by Jamie Beck
Still, Vivi would muddle through the week without doing anything to widen the rift between the alienated siblings. Besides, she’d be better off using this time to extricate Cat from Justin’s clutches once and for all. That relationship had only made Cat more distant and defensive with each passing month.
Heaving a loud sigh, she stared across the room at her friend. As if having sensed Vivi’s scrutiny, Cat popped one eye open.
“Go back to sleep, freak.” Cat flaunted a sleepy grin and rolled onto her side. “I hate how you always wake up so early.”
“Ah, insomnia.” Vivi propped herself up on her elbow, grinning. “One of my many flaws.”
Cat groaned, then reached for her phone. After scrolling through her messages, she typed a short text, huffing aloud. Vivi noticed a satisfied gleam in her eyes.
“I take it you heard from Justin again?”
“He’s not happy I came here without him.” Cat’s brows lowered for a second. “I half expect him to show up this week, but he may not want to risk a confrontation with David and Jackson.”
Vivi’s curiosity got the best of her. “Okay, time to tell me what’s going on with you. I hardly ever see you lately, unless you split from Justin—which is becoming a pattern.”
“Have I been a bad friend, V?”
“Not a bad friend, but you’ve been different. Normally you share every little detail of your relationships. Overshare, actually!” Vivi smiled, then turned serious again. “With Justin, you’ve been tight-lipped. Whenever I ask about it, you shut down and become defensive. It worries me, that’s all.”
Cat drew a deep breath and covered her face with her hands. “I . . . it’s hard to talk about . . . embarrassing, actually.”
“Please talk to me. You know you can tell me anything. I hate seeing you all torn up.”
“Promise not to judge,” she warned, her voice tinged with resignation. Once Vivi crossed her heart, Cat continued. “Justin’s got serious jealousy issues. He’s suspicious of every guy I talk to, at work or elsewhere. Sometimes he checks my phone history or e-mails. He makes crazy accusations and we end up screaming at each other—saying awful, awful things. He got so pissed once, he threw the remote across the room and accidentally cracked his TV screen.”
Cat’s fingers gathered the comforter to pull it up against her chest.
Vivi rarely witnessed Cat’s vulnerability, let alone shame. A hot flash of resentment toward Justin streaked through her body. She bit her lip before asking the obvious question. “Why do you keep going back?”
Distress suffused the room while Vivi held her breath.
Cat choked out, “Because I love him and he loves me.”
Vivi turned her face away, collecting the thoughts whirling through her mind like a tornado. Thanks to her dad, she knew a little something about codependency and guilt-induced commitment. Apparently Cat thought she could fix Justin’s insecurities. She’d have to learn the hard way that no one can emotionally save another.
Vivi simplified her opinions. “Sometimes love isn’t enough.”
Her own heart skidded to a halt, because her love for David had never mattered.
As if reading her thoughts, Cat replied, “This isn’t one-sided like you and David. Justin and I are both invested.”
“I wasn’t comparing our situations. I’m just saying mutual love doesn’t automatically make a relationship work.”
Cat rolled her eyes, so Vivi conceded with a shrug. “Fine. But when his jealousy spirals out of control, tragedy can strike in an instant.”
“He’d never hurt me!” Cat’s eyes flared with indignity. “He just yells a lot. He’ll stop when he learns to trust me.”
Vivi shuddered, convinced many battered women uttered those very words prior to receiving a first punch.
“Okay. Just know I’m here for you, whatever you need. I miss you, Cat.” She shifted her body to nestle down under the quilt. Sensing the need to change the subject, Vivi teased, “I’ve been on my own a lot these days, so you know I’m on the verge of some kind of disaster.”
Cat nodded thoughtfully and picked at her comforter. After a protracted silence, she arched one brow. “I’ve got to give you credit. You handled David and Laney well yesterday. I didn’t honestly believe you were over him until now.”
Vivi knew it was unfair to resent Cat for protecting David’s privacy by never telling her about Laney. It had stung to be caught off guard. But now another white lie served everyone’s interests.
“Part of me will always love David, but we’ve all grown and changed. I want him to be happy, with Laney or whomever.”
“You’re a good person. If I were in your shoes, I doubt I’d be so generous.” Cat smiled. “His loss, anyway. She’s no fun at all.”
“Well, I’m probably not the best judge. Plus we barely know her.” Vivi tilted her head sideways and shrugged a shoulder. “Maybe she’s just shy, like him.”
“Shy? David?” Cat drew her thumb and forefinger to her chin. “I’ve never thought of David as shy. He’s always stolen the spotlight.”
Vivi’s brows shot up in surprise. “He’s a total introvert. He only steals the spotlight because he excels at everything to win your dad’s approval.”
“Maybe you’re right. I’ve never studied him like you have!” Cat laughed and caught the pillow Vivi tossed across the room, dispelling the final remnants of tension from their earlier discussion. “Perhaps now I’ll win more of my dad’s attention since David no longer cares about his opinion anymore.”
Vivi had always envied the way David admired his father’s dignified behavior, probably because of the marked difference from her relationship with her own father. Given what she knew, she didn’t believe David had now truly forsaken his father’s opinion. As for Cat, Vivi wondered how being a model wasn’t enough of a spotlight.
Vivi shook her head. Vacations weren’t to be wasted on sorrow or problems. “Let’s go make coffee and breakfast.”
Glancing in the mirror, she contemplated her scruffy appearance before going upstairs. Screw it. David was taken. Everyone could simply endure her crazy hair, boxer pajamas, and sleepy face.
“I’m desperate for a shot of caffeine.” Cat moved in slow motion. “Don’t ever wake me this early again!”
Moments later, taking a seat at the kitchen counter, Cat rested her head on her hands. When Vivi flung open the sliding doors to let in the breeze, her stomach grumbled loud enough to draw Cat’s attention. Not an uncommon event.
Vivi whipped up an egg batter with vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, and then cooked a batch of French toast. The sizzling pan heightened her anticipation. She smothered her stack with so much butter, yellow pools formed on top and dribbled over its sides.
Following Cat to the reclaimed-wood dining table, which sat bathed in sunlight streaming through the bay windows, she settled in front of her plate and let the sun warm her back.
She’d barely sunk her teeth into her breakfast when Jackson and Hank emerged.
“Smelled the coffee.” Jackson leaned over Vivi’s shoulder to survey her dish. “Any more where those came from?”
“I’ll make you some as soon as I finish,” she offered.
“You’re the best, V.” Jackson patted her shoulder before taking a seat beside her. Hank nodded at her and sat opposite them. Vivi watched Cat and Hank politely avoid eye contact. So weird.
Ten minutes later, she loaded a heaping serving of freshly made French toast onto Jackson’s plate. He dipped his finger into the excess syrup spilling over his plate before sucking it into his mouth.
Vivi was helping herself to seconds when David and Laney strolled into the kitchen. She examined Laney’s pressed outfit, glossy lips, made-up eyes, and her pin-straight, silky red hair neatly tucked behind a navy headband. With some surprise, Vivi noted the severe hairstyle made the sharp angle
s of her face look graceful rather than harsh.
Had David waited for her to primp? Did he enjoy watching her perform her feminine rituals?
Glancing at her own wrinkled, mismatched pajamas, Vivi laughed to herself. No wonder she’d never captured his interest. Elegance and poise weren’t words anyone associated with her. Swallowing a sigh, she forced her gaze up to greet them.
David’s hopeful expression practically begged her for some sign she’d forgiven him, so she took pity and offered a slight smile. He winked, but then Laney cleared her throat and stared at him until he proceeded to make her a cup of coffee.
He opened the cabinet to retrieve a cup and then wandered away in search of a spoon. His bad habit of leaving cabinet doors hanging open had always annoyed his mother. On the other hand, Vivi loved his little imperfections. Pathetic.
After stirring cream and sugar into the coffee cup, David handed it to Laney. Vivi couldn’t decide if seeing him act like a trained seal made her jealous or utterly disgusted. Maybe it just made her mad. She’d always treated him like a king, unaware he apparently preferred the role of servant.
Jackson’s eyes slid back and forth between David and Vivi. Crap. Jackson was monitoring the situation after last night’s fiasco. He didn’t know about the midnight rendezvous in the backyard. Sucking it up, and dedicated to moving forward with her own life without David, Vivi forced herself to be cheerful.
“Would either of you like French toast?”
“No, thanks.” Laney patted her washboard stomach while she flashed a polite smile. “I’ll stick with coffee.”
“Suit yourself.” Vivi shoveled a giant bite into her mouth. “David?” Her tongue darted out to lick a dollop of syrup from her bottom lip.
She watched David’s eyes widen before he grinned. “Given your appetite, I’d be shocked if you left any food behind.” He shook his head in jest and joined everyone at the table. “I’ll grab something in a bit, thanks.”
Laney wandered over and sat on his knee. Although he spoke with Hank, David’s arm automatically wrapped around her waist, and she rested her hand on his forearm. The casual intimacy of the scene threw darts at Vivi’s heart.
She yanked her gaze away and fought off a fresh wave of revulsion. Obviously it would take some time for her heart to catch up to her brain when it came to getting over him. Vaulting from her seat, she rinsed her dish and announced, “I’m going hiking with my camera while the morning light is still soft. Anyone care to join me?”
Hank’s head shot up. “Give me five minutes and I’ll go.”
“Okay.” Vivi smiled at him. “Cat, join us.”
“Nah, I’m on vacation from work and exercise. In fact, I may slink back to bed now that you won’t be chirping at me.” She slid off the barstool and followed Vivi down to their room.
While Vivi changed her clothes, Cat nestled back under her blanket and eyed her.
“So, what’s the deal with Hank?” Cat asked. “Are you interested in him?”
Vivi wouldn’t confess to enlisting his help during their walk on the beach yesterday. Thankfully, he hadn’t been insulted by her plan to involve him in a conspiracy to convince everyone she was over David. After getting to know Hank, however, she thought he’d be a great catch for Cat. Cat wasn’t ready to give up on Justin yet, but Vivi hoped to pique her curiosity.
“He’s cute, isn’t he?” Vivi tied her sneakers, trying for subtlety.
“Blondes aren’t usually your thing.” Cat didn’t meet her eyes.
“Well, I’m not blind.” While braiding her hair, Vivi hid her face to conceal her intentions. “His eyes look like sea glass, which you know is a favorite of mine. And that body! And best of all, he’s super kind.”
“He’s too nice.” Cat studied her fingernails as if she were bored. “No zip.”
“Nice trumps zip in my book. Did you know he’s the oldest of five siblings? He’s helping to pay for his youngest sister’s education. And aside from all that goodness, he’s got a tool belt. Come on—a tool belt is hot!”
Cat snorted, so Vivi turned toward her. “What?”
“Nothing.” Cat sat forward. “Ignore me.”
“Come with us.” Vivi walked across the room and sat on the edge of Cat’s bed. “It’ll be nice.”
Cat hesitated, but then her phone trilled. In the blink of an eye, Vivi lost her to Justin. She wanted to stomp on Cat’s phone so they could enjoy the week together without that maniac’s constant interruptions.
“Justin, I told you to stop calling.” Cat sat upright in bed, back pressed to the headboard. After a short pause, she asked, “What Facebook tag?”
Vivi’s stomach dropped upon hearing Justin’s irate voice emanating from Cat’s phone. Please don’t let this be about the picture I posted from last night’s dinner.
“Oh, for God’s sake. ‘The blond dude’ is Hank. He works for Jackson. He is not here with me. I brought Vivi,” Cat said, shooting Vivi a questioning look, “who must’ve posted one of the pictures she took at dinner last night.”
Vivi mouthed “sorry.” Cat waved her away, already focused on defending herself to Justin.
Defeated and feeling guilty, Vivi left Cat behind. When she returned to the living room, she found David waiting for her. His obsidian eyes held her gaze. Just what I need now.
“That camera is as big as you.” His shy grin distracted her. “Can you hike with it?”
“Hank can carry it for me.”
“Of course.” David’s ghost of a smile vanished. “Does your invitation extend to Laney and me?”
“Oh.” Vivi blinked. No! “Laney hikes? Er, I mean, it doesn’t seem like her kind of thing.”
“You’re right. It’s not.” He shrugged. “You know, I only invited Laney because Cat said she was bringing Justin. If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve come alone so we could’ve spent time together like normal.” He shook his head and placed his hands on his hips. “I’m trying, Muñequita. I’m truly sorry about my behavior last night. Please tell me you don’t hate me.”
He’d have come without Laney? She kept the unspoken sentiment bubbling inside her, bottled up. Those types of remarks and that pet name were exactly the kinds of things that had kept her pining for him her whole life.
“I don’t hate you.” She lowered her voice. “But sometimes I wish I could.”
David’s eyes blinked in surprise. Before he could respond, Hank raced up the stairs. Another snug, well-worn T-shirt molded to his muscular chest and shoulders. Man, he was easy on the eyes. Why couldn’t she be attracted to him? Seemed her head and heart never inhabited the same space. Maybe that was Cat’s problem, too, she speculated.
“At your service, Vivienne.” Hank lifted the heavy pouch from her shoulder. “Shall we go?”
“Thanks.” Vivi glanced back over her shoulder at David. “See you in a while. Have fun.”
David tilted his head, looking as if he’d completely forgotten how to have fun. Ignoring the pinch in her heart and instinct to shake him, she turned away and followed Hank out the front door.
They sauntered along the long gravel driveway leading to Mohegan Trail.
“Thanks for rescuing me again.” Vivi squeezed Hank’s forearm, then released it. “You’ve been a savior.”
“No thanks needed. I enjoy your company.” Lowered brows replaced his adorable smile. “Although, I’ve got to ask, why David? He doesn’t seem like your type.”
“Why not? Because he’s so sophisticated and I’m so, well . . . me?” She grinned. Deep down she knew it was true. Vivi liked herself well enough. She didn’t want to change. Yet her folksy personality made her different from most women David knew.
“No.” Hank’s confused scowl made Vivi grimace. “You’re open and enthusiastic.” He paused. “But he strikes me as stiff and cold. I can’t imagine you two together.”
“Well, apparently neither can he!” She chuckled with a shrug. “David’s not cold. He’s just reserved. Although he’s been more closed off since his mother died, he has a tender side. That’s what I love most.”
“Tender?”
“You should’ve seen how he adored his mother. And it couldn’t have been fun having his sister’s friend follow him around like a puppy when we were kids, but he always made time for me. He’d compliment my art, and he never teased me about my clothes and hairstyles. And let me tell you, I was a walking, talking Glamour ‘Don’t’ back then.” Vivi snorted at her own memories. “I lived alone with my dad, a belligerent drunk who never stopped grieving what he lost long enough to pay attention to me. Cat’s friendship gave me a sister. David’s gave me more confidence and hope.”
“And he doesn’t bore you?” Hank’s frank tone surprised her, and for some inexplicable reason, she sensed a hidden agenda.
“Never.” She frowned. Boring?
David’s photographic memory enabled him to talk endlessly about any topic. He’d even been able to make history exciting for her. No small feat!
“If anything, his reserve is comforting.” She kicked some pebbles on the side of the road. “Until his mother died, he’d been my rock.”
Hank stared at her. “I’m surprised your feelings haven’t affected your relationship with Catalina. It must be awkward for her.”
“I’ve never put her in the middle. Our friendships are separate.”
“That’s a lot of juggling. Must be hard this week, with Laney here.” His eyes met hers. “You’re hiding your feelings well.”
“Watching him with her physically hurts, but I’m determined to push past it.” Vivi paused. “That said, I can’t believe he loves her. Not that he loves me, of course.” She peered at Hank from beneath her lashes. “You think I’m crazy.”
“Not crazy. Maybe disillusioned.” He grinned at her before shoving his hands into his pockets. “Why do you doubt his feelings for Laney?”
“Laney seems nice enough, but I know him. He couldn’t love someone so . . . dry.” Vivi noted Hank’s dubious expression and knew he disagreed. “Lust after her body, yes. Admire her ambition and intelligence, sure. Love? I don’t think so.”