Until July

by Aurora Rose Reynolds

“Hey,” I mutter, letting the sound of his voice wash over me.

  “You good?”

  “Um, yeah, my sisters and cousins want to go out tonight,” I tell him, holding the phone to my ear as I start up the shower.

  “Where are you going?”

  “We’ll probably get dinner then go have a drink at Daniel’s bar,” I tell him, slipping off my panties.

  Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and Wes and I celebrated with his mom in the afternoon and my family that evening. I was so happy to see my family all welcome Wes with open arms. My mom and aunts adored him, or they just liked looking at him—I couldn’t quite figure out that one yet—and my uncles all seemed to respect him, especially after the way Uncle Nico spoke about him in regards to what Wes and the guys did to help him get those girls out of the situation they were in. I never expected them to all get along, but I was very happy they did.

  “Call me when you need to be picked up,” he says, bringing me back into the conversation.

  “I don’t need you to pick me up. I don’t plan on drinking that much.”

  “I love when you drink, baby,” he says. I can hear the smile in his voice and I roll my eyes. “Call when you need to be picked up,” he repeats more firmly than the previous time.

  “Fine.” I sigh, knowing there’s no point in arguing with him. “Love you.”

  “Love you too, baby,” he says, and I click the phone off, set it on the counter, and get into the shower. It’s been a month since the night Kayan and I went to spy on Z, things have cooled down. The guys who had taken Landon’s sister were arrested by Uncle Nico and are awaiting trial. I was definitely looking forward to them getting what they deserved, and hopefully that came in the form of becoming the bitch of some scary inmate in the state pen. I found out through Wes that Snake had taken Landon’s sister and was using her as leverage over Ronnie the owner of Mamma’s Country Landon also confided in Wes with the information about the dogfights that were being held. He said that when the guy Snake and his boys had taken over a few times a week they would hold fights but he didn’t know where the dogs came from. He said that when he was forced to remove the loosing dog he would take them to me in hopes that I could save them. I hated that there were probably still dogs suffering somewhere but I was thankful that Snake no longer had a hold over Landon or his father.

  Kayan also opened up about being pregnant. She was afraid I would have the same reaction her parents had. They were disappointed in her for having a baby with someone they didn’t approve of, but her parents had always been part crazy, so I was glad she was finding a way to get over what they thought. She also admitted to me that she and Z had been seeing each other since their first encounter, but she wasn’t sure then where their relationship was going until the night they came over for tacos. He made it clear then that he wanted to be with her and that he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

  She also said that half the things she said I needed to ignore, because the hormones were making her partly crazy. That, I had to agree with her on. If it weren’t against the law, I would have fired her already. The other day, someone called about having their dog fixed, and she freaked out on them, questioned them on how they would feel if their balls were chopped off.

  After that outburst, it took me a good hour to get the person calm enough to continue using me as their Vet, and the whole time I was talking to them, she was crying, apologizing about how she acted. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to deal with her for the next few months. I feel bad for Z, but I swear every time I’m around them and she freaks out about something or another, he gets a weird smile on his face, like he thinks it’s the most adorable thing he has ever seen in his life. They are both insane, and I guess a perfect match.

  I finish getting washed up, get out, and wrap a towel around my head. I go out to the kitchen, grab a bottle of water before feeding both Juice and Capone, and then go back into the bathroom to blow out my hair, using a large round brush so the volume is at full capacity. Once I have my hair dry, I put large rollers into my hair with clips.

  Going out with my sisters and cousins is different than going out with my normal girlfriends. Even in high school, we would all compete with each other for the most over the top look, even if we were just going to a bonfire. I think part of the reason we did it was no one else could ever really understand our fathers, and the extreme competitiveness in which they raised us.

  We are all daddies’ girls, and we all fought tooth and nail to get our way, some more than others. My cousin Ashlyn has had it the hardest of any of us. Uncle Cash is overly protective of her, so when we were younger and she would go out with us, it was the one time he didn’t fight her on her outfit or makeup, because he, my dad, and my other uncles would get together, drink beer, and complain about us, while our moms rolled their eyes and insisted we have our time. I don’t regret the way I grew up. Having the father I have has shown me how a man is supposed to treat not only his wife, but also his children.

  I start my makeup with a smoky eye that causes my eye color to pop, and then add bronzer and blush that define my cheekbones. I use a lip liner to make my lips look even plumper than normal then find the perfect shade of light pink lipstick that gives me a nice, pouty mouth. Wes has never seen me this dolled up, so I have no idea what his reaction is going to be tonight when he comes to pick me up.

  After my hair and makeup are done, I go to my closet, pull out the dress I bought a few weeks ago, and set it on the bed. Going to the dresser to pull out a black strapless bra and a seamless black thong, I put both on and look at myself in the mirror. The bra gives me the perfect amount of cleavage, and the thong sits just above my pubic bone, the fabric black but sheer, letting you see everything.

  I step into the dress, the strapless ensemble ending just above my knees. The fabric covering my breasts is tight, and then the waist poofs out where there are pockets. The bottom is tight again, showing off my hips and ass. After struggling with the zipper for a few minutes, I slip on a pair of five-inch heels that wrap around my ankles and have a slim strap across my toes. Once I’m completely dressed, I step in front of the mirror, unroll my hair, toss the rollers onto the bed, and then fluff my hair. I look hot and am glad Wes isn’t home, ’cause I have a feeling that he if he was here to see me, I wouldn’t be allowed to leave the house.

  I touch up my lipstick then head to the front room and grab my coat from the closet before going to the garage, which Wes cleaned out for me so I could actually fit my jeep inside without having to climb out the trunk.

  Once I pull out onto the highway, I call December to let her know I’m on my way to my parents’ house. My sisters normally stay with me when they are in town, but since Wes is basically living with me, they decided to give us our space and have been staying at my mom and dad’s.

  After I park and get out, not even knocking before going inside, the moment I cross the threshold, I see my sisters all standing in the kitchen, each of them defending themselves against my dad. My sister June has on a navy blue dress that is the same length as mine, but the outer shell is a lace material. Her long brown hair is tied back in a straight ponytail.

  December is wearing a dress similar to mine, only hers has one long sleeve, and her long dirty-blonde hair is down each side of her breasts. May has a dress with cap-sleeves. The top is tight then it flows out at the waist, making her waist look perfectly curvy and her long white-blonde hair is pulled over one shoulder, showing off the curve of her neck. April has on a dark purple dress that swoops down, showing off her cleavage and tattoos. Her bright red hair that she colored weeks ago is hanging in waves down her back. I have seen my sister with every color hair you can think of, but she always looks beautiful. June smiles looking at me instead of wearing a dress she has on a black strapless romper with a chunky gold necklace that somehow accentuates her cleavage the bottom of the romper flares out at the ankle showing off a pair of gold heels that I may have to steel from her. Her hair is short but the cut sty
lish, which fits her almond, shaped face perfectly.

  “Oh, great, you too?” my dad mutters as I join them. “Where is that man of yours? I have a hard time believing he let you out of the house wearing that getup.” he says then his frown grows deeper. “And where is the bottom part of that dress?”

  I roll my eyes and kiss his cheek. “Wes is working.”

  “Figures that I’m left to deal with this on my own,” he grumbles then shakes his head, looking at all of his girls.

  “When did you all grow up?” he asks softly, putting one arm around June and one around me, kissing the side of my head.

  “You all look beautiful,” my mom says, coming into the kitchen, wearing a pair of khaki capris and a cute tank that has ruffles along the sleeve, with a big chunky necklace and simple black sandals. She wraps her arm around December’s waist, who is a few inches taller than her with the help of her heels. “My girls are so gorgeous.” My mom smiles then looks at my dad, and her face goes soft the same way it has my whole life, and I swear I know exactly what she’s thinking. My dad gave my mom everything she didn’t even know she needed or wanted.

  “They take after their mama.” My dad smiles, and June mutters, “Gross,” making me laugh.

  “So, what are you girls doing tonight?” my mom asks as Dad wraps his arms around her waist and sets his chin on her head a pose I have seen them in more times than I could count.

  “We’re meeting the girls for dinner then drinks.”

  “I’ll drive you guys.”

  “We don’t need you to drive us, Dad,” May says, and he just glares at her.

  “I wasn’t asking,” he says, kissing the side of my mom’s head before moving her aside and grabbing his keys. “Let’s go; just let me know when you want to be picked up.”

  “Wes is picking me up,” I say, and May comes over and wraps her arm around my waist.

  “Does your hot biker man know any hot biker friends?” she asks, and my dad swings his head to look at us. I shake my head no while saying, “Yes,” without moving my lips.

  “I can’t wait to move home,” she says.

  I look at her and smile, whispering, “Wait ’til you see Harlen and Everret,” while getting into my mom’s SUV.

  When we pull up in front of the restaurant, we each kiss Dad’s cheek before heading inside. The moment I walk through the doors, squeals ensue as we all greet each other. My cousin Ashlyn is Uncle Cash and Aunt Lilly’s daughter. Hanna is Uncle Trevor and Aunt Liz’s daughter. And Willow, Harmony, and Nalia are Uncle Nico and Aunt Sophie’s daughters.

  “How hard was it getting out of the house in that dress?” I ask Ashlyn, and she rolls her eyes.

  “Between my dad and Jax, I might as well go live in a nunnery.”

  “Jax isn’t even my brother and I want to kill him,” I tell her, and understanding flashes in her eyes.

  “Where’s the hot boyfriend?” Hanna asks.

  Okay, maybe my cousins were all watching my man, and not just my mom and aunts. “Working, he will be here later to pick me up.”

  “Is he bringing any friends?” Nalia asks, and I laugh. I’m so glad she came home for the holidays.

  “Oh, yes, please tell me he has friends,” my twin cousins Harmony and Willow say as we make our way to the table.

  “When you guys all move home, I’ll set up a meet and greet, or maybe I can host speed dating.” I laugh again, taking a seat at the table and they all giggle too.

  “I can’t wait until you guys are all home. I miss these dinners,” I say, taking a sip of wine.

  “I don’t know if I’m going to be moving home,” Nalia confesses, and all eyes go to her. “I like being with my mom and brothers in Colorado. I miss you guys, but I’m happy there.” She lowers her face.

  “You have to do what makes you happy,” April says, and all of us nod in agreement, even if we want her here with us.

  “I just wish I wasn’t hurting Mom and Dad,” she replies, looking at Harmony and Willow.

  “Mom gets it. She’s sad, but she understands,” Willow says softly.

  “We all love you,” Harmony adds, “and it’s not like you’re never going to come home. We will always be sisters.”

  “We will all always be family,” December chips in.

  “I’ll drink to that.” I smile. The rest of dinner is quiet, with all of us sharing stories of the last few months after we finish eating. We pay the bill and then walk a few blocks down to the bar we have been going to since we were old enough to drink.

  “Find a table and I’ll get us some drinks,” I say, and Nalia wraps her hand around my elbow.

  “I’ll go with you.” She smiles and I giggle, ’cause we’re both already tipsy. I’m not sure if it will hurt or help having her with me. We make our way to the bar and get there in one piece without knocking anything or anyone over.

  “Two pitchers of beer!” I yell at the bartender while holding onto Naila.

  His eyes come to me briefly and he yells back, “Got it,” then goes to pour the pitchers. The other bartender says something to him, and his eyes come to me and sweep me from hair to chest. I try to place him, but the alcohol in my system is making it hard to figure out where I know him from.

  “Do you know him?” Nalia asks.

  “I’m not sure,” I shout over the music.

  “He’s cute,” she says, and I look at him. No, he is not cute; he is hot. His arms are covered in tattoos, he has small gages in his ears, his skin is the color of chocolate, and his torso is covered in muscles that are shown off by his tight t-shirt.

  “What did that guy say to you?” she asks him when he places the beer in front of us.

  “Pardon, bebe?” he asks, leaning closer to Nalia over the bar. His voice is rough, and he has an accent I have never heard in person before, but it sounds Jamaican, and the look on his face as he looks at my cousin is one of awe. I don’t blame him; my cousin is model material.

  “Uhh…” Nalia sputters then looks at me.

  “What did that guy say to you?” I ask him, taking pity on my cousin.

  “Not fee. No charge you.”

  “Why?” I frown, and he shrugs then looks at Naila again and smiles.

  “Seeya ’round, bebe,” he says, running a finger over her cheek, then turns and walks to another customer. We each grab a pitcher of beer off the bar along with cups and take it to the table the girls are sitting at.

  “What was that hottie saying?” Willow asks, looking towards the bar.

  “Nothing,” Naila mutters, frowning, and I smile at my cousin. Maybe there’s hope of Naila moving home after all.

  “The other one is hot too,” December says, and I follow her gaze towards the bar and see the guy who said something to the bartender, then it clicks into place who he is. I met him at the first club party I had gone to. He was working behind the bar with the other guy. That’s when I know Wes probably told them we were going to be at the bar and they should look out for us.

  “Enough about guys.” June rolls her eyes, grabbing a pitcher of beer and a glass.

  “Just ’cause you’re off the market doesn’t mean everyone else is,” April says, and I look at June and frown. I didn’t know she was dating anyone.

  “For your information, I haven’t dated in a year,” June retorts.

  “Why?” Harmony asks, and June takes her glass of beer and chugs it then pours another glass and drinks that one as well.

  “This must be bad,” Nalia says and gets up. She goes to the bar, coming back a few minutes later with a bottle of tequila and a nice pink hue to her cheeks. She pours us each a shot and tilts the bottle back against her lips and takes a chug. “Spill it, bitch,” she mutters, wiping her mouth.

  “I was married,” June blurts, causing the table to go silent and us all to look at her.

  “I swear you just said you were married,” December says, taking another shot and giggling.

  “Oh, God.” June starts to cry. Hanna, who is sitting next t
o her, wraps her arms around her, and I sit back in my chair, completely stunned.

  “What happened?” I ask when I’m finally able to speak.

  “His name is Evan. We got married in the spring before he went away to boot camp.” She shakes her head and I watch tears fall onto her lap, so I go to the bar and get a stack of napkins and hand them to her when I return.

  “He came home two weeks ago after going to Afghanistan, and served me with divorce papers.” She laughs and it sound hollow, and then she lifts her glass to her mouth and takes a large drink.

  “Well, he didn’t actually serve me with them. I haven’t even seen him since he’s been home. He had his mom bring them to me. Can you believe that crap?” Actually, no, I couldn’t. That was horrible.

  “I wasn’t even married for a year. I had sex one time the night we were married, the night before he went away to boot camp.” She cries harder.

  “Oh, my god,” I whisper, feeling tears fill my eyes.

  “Why didn’t you tell us?” December asks.

  “I don’t know. I think deep down I knew he was done with me. I was humiliated.” She shrugs, and I stand and walk around the table to wrap my arms around her.

  “What do you mean?”

  “When he first went away, he would call every night, but then things changed, and the phone calls became less and less frequent. I knew he would have a hard time keeping in contact, but I felt like he just never tried to call me. Eventually, he stopped calling at all. His mom would call me once a week to ask how I was. I started dreading those calls, and resenting him. Then his mom stopped calling, and two weeks ago, a friend of ours said he was home. He had gotten out early, and he was going to be moving to Tennessee. The next day, I got the divorce papers.” She sobs, and I look around the table, at a loss for words.

  “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. He is obviously an asshole,” Harmony says, and I nod, agreeing with her.

  “What is his last name?” Ashlyn asks, looking white as a ghost.

  “Baristea,” June mutters, and Ashlyn looks at me.

  “What?”