by Brinda Berry
Mom shifts her gaze to my dad. “Don’t you think they were meant to have this child together?”
Dad looks from me to Josie. “I think you two will be wonderful parents.”
“Cece, I’m scared to death.” Josie presses her hands on the top of the table and stares at them. “Who is ever ready to become a parent? Well I guess some people are ready. I’m trying to get ready. I’m trying to learn as much as I can so I can be the best mom to walk this earth. I want to do everything right.”
Mom’s hand covers Josie's. “You’ll never do everything right. You’ll be faced with things that someone hasn’t told you or a crisis that isn’t in the baby handbook. Lord knows I made plenty of mistakes with Dane. But he turned out all right. Except for that time he wrecked my new Lincoln Town car, he’s been a dream child.”
Josie’s lips tremble and she laughs. “You did great. And now you’re going to help me. You’re the only mom I have.” Now Josie’s eyes fill with tears.
Jesus. My throat feels tight and I wonder if every time we talk about this baby, somebody ends up crying.
“Dane,” Dad says. “Can you pass the twice baked potatoes before they get cold. I think we have quite a while to plan everything with this grandbaby.” He looks at Mom. “We want our little Josie to fatten up and feed that baby. So, let the girl eat.”
The rest of the meal is spent talking about obstetricians and hospitals and appointments. I take out my cell phone at one point and try to take a few notes. There should be a new dad handbook somewhere on the right questions to ask.
At the end of the meal, Dad and I clean up the kitchen. We make fast work of it while Mom and Josie disappear to find something from the attic. Just as we’re finishing, Josie comes in carrying a box labeled ‘Dane.’
“I hope you don’t mind,” she says. “Your mom’s giving the baby some of your stuff.”
“Some of my stuff? You mean like my old baseball glove?” I only say this because I have no clue what’s in that box.
“Babies don’t need baseball gloves for a little while.” Josie rolls her eyes “But they do need things like blankets.”
Mom takes the box from Josie and shoves it into my arms. “Don’t let her carry things.”
“Got it, Mom. Are you going to be this uptight during the entire pregnancy?”
“Son, you better learn patience now. Josie’s going to have an imbalance of hormones. I want your assurance that what she wants,” Mom says while pointing at Josie, “is what she gets. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am. Josie is boss. Got it.”
Josie grabs her coat and shrugs one arm into it. “I like the sound of that. Goodnight Cece and Marty. Thanks for dinner. And thanks for everything. Your support means a lot to me.”
Mom and Dad take turns hugging Josie, and I swear the waterworks began a second round. By the time we get into the truck, I am exhausted. It doesn’t matter that I’m tired. I want my few minutes alone with Josie.
“I notice you didn't eat cobbler.” I turn on the heater and back out of the driveway.
“Yeah. You know I hate that stuff. I worried the whole time that I’d hurt her feelings because I didn’t eat it.”
“Nah. Listen…I thought I would take you out for ice cream. A double scoop of something chocolate with cookie dough. Exactly the kind you like. How about that?”
“I was going to say I needed to go home, but I need ice cream more.”
If only I could make her need me.
Chapter Ten
The Past
Dane, sixteen-years-old
Leo, Josie, and I sit at the end of the dock where moonlight shines magical light across the water and frogs croak lazy songs. It’s a bubble I never want to leave.
“Let’s play Guess The Object,” Josie says. She kicks her bare feet, making a splash in the lake water. Her legs are impossibly long this year—smooth, tanned skin for days.
Josie Jensen is an angel and a devil rolled into one. Some days I think she’s the sweetest, purest person I know—an angel who makes me feel good about myself. She makes me want to be worthy of her friendship. Other times, she tempts me like the devil, testing my ability to keep my hands off the girl I’ve known since childhood.
We’ve been at the cabin for two weeks, and I’ve sported a constant hard-on due to her tiny bikini tops and short shorts. I don’t know what her dad is thinking, but he’s sure not worried about his daughter’s virginity.
Not that I’d hit that. I have the sense to know that I can’t lose the respect of an entire family. Her father and brother would kill me, and they’re practically my second family.
Josie absently braids her long hair and gazes at the stars. “It’s an object that guys own. Leo, you go first.”
“Is it smaller than a breadbox?” Leo asks.
“Yes,” she answers.
We realize this is a kid’s game, but there’s not much else to do in the dark unless we build a fire. There’s a burn ban this week, so we can’t do that. I honestly don’t mind playing a silly game, because I get to hang out and chill.
She lies back on the wood and points skyward. “Look, a shooting star. Make a wish. Hurry!”
She grabs my elbow and yanks it. “Come down here beside me, doofus.”
I obey because it’s no use arguing with her, and lie on my back. It is pretty nice. Josie smells like coconuts from all the suntan oil she lubes up in every day.
My gaze travels over her shoulder, up her neck, and stumbles at her lips. Mmm….I could eat her up.
Leo clears his throat. Glancing to the other side of Josie, I frown at his grin. What’s he smiling about? I turn my attention back to Josie. “Is it smaller than a wallet?” I ask.
“Yes,” she says. She licks her lips. “Yes, sir. Almost that size I guess.”
“It’s folded money.” Leo looks down at Josie for confirmation. “Is that right?”
“Nope,” Josie states. “Although maybe it gets you guys excited.”
Josie and Leo have played this game since they were little. I know Josie well enough to figure it’s not something obvious.
“It’s a phone number,” I say. “A piece of paper with a girl’s phone number.”
“Crash and burn…again.” Josie spreads her arms wide and playfully pokes her brother in the side before linking her hands behind her head. She is certainly the devil tonight because all I can focus on is the way the bikini top fabric barely covers her tits. I swear the cool night air is my enemy as I can see the outline of her hard nipples.
I’m going to call this my blue ball summer. The last thing I need is a noticeable bulge in my swim shorts.
“Dane?” she prompts. “Are you listening?”
“Oh. Yeah. My turn. Okay, um…” Wallet. Wallet. “Is it a driver’s license?”
“Gah,” she moans. “Let me help you guys. We usually don’t give clues, but I don’t have all night. It’s something in a guy’s wallet and not a girl’s purse, although I don’t know why. I might need to put one in my purse after the summer because I believe in equality.”
What is she babbling about? Her body sways as she swings her hanging legs back and forth off the dock’s edge. “Leo. Your turn.”
“I think I’m going inside. I’m going to work on that new comic I’m doing with Chad. Or maybe we could play Civilization online. What do ya think, Dane? Sound good?”
Josie twists toward me and those breasts jiggle. One’s going to pop out of that little triangle. My dick attempts a full salute, so I pull my knees up to camouflage the situation.
“Don’t leave,” she says. “We don’t have to keep playing the game. We can do anything out here. Come on…please, please, please, pretty please—”
“Okaaay,” I say as if it’s a huge hardship for me to give in to her.
“You’re my real brother. Not Mr. In-Love-With-His-Laptop over there.”
Leo gets to his feet. “My laptop and I have a special, giving relationship. More than I can say for me
and you.” He shoves his bare feet against her hip and pushes.
Josie gives a loud squeal, the kind that makes you think Leo’s stabbed her. She tries to grab his ankle, but he dodges and jogs backward on the dock.
“Later, guys,” he calls out. “And it was a condom, right?”
“Not in your wallet. I don’t think so,” she answers.
We lie still, side-by-side without talking, for a full minute. Me, inhaling her beautiful coconut scent. Josie, humming her new favorite tune.
“So what was it?” I ask. “The thing. I give up. What is it?”
“Condom.”
“You’re lying.”
“Am not. That was it. Really. Should’ve known Leo would guess. It’s maddening to have a twin. You have no idea how irritating—”
“You are not putting condoms in your purse.” My face grows hot and I fight an angry roar in my ears.
“You can’t tell me what to do.” She sits up with a jerk. “What’s your problem?”
“You’re being ridiculous. If you carry a condom, it means you are looking to get laid.”
She gets to her feet and so do I.
Pacing back and forth at the end of the dock, she glares at me, looking beautifully livid with the moon shining down on her. “Oh my God,” she says. “Are you living in the eighteenth century? Do you hear yourself? Is that why guys do it? So they can be ready at a moment’s notice just in case some female flashes the ready sign and—”
I grab her shoulders. “No. It’s not. It’s just that I don’t want you…”
“Want me what?” she says. Her chest is heaving and her eyes flashing murder.
I stare at her lips and I’m unable to break free of the moment. What is it I want from her? To never date and have sex with a guy? Yes. That’s exactly what I want and it’s unfair. Because I’m no virgin.
“Sometimes, I hate you,” she mumbles. “You don’t want me to have sex with someone. Why? Say it. What are you afraid of?”
Josie Jensen has never been prettier than she is tonight. Even with those words of hate on her lips, I know she understands my internal struggle. As much as she knows how Leo thinks because of their close sibling bond, she may know me better.
She senses that I won’t take what I want. It’s as confusing to me as it is to her. I simply don’t want to mess up a good thing with our friendship, because no one who hooks up at our age stays together.
I let go of her and back away before I do something stupid like kiss her.
Her hard stare burns me. “At least I know what I want in life,” she says. “At least I don’t lie to myself.”
“We’re sixteen, Butterfly. No one our age knows what they really want.”
“Whatever,” she says and twists free of my hold on her. “I’ve changed my mind. I think I’ll go inside and read.”
“Sure.”
She strolls to the lake cabin, her hands tucked into her pockets, her head down.
Tomorrow, we’ll wake and go fishing. I’ll catch a few bass. Her dad will tease me. Her mom will try to make sure I apply enough sunscreen and drink water. Leo will nap since he stays up late into the night.
Things will be back to normal…and I’ll try to forget about a possible condom in Josie’s purse.
Chapter Eleven
Dinner meeting
Josie
July
Instead of roaming around investing his billions in Nashville ventures, William Walters stands before my counter with a smug look on his face. The man obviously has too much time on his hands. His current goal in life must be to memorize my book stock without buying anything.
“I booked a table at Le Greco’s,” he announces as if he expects a shiny gold star for his power to book at elitist restaurants.
“Oh, that’s nice. I hear it’s a great place to eat.” I look around to see if any customers need my assistance. Where is rescue when you need it? Joni, my Saturday help, averts my gaze while she assists a couple in the self-help section.
I straighten a stack of calendars on the counter. “William, did you come in for a book today?”
Perhaps he needs a reminder of what Dog Ears is all about. The man really needs to buy something. This isn’t a friggin’ library.
“Do you know where Le Greco’s is?” he asks.
“Sure I do. Do you need directions?” I pull out a blank sheet of paper and grab a pen. Then, I draw streets with landmarks such Dastardly Bastards bar, the First Union Bank. An ‘X’ marks Dog Ears bookstore. I’ve drawn a complete map before William clears his throat, grabbing my attention. I lift my gaze to him. “Just another second. I’m almost finished.”
“I don’t require a map. I dine there often.”
“Then why did you ask me where it is?”
William pulls a card from his pocket and slaps it on the counter like it’s a game of blackjack. “This is my business card. When you get there at seven tonight, hand it to the hostess and she will bring you to my private dining room.”
My mouth gapes open. The man is crazy. “Are you asking me on a date?”
William peers down his nose at me. “Of course not. I am asking you to a business meeting with the addition of food. You do know who I am, don’t you?”
My mouth jumps into a grin before I can stop it. This is getting more bizarre by the second. “I do know who you are. But I’m not sure what kind of business meeting we would have.” I wait for an explanation to this madness.
“Miss Jensen, I think you’re more adventurous than that. I’m an investor of entrepreneurs. Dreamers with drive and perseverance. If you’re brave enough and curious enough, meet me for dinner and hear my proposition.” He points at the card. “The hostess will only bring you to my private room when you produce this card. One can never be too cautious about the company he keeps.”
“No offense, William, but I’m not having dinner with you. I’m not into cloak and dagger meetings with men I barely know. Can you tell me here instead?”
“I want to offer you a way to secure your financial future.”
I pause. How many nights have I lain awake trying to come up with something on my own? No risk, no reward. I take a deep breath. “So, okay. Since it’s a public place, I guess I can do that.”
“It won't be just the two of us. I will have an associate with me. I won’t bring my accountant, as I don’t see that it’s necessary. He’ll email some files to you later.”
“What if I want to bring someone with me? An associate,” I say, mimicking him. I’m not sure who I would bring. I can’t bring Dane since I’ve been telling him nonstop that I’m independent and I don't need his help. Leo will scoff at the idea of meeting with William Walters. He’ll think it’s a joke. But he might come just out of curiosity.
“I researched the company records filed with the state.” Disapproval drifts across William Walters’ features. “Don’t you make all the decisions?”
"I do."
“Then what role does this person play?”
“Well, I have a consultant.” Okay. Leo will not be pleased with the title, but he does have an interest in my bookstore.
William rocks back on his heels. “Tsk, tsk. I know for a fact that you do not have a partner, manager, board, or even a full-time accountant. You take your accounting to Morgan and Chase down on Fifth Street. They work your ledger on a monthly basis.”
How does he know all this? As quirky as he is, he’s made his riches somehow. Maybe he wants to buy the store. This could be something to consider with the baby coming. I need the money. I need help.
I need a brain transplant.
The thought of selling the store gives me indigestion, the acidic complaint rising in my esophagus. “Okay. I’ll come. But seriously, William, this better be worth my time.” Something odd moves across his face at my use of his first name so familiarly. His lips part in the nearest thing to a smile that I’ve ever seen from him. Then he walks away without a goodbye.
Between customers, I call Leo, b
ut it goes straight to voice mail. I message him, but he ignores that as well. Brothers. Finally, I call Harper because he’ll answer her call or message.
It seems that Leo has escaped to the cabin for a few days until he can finish his manuscript that’s due at the end of the week.
This leaves me on my own to meet William, but I reason that it will be okay. Le Grecos is nice, a reservations-only place with elite clientele. Nothing too crazy can happen there. Shoot. I may even order lobster on William Walter’s dime since he’s been partaking of Dog Ears’ apple cider and butter cookies for weeks.
Yeah.
I put on my favorite black wool dress with boots and head to Le Greco’s.
Walking in, I scan the interior of the restaurant with its sleek modern furnishings and minimalist decor. The hostess takes William’s business card and without any idle conversation leads me down a side corridor and through an arched doorway. The room is small with a long twelve person table in the center. Plush red chairs alternate with purple ones. William sits at the head of the table at one end talking with a rather good-looking guy at his right. Both stand at my arrival and wait for me to enter the room fully.
“You’re punctual,” William says. “Very good. A mark in your favor.”
“And…well, you’re here. So I guess you get a good mark, too.” I chuckle under my breath at him.
“Of course, I’m here.” William’s eyebrows twist toward the middle of his forehead in confusion.
Ah…the subtleties of humor are definitely wasted on him. I walk toward the seat on William’s left and the young guy quickly walks around to pull my chair out. It’s not as though I’m unused to good manners, but I don't expect this at a business meeting and find myself getting nervous.