Beautiful Mess

by Preston, Jennifer

  “I don’t know,” he said, somewhat shyly. He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I left my place, not knowing where I was going, and I somehow ended up in front of your house. I guess I was hoping that spending time with you would make me feel better.”

  “Really?” She could feel herself blushing.

  “It always does,” he looked right into her eyes.

  “I like spending time with you, too,” she smiled shyly, her heart picking up.

  They walked a little ways before Bri gathered enough courage to ask something she’d been wondering about for a long time.

  “Cole, what happened with your mom?”

  He was silent so long, Bri wasn’t sure he was going to answer.

  “My mom lives in New Jersey. She and my dad got divorced when I was five, and she took off without another glance behind her,” Cole replied bitterly.

  “I’m sorry. Do you ever see her?”

  “Every few years or so, she’ll call if she’s in town. But I’m lucky if she remembers to call me on my birthday. She mostly pretends that my dad and I don’t exist.”

  “That really sucks. Why are parents such idiots sometimes?” Bri asked, thinking of her own dad.

  “Well, it’s not all her fault,” Cole relented grudgingly. “She was really young when she married my dad, and then had me right after. I don’t think she dealt well with the pressure and responsibility of being a wife and a mother. Anyway, it’s not a big deal. I’ve had plenty of time to get over it.”

  “Yes, it is a big deal,” she said knowingly. “But I understand what you’re saying.”

  “So,” he sighed. “Now that I’ve spilled my sad story, let’s hear yours. Where’s your dead-beat mom?”

  “She died,” Bri replied quietly.

  “Oh, no, are you serious?” A look of horror crossed his face. “Shit, Bri, I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have been so callous if I’d known! I’m a freaking idiot.”

  “It’s okay, Cole. How could you have known?”

  “So, want to tell me what happened?” he asked gently.

  Bri took a deep breath, debating whether or not she wanted to tell him. But seeing the earnest concern on his face, she knew that she wanted to share this with him. To give him something she shared with very few people.

  “My mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when I was eleven. She managed to hang on for almost ten months, before it took her. She died two days after my twelfth birthday.”

  Cole swore under his breath. “I’m so sorry, Bri. Life really sucks sometimes, doesn’t it? Were you two close?”

  “Yeah, we were best friends. She was always there at all of my dance recitals and competitions, even when my dad couldn’t make it. We would go shopping together, and have movie nights. After she died, my dad couldn’t really deal with it, and he needed to get away. So he relocated us to Dallas. I don’t think he could handle all the memories and reminders of my mom in Phoenix. I think he thought we could both use a fresh start.” Bri paused and drew in a breath. “Then he met Summer, and it seemed like our lives before, with my mom, hadn’t happened. He moved on and never looked back.”

  “But not you, though,” Cole said knowingly.

  “I did everything I could to hang onto my mom. But once Summer came into our lives, it was all over.”

  “I take it you’re not too fond of your stepmom?”

  “She’s not my favorite person, but it could be a lot worse. She basically leaves me alone and stays out of my life. But she also doesn’t help me out in any way, either. So, while she doesn’t try and tell me what to do, I also know I’m on my own with her.”

  “Man, I’m not sure if that sounds great, or horrible,” he gave her a sympathetic smile.

  Bri shrugged. “It is what it is. But I know that she loves my dad, and is totally committed to him and my brothers. I just don’t seem to fit into her family,” she finished sadly.

  “Oh, Bri,” he pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry. I wish life wasn’t such a pile of crap all the time.”

  She laughed humorlessly. She didn’t want to admit it, but it felt wonderful being wrapped in Cole’s arms. He radiated strength and security, like he would shelter and protect her from whatever life tried to throw at her. Bri let herself linger in his embrace a little longer, before pulling back.

  “So, did your dad ever remarry after your mom left?” She was ready to deflect the attention from herself.

  “No, thank goodness. He’s had a couple of serious girlfriends over the years, but nothing that lasted more than a few months. It is nice to know that no matter how rude, or annoying, or just plain awful his girlfriends are, they won’t last long. It’s the only thing that makes it bearable. My dad says he enjoys the single life too much to settle down. But I think the truth is that my mom took his heart with her when she left, and he’s never really gotten over her.”

  “That’s so sad. It’s just another reason why it’s amazing any of us give away our hearts at all. Sometimes I think love is overrated,” Bri sighed.

  “Yeah, I know what you mean,” Cole returned sadly.

  “Alright, enough of this sob story crap. I’m supposed to be helping you feel better, and all I’m doing is depressing us both. I suck!” She smiled sheepishly. “So, new topic. Something light and happy...” she trailed off, trying to think of something.

  “How about you tell me about your tattoo?” Cole brushed Bri’s hair back from the side of her neck, revealing the white lily. He gently stroked it with his thumb. His touch caused goose bumps to break out on Bri’s skin, and her breath to catch.

  “Nope,” she stepped away. “No more sad stories, remember? Oh, I know! We should plan something special to do before school starts! We could celebrate you surviving your crappy football Hell Week, and enjoy the last day of summer vacation. What do you think?”

  “I think that sounds like a great idea,” he grinned.

  They continued to walk a while, planning their summer celebration, before Bri decided that she’d better get home.

  “Thanks for coming out with me tonight, Bri,” Cole said as he pulled up in front of her house.

  “You’re welcome. I hope I didn’t end up making you feel worse,” she joked.

  “No. I always feel better when I’m around you,” he smiled sincerely. He continued to gaze at her, some unidentifiable emotion rising in his eyes.

  “Well, goodnight,” Bri opened the truck door. Cole’s gaze was doing weird things to her insides. She moved to get out of the truck, but paused.

  “Cole?” She turned back to him. “Being around you makes me feel better, too.” She smiled at him before exiting the truck and walking inside.

  It was the middle of what the football team called Hell Week. Thanks to two-a-day practices, and sometimes three-a-day if the first practice went badly, Bri hadn’t seen Cole since that night on the beach. A night Bri had been thinking about, a lot. In fact, she’d been thinking about Cole a lot. And worst of all, she had been missing him, a lot.

  He had texted her a few times, but it wasn’t the same. He’d been too exhausted, he’d said, to do anything other than crash after practice. Bri had tried to deny it, but not seeing him was killing her.

  So on Wednesday night, she picked up a few things she thought Cole might like: a huge can of Mountain Dew, some snacks, and some Icy Hot, and drove over to his house. She was surprised to find his driveway full of cars.

  Sitting in her parked car, she sent him a text.

  Hey! What’s up?

  Not much. What are you up to?

  Not much. Just sitting outside your house.

  Really???

  Come find out!

  Two seconds later, Cole was out his front door. He spotted her in her car and sauntered over. Bri noticed how stiffly he moved, as if every muscle hurt. She rolled down her window and he leaned in.

  “So, it’s your turn to stalk me now, huh?”

  “Just thought I’d return the favor! You look sore. Getting your butt kick
ed at practice I see.”

  “Yeah, let’s just say Coach is not too happy with us.” He gave her a cocky, knowing smile. “So, Bri, what are you doing here?” He gazed at her intently.

  Uncomfortable with his penetrating eyes, she evaded the true reason she was there by giving him the lesser reason.

  “I brought you something.” Bri held up the gift bag containing the goodies she’d gotten for him,

  “You brought me a present?” His eyes lit up.

  She shrugged. “Not anything big, just some things I thought might make you feel better.”

  “You’re always thinking of me,” he said, happily amazed.

  Busted, Bri felt her cheeks redden, and she dropped her eyes. Moving on, she asked, “So, are you going to leave me here in the car, or can I come in for a minute?”

  Cole, looking uncomfortable, ran his hand through his hair.

  “Um, now’s not a great time.”

  “Oh.” Bri’s face, and her heart, fell.

  “Oh, Bri, don’t. It’s just... a few of the guys from the team are here. It’s kind of like an unofficial meeting to figure out how to fix what’s going wrong at practice. If you really want to come in you can, but given your dislike of all football players everywhere,” he flashed her a teasing smile, “I’m thinking you may want to pass.”

  “Yeah, probably a good idea.” She felt a little better. “Maybe another time.”

  “Definitely another time,” Cole smiled genuinely. He looked into to bag she had given him. Shaking his head, he pulled out the Icy Hot. “Ambria, you always seem to know just what I need.” He reached in, pulled her closer, and kissed her temple.

  A jolt shot through her as his lips touched her skin. A wonderful, warm sensation spread through her as his lips lingered for a moment, before he pulled away.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Needing to get out of there before she did something crazy, Bri started the car. Her body was responding to Cole’s kiss, wanting to find out what those soft, luscious lips would feel like on hers. It was about to highjack her brain and take over. But what really shocked and scared Bri was the fact that her brain wasn’t putting up much resistance. She had to escape, and fast.

  “Bye, Cole. See you Saturday.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” he smiled as he stepped away from the car. Bri practically spun out in her attempt to get away. Looking in her rearview mirror, she saw Cole laugh as he walked back inside.

  As she drove home, Bri had a terrifying revelation.

  She was falling for Cole Marra.

  She was in serious trouble.

  Saturday came, and Bri was a nervous wreck. Not only were her emotions all jumbled and confused, but she wasn’t sure how to act around Cole, or what to say to him. Worst of all, she had no idea what to wear. Nothing in her closet seemed right, so she headed off to the mall.

  After spending the afternoon shopping, she settled on a flowy, pale yellow dress and a gray cardigan, and a pair of gray velvet pumps. She curled her thick auburn hair, and applied some smoky eye shadow and liner. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was impressed with the results.

  She and Cole had decided that he would come pick her up. Having Cole finally meet her dad was another factor in her overall nervousness. The doorbell rang and her pulse quickened. She dabbed on some perfume, threw on her jewelry, and went out to meet Cole.

  Her dad had just let him in, and Cole was standing in the entryway, looking a bit nervous himself. His mouth dropped open when he saw her.

  Her reaction was about the same. He was looking particularly hot in a pair of dark jeans, a black, body hugging t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. His gray eyes took her in and she felt herself flush.

  Connor looked between the two gaping teenagers and cleared his throat.

  “Well,” he turned to Bri, “are you going to introduce me?”

  Snapping out of her daze, she blinked. “Yes, of course. Dad, this is Cole Marra. Cole, this is my dad, Connor.”

  “Mr. Donnelly,” Cole shook Connor’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise, Cole.” Connor scrutinized the boy in front of him. “So, where are you kids off to tonight?”

  “Dinner, and maybe a movie or something after,” Cole replied, shoving his hands in his pockets.

  “Oh, so is this a date then?”

  Cole’s eyes widened, and he didn’t seem to know how to respond.

  “Because, I thought you said you’d decided to just be friends?” Connor eyed his daughter meaningfully.

  “Dad!” Bri hissed, completely embarrassed. Shaking her head, she moved past her dad and out the door. “I’ll be home by midnight,” was all the reply she gave before marching off to Cole’s truck.

  “It was nice meeting you, Mr. Donnelly,” Cole smiled before following Bri. He had to jog to catch up to her, and barely beat her to the truck. He opened the door for her, and they were both very conscious of Connor’s eyes watching them from the doorway. Cole climbed in and pulled away.

  “So,” he hedged, “your dad seems nice.”

  “I’m sorry if he made you uncomfortable or embarrassed you. Sometimes I think he takes pleasure in making my dates squirm.”

  “Oh, so this is a date, then,” he grinned wickedly at her.

  “Oh, no, not you too! Do you think this is a date?” She decided to put him on the spot for a change.

  “Well, I picked you up at your house, met your dad, you’re wearing a dress... it kind of feels like a date to me.”

  “Do you want it to be a date?” She asked tentatively.

  “I think you already know that answer,” he glanced over at her. “The question is, do you want this to be a date?”

  Bri turned and looked out the window, not sure if she was ready to answer that yet.

  Deciding not to push her, Cole changed the subject. “So, where did you decide for dinner?”

  They had decided that Bri would pick where they went for dinner, and Cole would choose what they did after.

  “There’s an Italian place close by I heard about, Biaggi’s? I thought we could go there.”

  “Biaggi’s, huh?” His eyes darted to her. “Yep, it’s official. This is definitely a date.”

  “What? Why is that?” She demanded, laughing.

  “Because you’ve picked a very romantic restaurant for dinner. You don’t take a friend to a romantic restaurant.” He grinned like the Cheshire Cat.

  Oh, crap. Bri had heard her dad and Summer talk about this place. Of course it turned out to be some big romantic deal. Dang it, she was on a date.

  “Well, now that we’ve gotten that established, I hope you won’t mind me buying you dinner. Oh, and I hope you aren’t feeling nervous or awkward now. First dates can be brutal sometimes!” He was enjoying this a little too much

  He continued to grin at her as they drove, but Bri refused to acknowledge him until they got to the restaurant.

  As Cole opened her door for her, she decided to give herself up to her fate, and just go with this whole date thing. No use worrying over it. She might as well try and enjoy herself.

  They walked in and the hostess seated them. The place was romantic, with dim lighting and private booths. Bri looked at her menu and froze. It was also pricey. Really pricey. She was horrified.

  “Oh, no! Cole, I’m so sorry!” She whispered urgently. “I had no idea it would be this expensive. We don’t have to stay, we can go somewhere else.”

  “Ambria, it’s alright,” Cole tried to calm her. “I’ve been here before. If it was a problem, I’d have said something before. It’s totally fine.”

  “Really? Are you sure?”

  “Completely,” he smiled, and Bri began to relax. Cole picked up his menu and let out a low whistle. “Although, for these prices, you’re definitely going to have to put out!” he teased.

  Bri grabbed his menu and hit him over the head with it.

  “Hey,” he protested. “Alright, you don’
t have to put out! Man, did I pick the wrong date!” He put up his hands to block the next whack over his head, and they both burst out laughing. They were still laughing when the waitress came to take their order.

  After dinner they headed off towards Los Angeles.

  “So, where are we going?” she asked, extremely curious.

  “A friend of mine’s dad owns a club. I thought we could go dancing.”

  “You dance?” Bri was skeptical.

  “I haven’t had any complaints,” he smirked.

  “Ah. So, seeing as how we’re under age, how exactly are we going to get in?”

  “Well, it’s an 18 an older club, and, like I said, I have connections,” he boasted with a smile.

  Bri shook her head and watched as the lights from downtown got closer.

  Cole pulled into a parking lot behind a large brick building thumping with base. There was already a line waiting to get in. He reached over and took her hand. Bri, surprised, glanced up at him, but didn’t pull her hand away.

  “We’re on a date, remember?” he said in explanation, before leading her around the line and right up to the door. He leaned in and said something to one of the bouncers, who nodded and motioned for them to go inside.

  “That was impressive,” Bri leaned in and practically yelled in Cole’s ear. The music was so loud she had to shout to be heard above it. “How on earth do you have a conversation in a place like this?”

  Cole leaned in so close his breath tickled her neck. She was suddenly very aware that he still had a hold of her hand.

  “You don’t come here to talk,” he returned, his low voice audible despite the music. “Come on.”

  A shiver raced down Bri’s spine as Cole guided her through the maze of people, and out to the middle of the dance floor. He pulled her tight up against him, his hands winding around her waist. She hesitantly put her arms up around his neck, and he moved her body with his to the music.

  Bri was nervous at their closeness. Her heart beat faster, her face was flushed, and she became acutely aware of the feeling of his body against hers.

  Cole chuckled and leaned into her ear. “Relax, Bri. Let go a little. Don’t think, just feel.”