Unintentional

by Harkins, MK

  I look over at Sophie. Her expression mirrors mine. We’re both shocked.

  “Okay, I’m out of here.” I turn to leave.

  Sophie runs up to my side. “I’m with you girl. I don’t want to wait around here and listen to that jerk sing anymore.”

  “Sophie, no, stay. I know you love listening to them play. Don’t mind me. I knew this would happen at some point. It’s probably good it happened now, before anything serious began. I don’t have any hold over him. He’s free to date and have a girlfriend.” I motion over to the stage. “I’m just surprised. I thought he’d at least tell me.”

  Sophie’s face drops. “I’ve been talking to Scott and Ayden, and they haven’t said a word.” She stops suddenly.

  “Is that right?” I smile at her admission. She looks up at the sky, pretending the last few sentences didn’t happen.

  “It’s okay. Have you decided which one you like yet?” I ask.

  She turns and hugs me tight. “Oh, Laurel, I can’t. I have feelings for them both in such incredibly different ways.”

  I look at her skeptically.

  “I’ve kept my promise to you. I haven’t touched either one, so no worries there.”

  “Well, we’re almost done with the important parts, so when or if you decide on either of them, you have my blessing.”

  Sophie takes my hand and holds it. “I’m so sorry about Cade. I know you keep insisting you don’t have feelings for him other than friendship, but I know you better. I can’t imagine why everyone kept it such a big secret. I think it would have helped you. You’ve spent the last seven months trying to resist your attraction to him, talking yourself out of liking him, and here he was, off with some girlfriend. That’s not fair. You weren’t playing on the same field. You put your life on hold, and he’s off gallivanting around. Oh, I’m so mad right now.”

  “Don’t be. I’m just angry at myself. I should have seen this coming. Let’s pretend this didn’t happen, okay? We’ll carry on as the professionals that we are. I can do this, Sophie. I’ve been disappointed before, so I can handle this.” I think I’m trying to convince both of us.

  Sophie’s eyes water as she takes my hand, and we head out to the parking garage and out of this horrible nightmare.

  ∗∗∗

  That was quick. The long wait these past months was worth it. I watched Laurel’s face closely as she hurried from the nightclub. She’s devastated. It worked. The plan my father told me was too elaborate worked. I can’t wait to call him. For once, I was right. There won’t be the usual disappointed look on dad’s face when I see him again. This plan has taken longer than expected, but the payoff will be huge. Now I can move in when the time is right, and it’s getting close. No one makes a fool of me. I’m smarter than all of them.

  Chapter 18

  Cade

  I don’t want Laurel as my friend. I want more. I’m in love with her, and I’ve know it for a long time. She doesn’t know how I feel yet. I need to take things very slowly. Laurel is like one of those wild mustangs running free through the White Mountain range in Nevada. She’s skittish, cautious. But she’s worth it. She’s worth everything. It’s important I don’t rush things with her. She’ll run off and never come back.

  I think back to the time when my feelings for Laurel shifted. I had all but given up after she told me to back off when I called her from that bar. I don’t even remember the name of the bar, but I sure remember what she said. “You need to drop this.” I was going to. I had every intention of doing so, but Skype got in the way. Skype allows you to hear the words, but also see the emotion. Laurel wants to be safe, but I knew that already. What I didn’t know was why she values the safety of a generic relationship so much. It unfolded slowly through many conversations, escaping her unconsciously. I was able to piece together all the little clues she revealed through her words and her expressive face. We’ve talked about everything – happy times, sad times, even the embarrassing moments growing up. It was through one of those conversations where I learned so much about Laurel, why she needs to be safe.

  I had just shared a story of when I was ten and hadn’t finished my homework for the upcoming school day. My plan was to miss the bus, so I pretended I couldn’t find my socks, books, etc. My mom had to work, so I knew she wouldn’t have time to drive me. Problem solved. I’d get an extra day to finish up. Unfortunately, my mom had other ideas. She ran outside, flagged down the bus so it stopped right in front of our house. She grabbed my books, papers, socks, and shoes, put them in my arms, and pushed me out the door. At ten, we were about the same height, so everyone on the bus was an audience to our tussle at the front door. I was trying to get back in. She was pushing me out. I finally gave in, humiliated, and stepped off the porch onto the morning grass. That’s when things went from bad to worse.

  As soon as my feet hit the dew covered grass, I felt a sliding sensation. I couldn’t believe it, but it happened. I landed on my back, with papers strewn about the yard, books scattered in the garden, and my shoes – I lost track of them. I looked up at the bus driver’s face. He looked shocked, impatient, and I think I might have seen some pity. The children on the bus were laughing. Of course they were laughing. I looked ridiculous. I got up, with what little pride I had left, and walked back to my house without picking up a thing.

  My mom, who watched the entire spectacle, stood motionless. Our eyes connected, and I communicated in that moment there wouldn’t be a human on this earth who could make me get on that bus. She moved to the side as I walked past her into the house. Five minutes later, she made me pick up everything from the front yard, get them organized, then drove me to school. She was late for work, but I wasn’t going to win this one. Lesson learned.

  Laurel was laughing so hard, tears were streaming down her face. “Oh, your mom, I love her!” she exclaimed.

  I had to laugh along with her. It took eighteen years to see the humor in it, but I’ve shifted out of the humiliated part of the story and can now appreciate my mom.

  I asked Laurel, “So, it’s your turn. What horrible things did your mom do to mortify and embarrass you?”

  She looked down quietly and said, “I don’t have any stories. She didn’t care enough.” She looked up, right into my eyes, and I knew. I knew why she was so guarded.

  I asked, “Your dad?”

  She shook her head. “Working, all the time. He named me after an aunt he admired. Otherwise, I’m sure he would’ve forgotten my name.”

  I looked at her closely to see if she was serious. She was. I was in Washington, Laurel in California, and I wanted to hold her so badly, I ached. I wanted to show her that love didn’t have to hurt. I’d lived with a loving family all my life. My parents were a great example of what love should be. After I healed from my relationship with Mattie, I found the opposite of what I’d expected to happen. After my first heartbreak in college, I wanted nothing to do with relationships or love. After Mattie, once I truly healed, I decided that love and a relationship were exactly what I wanted. I knew how good it could be. I saw Mattie and Jeremy, how happy they were, and I decided I wanted that. I deserved that.

  I looked back into Laurel’s tear-filled eyes and said, “I bet they’d change it if they could. People can be so, I don’t know, stupid?”

  That made her laugh. She got serious again and said, “My mom did try for a little while after my dad died. I think she knew how I felt because she felt exactly the same. Discarded. But it didn’t stop her once she had a chance to run off to Europe. I hear from her about twice a year, my birthday and Christmas.” She shrugged, trying to shake it off.

  I said under my breath, “Idiot.”

  Her head jerked up. “What did you say?”

  I tried to look innocent. “Nothing, nothing at all.”

  I didn’t want to insult her mom. She’s her last living relative. I suspected she heard what I said, because the most radiant, brightest smile crossed her face. I love her smile. I wanted to make her smile, now a
nd always. The thought stopped my breath for a moment. I did want this. I wanted her.

  That’s when I decided—I’m not giving up. Laurel and I are going to happen.

  The big question, how am I going to get her?

  ∗∗∗

  This will be our last night performing for a while, and I can tell the guys are giving it all they’ve got. I think the crowd senses it, and they’re all on their feet singing along to every song, even our original ones. I’m going to miss performing for the next couple months, but I’m excited to record. Laurel has already warned me the days will be grueling, but I love a challenge.

  Just as I’m about to tell the audience we’ll be taking a break, I see a familiar shade of strawberry blonde dashing toward me. No way! I haven’t seen Allix since the summer.

  She jumps up on the stage, taking hold of me in a big hug. I’m having a hard time believing she’s here.

  “What are you doing, sis? Why aren’t you in college studying like the good little student you are?” I’m teasing, of course. I hold her face in my hands, looking her over carefully to make sure she’s okay.

  “I won this trip from a drawing! Can you believe it? I guess I entered it at the campus food court. They contacted me a few weeks ago with an all-expense paid trip to Seattle for the weekend. I’m staying at the Hilton until tomorrow. I knew this was your last weekend performing for a while, so I wanted to surprise you. It was meant to be. Talk about perfect timing!”

  She’s so ecstatic, I don’t want to be the proverbial wet blanket, but I have to ask.

  “It’s good timing to see us play, but Allix, don’t you have midterms coming up?”

  She swats my arm. “Don’t be such a big brother. I brought my books and assignments. This trip won’t interfere with my scholarship. Don’t you worry.” She pauses, “Actually, I’ll probably get more work done; the plane ride is so boring.” She grins at me again.

  Allix could talk a drowning man out of his life vest.

  I laugh and steer her off the stage. “I’ll meet you in the dressing room after the show.”

  She nods and literally skips off the stage. I shake my head and return to the patiently waiting audience.

  ∗∗∗

  “I told you. I saw Sophie and Laurel leaving a few minutes ago. I chased after them, but they were gone.” Scott is still sweating from his solo.

  “Scott, if they were here, they wouldn’t have left. Why would they come all the way to Seattle just to turn around and leave? It doesn’t make sense. Let me call her.” I reach for my phone.

  I think Scott was just hoping he’d seen Sophie, but there’s no way they’re in Seattle. “What’s with your fascination with Sophie anyway? I think it was wishful thinking.”

  Scott shakes his head, convinced he’s right. “I tell you, Cade, it was Sophie. Legs like hers…” He pauses for a moment. “I could pick those legs out of a crowd of millions.”

  I laugh. “You have it bad.”

  “I do,” he responds.

  Ayden approaches. “He has what bad?”

  Scott and I look at each other. The unspoken competition for Sophie is about to be broken.

  “I have it bad for Sophie.” He looks at Ayden with a challenge in his eyes.

  Ayden replies, “Well, that’s a coincidence.” He turns and leaves the room.

  “That went well,” I reply dryly. “Don’t you two dare start fighting right before we start recording. You two need to make a truce. This cannot get out of control. We’ve worked too hard, come too far to have it all fall apart. You understand?”

  Scott’s face darkens. “And if this was Laurel we were talking about? How would you feel if someone else expressed an interest in her? Would you fight for her, everything else be damned?”

  “Do you feel that strongly about Sophie? Are you willing to risk the band for this attraction?” I ask.

  Scott shrugs. “I don’t know yet. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”

  This doesn’t make me feel better. “Just don’t screw it up, Scott.”

  “Tell that to Ayden. He has a new girl every night. He doesn’t want Sophie. He’s just interested in her because I am.”

  I think about it for a moment. “Scott.”

  “Yeah?”

  “When’s the last time Ayden’s had one of his one-night stands – you know, what he’s done just about every night – before he met Sophie?”

  We both look at each other. The truth sits like a hundred pound weight between us.

  I answer for him. “It’s been a long time, Scott. So long, I don’t even remember the last time he was with someone.”

  Scott grimaces. “Shit. Do you think he really has feelings for her?”.

  “Maybe. Ayden doesn’t talk to me about stuff like you do.”

  “Shit,” he says again and puts his head in his hands.

  “I think you two are going to have to let her decide. Actually, didn’t you already tell me Laurel has guidelines or something about not mixing business with pleasure. Sophie probably has a clause in her contract.”

  “Shit.”

  “Scott, you’re getting repetitive.”

  “I’ve been talking to her.” He looks guilty.

  “How so?”

  “We’ve been texting, a few emails, a little Skype.”

  “Me, too. I mean, I’ve been doing the same with Laurel. So, do you think Ayden’s been doing the same?”

  “Probably. You’re right, Cade. This could be a mess.”

  Just as I’m about to agree with him, I feel arms around my neck.

  “Hey, big brother, are you up for taking me out to dinner? And hey Scott, are you going to come with us?” Allix looks up at him, barely containing her hopeful expression. She’s had a crush on Scott since she was ten years old. I was hoping it would have worn off by now.

  Luckily, Scott has always looked upon her as a little girl. She’s grown up now, twenty-two, but Scott still sees her as a kid.

  He messes up her hair and replies, “No, kid, I have other plans. You two have fun. Cade, make the call. I know I saw Laurel and Sophie.” He waves and leaves Allix staring at his back.

  Her face falls as the disappointment sinks in. She takes a deep breath. “So, who are the girls he was talking about?”

  “Laurel is our music agent. Sophie is her assistant. They’ve been working hard around the clock to get our music to the masses.” I grin at her.

  “Why did Scott seem so interested in them?”

  “I take it you haven’t met anyone interesting at college? That childhood crush still hanging with you, huh?” I tease.

  Allix stops suddenly. “Am I that transparent? Oh no! Do you think Scott has figured it out?”

  “I can guarantee you, Scott’s clueless, and I want it to stay that way. You know I don’t want you dating him. We’ve had this talk before.” The thought of it brings a shiver up my spine. I know way too much about Scott and his escapades. I don’t want him going near my little sister. Luckily, he thinks of her as a little sister, as well.

  “I know. I’m trying. He’s just so funny, and talented. Oh, and handsome.”

  “Now I know love is blind.” I tap her on the arm.

  “So, are you dating anyone? It’s been a long time since Mattie you know.”

  “Yes. Well, no, not exactly. I hope to. I’ve met someone, but she’s not interested.”

  Her face lights up. “That’s funny. Tell me another joke. A woman not interested in you? Spill it, brother. I want all the details.”

  “No joke, Allix. She’s been giving me the cold shoulder for almost a year. Actually, if you count the first time I met her, it’s been even longer. I can tell you everything, but it’s going to take a while. It’s complicated.”

  “Did you forget already? I’m a master at complications,” she replies.

  Chapter 19

  Laurel

  “It’s Cade again. He must have seen us at the nightclub last night.” I show Sophie my phone. “Sh
ould I answer it?”

  “Of course. He’ll just keep calling. Just act like nothing happened. Don’t let him know you saw him with his new girlfriend. Let’s see if the jerk comes clean on his own.”

  I nod. “Hello,” I answer sweetly.

  “Laurel! Are you in Seattle? Scott said he saw you and Sophie last night at the club?”

  “Yes, we came by briefly. We had some other business to tend to, so we left.”

  “Oh.” He sounds disappointed. “Why didn’t you come over and say hi?”

  “You know, you guys were busy, and we had other things to do…” I’m trying to make my voice sound normal. The longer we talk, the harder it becomes.

  “Is everything okay? You don’t sound like yourself.”

  Damn. Cade’s always been so perceptive. “Everything is just great.”

  I hear him sigh on the other end. “I need to see you today. I have something I need to talk to you about.”

  Here it comes. “The Talk.” I roll my eyes. I don’t plan to make this easy on him.

  He asks, “Can I pick you up? Around two this afternoon?”

  “Sure, I’ll meet you in the lobby of my hotel. Do you remember the east side of the fountain? I’ll be at the bench by the big potted plant.”

  “Yes, I remember. I’ll see you in about an hour. And Laurel?”

  “Yes, Cade?”

  “I’m really looking forward to seeing you.”

  He’s taking this “friends” thing too far. I should have expected and planned for this. Instead, I’ve spent over a year in a fantasy. A dream or small hope we’d work out. The crazy chemistry we have, had, was like nothing I’d ever experienced before, and I let it carry me away. When I get back to LA, I’m going to call Douglas. I was right all along. I need someone who won’t let me down. I need someone safe.