by Brannon, M.
“Okay, that’s enough. Reggie and I got you all together to share something with you.” Darcie holds up her left hand, showing us a huge diamond ring. “We’re getting married!” Delilah is the first to scream out in excitement followed by Presley. She gets up to hug Darcie and talk with Delilah on the phone. Women. They go crazy over this shit, even Darcie is glowing and totally acting like a girly girl right now.
I stand and clap Reggie on the back, telling him congratulations.
“That’s not all everyone,” Reggie’s voice booms through the air, breaking up the conversations. “We are getting married on New Year’s Eve…this year.”
“You mean, like a week from now?” Jake asks.
“Yes. We leave first thing Sunday morning.”
“Leave? Are you guys going to Vegas?” Jake is bouncing up and down like he’s on a pogo stick.
“No,” Reggie says then looks directly at Jake. “All of us are leaving for Vegas Sunday morning.” Jake is full on jumping up and down, shouting in excitement. “Darcie and I paid for everyone’s airfare and hotel. We’re only staying for one night, but it’s going to be the best fucking night of our lives!” Reggie shouts in excitement. He lifts Darcie in the air and swings her around. “Mrs. Fields has already agreed to take Mia while we’re gone, so don’t worry about that little squirt. She’s in good hands.”
Presley looks happy about the wedding, but I can tell she’s very nervous about going to Vegas. It’s a city that is overwhelming and can suck you into to a vortex of shit faster than you can get yourself out.
Hoisting Mia up further in my arms, I walk to Presley and squeeze her hand. “It will be okay, baby. It’s only for a night and I will be there with you.” She kisses my cheek and nods her head.
“I know. I’m just nervous about leaving Mia. I know Mrs. Fields will take good care of her, but I’ve made so much progress with her. I’m afraid she won’t remember me when we come back.” Presley takes Mia from my arms and kisses her on the crown of her head. She’s beginning to sway back and forth while rubbing Mia’s back, settling her into a sleep.
“She will never forget you, baby. You’re her mother and she will always know who you are. Please don’t let that worry you. She will be fine and we’re only going to be gone for a day. I promise it will be okay.” I kiss her lips and leave them on longer than necessary. I’m dying to be with her, but we have to wait until she’s ready. I’ve lost track of how many months it’s been since we’ve made love. I get by, but nothing compares to the real thing, especially when that real thing is as perfect as Presley.
***
We spend the rest of the day assembling toys, eating until we explode and talking about Reggie and Darcie’s wedding. We found out later that Delilah knew about their plans to elope and had her travel agent work everything out for them. She also coordinated the clothing and everything else needed for the trip. She’s been planning her own wedding for a month now and was happy to help Darcie and Reggie with theirs.
It’s a little weird seeing how close Delilah and Darcie have become, considering they couldn’t stand each other when they first met, but after everything that happened to Presley, they’ve been inseparable and now they’re known as the three musketeers. They all talk on the phone at least once a week, talking for hours about whatever chicks like to talk about and every once in a while they will Skype with Delilah.
As the sun starts to set on Mia’s first Christmas, we tuck her in then move to our room and spread out in bed. I pull Presley into me so I can feel her heart beating on my chest—her beats of life—then kiss her forehead. I close my eyes, ready to fall asleep. It’s been a perfect fucking Christmas and I can’t wait to share many more right here with all the people I love.
Chapter 19
Presley
I click my seat beat and cinch it across my lap. It’s seven-thirty in the morning and all of us have boarded the plane, heading for Las Vegas. Tonight, Darcie and Reggie will be married at a quaint chapel located right off the strip. We’re all staying at the MGM Grand Hotel and, from the pictures I’ve seen, it looks beautiful.
Reggie is going to surprise Darcie with the Penthouse suite and is planning on spending their wedding night behind closed doors. The rest of us are in standard adjoining rooms. Drake and I will get the king size bed and that leaves Jake, Delilah and Jeremy in the room with the double beds.
Drake sits down beside me and secures himself in the seat. I look over to him and smile, but I’m having trouble making it genuine. I’m very nervous about going to Las Vegas; there is so much sin and temptation lurking around every corner. It will only take one wrong turn before I’m faced with my demons. I’ve been clean for five months and I’m not quite certain time has been long enough, but what choice do I have? My best friend and Drake’s brother are getting married. There is no way in hell I would miss it.
Yesterday, when I saw Dr. Redman, she advised me temptation will always be following me for the rest of my life. She gave me assurance with the challenges I’ve overcome thus far and we worked on coping techniques for the remainder of the hour. I really like Dr. Redman. The two hour commute one way is rather annoying, but it’s worth every minute because she’s really helping me walk through all my shit.
Unbeknownst to me, Drake has been able to add me to his health plan through the plant back in October and I can take advantage of the mental health benefits. Insurance doesn’t pay for all of Dr. Redman’s costs, but every penny helps. What’s not covered by insurance, Drake picks up the remainder. I’m not certain of this, but I believe the entire family chips in and pays a little toward the fees. No one has said anything to me; I just have a gut feeling they’re all helping us out. Another reason why the Evans family is so unexpected and gracious.
Jeremy has been driving me to my appointments when Drake is working. The trip is nice because it gives us a chance to talk and really get to know each other. When I asked him why I haven’t seen him with a girl, he just laughs and tells me he’s too busy for all that drama, but someday he’ll settle down and have a family. Granted, he is only twenty-one-years-old, so time is on his side.
“Hey, baby. Are you okay?” Drake asks, breaking into my wandering thoughts.
“Yeah. I’m okay. Just really nervous. How’s Mia doing?” I’ve been a wreck since we dropped her off this morning. Not only am I leaving my baby, who I just got to know, over night with someone else, but I was faced with looking at my old apartment building and the tragic memories created there. I wish I could burn it down. Even though the temptation is there, though, I didn’t look down to Carter’s apartment. I didn’t want to know if he was there. I can’t face him. I’m not sure I will ever be able to face him. After what Jeremy told me about Carter, I don’t want to be anywhere near him.
“Mrs. Fields said she is doing great. She just had a bottle and is eating Cheerios right now.” He kisses the top of my hand and then whispers, “Make sure you tell me if this is all too much. Okay?” I nod my head and rest it on his shoulder. Once we are in the air, I put in my ear phones and allow Citizen Cope to take me away.
***
Five hours later, we are riding up the elevator at the MGM Grand Hotel. Delilah’s flight arrived about an hour ago and she met us in the lobby. In true Delilah fashion, she hopped up and down like a little girl and hugged me until I could hardly breathe. She went down the line giving everyone a hug except Jake, he walked away. Man, this is going to be a long twenty-four hours if they keep this crap up.
When Drake and I walk into our room, I gasp. The room is breathtaking. The king size bed is made up with pristine white linens. There is contemporary style furniture and a bathroom with a huge tub. I really want to use that tub later. The view is of the pool and outside gardens. This is the nicest place I’ve stayed, ever.
Delilah comes strolling into our room after unlocking the adjoining door with her suitcase in hand. “Ummm… you’re not staying in here.” Drake locks eyes with her and gives her an intense sta
re.
“I know that, silly. Darcie called and all the ladies are needed in her Penthouse suite for massages and the pre-wedding extravaganza. Give her a good and wet one because you won’t see Presley until we’re at the wedding.” Delilah obnoxiously wags her brows up and down. I let out a slight laugh while she steps back into her room. I have no idea what she said when she walked in there because her voice was at an abnormal decibel, but I think it had something to do with a fart.
I turn to Drake and wrap my arms around his waist then drag my hands underneath his shirt and touch his warm, caramel skin. The electricity we’ve always shared between us ignites and we are faced with desire we’ve been too afraid to succumb to. The hardness in his jeans is pressing against my belly, liquefying my insides with need and unadulterated lust. As he bends down to kiss me, I yank on his neck, slamming my lips to his.
Oh my God, he feels so good against my body. I’ve missed this, the pure animalistic passion we have for each other. It has been months since either of us felt this deep desire. He meets me, kiss for kiss, delving his tongue into my mouth, exploring every inch of me. I need his skin pressed against mine. It’s been too long. I need to feel him—skin to skin.
We’re fumbling back to the bed, trying to shed clothing. Clumsily, I fall on top of him, straddling my legs on either side of his waist. He’s rock hard between my thighs.
Then, Delilah walks right into the room, stopping us before we have a chance to even get started. “Oh my word, Presley Quinn, there are times and places for that!” she shouts and covers her eyes. I quickly yank my top down and climb off Drake’s lap.
“What…what happened?” Jake asks while snacking on an apple.
“Nothing!” Drake shouts, completely embarrassed and frustrated with Delilah’s interference.
I grab my travel bag and give Drake one last peck before we shuffle out the door, destination, PENTHOUSE!
Drake
Delilah St. James is officially on my shit list. Presley and I finally were about the seal the deal after several months of abstinence before that woman walked in and cock blocked me. I take a minute after they leave to rub one out in the bathroom and calm myself down. Normally, I can take deep breaths and walk off my raging boners, but this time my dick knew I was about to sink it into Presley and told me I needed to do something. It wasn’t going down without a fight.
I joined Jake and Jeremy in their room later, and soon after, Reggie is with us. Jeremy turns on ESPN and we all get lost in watching basketball highlights. By the time we get hungry enough to head out to grab a bite to eat, the suits have been delivered.
Jake bitches the entire twenty-two floors down about wearing a suit, saying he’s going to look like a fucking chump. We all ignore him as we usually do. He is impossible to please sometimes.
We head down to the hotel restaurant, grabbing a booth in the back corner. The hotel is packed with customers and everywhere we go there are crowds of people. I can imagine this place being busy on a normal day, but on New Year’s Eve, it’s a fucking zoo.
After we order our food and drinks, we all remain silent. I look over to Reggie and can’t remember the last time I saw him this happy. He’s leaning against the back of the booth with a dazed smile on his face. He normally looks serious and intense, but since telling us Darcie and he are getting married, he’s had a constant smile on his face. In shock to everyone, especially Darcie, Reggie cut off his long hair. He now wears it close to his scalp. He looks completely different; not so much older, but definitely more dignified and badass all wrapped in one
“I still can’t believe you cut your hair, dude,” Jake says while snagging a fry and tossing it into his mouth. The waitress drops the bill on the table after placing our plates down in front of us.
“What’s so hard to believe? We can’t all stay the same forever.” Reggie always has something wise and profound to say. He is thirty-years-old and when you talk to him, you’d think you were talking to someone well beyond his age. I couldn’t be prouder of my brother, and hope when I’m thirty, I will have the same look on my face. Content and satisfied.
“I don’t know, man. You guys have gone through so much bullshit since getting together with your women. It just seems like a waste of time.” Jake looks over to Reggie and me, shaking his head as he continues, “I’ve seen you both at your worst—agony at its finest and all over a girl. Don’t get me wrong, I love Darcie and Presley, they’re like sisters to me, but is it really worth the trouble?”
“I don’t know, you tell me,” Reggie says. “You and Delilah seemed to be close. Is your relationship with her worth the trouble so you can have her in your life?” Touché, Jake.
“First of all, let’s get something straight. Delilah and I are NOT in a relationship like you two sorry fuckers.” Jake animatedly gestures as he points to us. “Second, we are just friends. That’s all we will ever be is friends.” Reggie eyes Jake, waiting for him to enlighten us by actually answering the question. “When you say it like that, yeah, she’s worth the trouble. I mean, I guess. Fuck that girl can piss me off like no one I’ve ever met, but I would rather she be in my life, even when she’s acting like a fucking lunatic.”
Reggie merely smirks at Jake as if to say, “Right, when you’re thirty we’ll see how you feel.”
We all finish our food in peace then head back upstairs for a quick nap before we have to start getting in our suits. I’ve never worn a suit before. In fact, I don’t think any of us have ever worn a suit or tuxedo. The thought makes me laugh. Four white trash rejects from Sulfur Heights wearing suits. Look out Vegas, here comes the Evans brothers, and for the next sixteen hours, we are going to own you.
Presley
The Penthouse suite is even more incredible than Drake’s and my room. The view from their window is stunning, and once the desert sun goes down, the bright lights of Vegas will illuminate the room. Three extra people are in the room, standing next to a weird shaped padded table. The lights have been turned down and soft music is playing in the background.
Darcie walks from the bathroom in a fluffy white robe, shuffling across the plush carpet with a smug smile on her face. In her hand, she holds her empty Champaign glass, filling it with the bottle in her other hand until the golden liquid flows over the sides. Delilah and I walk back to the bathroom, shedding our clothes and putting on the same type of robe as Darcie. Then we saddle up to have a massage.
I was a little leery about a strange person rubbing their hands all over me, but soon forgot my fear one minute after it began. Delilah’s wedding present to Darcie is our afternoon of beauty. I was fully prepared to style hair and now we can just sit in the room and get pampered by strangers. This is a lot of fun and any anxiety I had when I woke up this morning slowly melts away.
We’ve officially been pampered, nails and toes polished, hair styled and makeup done. The three of us sit in the suite, around the table, eating a light lunch before we have to get dressed and down to the limo. “I can’t believe you wanted a black wedding dress.” I look to Delilah and study her puzzled face. “I understand you not wanting white, considering you no longer have your virtue, but why not go with ivory or cream?” Delilah pops a grape in her mouth.
“Why not? I could care less about the you-can’t-wear-white-on-your-wedding-day-because-you’ve-had-your-cherry-popped shit. I thought you’ve noticed by now that Reggie and I aren’t the most conventional people. We like to do things our own way and screw what everyone else says.” Darcie stabs her fork into a crisp leaf of lettuce then points her utensil at Delilah. “Besides, who do you know that’s a virgin on their wedding night?”
“I will be,” Delilah says while running her finger over her engagement ring. It’s a large princess cut stone surround by a million tiny diamonds. It looks heavy and very expensive.
“What!” Darcie releases a huge laugh, so much so, she is shooting food out of her mouth. Delilah just glares and I grab her hand to let her know its okay. “You’re trying to tel
l me you and this Emerson dude haven ever had sex? Haven’t you been together forever?”
“No, we have not had sex. I was raised knowing a woman should respect the sanctity of marriage and preserve herself for the man she spends the rest of her life with. Emerson has grown up with the same values and we are both waiting to be with one another on our wedding night.” Delilah’s accent gets more southern sounding, which is a sure sign she’s getting uncomfortable with the conversation. She’s twisting her napkin into a tight, coiled piece of fabric.
“Hey, I’m not trying to piss you off, it just baffles me. I mean, if it were me, I would want to know if the man I marry is a train wreck in bed because I don’t know if I would want to spend the rest of my life having sex with a stiff board.” Darcie refills her water glass and then takes another piece of chicken, shoving it in her mouth. She looks absolutely stunning as she eats like a pig. The sight is quite entertaining. Actually, this conversation is rather entertaining. I remain quiet, soaking it all in.
“Isn’t Reggie the only guy you’ve been with? It’s not like you slept around and knew without a doubt Reggie is the best you’ve ever had. You have nothing to compare it to, it’s kind of the same situation,” she rebukes and Darcie glares.
“Point well made, however, if I felt nothing when Reggie and I had sex, which I’m saying I’m not—”
“I know. I’ve heard you many times,” I chime in and Darcie slaps me on the shoulder.
“You can really hear me?” I nod and she continues, “Good to know. Anyway, back to my point. If I didn’t feel the most incredible feeling when I’m with him, I know I wouldn’t marry him. If I know anything, it is when you’re with someone you’re truly meant to be with, the electricity between your bodies is unmistakable. I don’t think you can have that with just anyone. It needs to be the person you’re meant to be with.” Darcie smiles, knowing just how much she and Reggie love each other.