by Allie Faye
“You could’ve called to tell me.”
“Well, I felt this conversation should be held in person. I came to tell you that should you decide to continue to see him and have a relationship with him that you should know I will no longer welcome you into my home unless you go forward and marry Ezra. He tells me that you are working through things and I can only hope he talks some sense into you and you realize that consorting with your convict father will only bring you down and hurt Ezra’s career.”
“Goodbye, mother.” There are no tears from me. They wouldn’t penetrate her icy heart. I don’t bother to correct her and tell her I will never marry Ezra and I sure as hell plan on seeing my father whenever in the hell I feel like it. He may have killed someone but at least he’s honest and doesn’t manipulate the people he claims to love.
“Just think about what I have said,” she tells me, disappearing down the stairs as quickly as she appeared.
Grabbing my purse, I lock the door behind me. Holden is already waiting for me in the cab of his truck.
Chapter 27
Holden
“You’re welcome. I wanted to do something nice for you. It was Conleigh’s idea to fill it up with the goods.” Missy gives me a gentle squeeze.
I feel like an ass for not thinking of it myself. I know they do okay working for me, but babies are expensive. I never realized how much so until I went to the baby version of that popular toy store today. We spent way too much money but looking at Taitlyn there is no price for how precious she is.
We bought her blankets, clothes, toys, diapers. The chest I constructed was overflowing when Waylon helped me get it out of the truck. Missy still has tears in her eyes and I admit it feels good to do something nice for them. They are good people and hard workers. Waylon and his wife busy themselves putting things away and enjoying a few free moments together while Conleigh coos over their baby.
She seems so content with the little bundle of joy cradled in her arms as she dotes on her. Telling her she’s all that is good and beautiful in the world. I can’t help but imagine us someday having a child of our own. It should sound crazy to me, but it sounds like a dream come true. A piece of me and Conleigh in this world.
She smiles at me. “Want to hold her?”
I shake my head. I’m content just to watch her.
“You’re a natural,” Missy tells her.
“You think so?”
“Yeah. Maybe we can talk the two of you into babysitting for us sometime,” Waylon suggests. “I need some alone time with my wife.” He waggles his brows and we all laugh.
“I’m sure we can plan something,” Conleigh says, looking at me.
I nod but I’m not really paying attention to the rest of their conversation. All I can think about is taking Conleigh home and watching her prance around the apartment in nothing but her socks.
My cell phone ringing loudly in my pocket startles the baby and I step outside to take the call.
It’s my attorney, Reese gave him the slip again. I’m sick of her shit and have it in my mind to track her down myself. He says he will attempt to serve her personally again tomorrow. He should. I’m paying him enough to get this shit over with.
Conleigh joins me, telling me she said our goodbyes. The baby was fussy, and she figured it was time to go.
“As cute as kids are, I am in no rush for them,” she says shaking her head as we get back in my truck.
“That so?”
“Yeah. I mean, she’s adorable but you saw all that stuff, and I’m not anywhere near ready for that responsibility.”
Her words shouldn’t deflate me, but they do. At the same time though I get it. She’s young and has plenty of time for babies later and so do I. I just want her.
Her head lays on my shoulder as I pull out and she sends a text to Bailey asking if her and Wren want to go out with us tonight. There’s some club they used to go to and I agree a night out sounds fun. I haven’t really done much of anything with Wren since he showed up out of the blue. It feels good to have him back now that I have gotten the stick out of my ass and accepted him into my life again.
————
It’s been years since I have been in a bar that wasn’t my own and being here, I realize exactly what my brother means. The Grill needs a lot of TLC. Hell, it needs redesigned all around. One thing at a time though. I get another round of drinks from the bar, taking in the décor. It isn’t too fancy, but it feels rich and makes you feel like you don’t mind spending seven dollars on a simple drink. The DJ knows how to keep the crowd excited too. Bodies are moving on the dance floor and a line forms at the bar at the end of nearly every song.
I don’t want to mirror what they have going on here. I liked what Wren said about bringing in some quality bands for live music. Conleigh is moving to the music when I sit her drink in front of her. I kiss her neck as she takes a sip. “Mmm. This is really good. You should get Waylon to make something like these.”
She offers me a drink and I take it. The peach flavor explodes on my tongue. It’s sweet and fresh tasting. “What do you think of this?” I hand it to Wren for his opinion.
He takes a hefty swig. “It’s good but not the drink for the crowd we want to target. I’ve been to a lot of bars, believe me, I know what I am talking about.”
“Watching Bar Rescue doesn’t count,” Bailey teases him.
“Shut it you. I’m a world traveler,” he tells her, handing the glass back to Conleigh.
She sips on it and I enjoy my beer. Wren is whispering in Bailey’s ear, making her blush and giggle. It feels as though we have traveled back in time and things are finally transpiring the way they should have from the start. I’m with Conleigh and Bailey may not be with Ezra, but Wren serves as the perfect replacement. If anything, she’s gotten an upgrade. My brother can be a dick but he’s honest about it.
A slower song plays over the speakers and Conleigh grabs my hand. “Dance with me?”
I lead her onto the floor and the strobe lights have stopped flashing, there’s only a low glow coming from the dimmers overhead. Her arms circle my neck, her eyes never leaving mine as we sway to the music. Bailey and Wren are dancing next to us off in their own little world.
“Tonight’s perfect.”
“It is. It kind of feels as though life has given us a do over,” I tell her.
“In what way?”
“Well, two years ago or so…two girls came into my bar, but shit happened ass backwards and I lost the girl of my dreams but now tonight I may be in a different bar, but I got the girl.”
She kisses me tenderly. “We are exactly where we’re meant to be. As strange as it sounds had things happened the way you wanted them to, we probably wouldn’t be together now.”
There is some truth to her logic, but I don’t dwell on it. The song ends, and we make our way back to the table. Wren and Bailey are still dancing.
Conleigh excuses herself to the restroom and I order another beer.
Wren makes his way back to the table. Bailey joined Conleigh for her bathroom excursion. Women always go in pairs. Who knows why. One of the world’s greatest mysteries.
“I’m in love,” Wren volunteers to the table next to ours.
“Easy, tiger. Thought you said you were taking it slow.”
“I thought so too, but I really like her. A lot.” He squeezes my shoulder and downs the rest of my beer. He leans in close. “Get this. Bailey…” He says her name in a whisper. “She says she’ll go to the strip club with me.” He nods and smirks waggling his eyebrows. “We’re headed there next. You guys coming with?”
I wrinkle my nose. “Nah, I think I’m gonna head home. You just be careful. That’s asking for trouble.”
“I can handle it.”
“No doubt.” I bump his fist just as the girls are making their way back to the table. “You ready to call it a night?” I ask Conleigh.
Her eyes linger on my lips. “Yeah, I’m ready for bed.”
“You
guys cool to take a cab?” Wren has drunk a lot more than I have. I’m still good to drive.
“Yeah, man. We’re straight.”
“Here.” I give him my door key. Conleigh has hers.
The girls say their goodbyes and I steer my girl to the truck intent on getting her home and naked.
Chapter 28
Conleigh
After three drinks and dancing with Holden my bladder is about to burst. Holden tells me he is going to order another beer while I make my way to the bathroom. The line is long, and I am afraid I will pee myself. I observe the women in front of me. They are cracking me up. One is telling the other a story about her youngest child finding her dildo and waving it around when her in-laws came for a visit.
“I was mortified,” she says.
“Well, at least maybe they won’t come over so often,” her friend says with a giggle.
I smile to myself wondering what my mom would do if she came to visit me and my kid did that if I had one. She’d probably die of shock or shame on the spot.
I move up two spots in line and feel a tap on my shoulder. It’s Bailey.
“Hey.”
“I’m having the most fun with Wren. I swear, Conleigh, he’s so…I don’t know…honest. He tells me how it is with him upfront. He doesn’t hold back. It’s so damn refreshing.” She grins and sways to the music that carries down the packed hallway.
“I’m glad you like him. Though you have to admit him and Holden are very similar.” I smirk.
“They are very different too.” She shrugs.
“I guess. If you say so.”
“I don’t know…I just have this feeling about him. Like maybe he could be my one.”
“Really? You just met him?” I’m not judging her. I’m just surprised is all.
“I know!” She grabs my arm. “He’s—I don’t know. I just really like him. He hasn’t tried to sleep with me or anything. Sure, we’ve kissed but with other stuff he jokes around and flirts but no pressure. He seems genuinely interested in what I have to say. He’s taking the time to get to know me. It isn’t all physical and lust.”
This shocks me but in a good way. “Good,” I tell her and finally, it’s my turn.
When I’m at the sink washing and drying my hands I look in the mirror and see Judy behind me. My face pinches up, but I attempt to ignore her. However, she is intent on a conversation with me.
She steps up next to me at the counter. “I’m glad you wised up and found someone else to sink your claws into. Ezra doesn’t love you. He would have married you, but he still would have been fucking me. Then when he squeezed all he could from your step-dad he was going to divorce so we could be together.”
I roll my eyes. “Is that why he fired you?”
“Fired me? He didn’t fire me. I’m on vacation this week.” By the expression on her face, I can see she’s confused and that Ezra lied to me. Not that it really matters.
“Thank you, Judy.”
“Thank you,” she sneers as Bailey exits the stall.
“Yeah, you did me a favor. He’s all yours don’t worry. I don’t want him. I have a real man now.”
Bailey looks at me like who the hell is this and I shake my head and toss my paper towel in the trash.
What a joke, I think to myself as I step out of the bathroom. I can’t reach the table to get back in Holden’s arms fast enough. I should have known Ezra was full of shit. I feel stupid. I shouldn’t but I do. I can’t believe I almost fell for his lines again.
Running into Judy only further cements that I am doing the right thing by choosing Holden.
When I get back to my man he’s ready to leave and the feeling is mutual. I’m ready to take him to bed. Bailey and Wren have other plans and we agree to call each other tomorrow.
————
We’re almost home when Holden detours to the grocery store. “I have a hankering for chocolate ice cream,” he tells me.
“A hankering? Who talks like that?”
“I do. Come on.”
Rolling my eyes, I follow him inside. He’s like a kid let loose for the first time. He has a buggy full of junk; whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and waffle cone bowls. The only thing remotely good for you are the strawberries and bananas he picked up.
“I’m going to make you the best sundae you’ve ever had.”
“Is that so. What if I don’t like ice cream,” I tease him.
“Then I will smear it all over your body and lick it off.” He grins at me as if he is imagining doing just that.
“Then I really hate ice cream.” I smirk.
“Is that a challenge?”
“Absolutely. Now take me home.”
Holden is trying to get through the self-check-out so fast he nearly smashes the bananas. I can’t help but laugh at him. I can’t remember the last time I felt this good and happy. I never imagined we would be doing normal couple shit. I guess I don’t know what I expected out of this man, but I am pleasantly surprised. He holds my hand every chance he gets. I know everything is new and exciting, but I get the feeling he’d be holding my hand as much even if we’d been together ten years.
He puts the bags on the passenger side so that I am forced to sit next to him, not that I hadn’t planned on it. When we get home the living room light is on. I can see it shining through the blinds. I don’t see Ezra’s car though, so maybe we left it on. I don’t say anything to Holden. I ignore my gut feeling that shit is about to go down and help him pack the bags up the stairs.
When Holden opens the door, Ezra is sitting on the couch waiting for us. I didn’t think he was coming back until tomorrow or the day after. His hands are clenched in his hair. His eyes look wild with anger.
I breeze past him to the kitchen to put the groceries away. I don’t want to do this right now. Does he know about me and Holden? Has he seen my clothes in his room? What’s going through his head right now? A hand on my shoulder nearly scares the piss out of me. I jump at the contact, but a calm wave washes over me when I feel Holden’s beard at my ear.
“It’s time,” his voice grits like sandpaper.
I nod and sag back against his chest. I know it is. The only thing motivating me right now is having Holden by my side. Knowing that I have him when this is over is reassuring.
“We do this together.” He squeezes my hand and spins me around.
My head snuggles into his chest and my arms go around his waist.
“Okay,” I settle.
With my hand in Holden’s, I return to the living room to confront Ezra.
He’s pacing in front of the entertainment stand. His disheveled appearance tells me that yes, he knows about me and Holden. His cloudy eyes meet mine.
“How long?”
“What?”
“How long have you been fucking him behind my back?”
“Not as long as you’ve been fucking Judy.” I laugh without humor.
“I told you that was over.”
“That’s not what she told me an hour ago,” I counter.
“What are you talking about?”
“I ran into Judy and she told me that she’s on vacation this week. You didn’t fire her. You’re still fucking her. And what are you doing back early?”
“I wanted to surprise you and I come home to find my shit in boxes and your stuff in my best friend’s room. You’re nothing but a slut.”
“Don’t call her that,” Holden warns, joining the conversation.
“What are you going to do about it? You can’t even get your own pussy. You gotta fuck my girlfriend because everyone has already had your lame dick and figured out what a fucking loser you are. Even your wife left you for your own brother no less. You’re fucking pathetic, man. Hell, she even called and propositioned me. How do you think I found about you two? She sent me pictures. She’s been watching you make a fool of me, but no more. You guys can have each other.”
Holden gets in his face and grabs him up by the collar of his shirt. Ezr
a’s feet are dangling in the air. “You’re gonna get your shit and get the fuck out.”
Holden is furious as him and Ezra spit insults at one another.
“What are you mad about, Holden? That Reese came crawling to me? That your wife wanted my dick? Have fun with my leftovers, I don’t want yours,” he sneers.
And that’s it. Holden rears his fist back and lands a hook to Ezra’s nose. Blood spurts out and splatters across his face then he drops him to the floor and kicks him.
Ezra grabs his nose, making a pained face. “You broke my goddamned nose!”
“I’ll break your dick next of you don’t get the fuck out and stay away from her.”
I have to admit, as I was watching the scene play out, that for a moment Ezra planted doubt in my mind. Because it did seem Holden was upset about Reese, but I can’t go down that road right now. I know Holden loves me. When he says stay away from her, he means me, doesn’t he?
Holden storms to the front door and swings it open. “You can walk out, or I will throw you out,” he threatens.
Ezra stumbles to his feet. He staggers toward me and grabs my face with his bloody fingers. “You’ll come crawling back to me when he fucks you over. I give you a week, if that, before he’s fucking Reese again.” He attempts to kiss me, but Holden has grabbed him around his neck in a chokehold and is dragging him to the door.
I sink to the floor as tears sting my eyes, trying to process what just happened. I knew it would be bad. I just never pictured it going this south. And what the fuck did he mean Reese was watching us and taking pictures? I rub my hands up and down my arms, feeling violated.
Holden is still seething when he slams the door shut.
“I need a minute, baby.”
I can only nod. I don’t know what he is thinking right now. Is he thinking about Reese? Is he regretting being with me? He just hit his best friend and kicked him out all for me.
Holden goes to the bathroom and I hear the mirror shatter. I get up from the floor and go to him. The glass is shattered in the sink and his knuckles are split open.
“Holden! What are you doing? Your knuckles. We need to go get your hand checked out.” I grab a towel and wrap it around his fist. The white cotton turns to red immediately.