by Shyla Colt
I nod my head.
“I need to know you’re committed to this,” Kunes says. His words are warbled as if I’m Charlie Brown and he’s the adult speaking. It’s all noise that means very little to me.
“I’m here talking to you, aren’t I?” I lift an eyebrow.
“You are now. Will you be tomorrow?”
His words irritate me. “Funny how I’m being treated like a criminal here.”
“There may be something I can do to help you. But I need to know you’re not a flight risk.”
I tense and bite my tongue until I taste copper.
“She’s still processing, Detective Kunes,” Ollie says sternly.
“I need you two to think long and hard about your commitment. Once you decide, give me a call, and I’ll put things into motion to keep you safe until trial.”
“We will. Thank you for coming on such short notice,” Ollie says.
“I’m here for you two. I want to make that clear.”
As long as we testify.
Bitterness rises up inside of me, and I glance down when Detective Kunes leaves as quickly and quietly as he arrived.
“Why were you giving him attitude?” Ollie asks.
“Because we’re nothing more than a means to the end. We are the pieces he needs to move around on a chess board in order to win the game.”
“It’s not a game.”
“Not to us. What happens to him if we do this and get killed?”
“They’ll be out on the street,” he says dumbly.
“Yes, and he’ll still be in the same position. It won’t affect his life or his family. If we do this and we put ourselves at risk and our families, then what? We could lose our lives or theirs. That’s a lot of what ifs.”
“And if we don’t, will the fear go away? Will the threat? Once they know they can scare us into doing what they want, where does it stop?”
“Right there. All they want us to do is to keep our mouths shut. I’m not sure it’s not the best course of action to take.”
“I don’t agree.”
“Then I guess we’re at an impasse. I’m having enough trouble dealing with the guilt I have over you. I’m not trying to add any more to my plate.”
“So you’re backing out?” he asks incredulously.
“I don’t know what I’m doing right now, Ollie. Can I please have time to deal with the fact that these animals defiled my workspace and showed me how quickly they could invade my life? You have no clue what that feels like.”
“And you have no idea what it’s like to know the man who shot and nearly killed you might walk.”
His words make me cringe. I can’t help but feel like I’m failing him. I hang my head, embarrassed, and frustrated by the no-win situation I find myself in.
“I’m sorry, Ollie.”
“Yeah, me too,” he says quietly.
Is he taking my uncertainty personal? Am I not supporting him by straddling the fence? The questions swirl around in my brain. I have no answers. The space between my ears is crowded, and my mood is dark. I’m angry, scared, and confused. This is calling to question my very character. Maybe I’m not the woman I once thought I was. It’s one thing to wonder what you’d do in theory, and another to live it in real life. It’d be different if it was just the two of us, but it’s not. A dull throb beings in my temples. I massage the pressure points in an attempt to stave off the migraine trying to creep up on me.
“Hey, you okay?” Ollie asks.
“I feel a headache coming,” I admit.
“What’s happening now isn’t about us. I know we have two different opinions on the best way to approach this. I’m not going to hold it against you.”
“Are you sure about that?” I whisper.
“I’m passionate about it, yes, but I can keep it separate from our relationship.” I tilt my head up, and he kisses me softly. “I love you, Quinn. That’s something I take very seriously.”
“I do, too.”
Just like that, we’re recalibrated, but I can’t shake the feeling in my gut.
Chapter Ten
Ollie
I curse myself for agreeing to my mother’s terms as I sit in the driveway of my father’s home with his wife, Karen. I can count on my hand how many times I’ve been here in my lifetime. I avoid it like the plague, opting to meet him on neutral turf. Now I’m stuck having Sunday brunch with just the two of them.
“Did you tell them I was coming?” Quinn asks.
“Me and my father don’t talk, so no.”
“What the hell, Oliver?”
I cringe at the use of my given name. “You’ll be a welcome surprise, believe me. Things between us are complicated at best, and I knew if I had to sit here by myself and shoot the shit I’d fail miserably. I’m only doing this for my mother.”
Sighing, she shakes her head. “I swear, God made you hot so you wouldn’t be murdered in your sleep.”
“Thank you?”
She huffs. “The only thing saving you from getting ripped a new one is the fact that making your mom date again is the sweetest thing I’ve heard of a son doing in ages. How’s it going for her?”
“Maybe too good. The woman’s been on a handful of dates already. The twinkle is back in her eyes. That’s all I wanted. She deserved more than a self-prescribed life of oneness.”
“You’re so cute when it comes to your mom, dude.”
I scowl. It’s not the first time I’ve heard this.
She laughs. “Come on, sitting here isn’t going to make the time move any faster.”
“Yeah.”
Climbing out of the car, I run around to open her door. Things have been tough for us since we met with Detective Kunes a week prior. I’m on board to testify, and she’s wavering. The attacks shook her up. I get it. I’m waiting around for my turn. Holding out my hand, I admire the navy blue and white polka dot skirt she’s wearing. The sleeveless number shows off her long legs, and muscular arms and shoulders. The yoga thing she has going on works for her. I wrap my arm around her waist and kiss her temples, proud to have her by my side.
“Thank you for coming with me.”
“Of course, babe. You’ll be attending my crazy family shindig next week. It’s the least I could do.”
We lock arms and stroll up the sandstone walkway to the massive two story home. My father’s always been wealthy, and unafraid to spend that money on comforts. I knock on the door and wait. Karen opens the door, polished in her navy blue maxi dress that shows off her tan. Her silver hair is pulled back from her face. She’s an attractive woman with her oval face, high cheekbones, and warm blue eyes.
“Oliver, we are so happy you’ve come for brunch today, and oh! You’ve brought a young lady with you. Please come in.” She ushers us inside.
“George, Oliver is here,” she calls.
“Thanks for having us, Karen. This is my girlfriend, Quinn. Quinn, this is my step-mother, Karen.”
“It’s so lovely to meet you, dear,” Karen says as she shakes Quinn’s hand.
“Likewise,” Quinn replies with a smile.
“Oliver.”
I look over Karen’s shoulder and meet my father’s green gaze. There’s a warmth I’m afraid to trust. My father’s always seemed cold to me. I know time can change people, but he’s always been the type to plan things. Is this a chance at a real reconciliation or an angle he’s working? Quinn nudges me in the side with her elbow.
“Hey, Dad. This is my girlfriend, Quinn. I hope you don’t mind that I brought her.”
“Of course not. Welcome to our home, Quinn.” He steps forward and shakes her hand.
“Thank you, Mr. Hemnway.”
“Please, call me George.” He flashes a confident smile and kisses the back of her hand. The petty part of me wants to push his face away. His charm only gets better with time. My mother would say it was the one thing I inherited from him.
“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I made the basics ... eggs, bacon, toas
t, fruit, and oatmeal,” Karen says.
“That sounds delicious,” I reply, extending an olive branch. I’ll never approve of her affair with my father, but I’m done punishing her. Life’s too short for that.
We make our way into their kitchen, and she leads us to the breakfast island where she’s got everything set up buffet style. I admire the white subway tiles on the wall that contrast with the stainless steel appliances, and white and gray Pegasus marble counters. The dark wood high back stools contrast with the stark white of the kitchen. We all take our seats in front of the black square plates with the ornate napkins in rings on top of silver wear. She pulled out all the stops for this. We dish up our food and settle in.
“How are you healing?” my father asks.
“Good. I’ll be done with physical therapy soon, and the rest will be up to my body to finish healing.”
“That’s good to hear. The whole thing was frightening,” Karen says.
“Yes, it was,” Quinn agrees.
“So, Quinn, tell me what is it you do?” Karen asks, clearly trying to keep the awkward silences from falling.
“I’m a makeup artist. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of beauty makeup for weddings, and other events, but my main focus is movie makeup.”
“Oh, how exciting,” Karen says.
“It can be. I love being on set, especially when it requires prosthetics which take a very specialize skill set.”
“Like monster movies?” my father asks.
Quinn smiles broadly. “Exactly. Or sci-fi. That’s always very interesting.”
“I bet it is. Have you ever worked with someone really famous?”
“Not yet. But I still have some years in me I think,” she says with a wink.
My father laughs. “Yes, many in fact. How’s business for you, Oliver?”
“It’s going really well. The money we invested in public relations has tripled out business.”
“That’s impressive.”
“Thank you,” I choke the words out and force a small smile.
Quinn rubs my knee and squeezes, silently lending her support.
“You’re welcome. I-I’m really proud of you and all you’ve accomplished, Oliver.”
My jaw drops, and I have to force it to shut. I could be knocked over with a pin right about now. Those are words I never expected to hear coming from my father. He was always so against every move I wanted to make.
“T-thanks, Dad.”
He nods. “I don’t tell you enough, and while I have you here, I just wanted to make that clear to you.”
Silenced, I shovel eggs into my mouth to stall until I can compose myself.
“How’s the law practice, Dad?” I ask.
His head swivels. I never ask him about work. I think I resented how much time it took away from us growing up and never grew out of it.
“It’s doing really well. We’ve taken on some young lawyers who I think will really do us proud.”
“That’s good.” We’re rebuilding our foundation one brick at a time. It feels good. This isn’t what I expected at all. My father’s not the austere man who demanded perfection and tried to punish me for being different because he couldn’t open his mind. This is a person I could have a meaningful relationship with. Not just could have. I want one with him. I started the day off dreading the time I’d spend with him. Now my eyes are opened, and I’m equally hopeful. There’s been a piece of me missing over the years. A part of me longed for his approval and acceptance, whether I admitted it or not. Having it now clicks something into place for me.
“We’ll have to do this again. Soon,” Dad says as they walk us to the door.
“I agree.”
He claps my back, and I guide Quinn to the car.
“How do you feel?” she asks.
“I’m not sure. It was surreal. I couldn’t have imagined have such a quaint brunch with my father before now.”
“Is that a good thing?” she asks cautiously.
“Yeah, it is. I needed this more than I realized.”
“Then I’m glad you came.”
“Thank you for doing this with me.” I kiss her hand.
She gives me a blinding smile as I help her into my truck and my heart beats faster. I’m head over heels in love with the girl and still falling.
“THINGS STILL CRAZY your way?” Houston asks as I walk into his office.
“Yeah, man. I imagine it will be until we take this shit to trial. They went after Quinn hardcore, and I think she might be close to breaking. She’s terrified to speak up against them.”
“Can’t blame her after they rolled up on her. What are you going to do?”
I shrug. “What can I do? I have her over at my place to try to keep her safe. We’re double checking everyone who hires her. If she bails on the testimony, I might be flying solo, and it may not be enough to get this guy sentenced.”
“Have you talked to her about it?” Houston asks.
“Mostly we avoid the subject as much as possible. There’s no way in hell I’m not going to testify, so we’re at odds.”
“That sucks, dude. Is it causing friction?” Houston asks.
“I’m trying hard as hell not to let it do that. I love her, man. I don’t want to lose her because she’s doing what she thinks will keep her and those she cares about safe.”
“And you’re not worried about that?”
“They already damn near killed me. I’m going to be afraid that they’ll what, finish the job? No. I can’t let them walk after all the pain they caused me. It’s too personal for me.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never been in the situation, but I think you should watch your back.”
“I am, believe me. I’m more worried by the fact that they haven’t tried shit with me yet.”
Houston frowns. “Maybe you should stay in a hotel for a while, dude. I know you got the money.”
“If it comes to that we will. I think the cop would put us in protective custody if he knew we were on board to testify. It seems a bit over the top, though. We’re not talking about the mafia here.”
“Hey, whatever keeps you safe. If you need the time off or different arrangements, you know I got your back.”
“I know, brother, and I appreciate it. Now fill me in on what’s going on with you.”
“I see what you did there. The news is in. We’re not having triplets ... but we are having twins.”
“Jesus Christ, dude, what kind of super sperm do you have?”
Houston laughs. “I don’t know, but I think Liv is plotting my death when I sleep.”
“I can’t blame her. Damn, dude, six kids under ten? Good luck with that.”
“Don’t rub it in or anything,” he mumbles.
“Oh, believe me, I will, just not in front of Liv. I don’t want to catch hands.”
“She wants to meet Quinn.”
“Haven’t they already?” I asked.
“Yeah, but that was when she was just a friend of Efia’s. Now that she’s your girlfriend everything is different.”
“So she wants to grill her?”
“More than likely. In the fourth month of pregnancy, I don’t ask too many questions.”
I snicker as I break open my brown bagged lunch and pull out a panini.
“She’s making you lunch now?”
“How do you know I didn’t do it myself?”
“Dude, you’ve never made a panini in your life.”
“True, but she brought home this machine, and it’s so easy and delicious.”
“That’s how it starts. Little by little you acquire her items and then ‘your’ items until you realize you’re pretty much living together.”
“If the circumstances were different, I wouldn’t mind doing this the right way, you know?”
He whistles. “You thinking about moving in together.”
“Yeah, man, having her home with me is incredible. I can’t imagine going back to having a bachelor’s pad when this mess is o
ver. She’s going to leave a gaping hole if she returns to her own apartment.”
“You think she’s it?”
“Dude, has to be. I’ve never felt like this about a woman, and I’m not twenty-something anymore. If not now, when?”
“She’s really got you wrapped around her finger, doesn’t she?” Houston asks.
“This from the man who is tip-toeing around his wife.”
“In my defense, my very hormonal, pregnant with multiple babies wife.” Houston takes a large bite of his sandwich, and I laugh. I’m lucky as hell getting to do what I love with my best friend. It’s not every day we get to have lunch together like this, but right now we’re multi-tasking.
“So, I’ve been thinking about what we could do publicity wise. I think we should do some sort of charity event next year.”
“You have something in mind?”
“I’m working on that. Christmas would be an obvious time, but we’d get lost in all the other charity drives going on at the time, so we should do something that’s just us.”
“I really like that. What are you thinking of having the donations geared to?”
“Kids. That’ll keep it family-friendly, but super cool because come on, kids love cool cars.”
“This is true. Do you have a month or a specific cause?”
“Not yet. I know childhood hunger is a huge problem. Maybe we can pair up with your kids’ school, and donate to one of their programs or start up a new program with the proceeds?”
“You know what, that’s brilliant. We could really get the community involved with their endorsement. I’ll check out their website and see if I can come up with something that ties in with them directly to pitch.”
“Awesome. I notice traffic is up on the website since the revamp, and pre-orders for the calendar are through the roof,” I say, thinking of the numbers I’ve been keeping an eye on.
“How many?”
“Dude, over five hundred so far. Way better than last year, and we still have another month and a half until Christmas. Jesus, that’s scary, isn’t it?”
“As you pointed out, I’m the man who’s about to have six kids. It’s a lot scarier for me.”