by L. M. Heidle
I grabbed another family picture. This one was from one of our weekend road trips. I closed my eyes as a tear landed on the picture. I whispered, “Why can’t I tell him? My parents are dead, and my brother was . . . dammit, I can’t even say the word.” I took a deep, shaky breath. “He’s in prison. It’s not like Trayton can’t relate.”
She wrapped her arms around me, squeezing the hell out of me. “Alex, you’ll tell him when you’re ready.”
I opened my eyes and gently wiped the tears from the picture. I studied the picture like I’d never seen it before. Taking in the way the wind blew my mom’s blonde hair around and the way her smile lit up her face. The way my dad only smiled with his eyes and the protective way he held my mom. Then there was Trip and his stupid shirt that said ‘My sister has the coolest brother ever’. My eyes finally landed on me. I was a disaster with my hair pulled into a messy bun, burnt skin, and hideous sunglasses, but I’d never been happier. I didn’t even recognize that girl anymore. I hadn’t felt true happiness since one single knock destroyed my life.
She pulled back. “Come on, let’s gore on Morgan and Reed.”
ALEX
“Tray, what are you doing here?”
He put his arm around my waist, sliding his hand into the pocket of my jeans. With his lips on my forehead, he whispered, “I missed you.”
Normally I’d swoon, but the mischievous twinkle in his eye had my inner skeptic awaking. “Shouldn’t you be in class?”
“Nope, it was canceled.” He pulled open the apartment building door, letting me walk in front of him.
I could feel his eyes on my butt as I walked. “You’re not fooling anyone. You opened the door for one reason only.” I hit the up button on the elevator and watched him watching me through its reflection.
“Because I’m a gentleman?”
I snorted at the absurdity of his thought. While I would admit he had manners, that had absolutely nothing to do with him holding open doors. I couldn’t count the number of times I’d caught him. I faked a cough. “My eyes are up here.”
My body tingled as he trailed a finger up my spine, his eyes following the path until his hand moved my hair over my shoulder. Leaning down he placed kisses up and down my neck. I tilted my head to the side, giving him better access. After a few more kisses he turned me to face him, sliding his hands into my back pockets. “What can I say? You have nice assets.” He brought his lips to mine as the elevator doors dinged. He guided me back as the doors opened, our lips never separating.
My hands slid up his biceps until they were tangled in his hair. I stood on my tiptoes pressing my lips harder against his. His hand wandered up my back before he wrapped it around the back of my neck, tilting my head slightly to the left.
A throat clearing had us pulling apart, barely. Two girls and a guy stood in the open doorway of the elevator. The girls were giggling, and the guy had the ‘you go’ smirk on his face. I pulled completely away as my face heated. Trayton laughed as he grabbed my hand leading the way to my apartment. I handed over the keys when he put his palm out.
“You know you should just give me a set.” My head jerked as my eyes flew to his. Give him a set of keys? “I’m over here enough so it makes sense.” While he was here almost every day, giving someone a set of keys was a huge deal. I mean holy crap! I was falling for him, or well already fallen, but the little words that meant A LOT hadn’t been said. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that. We hadn’t been together six months yet. We still had so much to learn about each other. He threw my keys on the counter as he headed toward my room. “Just think about it.”
I followed him down the hall and threw my bag on the floor when I got into my room. “Trayton, listen it’s not . . .” I stopped talking, screamed bloody murder, and jumped on my bed when I caught sight of my laptop and the snake wrapped around it. “Oh my gawd, oh my gawd!” I jumped and screamed again when it moved its head. As fast as I’d started jumping, I froze equally as fast when I felt something move by my foot. I closed my eyes not wanting to see what I was pretty sure was another snake, but when it moved again, I couldn’t help it. My eyes dropped to see another demon slithering across my bed.
I didn’t think you could qualify the sound coming out of my mouth as a scream. It was more like a war cry. I jumped off the bed and grabbed my tennis racket, never taking my eyes off it. I had my arms raised ready to end its life when Trayton took my weapon.
“What are you doing?” I screamed. It moved again, and I immediately jumped behind him. I was more than willing to sacrifice his life. He did take my weapon after all. “They’re going to kill us! They’re like twenty feet long!”
It was at this point I realized he wasn’t shaking from fear like me. He was shaking with laughter, and when I let go of his arm, he dropped to his knees laughing. “That was…”
Kassandra finished for him, “Hilarious.”
When I turned to yell at her for being a traitor, I saw she wasn’t alone. There were at least ten more people trying to see into my room, most of whom I’m sure were in on this little joke. Just when I thought this moment couldn’t get any more embarrassing, I noticed someone had their phone out recording it.
I turned back to Trayton, still on his knees laughing. “Trayton friggin’ Antonio friggin’ Russo! You’re dead!” With that, I jumped on his back knocking him down. Of course, that only made everyone laugh harder.
As soon as we hit the floor, I realized how close we were to my desk. My heart rate went through the roof as I stared into the demonic eyes of the people-eating creature. I screeched and almost jumped on my bed for safety, but then I remembered I couldn’t. So, I did what any intelligent person would do in this situation—I bolted.
I made it outside before Trayton grabbed me. “Let me go! You’re such a jerk.” I tried hitting him, but he pinned my arms to my sides, so I started kicking.
“Ow! Would you stop?”
“Let me go!”
“If I let you go will you calm down and stop abusing me?”
“Maybe…” He slowly released me, and I turned to face him. I stepped slightly closer before I punched him in the stomach. “But probably not.”
He raised his hands in surrender. “Uncle. I’m sorry.” I didn’t believe that for a second, considering I could still see the tear tracks from his laughing. “Come here.” I crossed my arms and shook my head. He stepped closer. “I really am sorry, angel.”
I walked into his open arms and let him wrap me in a hug. I hit him, softly—or not as hard as before—in the stomach before wrapping my arms around him. “Tray, I can’t believe you did that.” When the shaking started, I tried to pull away, but he tightened his arms. “I’m serious. They almost killed me. They were huge!”
This time, he tried to cover his laugh with a cough. “Angel, I’d never put you in danger. They’re only ball pythons.”
Pretty sure he thought that was going to erase my fear. “Oh, they’re only, wait a second don’t pythons squeeze you to death?”
“Angel, calm down. Breathe. In and out. They can’t hurt you, they’re babies.” He rested his chin on my head, holding me close. I felt so safe in his arms that I was almost willing to forgive him, almost. Then he kissed my forehead and was instantly forgiven. I was such a pushover.
“I’ve got to go, but I’ll be here at eight in the morning to pick you up.” My stomach dropped, and my body stiffened. With all his joking around this week, I’d completely forgotten about meeting his family. “You’re still okay with going, right?”
“Sure, I just haven’t packed yet.”
He let me go walking backward toward the parking lot. “Alright, angel. See you in the morning.”
He’d just straddled his bike when I yelled, “Tray.” When his head turned to me, I asked, “Are the snakes gone?”
The boyish smile that crossed his face had me smiling. “Don’t worry, you’re safe from the monsters.” He chuckled as he revved up his bike, and I watched until he was no longer v
isible before heading back into the building.
I was running late, which wasn’t unheard of, but this time, it was a legit reason. I’d had a nightmare about meeting Trayton’s family, and I had to shower in cold water for an hour to get rid of it. The closer we got, the more terrified and anxious I became. I’d contemplated backing out several times, but I kept reminding myself that eventually, I had to start living again. What better way to do that than get a boyfriend and meet his mob family? All within a few months’ time. Guess it’s better to jump head first rather than start by getting my toes wet, at least that way I can’t chicken out.
My phone started ringing bringing me back to the present, and I fumbled to reach into my back pocket to answer, while simultaneously trying to juggle everything I was carrying. Instead of accomplishing that I dropped my coffee which of course sent my books flying as I tried to avoid getting burned. And the award for the most uncoordinated person in history goes to me. The only saving grace to my epic awkwardness was that no one was around to see it. Scratch that. A bunch of frat guys started cutting up and reenacting the entire scene. It was too damn early for this, and especially without coffee.
I picked my empty cup up off the ground and threw it away before I scooped down to pick my books up. I made my way to class as I checked to see who called. It was only my uncle so I figured I could get away with calling him later. Most likely it was a check-in call. He was a bachelor when I moved in, and that hadn’t changed since I moved out. I know he liked to check on me because he loved me, but I also think he’s lonely. I may have only lived with him for two years, but teenage girls aren’t exactly known for being quiet, especially me. I loved to blare my music every second of the day. It used to drive him nuts, but now I’m pretty sure he missed it. I’d debated a long time about whether to move into the dorms or not because I didn’t want to leave him alone. In the end, I decided I wanted the full college experience.
I’d made it five steps before my phone started ringing again. I pulled it from my pocket successfully this time. My brow scrunched together when the caller id flashed my uncle’s name. He never calls twice in a row. It also hit me that he should be starting practice right now.
“Aren’t you supposed to be making the guys run until they puke?”
“Have you seen Eddie?” As always he got right to the point.
“Huh? Isn’t he at practice?” He didn’t say anything only gave a deep sigh. A sigh I knew came from frustration because he’d used it a lot with me. “Hey, what’s going on? Why are you asking about Eddie?” He’d been pretty absent from life lately, but I’d figured my uncle had been working them over. They were ranked number one in the conference, and he was determined they kept it.
His voice was angry when he answered, “He left.”
“What do you mean he left? Like he left practice?”
“No, I mean he left. I had an email when I got into the office today. He said he was sorry, but he was leaving school.” I heard something hit the wall, probably the stress ball I got him. He really didn’t understand the concept of squeezing it to relieve stress. “I can’t believe he would do this. We’re in the middle of the season! Not to mention he leaves with an email? Doesn’t even have the guts to tell me face to face. Kids these days have no respect! In my day, a man lived up to his obligations, and if for some reason he couldn’t he took his lumps.” If I didn’t stop this rant now, I’d be on the phone for two hours. Once he got going on about today’s youth, it was hard to derail that conversation.
“That doesn’t sound like Eddie.”
“That’s what I thought, but like I said—youth today.”
“Yes I know, Uncle, we are all terrible. I’m going to get off here and give him a call. I’ll let you know what I find out.” As soon as the word bye left his lips, I hung up and dialed Eddie repeatedly. Every time he sent me to voicemail, the angrier I got. After probably the fifteenth call he finally picked up, but I didn’t let him get a word out. “Eddie, where are you? I just got an irate call from my uncle.”
“Alex.”
“Don’t Alex me. What’s going on?”
“I’m heading home…permanently.”
“Why? Is this because of Trayton?”
“My life doesn’t revolve around him like yours does,” he snapped. Ouch. “Sorry, Alex. It doesn’t have to do with him. I decided it’s better that I’m closer to family.”
“Oh. I get that, but why all the sudden? Did something happen?”
“No, just decided it was time.” I knew he wasn’t telling me everything. Eddie wouldn’t leave the team without a significant reason.
“Not even going to say goodbye?”
“Sorry, I had a plane to catch,” he said with complete detachment. This was not the Eddie I knew. “They’re calling my flight. Bye, Alex.” Dial tone. I was speechless as I stared at my phone. I couldn’t believe he left just like that. I called and left my uncle a message simply telling him he was gone.
Moments like this make me glad I’d built my wall in the first place. If Eddie had left like this without my wall protecting me, it’d hurt, but it merely felt like a pin prick.
TRAYTON
I saw Alex talking on her cell phone, so I veered that way and snuck up on her. As soon as she hung up the phone I whispered in her ear, “Hello, angel.”
She jumped ten feet in the air as she spun around, her hand on her chest. “Trayton! You scared the crap out of me!” Even through her surprise I could tell something was bothering her. The distraction in her tone was a dead giveaway.
I pulled her into my arms and leaned back so I could watch her face. “What’s wrong, Alex?”
“Um, I’m not really sure. Eddie left.”
“Did he say why?”
“Just that he wanted to be closer to family.” It was a good idea in case my father found out the truth, but a better idea would be to pack up the family and move.
“He has a sister I’m sure he misses.”
“A sister? I didn’t know that.” Yeah, I bet Eddie didn’t tell her a lot of stuff.
“Annie.”
She tilted her head slightly, “How do you know him again?”
I sighed because she never gave up. She was determined to get the details about Eddie and me. I dropped my forehead to hers. “I grew up with him, but you already know that.”
“You aren’t going to elaborate on that are you?”
“Nope.” I know it annoyed her, but there really wasn’t a reason to. Eddie was a part of the past, and I highly doubted he’d ever be a part of the future, so why waste time talking about him?
“Fine, be a stubborn butthead.”
“Ouch, butthead. Why must you be so mean?”
She shoved me as she walked past me heading for the parking lot. “You’re taking me for breakfast since you made me miss class.”
“I made you? How exactly did I do that?”
“You wouldn’t stop talking,” she called over her shoulder. I laughed as I ran to catch up with her. Never a dull moment with Alexandria Rose Parker.
TRAYTON
Alex had been fidgety the entire flight, and it's only gotten worse since we landed. Her fingers were tapping against her leg one minute, then chewing her thumbnail the next. She’d also turned slightly green as we stood at the baggage claim.
I grabbed her hand and squeezed, trying to comfort her. “Relax, angel. You’re going to be fine. I promise. Just take deep breaths.”
Disbelief was rolling off her in waves as she faced me. “Are you crazy? I’m meeting your family. I’ve never met a boyfriend’s family. Plus,” she stood on her tiptoes bringing her mouth to my ear, “they’re mafia.”
“Not this week they aren’t.” Before I could continue, a squeal followed by a high pitched ‘Alex’ announced my cousin’s arrival. I squeezed Alex to me one last time. “I’m going to say I’m sorry for her now.”
My cousin pushed me out of the way, almost knocking me over into the luggage as she wrapped her arms
around Alex. “Oh my gosh! I finally get to meet you! You’re way prettier than he let on.” Alex raised her eyebrow at me. “I’ve already got our days planned. We are going to get mani-pedis, plus our hair done tomorrow, then a late lunch with my friends. I thought we could go shopping while you’re here, too. I also figured Daddy would be more likely to let me go out with Jake if you came along.”
As soon as she took a breath, I cut in, “Slow down, Ally Cat. Let Alex go so she can breathe.”
She dropped her arms but started bouncing on her toes. “Sorry. I’m just really excited. He’s never brought anyone home before, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure if you were real.”
“Seriously, Ally Cat?”
“What? I didn’t realize there was someone out there who could put up with you.”
I clutched my heart, feigning offense. “Ouch! I’m the most likable guy around.” That earned me a snort from Alex. “I’m hurt. Not only have you insulted me, but you’ve also completely bypassed me to get to Alex.”
She reached up and patted my cheek. “Someone’s a little needy today.”
I grabbed her, pulling her into a hug. “Come here, brat.”
She stepped out of my hold, her attention once again going to Alex. “Are you okay with all the plans? If not, we can always change them.”
“Don’t worry about it. I think it would be fun to hang out with you and Jake.” Alex’s gaze moved to me, a wicked gleam in her eyes. “We should make it a double date!”
“Oh, I love it! Daddy will definitely let me go then.” I narrowed my eyes at the little witch. “I think we’re planning on bowling.”
“I haven’t been bowling in years!” Alex replied.
“Does anyone care what I have to say about this?” They both replied no in unison. “Well, okay then,” I muttered.