Beat to Their Heart

by Whiskey Starr

  “Yeah, Mommy. Joey is the coolest. And this bed is bigger than mine, and I have Transformer sheets. How cool is that.” He went on and on about the different things boys talked about. A knock at the door startled her. Hunter stood by the door with a small tray of food.

  “Hey, Milo. I’m Hunter, one of your mommy’s friends. I’m also in the band with Joey. I heard you like blueberry muffins, so I thought I would bring you one.” Hunter walked into the room with the food. He had also brought up a juice box to go with it.

  “Thank you, Mr. Hunter.” Hunter smiled and sat down on the end of the bed.

  “I heard you got a really cool cast. You know I had one growing up, but it was my arm. You know what’s cool about them?”

  “I don’t know,” he replied.

  “You can write on them or put stickers on them.”

  “Really?”

  “Yup, and I happen to have some right here.” Hunter reached into his back pocket and pulled out several different types of stickers. It seemed this was going to be a long conversation. She excused herself and headed downstairs. She wanted to talk to Joey, because she felt dirty and didn’t have any clean clothes. She slept in her t-shirt and bra, but removed her pants. However, she was still in the same thing. She found Joey and Mickey sitting at the small breakfast bar eating.

  “Hey, sunshine. See, I told you I would bring food this morning.” Mickey smiled at her. Joey however, walked over to her handing her a cup of coffee and a bag. Looking down at him she raised an eyebrow.

  “You don’t have anything to wear right? Well until we get your things later this afternoon. I’m sure you want something to clean to put on. Milo already had some clean clothes in the dresser.” He did a sly smile and she was afraid to look in the bag. Thanking him, she took the coffee. With one quick drink she started coughing.

  “What in Hades name is this?” It tasted like tar.

  “Oh sorry, I’m not very useful with coffeemakers. So I might have put too much in it.”

  “A little, I think you can pave the road with it. Can I make a new pot?”

  “Oh God please,” Mickey responded before Joey could respond. Laughing, she went over to the coffeemaker and turned it off, rinsing out the pot, and pulling the coffee filter out. Throwing away the filter she washed that as well and started a new pot, well she did it making sure Joey paid attention. She laughed when he realized he hadn’t throw away the old filter, but just added more on top until it got filled and then he started over again. The man was useless with coffee, but she would train him soon enough.

  Once at least one cup was done, she made herself a cup, drank it down, and smiled at them as she went to shower and change. She asked Joey to check on Milo and see that he ate and took his medication if he was hurting. He smiled and kissed her on the head again before she hurried off.

  Once in the shower she found there were spare soaps and shampoos. Rushing like she normally did, she washed and dried within ten minutes. Looking into the bag she about dropped it. The man had bought her new panties, which were thongs. Something she had never worn, and a matching lace bra. Grimacing, she put them both on only because her clothes were nasty. Looking in the mirror she was shocked at how she looked. The bra cupped her breasts perfectly, holding them in place, yet looking sexy as well. The thong wasn’t too uncomfortable, and fit her well. Pulling out the sundress that was there, she slipped it on. The material was cotton and hung on her like it was made for her body. It accentuated her breasts and the curves of her waist, without making her look chunky. Taking a deep breath she headed out of the spare room, well after she made the bed.

  Rounding the corner she heard Milo laughing at something. Looking in she saw Mickey, Joey, and Hunter drawing on Milo’s cast. Milo looked up and smiled brightly at her.

  “Mommy, you look pretty.” She smiled at her son, but started to blush as all three men looked up. All eyes were focused on her, and she suddenly felt self-conscious. Smoothing down the dress, Joey came over to her with a wicked grin on his face.

  Joey couldn’t keep his eyes off Sky. He had called into a store to have something for Sky to wear. Mickey just had to pick it up for him. But he would have to send a personal note of thanks for the outfit. Plus he knew what they had sent to go underneath before he handed it to her. Her sweet blush told him she wasn’t used to compliments. Well that would change.

  “Wow, Sky, you look great,” Mickey said grinning.

  “Totally hot, babe.” Hunter winked at her playfully.

  He, however, would smack the shit out of his friends later. Face to face with her, he took her face between his hands.

  “Breathtaking.” He lowered his lips to hers very gently, he wanted to deepen it, but he heard Milo’s childish giggle.

  “Joey kissed my mommy,” and then started playing with a toy. He could tell it didn’t bother him, and Sky looked concerned.

  “Baby, he’s not mad. If he was, he would have yelled at me. But you do look amazing.” Sky smiled sweetly at him.

  “Thank you, and thank you for the clothes. You have to let me pay you back.”

  “Baby, don’t. I have more money than I know what to do with. Shockingly, when Booker isn’t high, he is great with stocks and crap. So we did well a long time ago when we all first got paid. I have no one to spend it on, so let me spoil you and Milo some.” He did a pouty face, making her laugh.

  “Okay, fine. Did Milo take anything?”

  “Yeah, I asked if he was hurting and he said he was. I had him eat at least half the muffin and drink all the juice before I gave him the pill. He should be starting to get tired soon.” He turned and saw that Mickey and Hunter were cleaning up the toys, while setting up a movie for him. Mickey pulled the curtain closed, and Hunter pulled the covers up closer to him, while handing him a walkie-talkie.

  “What’s that?” Sky asked, pointing to the toy in Milo’s hand.

  “Oh, we thought that Milo might need us for something, so we got walkie-talkies for him. We each have one. Yours is in the kitchen. That way he doesn’t need to try to yell, or get out of bed unless one of us helps him.” He smiled, and saw Sky’s mouth drop open.

  “I, wow. I never thought about that.”

  “That’s what I’m here for, babe.” He kissed her head again, leading her out the room. He knew the guys were following as well.

  “Don’t worry, Sky, we got him.” He knew she needed to run to the apartment and the store. He didn’t miss the small grocery list she started to make. Once down in the kitchen he handed her his credit card.

  “What’s this?”

  “My card, you’re authorized to use it.”

  “Joey, I can buy food.”

  “Umm, baby, look at your list again. The guys added more things to it, and so did I. You saw the fridge. If you want to wait until I’m done with work I can go with you.” He really needed to get some practice going as they went into the studio to actually start laying down tracks to the new album.

  “You shopping, now that’s a sight.” She looked at the list and her eyes went wild. “Holy cow, Joey, this is a lot of food. I guess it’s a good thing all of you eat a lot.” She laughed, but in the end she took the card and grumbled about taking his car instead of a cab. He needed to look at getting her something to drive, but he would wait until he got her settled in the house first.

  Once Sky left, he and the guys went into his music room. Mickey had some great ideas, but when they asked him what he thought about a slower song, for once he spoke up. They each took apart the words, and in the end, he had written most of it.

  “Damn, man, this is amazing. How did you come up with it?”

  “Skylar. She inspires me to be better.” He laughed.

  “I see that. She’s actually pretty cool, dude. I’m sorry I was a dick about her before. I thought she would take you for a ride, and then with a kid. But Milo, man, that kid's a trip. Smart as hell. I honestly couldn’t tell he is autistic. We need to look at getting him into a better school
though,” Hunter said with Mickey agreeing.

  “Thanks.” Once that song was outlined, they worked on two more before calling it quits with Milo asking if someone could help him. Joey said he would be right up. Racing up the stairs, he found Milo looking sad.

  “Hey, buddy what’s wrong?”

  “I have to go potty, but can’t walk. Can you get mommy?”

  “Mommy’s not here, little man. But I can take you in and set you down and when you’re done I can help you back into bed okay?” Milo looked at him and then agreed. Once Milo was done, Joey made sure he was tucked in.

  “Do you want anything? A drink, a snack. Mommy went to the store to get stuff for dinner.” Joey had started to realize he had said just mommy, and not your mommy.

  “No. I’m still sleepy. Joey, are you and mommy dating?”

  “Well, buddy, that’s kinda hard to say. You see, mommy and I like each other, so even though we are kinda dating, I’m not sure how she feels about me.”

  “Mommy loves you. I know. She is happy when she talks about you. When you were away she was so sad. She cried. Please don’t leave mommy, Joey.”

  “I won’t leave mommy.” He could make that promise, because even if Sky didn’t want him, he would always be there for her and Milo.

  “Okay, I want to sleep now.” Joey tucked him back in, handing him the walkie-talkie before kissing him on the cheek. “Love you, Joey.” Joey couldn’t help but hold back the small tears that threatened. No one had ever said that to him.

  “Love you too, buddy.” Joey had to leave that room. A small little boy loved him, and suddenly he felt like he could conquer the world. But the first thing he needed to conquer was winning the love of his mommy.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sky had returned with a bag of clothes for her and Milo, along with some other small items. However, grocery shopping was different. She had found everything on her list, plus some other sweet items at a bakery she found across the street that she thought the guys would like.

  With a trunk full of food, she called for the men to come help her unload. They all laughed, but came and helped because she had promised meatloaf for dinner if they did. Once she had everything out, they all helped her, asking the occasional question of where she wanted certain items. It was like a happy little family. She got busy making dinner, and the men went to check on Milo, who wanted to come downstairs. Joey had smiled the whole time carrying him down in what looked like a new outfit. Milo seemed happy and talking about some type of Lego system he had seen on TV. Not wanting to stop his hounding time, she got busy peeling and cutting the potatoes for the mashed potatoes for dinner.

  Lost in what she was doing she floated around the kitchen. It was like a dream to her. Her kitchen in the apartment was small, and she turned around and the counter was right around her. Here she had to walk down to the fridge, and over to the sink or stove. The small island was perfect to work on while she started cutting and chopping everything for a salad. The kitchen started to fill with the delicious aromas of dinner and Mickey came in asking how much longer because he was starving. Laughing at his childish antics she told him a few more minutes, but he could help set the table. He looked lost at what she wanted. Then she realized that Joey had said they all grew up in the same apartment complex, and didn’t really know about home cooked meals or setting a table. Smiling at him, she took pity and showed him how to set it up. Once he got the hang of it, she poured the gravy into the small bowl and sliced the meatloaf putting it on a platter she bought at the store.

  Mickey helped bring the rest of the items before she announced dinner. Joey carried Milo over to them as he sat between her and him. The gesture was sweet. Getting up real quick while the men dished up, she poured a small glass of milk for Milo and brought a bottle of wine and a glass for herself, while she grabbed three beers for the guys. Placing them all before them, they moaned while they ate.

  “Damn, woman, this is great. You sure can cook.”

  “Mommy cooks really good. But you have to eat all your vegetables or no desert.”

  “Shit, there’s desert too?” Hunter looked up as he piled potatoes into his mouth.

  Laughing, she answered, “Yes, I found a small bakery, and bought two apple pies. So save some room. And, guys, no cussing around Milo, they’re little sponges.”

  “Sorry, Sky.” All three men said together and they lowered their heads. That did make her laugh. All the men finished and waited patiently while she brought out the pie, which she had heated in the oven, so it was nice and warm, and vanilla ice cream to go with it. Joey had taken the dinner plates to the kitchen while she started to cut everyone a piece. The sounds of moaning and groaning filled the air and even Milo licked his lips in joy of the sweet desert. It was rather good. She would have to look into the bakery more and find little treats here and there for the guys.

  With everyone full from dinner and sweets, Milo started getting sleepy. Joey carried him upstairs for her. Helping Milo wash up was interesting, but with her being a nurse and his mom, it didn’t take long. With PJs now on, Sky picked up Joey and put him into bed with some pain medication. She read him a story before he finally fell asleep on her. Kissing his head she left his room, shutting the door behind her. She was startled when Joey stood there.

  “Oh, you scared me.”

  “Sorry, I just wanted to see if you needed any help getting him down. But seems I am a little too late.”

  “It’s okay, he washed up, teeth brushed, story done, and the guys were gone. Thank you for watching him today while I went to the store. I knew you had work and things to do. Hopefully he wasn’t a problem.”

  He took her hand holding it close to his heart. “You and Milo are never a problem. You’re both mine to take care of, and I enjoy doing it. Plus, Milo had some fun. When he gets a little better and moving around some more, we can set something up downstairs for him.”

  “Well, thank you either way. You have been very kind to take us. I know I can be a pain, and I’m still mad at you, but I’m starting to see there is always more to the story.” Joey took her hand and went down the stairs to see the table was all cleared and the kitchen cleaned.

  “Um, what happened?”

  “Well we figured you cooked and we should clean. I think we put everything away correctly. If not, you can yell at me later.” He kissed her head before sitting her down on one of the patio seats, handing her a glass of wine.

  “The guys will be back in the morning, but they got tired. We’re not used to eating a home cooked meal, but I promise, you made fans for life with them.” He watched as she chuckled.

  “It wasn’t anything fancy, but I’m glad you all liked it. I’m used to only cooking for me and Milo, and sometimes just him. I admit it was nice to cook for more people.”

  “Well, baby, the house and kitchen is yours. You want to cook, bake, or even break something, have at it. I won’t stop you.” They sat in comfortable silence just watching the night sky.

  “Skylar, do you want to go into the hot tub with me?”

  “Oh, Joey, as much as I would love to, I’m tired, can I take a rain check for another day?”

  “Sure, baby, let's head to bed okay.” He grabbed her glass of wine and took her hand as they walked into the house. Setting her glass and his beer on the counter they headed up the stairs. As he got to her room, she turned to look at him.

  Reaching up, he put his hand on her cheek, and to his surprise, she leaned into his touch. Bending slowly he kissed her lips slightly. A sweet tender kiss goodnight. As much as he wanted to deepen the kiss, or share a bed, he knew she was still mad at him. He would have to earn her trust back. And sadly, that meant a lot of cold showers, and jacking off for him.

  “Goodnight, baby.” Kissing her one more time, he turned and headed to his room. He wanted to turn around and see if she was there, but he had to play it cool. He had never in his life had issues getting laid, but relationships were different. Even when he was with Nikki, he
had to admit that he was only going to marry her because of the baby. He loved her, but he wasn’t in love with her, not like he was with Sky. She and Milo consumed his every thought now. He was determined to have them, and if that meant he had to sleep in his own bed, then he was willing to do it, for now.

  *****

  It had been a week since she started to forgive Joey. Each day she would clean the house, doing whatever odds and ends needed done. Play some Wii with Milo, and make lunch and dinner for the guys. Then in the evening, she and Joey would talk about anything and everything. He talked about his life and how he started to play the drums. She talked about her boring childhood with older parents who had passed away already. Then he would walk her to her room and kiss her goodnight. But each time he started to kiss her, she wanted more, so much more. She started to crave his touch and wondered what it would be like to sleep next to him.

  However, today was going to be a challenge. She was going back to work, and Milo went back to school. Joey had bought an SUV because he didn’t like her car. However, that ended with him saying it could still be his, just as long as she drove it, at least until she was staying with him. Milo had been practicing with the crutches and hated them with a passion. But Mickey had worked something out so they were more comfortable to use. All the men dropped everything to help her son.

  Milo didn’t want to go back to school as she pulled up to the front. Joey had even come. Joey wasn’t too happy with the school to begin with and was worried he would say something. But he promised to be good. As the three of them walked into the school, she ran into one of the teachers.

  “Oh, Ms. Morgan, Milo, welcome back.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Harrison. I have some incident reports to sign and get back to class.”

  “Of course. Milo, why don’t you have a seat and color while I talk to your mommy and umm, I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

  “Hart, Joey Hart,” he said with an authoritative growl.