The Big D

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The Big D Page 16

by Brittany Crowley


  I rub Grant’s back knowing this isn’t easy for him. “Take your time, we have all afternoon.” I kiss his cheek and rest my head on his shoulder.

  “She tried to run me over with her car after she left the hospital. I was walking across the street to the movie set and she nearly blindsided me. If it weren’t for the security guard pushing me out of the way she would have succeeded. Production was shut down. We had done a lot of filming and it was clear she couldn’t continue on so they let her go and a warrant was issued for her arrest.”

  “I’m assuming they got her then because she went to jail?”

  “She went to jail, but not for this incident.”

  My breathe catches and I know what comes next will be hard to hear. I grab his hand with both mine and give it a reassuring squeeze.

  “One night I was at the bar with my buddies. I was eighteen but in Hollywood everyone would serve me. They made exceptions for celebrities most of the time. I remember taking a shot with my friend then waking up with my wrists bound and my mouth taped shut. She managed to drag me from the bathroom to her car. She recruited her brother to help her.”

  “But… how?”

  “She slipped something in my drink. I was so out of it I had no idea what was going on. If it wasn’t for one of my friends following the car after he noticed I was missing…”

  “It’s okay.”

  “I’d hate to think of what could have happened. When the cops busted down the hotel door they found trash bags, bleach and a big ass butcher knife. Later in interrogation she admitted to wanting me dead. If she couldn’t have me no one else could.”

  Chills wrack my body because she was here, in our house and that’s not okay with me.

  “She went through a trial and her lawyer worked the insanity route. Carissa found her ass in jail but in the psychiatric unit to get some help. She wasn’t supposed to be out for a few more years and I have no fucking clue why she’s out now. They usually give us updates every few months.”

  “Her showing up isn’t good.”

  “No, it’s bad baby. I hate to say this, but we can’t stay here anymore. I refuse to put you and the baby in danger. When Jane gets here we’ll get the ball rolling as quickly as possible on finding a house and until then we’re staying in a hotel.”

  “No Grant. We’re safer here than at any hotel. Think about it.”

  “Fuck, you’re right.” He gets up and paces the floor. “You’ll be glued to my hip baby. Where you go I go and vice versa. If I have a business meeting or need to handle something on locations Rylan’s your new best friend. He can stay with you during the day if I need to be somewhere because he works nights. We can’t take any chances until the restraining orders in place and they catch up to her. Even then I’m hoping it’s enough for her to back off, but I don’t know what her mental state is.”

  “I promise.”

  “How about a nap before Jane gets here?”

  “I’d love a nap.” I smile at him.

  Although there’s no way I’m falling asleep.

  DON’T MAKE THIS AWKWARD

  “Where to next?”

  I look over at Rylan and bite my lip.

  “Out with it. Come on, don’t keep me in suspense. Which store are you going to torture me with next?” He laughs.

  “Just one more, I promise!”

  “Grant’s gonna pay for this.”

  I’ve wanted to go window shopping for the baby’s nursery since my first appointment two months ago. But with being on lockdown and the nerves of the cops not catching up with Carissa yet, it’s been put off.

  But today I put my foot down!

  Grant’s in the middle of finalizing a deal with a huge backer so his days are long. Instead of sitting around watching him work I decided I’m going to baby shop and I recruited Rylan as my accomplice.

  “You’re lucky I aim to be this baby’s favorite uncle.” He mumbles.

  “The baby’s going to love his Uncle Ry! And don’t tell anyone else, but I have it under good authority that you’re the front runner for godfather.”

  He stops with a big goofy grin on his face. “Really?”

  “Really. I’ve grown to love you like a brother Ry, it was an easy decision.”

  He pulls me in for a hug and kisses my cheek. “You have to keep it on the DL though. Grant will be pissed I leaked classified information.”

  “Will I be co god-parenting with Jill?”

  “That’s still a fight. It’s either Jill or Cally. Hey, don’t even think of it mister! You cannot use this to get in my best friend’s pants!”

  Rylan throws his arm around my shoulders. “I’d never poach Trevor’s women. Well… never mind. Let’s go get my nephew some new shit.”

  “We don’t know it’s a boy yet.”

  “It has to be if you’re naming him Rylan!”

  I laugh and wrap my arms around his waist. I’ve noticed a photographer or two starting to follow us. This will definitely be our last stop before they multiply. They ruin everything!

  We walk into the last store on the strip and go crazy. I was seriously only window shopping, but I can’t stop myself. Although, I’m keeping clothing to a minimum until I find out what we’re having. Ry seems to be enjoying this as much as I am.

  I’m walking down an aisle and see him stop. When I turn around I see he has a picture frame that has #1 Uncle etched on it. It brings a tear to my eye with how excited he is. Rylan is truly an exceptional guy and I would have expected nothing less judging from Grant and the whole Donovan family.

  “I’m getting this for you, Uncle Ry.”

  “That has a nice ring to it huh?”

  “The best, but don’t tell Trev I said that.”

  “You probably gave him the same speech.” He lightly bumps me with his shoulder.

  I turn and stare at him. “You know you’re one of my best friend’s Ry, I wouldn’t do that.”

  I’ve really grown close with Rylan. He’s helped out a lot since Carissa resurfaced and has taken on bodyguard duties when Grant’s busy with work. Trevor’s awesome too, we just don’t have the same type of relationship.

  He checks his phone and groans. “What’s that you got there?”

  “Nothing.” He quickly pulls his phone from my view.

  “Doesn’t look like nothing. Spill!”

  “Not gonna happen Aggie.”

  I sigh acting put out then quickly grab his phone. Laughter bursts from my mouth when I see a picture of big ol’ titties on his screen. My laughter dies when I see the captioning.

  You and Trevor down for tonight? I’ve missed you two.

  “Well then… apparently you have plans so we should get back.”

  Damn I wish I didn’t see that. It’s one thing thinking something and it’s a whole different ball park when you actually know.

  “Don’t make this awkward. Grant hasn’t told you?”

  “He hasn’t. It’s none of my business. Although, tell me you weren’t planning on double teaming Jill.”

  “I think Trev’s more infatuated with her than I am. We’d love to make a Donovan sandwich out of her, but I doubt Trev would allow that.” He gets a dark look in his eyes before smiling and slipping into his fun goofy self again.

  I glare at him. “I’m watching you pal.”

  “Noted.”

  We finish up our shopping spree with bags practically pouring out of the car windows. Ry prefers to drive himself everywhere so we took his sports car.

  “Should have taken a freaking bus with all these bags.” I hear him mumble.

  “You know, we should store this all at my Mimi’s.”

  “Your Mimi has a garage, right?”

  “Yeah, why make more work of having to pack it all up when we move. She won’t mind if we keep it there.”

  “Whatever you say Aggie.”

  ***

  “Jesus, Mary and Joseph that’s a lot of crap.”

  “It’s not crap, it’s for the baby.”
r />   “What happened to diapers and onesies. Who ever heard of something as silly as a wipe warmer or nipple paste? It’s called Gold Bond.”

  I laugh checking the time on my phone. “I should call Grant and check in.”

  “Already done and he’s gonna meet us for a late lunch so we need to get going.” Rylan says walking back into the garage.

  “Sounds great! Mimi, wanna come?”

  “No thanks sweetie. I’ve got bingo in a half hour.”

  “We’ll drop you off on the way so Rosie doesn’t have to go out of her way to get you.”

  “Thanks sweetie.”

  We get in the car and head for the senior center. It’s only ten minutes away and the direction we need to be going in anyways.

  I quickly grabbed the onesie I bought at the store and shoved it in my purse. I can’t wait to see what Grant thinks.

  “See ya Mimi! Good luck!”

  “See you kids later. Mama’s gonna win some cash.”

  We’re driving down the street and Ry takes a turn taking us back to the city. Mimi lives in one of the towns on the outskirts of Boston. She couldn’t take the city life anymore and decided to leave when I moved out.

  “Penny for your thoughts?”

  “I can’t wait to get out of the city and finally find a house. Don’t get me wrong, I love the city. But raising this baby in the suburbs is the right choice.”

  “Definitely. And don’t ever let my mom talk you into California. I love that place, but there’s something to be said about the atmosphere here. Plus, his favorite uncle isn’t moving anytime soon.”

  I’m getting out of the car when I see Grant pull in. As he exits the car I have a Twilight moment. You know when you first lay your eyes on Edward Cullen from across the school cafeteria? Swoon.

  “If you keep looking at me like that people are going to think you’ve corrupted me baby.” He leans in and kisses my forehead.

  “I’ve corrupted you?” I laugh.

  “I’m going to head out. Something came up. Aggie, it’s been a lovely afternoon as always.” He kisses my cheek. “Grant, I’ll give you a call later.”

  “Not if you’re with the filling.”

  He has a confused look until he catches onto what I’ve said. “You have a funny girl on your hands Grant.” He laughs and slaps his back before jumping back in his car.

  “Filling? Care to share?”

  “You don’t get it? The filling to the Donovan sandwich? I got confirmation that Trev and Ry have a sex sandwich named after them.” I shrug my shoulders.

  Grant full on belly laughs. “I told Ry to be careful around you.”

  “I don’t care. I’m actually intrigued by it. How does it all work?”

  “You’ve never watched porn?”

  “Porn isn’t real.”

  Grant full on laughs again. “You’re right. The penetration is all smokes and mirrors.”

  “You know what I mean.” I roll my eyes. “Let’s go, I’m so hungry after all that shopping!”

  When we sit down and place our order, I pull the little article of clothing from my bag. “I bought you something.”

  Grant opens it and his face softens. “Baby, I love it.”

  He turns it and shows me the My Daddy Loves Me onesie. It was perfect and knew I had to buy it for him.

  “What else did you buy?”

  “Not a lot…” I look around the restaurant.

  “It’s okay, I want you to go crazy Aggie! This is our first baby, it’s special.”

  “I know, but I felt guilty buying stuff without you.”

  “We’ll have plenty of time to shop for the baby once we find out what it is. I don’t expect you to stay cooped up with me all day long.”

  “If you insist.” I smile and tell him about all the neat stuff I bought. Halfway through lunch Ry sends Grant a selfie of him, Trevor and the chick from the titty shot.

  “Filling?” Grant questions.

  “Filling.”

  I need to get a ménage book because that’s my brand of porn. I wonder if the library has a special section?

  WE WOULD HAVE BEEN LEGENDARY

  Grant

  I quietly close the bedroom door and walkdown the hall to the front of the condo. Aggie passed out several hours ago and I’ve been on my laptop in bed doing some paperwork.

  Opening the door to a smiling Rylan has me laughing. “Get in here horn ball.”

  “What can I say? The ladies love me.”

  We walk to the kitchen and I pull a couple beers out of the fridge. “You mean they love being double teamed by the Donovan brothers.”

  “Too bad you weren’t into the triple team, we would have been legendary.”

  “No way. I don’t share and you better not have ever thought about triple teaming Aggie.” I growl.

  “No way! Never, that girl's like a sister to me.”

  “I’m glad you two get along so well. Having someone else I know I can trust to care for her means a lot right now. I don’t have to be stressed out when she’s with you.”

  “Baby shopping was fun. Who would have thought?”

  “Not me.” I chuckle. “Thanks again, she was getting cabin fever. This deal’s kicking my ass but it needs to get done before the baby’s born in a couple months.”

  “Whenever you need me man. You know the night club life leaves my days wide open.”

  “How’s the new opening going?”

  “It’s going. We’re a little behind schedule right now, but you know Trev. He’ll whip everyone into shape.”

  “I have no doubt. Why do you think I hire him for my restaurants? He’s ruthless and gets the job done.”

  Rylan owns several popular night clubs across the country. He’s good at what he does and has an eye for what people want. Trevor is a contractor that specializes in commercial buildings. He has the drive and gets the job done within the time frame. He’s a bit intimidating when he’s behind schedule so I can only imagine his current mindset.

  “How’s pregnancy treating you? Is it true they have an insatiable sex appetite?” There’s mischief in his eyes as he waggles his brows.

  “I’m not getting into my sex life asshole.” I look around the kitchen before mumbling, “It’s not a farfetched assumption.” I smile remembering earlier. She passed out after I was finally able to satisfy her.

  “Nice. Can’t wait for all of that.” I go to say something but he stops me. “Not anytime soon. I’m too young and not done sampling the plethora of women in the city.” He winks.

  “When you meet the right girl, it doesn’t matter who you’re sampling.”

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  “Well, let me get this out before I man up. Aggie and I have been talking and we’d be honored for you to be the baby’s godfather.”

  He stares at me and it’s not the reaction I was expecting. “She already told you didn’t she.”

  “Don’t get mad, she’s excited about all things baby. But I’d be honored, it means a lot man.”

  “Should we hug it out?” I laugh.

  “Fuck no. I’m gonna finish my beer, then head upstairs and pass the hell out. Mia was a fucking animal, she even…”

  “Don’t. I don’t wanna know what you and Trev do behind closed doors.”

  “Sometimes they’re open.” We laugh before he turns serious. “Any news on Carissa?”

  “Nothing. She’s nowhere, vanished into thin air.”

  “They’ll get her. Or maybe she met Aggie and knew she didn’t have a chance?”

  “Not likely.”

  “Everything’s going to be fine.” He reassures me.

  Carissa. Damn, why did she have to come back into my life and throw it into a frenzy? I talked to the cops shortly after the incident and they let me know she got out fucking months ago on good behavior. But I know her better. She did what she had to do to get out of there and get back to ruining my life.

  There’s more on the line now and I will do whatever’s needed to k
eep my family safe.

  The next time she shows her face, I’ll be ready for her.

  SHOULDN’T THAT BE PLURAL?

  Aggie

  Holy moly this house is gorgeous. It’s on a cul-de-sac so we don’t need to worry about traffic and unwanted visitors. A major plus is it’s in a gated community. Nobody in or out without an owner’s say so to the front security guard. I’m hopeful for the first time since we started house hunting just over two months ago. We wanted to be speedy, but also get a home we love.

  From the second I stepped foot in this house I had a smile on my face. I knew this was it. The hard part is for me to be okay with how much it costs.

  The vaulted ceilings and massive windows nearly take my breath away. If those weren’t enough, the enormous kitchen with state of the art appliances tip the scale.

  Grant’s keeping his opinions to himself and I’m hoping the same thoughts are running through his head. The man has a phenomenal poker face. That is until we head upstairs and see the room that would be the baby’s nursery. It’s staged as an office, but both our eyes lock on the gorgeous tray ceiling.

  “Imagine a mural painted on that for the baby to look up at while they’re sleeping.” Grant whispers.

  I look over to him and smile. Then I walk to the giant bay window and take a seat. “They can sit right here reading books or watching the snow fall.”

  “Jane!” Grant calls.

  “I’m right here. Just wanted to give you two some time to look around.”

  “Please write up an offer for full asking price. If they have multiple offers I don’t care what it costs, get us this house.”

  The whole time he’s talking to Jane I can’t stop the little giggle from spilling out of my mouth. Then a tear leaks from my eye at the thought of our baby. This is going to be the house they grow up in with their siblings. This is where Grant and I are going to grow old together and raise our family.

 

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