She hung up, tossing her cell on top of her bag.
“Assuming he needs his wallet.” I spoke, hating the slight tension that hung between us, completely of my design.
“Yeah, but he said he’ll try to borrow some money to get Cody something to eat.”
“I’ll take it to him.” I held out my hand. “I’m going that way anyway.” I wasn’t, but I wanted to do anything to ease the strain. To show I was a good friend.
“The hospital is on the other side of town.” She eyed me suspiciously.
“Mom wants me to pick up a few things for dinner at the grocery store.” I stood, the fib falling easily from my mouth. “No big deal. They are right down the road from each other.”
“Okay, if you don’t mind. That would be great.” She handed it to me. Not sure she believed me, Whiskey had a sixth sense like her Grandma Penny, but she didn’t push.
“We still on for pool day tomorrow?” I smiled, putting on false cheer.
“Yeah.” She nodded. “Doug is also having a get-together tomorrow night, if you want to go. Low-key.”
“Sounds perfect.” The forced grin still pinned on my face only seemed to irritate Whiskey more. She knew it was fake, that all this was being forced. Our friendship had never been artificial, and everything about this felt wrong and icky, but I couldn’t seem to stop or change it. Just needed to peel away the steel I wrapped around myself and let her see the truth.
It was hard to let someone see you, when you don’t even want to look at yourself, at the deep shame and self-loathing. Everyone liked the carefree Stevie. Light and fun. True darkness rotted in my soul, and no one wanted that girl.
Including myself.
My sandals clipped on the tile floor, my hands wrapped around the black leather wallet as I strolled down the corridor, the air conditioning pimpling my exposed skin. The hospital was mainly quiet, but I heard Cody’s high-pitched kid whine from down the hall.
Stepping into the room, I saw Cody between Hunter’s legs, stomping his feet, his arms flaying around, face turning red, tears streaming down his face. Hunter talked quietly to him, trying to calm him down.
“Uh-oh.” I cringed. “Someone’s not happy.”
Hunter’s head jerked up, surprise widening his eyes for a moment, probably wondering what the hell I was doing there. “Hey.” He tipped his head in question, stress pulling at his gorgeous face.
“Delivery girl.” I held out his wallet to him. Hunter bounded from the seat, reaching me in a blink.
“Oh, thank fuck,” he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear, making me snicker. “Someone is way past hungry and having a total meltdown. I thought we could make it until we got home.”
Cody, a spitting image of Colton and Hunter with his blue eyes and dark hair, was normally the sweetest kid. And that was a high compliment since I didn’t even like children, but I could tolerate him for a while.
“He’s been through a lot.” I smiled at the little boy, but he continued to sniffle, snot and tears running down his face.
“Yeah, his tolerance is waning though. At first, he understood why his mom wasn’t home, that Emlyn needed her. Now he’s not giving a shit and just wants her with him.”
“I totally get it.” I moved to Cody, squatting in front of him. “I know you miss your mommy.” He sniffed, nodding his head. “I remember when I was about your age, my mom left for a whole month, lots and lots of days.” Her activist group had gone on a protest to DC for women’s rights, back when Joyce Colvin was a well-known activist. Now I can look back and appreciate what she was doing, but at that age, I just wanted my mom home with me. “It felt like years to me when I was going through it, but you know what?”
He shook his head, wiping his snot on his shirt.
“The moment she came home, I forgot all about the time she was away. It was as if it never happened.”
He blinked, his tears stopping as he listened to me.
“You’re lucky. You still see your mom every day. And before you know it, both she and your sister will be home. Until then, you get to spend time with your Uncle Hunter. Do you know how amazing that is? I know a lot of girls who would love to be in your shoes.” I heard Hunter chuckle behind me as Cody’s head dipped in agreement. “You are being such a good big brother. Emlyn is so lucky to have you. I’m jealous.”
“You are?” His little voice quivered.
“Yeah.” I nodded dramatically. “I didn’t have an older brother. But if I did, I would want one just like you.”
He took in a shaky breath but stopped crying.
“Now, I bet if you ask nicely, Uncle Hunter will take you for some ice cream.”
Cody’s blue eyes lit up like a Lite Brite, staring over my shoulder with hope.
“After some dinner,” Hunter added reaching his hand out to the boy. I stood at the same time Cody moved to Hunter, wrapping his arms around his leg.
Hunter stood there staring at me, his head slightly shaking.
“What?”
“You.” He grinned. “Miss I Hate Kids is actually pretty good with them.”
“No, it’s just when I’m hungry, I turn into a toddler and throw tantrums too.” I swished my hand. “I can relate.”
“Sure.” Hunter winked, reaching down for Cody, heaving him up on his hip. “You ready, big man? Get some food in your tummy?”
Cody nodded furiously.
“Thank you, Stevie. I owe you.”
“See.” I rubbed my hands together. “That was my real intent. I enjoy making people indebted to me.”
“I have no doubt.” He sniggered, turning for the door. “Thanks again. See you tomorrow night?”
“Free alcohol? I’ll be there.”
Hearing my phone ring in my bag, I waved at them, watching them leave. I slid the call button. “Hello?”
“Stttteeevvvieee!” Slurring sounds sang into my ear when I answered. Drunk, familiar voices sprang in my ear, instantly making me laugh.
“Hey guys!” I greeted Tristen and Andy, as I slowly meandered down the hallway, back toward the main entrance.
“Come home, girl!” I heard Maxine yell from the back ground. “We miss you!”
“Not even six and you’re already drunk, huh?”
“Uh. Yeah. You’re talking to us. It’s Saturday,” Tristen said like duuuhhh. “Plus, I completely blame my intoxicated state on you.”
“Me?” I wished for nothing more than to be in New York, part of their carefree bubble. Sounded like heaven. Not to think or worry about anything.
“Did you forget what day it was?” Tristen over exaggerated his gasp. “Girrrrl, how could you forget? It’s the relaunch of the record store today.”
My palm smacked against my forehead. Holy crap, I had totally forgotten. It had only been a week since I left, but all of that felt as if it were another world. Another life.
“I still can’t believe you’re not here for it. You planned it all and the promotion has people coming in in droves.”
“What?” Excitement sparked up my back, bouncing me on my toes. “It’s a hit?”
“Oh my god, it’s been crazy here all day. Andy and I came down a few hours ago to check it out, and we barely could get in. The drinks and food, the music…everything, Stevie. It’s amazing. Maxine said it’s been like this since noon.”
Happy tears stabbed at the back of my lids. What was up with me lately? I was getting so emotional. But I could be proud of what I had done and how it might help Gold Vinyl Records.
“Tell her the exciting part.” Andy sounded as if he was bouncing up and down.
“That’s not the exciting part?”
“Well…I told my record label about the party. And I guess he sent the company’s marketing manager, who brought some press with her.”
“Seriously?” I pressed my hand to my chest, like I was in a dream, not paying any attention to where I was going.
“Well, it’s PR for our label, since a lot of our clients ar
e in your store, but it also has brought a ton of publicity here.”
“Tris…thank you. I know it was you who pushed that.”
“You know I’d do anything for you girl. Speaking of…I’m still on my boss about bringing you in. It will happen.”
I believed him. He was tenacious. But that scared me more than anything. He’d put his own reputation on the line, and if I screwed up, as I always did…
“Is that Stevie?” I heard Liam’s voice close to the phone. A brief rustling sounded over the phone, then his voice was right in my ear. “Stevie,” he said my name, sentiment filling up every syllable. “I can’t believe you’re not here. This is all because of you.”
“It’s your record store. I just made a few graphics.”
“No.” I could almost see him shaking his head. “This is your touch. You are magic…” he said. Liam always got sentimental when he drank.
“Should the owner be drunk on shift?” I teased him.
“I’ve only had one beer,” he said seriously. “I’m not drunk.”
Shit. That was worse.
“I miss you, Stevie.” He cleared his throat. “I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but I do. All day I kept looking for you, wanting to share this with you.”
My stomach knotted and I finally glanced up, realizing I had strolled way past the exit, to the other side of the hospital.
“Stevie, I think I’m in—”
“Liam.” I stopped him before he could go on. “Stop.”
“Sorry,” he mumbled. “Not appropriate. But when you come back… Is there a chance we can talk? I can maybe take you out?”
Liam was such a sweet guy. With everyone screaming about how closed off I was and not letting love in, I felt a slight doubt. What if Liam was the person? We got along. I enjoyed his company. What if he was the love for me, like Jayme and Hunter, and I let it slide by because I was too scared? The one-night stands seemed hollow and boring to me now, which was quite depressing. They only seemed to highlight my loneliness, not filling it.
It couldn’t hurt to at least go on a date…
My lips parted to respond, but anything I was about to say was forgotten, my gaze catching a figure walking down the hall. My heart leaped up into my throat, trying to escape.
Holy shit.
As if the twisted part of my soul conjured him out of nothing, just to screw with me, Chris strolled down the off-white corridor. His shoulders were hunched, his eyes on the ground. Simply seeing him ignited fire in my veins, robbing me of air. Was he trying to kill me?
Good thing I was in a hospital.
What the hell is he doing here? The obvious reason would be to visit Krista and the baby, or maybe even meet up with Hunter and Cody, but Chris was going in the opposite direction. My legs moved without approval from my mind, chasing after him. I slowed when he turned, instinct telling me to observe him and not let him see me. I slunk after him, feeling like some undercover spy. But I was more Scooby and the gang than James Bond.
“Stevie?” I heard my name from my cell against my ear, but I only acknowledged it with a Hmmm? My focus was all on the tall, broad Australian yards in front of me. He wore low-hung shorts, trainers, and a black T-shirt, the deep muscles in his ass showed through his shorts every time he took a step, his calves flexing. I noticed several nurses and patients also enjoying the view as well.
Damn. I forgot how unbelievable his ass was. I was a butt girl, and even though I never told him, Chris had the best ass I had ever seen, winning over Justin and Suzy, who were personal trainers.
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, I got to snack on that ass once upon a time.
My teeth bit down on my bottom lip, reminiscing about all the times I got to freely nibble on it. Except with Tarzan, it was never just his butt I wanted to nibble on. His body was like an amusement park, and I wanted to ride every ride and taste every treat.
Nurses, patients, and doctors mingled in the hallway, sometimes blocking him from view. A few stared at me oddly as I dashed forward, then came to a complete stop, hiding behind gurneys and people when he would quickly glance around, as if he could sense me.
Or was afraid to run into someone?
“Stevie, are you there?” Liam’s voice drove irritation up my spine, chipping at my focus.
“Yeah. Here,” I replied absently, watching my target turn down another hallway. Where was he going? I tried to find anything telling me what part of the hospital I was in but found nothing. It all looked the same to me. A horrible reminder of being here for my dad.
“So, is that a yes?”
“Yes?” What the hell were we talking about?
“Yes? Really?” Liam sighed happily. “I promise you won’t regret it.”
Wait. What?
“Regret what?” I stopped, feeling my stomach drop like acid rain.
“We’ll talk when you get back. I better go, there’s someone here who wants an interview for the Sunday paper.” Liam bubbled with shock. “Thank you again, Stevie. This wouldn’t have happened without you. Tristen says bye. He’ll call you later.”
The cell went dead. I stared down at my phone, my mouth parted.
What the fuck happened? What did I say yes to?
Did I agreed unintentionally to go on a date with Liam? I had done far worse things, but he was a friend. Someone I didn’t want to hurt. Yet that was surely where it would go.
Selfishly, my concern only lasted a beat before my head jolted up again, scanning the passage for a hot supercross rider.
“Shit.” I trotted forward, searching every hallway and room I passed but saw no sign of him. The boy was way over six foot, broad, and sexy as hell. He shouldn’t have been this easy to lose.
But as if I had conjured him up, he magically disappeared as quickly. He was here, right? I wasn’t going crazy?
Oh, girl, that ship has sailed years ago.
Sighing, I flipped around and marched for the exit, taking in the humid evening air. All the joy I felt earlier from the phone call reversed back to frustration and restlessness.
The need to run, metaphorically speaking, gripped my soul, itching my legs.
But it wasn’t back to New York or home. It was back through those doors.
To him.
Chapter Twelve
Music hummed so faintly from the backyard of Doug’s house as I strolled to the front that the crickets were louder. After spending the day poolside at Whiskey’s, which felt like a soul-gutting déjà vu of the last time, I went home early to shower and change. The strain between Jayme and me only thickened the more we tried to pretend it wasn’t there.
My patience ran out earlier than normal. Reece had two friends over this time, and all three were giggly, squealing, and climbing over Hunter. Not having siblings, I found the transformation in Reece fascinating and a little irritating. I know I was boy crazy early, probably the same age, but now they all seemed so young to be starting the boy stuff.
I would have probably been gaga for Hunter as well, always into the bad boys. Actually, I liked the guy who was the true loser, killing his brain cells with pot, blackening his lungs with tar, and who didn’t give a shit about anything, including me. I sought out the aloof asshole dressed in three-day-old clothes and playing in some garage band, thinking he’d be the next Kurt Cobain. The opposite of Hunter. People just assumed Colton’s twin was that loser guy, but truth was he was nothing like his reputation.
The porch creaked under my flip-flops. The front door was already open, the screen door flooding light onto the path. Voices drifted from the back, but the house was quiet and calm. Usually on any given night Doug’s house was full of people, loud music blasting down the street, and a bonfire in the back. Probably with what was going on with Emlyn, a party felt wrong.
I walked through the house, the smell of barbeque drifted up my nose, causing my stomach to growl. Yes, I was a vegetarian, but really did BBQ chicken count? I mean, come on, this was the south. Barbeque was also a separate food
group. Along with bacon.
Sliding the screen door open, I stepped into the backyard, heads turning to me.
“Stevie!” Doug bellowed from the raft he lay on in his above ground plastic pool. He held up a beer in greeting. “Knew I could count on you.”
“Hey, free beer and food.” I opened my arms. “I might never leave.”
“Always welcome, beautiful.” He tipped his beer, then took a huge gulp from the can.
Eyes seared into me, and I lifted my gaze to the girl sitting on the rim of the pool, her legs dangling in the water.
Megan.
I stared back. Girls like her smelled weakness and jumped on it. If anyone should be mad, it should be me. But we both gave nothing away. We had circled each other a lot since that night nearly two years ago, but no one except Whiskey seemed to pick up on anything more than our usual wariness of each other. It wasn’t as if we were ever friends. And I had no claim on Chris. They were free to screw each other’s brains out.
Jones sat down next to her, handing her a beer, whispering something in her ear. She broke away from watching me, her regard dropping down to the water almost shyly, a soft smile curving her mouth.
The split second took me back, the slice of softness in her felt like I’d stepped into an alternate universe.
“Hey. Need a drink?” Whiskey was at my side, nodding to the cooler filled with drinks.
“Hell yeah. Took Uber here.” I made another quick glance around the space. The usual suspects were here along with a few others I learned were Doug’s neighbors, but it was small and quiet. Krista was missing, but it was Chris’s absence I noted most of all. I tried to ignore the disappointment. It’s better he’s not here. “Food will be ready... ah… maybe tomorrow night.”
Twisted Love (Blinded Love Series Book 3) Page 10