“Do you think Ayden’s going to stop fighting soon?” I asked, my eyes narrowing on Lily. “I’ve heard just one more fight over and over again, and I’m not sure what to make of it.”
Lily nodded, wiping her mouth. “I bought it the first few times, but I don’t anymore. I think the truth is that he loves fighting. There’s an intensity about him when he gets in the zone. I honestly don’t see him quitting anytime soon.”
“I worry about him,” I confessed, and Gabby nodded in agreement.
“I know,” Lily said, glancing at Gabby and then at me. “I worry about him too, and I know Mason does as well.”
She knew my brothers well, and it made me feel better about leaving. Granted they were my older brothers, but I still worried about them, and it was nice to think that someone would be watching over them while I was in Paris.
“I think you’re right about that,” I acknowledged. “Mason would never forgive himself if something happened to Ayden, and he hadn’t been there to stop it.”
“Let’s not get all serious. This is your fun night before you leave. It’s bad enough we’re not having any drinks to celebrate.”
“It was your idea,” I pointed out, grinning.
She took a bite off a mozzarella stick and shrugged. “Touché.”
“Well, I think it’s fantastic that you’ll be spending the summer in the city of love.” Gabby smiled. “It seems like a dream. To have my brother’s sculptures appearing in a gallery in Paris… I’m so proud of him, and I know my parents are too.”
I nodded, knowing the amount of pressure that Aaron was putting on himself to make this opening a success, and it worried me. I wasn’t exactly sure what it would take for him feel like he’d accomplished what he’d wanted, but I prayed that it would happen. He was putting so much of himself into these pieces that the thought of someone not liking them made my heart actually hurt. I couldn’t imagine creating something and then putting it into the world only to be torn apart. I shuddered at the thought and redirected my attention.
“The sketches he’s been working on for the sculptures are insane. I can’t even imagine what they’ll look like when he’s finished. He’s meeting with the curator tomorrow. She’s really excited, and she says the gallery owner is too.”
“Do you know much about her?” Lily asked.
I knew exactly what she was getting at and chose to ignore it.
I shook my head. “Not much. I’m excited to meet her though.” I glanced down at the platters of appetizers and noticed most of them were almost empty. Gabby’s gaze fell to the platters, and she smiled wryly before turning her attention to Lily.
“Is Ayden not feeding you while you two are at work?” Gabby asked.
Lily blushed and pushed away her plate. “I didn’t eat anything today and then had a grueling workout. And since when did you become the food police?”
Gabby chuckled. “Just want to make sure Brandy’s brother’s feeding you. That’s all.”
The server arrived and glanced at the mostly empty platters.
“Can we get the rest to go?” Lily asked, handing the server a credit card without even waiting for the bill.
“Absolutely,” the server responded, grabbing the platters off the table.
“Should we head over to the match?” I asked, glancing at the time on my phone.
“Probably,” Gabby said.
“I’ll bring your check,” the server said.
“Thank you,” I replied, getting a small knot in the pit of my stomach as I thought about the upcoming fight. No matter how I tried to fool myself it didn’t work. What person in their right mind wanted to see their brother possibly get the shit kicked out of them?
“You look a little green,” Gabby said.
“I think I—”
“Not you. Lily,” Gabby said.
Lily stood up quickly, and she didn’t look well. She spun around and rushed toward the bathroom.
“I’ll go after her. You grab her food.” Gabby dashed after Lily, and I waited for the leftovers. The server handed me the plastic bag and the credit card and receipt.
“Thanks,” I responded, hoping the server would leave so I could sign for Lily and be done with it.
My phone buzzed and I saw a text from Aaron come over. My heart almost bounced out of my chest with glee. I’d missed him so much since he went over there, and I couldn’t wait to see him.
Hey beautiful. I just woke up and wanted to tell you how much I love you. I haven’t been able to keep you out of my mind. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I’ve missed you so much, and I’ve got a little surprise for you…
My heart flipped, and I couldn’t erase the smile that had magically plastered itself on my lips. Quickly texting him back, I felt the excitement of getting to see him again run through my veins. I was finally allowing myself to come out of the haze that I’d put myself in the last few weeks.
I can’t wait to see you. I can’t believe I’ll be in Paris living with my artist boyfriend in a little over a day. Love you and don’t forget about me.
He replied quickly.
You are unforgettable.
I sent him a heart and felt the warmth of his love flow through me. This was exactly what I needed. My assailant’s trial was about to begin and I needed to be somewhere else. I’d been haunted by the accident and the nightmares never seemed to subside. I needed a fresh start in a new place until the trial was over and even then all I could do was hope that he’d be convicted.
I couldn’t think of a more fun somewhere else to be. I spotted Lily and Gabby near the exit. Hopefully Lily wasn’t so green. I snatched the credit card and leftovers and walked toward them.
“Feeling better?” I asked Lily.
She nodded. “Yeah. I didn’t get sick. I just felt gross.”
“Well, you look a lot better,” I offered.
“And you look extremely dopey,” Gabby snickered.
“I do not,” I said, smiling.
“Yeah. You do,” Lily agreed.
“I just got a text from Aaron.”
“And he does that to you long-distance?” Lily smirked. “That’s pretty impressive.”
“No more impressive than what I’ve witnessed with you and Ayden.” I opened the door and Lily and Gabby marched through it, with me following only a few steps behind.
“I’ll take Lily since she got sick,” Gabby said.
“I didn’t get sick. I only felt a little queasy. I’m fine now and I’m driving myself. Besides. Ayden and Mason are taking one car and Ayden can drive us home after the fight. I promise I feel fine.”
I grabbed my keys out of my purse and saw Gabby tuck in the annoyance behind her expression, but there was no arguing with Lily, especially since she was already opening her car door and sliding inside.
“See ya there,” I said, walking to my car.
This was it. My last night in Seattle before I headed off to Paris. I slid into the seat of my car and glanced at the pile of unopened mail sitting on the passenger seat. A grey envelope caught my eye, and I picked it up quickly not recognizing the sender. I slid my finger along the seam as dread sizzled under my skin. I glanced around the parking lot and neither of the girls had left yet so I had time to check out what was tucked in the envelope. It was probably just a sneaky piece of junk mail. Companies were getting trickier every day.
With a quick tug on the document and an unfolding of the tri-fold paper, a claustrophobic sensation almost suffocated me as I stared at the writing. How could this be? He was in prison, awaiting his trial. Bail had been denied by the judge. There was no way he was out, and the prison checks all outgoing mail. My hands began shaking as I read the words slowly, and the nightmares threatened to overtake me.
Have a nice time in Paris.
How would Derek Bourot know that I was leaving for Paris? My hand moved down my leg; my fingers running along my leggings as the scars from the surgeries heated with my touch. I attempted to steady my breathing and tuck
ed the paper back inside the envelope before tossing it on the seat. I backed my car out of the parking spot and followed Gabby and Lily to the match. I didn’t have time for this. I would be gone soon and could leave this nightmare behind. I needed to leave it all behind.
The warehouse was packed with fans. Tonight’s fight was bigger than the last one I’d attended. It seemed like underground fighting was getting more popular by the minute, which I’m sure increased Mason and Ayden’s take and added another reason why Ayden wouldn’t be hurrying to leave the gig. Not that he needed extra cash, but easy money was easy money. I sighed and followed Gabby and Lily up the stairs to where Ayden and the other guys were getting ready. A man was standing guard at the door and took a step forward, blocking us from entry.
“I’m Ayden’s sister and this is his girlfriend. He should be expecting us.”
The guy nodded and took a step away from the door, letting us inside. The hallway was narrow and the linoleum floor dingy.
“This is so crazy,” Gabby whispered.
“Tell me about it,” I replied, trying to push away the anxiety from the letter. I was here for my brothers and didn’t need to complicate the night. “We didn’t have that greeting last time.”
“Things must be more serious,” Gabby said.
We turned the corner and spotted the guys. Ayden was already dressed for the fight and Mason was leaning against a table, talking to Jason.
“Lookin’ good,” I said, smiling at Ayden.
“Looking like a winner, I hope.” Ayden’s grin fell the moment his eyes connected with mine.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
I looked over at Mason, and his eyes flashed to mine. His body stiffened as Ayden took a step forward. The halogen light flickered above, and the room felt stuffy and extremely warm. I didn’t need Ayden worried about me as he was about to enter the ring.
“What do you mean?”
Ayden’s stare stayed fixed on me.
“Just worried about leaving everything and everyone. Going to Paris for this long is a big deal, especially for me.”
Ayden laughed. “A truer statement couldn’t have been spoken. You’ll love it over there, and it’ll be your last hooray before law school. I bet this is the first time that you’re going into a situation without a plan in place…” Ayden grinned and his brows arched up. “Am I right?”
I couldn’t help but smile back. He was absolutely right. I had no idea what to expect in Paris, and I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do over there. I was used to plans and routine and this was anything but.
“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” Ayden said, stretching toward the ceiling.
“I won’t. You’re right.”
Gabby walked over to a chair near Jason and collapsed. “How did Katie do with Carla coming over to babysit?”
“Absolutely wonderful,” Jason assured her. “It didn’t hurt that Carla showed up with a teddy bear and a bag of popsicles.”
“She certainly knows the way to someone’s heart.” Gabby closed her eyes as Jason placed a quick peck on her cheek, and I longed for Aaron. It wouldn’t be long before I’d be in Paris, and all this nonsense could be put behind me. I knew I needed to pass on the information I received, but it wasn’t ideal timing considering it was the night before I was set to leave on a plane.
Mason was far too quiet, and his eyes remained on me as Lily started speaking about eating too much at dinner.
“I know the feeling,” I said, commiserating with her even though I’d barely eaten.
When Ayden was distracted with Jason, Mason walked over and pinned me in place with his gaze. He dropped his voice. “I know there’s more going on than pre-flight jitters. You need to tell me what’s really on your mind.”
Lily’s smile dropped, and she watched me closely as I attempted to come up with another excuse only none came.
“Brandy, what’s going on?” she whispered. “You didn’t mention anything at dinner.”
I glanced at Ayden and then back at Mason and Lily. “That’s because it hadn’t happened yet. Listen, I’ll tell you both after Ayden’s fight. I don’t want to interfere or give anyone any reason to be distracted. Please…”
Mason nodded and Lily wandered over to Ayden.
“Is it about the trial?” he asked.
“Maybe. I don’t really know the ramifications, but please, let’s just drop it until after.”
Mason nodded.
Ayden was hugging Lily as she gave him her little pep talk, and I glanced back at Mason, silently pleading with him to stay quiet.
“I hate to break up this little party,” Mason said. “But I think it’s that time.”
Relieved that the attention had been taken away from me, I jogged over to Ayden and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Make it quick and painless,” I teased.
“I’ll do my best.” He smirked and fist punched Jason and Mason before they left the room with Gabby and Lily right behind them.
“Good luck out there.” I smiled and made my way out of the room to let Ayden have a few moments of quiet. Mason stood next to the door, waiting for Ayden, and Jason and the girls were down the hall, motioning for me to hurry up.
I stopped in front of Mason and held up my hand for the group to hang on.
“I’m going to miss you this summer,” I said. “I wish you’d change your mind about coming over to Paris.”
He shrugged and shook his head. “This is the busiest time of the year at dad’s company. It wouldn’t be right to leave him hanging like that.”
I pretended to knock his jaw and laughed. “Who would’ve thought you’d be the responsible one.”
“Hey, I resent that. I’ve always been the responsible one,” he teased.
“The moment Ayden knocks his opponent flat, you better be prepared to let me know what’s going on,” Mason whispered.
“Promise. Now concentrate on pumping up our brother or whatever it is you do.” I sprinted down the hall, leaving Ayden and Mason behind as we jogged down the stairs and pushed our way through the large crowd.
I scanned the crowd for any sign of the other fighter. I didn’t know who or what I thought I was looking for, but I hoped to find someone who looked slow and sloppy.
The crowd began clapping, and I turned my attention back to the ring where the announcer was now stationed next to a female who was dressed in a white, string bikini.
“Is that Mason’s girlfriend?” Lily teased.
“Beats me but probably.” I grinned as I saw the ring girl parading around the mat, motioning for the crowd to get their volume up before they introduced the first fighter. Her red hair stretched down her back in ringlets, and her white bikini was strategically placed. One sneeze, and we’d have a serious wardrobe malfunction on our hands. It only took her one loop around the ring and the place was going nuts. The announcer introduced the first fighter, Maxwell Duncan, and the crowd turned into a mixture of boos and cheers.
My stomach became uneasy as he walked down the aisle. His body was oiled up, and his silver trunks hugged a very muscular form. He looked shorter than my brother, but he looked strong. I glanced at Jason who was nodding his head, assessing Maxwell.
“What do you think?” I hollered through the crowd noise.
“I think Ayden’s got this hands down.” Jason smiled and draped his arm over Gabby, drawing her into him.
“Me too,” I said, watching Maxwell sneak between the ropes of the ring.
My brother’s name was announced, and a loud roar surged through the building as Ayden began walking through the crowd with Mason right behind. Ayden looked like he’d already won the match. His concentration was solely on the ring and man in front of him as he made his way down the aisle. Ayden stepped between the ropes and into the ring. Mason gave him some last minute instructions as the first clang of the bell sounded.
The flutter of uneasiness had grown into full-blown panic. I wasn’t cut out to watch my brot
her fight like this. Just one mistake was all it would take for my brother to be the one down on the mat.
The two men bobbed and weaved as they worked around the ring. Maxwell swung a jab and my brother ducked out of the way. Another swing from Maxwell missed my brother, but Ayden still didn’t throw a punch. Lily was on her tippy toes even though there was no crowd in front of her. Her hands were clasped tightly as she stared intently at the ring. No matter what she said, watching Ayden made her as nervous as me. I turned my attention back to the fight just as Ayden landed a punch on Maxwell’s cheek. The skin split open as Maxwell attempted to shake off my brother’s punch. Maxwell ducked and landed a punch on my brother’s ribs. Lily let out a gasp, but Ayden barely flinched from the contact. The ding of the bell signaled the end of the round, and I let out the breath I didn’t even know I’d been holding in.
Ayden walked to the corner of the ring and Mason spoke to him as he wiped off sweat. I think Ayden was surprised that Maxwell managed to slip some contact in there. From what I’d heard and seen, my brother dodged the punches ninety-nine percent of the time. The next round began, and my brother’s gaze penetrated straight through Maxwell as he effortlessly landed a punch into Maxwell’s side. Spit flew out of the fighter’s mouth, taking him off guard just enough for my brother to get in there again. Strategy was as much a part of winning as brute force, and my brother had both down pat.
I watched my brother’s arm become the weapon of a victor as he looped over the shoulder of Maxwell. My brother’s fist landed an overhead right punch into Maxwell’s jaw, producing a spray of spit as his opponent’s mouth dropped open; his entire head turning as his body flew to the ground. The look of triumph crept onto my brother’s face as the match was called in his favor. It didn’t take long for the crowd to go nuts as we all quickly exited. Mason led Ayden back up the stairs with Lily right behind, while the rest of us went to the parking lot.
Beyond Chance Page 2