He scoops her up from the floor and heads to the door without looking back. I hear her complaining about being able to walk and not being a fragile doll, but he only presses her tighter to him. So romantic. I want to throw rose petals behind them while cherubim sing some celestial tune. Envy strikes the base of my skull, but I push it away.
With each step I take toward the exit of the holding cells, I fear that my life might be over. Shit, I really I fucked up this time. Norah Stinson made me promise so much. Trying to keep those promises is always bringing me down. Now her ex, Tyler Stinson, has my future in his hands. Shit.
“I warned you, not once, but several times.” He cleaned the blood dripping from his nose. “You ran out of luck, prick. No one will be able to get you out of this one.”
He smirked while pointing at his swollen eye. The pain didn’t matter. He’d finally won, and I’d let him. Those fucking words he lashed at me blinded my common sense, and I punched him hard while Hunter screamed for me to leave his father alone. I scared the boy and I can’t forgive myself for doing so. The boy, who doesn’t even know who the hell I am anymore and cried because I’d hit his father.
I tried, Norah. Fuck, why do I keep screwing this up?
The officer I follow opens the door and points to a tinted glass wall with a counter and a hole. “Pick up your belongings and you can head out.”
“Watch, cell phone, wallet, bracelet, earring, and car keys.” The officer hands me a clipboard with a form where I agree that my belongings were returned without damage.
“Decker, let’s go, now.” Her words are like a cold, sharp, knife that travels down through my spine. Not her. God let it be anyone but her. Not like this. “AJ’s at the hospital, and it’s not looking good, according to Matthew.”
I slam a hand on my forehead because this fucking day can’t get any worse…unless I lose my sister. Bradley asked me not to do anything stupid for the next few weeks because my sister needed me. Instead, I made the biggest mistake of my entire life. All in the name of trying to repair it. It takes me a few seconds to control my shallow breathing, and to control my overwhelming fear of losing my sister.
I shove my phone and leather bracelet inside my pocket. I stare at my earring, debating on what to do with it. I decide to put it back in. The stupid officer made me take off everything just for the sake of it, and I did before pushing myself deeper into the hole I’m in.
“Now.” The bitterness in that one word crushes against my chest. “I’ll be outside waiting for you.”
I lift my gaze and watch her sway her hips toward the door. Her waist is slimmer, her butt firmer, and her hair shorter. My pants shrink and I want to take her right now. Not a good time for that teenage lust I have for that woman to appear. For all I know, she’s aware of the entire situation and thinks it’s true. I look around the parking lot and find Mason’s Bugatti. His thirtieth birthday present from his father.
“I should be driving this.” I slide into the car.
“Aggravated assault, harassment, you violated a restraining order, and they’re accusing you of spying on Hunter Stinson, among other boys; calling you a pedophile.” She starts the car and presses the gas pedal several times. “Do you understand the implications of all that shit?”
I rub my face while nodding.
“These charges are a big deal.” I’m aware of all that, which is why I tried not to ever do any stupid shit. “You’ll have a record. A child molester, nonetheless? Do you know you’re going to have to register in any county you live in? That you’re going to have to stay away from children?” She gives me a quick glance and shakes her head before she continues driving. “Jacob, it means you can’t be around the music school, maybe even be close to AJ’s baby.”
I punch the dashboard because I’m not in the fucking mood to discuss what’s going on with my life or what’ll happen if I can’t fix this shit. My sister is in the hospital and I have that fucking feeling something isn’t right.
“I can find the best lawyers, but I won’t.” She parks right in front of the valet parking at the medical center. “Unless you tell me what the hell happened and convince me that what Tyler Stinson is saying is a bunch of lies.”
Pria climbs out of the car, hands over the keys to the valet guy, and rushes through the hospital doors without waiting for me. We make our way to the elevator just as the doors are opening. Pria pokes the number three, her eyes avoiding mine. The resentment in her heart is squeezing mine. Days like today, I condemn the day I met Norah Stinson. Ever since Pria re-entered my life, I doubt the validity of what I had with Norah. All these consuming promises have been killing me slowly.
As the elevator doors open, I spot my family. Matthew and my parents are speaking with the doctor. Once my brother spots me, he points at me and marches right by.
“They need blood for AJ.” My blood drains to my feet. “Are you sober?”
Of course, the first thought that comes to his head is that I’m wasted. He hasn’t been around on a daily basis to realize that I’ve been sober. Ever since I swore to stay clean for my family.
“Is my sister okay?” I direct my question toward the doctor.
“We’ve been able to stop the contractions,” the doctor responds. “Her husband will be able to give you more details.”
“The blood?”
“In case your sister needs a blood transfusion.” He checks her chart. “AB negative is a rare blood type and I want to have enough in storage. Your brother already donated a pint.”
I nod and the doctor asks me to follow him, but as I do, Chris stops me. “We’ll talk, Jacob. You have our support—unless you did any of those things.”
Oh great. Now Pops doubts me too. Fuck.
AJ lies on her side, the IV tube taped to the back of her hand, cables, which I believe are attached to her belly, going under the blankets. There are two different monitors with lines going up and down.
“Baby’s and mine.” AJ points at them. “Everyone has the same worried expression across their face as they enter the room and ask the same question of what the hell are all those cables and monitors? Now, I say it as an ice-breaker, because facing those dreadful faces and the ‘I have no idea what to say’ doesn’t work for me.” Her hand wanders over her body. “Yes, this is messed up, not ideal, but the doctors know what they’re doing. Like my parents said. My brothers and I lived even when we were born at twenty-eight weeks almost thirty years ago. At thirty-four weeks, and with today’s medical advances, the baby will be out of the incubator in a week or two. Now, tell me something fun.”
I chuckle, because she’s the one in the hospital bed, yet she’s the one making everyone feel better about her condition.
“You want something fun?” The gruff voice comes from the doorway. I look toward it and find Mason’s mouth curving into a tender smile as he speaks to his wife. “Let the woman go. I’ll entertain you for the night, Nine.”
“Oh, Ten. Since you knocked me up, you haven’t entertained me the way you used to, so don’t go making promises you can’t keep,” AJ retorts with a teasing laughter, her eyes shining. “At least change your contacts for those hot frames. A girl can swoon while watching her favorite superhero transform into a regular citizen.”
Dorks.
“Before things heat up between the two of you, I’m leaving.” I kiss her cheek and squeeze her hand. “I’ll be here tomorrow, babe.”
We say our goodbyes, and they both promise they’ll call if anything changes. Stepping out of the room I weigh my options for the night. There’s a huge difference between staying with my best friend and staying at my friend’s house while she’s in the hospital. Looking at black speckles of the linoleum, I ponder if heading to a hotel would be the smartest solution to my housing issue. However, my thought disappears when I spot Jacob at the end of the hallway. He leans against the wall, arms crossed, and chin pressed
against his body. He looks so sad and worried.
His hair is the same length as when I cut it a few months ago. It touches his chin, but it’s still long enough to cover that Greek profile that makes every woman on the planet wet. To anyone hanging around, he appears distracted and looks to be studying the perfectly clean floor, counting the dots as I did. However, my body senses his powerful gaze.
“Ready to go?” At a lack of ability to answer with coherent words, I shake my head. At night, my mouth usually has no will power when it comes to Jacob Decker. Ever since I met him, I’ve agreed to whatever he’s suggested, which in the long run translates to pure pain for me. No more. “My parents offered their home. You can stay at the Bradley’s, but I’d rather take you home with me. I hate that you believe the charges against me are real. Please give me a chance to explain.”
He lifts his face and I stare into those agonizing eyes.
“What’s the deal with the restraining order?” The business-like posture only lasts a couple of seconds before his expression turns into a voiceless misery.
“Remember I mentioned that Norah had a child?” I stare, waiting for more. Of course, Norah’s kid that became his son. Although I never saw any paperwork that made that legal, so perhaps it never was. The only child he’ll ever have. “After she died, I fought Tyler Stinson—Hunter’s dad—for custody of his son. It’s one of the things she asked me to do. After a year of fighting them, they served me with a restraining order. That didn’t stop me from delivering the letters she left for him… One for each milestone. I promised her.”
I bite my lips because I’m starting to hate that woman, and it’s wrong to have such strong, negative feelings about the dead.
“I thought that going to apologize for being an idiot erased that order.” He scratches his brow. “The truth is that I wasn’t thinking at all, and acted out before consulting anyone. When Tyler Stinson spotted me, he confronted me. I tried to walk away, but he called my parents fags. He insinuated that my interest in his son was to molest him because I was just like my fathers—a gay-pedophile. I lost it. No one fucks with my family.”
I read the police report Jody sent me. He hit the police officer. Tyler Stinson had to be transported to the hospital because Jacob slammed his head against the garage door a few times. All provoked. He’s right; Jacob doesn’t tolerate anyone talking about his family.
“I’m trying to tie up some loose ends, make things right.” He reaches for my hand but I yank it away from him. “Twinkle?”
I clear my throat and try to reign in my composure. “That’s an easy fix, then. Tomorrow I’ll make the calls and prepare a news release in case we need it.” I smooth my skirt, working hard not to break down. “Since the shower’s not going to happen, I’ll head to Cali with Mae. I’m heading to a hotel. That’s best.”
“Twinkle, I’m doing all this for you.” My mouth takes an unpleasant twist, my head shakes, and I move toward the elevator. “Pria, you have to believe me.”
“We’re over, Jacob.” I convey this in the simplest way possible while continuing my way toward the exit.
“Twinkle, don’t leave me,” he says in such a pained expression that I barely recognize his tone.
“Jacob.” I gather my strength. “I love you, but I have to love myself more. I want to be a selfish person and find someone that loves me. Not a ghost. I’m done pleasing everyone to get a smidge of love. That’s what happened with my parents and that’s what happened during that ridiculous relationship we had.” I storm off without giving him a second glance.
Matthew and I arrive at AJ’s room, where my entire family gathers. Mason, Gabe, and Chris discuss something in the corner of the room while Pria talks with AJ. Arthur Bradley and his wife lean against the wall, both watching everyone. There’s an old lady sitting on a plastic chair. I recognize her as Mason’s grandmother.
“Are we late for the party?” I break the whispers around the room.
“You made it.” AJ blows out some air. “My C-section is happening soon; they’re taking me away in ten minutes. Where have you been?”
They called us—woke us up—thirty minutes ago. As the doctor decided it was best to perform a C-section than medicating AJ for three weeks to stop the contractions.
“Preparing to make a big entrance, babe.” Matthew walks over to her bed and slides Pria to the side. “It’s triplet time, people; everyone out.”
“You’re kidding?” Pria frowns.
“He’s not, Pria. We do need a few moments with her.” I look at AJ to confirm; she nods and looks to Mason.
“We’ll be outside, Nine.” Mason ushers everyone out. One by one, they step toward AJ’s bed, mumble some words I can’t hear, and leave.
The last ones are my parents who fuss over my sister. “Everything is going to work out, baby girl.” Gabe hugs her one more time and steps aside.
“I know, Daddy.”
“I love you, sweetheart.” Chris hugs her close. “Remember what we talked about”
They both step outside the room. Mason gifts us with one of those glares that makes me want to run away, but leaves too.
“Riding on your bike without a helmet?” AJ’s chiding tone is not what I expected. “Drunk in the cemetery. What have you been doing? You promised. All these years you’ve been acting like a suicidal jerk.”
“Who told you? That husband of yours?” She nods. “This will sound like a weak response, but I stopped all that shit.”
“You were in jail yesterday. That’s not stopping.” Matthew’s smirk and her angry pout drag a chuckle out of me. “This isn’t funny, and why was I never informed about this kid?”
“AJ, it was years ago, and for your information, I was trying to fix the mess I made. Now, can we concentrate on you for now?” She nods. “Or is this you trying to push away your own worries by focusing on mine?” AJ delivers another nod. “Baby, you’re going to be fine. Matthew and I will be here to protect you, like we always do. We’ll protect the baby too.”
“Nothing is going to happen, Ainsy,” Matthew reassures her. “Even the cockroach is still around.” He points at me. “If you heard about all his stunts, you’d believe me, but I won’t list them today—or ever. I like my face the way it is.”
AJ laughs, the moisture in her eyes gone. I hate hospitals, and having her here isn’t ideal, but this is what she wants.
“While I’m recovering, can you keep an eye on the baby?”
“Hell yes,” Matthew and I respond at the same time.
“Time’s up, Nine.” Mason steps in and AJ closes her eyes for one second and nods.
My sister is usually so strong. It’s so hard to see her feeling unsure, nervous.
“You’ll be fine, AJ. You can’t leave us. Don’t leave me.” I hug her tight. “I love you, baby.”
She hugs me back without a word, tears streaming down her cheeks.
I pace back and forth while waiting for some news, any news about my sister. When a group of nurses come into the waiting room, my stomach drops to the floor. Matthew’s eyes widen and we both rush to where they stop to talk to our parents. Holding hands, we wait for them to speak.
“They’re ready, one next to each other,” one of the nurses informs my parents. “The wing is closed and the equipment is set. We need to have the list of visitors.”
“That’s adorable,” Pria comments at our hand-holding. Matthew and I release each other’s hands. “AJ’s fine. Usually a C-section takes longer than ten minutes. They have to prep her for surgery and…give it an hour. She’ll be fine.”
When the nurses finish talking with our parents, we find out that they had splurged their money and rented two suites. One where they created a NICU for the baby, and the other next to it will be my sister’s room. A request they made when AJ announced her pregnancy. It was almost ready last week when my sister began with the contracti
ons, and they put the last touches on them during the night.
“You two are full of drama,” Gabe tells us the moment the nurses leave. “I don’t think I’ll survive this display four more times.”
“She’s really having more?” Chris nods responding my question. “Someone has to stop her.”
“AJ’s had a healthy pregnancy; maybe you should stop worrying about her and start thinking about fixing your future.” Chris paces back and forth then stops in front of me. “I told you to leave that kid alone. He isn’t yours. That woman created the perfect storm, Jacob.”
“Father, don’t talk about Norah like that.” I raise my voice, what happened years ago is in the past. Why bring it back. “She’s dead.”
“She should’ve told you about it when she met you.” Chris matches my voice. “The woman knew better. You were a kid. She was almost ten years older than you—she was twenty-nine when you met her. After she died, Gabe and I spoke to her ex-husband, the man she freed once she realized she was going to die.”
What the fuck?
“I’m not going to talk about this.” I get in his face.
“Stop being that stupid kid. Grow up and listen for once to what I’ve been trying to tell you all these years.” The angry expression in Chris’ eyes is something I have rarely seen. His face is a crimson color that scares me. “Norah’s condition was diagnosed two years after her son was born. She wanted her husband to move on, and that’s why they divorced. She never had full custody, son. She wasn’t well enough. The guy is happy, has a new family, while you, the kid trapped in the storm, is still mourning for something he never really had.”
“She didn’t love you the way you think, son.” He tries to touch my shoulder but I take a step backward. “You were that last fantasy she had, and I’m sure you made her happy. I bet she had no idea that you’d be loyal to a fault. Find closure, kid. Start by fixing the mess you created last night.”
Uncharted (Unexpected Book 3) Page 32