by Claire Adams
“Alright, time to get to Uncle Nick’s,” I said and threw the dishes into the sink. Abby got her shoes on, and we left.
Nick was in the middle of a new painting when we arrived. I sat on his couch as Abby watched him finish the corner of his painting. It was a colorful field of flowers, with bleeding roses that created a border. It was somewhat depressing, but of course, Abby only saw the flowers and instantly fell in love.
“Uncle Nick! I’m going to finish my painting soon!” Abby said.
“It’s almost done.” He agreed and patted my shoulder. “It’s a real work of art.”
“I believe it,” I said and kissed Abby goodbye. “I have a long day at work today, sweetie. There’s a lot to plan for the weekend, and I might not pick you up until late.”
“That’s okay,” she said. “Take your time.”
I chuckled. Abby surely didn’t know what that meant.
“I need to check into the hotel sometime today,” I said to Nick as I got ready to leave. “I added Everly’s room last minute. I need to make sure it’s another suite or else she’ll be stuck on the bottom floor with the drunk bastards who go to Vegas for the women and drinks.”
“You don’t think she’d like that?” Nick asked. I raised my eyebrow at his condescending tone. “I didn’t mean it like that,” he sighed. “And don’t get all defensive over her. You don’t think you’re maybe getting a little too close to her?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“You barely know her, and already you’re paying for an entire weekend in Vegas,” he said.
“Because I have meetings there, and you were busy. I didn’t want to go alone,” I argued.
“Jackie could have gone with you,” he said.
“I think I’d rather go alone than have her company.” I leveled my stare to his. “Plus, one of us needs to stay for the restaurants. We both can’t have a Vegas weekend.”
“It’s a business weekend,” Nick said. “Remember that.”
“What are you trying to get at?” I asked. “Just spit it out.”
“Just that you need to do what’s best for both you and Abby, not just yourself,” he said. I nodded, and we said goodbye.
Nick was just being a good friend. I could acknowledge that. He also didn’t know Everly as much as I did, and he didn’t understand how either of us felt. But more than anything, I knew that Everly wouldn’t do anything to hurt me or Abby. To think otherwise was ridiculous, but I could understand how he would be protective of us, though. It was his nature, and I know he considered us family. She was worth it, and I knew in my heart that what we could potentially have was worth it, too.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Everly
My suitcase wouldn’t close all the way. I sat on it again and tried to zip it shut, but there was too big of a lump in the middle that was keeping me from getting it zipped. I groaned and opened it for the hundredth time, trying to decide if I was bringing too many clothes, or if my suitcase was just too small. I had no idea how to pack for a weekend in Vegas. Did I bring only business clothes? Or should I bring a dress in case we go to a show? It was cold in Seattle, with nights that felt like a freezer, but what was the temperature in Vegas like? I had always assumed it was hot, it was a desert after all, but after a quick Google search, I had learned that the temperature changed often. I had blouses, sweaters, shorts, leggings, and several dresses stuffed into the suitcase, along with shoes of all styles and more makeup that I would ever need.
Why was I so anxious for this trip? What was I expecting to happen? I had added a piece of lingerie that I hadn’t worn in years to the pile very suddenly, and I picked up the soft satin and second-guessed myself. It probably didn’t fit anyways. And even if it did, what was I wearing it for? I had already arranged my own room.
Lacey and Belle arrived as I was repacking the suitcase. I’d learned that you could roll things up, but hesitated on certain items. The last thing I needed was my clothes to be a mess.
My sister walked in and looked around as if trying to find clues. To what, I wasn’t sure. “When do you leave?” Lacey asked. She still wasn’t entirely okay with the trip, but that was to be expected from an older sister.
I went to the bedroom and brought out my overstuffed suitcase to continue my battle of zipping it shut. “Tomorrow,” I said. “We get back late Sunday.”
“And you’re already packed?” Lacey raised an eyebrow at my bulky luggage. Maybe this guy is good for you after all. I’ve never seen you so responsible.”
I rolled my eyes and struggled with the zipper, having no luck.
“You’re channeling our mother again. I just want to make sure I have everything ready,” I said. “We’re leaving tomorrow morning, and I don’t want to leave anything to chance.”
“You’re nervous,” Lacey said. “Why are you so nervous? You said yourself this was a business trip.” She regarded me with a smirk, as if she could see right through me.
I sighed, my shoulders slumping in defeat. “It is. But, I don’t know Lace. The money is good, like, so good. I’ve never been paid this much in my life, and I don’t think I’ll ever be paid this much. But things are starting to get complicated, and I’m not sure what this is anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Lacey asked. Belle entertained herself with the TV in the living room as Lacey took a seat on my bed.
“I’m starting to like him. Like, really like him. I didn’t think I’d get feelings for this guy, but our dinners are starting to feel like dates. It feels like we’re dating, but we’re not. And I don’t know what we are.” I guessed that’s what bothered me most of all, not knowing what we were and where it would lead. Did it have the potential to be a normal, healthy relationship? What did that even mean anymore? Most relationships are dysfunctional in some way or another.
“At least you seem to be cautious about this, which makes me feel much better about the situation,” Lacey said. “And you should be cautious. Everly, our family has a pretty bad track record with relationships already, and the fact that he’s your boss makes the odds even worse. This weird relationship you have is already way unbalanced.”
In more ways than one. “I know, that’s why I’m nervous,” I said. “But there’s something special about him. It’s hard to explain it, but I just know he’s special with every ounce of my soul.”
“I said the exact same thing once,” Lacey said. I frowned. She was right; I do remember her saying that her ex-husband was special. “And look at how that ended.”
“I know. I’m just starting to think that maybe every guy is different? I can’t spend the rest of my life judging every man based on your failed relationship.” The words sounded much harsher than I meant them, but it was true. If I lived my life afraid to give every man a chance based on my sister’s past mistakes, I’d die a spinster.
“And what about his kid? You were dead set against them.” Lacey glanced in Belle’s direction. “Though I’d be lying if I said I’ve not been praying that you’d change your mind. Kids are wonderful.”
“I don’t know. I haven’t hung out with Abby that much, to be honest.” I pictured the sweet little girl in my mind. Her bright eyes were full of wonder and her behavior was far above average for most kids her age, from what little I had seen. “I don’t know. This is all so confusing.” I closed the suitcase with Lacey’s help.
“What about your old job at Saint Padres?” she asked. “You can get that back, right?”
“I think,” I said, holding my tongue.
“I’m fairly certain you can. So, when this doomed relationship fails,” I glared at her, and she held up her hands. “I’m sorry, if it fails, you have a backup job. You won’t be totally screwed.”
“Thanks,” I said. Lacey shrugged and walked over to join Belle on the couch. If only Lacey was more supportive, but she’d been nothing if not vocal about her opposition to Maddox. I wondered if she was right; would I be totally screwed if this relationship failed? Maybe, b
ut I knew in my heart I’d be forever regretful if I didn’t at the very least give it a try.
My phone began ringing, and Belle retrieved it from the kitchen and handed it to me.
“Thanks.” I patted her head and answered the phone.
“Everly, hello,” Maddox said on the other line. His voice brought a smile to my face.
“Oh, hi, Maddox. I was just getting ready for the weekend,” I said, and caught Lacey glaring at me from the corner of my eye. I retreated into my room and closed the door behind me. “What’s up?” I walked over and lowered myself to the bed.
“I just had some time in between work here, so I figured I’d call you. I’m starting to get a little impatient with this day. I’m beyond excited to spend some time with you away from the stress of work and my kitchen.”
“Me too,” I said honestly. “It’ll be fun. At least when you’re not in your meetings.”
“Speaking of those.” He paused, and I heard him typing away on his computer. He must have been extremely busy to be working while talking on the phone. “I put some of your spending cash in your account, along with next week’s payment. An advance, if you will, so that you can have fun some on your own while I’m in my meetings.”
His generosity was overwhelming, and a girl could certainly get used to it. “Oh, thank you, you didn’t have to do that,” I said, flabbergasted. How much money did I have? I wasn’t particularly fond of gambling; what was I going to spend it all on? I’d have to check my account status and get my balance so I’d know what kind of budget I’d be looking at.
“Well, I figured you’d want to spend some time at the top restaurants in the area, and they don’t come cheap.” He let out a long breath. “Plus, there’s several shows this weekend that I thought you might be interested in. I’m hoping we can see some together, but these meetings tend to overstay their welcome at times. This way, I won’t be worried about your boredom.”
“Something tells me it’s very hard to be bored in Las Vegas,” I said. He chuckled lightly, and I closed my eyes. How was it possible to miss someone’s laugh so much?
A woman’s voice spoke in the background, sounding angry and demanding Maddox’s attention. He muttered the name Jackie and something about being inconsiderate and apologized to me on the phone.
“I should get back to work,” he said. “I’ll pick you up around 8 tomorrow.”
“I’ll be ready,” I said, and we both hung up at the same time. It felt as if we had just agreed on a date.
I was still smiling at my phone when Lacey opened my door.
“That’s a stupid smirk on your face,” she said. Belle looked over from behind Lacey’s waist and smiled. “I haven’t seen it there in a long time, and I’m afraid I already know what it means.”
“Are you in love?” Belle asked. I blushed and slipped my phone into my pocket.
“No, Belle,” I said. “It’s a bit too soon for that. Did your mom tell you to ask that?”
Belle shook her head.
“I can’t help it if my kid calls it as she sees it,” Lacey said. “Maybe you shouldn’t act so lovestruck if you wanted to keep it a secret.”
“There’s no secret.” I groaned and lifted myself from the bed. “And teasing me isn’t going to do anything.”
“Everly,” Lacey said in a serious tone. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
“Of course,” I said. I wanted to tell her that there was no reason to worry about my feelings; Maddox was a good person who wouldn’t hurt me. But even in my head, I couldn’t tell if I was trying to convince her, or myself.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Maddox
It was 7:30 when I dropped Abby off at my parents’, and they both were already enjoying their second cup of espresso on their balcony.
“Are you seeing any of the new shows?” my mom asked, mainly so that she could berate me for not waiting to see them with her.
“I don’t plan on it,” I said. “But sometimes tickets just fall into my hands, and it would be rude not to go.”
“I suppose,” she said. Abby was sitting on my dad’s lap and telling him about a secret painting that I wasn’t allowed to see yet. There was one thing about my little girl; she sure knew how to keep a secret.
“I’ll show you, though,” she said. “I just need Uncle Nick to bring it.”
“Uncle Nick is busy this weekend, honey,” I said. “He has his art gallery showing downtown.”
“We’ll stop by, even though his paintings have never been my favorite,” my mom said as my father agreed. “Maybe he’ll have your painting there.”
Abby lit up at the idea.
“Now, be careful with this girl,” my mother said. I groaned.
The last thing I wanted was a lecture from my mom about being safe with a woman. “I’m not a teenager,” I said. “I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.” Plus, I was tired of hearing the same warnings from both Nick and my mother. They were beginning to sound like a pair of broken records.
“I know,” she said. “And I trust you’ll know what’s right. If you like her, fine, if she likes you back, perfect. If she likes both you and Abby, then marry her, already.”
My pulse raced at the thought. “Mom, we’re not anywhere near that. I haven’t even considered that,” I said. Marriage wasn’t what I’d had in mind, but a relationship was. First things first.
“Maddox, honey, when you’re a single father, the only thing you should consider is finding a suitable parental role. That’s the most important thing in a relationship that has a child.” I was offended she didn’t think I was concerned for Abby when it came to my relationship with Everly, when all I’d done is ask my daughter for her opinion. I’d sought her approval all along.
My father seemed slightly uncomfortable with the topic, and thankfully he sped up the conversation and began to make farewells.
I kneeled in front of Abby and took her in my arms. I’d miss her like crazy.
“I’ll pick you up Sunday night, Monday morning if it’s too late. Okay?” I kissed her cheek. “Promise to be good?” I knew I didn’t have to ask. She was always well-mannered, and I’d never gotten any complaints so far.
She nodded and kissed my cheek. She was a trooper, for sure.
“I’ll be good, Daddy. Tell Everly I said hello. Don’t see any shows without Grandma,” she said, and I laughed.
“Did Grandma make you say that?”
Abby nodded as my mother shook her head behind her. Heaven help me if the two of them ever really did gang up on me over something of importance.
“I love you, sweetie; you can use Grandpa’s phone to call me whenever you want to, okay?” I looked up to my father who nodded and gave Abby a reassuring smile. The reassurance was more helpful to me.
“Okay, Daddy.” She smiled up at me, and I took a good long look at her, taking in as much as I could to make it last the length of my trip.
I hugged her tightly. We’ve been apart for this long only once before since she came into my life, and it hadn’t been easy.
I left after the long goodbye, wiping a stray tear from the corner of my eyes as I settled behind the steering wheel of the Giulia. I blinked away more tears and drove to Everly’s, where she promptly exited the complex with a medium-sized suitcase which was stuffed to maximum capacity within a minute of me texting her.
“This is all you have?” I said as I put the suitcase into the backseat. The car wasn’t built for much storage.
“I don’t really have much stuff,” she said. She averted her eyes and tapped her foot.
“Well, you’ll probably want to buy another suitcase when we’re there, in case you end up buying souvenirs.”
“What souvenirs do people buy in Vegas?” she asked. “Penis mugs and nipple lollipops?”
I laughed. “I don’t think I’ve actually seen any of those.”
“You clearly haven’t seen enough bachelorette parties in movies,” she said.
My
eyes widened. “What kind of movies are you watching?”
She giggled, and I opened the door for her. She slid into the seat, and I waited for her legs to clear the door before shutting her inside. I walked around and got into the car to find her smiling.
“Not the kind of movies you’re thinking about, but I hear the hotels there give you those channels for free.” She flashed me a wink and I belted out a laugh as I started the car.
We arrived at the airport after 30 minutes of traffic, and I drove toward the valet.
“I didn’t know airports did valet,” she said.
“Technically, they don’t,” I said. “Only certain people can use it.” The answer surprised her.
“I’ll have to get used to all of your perks.” She stepped out of the car.
An attendant glanced at my license and immediately retrieved our luggage. Everly raised her hand to take it from him, but he placed them on a cart and disappeared with it.
“We’ll see them again; don’t worry,” I said as she frowned. “They’ll be in your room in Vegas.”
“Certain people?” she asked as I led her through the airport. The crowd thickened a bit, and we made our way through until we reached our destination.
I still hadn’t answered as we walked through a special line for security, and found an unlisted gate that was far from the others. Everly seemed to be piecing things together as her eyes narrowed. “What type of certain people?”
“People with private jets,” I said as a flight attendant greeted us warmly. Everly paled as we exited through a pair of double doors straight onto the runway. A bitter wind nipped at our skin, and we both pulled our coats close to our body.
“You have your own private jet.” It wasn’t a question. I glanced at her with a smirk.
“Surprised?” I asked.
A smooth, white jet was waiting for us with a set of stairs leading to the door. Everly rose first, staring with wide eyes at the immaculate inside. Six rows of comfortable leather seats sat across from each other, with plenty of leg room and a dining table in between pairs. A bar sat against the wall on each side of the jet, and four giant screen televisions hung from the ceiling. I had themed the colors black and white, with small pops of pink that Abby had insisted on the moment she found her voice.