowls of salad and mixing up some sauces. “Hey, baby, we’re back. You need a hand with anything?”
“Sure, I’m done now, just help me to carry these outside.” I turn to introduce her to Tate but neither he nor Colby are there. I see them coming out of the bathroom talking quietly.
“Tate, come here, I want you to meet Bow.” I see her quickly try to straighten herself up which makes me smile. Tate strides up. “Bow, this my other best friend, Tate. Tate, this is my girl, Bow.”
“Great to meet you, Bow. Thanks for having us over. This thing is awesome by the way.”
“Thanks. I’m loving this glamping thing.”
“What’s glamping?” I ask.
“Glamorous camping.” With that she scoops up a couple of bowls from the kitchen counter and heads outside.
“Is she serious? She thinks this is anything like fucking camping? This is glamorous living, let alone fucking camping!” I give Tate my death stare and he makes the motion of zipping his lips. This is reinforced by Colby’s cuff to the back of his head.
We each grab the remaining bowls of food and follow her. The night is going great. I love this group and can totally understand why Bow feels so attached to them. Tate is a bit of a sci-fi fanatic so he meets his match in Radley. They don’t stop all night about star this and star that. I’ve never heard of about 80% of what they’re talking about.
Glen and Anthony know what they’re doing with a grill too. The food’s been perfect and Bow is sat next to me with a barbecue sauce smile. Pepper makes a wicked barbecue glaze. Janie hands out strips of toilet paper as she says she can’t find the napkins in all her stuff. I wipe Bows face for her and then she does mine. Judging by how far she goes up my cheek, I must be covered in sauce too.
As it’s going dark Michael and Anthony disappear and return with big stones, wood and kindling. They set up a crude fire pit and we all pull our chairs closer to gather around it. Bow is nearly giddy watching the fire. She comes out with blankets for everyone. I pull her onto my lap and we cuddle under one together. No one seems to notice the time passing and it’s nearly 11 o’clock before we head back.
I offer to walk Bow home first, which gets me ‘aahs’ from the girls and gagging sounds from the guys. She stands on the first step bringing us eye to eye before giving me a kiss that will keep me thinking about her all night. My girl’s sweetness and barbecue sauce is a perfect combination.
Back in the truck, we all agree that we’d be missing out if we’d never met these people. Bow has quickly become the focal point of my life. I can’t think of one thing I wouldn’t do for her. Tate and Colby swear to me that they will not to tell anyone anything about the Oddballs and Bow. The last thing they need is a load of hangers on trying to take advantage of them and that’s exactly what would happen if it became general knowledge.
Chapter eleven
Bow
It’s been over two weeks since our barbecue night and it’s my birthday in two days. I know something’s being planned because everyone seems to shut up or be talking about the most random things when I’m close by. I know I could go snooping and no doubt find out what they’re hiding but I don’t want to ruin the surprise for me or them. I haven’t told Asher it’s my birthday coming up. I’m sure he’ll be angry with me, I just don’t want him to feel obliged to do something he’s not necessarily ready for. Birthdays create an obligation and I never want to force him into anything.
I know now for certain that I’m in love him. I knew it with absolute certainty when we were cuddled up together in front of the fire. I’d never felt more adored and loved than I did in that moment. We see each other every day. Whether it’s just an hour after his football practise or the whole day spent together chilling or going out somewhere. I feel his absence acutely when he’s not with me and I’m pretty sure he does too by the way he kisses me when he sees me.
I’ve called a house meeting tonight. I want everyone’s opinion on something important. I’m so nervous I’m compulsively tidying. I plump up all the cushions on the couch and chairs and wipe the kitchen down three times before everyone gets here and settles into my living space.
“What’s up, sugar? You look about to have a panic attack.” Michael observes and in doing so draws everyone’s attention to me.
“I’m in the process of making a decision and I want all of your opinions.” They each nod for me to continue. “Asher and I are pretty serious now and to be blunt I don’t want to go any further without him knowing who I really am. I guess what I’m asking is whether you think I should go for it or if I’m being naïve to be contemplating this so soon.”
Pepper pipes up straight away. “I’ve watched you two together and I’ve never seen a couple more happy and in sync. Telling him will only bring you closer. I say go for it. Asher won’t let you down.” Janie, Radley and Anthony all agree with her.
Glen gives me a considering look. “I’m in the mind to agree with the rest but I want you to feel secure when you tell him. I have plans already in place that I’ve been working on since you two got together. I’d already thought about this coming into play at some point in the future and I wanted to be ready. All you need to know is that if things don’t go as planned, we have the means and know-how to deal with it. So, if any part of you is worried that your new identity would be in jeopardy, don’t be.”
I’m intrigued by what he’s said yet there’s a part of me that’s apprehensive about what he’s got up his sleeve. Glen’s a master schemer and from what I’ve heard a fairly potent vengeful streak that emerges when he feels his friends or family have been wronged, so I’ll live in ignorance until such a time comes that I need to know any different. Michael is obviously in the know about Glen’s plans as he’s the only one who doesn’t look taken aback by what he just revealed.
Michael stands and comes to crouch in front of me. He takes my shoulders in his hands and says “it’s a risk, but some risks are worth taking. You took a risk leaving California to come to Houston for college, you took a risk with your disguise, you took a risk walking in our door that day and you took a risk trusting us with the truth. We haven’t let you down and I don’t think Asher will either. Also, sugar, you need to tell him it’s your birthday coming up. It’s not fair to blind side him with it.”
Tears stream over my cheeks as I give Michael a huge hug as my decision firms up in my mind. “Thank you all for everything. I’m going to go for it. I’ll tell him on my birthday. I’m going to ask him to stay over with me. I’ll do it then.”
I get a hug off everyone and freshen up my make-up ready for Asher to pick me up for my date in half an hour. I can tell he’s ready to take our relationship to a physical level. I’m ready too, in all honesty I have been for a couple of weeks but when it gets to that I want it to be the real me he makes love to, not a version of me. I want him to run his fingers through my hair and look into my eyes as we make love. We’ve gotten pretty hot and heavy lately with some over the clothes action but it’s not enough anymore. I want more, desperately.
My door opens and Asher strides in lifting me up and kissing me even before a hello leaves his lips. I love this about him. He doesn’t hide how much he finds me attractive or how much he needs me no matter where we are. Classroom, parking lot, restaurant or Winnebago, he’s the same everywhere.
“Is my baby ready?” His husky voice calling me baby always makes me squirm in a good way.
“Yes but sit down for a minute, there’s something I want to tell you first.” He looks concerned as he lowers himself onto the couch. I sit next to him and take his hand this time. “Firstly, I’m sorry I haven’t told you before now - it’s my birthday on Wednesday.” His stare tells me he’s surprised and a bit pissed.
“Why haven’t you told me before now, did you think I wouldn’t care?”
“No, it’s not that at all. It’s been put in the back of my mind with everything going on around here lately and I didn’t want you to feel obliged to do something.”
“I hope you know me better than that. How would you feel if it was my birthday and I didn’t tell you?”
“Gutted. I know you’re right. Can you forgive me and spend some time with me on my birthday? It’s all I really want.”
“Of course I forgive you. As for your birthday plans, I’ll do anything you want.”
“Well, that’s the second thing I wanted to talk to you about actually.” My face flames as he eyes me, newly intrigued by my blush. “I’d really like you to stay here with me on my birthday…overnight.” Now my voice sounds husky like I work for a phone sex hotline.
Asher sucks in an audible gasp. His hand squeezes mine a bit harder. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel rushed.”
“Asher, rushed isn’t how I’m feeling at all. Hot and flustered is more accurate,” his eyebrows shoot up his forehead hearing that. “I just want it to be special. Our relationship means too much to me to have settled for a quick fumble when we had time. That’s part of why I wanted to wait.”
Asher pulls me onto him so I’m straddling his lap. He moves his lips to my ear and whispers, “I promise you now Bow, when we make love there’ll be nothing quick or fumbled about it. I’m going to spend all night worshipping your every curve and tasting every inch of your skin. I’m going to make you mine completely and do it over and over until I’m satisfied you know it for sure. With us, baby, it’ll be nothing short of magic.”
I dive for his lips and take his mouth with mine. That’s the hottest thing I’ve ever heard and the state of my panties are evidence of that. I feel him swell beneath me and I grind my sweet spot against his hardness, immersing myself in the friction. I feel so close to oblivion when Asher grabs my hips stopping my movement. I groan out loud, utterly frustrated. I was so close.
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