by Shane Morgan
“It can’t be,” I muttered, turning around to confirm. I screwed up my face seeing it really was Tobias.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I snapped, pointing my fork at him. “Listen, you’re seriously taking this thing too far now. Don’t make me call the cops.”
Astonished, Tobias stepped back and raised his hands. “Christ! Remember I live in Baltimore too? I’m just shopping at the mall like everybody else. See,” he lifted the bags for proof.
“Dang, girl, relax.” Vanessa reached over and snatched the fork from my hand, putting it down on the table. “Were you going to stab him or something?” she joked.
I sucked my teeth. “Don’t be silly.” Then I eyeballed Tobias again, shooting daggers at him. “But you’re getting on my last nerve.”
A smug grin spread across his lips. “I can’t say hi to my classmates now?”
“Tobias, you’re something else,” Vanessa chuckled. She nudged my hand. “You should just go on one date with him, girl.”
I gave her a cold stare. “Are you crazy? I have Branden.”
“I’m only joking, chill out.”
“Well, that’s not funny, Nessa.”
Her phone buzzed. After reading the text she sprang from the chair and started to get her stuff together. “Girl, I gotta run. Calvin texted me saying he wants to talk about something.”
“Okay, I’ll drive you.”
“Um,” she appeared awkward all of a sudden. “You don’t have to. He’s going to pick me up. Don’t worry about it.”
I got up anyway. “It’s no problem. I’m leaving too.”
When I turned to leave, Tobias reached out his hand in front of me so I couldn’t pass.
“Man, are you still here?” I groaned.
“Oh, come on, Moya. Hang out with me for a while.”
Vanessa was already at the exit. She peered back at us and said, “Calvin’s outside the mall; gotta hurry. I’ll call you later, Moya.”
Not waiting for my response, she hasted off without so much as a look behind to see if Tobias let me by, which he still hadn’t done.
“You heard your friend: one date,” he said.
Rolling my eyes, I pressed the back of my hand against his chest and tried to move him aside. “You know my answer.”
Finally, Tobias let me through, only to follow closely behind as I exited the shrimp eatery.
“Have you always been so headstrong?”
I ignored him, bustling down the steps. The frigid air tickled my face as the wind picked up. Tobias reached for my elbow and slowed me down before I could completely get away from him. My frustration level soared.
“Leave me alone, damn it.”
“I’ve wanted you since Calvin’s party, Moya. I’m not going to give up. I can’t.”
The piercing look in his deep, brown eyes startled me. I’d seen that gaze before. It was almost similar to the way Branden looked at me.
I wrung my arm free. “You can’t always get what you want, Tobias. I told you I already have someone. A guy that I lo—”
I didn’t get to finish saying the word because he shoved his lips on mine. I quickly pushed him off, slapping him so hard my hand stung.
“What the hell!”
Grinning, Tobias licked his bottom lip and rubbed his thumb across it. He looked pleased. “I knew you’d taste good. I bet you feel even better.”
“Asshole!” I shouted, not caring if anyone heard. “You ever touch me again and you’ll get more than a slap across the face.”
I spun around, exasperated, wanting more than anything to get away from him; to erase what just happened from my mind.
“Moya, I’m sorry,” he yelled after me. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
His voice faded the further I got away from the mall, crossing the street to the parking garage. Thank goodness he wasn’t following anymore.
Tobias kissed me. He actually had the audacity to put his mouth on mine. I tightened my jacket around my body, feeling cold, and somewhat violated. How could I tell Branden that another guy kissed me? Then again, why would I tell him?
***
That evening, I showered, got dressed, and waited for Branden to come pick me up. I always felt anxious going by his house. It was the third time I’d be having dinner with his family, and I still couldn’t control my nerves.
“You look nice,” Momma complimented me as I walked into the living room, peeking out the window. Branden would be here any moment now.
Plopping down next to her on the crimson sofa, I replied, “Thanks, Momma. You don’t think it’s too dressy, do you?”
She rubbed my arm. “No. It’s just fine.”
I decided to wear my ivory sweater, black jeans, and ankle boots, and I accessorized with my butterfly necklace and gold stretch bracelet. I didn’t want to dress too formal, but I still wanted to appear as if I made an effort. Mrs. McCarthy always gave me a glance over whenever I entered her home. That much I’d noticed.
“You should bring him by more often. I feel like I haven’t seen him in a while,” she remarked, skipping through the channels to find something to watch on TV.
“I will.” Then a thought occurred. “I’ll tell him to come over for dinner next weekend.”
She looked at me and smiled. “Good. I look forward to that. He’s a wonderful young man.”
At the sound of a car pulling up outside, butterflies began to swarm around in my tummy. I stood the moment Branden knocked on the door, my heart pounding as I treaded over to open it.
His blue eyes beamed at me. “Hey, you look nice.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
“Me?” he pointed to himself, doubtful, and peered down at his clothes. Branden was wearing a gray crewneck t-shirt inside of his green military jacket, with dark jeans and boots. I couldn’t help but smile. No matter how simple he was dressed, he was more handsome every time I laid my eyes on him. He was my Branden.
I collected myself when Momma came over. “Hey, Branden. How are you doing?”
“I’m doing all right, Ms. Douglas. How about yourself?”
“I’m good.” She smiled in an odd way that told me she was about to haul him inside and start sharing stories about my childhood.
Trying to keep another episode of her showing off my embarrassing pictures, I grabbed my coat from the rack by the door and hastily moved past her. “We’re going to take off, Momma. I’ll see you later.”
“Oh, you can’t stay a little?” she asked, hopeful.
“Next time,” I said, towing Branden down the porch steps.
“Well, all right then,” she groaned, disappointed. “Have fun.”
“See you, Ms. Douglas,” Branden waved at her over his shoulder.
Not long after we climbed inside his car and waited for Momma to close the front door, I reached over the middle console, kissing him in an insatiable way. I pulled back for a moment and ran my fingers through his hair then down the side of his face, while I admired the face I’d been missing for the past few days. Nothing could compare.
Nothing at all.
Stroking my cheek, Branden whispered, “I missed you too.” Then he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in closer. His grip was tight, thrilling. He gave me a rush. His spicy scent, leveled by an earthy and provocative aroma, seduced me. I didn’t want him to let go.
I tilted my head and motioned as if I was going in for a kiss, but then I stopped short, teasing his lips with my tongue instead. His eyes glistened in the dark, unsatisfied. He wanted more.
Branden pressed his lips on mine. His minty taste cooled my mouth as his tongue made its way inside and wrestled with mine for dominance. We would have gone on longer, but then the headlights of an incoming car disrupted our heated moment.
I pulled away fast, remembering we were still in front of my house and Momma could have seen the entire thing. She’d surely tease me about it later.
Branden settled back into his seat, squeezing my hand. “
Damn, I’m not sure I still want to go to dinner now,” he joked.
I brushed back some curls from my face, fixed my coat, and steadied my breathing. “We should get going though. Momma might be watching.”
“Yeah, I guess we should.”
Instantly, Branden let go of my hand and started his car, pulling onto the road. Another five minutes and we’d be in Harrington.
***
When we arrived at his house, Branden snaked his arm around my waist as we strolled along the chestnut grove, stoned walkway up towards the front door. The concrete architecture of his house, and overall intricate details in the landscaping always managed to leave me breathless. It was a dream of mine, to live in a nice house by the water. Maybe one day I’d get to enjoy such things, with Branden.
I recovered quickly from my daydreaming when Mrs. McCarthy opened the front door to greet us.
“Hello, Moya. Nice seeing you again.” She was as posh as ever, in a knitted, burgundy sweater dress, black leggings and flats, with matching pearl earrings and necklace. Her shiny blonde hair styled into a bob.
“Hi, Mrs. McCarthy. It’s nice seeing you too,” I replied, entering the house.
She took my coat and led me into the living room to chat briefly. Every encounter was used to learn all she could about my home life and studies.
Branden sat down in the middle of the cream fabric, sectional sofa, while his mother and I lounged on the smaller one across from him. Mr. McCarthy appeared soon after with wine glasses and an expensive looking bottle.
“Getting everyone ready for New Year’s Eve,” he joked, pouring us sparkling wine. “It’s non-alcoholic, of course.”
Mrs. McCarthy flashed him a ‘shut the hell up’ glare as he handed her a glass. His smile slightly evaporated. After offering me a glass as well, he walked over and sat down in the chair next to the sofa where Branden was sitting.
“So, Moya, Finance was it?” he confirmed.
“Yes.” I sipped some wine.
“You know, if you’re ever looking for an internship, I’d be happy to put in word for you at Neilman & Co. We’re always looking for new blood.”
“Sure you are,” Mrs. McCarthy chided. Branden’s brows shot up. He glanced in between his parents, confused. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Mrs. McCarthy was irritated by her husband this evening.
“Anyway,” she brought her attention back to me. “I’m sure you have your eyes set on much bigger companies, Moya. You’re a smart girl, and smart girls don’t settle. They aspire for greatness.” Her blue eyes glistened with every word. She was like a mentor, looking for the next young mind to influence.
“Thank you,” was all I could mutter.
“Why don’t we head into the dining room?” Mr. McCarthy stood up from the chair. His body language depicted hurt, humiliation. It was the first time I’d seen the couple so on edge with each other. Was there something going on? The look on Branden’s face told me he was just as baffled as I was.
Mrs. McCarthy fixed her cardigan and strutted ahead of me. I lingered behind with Branden.
“Sorry about that,” he whispered. “Don’t know what’s up with them.”
I shrugged and squeezed his hand. “It’s okay.”
Entering the dining room, I was in awe at how wonderfully arranged the espresso table was. It looked like Thanksgiving all over again.
“This is great, Mrs. McCarthy,” I praised, taking a seat next to Branden. “The table looks lovely.”
Mr. McCarthy stifled a laugh as he sat down at the end of the table. I didn’t get the joke until his wife explained, “Thank you, dear, but I can’t take credit for this. Our new cook, Luciana, is the one who prepares meals for us now. You can thank my husband for that.” She looked down at Mr. McCarthy, her gaze sharp and lethal. He ignored her.
Branden chipped in, “It’s still a nice setting.”
“Indeed,” his father added.
Trying to dissolve the tense atmosphere, I asked, “Where’s Ashton?”
Mrs. McCarthy answered, “He’s out fooling around. I’m afraid family gatherings just don’t fit into Ashton’s schedule.” I’d made it even worse it seemed.
“I’m sure he had something important to do, Mom,” Branden countered.
She didn’t seem to like his defending his older brother. Glancing at her husband, she said dryly, “Pass the salad, dear.”
This was surely an interesting event. I was beginning to feel like I’d walked into the aftermath of a battlefield.
Dinner went on with dry conversation and cold stares between husband and wife. It made me uncomfortable. I was relieved when it finally ended, and beyond ready to leave so that I could spend time with Branden.
Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy walked us to the front door. Putting on my coat, I thanked them once more for having me over.
“It was nice seeing you both again.”
“Likewise,” Mr. McCarthy said. “Branden’s lucky to have a nice girl like you.”
“I am,” he admitted, but I was stuck on the dreadful way Mrs. McCarthy watched her husband at the corner of her eye when he complimented me. Was she jealous?
“I’ll be back in a bit.” Branden opened the front door and stepped outside, hauling me along.
“Bye, Moya,” Mrs. McCarthy finally said.
I smiled politely and walked outside, eager to get out of that atmosphere.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Branden
Life had to be messing with me; because I was almost convinced my parents were starting to work on their marriage. Tonight’s uncomfortable tension proved otherwise. What the hell happened? They seemed fine earlier before I left to go pick up Moya. I could only imagine what was running through her mind now.
She seemed awfully quiet, staring out the windshield at the dark, still water. I’d driven out to the docks so we could talk a bit before I brought her home. And maybe break it to her easy that I wanted to start playing hockey again next semester.
“What’s up?” I asked, turning off the engine.
Startled, Moya spun her head fast and stared at me with doe eyes. “Nothing,” she breathed. “Just thinking how peaceful it is out here. I never used to appreciate stuff like this, you know? My life used to be all about working hard to be successful and making my momma proud. I never used to take the time to enjoy anything, not even my accomplishments so far.”
I stroked her soft cheek. She covered my hand. “I’m glad I gave you a chance, and I’m sorry I made it so hard.”
“Yeah, you got that right,” I joked.
Moya sucked her teeth and punched me playfully on the arm. “I told you, it’s not easy for me to trust someone.”
“I know. I’m happy you trust me now, because I most certainly trust you.”
Her face turned serious all of a sudden. She began to stare at the dashboard, her mind drifting away.
I guided her chin back to me.
“Give your dad a call,” I suggested, thinking that might be the reason for her troubled expression.
She feigned a smile. “I thought you said not to force it.”
“Yeah, but it’s obvious you want to, you’re just being your usual stubborn self.”
Pursing her lips, Moya cocked her head to the side and said in a stern tone, “I’m not being stubborn.”
“Right.”
“I’m not,” she insisted.
I brushed the fallen curls from her forehead. “Babe, come on. How long are you going to do this to yourself?”
“Do what?” she sounded agitated now.
“Try to be so tough all the time.”
“Whatever,” she shook her head. “I wasn’t even thinking about my dad so I don’t know why you brought up calling him.”
I furrowed my forehead, confused. “Because you seem bothered by something.”
For the first time since the day we had lunch together at the campus café, Moya started to pick at her fingernails and peered around into space. She seemed to be con
sidering hard, and adamant about keeping whatever it was a secret, from me. Well, I shouldn’t be too concerned. In time, she would shatter and confess.
Still, I was curious as to why she continued falling into these quiet spells.
“Tell me what’s on your mind,” I said, trying to read her body language.
She looked at me in that seductive way that aroused every part of me. I dismissed my inquisition and heaved her over the middle console, hungrily devouring her lips.
The kiss didn’t stop there. I moved down to her neck and ran my lips against her almond fragrant skin. I wanted her so bad, even more after hearing her release a light moan.
Moya tugged at my jacket, getting her warm hands underneath my shirt to feel my skin. I felt relieved I’d been working out; the firmness of my abs must have thrilled her. She started to run her fingers up, caressing me. But then she touched the scar on my chest, a souvenir of a frightening time, and just like that the moment was over.
“I’m sorry,” she muttered. “It’s not that…I’m okay with seeing and touching your scar. It’s…” she lowered her head and began to trace the lines in the palm of her hand.
“It’s because we’re in my car; not exactly a romantic place for what we want to do,” I smirked.
Her head spun. She had an innocent look in her eyes. Maybe I misinterpreted her emotions? “You didn’t…want to?” I sank back in the seat and rubbed my forehead. “Sorry, I thought—”
“I did…I mean, I do want to.”
I looked over at her again. She went on, “But I still feel like everything between us is taking off too fast. We need to cool down a bit,” she smiled nervously, I knew what she meant.
“Yeah, our heat level has been rising.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
I watched as she fixed her coat, composing herself.
“Let me know when you’re ready.” I reached over and twisted a strand of her hair around my finger. When she slanted her head and stared at me, I saw so much love within her eyes my heart raced.
“We’ll go as slow as you want,” I added, before pulling my hand away to start the car. Moya watched me from the corner of her eye as I backed away from the docks.