Lily felt a sudden surge of anger, “Of course Pearl has to have control over everything. The fact that she can’t even let me pick my own clothes is already a warning sign that I can’t stay here.”
“Have a little faith, Lily. I’m sure she didn’t mean to cause offense,” Jin calmed her.
Lily took a deep breath and smiled at Kimberly, “Measure away.”
Even at her age, Kimberly was deft with her hands and soon had all the measurements she required. She wrapped the tape around her neck as she wrote down the last figure and chewed on the end of her pencil. Nodding, she placed the notepad down and gripped hold of Lily’s arms.
“Please don’t be angry at Ms Pearl, I’m sure she has the best intentions for you. Now I’d better get going so I can have this dress ready for you in time. I’ll give away one thing – you’re going to feel like a princess tonight!”
Kimberly hurried out the room, leaving Lily confused. Jin shrugged and they both left the shop. The bell on top of the door jingling as they left. Both climbed back into the car and they were soon speeding to their next destination.
“What have we got lined up now?” Lily asked.
“Well according to my list, we are off to the beautician. It just says hair and makeup on here, so I think that’s pretty self-explanatory.”
When they parked outside the shop, Lily was surprised to see the closed sign hanging on the door. She looked over to Jin, amusement plastered across her face.
“I think you’ve got the wrong shop, buddy.”
Jin checked the list once more before replying, “No, this is definitely it. Let’s knock and see if anyone’s inside.”
They got out the car then Jin knocked on the glass of the door. Within the blink of an eye, three women appeared armed with various devices.
“Lily Romano?” one called through the door.
Lily nodded and in an instance she was dragged inside. Jin grinned from the side as they pulled her over to a seat. In an instant, she was pampered into oblivion. Nothing was left undone. Hair, nails, her face and what not.
“Well, it seems like Pearl has really thought of everything. I remember her putting you through this agony every birthday and family event. You used to hate it so much,” Jin laughed.
“Don’t think that’s changed. You would think royalty is making an appearance with the way she makes me get ready. It’s always so over the top. And wipe that smile off your face!”
Before they could say anything else she was done. Her hair was dried, straightened and curled into a half up-do, gentle tendrils of curls tumbling over her shoulders. Next they lined the inner rims of her eyes with black liner to help define their natural shape. The makeup artist added a matte nude shadow, a shade darker than her tanned skin, to the crease of her brow before going in with a silver powder eye shadow packed with tons of sparkles. It was blended all over her lids, around the inner corners, and along the lower lashes. She went over back with a black pencil to line the outer half of her top and bottom lashes before gluing on false eyelashes and getting to work on the foundation and contouring. The look was finished off with a glossy nude lip and she was ready to go. When Lily looked at herself in the mirror, she gasped. She didn’t recognize the face staring back at her.
“You look amazing, Lily! I hope Pearl has assigned you a bodyguard for the night because I guarantee you’ll be getting loads of attention. Even you have to admit, it was worth all the effort this time.”
Lily blushed, “Even if I look amazing it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want to be at this party in the first place. Not to mention that this whole day has practically been forced upon me.
Jin looked thoughtful for a second before checking his watch and taking her to the side, “We are actually running a bit early according to the schedule, so what do you say we grab a coffee?”
Lily nodded and said goodbye to the beauticians before wandering out the door with her childhood friend. They scanned the shop fronts, looking for a place to have a drink. The pick fell on an independent coffee shop that was practically empty. Jin went to order, while Lily found them a private table in the far corner.
“Are you going to be at the party tonight?” Lily asked as soon as Jin returned with the coffees.
“I am, but not as a guest. Pearl has requested that I’m on the security team for tonight and unfortunately I’m outside this time around. If you start feeling bored you know where to find me, but I wouldn’t suggest sneaking out on your first night. Pearl wouldn’t be too impressed.”
“I guess you’re right. I think I need to give them a chance. I love my siblings but I wish they would just spend time with me away from the business. Well, hopefully tonight I will see a different side to them. I feel like such an ungrateful spoiled brat right now, but I just don’t want to be thrown back into this world.”
“Just give them a chance. That’s all I ask. Can you at least do that?”
“Yeah, I guess I can. Hey, I actually have something to ask you.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Can you tell me anything about Van Bailey?”
Chapter 4
VAN
“So, what’s the big rush, bro? You called us over here and so far we haven’t got a word out of you. Is everything alright?”
Van looked up to see Red open three bottles of beer from the cooler. It seemed like a fine idea. Nothing beats a cold one on the porch. Ace was lounging in the sun and casually looked over.
“For once I might actually need your advice on something. But what I tell you now must stay between us. Not even Rachel or Jennifer can know. Can you promise me that?”
“You want us to keep something from our wives? Now you truly have peaked my interest. What could be that bad?” Ace shuffled his chair closer.
“I kissed Lily last night.”
Red almost dropped the beers he was holding from how fast he turned round. He threw himself into the chair next to Van, before passing out the beer and leaning in close.
“Lily, as in Lily Romano? As in psycho Pearl’s little sister? The one you were entrusted to pick up from the airport last night? Please tell me this is a joke.”
“That’s the one. Lily Romano, the most perfect woman I have ever laid eyes upon. No offense to Rachel and Jennifer but Lily is something surreal.”
Ace finally spoke, “Well, each to their own taste but I thought Red and I messed up with our relationships. This is on a whole new level. Pearl will kill you when she finds out.”
“You don’t think I realize that? I fucked up so bad. I kissed her outside their house. I don’t think anyone saw but I can’t be sure it wasn’t caught on CCTV. If Pearl or Joe were to see that footage it would be the end of the line for me.”
Red, always the joker of the family, started to laugh, “I doubt they would see the footage. And even if anyone saw anything, do you really think it would be in their best interest to deliver that information to the twins? Pearl has no fear in shooting the messenger.”
“It’s not funny, Red. I messed up big time and I think I hurt Lily in the mix. As soon as I registered what I was doing, I just took off and left her on the doorstep. She’ll probably never want to see me again.”
Ace spoke, “It all depends. How did this happen in the first place?”
“Well, after I picked her up at the airport she told me she didn’t want to go home. I took her to the diner for some early morning breakfast and we just started talking. I could have talked to her all night. Time just flew by and before I knew it, I was dropping her home. She was actually the one that initiated the kiss. I just froze and ran. I didn’t even get to explain properly.”
“But did you want to kiss her in the first place?” Ace asked, “I mean, I know you said she was good-looking, but you’re going to have to give us a bit of background here, big brother.”
“Honestly, as soon as I saw her at the airport I knew she was the woman of my dreams. I couldn’t keep my eyes of her. And then when we wen
t to the diner you should have seen how that woman eats. It would put us to shame! I didn’t think I would ever feel so attracted to the way someone eats. But most of all was when we started speaking, I haven’t opened up to someone like that in a long time. It was verging on terrifying, how I felt about her in such a small amount of time. But now I don’t fucking know what to do. I don’t want to cross the twins, but I also don’t want to give up on Lily. What if she’s the one?”
“It almost sounds like love at first sight,” Red started to laugh once more.
Van’s voice deepened, “I think it was.”
Time froze for a brief moment as the three brothers had some beer to let Van’s comment sink in.
They both know how much it means when I say something like that. They know I would never take the ‘L word’ lightly. But I don’t know how else to describe it. It was more than attraction, it was more than I have ever felt for someone before. Now the question is – what do I do about it?
As though reading his mind, Ace broke the silence, “I think you should go after her. Let’s face it, neither Red or I have seen you like this over a woman before. Hell, in the last couple of years I don’t think I’ve ever seen you even look at a woman in that kind of way. Now you’re saying that this woman walks into your life and you’re actually in love with her? I mean, just look at Red and I and how we ended up. It’s scary and you have to fight against your natural instincts to close them out, but in the end it all works out for the best. I can’t imagine myself without Jennifer and the kids now.”
“I agree,” Red spoke, “I am so happy I took the leap with Rachel and now I have Mia. Your case might be slightly different from ours, but I’m sure once the twins see how happy you make Lily, they’ll give you their blessings.”
Van drained the rest of his beer before opening another. He took a couple of sips then replied to his brothers.
“I do envy what you both have, but this situation is surely more complicated. You guys really pissed off the twins by hooking up with a client and an employee, so go figure the reaction I’m gonna get if I get into a relationship with their little sister. All hell will break loose.”
“Yes, but you make her happy! Once they see that, then how could they stand in the way of her happiness?” Red tried to step in.
“Easily. They won’t ever let it get to the point where they can see she’s happy. As soon as they find out, I’m going to be completely removed from the picture and they’ll probably lock Lily away in a dungeon somewhere!”
“Stop being so fucking dramatic. You sound like Jennifer. I think we need to come up with a plan of action first. Maybe before rushing into things, you should see how Lily feels? But I think that if she feels anywhere near the same as you do about her, then you can’t give up just because of the twins. You’re the last one of us that haven’t settled down. I didn’t think after mom and dad that we would ever be able to open up to anyone. I just want you to be as happy as Red and I.”
“Ah, shut up you soppy idiot. But I guess it would be a good idea to figure out how I feel, before rushing in either way. Although, how can I see her again? I didn’t take down her phone number and it’s not like I can ask the twins for it.”
Red grinned, “Well, I guess you’re in luck then. Do you ever check social media? We’ve all been invited to Lily’s homecoming party tonight. I think it’s a kind of ball so I suggest you get yourself suited and booted before heading over. It starts at 7pm. I’m taking Rachel and Ace is going with Jennifer, so you have plenty of backup if things go south.”
“A ball? They’re certainly pulling out all the stops for their little sister. Are you sure, it’s a good idea me showing up to something like that? You guys may be there, but so are the twins and most their people. Plus clients and other acquaintances, knowing what Pearl is like. There will be too many eyes on us. If anyone overhears anything or sees anything then I’ll be in deep shit.”
“So, just take her somewhere quiet?” Red suggested, “They’ve rented the entire Juliet Hotel, so it’s not like there aren’t any private rooms for you two. With the city extension they’re planning, I’m sure the twins’ minds will be elsewhere. They wouldn’t notice if Lily is missing for half an hour or so. You need to get this sorted out. If you just leave it, you may regret it for the rest of your life.”
Van nodded and stood up from his chair, “Well, I guess there’s no point sitting here and talking about it. I’d better get myself ready for tonight. I can’t show up looking like a homeless man. You two should probably be off as well. I’m sure Jennifer and Rachel will be hunting you down soon if you don’t. Thank you both.”
“I’m just glad you called us for once. You know we’re always here for you right?” Ace patted his brother on the back as he headed for the garage.
“We’ll be on the lookout for you tonight. If you can have anything like I have with Rachel, then I want you to have it. There’s no point living your life with regrets. The void mom and dad left behind can never be filled, but at least you can find happiness elsewhere.”
Mom and dad. If only they knew. I doubt they’d want my happiness then. I doubt anyone would.
“Thanks, you two. I’ll see you out.”
Van followed his brothers to the garage where he watched them mount their bikes. He opened the garage door for them and they gave him a final wave before riding off down the road. Van stood there as the garage door closed automatically behind him, shutting out the sunlight and leaving him with his troubling dark memories.
I remember hearing the shooting. Seeing Ace dashing out the bar followed by Red and I. I remember seeing their bodies sprawled out in the dirt. I remember the blood and the bullet casing surrounding them. I remember it was all my fault.
Van shook his head to free his mind and wandered back to the porch. He finished yet another beer before clearing everything away. He looked around the empty great room and wished he had someone to share it with. The person in his mind looking identical to that of a certain Lily Romano.
Wasting no more time, he grabbed his mobile off the counter and ordered a cab. It said it was going to be there in two minutes, so he quickly picked up his keys and walked out the front of his house. On time, the cab appeared and he jumped in. They wound their way through traffic into the city where they pulled up outside a shop.
“Is that you, Mr. Bailey?” a voice called from the doorway.
“How did you know to expect me?” Van grinned as he headed towards the old man.
“Your brother called and told me you would probably be showing up today. We have the perfect tuxedo ready for you to try on.”
“It’s great to see you Roberto, is Jose here too?”
“You know he wouldn’t be able to leave the shop when he heard one of the Baileys were going to make an appearance. Now where is that brother of mine? Jose! Van is here!”
As though by magic, Jose appeared and was gripping Van in a fierce hug. Van patted the old man’s back before he was released. They led him further into the shop where, sure enough, a tuxedo was waiting for his approval. Roberto showed him into the changing room where Van got dressed and walked out for them to examine.
“Almost perfect! I wish you Bailey boys would call in advance so we can tailor something for you. Always in a rush. But at least we have a wide range of ready-made tuxedos for your inspection. I’m glad this one fits so well. Will you have a lucky lady escorting you tonight?” Roberto raised his eyebrow.
“No, not quite. I’m actually trying to determine whether the lucky lady likes me as much as I like her. She isn’t aware that I will be showing up tonight.”
“Any woman would be stupid to refuse you. I’m sure if you’re making this much effort then she will be able to see how you feel towards her,” Jose smiled warmly.
“I hope you’re right. I should probably get going now, I still have much to do before I go to the ball. I usually wouldn’t bother with such trivial parties, but as this is for a special reason, I feel like I
should at least try to look attractive. How much do I owe you for the tux?”
“Don’t be stupid,” Roberto waved him away, “We will never charge the Baileys. Your family has done too much for us. Our suits and tuxedos are at your disposable, it’s the least we can do.”
“Are you sure? This tuxedo doesn’t look cheap,” Van hesitated in the doorway.
“Of course we are. You’ll offend us if you refuse. Now you’d better get going to meet that lady. I can see the twinkle in your eyes, that Red had when he was meeting Mrs. Bailey. I wish you all the best my friend. Please come again soon and let us make you a tailored suit.”
“I might just take you up on that offer, Roberto. See you soon, Jose!” Van called over his shoulder as he headed out the door.
He jumped back into the cab and was soon on his way home. He stared out the window on the way, thinking of all the possible outcomes of the night.
What if she doesn’t want to see me again? What if the twins already know? What if she rejects me or her feelings aren’t the same? What if they are?
The last thought made his heart leap, but at the same time froze his blood cold. He may win over the woman of his dreams, but it doesn’t mean the family would let anything happen between them. Getting involved with Lily also meant that he would have to deal with Pearl and Joe. That in itself was a big enough leap into danger.
He thanked the cab driver when they pulled up outside his house. Van stepped out onto the sidewalk, carefully carrying the tuxedo in his hand, while going inside. Loneliness loomed over the house as he walked in. He went straight to the wardrobe to hang up his tux before heading to the bathroom to get cleaned up.
Tonight is going to change everything.
The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 39