Best (Change Series Book 3)

by Melanie Jayne

  I shrugged and stretched out my legs. “You have secrets.”

  One side of her mouth lifted. “Don’t we all?”

  “Touché.” I smirked. “But I think that yours are big, life changing even. You moved here knowing no one. Some days, when you show up at your desk, it looks like you haven’t had a bit of sleep. You’re extremely safety conscious, almost obsessive about it, and I think Forde and Alessi have a pretty good idea what’s going on with you.”

  She glanced away and cleared her throat. “You’re right.”

  Now it was my turn to be surprised because she made no denial.

  Her lips pursed. “You didn’t really think I could work at Limited, or be friends with you all and have any secrets, did you? I told them all about me at my interview.”

  My mind raced with possibilities. Whatever had happened in her past had to be bad if they’d needed to know. She’d had to have checked out clean herself, so that meant she was a victim, or she couldn’t be around their women or working for Forde. Fuuuuck.

  She must have read something in my eyes, because she turned her head away, and I could see her throat work as she swallowed.

  “Billie,” I said, keeping my voice soft. When she didn’t look at me, I put my hand over hers. God, it was ice cold. “Babe...” I waited until she turned her face back to me.

  She looked scared. Her eyes were wide, and she was biting her lip so hard that it was white.

  I laced my fingers with hers. “We’re good people to have in your life, at least most of the time.” Then I flashed a smile.

  She let out a short surprised laugh.

  “You’re a part of our family, an important part.” I tightened my grip on her fingers, and then softened it to make a point. “Accept it, enjoy it.”

  She was looking at our hands. “You make it sound so easy.”

  “It’s hard because you doubt your worth. Maybe you’ll come to trust us with your secrets one day. I think it will help you, because if you feel like you’re dirty then it’s hard to let people in.”

  “You...you think I’m dirty?” She tried to disentangle her hand from mine.

  “No, Billie. I think you’re the opposite, a really good person.” Too good for me. “But I think you have doubts, and they hold you back.”

  She tilted back her head until she was looking up, then she closed her eyes tightly. “The thing is…”

  I had to lean closer to hear her.

  “I don’t want the pity. I can’t take it.” She opened her eyes, sat up straighter and licked her lips. Her voice was stronger. “I want to get better and to put it all behind me.”

  “A fresh start.” I nodded.

  “I’m trying so h-hard.” Her voice broke, and I felt her hand tremble.

  “I’m not a real spiritual guy,” I shared. “But I think you moved here and met us for a reason.”

  She gave me a little smile, which was better than the fear or the possibility of tears. “What’s the reason, oh man of knowledge?”

  “We’ve all been through a rough spot...or twelve. Layla and Zoe, they’re tough. How do you think they handle their men so easily? Alessi worked undercover in a biker gang, and Forde, hell, he’s made a living walking on the dark side. There won’t be judgment or pity.”

  I could tell she didn’t believe me. “There won’t?” She narrowed her eyes.

  “Nope. They’ll hurt for you, and then they’ll help. You’ll be smothered in helpfulness.” I smiled smugly.

  She looked away, silent for a moment. “So what about you?”

  When she faced me again, I could see her cataloging everything she saw. “Oh, that’s easy. I’m the screw up.”

  “Hardly.” She chuckled.

  I ticked off my offenses. “I’m good at my job, but I’m a total hedonist. I’m selfish and impulsive. I rarely think about others and how my actions affect them.”

  “You sound kind of proud of all of that.”

  I didn’t want to go into this. I wanted to think about what she had shared. “Well, we all need to have a label.”

  She continued examining me. After a minute, she smiled, “I think that you’re the most dangerous guy in the room.”

  I looked around. “B, I’m the only guy here.” I wanted to keep this light. She was too perceptive.

  She sat straighter, but still hadn’t moved her hand from mine. “I mean everywhere.” Her smile turned calculating, less warm. “Dangerous because of what you can see and compute. You’re brave and maybe, sometimes, a little rash. But you’re usually right.”

  “Scared?” I teasingly challenged.

  “Yes.”

  I knew she was being completely honest, about everything. “I’ll make you a promise, Billie. Tonight, you’re going to be safe. Let your walls down for a little bit. Enjoy this.”

  She licked her lips, and then looked around the room. Her eyes lit up.

  I followed her sight line and saw the Alessis arrive.

  “News?” Tony barked.

  “Dad’s in visiting with Forde and Layla.”

  “So, we can go back?” Zoe’s eyes were locked on my hand holding Billie’s.

  “Yeah, we were waiting for you,” I said as I let her hand go.

  We stood and headed down the hall.

  Billie was beside me, and I felt her soft hand on forearm. “Thanks, Tye.”

  I felt warmth spread through my gut. “Anytime.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Billie

  I’d never been in a birthing suite before. Looking around the lavish two rooms, I decided it was nicer than my apartment. Layla was lounging in an adjustable queen-size bed with the top section in the sitting position supporting her back. There was a heavily draped area where I guessed the medical equipment was stashed. In the living room area, there were two sofas, a big screen TV, two recliners, plus a small kitchen.

  After Tony and Tye said hello to Layla, they headed to the sofas. Jerry had turned on a football game. Forde hovered at Layla’s side.

  “Go.” Layla made a shooing motion with one hand.

  He leaned closer to her. “Are you sure?” He then straightened and ran a hand through his hair.

  “Yes.” She sounded a little exasperated. “We have time.”

  He kissed her lightly on the lips and joined the men.

  Zoe chuckled. “Already?”

  Layla rolled her eyes. “Sit.” She tilted her chin at the open spot beside her, and then pointed to the space by her knees.

  Zoe walked around the bed, and after kicking off her shoes, she climbed in next to Layla. I took the place below her knees, facing the ladies.

  “He’s going to be exhausted by the time I push this one out.” Layla tipped her head in the direction of the men.

  Forde had not taken a seat. He was moving around the room, checking his phone, and glancing in his wife’s direction every few seconds.

  “He’s excited,” Zoe said softly.

  “And a little nervous,” I added. I don’t think that I’d ever seen Forde nervous, usually the man was unshakeable.

  Layla smoothed the covers. “This has been an easy pregnancy, I have no reason to think it won’t be an easy birth.”

  “You left out quick. You want it to be quick,” Zoe said.

  “Can I get you anything?” I needed to do something. This felt too intimate.

  “You’re not going anywhere, Missy,” Layla said, her voice sharpening.

  Zoe chuckled. “Nice try,” she said, lowering her voice, “but we want to know all. So spill.”

  They were both staring. I felt like a cornered deer. “Uh, what do you want to know?’’

  “You can start with everything that happened today, and then end with what you and the Golden Boy were talking about in the waiting room.” Zoe scooted closer to Layla and stared with glee. “It looked intense. They were huddled close and holding hands.”

  Layla gave me an appraising look. “That so?”

  I felt my cheeks heat. “It’s
not a big deal.”

  Layla interrupted. “Yeah, it kinda is. Generally, Tye isn’t a sensitive kind of guy.”

  My heart started to pound a little harder. I didn’t know what to say, so I just kept looking at Layla.

  She continued when I didn’t react. “I mean he rarely displays it. He’s great to Zoe and I, but to other women, single women…he doesn’t give them that much of himself.”

  Zoe nodded in agreement. “He’s more of the pillage and plunder type. You know? He sees an available woman, and he goes after her…hard.”

  Layla took over. “He seems to be taking it slow with you.”

  I had to put a stop to this right now. “This wasn’t a date. You can ask Forde,” I tried to explain.

  Layla shook her head briefly, “Here’s the thing. Even Forde can’t make Tye do something that he doesn’t want to do. I think he wanted to spend time with you.”

  Zoe smiled in agreement.

  I tried not to let my surprise show. “Tye was being nice, and since this lecture was important to his dad….”

  “And you’re gorgeous, and what man doesn’t like to have the most beautiful girl in the room on his arm?” Zoe asked drolly.

  “Well, you both should know,” I fired back trying to decide why I was getting upset. Was I mad because I wanted what they were saying to be true?

  They both wore satisfied smiles. “Touchy,” Layla commented.

  “This all started because I was reading a book by the guy who was lecturing, okay?” I let out a sigh. “The other female attendees might have been a little…” I tried to think of a good adjective, “less fashionable, but I’m sure they knew more than me.” I gave them a tiny glare. “Tye gave me a ride, and his dad arranged my ticket.” I put up a hand to hold off their comments. “Jerry liked introducing me to his friends, but that was it.” I crossed my legs.

  “She does look nice,” Layla told Zoe.

  “The total package.” Zoe kept her eyes on me. “Beautiful on the outside, but even more so on the inside.” Then she smiled.

  My irritation faded away. “Thank you.”

  “We know it bugs you when somebody comments on your looks.” Layla nudged me with her leg.

  I tried to think how to explain this to them. “The thing is, in L.A., every woman is gorgeous. The outside thing, to me, it doesn’t mean anything. You know? I wish this,” I motioned with my index finger from my face to my hips, “wasn’t always mentioned first.”

  “Billie...” Layla’s voice was soft. “Your beauty doesn’t take away from your brain or your heart, it only enhances them.”

  I felt a lump form in my throat, and I nodded quickly. “That’s really nice, and I hope that it’s true.”

  Layla grimaced, and her body stiffened.

  “Contraction?” Zoe reached out to grip Layla’s hand.

  After a few seconds, Layla answered, “Not too bad.” However she didn’t smile, and her gaze searched the room for Forde.

  “Okay, Champ. Tell me if they get worse,” Zoe advised.

  Layla tipped her chin, and then focused on me. “So, in the waiting room...?”

  I tried to deflect. “Were you this inquisitive before you met Forde?”

  “Nope, but I have learned techniques, so you might as well start talking.” Her eyes flashed, and they were full of mischief.

  “He was being really sweet, offering me advice.” I glanced at Tye, who was laughing at something Ryan was saying.

  “Tye sweet?” Layla gave me a puzzled look.

  “Yeah, he’s always like that.” I told them.

  Layla looked at Zoe, who raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

  “Here’s the deal, Billie.” Layla’s voice was softer, so I leaned in closer to hear. “Tye’s got a good heart, but sweet isn’t the way I would describe him. With his friends who are women he’s...nice.”

  “But sort of aggressive,” Zoe inserted. “I mean, how he teases, or when he’s discussing something. He cares, but you’re describing a totally different side of him.”

  I bit my lip trying to recall Tye’s behavior when we had all been together. He would tease me, but I would never label it as pushy.

  “I like it that he’s that way with you.” Layla smiled. “He lives hard and fast.” The space between her brows creased. “I like it that he shows you another side.”

  I waited for her to say more, but when she didn’t I glanced at Zoe, who was studying Layla. “When I first met him,” she said, “I was totally fooled by the shaggy hair and the tribal tats. I thought he was a really smart guy, but sort of a slacker. I was so wrong.”

  Layla snorted in a very unladylike way.

  “He’s a total alpha badass, but it’s like he hasn’t found his focus,” Zoe continued.

  “God help us all when he does.” Layla laughed, and then grasped her belly.

  “He’s sort of all over the place with his extreme sports, his work, and then the, uhm…”

  I could tell that Zoe was searching for the right word.

  Layla came to her rescue. “You mean the women.”

  “These men.” Zoe tilted her head towards the sofas. “They like sex, and I have no doubt they’ve used it to burn off the energy and aggression.”

  Layla laughed deep and tensed again. “I like those times, working through things.”

  Zoe joined her in the laughter. “Honey, I think you’d better hit that call button, because that was only a few minutes. I think this baby is going to come fast.” She climbed off the bed.

  Forde must have seen us move, because he was suddenly beside his wife. “Babe?”

  Zoe took charge, “Hit the call button, daddy. I think this baby wants to come out and meet us.”

  Forde hit the button and took Layla’s hand. The look on his face made me wish for a moment that I had a man who loved me like that.

  Zoe nudged Forde to take a step back. She leaned over Layla. “You are such a lucky bitch. Livy took sixteen hours. I’m going to get everybody out, so that you can have some time with your man.” She kissed Layla’s cheek.

  I moved closer to my friend, who I noticed was now sweating a little. “I know everything will go smoothly, but just in case, I’ll be praying for you all.” I kissed her cheek.

  She surprised me by grabbing my hand then looking past me. “Watch over him, okay?”

  I turned my head to see who she was looking at. It was Tye. I glanced back at Layla.

  “Sometimes he’s so alone, and he’ll be worried about this.”

  “Of course,” I promised. At that moment, I would have promised Layla anything.

  In the waiting room, I used the time to watch my friends. Tony was sitting on the loveseat with his arm around Zoe. They were talking softly. Jerry looked at something on his phone. Ryan had stayed behind with Forde and Layla. The men had taken bets on whether or not he would be banished for his high energy ways. I secretly thought Layla would never send her stepson away. She loved that kid.

  Tye stood in the corner, looking out the windows at the dark sky. We’d been waiting for about two hours. During that time, he’d gone quiet and a little standoffish.

  I wiped my hands on my thighs, stood, and tapped Jerry on the shoulder. “Could you watch my purse?”

  Jerry’s brown gaze searched the room until he found his son, and then it returned to me. “He’s scared. When he’s like that, he goes off by himself.”

  I spoke softly, “So, are you saying that I should leave him alone?” I’d do as his father said.

  “No, honey, I think he needs you more than either of you realizes.”

  I walked slowly to Tye’s corner. I was trying to figure out what I was going to say. He looked so uncomfortable. He’d pace for a bit, and then he’d stare.

  “Hey.” He ran his hand through his hair when I neared. It looked shaggier than normal, and his eyes were wide and a little wild.

  “I’m not very good at waiting,” I confessed.

  “Me neither.” He gave me a lopsided smi
le. “I knew we’d have to, but I hate it.”

  I moved closer to the window and stared out at the lights. We were on the sixth floor, so I could see a little of the city. “I know she’s going to be okay...the baby, too.”

  “Yeah, nothing but positivity,” Tye murmured, moving close enough that his arm brushed mine.

  “My heart’s racing,” I confided.

  “It’s the anticipation.”

  “I’m not always good with the unknown.” I kept staring straight ahead although I knew he was watching me.

  “Then let’s talk about the known,” he said softly. “How crazy is Christmas going to be around these two kids?”

  I giggled. “It will be insane.” I didn’t want to admit I’d already bought a stuffed bear for Livy. “We’ve got to get through Thanksgiving first. Layla’s convinced she’s hosting it.”

  Reflected in the glass, I watched him shake his head in disbelief. “I offered to have it at my house and get it catered, but no, she and the mini-chef are going to do it.”

  “I can help,” I offered quietly, “I mean, if I’m invited.”

  “Not going west for the holiday?”

  “There’s only my mom, and we...” God, how could I say? “We aren’t speaking.”

  “Then, of course, you’re welcome. Depending on what you plan on contributing, I might even help you clean up.” He bumped his arm into mine.

  “Do you think I’ll have to submit my offerings before, you know, to get their approval?” I liked it that Tye didn’t make a big deal about the status of things with my mom.

  “Don’t even think about offering to do that. Ryan would love it too much, the little power monger.”

  The last was said with affection in his voice. “Do you think he’s doing okay in there?” I was a little worried about the teen. I’d been unable to escape a few videos of the births of my friends’ kids, and they were a little gory and sometimes graphic. They revealed parts of my friends’ bodies I never needed to see.

  “Ryan’s full of energy, but deep down, he’s Forde’s son, solid under pressure. I’ve seen it first-hand.”

  “Hey,” Forde’s voice boomed.

  I think we all moved in on him as one. He was dressed in scrub pants and a navy t-shirt. His eyes were red-rimmed as if he’d been crying. However, I would never say so aloud.