She begins to pout. "What's wrong, do you have a girlfriend or something? I'm sure what she doesn't know won't hurt her." She smiles and winks at me, going for my belt again. I'm pretty sure if I gave her the go ahead, she wouldn't even be able to make it to a room. Public foreplay is just not my thing. Call me a douche, but I don't want my temporary girl or myself left out for the eyes of someone else's enjoyment. I also don't believe in sleeping with a girl that's clearly intoxicated. It's not my style. That's usually the guys that can't get any when the girl is sober.
"You seem like a nice girl and you look decent enough, if I wanted to go there, but I'm really not interested." In you anyway. I hate to be rude to the girl but begging is not going to make me change my mind.
"Fine, you're a jerk. See you around, I guess." She turns on her heels and stomps away towards the next contender. With that crap out of the way, I head for Ryland's truck. If I wasn't sober before, I am now. I make my way through the scattered couples, some making out and some doing things I really don't want to witness, and get in the truck. Putting the keys in the ignition, I crank the truck and head for the beach.
CHAPTER 3
Kinzleigh
I'm standing in the mirror, putting on the finishing touches of my makeup, trying to decide what to wear. Mom told me we were going to one of the nicer restaurants in town that requires a semi-formal dress code. I walk over to my closet, fingering through my wardrobe, when I stop on my floor length, black satin halter dress, with a sweetheart neckline. Mom bought it for me when she was in LA on a case a few months ago, but I've never had anywhere to wear it until now. I don't dress like this much. I pull the hanger from my closet and walk over to my bed. Removing it from the hanger, I step in and pull it up my body, securing the clasp behind my neck.
I look at my reflection. The dress really does look perfect with my platinum blonde hair. I put on my black strappy heels and pin the front of my freshly straightened hair back, securing it with my diamond encrusted clip, I received on my birthday. For the finishing touch, I add my diamond stud earrings that once belonged to Grams. I used to constantly look at them, sitting perfectly nestled in the blue Tiffany box, each time I visited. Gramps gave them to her on their fiftieth anniversary. The Christmas before she died, she wrapped them and gave them to me. She said she had cared for them long enough and they deserve to get out of that old box, plus gramps would want me to have them. He passed away from a heart attack five years before grams died. I really miss them.
After dabbing on my gloss, I'm sitting on the bed changing out my purse, when I hear a knock at my door. "Come in, I'm dressed," I call out. I expected it to be mom, but when the door opens Konnor is standing on the other side. He's wearing a baby blue button down and black slacks. The blue in the shirt really stands out with his short, inky black hair and ice blue eyes. He really is a handsome guy.
He comes in and shuts the door, placing his hands in his pockets. "Hey sis. You look beautiful as always," he smiles a sad smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes. I really could kill Sophia for what she did to him. If anyone deserves a happy ending, it's Konnor. He is the best guy I know and I don't say that because he's my brother. He has a heart full of love and would give a stranger the shirt off his back.
I walk over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist and give him a hug, trying to hold back the tears attempting to fall free. My heart aches for him. I place my cheek against his chest. "I love you, you know that right?" Looking up at him, he nods, answering my question. My voice is barely above a whisper, scared he will break at any moment. I guess it's worse to actually find someone cheating, than to be told. Something about seeing it with your own eyes makes it more real and unforgettable. "How are you holding up?" We haven't gotten a chance to really talk since it all happened.
He clears his throat, as if he's holding back tears as well. "I've been better, but I'm okay. Stop worrying about me sis, it only makes me feel worse. I'll be fine. I don't know when, but I have to deal with my shit. It's mine to bear and mine alone. Now that I don't have to see her anymore, it should get easier. Maybe now I can get the image out of my head."
I can't stand this anymore. I hate seeing him in this much pain. I can see it in his eyes, he is holding on by a thread. We have always been close. I can feel when he's hurting as can he with me. I pull away and notice he's staring at the wall behind me, checked out mentally. Grabbing each side of his face, I pull it down for his eyes to meet mine. "Konnor, look at me," I say trying to get his attention.
When he finally looks at me, I can't help but to spill my heart out. "I hate her for what she's done to you. She doesn't deserve you. You're too good for her. I swear Konnor; you better listen to me and listen to me good." He's staring at me and nods so I know he's listening. Tears begin to fall, no longer controllable, "We all love you and I know you're in pain, but don't you dare do something stupid. Don't let that heartless bitch win. Show her what she's missing. She will regret what she's done one day, when she ends up with a loser. You know what else? When it happens, you will have already found someone that deserves your heart, someone worthy of your love. Sophia isn't it. She isn't the one for you. Bring my Konnor back. I want the real you, not the shell of a man your becoming. This doesn't have to ruin you. One day, when you find that perfect someone, this will be just a bump in the road. If you do something stupid, I will kill her that is a promise. I will kill for you Konnor. It's blood for blood in my book. Do you understand?"
A tear escapes his eye. The first I've seen since he was a kid. He pulls me in his arms and squeezes me tight. "You always did have my back, sis. You're right, about everything; just give me time, okay? I know you think love is just a crutch, but one day you'll change your mind. You may think you can control it by avoiding it, but you can't. When you meet that person, it just happens. You can't stop it like you think you can. One day, you're going to fall, just promise me you'll enjoy the ride down. You will make some lucky guy happy. I love you baby girl, now stop blubbering before you get makeup on my shirt. Let's go, mom and dad are waiting downstairs."
He releases me and turns for the door. He's wrong about one thing, I will not allow myself to love anyone other than family, the cost is too high, but for the first time in over a month, I see a genuine smile. There is no way I'm killing it. Maybe I'm getting through to him after all.
We walk downstairs where mom and dad are waiting. I walk to my mom first, giving her a hug. "You look pretty tonight, mom." She's wearing a sleeveless, red, knee length dress, pencil style that accents her small figure. Her long black hair is pulled back in a neat twist, looking like perfection, as it always does. She has lightly coated makeup and glimmering green eyes, similar to mine. Every time she smiles, her dimples are deep set in her cheeks and she is wearing her favorite black pumps. She really is a beautiful woman; one that has aged gracefully. Konnor looks like mom, with dad's eyes.
Dad comes over shortly after, scooping me into his arms, giving me his usual bear hug, and twirls in a circle. I always have been his little princess. Kissing me on the cheek, he smiles that heart wrenching smile. "You look amazing baby girl. Are you ready to do some celebrating?" He always could make me smile, no matter what mood I was in. Him and Konnor have Called me 'baby girl' since I was old enough to talk and it just kind of stuck.
I'm an exact replica of my dad, although I received mom's eyes. It's funny how genetics work, really. Dad is handsome, athletic, and tall. He is dressed in gray slacks, a black Giorgio Armani button down, and the watch we got him for Christmas when I was seven. He never leaves home without it. He says every time he misses home, he just looks at the time. He's quite the philosophical one, I must say. He's got the same blonde hair as me, short, and gels it up in the front.
I was blessed with the greatest parents on earth. Not many kids can say that, but I can, because they have earned the credit. They have always been a part of mine and Konnor's life, no matter how hectic work got. They never missed a game, a cheer competition, or school a
ctivity. They always tried to bring home a positive attitude. Dad always said that work should be left at work and home left at home. Never mix business with pleasure and you'll go farther in life. I've rarely heard my parents fight because they chose to be role models for us. My mom always told me, never go to bed angry with someone you care about, in case a new day never comes. Always live as if today is your last day. She has lived by that motto my entire life.
I always looked up to my parents. They were completely and passionately in love; a once in a lifetime love. When you're granted a love like that, you're never given it a second time. I figure, if you don't get it to begin with, you don't have to worry about losing it. I smile at my dad as he sets me back down, "Ready as I'll ever be."
We pull up at valet and exit the car. We're seated at our table almost instantly. The restaurant is beautiful with high ceilings, low lighting, and candle light dancing from every table. Once we're seated, mom and dad order a glass of white wine as we glance at the menu. The waiter soon takes our order and the four of us enjoy a bit of small talk as we wait for our food. We're having a really good time, but I feel like my parents are avoiding something. My mom mentioned having to discuss some important news that they have yet to bring up since we've been here. I'm starting to wonder if it's something bad.
Now nervous, I pick up the crystal glass and take a sip of my water, trying to calm down. I look up and find my parents staring at each other, with this look, as if they are talking in some code. Yes, I know that look. It always comes when they are preparing to tell us something we're not going to like. I look over at Konnor, but he just shrugs, knowing exactly what I'm asking him.
The waiter sets our food down just as it looked like dad was about to speak, breaking the moment. Dad must sense my nervousness, because he smiles as if nothing just happened and starts eating, along with mom, and Konnor following suit. I'm seventeen years old and my parents still act as if we can't read them like a book. They never were good at hiding things; maybe because they are such honest people.
I'm picking at my food, when finally I can't take the suspense any longer. My stomach is a ball of knots, no longer allowing me to eat anything. Clearing my throat, I look to my parents, "Mom, dad, what was the big news you wanted to talk to us about?" Dad finishes chewing the mouthful of food he was working on, looks to my mom and nods. Okay this is really starting to get weird.
Dad lets out a breath and then puts down his fork. "As a family, we're about to make some big changes. I signed a big contract over the next five to ten years. It's going to really change the face of the company your grandfather has built from the ground up."
I'm starting to feel relieved because that wasn't near as bad as I was expecting, but then I realize there is something else. "Dad, how is this going to require us to change?" This is when my dad starts to look nervous, because he begins rubbing the back of his neck.
"The contract is for us to build strip malls across the southern region," he says.
My brows come together as he's still not making this clear. "Meaning, what?"
Mom jumps in to relieve dad, as she usually does when he's afraid of upsetting us, "We're moving."
I'm sitting here, wide eyed and in shock. There is no way I just heard that correctly. My parents would not do this to me right before senior year, the most important year for me. I have always done the right thing, never made them worry, never stayed out late, and worked my butt off in school. I just made cheerleading captain, and have been checking out various cheerleading programs, at colleges across the country. Our squad is the best in the state and top five in the country, which pretty much guarantees me a spot on any college squad of my choice. They cannot be doing this to me. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
Mom begins rubbing her temple, a habit she developed when her anxiety starts, then looks back at me. "Honey, I know this is unexpected, but this is a great opportunity for your dad. He has always supported us, as will we for him. We are a family."
Now, she is going to play the guilt card, because I of all people know my dad deserves it. I close my eyes trying to process this. Okay Kinzleigh, think this through. Maybe this is all just a dream, and you're going to wake up, with everything completely normal. Think, think, think. I look back up at dad, "Who is going to run the company here?" He starts to look a little relieved. "Uncle Danny is going to run the company here. I will build up the southern offices, while getting the first project off the ground."
This makes no sense, whatsoever. Uncle Danny's kids are grown. Why do we have to uproot our lives and start over? I'm really starting to get angry, something I never do with my parents. "I don't understand; why can't Uncle Danny move and start up the company there? His kids are grown."
My dad is back to rubbing his neck again, turning it red. "Uncle Danny doesn't have the experience to expand into an entire region, it's too much for him to handle. This could be a good thing for you, as well. You've always been good at making friends. You will adjust in no time at all."
I feel like I'm in a nightmare I can't get out of. You know like the ones where someone is trying to kill you and you try really hard to wake up but can't? This feels like one of those times. "Mom, what about your job, my cheerleading dream, or Konnor's football scholarship? We can't just change our whole lives when we have everything planned out. This isn't fair, I've always done everything you guys have asked of me. I've never been in trouble. I make straight A's at school and I work hard in the gym. I don't even date for goodness sakes. I never make you guys worry. This is going to destroy all of my plans. Where are we even moving?" I'm starting to raise my voice at this point, causing the surrounding tables to glance in our direction.
I can see the defeat in dad's eyes. He always did hate to upset me. Maybe I should calm down some. I'm about to apologize, when mom holds up her hand, stopping me. "Kinzleigh, I know this is a lot to take in, but you will not take that tone with us again. I think we can all agree that dad has only ever had our best interests at heart, but regardless, we are a family and we will continue to live that way. Are we clear?" I nod because when mom gets frustrated the best thing to do is remain quiet.
I take a deep breath, trying to process everything they are saying and mom begins again. "This is going to affect all of our lives, not just yours and we understand that. I'm not all that thrilled with leaving my job and friends either, but families support each other and this is what dad needs right now. We are not going to be selfish, with all that he's done for us. You have until the end of June to spend time with your friends and say your goodbyes. If, after your senior year, you decide you want to go to college back here, then we will evaluate at that time. We are not trying to take your dreams away from you, Kinzleigh. It's just one year of high school. You can cheer anywhere. I know you are my little planner and can't seem to function in chaos, but sometimes the unexpected happens and you just have to roll with it."
She then turns to look at Konnor, who is just sitting there, as if nothing abnormal is even happening. "Konnor, as for you, you are eighteen now and ready to start college. Dad and I understand you have made a commitment to UCLA for football. You have two options. If you want to continue with that commitment, dad and I will provide an apartment close to campus for you. If you want to be closer to us, dad will do everything in his power to get you set up at your first choice school. It's your choice, but you need to think about it before it's no longer an option. You have a week to make a decision. Dad has already contacted the coach at Alabama and pulled some strings. His scholarship offer is good for one week, then there is nothing he can do. I know that was your original choice because they have one of the best football programs in the country, but chose California for Sophia. Since that is no longer the case, maybe you need a change too, sweetie."
I'm sitting there in complete shock. This is actually happening. Before I can stop myself, I blurt out, "Where are we moving?"
Dad finally appears to be calming down. He looks at me, placing his hands in fron
t of him on the table. "We're moving to Mississippi." My mouth drops and my eyes go wide. I'm speechless. This is not just my worst nightmare, but hell on earth.
Tears begin to fall. I can't hold them back any longer. I look from mom to dad, mouth quivering, trying not to cry hysterically. "You're sending us to live in a place with a bunch of hillbillies? Do they even know what cheerleaders are? Dad, you've seen on television the kind of people that live there. Please tell me this is a joke."
He is beginning to look angry, as if I've accused him of stealing. "Kinzleigh, I'm very disappointed in you right now. You know your mother and I have always taught you to never judge anything or anyone by hearsay or appearance. Things are rarely as they seem. Do you really think I would move my family somewhere unfit? I should have earned more respect than that."
I feel like I'm going to be sick. I have had enough bad news for one night. I need to get out of here, to think all this through. Usually, I work out my stress and frustration in the gym practicing, but it's too late. I'll have to go to the one place I always find peace and serenity, the beach.
I wipe the tears from my face as best as I can and place my napkin on my plate. Scooting my chair back, I stand. Looking at my parents, the two people I adore most, other than my brother, that has just hurt me worse than ever imaginable, I ask. "May I be excused? I really need to be alone right now."
Both parents nod their heads, excusing me from dinner, before mom says, "You can go for now, but we need to finish this conversation later."
I can't imagine it being anytime soon. "I'll be home later, don't wait up, okay? I'll get a cab." I grab my purse, turn and walk as fast as possible until I get to the door of the lobby.
I reach the outside of the restaurant, before my breaths become short and quick. I bend forward, placing a hand on each knee, trying to breathe. I'm on the verge of a panic attack, one I haven't had since Grams died. Breathe Kinzleigh, breathe, I repeat to myself over and over, trying to calm down. I finally catch my breath enough to stand upright. I walk to the curb and hold up my arm trying to hail a cab. Thankfully, it's late enough I don't have to wait long.
Accepted Fate Page 4