“Not a chance. My mother would kill me, and if I have to suffer through this, then you both do too.” I reply before moving past Ash while making sure to bump my shoulder into his along the way.
“Yep, I’m beginning to like this girl.” Drake snorts before he follows after me.
I smile while making my way through the house.
Chapter Four
“Wait, where are we going?” I question nervously as Drake drives past the restaurant where the limo had pulled in.
“There’s a slight detour that we need to make first,” Ash answers cryptically.
I nod and then sit back as Drake drives down the road before pulling into a parking lot in front of a small apartment building.
To my surprise, Troy runs out before opening the back door of the car.
He pauses as his eyes light up with surprise at seeing me.
“Get in, Troy,” Drake commands. “We’re not going to wait around forever.”
Troy grunts in response before he climbs into the tiny back seat beside me. Not a word is said as Drake pulls out of the parking lot before heading back towards the restaurant.
Once we park Ash and Troy climb out of the car, leaving me alone with Drake.
“Are you trying to cause problems for me?” I question.
“I’m not going to let your mother trash one of my friends like she did,” Drake replies as he glances back at me. “Troy is one of the best guys that I know, and he deserves better than that. So, yes, I may be causing problems for you, but I honestly don’t care. I’m doing this just to piss off your mother.”
I nod and then sigh roughly as he exits the car.
After a few moments, I climb out before rushing to catch up to them as they walk into the restaurant.
Within seconds we are escorted back to a table by a sweet waitress who smiles at Drake, Ash, and Troy shyly.
As she directs us to a table in the middle of a crowded area of the restaurant, my nerves begin to get the better of me. My heart starts beating wildly in my chest as I glance around the room.
If I had the guts, I would have run back out to the parking lot.
Instead, I move to sit and keep my head down in order to ignore the glare that my mother was giving me.
Troy sits down on one side of me, and Ash sits down on my other side while Drake sits down in the seat directly across from me.
“Troy, it’s good to see you.” Benjamin greets with a bright smile.
“It’s good to see you too, Mr. Anderson,” Troy replies.
“How is your father doing?” Benjamin then asks.
“He’s about the same. My brothers are doing their best to take care of the business though.” Troy answers softly.
“That’s good,” Benjamin replies before continuing. “And my offer still stands, if your family needs any help at all don’t be afraid to ask.”
Before another word can be said the waitress returns to take our order.
I don’t even get the chance to look at the menu before my mother orders for me. She of course only orders me a small salad.
My stomach groans softly as I silently curse my luck.
“Actually, can I have an extra order of chicken strips?” Ash questions abruptly.
The waitress nods. “Of course…”
Without another word, the girl tucks her notepad into her apron before walking away from the table to fill our orders.
Silence surrounds the table as each of us stares off in different directions.
There were a million different things that I wanted to say to my mother but I couldn’t. If I did, she would only embarrass me in front of the entire place, and that’s the last thing that I wanted.
Benjamin clears his throat. “Ash, Drake, Scarlett…I know this is short notice but Vivian and I have decided to take a short trip together.”
“Where are you going?” Drake questions as he leans forward to look at his father.
“We’re going to the beach house.” Benjamin answers.
“And how long are we going to be babysitting this one?” Ash asks as he motions towards me.
“I don’t need anyone to babysit me,” I grumble.
“We’re planning on being gone no longer than a week.” Mom answers this time before continuing. “And Scarlett doesn’t need anyone to look after her; she’s used to taking care of herself in my absence.”
I stare at my mother for a moment frozen in a state of shock.
That little secret was one that I never thought that she would admit.
Mom laughs lightly. “Of course I’ve never left her alone for more than a few days, but I think she’s more than capable of surviving a week without me.”
In an instant, my shock wears off, and I dig my nails into my hands under the table.
I should have known that she wouldn’t be completely honest. It wasn’t in her to tell anyone the truth about how she actually treated me.
“Well, she won’t have to worry; my boys will make sure that she stays safe,” Benjamin promises as he grabs Mom’s hand in his.
“Of course we will.” Ash agrees before placing his hand on my upper thigh.
Instead of moving his hand, I leave it where it is because whether I liked it or not the touch was calming my racing heart.
After a few moments, Ash glances at me with a raised brow.
I remain quiet as I close my eyes for a brief moment while taking in a deep breath before releasing it slowly.
Troy leans in to whisper into my ear. “Are you alright, you look a little pale?”
“I’m fine.” I lie.
He nods and then leans away.
Under the table, Drake gently taps his foot against mine while he gives me the same questioning look as Ash had given me.
I shake my head ever so slightly in response.
Thankfully before anything can be said, the waitress returns with our food. She places the salad down in front of me, and I whimper softly as I glance around the table at all of the other delicious meals that everyone else had gotten.
It wasn’t fair.
Without warning, Ash takes his extra side of chicken strips and slides them on top of my salad with a smirk. “Salad isn’t a meal unless there’s some kind of meat involved. There’s no way that I can let you get away with such a travesty.”
“Plus, you look like a girl who can eat. You’re all skin and bones.” He adds.
Mom huffs but thankfully remains quiet.
“Thank you, Ash,” I whisper gratefully.
He nods and then begins eating while I focus my attention on the meal in front of me.
****
Dinner thankfully goes by quietly and before long the waitress returns.
“Would anyone like dessert?” She questions.
“Absolutely…” Ash hoots. “I would like a piece of your apple pie, and Scarlett would like a hot fudge brownie Sundae with extra brownie on top.”
“I’d like one of those too.” Drake chimes in.
“Pumpkin pie for me…” Troy announces.
“I think Vivian and I will skip dessert, thank you.” Benjamin states.
The waitress nods. “I’ll right back with your orders.”
Benjamin then focuses his attention on us. “Would you mind if we left early? We have some things to pack before we leave for the airport in the morning.”
“Go, Dad, we’ll be fine,” Drake replies.
Benjamin nods and then scoots his chair out before standing. He then pulls out my mother’s chair before extending his hand to her to help her stand up.
Without another word they leave.
“That had to be one of the most awkward dinners that I’ve ever had with you guys.” Troy chuckles lightly.
“No kidding. I swear that woman was about to have a meltdown when I put the chicken on Scarlett’s salad.” Ash snorts before looking at me in question. “And by the way who the hell eats just a salad. Is that woman trying to starve you to death?”
“She always tel
ls me that I need to lose weight.” I breathe out.
“Well, she’s the one who could stand to lose a few pounds,” Ash replies.
“No matter what she says you’re always more than welcome to the food in the kitchen. Don’t let her stop you from eating.” Drake stresses. “And if she does manage to scare you off Ash and I both have mini refrigerators in our rooms that are filled with some good stuff.”
“We should get one for her room so she can get her own food.” Ash insists.
“You don’t have to do that,” I argue.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t argue with these two.” Troy chimes in. “Once they get their minds set on helping you there’s no stopping them. They’re as bad as their father when it comes to helping others.”
I smile and nod. “That’s good to know, but I can fend for myself.”
Before anyone can say another word, the waitress returns with our deserts.
She places mine in front of me first before moving around the table to give Troy, Drake, and Ash theirs.
As she places Ash’s down, he grabs her wrist. “I don’t believe I caught your name.”
“It’s Anna.” She answers.
“And your number…?” Ash questions slyly.
The girl giggles and then quickly writes on her notepad before ripping off a piece of paper. She hands it to Ash and then walks away with a sway in her step that causes all three guys to watch her.
I sigh softly and then poke my spoon into the sundae in front of me.
To be honest, it made me a little jealous to see them looking at someone else. It was an odd feeling to have, but it was there all the same.
“Anyway, what are our plans for the week while Dad is gone? Are we going to have a party or what?” Ash asks as he looks to Drake for his response.
“Why not, we always have parties while he’s gone. This time will be no different.” Drake replies.
“Nice, I’ll start getting the word out. We’ll do it Friday night and maybe Saturday too.” Ash replies as he begins typing on his phone.
“I don’t want it too huge, Ash. I’d rather not have to clean up the mess that a huge party leaves behind.” Drake stresses.
“Have you ever had a party?” Troy questions me.
I shake my head. “Nope, and I’ve never been to a party either.”
Well, that second part was a lie. I had been to plenty of parties, but I barely remembered any of them since I would drink until I passed out.
Drinking was my one weakness. I could never stop once I started.
I had landed myself in the hospital a few too many times from over drinking. The last time had nearly cost me my life.
“Sweet, we’ll make this a party to remember for you then.” Ash hoots.
“I’d rather just stay in my room,” I reply.
“Nope, you’re going to enjoy the party. You might as we’ll get to know the people you’ll be going to school with before the school year begins.” Ash insists.
I sigh and then nod before placing a mouthful of my sundae into my mouth.
It was apparent that I would never change his mind.
When it came time though, I would lock myself inside my room so that I didn’t do anything stupid to hurt myself again. It was for the best that way.
As Troy, Drake, and Ash talk about their plans for the upcoming party, I block their voices out while enjoying the desert in front of me.
All too soon I scrape the bottom of the cup.
I place my spoon down and then glance around the table. I find Drake, Troy, and Ash all watching me with a hint of awe.
“Damn, girl…” Ash laughs. “I’m impressed.”
My face heats as I bow my head shyly.
“Ash…” Drake breathes out.
“What…” Ash replies before continuing. “That was hot. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a girl eat like that.”
“Can we just go back to your house?” I whisper.
“Yeah, it’s time for us to go back,” Drake replies before he stands.
A moment later we exit the restaurant.
Chapter Five
Somehow, someway, I manage to avoid Drake and Ash for two days.
It had been relatively easy to do once Vivian and Benjamin had left.
At night I would sneak into the kitchen to grab food for the day and the rest of the time I kept the door to my room locked along with a dresser pushed up against the door for extra measure.
The days had gone by at a painfully slow pace though.
Thankfully today had flown by.
Just like the nights before, I quietly exit my room and then make my way down the hallway and then downstairs before reaching the kitchen.
I walk in and then move towards the refrigerator.
Before I open it someone turns on a bright light. I turn and narrow my eyes as they adjust. Drake and Ash grin triumphantly from their spots sitting on the counters.
“It’s about time.” Ash snorts.
“We were beginning to think that you had died in your room.” Drake jokes.
“Are you trying to avoid us?” Ash asks after a brief moment of silence.
Instead of answering him I turn back around and open the refrigerator before I start grabbing food to take back to my room.
Once I have everything that I would need I turn back around.
I yelp as I find myself face to face with Ash.
Seconds later Drake moves behind me, pinning me between them, so I had no way to escape.
“Can I just go back to my room?” I breathe out tensely.
“First, you can tell us why you’re avoiding us, and then we’ll let you go,” Ash replies.
“Seriously…I didn’t think that either of you would want me cramping your style. Plus, I heard the girls laughing; I figured you needed your privacy too.” I reply.
“You don’t have to sneak around to get food though.” He insists.
“I’d rather not get too comfortable here.” I sigh.
He nods once. “That’s probably for the best.”
After a moment he takes a step to the side so that I can leave. I don’t hesitate for a moment to walk away from them as quickly as possible.
Once I’m in my room I release a breath of relief.
That relief is short-lived when music begins echoing throughout the house.
I had completely forgotten about the party.
“Damn it,” I whisper.
Moving over to my bed I drop the food onto the blankets before lying down on the other side of the bed. I groan and close my eyes tightly.
Within a few moments, I drift off.
****
“Scarlett…Are you in there?” Someone shouts from the other side of my door.
I sit up and stare at the door for a moment before rubbing my eyes with the back of my hand. After a few seconds, I stand and then move forward.
As soon as I open the door, Troy stumbles inside.
He laughs. “There you are beautiful.”
“Are you drunk?” I question.
“Yep, I think I am.” He replies with a goofy smirk.
Without warning, he stumbles and then falls onto the floor. He groans and then passes out completely.
“Are you kidding me?” I growl out as I kneel next to him.
I shake him, but he doesn’t wake up.
Standing back up I turn towards the door before making the only decision that I could at the moment. There was no way that I was leaving Troy in my room for the entire night.
I march out into the hallway and then downstairs.
I’m forced to push my way through crowds of people as I search for Drake or Ash. I didn’t need them both; just one would do so they could drag Troy out of my room.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find either one of them.
Giving up, I move into the kitchen where it seemed less crowded.
Of course, that’s where I find Ash and Drake both with girls intimately embraced in their arms.
I cl
ear my throat while crossing my arms over my chest.
After a moment Ash pulls away from the girl in his arms to look at me with a mixture of surprise and confusion.
“What are you doing down here, Scarlett?” He questions gaining Drake’s attention.
“I was looking for you,” I reply before internally kicking myself.
He grins while pushing the girl away from him. “Oh really…?”
“Yes, I was, but not for the reason that you’re thinking,” I reply quickly. “I need help getting Troy out of my room. He passed out on my floor.”
Ash sighs as he looks towards Drake.
They wordlessly have a conversation before nodding to each other.
“Alright, we’ll move him but under one condition,” Ash states as he returns his attention towards me.
Before I can respond to Ash the girl that he had been kissing raises her hands into the air while glancing between us curiously. “Wait a second…who is this girl, Ash, and why is she here?”
“Mandy, this is Scarlett. She’s our father’s new girlfriend’s daughter.” Ash explains.
“When were you going to tell me?” Mandy snaps.
Ash shrugs. “I didn’t think it mattered. It’s not like we’re dating.”
She huffs dramatically before stomping out of the kitchen. A moment later the girl that had been with Drake rushes to follow after her.
I chuckle lightly. “You are in some deep trouble now with that girl.”
“She’ll forgive me before the night is over,” Ash replies smugly.
“…Unless she decides to find someone else to take her to bed.” Drake teases.
“Shut it, Drake. Ellie isn’t any better. She would leave you in a heartbeat if someone hotter came along.” Ash replies.
“Maybe, but no one has caught her attention yet,” Drake replies.
“…Except for me that one night.” Ash laughs.
I groan and pinch the bridge of my nose while closing my eyes. “Can we just stop this…whatever it is…so you two can take care of Troy for me?”
They grunt in response before moving past me.
I follow after them as they push their way through the crowds and then as they move upstairs to my bedroom.
Love Unexpected Page 3