Tragic Love (BOOK 2)

by Brannon, M.

  Delilah grabs his hand a little shakily. “Likewise, doll.” And just like that, she has composed herself enough to properly function and walks with me up the driveway. Her parents’ pageant dollars hard at work.

  ***

  Drake carries Delilah’s bags into her room and leaves us to get reacquainted. I give her the small tour of her room and show her where the bathroom is. She comes from money and is used to having better accommodations, but she seems perfectly content in my old room. I help her get clothes out of the garment bag and start hanging them in the closet. Then the girl talk starts.

  “So you need to fill me in on this Drake situation. I know you’ve let him have his way with you because how could you not, but what you didn’t do is provide me with the details.” Delilah stands in front of me with her hands on her hips, trying to give me her best scolding look.

  “You’ve been here all of ten minutes and this is what you want to talk about?” I ask, trying to avoid the conversation. As exhilarating as our first time was, I’ve never explained it in detail to anyone. Our life that way is private.

  “Hello…” Delilah is getting annoyed as she rolls her eyes at me. “We’ve been friends for twelve years; of course I want all the details.”

  I sit down on the bed and start to reminisce in my mind about the first time Drake and I made love. It was very romantic. He wanted our first time to be special and knew how important the moment would be for me, for us. Of course I was a little scared, but once I got over the initial pain, it was just wonderful.

  Feeling a little silly, I open my eyes, my cheeks are on fire. I look down to shield my red face and whisper, “It was perfect. Drake was perfect. I will never forget it, but I’m not telling you.”

  Delilah grabs my hand and is completely captivated by my expression. “Well, if it’s so absolutely amazing you can’t even talk about it, I hope it’s like that for me.”

  I look at her with a little shock. Delilah is gorgeous and has never had a problem getting the guys, even when she wasn’t so ample in certain areas, so I’m a little surprised she has never had sex. Plus, she’s had a serious boyfriend for the last six months. A man she met at college, and she’s still telling me she’s never had sex with him. According to her, Emerson Knox is the bee’s knees— her words not mine.

  “Are you telling me you’ve been with Emerson for over a half a year and you’ve never had sex?”

  “Not everyone is looking to sleep with the first guy who looks their way, Presley. I’m honestly surprised you would assume I would just let my innocence go after hanging onto it for so long. I was raised to be a lady and, as my mama says, ‘A lady always saves herself for her husband. That’s what’s pure. That’s what God wants’.” Delilah has always been dramatic and I merely shake my head and laugh.

  “Okay, so here are the one hundred thousand dollar questions. Did it hurt? How big is he?”

  An obnoxious sound comes from my throat. I’m in absolute shock from her questions. Seriously, if I were drinking something at that moment, I would’ve spit everything all over her face. I was totally not expecting that.

  “His size is none of your business.” I smirk, knowing it’s huge, well, it feels huge to me. I really don’t have anything else to compare it to. “And yes, it did hurt the first time, but once you get over the initial pain, it’s the most incredible feeling in the world. Can we stop talking about this now?”

  “Yes, for now.” Delilah winks and pulls me off the bed. “I want to meet everyone else you talk about, especially Darcie. She sounds like fun.”

  I’m not as excited as she is. It will take a lot for Darcie to tolerate Delilah and her southern bell, lady-like personality. When you look up polar opposites in the dictionary it’s their pictures you see, but I am more nervous for her to meet Jake. Like everything in Sulfur Heights, he will be a rude awaking to Delilah’s perfectly manicured existence.

  Chapter 2

  Drake

  I leave as soon as I shut the door and head for the safe haven of the garage. I’m so glad Delilah came to stay with us, but I am concerned how she’s going to fit in. According to Presley, she has the perfect life with amazing parents, living in a large mansion, and has everything handed to her. Up until her parents died, I get the distinct impression that is how Presley grew up. It wasn’t until she moved to Sulfur Heights that she realized there is real evil living in this world.

  I’ve been working with Jeremy to restore my newly acquired 1971 Chevelle. The best graduation present ever. Reggie and Jeremy happened to come across it several months back and the entire family put in money to buy it for me. Now I’ve been living in the garage to give the car some much needed TLC. Jake has been trying to get me to race, yet I don’t want to tear my beauty up. I love the races, looking at all the cars new and old, but I’ve never had any desire to race myself. I’m the loner in that regard because everyone in the family lives for it.

  I linger on the walk because it is a perfect day to work outside. Spring is in full swing, gradually moving to summer. Everything is green and growing; full of life. Of course, once the weather gets nice, the punks start hanging out on the streets again. I’ve kept to myself while growing up, only being around my brothers and some of their friends, always careful not to get involved with anyone who is a part of the drug world. It doesn’t leave too many people in Sulfur Heights to be friends with because they are either dealing or using, but I feel fortunate to have the family I have. My brothers and I learned a life lesson the hard way, growing up with a mom who was addicted to drugs, and I’m glad none of us have gone down that road.

  Jeremy is working on removing the transmission when I reach the garage. I quickly move over to help him as we torque the nuts to get them loose. We have spent hours together in the garage, but only really talk when it’s related to the work on the car. It’s been a long time since we’ve had an actual conversation about anything other than cars. I know he and Jake talk a lot and at times he talks to Reggie, yet we’ve never had that kind of relationship. Honestly, I’m okay with it. I know he’s my brother and will do anything for me, so why spend time being concerned about it. Presley doesn’t think it’s normal, but I tell her it’s just how he is.

  We spend a good amount of time installing the new transmission. When we finally get it replaced, Jeremy and I stand back with a little twinge of pride. I clap him on the back, gesturing to a job well done.

  The sky is starting to change to dusk when we take a break from the car. I tell Jeremy I’m going into the house to get a drink when Darcie comes tearing up the driveway in Reggie’s Camaro. As she exits the car, I can already see the wheels working in her head. She’s taking note of the Mini Cooper parked in front of our house, curious of its origin.

  “Who the hell drives that?” Darcie asks with a little cynicism to her voice as she points to Delilah’s car.

  “That belongs to Presley’s friend from Memphis, Delilah St. James. Remember she’s staying with us this summer for a school internship or some shit like that,” I remind Darcie.

  “Oh, yeah. So what do you make of this girl?”

  I let out a laugh. I honestly can’t wait for them to meet. “She’s nice, you know, in that raised with manners, doesn’t curse and regularly goes to church sort of way.”

  “Oh, great! That’s just who I want to spend my summer with; some bible beating goodie-goodie who will be praying for my soul every time I say fuck or shit.” Darcie rolls her eyes dramatically and starts to rub the scar on her left wrist. Her tell tale sign of agitation.

  I drape my arm around her shoulder and try to comfort her as best as I can. “Just think, Darcie, we’ll have a summer of free entertainment once she meets Jake.” We start to laugh hysterically when we think about the train wreck to come. If there is anyone who Delilah will be praying for it will be Jake. He can insult a woman in the first ten seconds of meeting her and he doesn’t even need to speak a word.

  “Thanks for reminding me. That will be the best ent
ertainment anyone could ask for.” She focuses her attention to the creaking back door as Delilah and Presley make their way down the stairs.

  When they walk down the stairs, I gaze at my beautiful girlfriend. Her long, brown hair is blowing in the wind, lightly whipping against her face. I focus on the swing of her hips and start to get hard thinking about how good they feel riding on top of me. Oh fuck! I need to focus on something else, anything else. I turn my attention to Darcie and watch the showdown.

  The worry line above the bridge of Darcie’s nose speaks volumes as Delilah and her size each other up. It’s almost like a Clash of the Titians moment or some shit. They look like they are ready to cat fight, but then not. Strange. Delilah is smiling, but it seems forced. I don’t understand girls, everything seems so catty. Darcie is very protective of Presley since they met and now Delilah is invading her turf, and by the look on Darcie’s face, she’s ready to pounce. It’s all quite amusing. If Jake were here he would be assembling a mud wrestling pit in the backyard. Ha! The thought cracks me up. Presley shoots me a nasty glare and I straighten my face then come around behind her, wrapping her up in my arms. Exactly where she belongs.

  Delilah’s mega watt smile is stretched across her face as she extends her hand out to Darcie. “Hi, I’m Delilah St. James. I’ve heard so much about you, Darcie, and it’s so nice to finally meet you.”Her voice singsongs as she introduces herself.

  “Yeah, likewise, I guess. Hey Jer, did you meet Presley’s friend?” Darcie eyeballs her up and down, taking in her dress, high heels and perfectly annoying manners. “So, you’re only here for the summer then?” Jeremy sticks his head out of the garage and mumbles a quiet hi before going back to work on my Chevelle.

  Delilah waves back at Jeremy and answers, “Oh, well my internship is over at the end of August, so…almost three months. I’m looking forward to spending everyday with my best friend,” Delilah says while hooking her arm through Presley’s.

  Darcie rolls her eyes and mumbles, “Right.” She turns to Presley. “So what’s the plan for tonight? Reggie and Jake will be at The Slab. We should take Little Miss Sunshine out for drinks. Unless, that would bother you?”

  Now it begins. I hope Darcie isn’t like this the entire summer; it would really hurt Presley’s feelings and get old, fast. I glare at Darcie, giving her my shut-the-fuck-up look and bend down to kiss Presley on the cheek. Doing anything I can think of to make this moment less awkward.

  Delilah’s façade falters momentarily. “It’s Delilah,” she snaps then composes herself. “I would love to go out. Presley says The Slab is a really great place and then I can meet the rest of my roommates.”

  Darcie lets out a small, snotty laugh. “Yeah, it should be a pretty entertaining time.” Then she glances back over to me.

  Presley

  Later in the night, we all decide to start getting ready to go down to the bar. Drake and Jeremy have showered and are glued to the TV, watching highlights from a Detroit Tigers baseball game while the rest of us start getting our showers. I make my way into Darcie’s room to see what she’s wearing and my nose instantly floods with vanilla body spray as Darcie walks from the bathroom spritzing herself.

  I usually gauge how nice I’m going to look by what she’s wearing. That way, I continue to blend in with the crowd; I hate attracting attention to myself. I used to dress nice, wearing skirts and dresses, but as my time lingers in Sulfur Heights, so does my desire to look beautiful. It does make me glad I have such a hot boyfriend; everyone is too busy looking at him to even notice me.

  Darcie is dressed in her typical attire for going out; fitted t-shirt, jeans and Converse sneakers. I walk into her closet, pass Reggie’s designated section and start sweeping through her t-shirt collection. The hangers scrape against the metal rod as I quickly flip through the clothes. Then I spot her Kings of Leon concert tee and yank it from the hanger. This will work.

  I walk out of her closet and Darcie is holding her comb out to me. I smile. Darcie always loves it when I style her hair and I enjoy it myself. I’m debating on making a career of it, but haven’t officially decided what I want to do with myself now that high school is over. I have no desire to really do anything except put one foot in front of the other. I know I need to get my crap together, however the invading depression keeps my thoughts plagued with fear.

  Darcie sits on the edge of her bed and I start pulling the comb through her hair. “So what do you want me to do with it?” I ask.

  “Braid it. I want it out of my face. It depends on how busy it gets tonight, and I may need to help behind the bar. They’ve been getting slammed on the weekends now that Reggie had to fire Michelle. Can you believe that bitch?” Darcie seethes through gritted teeth.

  A month ago Reggie caught her skimming money from the cash register and it sent Darcie through the roof. I swear it took an act of God to get her to calm down. She was going to beat that girl blind, but Darcie’s feelings are justified. She is feeling betrayed like everyone else. They’ve all know Michelle for years and it was the last thing either one of them could imagine happening.

  “Yeah, that does suck, but I’m sure Reggie will have no problems finding a replacement.” I start to part her hair, preparing it to be braided. “Why don’t you fill in on a regular basis? I mean, you’re there as much as Reggie some days; why not get behind the bar and push out some drinks? I’m sure you could make some sweet tips.”

  “Reggie is completely against that idea. He doesn’t want to get sued every time he has to beat some asshole when they try to grab me. You know how Reggie is, ever since the stepfather from hell incident he’s been overly protective of me.”

  “I know exactly what you mean.”Although Drake has only been in a couple of fist fights because some drunk said the wrong thing, he’s threatened his fair share of idiots. I let out a little giggle. Never in my life did I think I would have a guy as sexy as Drake, but having him fight for me is pretty incredible. Any girl who says it’s not is a liar.

  Once Darcie’s hair is parted to the side, I start to braid the right side of her head down the side and make it come across the nape of her neck then close it off with a hair tie. Next, I braid the left strands of hair, bringing it over to curve around the front of her head and down the side. Once both braids meet at the base of her head, I start to combine the two, making the tail of the braid sweep over her left shoulder.

  She stands to look in the mirror as she fastens her hoops through her ears. “Thanks, Presley. So, this Delilah chick, is she really as cool as you say she is?”

  “You guys are opposite in every way humanly possible, but yes, she’s cool. I’ve always looked up to her. If you can believe this, I didn’t have very many friends growing up. Even though she was Miss Popular in school, she never let it go to her head. Delilah is as genuine as a person gets and I love her for it.”

  I startle when I notice Delilah standing at the threshold of Darcie’s room. She looks like a goddess in her white, empire waist sundress with a shimmery gold sash that accentuates her hour glass figure. It looks perfect against her sun-kissed skin. Her gold wedges are a perfect accent to the dress and her blonde hair is wavy, cascading down her back. Delilah looks like she’s ready to go to a beach party in the Hamptons and will definitely stick out amongst the crowd.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I was just seeing if you ladies were ready.”

  Darcie gives her a look of indifference and goes back to applying her lip gloss. I move to the door and pull her into the room. I want her to feel welcome in the house, and I really want her and Darcie to become friends. “No worries. I have to change my clothes and then I’ll be ready to go.”

  Delilah looks Darcie and myself up and down, studying our clothes. “Do…do I look okay?”

  “We’re not going to prom,” Darcie snaps. “It’s just a bar full of bikers and drag racers. There is no need to look like you’re walking the red carpet or some shit.”

  I smack Darcie on the arm, whi
ch earns me a death glare. I know she would never do anything to me, yet she loves to act like she would. “Yes, Delilah, you look amazing. The guys won’t know what hit them.” She gives me a tight smile as she smoothes down her dress.

  I give Delilah a light squeeze on her arm and start to make my way out of the room when Darcie says, “You know what, Pres? I can’t believe you didn’t have very many friends growing up because you are the best person I’ve ever known.” I give her a small smile as I step around Delilah and into the hall. I hate when people say things like that to me. I wish my bruised and fractured soul was mended because sentiments like that shouldn’t be wasted on someone who’s as hollow as me.

  Chapter 3

  Presley

  We all file into The Slab, giving Big Mike pats to his arm as we pass through the doorway. Darcie instantly abandons the group, making her way over to Reggie behind the bar. When she gets to him, she reaches up and kisses him square on the lips. They are still head over heels for one another and have no problem showing it.

  Drake has is arm wrapped around my waist, as he does every time we go anywhere public. It makes him feel better if he lets others know I’m off limits, and for the most part, no one tries to challenge this.

  Just as Darcie said, the bar is packed tonight and the crowd is rowdy for a Thursday. The look of the bar has not changed since I first stepped foot through it. The bar itself is still the entire length of the room, but has received a much needed facelift. Where it once was broken down with damaged cherry wood, the top surface has been painted black and blanketed in stainless steel. It’s very industrial and completely Reggie. He’s also added more pool tables and seating, taking over the dance floor area. No one ever dances here, so why not utilize the space. The smell of the bar has not changed one bit, though; it’s a mixture of smoke, sweat, booze, grease and well, Sulfur Heights. I’ve come to realize a town as dirty as this place, no matter where you go, it always smells just like that, dirty.