Chapter Fifteen-Francesca
I was keeping the secret that I was going out, but not on a date, with Cade on Friday to myself. I could get in a ton of trouble at work, not to mention Daphne would have a field day with it. The week was passing quickly, it was already Wednesday, and the closer I got to the outing, the more nervous I got. Cade saved me after our girl’s night...though I didn’t need him to, I was ecstatic he did. He’d only come back into my life a little over a week ago, and yet everything had been turned upside down.
I parked my car in the spot closest to the cart return. The light seemed to shine more brightly there, so I always felt safer after daylight hours. The walk in was quick, I sped up to ensure I got in securely. I couldn’t tell anyone why, but the dark scared me. A lot. It was an irrational fear. One I wasn’t proud of.
Grabbing the closest cart, I slung my bag in and examined my list. My pen was poised, ready to check items off as I got them. I wasn’t really paying attention or I think I would have recognized her. Sensed her. Something. Whether it be work, Cade, or the shopping at hand, I was distracted.
Jade Smithson sashayed up, her glaring green eyes squinted as her eyes took me in. Her hair was up, her clothes as trashy as ever. She was the type that had to have her boobs hanging out every day. And I mean, hanging out. I’m pretty sure that her outfits could make a prostitute blush. Her lips were painted a bright shade of pink, her eyes a bright green shadow adorning her lids. She reminded me of a clown.
“Why if it isn’t the slut, Francesca Taymon,” she cackled, her voice like nails on a chalkboard. Being here in front of her reminded me of the time she cornered me after school.
7 Years Prior-August
It was hot. The kind of hot that made your skin stick to everything and your clothes feel like they needed to be spun through the washer one more time. I was driving around, all the windows down, and the air on high. A little counterproductive, now that I thought about it.
I didn’t see her old, white beat up truck get on the road behind me until it was too late. School had ended not twenty minutes before. People were still all around town, talking, laughing, and hanging out. Jade wasn’t in school anymore, she had supposedly graduated the year before. It was still a little difficult for me to believe considering she never showed up and when she did, she was sneaking around with some boy or another while ditching class. Being the hopeless case she was she still came to hang out on school grounds after hours. Pathetic, I know.
The consistent honking jarred me from my concentration. Glancing in the rear view mirror, I saw her hag-like face conforming into awful expressions and mouthing words I couldn’t understand. My heartbeat quickened. Jade was crazy, it was well known, and her following me down the road couldn’t be a good sign. Sighing when I saw the school parking lot come into view, I made the hasty decision to pull in and have witnesses for whatever was about to happen. I parked near other vehicles, seeing the football team running around on the baseball field. My school was odd, the football players worked out there instead of their own field.
A door slammed behind me, an unladylike voice increasingly rising as it drew closer. The working out ceased. The kids hanging out and talking all stopped. It seemed all eyes were on me and Jade. She gripped the window seal, bending to get eye level.
“What the hell, you little whore! You stay away from my man!” she screamed, spitting on my face.
I saw Cason, Cade’s little brother, inching off the field towards us. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stated as calmly as I could while swiping the spit off of me.
“Like hell you don’t. I know all about your little date with him. He’s mine! Stay away or you will be very, very sorry. He doesn’t like you anyway. He was just drunk and we were fighting. He loves me, little girl. You think you’re woman enough for a man like Cade? Think again,” she ranted. Her voice was screechy and ugly. How could Cade stand her?
“I don’t want him, don’t worry,” I told her, moving the gearshift to reverse. I backed the car out, not even looking to see if anyone was behind me. She jumped back seconds before I ran over her feet. I hid my tears until I got home, but then they fell freely. The slutty girlfriend was right. I wasn’t enough for Cade. And the fact that he was still with her was more than enough proof.
Present Day
“Jade,” I spat out, my voice full of hatred.
She looked me over, smirking like she knew a secret I didn’t. “Seen our boy Cade lately? He still calls me up, ya know,” she leaned forward, like she was letting me on this secret, “he likes the things I do to him.”
I don’t know if it was because she was so close to me, the stress I was under, or the thought of Cade putting his hands on her body, but anger took over. My fist clenched and before I knew what I was doing, it collided with her nose. I heard a crack and her eyes widened. She gripped her face, groaning slightly, before anger got the best of her.
“You bitch!” she screamed, lunging for me.
I flung my hands out to protect myself from her, but she was too quick. Her small hands pulled and squeezed my hair, turning my head every which way. I kicked my leg out, desperate for her to let go. I could hear people shouting at us to stop, but I didn’t care. This was my chance to get back at her for what she did all those years ago, and I was taking it.
“You’re the bitch,” I grunted out, finally getting her to release my hair by squeezing her wrists until she had to let go. I kicked her knee hard enough to make her fall, then once again for good measure. Her nose was smeared with blood, but I didn’t think I broke it. She peered up at me helplessly and for a split second I felt bad for her. But that feeling was fleeting. I couldn’t celebrate my victory for long, because just then, the cops strolled in.
###
I’d never been in a jail cell, or a fight for that matter. Both of those things changed tonight. The cot was hard, rough, and gross. Jade sat on the other side, glaring at me like she was contemplating going for round two. I prayed she didn’t. I doubted I’d win again. I heard footsteps coming closer, so I stood up, straight and proud. The policeman, Officer Max Rogers, stepped forward, his eyes widening at the sight of me.
“Francesca Taymon? Lawyer at J & B Firm?” he questioned, sounding astonished.
“The one and only,” I said, giving my best smile and a little spin. I always expected Max thought I was pretty or something, because he usually flirted.
“Well, what the heck are you doing in there?” he gasped, reaching for his keys.
“There was a little altercation...she provoked me, I lost my temper. It was a mistake, won’t happen again,” I explained, not looking at Jade at any point.
“Hey, I want to press charges!” she exclaimed, jumping to her feet.
Max raised his brows, giving us both a once over. “Alright, ladies. You two need to discuss this. I’ll give you a few minutes,” he said, gently smiling at me as he walked away.
I turned quickly, cornering Jade against the cot. “Listen, I didn’t press charges the time you threatened me in the school parking lot, or all those times I saw you drive by my house. So just drop it, ok? I’m a lawyer and you won’t win anything. The most I’d get is a few hours community service, but let’s face it, I know all the judges and cops in this town and you are trouble. Always have been. This is not in your best interest.” I glared at her, not even blinking.
Her eyes were wide and I saw fear in them. She sat down, “I was always jealous. He never loved me,” she whispered.
“I’m not talking about Cade. Are you pressing charges?” I inquired.
She stared up at me, then shook her head. “No.”
“Ok.” I spun on my heel, “Max!” I called.
He reappeared, a smirk on his face, and unlocked the cell. “You two are free to go.”
“Thanks, Max,” I smiled sweetly, patting his arm.
“Yeah, thanks, Max,” Jade cooed behind me.
He recoiled from her touch, taking large steps backw
ards. “Good evening, ma’am. I’ll see you in a moment, Francesca.” He nodded his head to us both, then escorted Jade out.
Crossing my arms, I leaned against the bars and waited. My stupidity meter was on overload the past week or so. I punched Jade Smithson. I grinned...I punched Jade Smithson. Daphne would flip her lid before she threw me a congratulatory party. I was giggling to myself when Max walked up with an amused grin on his face.
“Don’t start talking to yourself, there, Francesca. I don’t wanna call the loony bin on you,” he chuckled.
“Ha. Ha. Max, you’re hilarious. Can you give me a ride to my car?” I asked.
“I was planning on it. That’s why I got that hooker looking girl out of here, so we wouldn’t have to deal with her,” he confessed.
I almost snorted. “She does look like a hooker. Acts like one too,” I agreed. “Let’s go,” I said, linking my elbow with his offered one.
He smiled, patted my hand, leaned in, saying, “You did good. She’s gonna have a black eye.”
I tried to hide the smile, but it was hard to contain. As bad as it was, I was proud of myself.
Chapter Sixteen-Cade
My date that Francesca wasn’t calling a date was in less than twenty four hours. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. My stomach was a constant knot, my palms eternally sweaty. Pops hadn’t called me since yesterday, but I couldn’t tell you if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Cason still hadn’t returned my keys, but I suspected once I explained to him my plans for tomorrow, he would oblige for the greater good.
I hoped anyways.
I downed the last of my beer an hour ago, and I only had a bottle of Whiskey and a bottle of JD left. The liquid burned on the way down, but it calmed me all over. Planning out and reliving all of mine and Francesca’s important moments was a big deal. It could make or break me. I didn’t want to scare her, or make her sad, but I had to let her know how important she was to me. She deserved better than me, I was the first to admit it, but she also deserved to know how much of my heart she held captive. To know how her eyes could peer at me and see my soul. How her touch lit me on fire, and yet I wanted to endure it forever. How her voice was like angels singing a song only I could hear. And how seeing her face made me want to puke, make love to her, and run all at the same time.
I continued drinking, watching some dumb movie on television while I sprawled out on the couch. After it ended, or the bottled emptied, I couldn’t remember, I called Cason. He hated excuses, but he loved Francesca, so I was praying for success. His phone rang and rang, making me wonder if he was ignoring me when I heard him mumble a greeting.
“Cason, I’m sorry ok?” I started.
“Have you been drinking, Cade?” he questioned.
“Cason....”
“Don’t, ok? It doesn’t matter what you say, you aren’t getting your keys back. And I went and got your spare from Dad, so don’t even think of calling Mom,” he argued.
“I’m taking Francesca out tomorrow, Cason. Dammit, I can’t make her drive. And I already promised her I wouldn’t be drinking, so come on. Lighten up,” I pleaded. Not that I wanted to, it was a must at this point.
“No,” he said frankly.
“Damn you,” I hissed, ending the call before he could reply. The old motorcycle in the garage at home was my only hope. It hadn’t been ridden in a couple of years, and I had no idea if Francesca would get on it, but I didn’t see any other option at this point. Gaining my courage, I dialed Mom.
###
Sneaking around with my mother at 2 a.m. wasn’t something I ever anticipated I’d be doing. Ever. She quickly agreed to help me get the bike off the property, but we had to be stealthy. Pops was on the lookout after Cason’s warning, so we waited. And waited until he fell asleep. Who knew my mom was so secretive. It made me wonder how many times she hid things from Pops, but I wasn’t curious enough to actually ask.
“Tell me again about your plans,” she sighed.
“Mom, come on. I told you twice already,” I groaned. She wanted Francesca to be the daughter she didn’t have. And she was adamant I get things rolling quickly.
“It’s just so romantic. You love her,” she stated.
I hadn’t told her that at any time in my life. I did love her, but no one knew. It wasn’t something I was comfortable sharing with others. “Don’t put words in my mouth, Mom.”
“I didn’t. Your eyes gave you away,” she said, slowing the car and shutting the headlights off.
“What are you doing?” I questioned.
“We have to walk from here,” she explained, dead serious.
“What? Why?” I turned quickly, confused about what was happening.
“Listen, Cade, you’re old enough to know this. Derek doesn’t like it when I help you. He says I baby you, so I go behind his back quite often to help you out of your problems,” she told me, turning to face me. “He’s threatened to leave me, Cade, because I help you when you drink. I don’t want a divorce, so we’re sneaking. Either we walk from here or you’re on your own,” she stated.
I was shocked. I couldn’t believe she just told me that. “Mom, I’m sorry....” I wrapped my arm around her, realizing just how much my mother did for me.
“Just...Cade...don’t screw this up with Francesca, ok? You two have something amazing, and she makes you different. So let her help you. It’s time to grow up, you know?”
Her words sank in and I nodded slowly. I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, make any promises, but I would try. For Mom and for Francesca.
She didn’t say anything else, only shut the car off and quietly got out. The door made no sound when she shut it and she headed up the driveway. It wasn’t a particularly long driveway, but I didn’t want to think of how many times she’d been out here alone in the middle of the night. Our town wasn’t known for violence, but it happened.
“Mom,” I hissed, sliding into step with her. “How are we going to get it out of here?”
“You’re going to walk it down to the road and ride it,” she told me, looking at me like I wasn’t all there in the head.
“I haven’t rode it in years. What if it doesn’t work?” I whispered back.
“It’ll be ok. It’s been ridden.”
“Who? Who’s been riding it? Don’t tell me Pops,” I said in shock.
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “Me.” She strolled up to the garage, which was already open, and uncovered the sleek, black bike.
It was shiny, it looked like it had been recently painted, and it made my heart clench with want. Riding was an escape. A way to leave my problems behind, but when I wrecked at nineteen, Pops had called it off limits. Why he let me keep it, I didn’t know, but it seemed as if Mom had kept it in working condition for me. My mom, the silent but strong woman that always stood up for me was not the type to get on a motorcycle, much less actually drive it, but here she was, surprising me once again.
“You’re awesome, Mom,” I said, grinning widely.
Her blue eyes blazed with confidence and she stood a little straighter. “Thank you, Son. Now, listen...I’m letting you take this, but Cade, you have to straighten up. Grow up. Be responsible. Francesca isn’t going to put up with your shit and if you’re the man I think you are, you’ll want to change for her. I see how she changes you. You shine from the inside, your eyes glow with happiness,” she stepped forward, placing a hand on my arm, “Don’t lose that.”
I stared at her. My mother just said shit and was telling me who I loved. The twilight zone had come and taken over my life. I simply nodded, kicking the kickstand loose so I could walk the bike out. “Love you, Mom.”
Taking a step towards me, she hugged me tightly, “I love you too. Be careful,” she whispered.
I saw tears in her eyes, but I didn’t know why. “What about your car?”
“It’s ok. I parked it on the road before, so I’ll leave it.”
“Ok, bye, Ma.”
She raised a hand to wave,
a small smile crossing her face.
I turned, slowing and quietly making my way to the road. The bike moved smoothly and my legs were itching to straddle the seat, to feel the power beneath me as I glided down the road, to feel in control of something for once. I made it to the street, flinging my leg over and sliding in the key. I cruised it down a few houses, then turned it on. The motor roared with power, the adrenaline pulsing through my veins. Revving the engine, I balanced myself and took off. The wind whipped around me, the cool of night enveloping me. The drive was short, but enough to calm my nerves. Racing inside, I finished off the alcohol I had left and fell into a deep sleep, excited at the possibilities only hours away.
Chapter Seventeen-Francesca
It was 100% official, I’d lost my mind. I made plans to have a half day at work to get ready for a non-date with Cade. I rolled my eyes at myself every five minutes or so, because I really was being an idiot. I hurried in the building door, stopping exasperatedly to say hi to Zander. He looked me over, the deep blue depths seeing right through me. He chuckled, a rich and deep sound, while shaking his head.
“What is with you?” he questioned, standing to hand off the notes he’d taken and my mail.
“Z....” I groaned, planting my face in my palms. “I’m an idiot.”
“Not completely, you did finish law school,” he teased.
“Yeah, but, I’m still an idiot when it comes to men,” I mumbled.
He leaned forward, his voice lowering, “I’ll come to your office on break.” His fingers clenched my upper arm, a frightened gleam in his eye.
“Ok,” I said, confused. I looked around, seeing many of the partners moving around the building. Now I understood. I nodded to him, then hurried to get to work. The partners rarely all came out at once. So something was definitely up. Zander was still working on his undergrad degree, but hoped to be a lawyer, so neither one of us could afford to screw up around them. I slid in my little corner unnoticed, closing the door softly behind me. Whatever was going on, I didn’t want to be in the middle of it, especially since I already asked for a half day. I shuffled through the notes, stopping when I saw one about the city.
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