“Sheesh,” Marley sighs. “You’ve lived a complicated life, Cole.” She leans back in the seat. “Do you think you’re ready to add a new relationship to the mix?”
“I’ve been ready since the day I met you,” I tell her honestly. “But if you prefer to wait until you’re sure, I’ll be here, eagerly waiting on your call.”
Her face softens and she laces her fingers in mine.
“How about we take it one day at a time?”
“I’d like that.”
We end the night with another kiss, this one not as passionate, but still enough for me to crave more. Marley and I both have to work this week, so we plan to spend Friday evening at her place. She’s making dinner and I’m supposed to bring the wine. My girl loves to watch movies and she asked me to choose something fun to watch. I’ve already selected The Mummy with Brendan Fraser. It’s one of my favorites and I’m reasonably certain she’s seen it before as well. Still, it’s a hilarious movie and we'll be able to chat off and on and be able to keep up with the plot.
It’s about eight in the evening by the time I leave her place. I send Taylor a text and see if she has a moment to chat in front of her building. She splits her time between the apartment above Spill the Tea and her mother’s townhouse. I want to clear the air with her before she heads to work tomorrow. I owe it to her.
“Hi,” I mutter, giving her a small smile.
Folding her arms across her chest, she scowls, her reaction toward me well-deserved.
“I already know why you’re here, Cole, so small talk isn’t necessary.”
Inwardly wincing, I tell her, “I’m sorry I hurt you. I should’ve—”
“What? Picked me over, Marley? Let’s be serious. That’s not why I’m upset.”
“Enlighten me, then.” Patiently, I wait for her barrage of justified anger.
“When I was a teenager, you were the first man to make my heart go pitter-patter. My mom kept telling me it was a crush, but in my inexperienced heart, I knew there was more.” She pauses a second as if recalling happier times. “The first time we were together, I thought, finally, I have the man of my dreams. Then you got engaged and married to Chrissy after promising me the world.”
“I never promised you anything.”
“Our being together was the promise, Cole, at least in my eyes, and you broke it. That’s why I’m pissed. You can apologize for the bullshit you put me through now, but you’ve never once said sorry for leading me on back then.”
“You’re right. I was an asshole. Chrissy and I were going through a rough patch and I used you.” I rake my fingers through my hair remembering what a shit I was to her after we’d slept together. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself. “I’m not proud of my actions. I managed to fuck up our friendship, but I’m sorry for what I did and beg for your forgiveness. You mean something to me, Taylor, maybe not the love you hoped for, but I do care.”
Her eyes well with tears. I want to hold her hand, tell her everything will be okay.
“I guess friendship has to be enough.”
“Yes.”
Closing her eyes, she takes in a deep breath, exhaling it slowly.
“Then, you better not fuck this new relationship up.” She gives me a sad smile. “She may not seem it, but Marley is fragile, more so than me. One wrong move and you can lose her. Be the man your father raised you to be. Don’t break her heart.”
My gut clenches at the mention of my dad. Taylor knows how much I loved him and how hard it’s been for my mother and me since his death. Without warning, she does something unexpected.
Rising to her tiptoes, Taylor kisses my cheek. After ending the peck, she whispers in my ear, “I love you, Cody, and even though we weren’t meant to be, the feeling will never change.”
Without a thought, I wrap my arms around her waist and squeeze, saying, “I love you too.” It’s true. I do and I always will in my own way. Taylor and I will always be friends, nothing else. Just as she has to bid farewell to our past, I do too, for my sake and Marley’s. I lost her once and I don’t plan on letting it happen again.
14
Meet the parents
Affirmation #8
I must see the good in every situation, but when my parents are involved, my faith diminishes tenfold.
Marley
“For the one-hundredth time, I’m not returning to New York,” I shout at my mom as she looks on with irritation. Cole squeezes my hand to calm me. “And bringing Aaron along as back-up only pisses me off more.” I motion to the man who never acknowledged me as his child.
To say Saturday morning has become a clusterfuck would be an understatement. Instead of coming in mid-September as promised, my mom, in her infinite wisdom, decided to stop by, bringing the man I loathe this morning.
Kill me now.
Friday was mostly uneventful, with the occasional kindergartener’s antics to keep me busy throughout the day. That evening I had plans with Cole, which included takeout and a movie. It was nice. We talked, laughed at our favorite parts of The Mummy, and ended up falling asleep on the couch together. Rather than having a peaceful Saturday morning filled with pancakes, sausage, coffee, and much-needed sex, we were awakened by banging on my front door, courtesy of the woman standing in front of me at this moment.
Dressed up more than usual, my mother is rocking a green wraparound dress with diamond studs in each ear and a pair of cream strappy heels. She must’ve had her makeup done professionally to match the severe bun as nothing appears out of place. Most likely, this clothing display is for my supposed father. The man who raised me only cared for natural beauty. He wouldn’t like this version of my mom and I don’t either.
“Relax, dear. Adults discuss things in a calm manner, not yell them.”
“There is no need for a discussion, mother,” I say through gritted teeth, her placating tone driving me insane. “I live here. You live in New York and that’s the end of it.”
“Talk to your daughter, Aaron.” She waves off my comment like it’s irrelevant.
“Why is he even here?” I scowl at the both of them. “Aren’t you still married to someone else?”
“They’re getting a divorce,” my mother beams. “He and I are together again and moving into an apartment once we get you back home.” She hooks her arm in his, and at their clasp of hands, I become ill. Did my real dad mean nothing to her? Has she forgotten all about my brother too?
Cole hasn’t said anything yet, but I can sense the anger emanating from him as he pulls me against him, his hard body supporting mine. I suspect he’ll lose his patience soon. Mine’s already left the building.
“Marley, honey,” my bio dad finally says. “Your mother is only worried about you as I am. Your closest family is several hours away. If you get into a situation, there is no one to back you up. Be smart and return.”
“No, Aaron,” I snap, sarcastically. “You, of all people, have no say in my life.”
“It’s “father” or “dad” to you, young lady.” He pulls out a checkbook as if I can be bought. “If it’s a matter of money, I’ll handle it.” This man is the absolute worst. “How much do you need for moving expenses?” He eyes my apartment with disdain. “It’s obvious the little teaching job doesn’t pay you enough. Besides, I’ve purchased an apartment for you in the same building your mother and I will reside in. It’s time I get to know my other child.”
A rage builds inside me and, I swear, the room goes cold. He ignored me as a child and blew me off when I confronted him at eighteen. The only man I’ll ever call “dad” is Deke Bishop. He taught me how to ride a bike and he put a band-aid on my skinned knee. Therefore, he earned the name.
“We may share blood, Aaron, but you are not my father.” I glare at him.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you then. It was complicated, but now I’m ready to make amends. I’ve even updated my will to include you as a show of good faith.” My mother looks on in pride as if his money solves all the
problems they created by having an affair.
“I don’t want your money.”
“From the looks of this apartment, you need it.”
“That's fucking it,” Cole shouts, advances toward Aaron, his sudden movement startling everyone in the room. “I’ve spent the past five minutes listening to you talk down to your daughter and I’ve had it. Marley is one of the kindest people I know, and if she doesn’t want you in her life, then you are the problem in this scenario.”
“Listen here,” the sperm donor jabs a finger in Cole’s chest. “I don’t know who you are, but this is a family matter and none of your concern.” Cole’s gaze goes from the offending digit and back to Aaron, his expression saying in no certain terms “remove your finger, or I will break it.” Smartly, he steps back, giving Cole a once-over. “I could buy and sell you ten times over and not bat an eye.”
“And now I see why she wanted to start over. You two are the most toxic people I’ve ever met and I have and shrew of an ex-wife, so I’ve dealt with lunacy.”
“You are beneath my daughter. I coul—”
“Out,” I screech, pointing at the front door.
“But, Marley, we came all this way. Your dad paid for a private jet and everything. He didn’t want to waste his time flying with regular people.” My mother’s pleading tone does nothing to assuage me. It actually enrages me.
“I don’t care if it cost him a small fortune. I want the two of you gone or I’ll call the cops and have you removed.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” She’s right, but they don’t know that.
“I would.” Grinning, Cole opens my door. “Now, if you could head out.” He motions to the hall. “Marley and I have a morning to salvage.”
Aaron opens his mouth to say more, but my mom silences him by placing a hand on his chest. She gives him an expression I don’t understand, but I chalk it up to her trying to calm him.
Then, turning to me, she declares, “Your father and I are staying at the Bed and Breakfast until Wednesday and we expect to see you before then. My mother says this statement with certainty as if I’ll be showing up at their place like a good little girl wearing my Sunday best.
“Not my father,” I mumble in exasperation. I make a mental note to phone my dad and give him the deets on my mother’s latest antics. I’d bet my favorite pair of shoes she hasn’t given him her new relationship status.
“We’ll plan for dinner at seven tomorrow. This will allow you plenty of time with your, um, friend. We drove past a nice establishment called At The Tip and it seems suitable. We have much to discuss with you.”
I prepare to decline, but she flashes me one of her “or else” looks. This means I better show up or she’ll find another way to screw with me. I wouldn’t put it past her to visit me at work for a surprise lunch. Or perhaps she’ll figure out a way to get me fired. Anything to bring me home. With Aaron on her side, anything is possible.
Standing stock-still, I narrow my eyes at my mom, and I see triumph in her eyes. She knows she’s won. I will be showing for this farce of a dinner and play along. I won’t let her bully me into moving, but I’m sure she’ll have another way to torture me.
On her way out, she kisses me on the cheek and Aaron follows suit. Cole gives me a worried look as he shuts the door behind them. Embarrassment settles in. I’m at a loss for words.
Why is it that when I take one step forward in my life, my mother takes me back three? She liked me better when I was smothered in grief from Jamal’s death. I depended on her more. The new version of me is stronger, more independent, but she’s doing whatever she can to ruin my progress. Sometimes I feel like my mom is Joan Crawford in the movie Mommie Dearest —minus the wire hangers—and I’m the doormat daughter who goes along with her crazy.
“Are you okay?” Cole asks me, taking my hand.
“I’m good. My mom is just …” My gaze goes to the floor and then back to him. “I was planning on telling you about my family dynamics at a later date but, as usual, my mother moved up my timetable.”
Cupping my face, he frowns. “You’re not going to dinner with them, right?”
“I have no choice, Cole. If I don’t, she’ll make things difficult.” I guide him to the couch and he retakes my hand. I have to sit down and regroup. All of a sudden, I’m exhausted.
Quickly, I tell him about the sordid past of my mom and Aaron, Deke, the man who I consider my real father, and lastly, about Jamal. Cole is silent throughout, giving me the occasional hand squeeze of support. Thankfully, he doesn’t run for the hills when I mention my psychiatrist. Most men would.
“I’m sorry you went through it and, if you ever need another ear, I’m here.” He rests his forehead on mine, his touch relaxing me for the first time today.
“Thanks,” I breathe. “Moving here and finding you again have been the best medicine. I’ll be damned if I let her or the sperm donor convince me to deviate from my plans. The sooner I get rid of them, the faster my life can return to normal. If it means having one inconsequential dinner, then I’ll do it.”
“I don’t know, Marley. What if they make an offer you can’t refuse?”
“They’re not the mob,” I giggle. “Besides, I have a plan.” I don’t have one, but I don’t tell him that. It will come to me eventually. If not, I’ll wing it. I’d rather spend a lazy Saturday with Cole. We’re building something good here and I don’t want any distractions.
He gives a skeptical look, so I press my lips on his to silence him.
It works.
“How about some breakfast? I’m starving.” Smiling, I pat my belly and he smirk.
“Sounds good.”
Cole and I walk from my apartment to Mabel’s Place hand and hand, garnering looks from some of the residents. All of them were directed toward Cole in the form of shock, probably because of his playboy reputation. Maybe they’re all Taylor's friends and they blame me for stealing him. I hope not.
Sensing my mood, Cole squeezes my hand in reassurance.
“Ignore them. I’m sure they’ve called my mother by now anyway.”
Relaxing, I giggle at his response.
“Who knew holding hands would cause such controversy?”
“It’s Falls Village.” He winks at me. “Anything is possible.”
Breakfast goes by surprisingly fast and I have a spur-of-the-moment idea. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it for a few days now but this is the first chance I get to stop by.
“What’s next on the agenda?” He asks, hooking an arm around my waist as we head back to my apartment. Cole loves to touch me like if we’re not, I’ll disappear or something.
“I’ll tell you when we get there.” I grin at him.
“Does it involve us being naked because it’s been too long.”
It’s on the menu, but that’s not our first destination. I don’t tell him this. Instead, I smile and shake my head.
“I know how to get you to talk.”
He stops me, whirls me around, and kisses me. I inhale sharply at the quick move, allowing him the chance to slip his tongue past the seam of my lips. I groan, my body submitting to his. I’m sure, by now, more people are watching us. There’s even a whistle or two in the background. I place my palm in the center of his chest, gently pushing him back.
“Cheater.” He winks at me.
“Maybe, but I bet if I asked you where you intend to take me, you’d tell me. My kisses are persuasive.”
I roll my eyes.
“The Perfect Pet,” I admit, begrudgingly.
“See. That was easy.” And it is.
Cole eases my relationship fears, relieves my worry about whether or not I’m good enough. As we make our way to the pet shop, I say a little prayer to myself, and to Jamal, hoping this new sensation of belonging lasts.
15
Good Pussy, Bad Pussy
Bro tip #12
If your girl’s a cat lover, embrace it. You can always bring a dog into the relationship later.
Cole
“Oh my goodness. They’re so adorable,” Marley croons as soon as we set foot in The Perfect Pet animal shelter run by Jenny Collins and Lucas Hart.
Lined with wall-to-wall cages, this place is a haven for pet lovers.
“Beast, no.” Jenny scolds the Chihuahua Pug mix on the counter yanking the newspaper from her. He obliges, fixing his attention on the treats she pulls from her pocket, lays on the table, and gobbles them up.
“Hiya,” Marley says excitedly, her eyes scanning the cages closest to her.
“Hey, Jenny.” I wave at her, placing my other hand at the small of Marley’s back.
“So this is the Marley Lenny has been raving about.” Jenny raises a brow at me. After lifting Beast off the counter and placing him on the floor, Jenny joins us.
“That’s me,” Marley mutters distractedly, her attention focused on the animals. Then, she turns to Jenny. “Shoot, I’m being rude. I’m Marley Bishop.” She shakes her hand. “And you have a wonderful collection of animals.”
“Thanks.” Jenny blushes, pushing a strand of her dirty blond hair behind her ear. “It’s my calling, thanks to Beast.” She motions to her little dog gobbling up the last of his treats. “After rescuing him, I became aware of other animals needing something similar. I wanted to make sure all the strays of Falls Village had a sanctuary and, if possible, find them permanent homes.”
“Then I’m glad I stopped by. I’ve passed your place a few times and have been meaning to visit, but life has kept me busy.” Marley elbows me in the stomach and I grunt.
“I hear he can be a handful.” She smirks at me. “Let me show you around. Cole, you watch Beast.” Jenny hooks her arm in Marley’s and escorts her to the cages further down the corridor. I glance down at Beast and he has a what-do-we-do-now expression.
What Once Was Mine Page 13