“No need for you to apologize, Hayley. You can’t help it if your friend is a fucking animal.”
Tamara tried to go after her again, but I held her. I turned her around in the direction of the door.
“I’ll call you later, okay,” Shantel said.
I gave her a weak nod and pushed Tamara to the door.
As soon as we went outside, I let Tamara have it. I understood why she did it, but she could have handled herself a little better in public.
“Do you feel good about what happened?”
“Don’t start Hales. You did the same thing to Paula.”
“I get why you did it, but it could have been handled better.”
“So you wouldn’t have done the same thing if she was calling you a bitch?”
“Of course, I’m just saying you could have taken the altercation outside.”
“It wouldn’t have made a difference. Anyway, she was trying to fish out information about you and Morgan. I really hope you picked up on that.”
“I actually did. I don’t have a clue why she’s fishing though.”
“No telling with her. All I can say is watch your back with her. She’s not to be trusted. She could be trying to play you for Kyle or the person that’s after Morgan. At this point, you have to stay on guard with everyone, so just be careful.”
I sighed, and Tamara touched my upper back.
“Thanks, Tam.”
“No problem. I know how difficult it can be, especially with everything you and Morgan have been through. Just know that Lamar and I will be here for you, okay.”
I nodded. “I know. Besides my parents right now, you and Lamar are the only ones that Morgan and I can trust.”
Tamara put an arm around me as we went to her rental car. “Trust me, we won’t let you two down.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Right now, Morgan and I have to be extra careful on who we let come into our lives. That’s why it’s best to just stay to ourselves and not let anyone new in.
Hayley
I couldn’t believe two weeks has already passed, but with everything that has happened, I guess the time just slipped away.
It’s my birthday. I thought to myself as I stared in the mirror and smiled. I was finally 21. A part of me was happy, but for some reason, I felt a little sad. I guess because Paula and I were going to have a huge celebration when we both turned 21. I don’t know why I was thinking about that, but it just suddenly hit me. I guess after what Tamara told me, she quickly came back into my thoughts.
I pushed my feelings about her out of my mind and went to the closet to pick out my outfit when Morgan walked out of the bathroom dressed only in a towel. My smile grew wider as he ran his hand through his cropped hair. He glanced at me and gave me a sexy smile which had me biting my lip. To this day, I still couldn’t believe he was all mine. He just didn’t know how sexy he was. Hell, he knew, but he tried to downplay it.
“What are you thinking about, birthday girl?”
I went over to him and stared into his eyes. I tugged on his towel, making it fall on the floor.
“I think you know what I’m thinking about.”
“Look at you, being all naughty. You do know your parents are coming in a few minutes.”
“Well, I guess we better make it quick,” I said while bringing him closer to me.
“As much as I want to, we really have to get ready. I promised Uncle Rick and Aunt Caroline I’ll have you at the house in exactly 20 minutes.”
I pouted as he laughed.
“Besides, once the party is over, I’m definitely giving you a private celebration.”
“Hmm, that’s more like it,” I said as I kissed him. He returned it, giving my bottom lip a slight tug before sucking on my neck. He let me go and smiled.
“How are things between you and your uncle?” I asked.
He picked up the towel from the floor and went to the closet.
“I haven’t confronted him about Kyle yet.”
I turned around from the barstool and stared at him. “Why not?”
“Because I thought it would be better to discuss it with him while Kyle was present. I invited him to the party.”
I gave Morgan a crazed look as I went over to him.
“You did what? What the hell for?”
“I figured I could keep an eye on him and what better way to do that if he’s at the party.”
“That’s a clever idea, but what if I don’t want to see him, especially at my birthday party?”
“Baby, Kyle is not going to do anything else to you. If he does, then that’ll give me an excuse to kill him.”
The kiss the two of us shared came back into my mind. His lips caressed mine as his hand slid down my back. I don’t know why I was thinking about him, but I needed to stop.
“You okay?”
I glanced up and saw Morgan giving me a concerned look. I smiled.
“I’m good.”
“It seemed as if you were deep in thought.”
“I’m fine, Mo. Well, I’ll let you get ready.”
He nodded as I went to the bathroom. I closed the door and sighed. I can’t have any thoughts about him. None at all.
***
Once getting dressed in a multicolored print maxi-dress, I stared at myself in the mirror again wondering if I should change when Morgan came behind me. He put his arms around me and kissed my neck.
“You ready to see everyone?”
I turned around and nodded. I couldn’t wait to see my parents. I missed them so much. I really hoped everything would blow over so I could go back to Houston. I really wanted to go back to my life and go back to Thompson too. Classes were about to start soon, so it was a little disappointing that I wouldn’t be there to finish up my junior year.
We left the guest house and walked over to the main one. When we walked up Will was outside talking to Shantel. I glanced over at Morgan, who gave me a confused look. I haven’t spoken to Shantel since what happened between her and Tamara. I’m wondering how she knew about the party.
“Uh Will, can we talk, please?”
He smiled at Shantel and came over to us.
“What’s up?”
“Did you invite Shantel here?” Morgan asked.
“Yeah, she didn’t have any plans, so I told her about the party.”
“It would have been nice if you told us you invited her. She and Tamara got into a fight two weeks ago.”
“So this is your party. If Tamara can’t accept it, then that’s her problem.”
“It’s not just her that’s a concern, Will.”
He sighed. “Whatever. It seems as if I can’t win with you.”
“Well, you’re not making things easy, Will. Morgan and I feel that if you had communicated with us, we would have told you not to invite her.”
“Shouldn’t this be a surprise party for you? So why are you making decisions on who should come?”
I rolled my eyes. He will always be an idiot.
“Just forget it,” I said as I walked past him and into the house. If I continued to talk to him, he wouldn’t have made it inside of the house because he would have been knocked out on the ground. He was not going to ruin my night, so he could do whatever.
Morgan nibbled on my ear which gave me a slight shiver.
“Don’t worry about him. Just enjoy your night, okay baby.”
Just hearing him talk made me feel calmer. I nodded, and we went into the living room.
“Happy birthday, Hayley,” Caroline said and gave me a hug.
“Thank you, Caroline.”
“Happy birthday. The big 21,” Rick said, and he also hugged me.
“Yeah.”
As Lamar and Tamara gave me hugs, the doorbell rang. Morgan went to the door as I kept my fingers crossed, hoping it was my parents. I became disappointed when Kyle walked into the house.
“Happy birthday, Hayley,” he said. He gave me a quick hug before handing me a small box.
>
“What’s this?” I asked. I looked at Morgan, who folded his arms across his chest. He looked tense, but if Kyle was the reason, it was his fault for inviting him to my party.
“It’s your check. It’s not much, but it’s good considering you only worked one night.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“Remember, the offer still stands about the job. It’s yours if you still want it.”
“Thanks, but I don’t.”
“But you can change your mind later.”
“She said she didn’t want it,” Morgan said while giving Kyle a harsh stare.
“I’d rather if Hayley tells me that.”
“Didn’t we discuss this before?” Morgan asked.
Before they could go back on their word about no fighting, I held up my hands to get their attention.
“There’s no point in arguing about it. I said I’m not accepting it, so let’s drop it.”
The two glanced at me and went on opposite sides of the room.
The doorbell rang again. That had to be my parents. I went to the door and opened it. My smile brightened as my mom pulled me to her for a huge hug. She held me as I put my arms around her. She doesn’t know how much I had missed her.
“My baby. How are you?”
“I’m great, Mom. I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too.”
I pulled away from her, noticing she had gained a little weight. I looked at her, and she gave me a sweet smile. Her eyes were giving me a message, letting me know we would talk later. I nodded and went to my dad. I gave him a hug as he held me tight.
“It’s good to see you, baby girl.”
“Good to see you too, Dad.”
“We have a surprise for you. I hope you won’t be too upset about it,” he said.
“Upset about what?”
He pulled away from the door and the person I never thought I would see again came through the door.
“Hi, Hayley.”
Morgan, Tamara, and Lamar looked at me in shock, wondering what I would do. I really didn’t want to see her again, but here she was standing in front of me acting as if we were the best of friends.
“Paula,” I said while giving her a cold stare.
“Is everything okay, Hayley?” My mom asked.
I continued to stare at Paula as she cleared her throat.
“I know you weren’t expecting me. When your parents mentioned they were going to see you, I convinced them to let me tag along. I hope you’d understand.”
I laughed at her desperate attempt of patching things up. That wasn’t going to happen.
“You have some nerve showing up here, knowing damn well I wouldn’t want to talk to you.”
“Hayley!” My mom exclaimed.
“I guess she didn’t tell you that we are no longer friends after she tried to get with Morgan! Let me rephrase that after she tried to fuck him in the bathroom at a party!”
“Watch your mouth, Hayley!” My dad yelled.
“You know I’m not proud of that.”
“It sure didn’t look like you were heartbroken about it then. I suggest you turn around and go back to Houston because you’re not wanted here.”
“Not until we talk.”
“I don’t have anything to say to you.”
“Please, it’s important.”
I sighed and looked around the room. Everyone was giving us curious stares.
“Let’s go to the guest house.”
Before I could walk out, Morgan gently grabbed my arm.
“You sure you want to be alone with her?”
I glanced at him and smiled. “I can take of myself, baby. Just keep everyone entertained.”
He leaned into me and kissed me. I knew that probably had some people pissed, but whatever.
I let go of him and followed Paula outside. I went to the guest house and opened the door. As soon as Paula went inside, I closed it and sighed.
“Okay, what was so urgent that you had to speak to me?”
She took a deep breath and sighed. “I just wanted to say that I miss you, Hales. We have been friends since we were little kids. Shouldn’t that count for something?”
“That went out the window when you tried to seduce my boyfriend. Not only that, but how you talked to me that night. Do you really think I should forgive you for that?”
“I was hoping you would.”
“Seriously? You really are delusional.”
“Please, Hales, hear me out.”
“I don’t have to do a damn thing. You completely ruined our friendship with your jealousy. On top of that, you lied to my parents by having them think we were still cool when we’re not. I can’t stand jealous ass females, and I definitely can’t stand liars.”
“So I guess you don’t like yourself right now then.”
I raised my eyebrow wondering if she wanted her ass beat again because I would be glad to do it.
“What did you say?”
“You heard me. You’ve been lying to everyone since you and Morgan got here.”
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know what happened that night with that guy, Hayley. I know you killed him.”
My face suddenly turned pale when I heard that statement. How was that possible? No one was around when the incident occurred.
“What?”
“I was visiting a friend nearby and I decided to go to the store. When I approached the parking lot, I saw that guy and Morgan, but I didn’t see you until later when you shot the guy. I know it was to protect Morgan because the guy was trying to kill him.”
I slowly sat down while she came up to me. She tried to touch my hand, but I backed away from her.
“I know we will never be friends again, but just know that your secret is safe with me. I won’t tell anyone what happened.”
“How do I know you won’t say anything to anyone?”
“You have my word, Hales. I promise, but I do have one request.”
I rolled my eyes. Of course.
“What is it?”
“I want to have one night with Morgan,”
I think I felt my mouth drop to the floor at what she’d just said. No way in hell would that happen!
“You have got to be kidding me. Get the fuck out of here.”
“Hear me out, Hayley. I’m not asking to sleep with Morgan. I just want to be able to get to know him since that’s something I never had a chance to do.”
“You expect me to believe that. You have been after him for who knows how long. I will not hand him over to you. Are you nuts?”
“Hayley, I do know people who would love to have this information about what you did. People that you have recently been in contact with.”
I gave her a crazed look while she smiled.
“I didn’t want to do this, but if I have to, I will.”
“You stupid bitch.”
“What’s wrong, Hales? I mean, this would be the perfect opportunity to see if Morgan has changed.”
“I know he has.”
“Are you sure about that? So why wouldn’t you want to do this?”
“Because I don’t need a plan to figure out what type of man he is. I know who he is.”
“Really? Well, if that were true you wouldn’t have a problem doing this or are you that insecure about him and your relationship?”
I went to the door and opened it. “You need to leave. Now!”
She casually walked to the door, which made me want to put a foot in her ass and push her out. She had some damn nerve!
She turned around and stared at me. “Well, if you change your mind, I will be staying at the Radisson for a few days. You know my number.”
She walked outside and turned around. “I’ll be looking forward to your call.”
Without saying anything, I slammed the door in her face.
I went over to the couch and sat down. I can’t believe her! The fact that she knew what happened was d
isturbing, but her requesting a night with Morgan or she would spill was even more horrible.
I continued to stare at the wall for a few minutes when the door opened. Morgan, Lamar, and Tamara walked inside. I looked at them for a quick second before going back to looking at the wall.
“Where’s Mom and Dad?”
“They’re still in the main house. What did Paula say to you?” Lamar asked.
I looked at everyone and sighed. “She knows.”
“She knows what?” Morgan slowly asked.
“She knows about that night. She knows that I killed that guy.”
“How in the hell does she know that?”
“She was visiting a friend and decided to go to the store. She saw everything.”
“Damn it!” Morgan yelled.
“That’s not all. In order for her not to tell anyone, she requested that she spends the night with you, Morgan.”
Morgan stared at me and laughed. “You’re kidding, right?”
“She was serious, Mo.”
“What the hell,” Tamara added.
“She said if you don’t agree then she will tell whoever everything. She said it was someone we all know.”
“This doesn’t make sense. I mean, all of a sudden she says that she saw what happened. How do we know she’s not lying to get what she wants, and that’s Morgan?” Lamar said.
“I have to agree. Something is not adding up,” Tamara said.
“I think she was telling the truth. It seems as if she’s trying her best to get with Morgan. Well, she might get her wish.
“Hell no. I’m not sleeping with her.”
I got up and stared at Morgan. “I know you’re not, but at least talk to her to tell her to get this silly notion out of her head that you want her. We have enough to deal with, and we don’t need her to stir up any more problems.”
“Do you two really think she won’t use what she has to seek revenge on you two? Even if Morgan talks to her, it might cause more problems,” Tamara said.
“So you’re saying I should just sleep with her.”
“That’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying you probably need to tell someone what happened so they can help you. What about your uncle? Doesn’t he know a couple of people in law enforcement?”
I glanced at Morgan, who looked at me.
“What? You never told me that.”
Something Just Ain't Right Part 2 Page 9