by Tabatha Kiss
I push her hand away and step back. “No.”
“Cara—”
“No!” I taste battery acid on my tongue. “I’m sorry, Ma, but I...” I glance around, shaking my head. “I can’t be a part of this anymore.”
I turn around, ignoring her voice as I bolt back into the hall. I scoop my jacket off the floor, nearly slipping to my knees as my head spins and my guts churn.
Forgive him? Love him? Is she fucking crazy?
They’re all crazy. I don’t know what disturbs me more; that Ma obviously speaks from experience or that she raised me knowing exactly what would be expected of me someday.
Well, fuck that shit.
I reach the bottom of the stairs and tears fall down my cheeks. The front door opens as I reach out for it and Gavin walks in. His face hardens as he sees me — probably ready to tear into me about how I went to see my father against their orders — but his expression changes as I try to pass him.
“Whoa, Sissy.” He blocks the door. “What’s up?”
I sniff. “Get out of the way, Gav.”
He tilts his head downward, trying to make eye contact with me. “What happened to you?”
“Ask your pal Marcus,” I spit.
I slip under his arm and rush outside.
“Trix, wait!”
I ignore him. I know what he’s going to say anyway. Make sure you calm down before you get back into the city. Don’t want anyone to see you like that…
But I don’t give a damn about appearances.
That’s not my job anymore.
Thirty-Three
Trix
Can you do me a favor?’” Melanie reads from her phone. “‘What?’ I replied.” She leans forward a bit over the table, softly lowering her voice to a hushed whisper. “‘Touch yourself for me.’”
Nora giggles. “Saw that coming.”
Melanie raises a hand to silence her. “But then...” Her lips curl. “‘Where?’ I asked. ‘… You know where.’”
I take a sip from my mimosa, secretly rolling my eyes. “And let me guess, you did?”
“Oh, I totally did,” Melanie says, setting her phone down. “Anyway, it goes on like that for a while.”
I slide my phone from my pocket. “Has he told you his name yet?” I ask, swiping my messages open.
“No, but I haven’t asked,” she says. She picks up her glass and waits for her smile to relax before taking a sip. “The mystery is part of the fun.”
I quickly tap out a text message to Robbie.
Wuss.
“I’m so excited for you, Mel,” Nora says. “And Trix. This is the first time in a long time that we’re all so hap—”
“Shhhh!” Melanie throws up her hands. “Don’t jinx it.”
“Well, I just mean—”
“No, she’s right,” I say. “The last thing we should be doing is talking about how great things are. That’s step one of every disaster.”
“Oh, come on,” Nora whines, smiling wide. “Can’t we just—”
“No,” Melanie and I say in unison.
“Okay, fine.” Nora picks up her glass. “I’ll just sit here, silently celebrating.”
My phone vibrates. I turn the screen up to check it.
What’s she saying?
Tell her and I’ll tell you, I reply.
Nah, he says.
As I shift to put my phone back in my pocket, it vibrates even harder with a call. For a second, I praise Robbie for possibly coming to his senses but a now-familiar number stares back at me instead.
I sigh as I answer it and listen to the robotic, automated voice.
“An inmate from Cook County Jail is attempting to contact you. Would you like to accept the charges?”
“No, thank you,” I say.
I hang up and drop my phone away.
“Him again, huh?” Nora asks, her smile going soft.
“Yeah.”
Melanie frowns. “How many times has he called now?”
“Oh, about twice a day for the last three days,” I answer. “I figure I still have about eight more no, thank yous left until he starts to take the hint and then about dozen more calls after that before I have to change my number — but please,” I force a smile, “do not let my family bullshit take away from this circle-jerk we’re having. Okay?”
“Have you heard from your brothers?” Nora asks.
“My brothers are not included in this circle-jerk,” I say. “And... kind of. A few calls here, a few texts there, but I haven’t answered them. I’m not in the mood for a lecture right now after the one I got from Ma.”
They go quiet for a moment as Roger appears beside us to gather our empty glasses.
“You’re doing the right thing, Trix,” Melanie says as he leaves. “You know I love your grandmother but what she told you to do was some messed-up shit.”
“I agree,” Nora says with a nod.
Somehow, I smile. “Lance, though,” I say.
They swoon with me.
“I know I don’t say it often,” Melanie says, “but I was wrong about him.”
“He’s just been... so wonderful,” I say. “Just when I think everything’s gone to shit, I turn around and there he is. The ultimate safety blanket.”
Nora sighs. “Just like Clive. There’s nothing better than getting all wrapped up in those big, manly arms.”
I nod. “Lance isn’t as ripped as Daddy is but he’s got the big, stiff cock of the law on his side and I know I don’t say this often, but my god, lawyers are sexy.”
Her shoulders bounce. “Who knew?”
Melanie chews on her lip. “I wonder if my guy is a lawyer...” she muses. “He certainly talks like one — but not like a real one. Like one of those over-exaggerated, witty, TV lawyers.”
I chuckle. “You should ask him.”
She straightens up and reaches for her phone. “Maybe I will.”
I finish off my drink as she taps away with her thumbs. “I’m going over to his place again tonight,” I say.
Nora leans forward. “Is he cooking for you again?”
“No,” I say. “Actually, we’re ordering some pizzas and hanging out with his daughter, Haley.”
“Wow, really? Already?”
“Apparently, Sundays are movie night with them and she invited me to tag along this week.”
“Aww.” She shakes with excitement. “That’s so cute!”
“I know, right?” I reach for a fresh mimosa. “I’m thankful for it, to be honest. This is the first Sunday in... well, ever, that I’m skipping Sunday night dinner at Ma’s.”
Melanie looks up from her phone. “Oh, yeah. That’s right. I almost forgot about those.”
“I’m really looking forward to going over to Lance’s, shutting off my phone, and just...” I exhale softly. “I don’t know. Not being Beatrix Argento for a while? Does that makes sense?”
Nora nods. “Totally.”
Melanie’s phone chimes and she quickly turns it up. She laughs instantly.
“What’d he say?” I ask.
“‘I’m whatever you want me to be, baby,’” she reads, still chuckling.
I shake my head. Classic Robbie.
Nora squeals. “We’re all so hap—!”
We glare at her and she stops.
“Fine, whatever,” she mutters. “I won’t say it.”
I raise my glass for a sip and look around the table at my friends over the rim. Nora’s not allowed to say it but we’re all sure as hell thinking it.
We’re happy.
Thirty-Four
Trix
On the rare occasion the Argento family has a movie night, there are very strict rules to be followed.
First, don’t prop your feet up on the table. Ma hates that. Also, use a coaster, you filthy savage.
Second, no talking. Your basic laughter or gasp is a-okay. Just don’t over-do it. You’ll ruin the magic.
Third, no food allowed in the living room. Exceptions can be made
for popcorn but so help you if Ma finds one kernel on the floor the next morning.
Because of these rules, I grew up believing that cinema-viewing was a sacred experience, not unlike going to church in many ways.
Movie night at the Tyler house, on the other hand, is an epic free-for-all.
And I’m loving every second of it.
Lance drops his head back on the couch. “This is so—”
Haley throws up her hands. “Shh!”
“—unrealistic,” he continues a little louder.
“Shut up!” she says.
“There’s no way that’s possible.”
“Yes, it is.”
“No, it’s not.”
“It’s a movie! You’re supposed to suspend your disbelief!”
“Hal, if I were to suspend my disbelief anymore, my brain would explode.”
“As long as it takes out your left frontal lobe and disables your ability to complain, I’m cool with it.”
I cover my mouth, suppressing the laugh building in my throat.
Lance looks over at me beside him. “What?” he asks.
“Nothing,” I say, holding my breath.
“Don’t tell me you’re enjoying this. Please, Trix.”
Haley whips her head in our direction from the armchair next to the couch. “Dad, this movie is a classic.”
“Yeah, classic garbage. Trix—” He stares harder at me. “Back me up here.”
“I…” I look between them, hesitating. “I kinda like it?”
Haley throws up a mighty fist. “Yes!”
Lance’s jaw drops. “Oh, come on!”
“It’s funny!” I say, gesturing at the TV. “If you don’t take it so seriously, you’d like it, too.”
“Thank you.” Haley grins. “I’ve been telling him that exact thing for years.”
He crosses his arms in defiance. “I’d rather die.”
Haley looks at the screen as the credits appear. “Crap! It’s over and we missed the ending.”
“Thank god,” Lance says.
“Wait, rewind it.”
She leans toward the coffee table for the remote but Lance snatches it before she can get it.
“No,” he says. “I cannot — and will not — endure another minute. Next week, I get to choose the movie.”
Haley rolls her eyes so far back her irises disappear. “Well, I hope you like Marvel movies, Trix, because that’s all he chooses.”
I shrug. “I’m more of a DC gal myself.”
Lance opens his hands to the ceiling. “Why, God? What did I do?”
Haley laughs as she rolls off her chair. “Anyway... I’m gonna go to bed. I have a class in the morning.”
“Goodnight, honey,” Lance says.
“Yeah, goodnight, Haley,” I say.
She pauses by his side of the couch but looks at me. “You should come again next week,” she says.
I smile. “Sure. If you want.”
Her eyes land on her dad. “It’ll definitely keep me from falling asleep from boredom,” she quips.
Lance shakes his head, his stare locked on the TV.
As she continues on she slaps his shoulder, the most adorable sign of daughterly affection I’ve ever seen. He takes it with a smile, completely used to it.
“Come on, Layla,” she says, snapping her fingers twice as she climbs the stairs.
The dog rushes out from beneath the coffee table and hurries to follow her.
I look behind me and wait for them to disappear.
“What?” Lance asks, studying my face.
I realize I’m still grinning. “Nothing. You two are so cute, that’s all.”
“Eh, it happens when all you have is each other.”
I shift forward to slide my shoes back on. “Thanks for inviting me. This was fun.”
He frowns with amusement. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I figured—”
Lance grabs me and pulls me into his lap. He tries to kiss me but I laugh and turn away to block his lips.
“We shouldn’t do this here...” I say.
“Trust me, she’s not coming back down.”
“Still...” I wince. “It’s kind of awkward.”
“I’m not gonna pile-drive you or anything,” he jokes, leaning in. “I’ve just been looking at you for three solid hours without kissing you and that’s considered torture according to multiple international peace treaties.”
I snort. “Oh, really?”
“Yeah, come here.”
I give in and kiss him. He relaxes his possessive grip on me and lightly cups my face instead, instantly turning my body to jelly.
“See?” he whispers, our lips grazing. “Just... a quiet,... little... kiss...”
I sink deeper into it, parting my lips for his gentle tongue. Hairs stick up on the back of my neck with each tiny sound of the house settling or a car passing by outside. Suddenly, I’m sixteen again, making out with a cute boy with one ear on the stairs just in case Ma wakes up.
And just like that, my guts give. Ma. I really thought she’d take my side once she heard what Marcus tried to do…
“You okay?” Lance asks, sensing my shift.
I nod. “Yeah. I’m just…”
He lightly brushes my lips with his. “Just…?”
I tilt back. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“You’ve said that already.”
“I mean it, though,” I say, glancing again toward the stairs. “You two have something really special together. Getting to be a part of it is pretty nice.”
He nods. “Well, you’re welcome here. And not just on movie night.”
My smile deepens. “Thank you.”
Lance leaves one more soft kiss on my lips. “Night’s still young-ish,” he says, gesturing at the TV. “Want to throw on another movie and not watch it?”
I chuckle. “Yes, please.”
He hands me the remote. “I’m gonna hit the bathroom. Find something boring.”
“All right.”
He slides me off his lap and walks down the hall.
I lean back on the couch and tap through the movie listings in search of decent background noise but the titles rush by in a blur.
A light vibration shakes the cushion beside me. I look down to see the faint screen of Lance’s phone barely hanging out of the crevice between the cushions. I grab it before it gets lost, ready to set it down on the table instead but my name catches my eye.
I turn an ear and listen for Lance before swiping it open.
Argento lead: Forget the money. Follow the crime rate.
It’s an email from some guy named Max.
Max... Oh, that’s right. I remember my brothers complaining about him at dinner a few weeks back. Some old associate of Alonso’s lawyer in California who walked away from the case.
“What are you doing?”
I jolt and turn my head up to see Haley standing behind the couch.
“Uh...” I drop Lance’s phone on the coffee table. “Nothing.”
She takes a cautious step forward. “Are you going through my dad’s phone?”
“No.” I shake my head. “No. No, I was just...” I deflate as her expression shifts. “Okay, kid. What’s it gonna take to get you to walk out of here and forget you saw this?”
“Seriously?” she asks. “You want me to lie to him?”
“Oh, come on. What’s one more?”
She stares at me, playing dumb.
I smile. “Don’t play coy with me. We both know you didn’t just get up early the other day to go study after your night of—” I throw up air quotes, “—studying.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she says.
I lean forward. “You just got home after a night of partying.”
“No, I didn’t,” she argues.
“Your eyes were bloodshot, you had a fresh layer of dry shampoo in your hair, and you were chewing cinnamon-flavored gum.”
“So?”<
br />
“Honey, nobody chews cinnamon gum at six in the morning unless they’ve got something to hide.” I point to myself. “I invented that. Behold, your future.”
Haley exhales hard and cranes her neck to look down the hall. “Okay, fine. Just... please don’t tell my dad.”
“I’m not gonna tell him anything, sweetie.” I cock my head. “So long as you...”
“Keep my mouth shut about the phone.” She nods. “Got it.”
I wave her off. “Bye-bye.”
She starts to rush away but pauses. “Hey, what shade of lipstick is that?” she asks slowly.
I reach for my purse on the floor and quickly fish it out. “Stay in your room the rest of the night and I’ll let you keep the damn tube.”
She snatches it from my hand, grinning happily. “Goodnight, Trix.”
I wink as she runs off up the stairs. “Goodnight, Haley.”
I pick up Lance’s phone again, eager to dive back into that email when I hear his stride coming down the hall. I quickly mark the email as unread before dropping the phone back on his side of the couch.
“Did I hear Haley?” he asks as he walks in.
“Yeah, she just popped in for some water,” I say, smiling on the inside. “She’s a cool kid.”
He sits down with a nod. “The coolest.”
I lean into his shoulder and watch out of the corner of my eyes as he lifts his phone. He turns the screen on and turns it off just as fast before sliding it into his pocket.
“Something wrong?” I ask.
“No, just a work email. I’ll check it in the morning.”
“Good...” I turn to straddle his lap. “No phones on movie night.”
He laughs against my mouth. “Yeah, you’re gonna fit right in here.”
“I hope so.”
I kiss him hard as his hands settle on my hips.
“Did you find a movie?” he asks.
“Forget the movie,” I say. “Take me upstairs.”
He sighs, feigning reluctance, as he pushes off the couch with his arms wrapped tight around me. “If you insist...” he groans.
I laugh with his lips pressed against mine.
Thirty-Five
Lance
The alarm on my phone goes off. I almost reach out, hit snooze, and ignore it until it goes off again like any other morning but this time feels different. I turn it off, leave it on my bedside table, and roll back over to wrap my arm around Trix as she stirs awake.