“Call me Fred or Pop, and it’s nice to meet you.” My dad gave him an approving smile.
“Nice to meet you too.” Ryder smiled back.
My dad took a step back and gave him a hard look.
“Well, any guy that makes my daughter this happy is family to me so come on in and meet the rest of us.”
Ryder proudly smiled as my dad walked him into the kitchen, the place where everyone seemed to gather at Chase’s house. Surprisingly, I wasn’t nervous at all because I felt more at home here, and I was so happy that Ryder was with me. Ryder had a genuine smile on his face. His body language was more relaxed than at his own home. I popped a grape in my mouth from the giant bowl of fruit they always had sitting out on their island countertop. My dad took charge of introducing Ryder to Delilah and her parents. Ryder was so sweet and welcoming as each person took him in for a hug. Delilah looked at me with the biggest smile as soon as her eyes met him.
“He’s really hot,” she mouthed silently behind Ryder’s back as she hugged him.
I laughed through each bite of fruit I took. Chase came crashing up behind me and grabbed my sides causing me to inhale a piece of the grape.
“Got you,” he yelled in my ear.
I ran for the sink and spat out the piece of grape that was causing me to gasp for air.
“Good lord, Chase. You almost killed me!” I said through puffs of air.
Chase finally realized I was choking and patted me on the back.
“I didn’t know you were chowing down on all my grapes, or I wouldn’t have scared you!” He laughed.
Ryder watched me with a concerned look while Delilah’s mother was busy talking to him. I could tell he wasn’t paying attention to a thing she was saying as he focused on me. I held my hand up to let him know I was all right.
“Are you okay?” Chase asked, and he poured me a glass of water.
“Yes, I’m fine, now.” I took a big drink of water and tried to hide my laughter.
He was a jerk, but after all, he was still my goofy brother just trying to make me laugh.
“Jerk,” I said as I punched his arm.
He laughed harder.
“Yes! I accomplished pissing you off in the first five minutes. My night is complete.” He placed his hands over his heart.
“Shut it.” I laughed.
“So where is your knight in shining armor?” He batted his eyes.
He really was on a run tonight with his sarcasm. I pointed over to where Ryder stood talking to Delilah’s family.
“Well, my girls already love him, and I think my sister does too so I guess I should go welcome him.” He shrugged.
“How do you know I love him?” I said as I sipped my water.
“Please, Adi, it’s easy to see. Plus, you wouldn’t bring him here if you didn’t.” He winked as he walked over to Ryder.
For once tonight, I felt nerves building up in my stomach as Chase went to introduce himself. I refilled my water glass before walking over to Ryder and Chase. Taking another drink to clear my throat, I hesitated when I saw Chase’s face blood red and filled with rage. He was whispering something to Ryder that I couldn’t make out. Ryder had his head down as if he was being scolded. What the hell was Chase’s problem tonight? It was one thing to be sarcastic with me, but to say anything hurtful to Ryder—that’s where I draw the line. I threw my glass of water in the sink with a loud clash sound.
“What the hell is going on?” I rested my hand on Ryder’s arm as Chase glared at him.
Holding tight to Ryder’s arm, I studied Chase’s face. I’d never seen him filled with this much anger. I was so confused. Chase’s eyes snapped over to mine, and I swore I could see his blood boiling. He didn’t get upset much, but when he did, no one wanted to be around to see. Ryder just stood there without emotion as I looked between the two of them.
“Would one of you tell me what the hell is going on, please?” I said a bit louder this time.
Delilah’s family and my dad walked away, and it was just the three of us standing there in silence. Chase looked like he wanted to rip Ryder’s head off.
“Chase, what are you doing?” I yelled at him.
“I think I should go.” Ryder just shook his head.
Ryder looked at me, and his eyes looked empty. I felt a rush of anger build up as I watched Chase intimidate Ryder.
“I’m leaving with you.” I grabbed onto Ryder as he walked to the door.
Chase followed us.
“If you don’t tell her, I will,” he shouted at Ryder’s back.
I stopped following Ryder and stood there looking at Chase.
“What?” I whispered.
Ryder looked at me and then back down to the floor. He was off and pulling away from me. I could feel the distance forming between us.
“I wanted to tell you, Adi. Please believe me.” I felt faint, and I was becoming disconnected from both of them.
“What is going on?” I pleaded.
I looked at Chase for comfort, but his face was still full of rage, and that just made me feel worse. What kind of monster did he see in Ryder, and why didn’t I see it?
“Adi, I ...” he paused.
“Stay away from my sister. What kind of cruel game are you playing to do this to her...or what are you gaining from your client?” He grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to him.
I listened carefully to Chase speak, but the words didn’t make sense to me. Grabbing my necklace, I felt tears well up in my eyes.
“Please, Ryder, what is he talking about?” I cried out, and Chase held me tighter.
“What? Are you married?” Confusion took over me.
“It’s okay, Adi. I’m not going to let him get away with this. He will be destroyed, and his career will pay for this. You are scum, and you’re not welcome in my home, so please leave. Now.” Chase hissed.
Ryder looked defeated by Chase’s words.
“Chase, stop it, just stop. Why are you doing this to me?” My voice was louder now, and I didn’t recognize it.
It scared me, but I needed answers. I heard footsteps behind me, but I was so weak to turn back and look at my audience. Strong hands rubbed my shoulders, and I knew it was my dad. Pulling away from him, I ran over to Ryder and stood directly in front of him.
“Look at me!” I shouted. “Fucking look at me!” I yelled in his face. His eyes were still empty, and for the first time, I didn’t feel safe with him.
“What is he talking about, Ryder. Please, if I mean anything to you, please tell me.” Tears were flowing down my cheeks, and it was too late to try to stop them.
Ryder’s eyes were bloodshot, and I could tell something was tearing him apart, something evil.
“Adi, that day at the parole hearing, I wasn’t there for your family. I was there for my client, Mr. Bowles.” He took a shaky breath.
I felt coldness rush through my veins. That name was enough to paralyze me. Gasping, my hand grabbed my mouth to silence my painful sobs.
“Adi, I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want to bring it up.” He paused. “I didn’t want it to define me. I knew you would never speak to me again.” His voice was soft and laid open to me.
“You monster.” My hand shot up so fast and slapped him across his hard jaw.
Gripping my hand to ease the sting, I couldn’t say a word more. My body was shaking and my neck itched with hives. My world was crashing around me, and I felt the familiar loss I felt the night my mother died. This was it—my happiness being torn from me again. The universe was telling me that I wasn’t allowed to be happy, ever. Ryder rubbed his jaw, but he didn’t look at me.
“Adi, please, I didn’t mean to hurt you. You can’t help who you fall in love with, and I was going to tell you. I’m no longer representing him.” He grabbed my shoulders as he pleaded with me, but I couldn’t look him in the eye because I didn’t feel trust between us anymore.
“Adi, please, the moment I met you, I signed an order to withdraw my appearance f
rom his case. I wanted nothing to do with him any longer.” He shook me. “Just look at me, Adi, please.” His eyes were trying to connect with mine.
I pushed his hands off me and looked at him. His eyes were red as tears fell down his face. He looked pale.
“Ryder, please leave, just leave. You have done nothing but lie to me. Just go,” I begged.
My dad was next to me now. I could feel his arms stretched around me, holding me up.
“Ryder, please, I’m going to ask you to leave, son. I’m sorry.” My dad’s eyes were watery, and I knew he felt all of my pain.
Grabbing onto his shirt, I needed to steady myself from falling to the floor. Ryder didn’t move. He stood there just looking at me.
“Just leave, now!” I screamed through my sobs.
Chase was now holding me up with my dad as I cramped up in pain. He rubbed my back, and he pointed to the door. Not another word was spoken. Ryder walked out and didn’t look back.
Blackness—that’s all I saw when my body crashed to the floor.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“Adi...Adi...wake up, please.” Mariella’s voice was ringing in my ears, but I kept my eyes closed for a bit longer hoping this was all just a nightmare.
“Adi, do you hear me?” Her hand rubbed my hairline.
“Come on, Adi.” I opened my eyes and saw Mariella hovering over me.
“Where am I?” I asked.
“You’re lying on Chase’s couch. You played the goat trick on us again and passed out.” She gave me a small smile.
The reality that my night was absolutely miserable set in. As I closed my eyes, tears started filling up again. The last thing I remembered was seeing Ryder walk away from me. He was gone. Mariella’s fingers wiped the tears that fell to my cheeks. She was saving me again, and I felt worse that I had neglected her in the past month while I was busy with Ryder and his lies. I grabbed her hand away from my cheeks.
“I’m so sorry, Ella. I haven’t been a good friend to you.” I was a sobbing mess and probably looked pathetic at this point.
“You’re an amazing friend to me. I don’t know where all this guilt is coming from, but you need to relax,” she said.
“I’ve been void. I’ve been too busy with the liar, and I haven’t been there for you enough. You’re always there for me.” I cried.
“You’re silly, Adi. You were busy falling in love, and that’s worth more than a few minutes you may have had with me, watching trash TV with me before going to bed.” She giggled.
“Don’t say love. I don’t love him.” I wiped my face dry because I needed to get myself together.
“Honestly, Adi, don’t lie to yourself. You loved him, and you still do. He made a mistake, but I know he loves you. Maybe you should listen to him.” She looked down at her thumb ring and nervously twisted it.
I sat up on the couch, and my face went stern.
“How dare you take his side with this. A mistake? Really, Mariella? My mother was everything to me, and he defended that fucking monster who killed her—he defended him! He’s just as bad.” I screamed, and tears were falling uncontrollably down my face once again.
“I know. Trust me. Don’t think I’m not pissed off at him for not saying something earlier. But he left the case after he met you. It was his job, and it sucks, but he was just doing what he’s paid to do.” She wiped tears from her eyes.
I shook my head and covered my face with my hands.
“I hate him. He fucking lied and made me feel safe with him.” She sat back on the couch next to me and rested her hand on my back. I didn’t want her to leave even though she was annoying me with coming to Ryder’s defense. “It was fucked up, I know. A million times fucked up, Adi. But I truly believe him.” She patted my back and stood up.
I sat on the couch for a few more minutes before I realized I just ruined Delilah’s birthday and guilt overcame me again. Guilt was such a familiar feeling lately.
I stood up from the couch, straightened out my clothes, and walked to the kitchen. Everyone was laughing as they shared bites of food at the table like nothing had happened. I was thankful they weren’t all hovering around me when I woke up. Mariella sat down next to Delilah and rubbed her swollen belly. I smiled for the first time since this madness happened. I was truly blessed. I didn’t have Ryder, but I had my family, and they were just that. They weren’t some cold, business transaction or a disconnected existence to me. They were warm, funny and they were my heart. I took a seat next to Delilah and Mariella, and they gave me a reassuring look that they had my back. I know I looked a mess, but I didn’t care they would accept me for my puffy red eyes and hived up neck. My hand lay on top of Mariella’s, and we rubbed Delilah’s belly together.
“I cannot wait to meet this little one,” I softly spoke.
She hugged me.
“Adi, I’m here if you need me... anything at all. I know I’m not your mom, but I hope you know that you always have a safe place with us,” she whispered in my ear as she held me.
I pulled back and looked at her. She was beautiful, and I could see exactly what my brother found most attractive about her. She always put everyone else before herself.
“Thanks, Del. Happy birthday and I’m sorry I ruined it.” I rubbed her belly again.
She stopped my hand.
“You could never. I’m happy to have you here. But I think Chase is scared to talk to you. Please go easy on him Adi. he’s hurt too.” She took a deep breath. “He didn’t mean for it to explode like that but his emotions and protectiveness over you got the best of him.” She looked down.
“I know, Del. I’ll talk to him,” I reassured her, but I wasn’t exactly sure how to approach him.
Everyone cleared their plate, but mine was still sitting in front of me, untouched. I didn’t have an appetite because my stomach was still in knots. Chase was in his office, so I decided to check on him.
“Can I come in?” I knocked on his door.
“Of course.” He looked up from his filing cabinet.
His eyes were red like he had just cried.
“Chase, I didn’t know he was involved like that.” I looked down in disappointment.
“You wouldn’t have, Adi. You passed out at the parole hearing and didn’t see him meet with his client while we carried you to the other room.” He walked over to me.
I covered my mouth to stop myself from letting out the horrible pains that were ripping through my heart. Ryder saw me at my most vulnerable state, and he still couldn’t tell me the truth.
“He should have been man enough to tell you, Adi. I would have respected him more for it.” The knots in my stomach twisted as I watched him pace back and forth in his office, and I couldn’t say anything in return. “We poured our heart out in front of that man, and the decent thing for him to do was to be honest with you.” His hands rested on his hips as he came to a stop, and he just looked at me.
“Chase, I know.” It’s all I could say without having another meltdown. He expected me to argue, and I just didn’t have it in me. I walked out of the room and went to the kitchen to get Mariella because I needed to go home. Everyone was still standing in the kitchen cleaning up dinner when I walked in.
“Mariella, are you ready to go home?” I stood at the island as she finished drying her hands on the dishtowel.
“Sure, Adi. Let me just get my bag.” She walked to the living room.
“Thank you for having us, Del.” I smiled at her, but she wasn’t paying a bit of attention to me.
“Del, are you okay?” She looked pale as she grabbed her belly.
“Chase, get in here now!” I yelled to the other room as I grabbed hold of Delilah.
She was standing in a puddle of water.
“Del, your water broke!” I said excitedly and she laughed nervously.
“Get my bags from upstairs and load up the car!” She screamed.
Her parents ran to her side and promised her not to worry. They would take the girls for the nig
ht. They gave her kisses on her cheek and said a quick prayer for her. I joined in on the prayer because I needed it too. Chase came running from upstairs in a panic with three bags.
“Come on, babe. Let’s roll. Baby girl number three will be here in no time.” He kissed her lips and helped her walk to the car.
Holding her steady until she climbed up in their big SUV, both Mariella and I gave them quick hugs and told them we would meet them at the hospital later. We waved from the driveway as they drove away.
***
“No, don’t take her. No, please, she’s hurting.” I woke from a deep sleep in cold sweats.
The nightmare was haunting me again. I was still lying on the couch, right where I had crashed when I walked in the apartment earlier. Chase called us not long after they had left and said they were letting her sleep until contractions started coming closer together. We decided we would give them space until the morning. I looked at my phone for the time. It was three in the morning, and I had two unread messages from Ryder. I shut my phone off and closed my eyes.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Welcome, little Chase Jr.,—well, CJ for short.” I held my baby nephew in my arms and cried.
Chase finally got his boy. He was so surprised after the doctor held up a ten-pound baby boy after they were expecting another girl.
“What are we going to do with all that pink?” Delilah asked.
“Hey, boys can wear pink too.” Mariella smirked.
“Yes, but not flowery, pink bows, pink.” Chase rolled his eyes.
“Well, he’s just beautiful. I will be busy buying lots of new outfits for my new little man.” I rocked him and imagined how happy my mother would have been to meet her new grandson.
He began to cry, and Delilah told me it was feeding time. I handed CJ over to Chase, and he proudly handed off his son to the arms of Delilah. They were so happy, and I envied that.
Calling in sick at work today was easy, but it felt like I should have just gone in to get my mind off things. I read the messages that Ryder sent, but I wasn’t ready to reply. He was sorry, and he wished he could have time to explain. I didn’t have time to hear his lies. This month was wasted, and he had more than enough opportunities to explain or tell me the truth, and he never did. His family was probably happy he could return with a piece of arm candy like Piper Harlow, a woman who didn’t have a mind of her own. He was just like them, a robot, lying for his selfish career. Tears fell down my cheeks—tears I didn’t know I still had. I deleted his messages and his number from my phone. He was no longer a distraction in my life.
Distract Me Page 19