"Leave it to me.” Stella stood, wiping non-existent crumbs from her lap. “I got this.” Her hips swayed, mesmerizing both Brody and Javier as she walked toward the bar counter.
"Can I get a Strongbow, barkeep?” Stella teased in her most sultry voice. Dark brown eyes shot daggers at her, and Melia gripped Shane’s forearm possessively.
“Stells-bells,” Shane cooed when he saw her. “Welcome to Cam’s Bar & Grill. First drink is on the house for a beautiful lady, such as yourself.”
"About that, Shane.” Stella tried to tread carefully, but she knew everyone had been tip-toeing around Shane all month. “We need to talk about YOUR beautiful lady.”
Shane’s eyes flashed with grief and intense pain.
“I don’t have a beautiful lady,” he muttered, pouring her cider into a glass. “Just this damn bar.” He slid the glass across the bar to her. Stella took a sip in silence.
“Do you mind?! This is a private conversation.” She glared at Melia, who had silently crept into Shane’s personal space once again, obviously eavesdropping.
"It’s a free country, bitch,” Melia spat.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Ladies,” Shane tried to play the peacemaker, but he was screwed enough already without stepping into more shit. He turned to Melia.
“You are being paid to work. Why don’t you check on our guests?” He gestured to the vacant bar, seeming to only now realize that it was almost empty. He finally pointed toward Brody and Tiffany, and a shamelessly curious Javier.
“And you,” he turned back to Stella. “I don’t want to have this conversation, but I have a feeling that you are going to make me.” He pointed to the hallway beside the kitchen. “Upstairs. I’ll meet you at my place to talk. Get out the hard liquor.”
Stella saluted in a mocking gesture, grabbed her cider, and headed toward the stairwell. With one last glance at Brody and Javier, she sent them a thumbs up and left the main room.
“Javi!” Shane yelled. “Man the bar. I need to go have a chat with a beautiful lady.”
Javier smirked at Shane’s comment, but he was truly worried about his friend. Javi knew that Brody’s sister had done a number on Shane, but he couldn’t figure out why. It was obvious that Shane was over the moon for her. Thankfully, Brody was dense, and could only see the fake blonde in front of him. Too bad he wasn't watching the blonde's best friend, Stella. Javier still hadn’t figured out what Shepherd was running from, but that kid had avoided commitment like the plague since their days in Afghanistan.
“You got it, boss!” he yelled back to Shane.
“So, Brody,” he heard Tiffany whine. “Since Stella is giving Shane some one-on-one attention, can we get going? He’s not going to kill himself tonight, so we can party.”
Javier almost growled at her callous comment. What the hell did Brody see in her?
***
“Alright, spill,” Stella demanded as she settled herself comfortably into the corner of Shane’s big brown leather couch.
“How about we don’t spill?” Shane chuckled darkly. “This is the good liquor.”
“Touché,” she replied. “No spilling the liquor. Tonight is all about spilling guts.”
“Sounds painful.” Shane tipped back his third tequila shot, and handed Stella her second.
“Not if it’s mutual,” she stated. Shane lifted his brow in question.
“I’ll show you mine, you show me yours.” She licked the salt off her hand, threw back the shot, and shoved a lemon wedge into her mouth.
"Uhhh, Stella?” Shane began awkwardly. “No offense,” he struggled to get out the words, but then gave up and said what came naturally. “I don’t dip my wick in the same wax that Brody's candle has been in.”
Stella had just taken a large gulp of her cider, and her Strongbow was now spewed across the room.
“What?!?!?!” She was rolling with laughter, tears begging for escape, while she gasped for air.
“I didn’t mean literally, moron.” She continued to laugh uncontrollably. Shane did not find it the least bit amusing.
“Then what did you mean, oh intelligent one?” he sarcastically inquired.
Stella finally gained control and explained. “I meant that we are both pining for someone we can’t have. You confess to me, and I confess to you.” She took another sip of her Strongbow. “It’s good for the soul, you know?”
Shane nodded. “Fine,” he stated. “But we need some more shots first. I can’t talk about this while sober.”
Stella smiled in triumph and held out her hand. “Deal!” She smiled as Shane shook her hand in agreement.
An hour later, Shane and Stella were both well and truly wasted.
“Question, Shaney,” she mocked. “Why the hell do you keep that bitchy waitress around?”
“I have no fucking clue,” he slurred. “I think it’s because it’s fun to watch her and Javier argue. Built-in entertainment.”
Stella nodded in understanding. Shane leaned forward.
"My turn. Who is your mystery man?”
Stella blushed, but she hoped Shane just thought she was flushed from all of their alcohol consumption. Empty bottles littered the kitchen counter and the coffee table.
“Your lady’s brother,” she said vaguely.
“My what’s what?” Shane was so confused.
“Your lady…i.e. Camden….her brother….i.e. Brody.”
Shane’s jaw dropped. He didn’t know which part of her comment to address first.
“How did you….when did…..you want…..” He continued to sputter. “Wait. What?!?!” he yelled.
“Which partial question do you want me to answer first?” Stella laughed. “Yes, I know you are in love with Camden Shepherd. Yes, I am in love with Brody. Now my turn. You get more questions later.”
She smirked and finished another bottle of cider.
“Why doesn’t Brody know how you feel about Camden?”
“I never told him.” Shane thought the answer was simple enough.
"No duh,” was Stella’s sarcastic answer. “But you’ve been in a funk since the weekend you saw her. You don’t even look at other girls like I saw you look at her that weekend. Not to mention you named your damn bar after her.”
Shane’s shocked eyes met hers. “Nobody could ever accuse you of being dumb,” he muttered. “And I kind of told Brody that the bar was already named Cam’s when I bought it. He thinks it's just a coincidence."
Stella laughed. “He is so freaking dense! Did he not even question that?”
"I think he’s too busy trying to get his construction company off the ground. He works too hard to notice the little things.” Shane paused and then continued. “Like how his girlfriend’s best friend is in love with him. How the hell did I miss that?!”
Stella suddenly felt uncomfortable, so she grabbed a shot glass and filled another round for them. Tossing back the liquor, the burn of drinking it straight long gone, she replied to Shane.
"No clue. Your question.”
Shane's expression became solemn. “Am I really that pathetic?”
The mood grew suddenly serious. Stella’s face softened as she looked into Shane’s gorgeous dark blue eyes.
"I don’t think either of us is pathetic. We just both chose to give our hearts to people who weren’t ready for them yet. That just makes us hopeful.” She replied softly.
Shane looked at the clock. His eyes blurred as he tried to make out the numbers on its face.
"I am really drunk,” Stella slurred. “I don’t think I can drive home.” She shook her head vigorously before suddenly feeling dizzy. “I’m going to feel this tomorrow, aren’t I?” she complained.
“I think we both are,” Shane laughed. “So serious question. My music is killing my business?” He stared at Stella, waiting for a reply. When she realized that he was dead serious, she began laughing.
"Yeah, Shane. Really killing it. Keep the emo upstairs, okay?” She smacked him gently on the arm.
Shan
e yawned and stretched his arms above his head.
“I’m tired,” he moaned. “I’ll take the couch. You can have my bed.”
“No reason for that,” Stella replied. “I know you don’t bite. My name isn’t Camden,” she teased.
Shane couldn’t help the small pang in his heart at the mention of Camden, but he pushed it down.
"Come on,” Shane waved toward the hallway. “I’ll get you something to wear, and we can go to bed.”
“Sure thing, boss.” Stella saluted again, and Shane rolled his eyes.
He smirked and responded. “Come on smartass.”
***
It felt like something had died in her mouth. The pounding in her head was only compounded by the pounding on the door. Stella rolled over, only to be stopped by the mountain of hot, muscular man currently holding her in his arms. What the hell had happened last night?!?! She blinked her eyes against the sunshine that was blinding her as it came through the window.
“Go away!” the deep, husky voice groaned next to her. He tightened his arms around her, before he suddenly stiffened. Stella lifted her head to see Shane’s confused gaze. His eyes scanned their proximity and compromising position, and then clarity and relief shone from their depths. He had realized after a moment's panic that the two had merely shared a bed and not their bodies the night before. He released her and chuckled.
"You’re a good snuggle buddy. Shepherd is missing out.” Shane’s grin made him look super attractive. His shirtless torso and bedhead only served to make him even hotter. Stella could understand the appeal. She giggled, as Shane loosened his hold on her waist.
“You’re not so bad yourse…”
She was cut off by an angry Brody storming into the room.
“Shane, what the hell man?!? I’ve been trying to reach you all….” Brody froze, and the words died on his tongue. He took in the picture in front of him, and he couldn’t figure out his sudden need to murder his best friend. What the hell was Stella doing in his bed? Sure, Brody had felt a momentary jealousy last night when he’d seen her head to Shane’s apartment, but he had NEVER expected her to stay the night. He glared at her.
"This is YOU taking care of things?” Stella was shocked at Brody’s rage, but even more, she was hurt that he thought she would offer her body to a practical stranger as a means of comfort.
"You bastard,” she growled, and Brody visibly flinched.
Pissed off, Stella made a move that in hindsight, probably was not wise. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on Shane’s cheek, then murmured seductively “Thanks for last night,” before standing and leaving the room. She dressed in the guest bathroom and quietly slipped out the apartment door, leaving the boys to whatever Brody had on the agenda.
When the front door closed, Brody was still frozen, staring at the empty spot in the bed next to Shane.
"You wanted something, Bro?” Shane prompted. Brody’s eyes flashed to Shane’s expectant expression, and the reason for his visit flooded his mind.
“Mom and Dad just called.” Silence filled the air between them. “Camden’s home.”
***
Chapter 15
“Jack?!”
Jack Shepherd hurried down the stairs at the sound of Molly’s distress. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, Molly stood frozen at the dining room window. Jack hurried to her side and took her in his arms, but her gaze remained frozen on something beyond the glass.
“Camden’s here,” she whispered, and Jack’s head snapped to the window. Sure enough, Eric’s red SUV was parked in the driveway, and Jack could make out two silhouettes in the car. One was obviously Camden.
"How long are they going to sit there?” he thought aloud.
“Don’t go out there, Jack,” Molly warned. “There was something in her eyes at the campground, and with the way she ran again, I want you to treat her like a skittish horse.” Molly’s eyes finally left the driveway and her sparkling green orbs met Jack’s own hazel ones. “I want to tread carefully. I thought we’d lost her again, but it seems she’s still here.” A tear trickled down her cheek, and Jack couldn’t help but wipe it away.
“Anything for you,” he replied, an answer she’d heard regularly for twenty five years now. She smiled and leaned into Jack, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. When the doorbell finally rang, he caressed her cheek lovingly before setting his hand on her lower back and leading her to the front door.
Cautiously, Jack opened the door, but Camden immediately pushed the door open all the way and threw herself into her mother’s arms. Jack noted quickly that Eric was carrying luggage, indicating the two would be staying for at least one night. Jack couldn’t help but to smile in Eric’s direction.
“Come in, come in,” he invited them, and he reached to help Eric with the suitcases. “Are you two planning to stay the night?” he asked Eric, as Molly and Camden were still locked in a tearful embrace.
“Yes, sir,” Eric smiled softly. “Two nights, if that is okay with you.”
Jack grinned. “That is wonderful with us, young man. Let me show you to your room.” He turned to follow Jack up the stairs.
“About that, dad,” Camden interrupted. “Eric can have his own room, if he wants.”
Jack looked puzzled, but Eric quickly diffused the situation. “Whatever is easiest for you, sir.”
Still puzzled, Jack nodded and looked to Camden. “What do you prefer, baby girl?”
“Why don’t we talk first in the living room, dad, and then we’ll see what’s best.”
Jack set down the luggage and followed Camden and Eric to the living room. Molly looked at him, equally baffled. Once in the living room, Camden and Eric settled onto the love seat, and Molly and Jack sat across from them on the couch.
"Would either of you like something to eat or drink?” Molly couldn’t suppress her southern hospitality. It had been ingrained since childhood.
“No, thank you, mom,” Camden replied. She grasped Eric’s hand for support. “You know the tough conversation that we avoided at the campground?”
Molly nodded, and Jack patted her knee.
“Well, it’s time to have that conversation now,” Camden replied. She reached into a large purse and pulled out what looked to be a scrapbook of some sort. She set it on her lap, and began to tell her story.
“I know part of this will sound very childish. Hell, all of it may sound childish to you, but you deserve to know everything.” She took a deep breath. “When I was a kid, I had the biggest crush on Shane.”
Molly looked shocked, but Jack smiled knowingly. Camden’s dad had always been able to see things others overlooked.
"It never went away, and when I was eighteen, I decided to tell him.” She paused and her eyes locked with Molly’s. “I told him the night of my graduation party, but Shane told me he didn’t feel the same way. He said that he saw me as a sister. I was crushed, and I knew how much you guys loved him. He was part of the family. I knew I couldn’t bear to be around him at family activities or holidays. I was too heart-broken and humiliated, so I ran.”
“Camden Elisabeth Shepherd,” Molly looked at her angrily. “Why would you ever think that we would pick Shane over you?!? You are our daughter!!!”
“I know that, Mom. And I probably would have come home sooner, but some stuff happened that stopped me from doing that.” Camden looked at Eric, who smiled softly and squeezed her hand in reassurance.
“Eric and I are not a couple.”
Molly and Jack looked confused by the awkward segue. Camden grasped the photo album in her lap and handed it to her mother. Two tears escaped Camden’s moistened eyes.
“I’m sorry, mommy. I’m sorry, daddy. I just couldn’t put you guys through it. I had already hurt you so much, and I didn’t want you to think I was coming back only to use you.”
Distressed by Camden’s words, Molly settled into Jack’s side and opened the scrapbook. The first page had a picture of a smiling Camden and a smirking Eric. Eric was makin
g bunny ears behind Camden’s head, and they were wearing matching shirts that said “I’m with Stupid” and had arrows pointing to each other. What caused Jack to stiffen and Molly to gasp, however, was that both teenagers were pale, gaunt, and bald.
Molly immediately flipped to the next page and then the next. The scrapbook told the story of her daughter’s first year away from home, and the story was a difficult one to process. Their baby had been fighting cancer and they had never known. It was obvious from the album that Camden and Eric had met in chemotherapy. The bond they had forged created a friendship that became as close as family. Molly was glad for that, but she was angry, too. Tears clouded her vision.
“What if you had died?!?!” she yelled. “Camden, how could you?!?!”
Camden flinched. “Mom, I was protecting you!” she yelled. Eric squeezed her hand to remind her that while she had years to take in this information, her mother was hearing it for the first time. In a softer voice, Camden continued.
"I felt guilty. You had lost me once when I ran away. As far as you knew, I was gone forever.” Molly whimpered at her words, but Camden continued to explain. “Trust me, mom. I felt guilty, but I’d been gone only three months when I was diagnosed, and I was heartbroken, confused, and alone. I started chemotherapy a month later, and I met Eric on my first day.” She smiled fondly at the memory. Eric was a full month into his treatment, and had already lost his hair, but his engaging personality and positive attitude in spite of life’s struggles had been magnetic to Camden, who at the time felt lonely and broken.
“Eric pulled me into his family, and while it was no replacement for you guys, I wouldn’t have survived without their support.”
Jack tightened his hold comfortably around Molly, and looked at Eric. “Thank you again, son, for all you’ve done for our girl.”
“I love her, sir. Can’t imagine my life without her. And that’s why we are here.”
Jack froze. Molly’s tear-filled eyes began to overflow again and she hurriedly stood and crossed the room to Camden.
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