Meeting The Unpredictable

by Riann C. Miller

  “Paddleboards? I thought you brought us out here to kayak.”

  “Kayaks are for people who don’t know how to have fun. Paddleboards, on the other hand, bring on a whole new level of excitement.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” He sighs. “I should have known you wouldn’t do anything deemed normal.”

  “I told you, Tyler, I don’t like that word.”

  He chuckles. “Of course you don’t.”

  “Let’s do this.” I jump out of the car and walk up to the rental booth. “We need two paddleboards for...” I glance at the rates. “We’ll pay the daily rate.”

  Tyler’s eyes widen. “How long do you plan to be out on the water?”

  “Until it’s no longer any fun.”

  I turn back to the man at the rental counter and hand him my card.

  “I got it.” Tyler knocks my hand away and gives the guy his card.

  “This is going to be a lot of fun, just wait.”

  “Do you ever not get your way?” Tyler laughs again, but his comment hits harder than he could ever know. If I got my way, my life would be nothing like it is.

  I COME AWAKE HEARING AN awful sound. I look around the room only to find myself alone. When I fell asleep, Lennie was wrapped around me. Now she’s nowhere to be found. I hear the noise again, only this time I can tell someone is getting sick.

  I rush to the hall bathroom and push the door open to find Lennie hunched over the toilet. “Shit,” I mumble before grabbing a washcloth. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, sorry I woke you.”

  “Fuck, don’t be sorry.” I wet the washcloth then hand it to her before I rub my hand up and down her back. Lennie acted fine all day and we both ate the same meal. I’m guessing she’s come down with a bug.

  “I think I should go home.”

  “Home?” My eyes narrow. “Is Jodi going to take care of you?” She keeps her eyes cast down. “Because if she’s not, then you’re staying here so I can.”

  She sniffles before finally looking at me. “Okay, I’ll stay.” I didn’t realize how fast my heart was racing until she agreed to stay. “Good. Now let’s get you back to bed.” I wrap my arm around her waist and start walking her back to my room. Once she’s snuggled up in my bed, I grab my trashcan and put it next to her.

  “Thank you, Tyler.”

  I push her sweaty hair away from her face. “You don’t need to thank me. Friends take care of each other.”

  The corner of her mouth turns up. “Then thank you for being my friend.”

  Her words pierce another layer I didn’t know I had around my heart.

  ***

  “YOU LOOK LIKE YOU’RE FEELING better.”

  Lennie smiles as if she’s ready to take on the world when only six hours ago she was puking her guts out. “Yeah, I’m fine. I think something didn’t agree with my system.”

  “Are you going somewhere?” She’s dressed in her clothing from yesterday but she has her purse and shoes in her hand. “Yeah. I plan to clean up at Jodi’s then I need to check in with the animal shelter.”

  “You were just there the other day, plus you spent the night sick. I think they’d understand.”

  “Yeah, I know they would. It’s just...I think I could use some dog therapy today.”

  I can’t stop myself from laughing. “Only you, Lennie...only you, and I mean that in a good way.”

  She cracks a small smile, but it’s enough to send my heart racing. “I’ll check in with you later.”

  “Okay.” I barely have time to agree before she’s gone.

  Chad left for work hours ago, and now that I’m alone, the apartment seems empty. A month ago, I wanted empty. I craved empty, but now...it feels wrong. When Lennie officially leaves town, it’s going to be harder on me than I originally thought.

  I fire up my computer and open a file when my phone starts ringing. I glance at the caller ID and groan when I see my mother’s name. If I ignore her call, she’ll either keep calling or, God forbid, show up at my place.

  “Good morning, Mother.”

  “More like afternoon.”

  I roll my eyes. “What can I do for you?”

  “I’m your mother. Do I need a reason to call?”

  “No, but you usually do.”

  She huffs into my ear. “Okay, Mr. Smarty Pants, I spoke with Amber yesterday. She told me she ran into you.” I groan, knowing exactly where this is going.

  “She said you weren’t alone. That you had...a lady friend with you.”

  “Amber can butt right the hell out my business,” I growl.

  “I agree. I could tell she was trying to stir the pot but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to meet this woman. No wonder you didn’t want me to set you up with Joyce’s daughter. How come you didn’t tell me?”

  “Mom, it’s not like that. We’re...friends.” The second I call Lennie my friend, it feels like a lie. We are friends, but deep down she’s more than that.

  “Well, still, I want to meet her.” My feet start bouncing while I try to decide what to say. My mother doesn’t call often, but when she does, it’s usually because she wants something, and when that happens, she’s like a dog with a bone. I should consider myself lucky that she hasn’t been hounding me about this woman she wanted to set me up with.

  I clear my throat. “Mom, she’s different from Amber.”

  “Good, you don’t need another Amber in your life.” I’m taken aback by her comment. Things changed between Amber and myself, but they didn’t change for Amber and my family. They still love her despite what she did to me.

  “If Amber told you I was hanging out with a guy, would you want to meet him too, or is this solely because Lennie is a female?”

  “Lennie? Oh, that’s a sweet name.”

  “Mother,” I warn. “See this is what I’m talking about. You don’t bring a friend who happens to be a female over to meet your parents, especially when they’re acting like they can hear wedding bells in the near future.”

  “Oh, nonsense. Quit making this a bigger deal than it is. Saturday night, bring her over and we’ll have dinner with your father.”

  If I don’t agree, she’ll show up here looking to meet her. “I’ll talk to Lennie and see if she’s free, but I’m not promising anything.”

  “Talk to your friend and let me know. I’ll plan something special for dinner.”

  “Okay,” I say with exasperation. “I’ll let you go. I really need to get some work done.”

  “Certainly, dear. Talk to you soon.”

  After the call is disconnected, I sit at my desk staring at my blank computer screen for the longest time.

  I could tell when I saw Amber that she wasn’t happy Lennie was with me. And Lennie couldn’t have made Amber any more uncomfortable if she tried, which I secretly loved.

  When Amber first told me she was in love with Brandon, my world fell apart. Nothing seemed right, and the more I was forced to watch her move on without me, the more removed from the world I became.

  Now, thanks to time and Lennie, I have a clear head. I know there was a time when I loved Amber. We shared too many firsts together, but somewhere along the way, we fell out of love, but it’s the part where she was willing to publicly toss me to the side that still hurts.

  I haven’t forgiven them, but I’ve let it go. Holding on to my anger was only holding me back from life, and thanks to Lennie, I’m ready to start living again.

  ***

  I DECIDED TO TAKE A page out of Lennie’s book and surprise her by showing up at my parents’ house. If I’m being completely honest, I was nervous to ask her to join me. I have no idea where I stand with Lennie, but at the very least, I know she’s important to me. But, introducing a woman to your parents is a big deal, and I’m not sure how I would react if she refused to come with me. “I thought you said we were going out for dinner.”

  “We are.” Her eyes move back to my parents’ house. “My mom found out I was hanging out with you and insisted o
n meeting you. I told her we’re only friends but...”

  Her eyes narrow. “How did your mom find out about me?”

  “Amber.”

  “Amber?” she repeats with a confused look. “Why does your mom still talk to Amber?”

  I groan. “It’s a long story. One I don’t really like talking about.”

  Lennie looks at me suspiciously. “O...kay.” Her gaze travels back to my parents’ house. “Who am I?”

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  She chuckles before looking back at me. “To your parents. Who am I?”

  “I told you, you’re my friend.” She nods her head in silence. “Okay, let’s do this.” Lennie hops out of my SUV and is halfway to my parents’ front door before I’m able to force my feet to start moving.

  When I catch up with her, I pause before opening the door. “This isn’t a big deal. I promise.”

  Lennie smiles before winking at me. “I’m ready.”

  I turn the knob and push open the door and the two of us step inside. Instantly, voices followed by laughter fill the air, causing my heart to drop because I know my parents aren’t the only ones here.

  TYLER’S BODY COILS WITH TENSION.

  “What’s wrong?”

  His breathing picks up as his eyes widen. “I think my mom invited my brothers.”

  I cock my head to the side, wondering why he’s acting this strange. “It’s not a big deal, I promise. I’d love to meet your family.” I lace my hand with his and give him a tug.

  “It’s just that...” He trails off as an older lady—I’m assuming his mother—walks down the hall towards us.

  “I’m Marie, Tyler’s mother. You must be Lennie.”

  “Yes,” I answer with a smile, but it quickly fades when her lips set in a hard line as she studies my tattoos. “Do you like them?” I ask with a large dose of sarcasm. “I’m trying to decide what to add for Tyler.”

  “For Tyler?”

  “Yes, I usually get a tattoo to remember a special time in my life, and so far, my time with your son has been unforgettable.” She seems taken aback by my answer, but when I glance up at Tyler, I see a gleam in his eye that wasn’t there seconds ago.

  “Oh, well...that’s nice.” Marie clears her throat. “Tyler, your brothers found out you were coming over tonight with a date. I was unable to stop them from showing up. More the merrier, right?”

  “Right,” Tyler adds in a sharp tone.

  Marie turns and leads us down a hall that opens up into a large living room full of people. My eyes scan the room but my face screws up in anger when I notice Amber, Tyler’s ex, standing off to the side. She’s watching Tyler closely. “Everyone, this is Lennie. Lennie, this is my husband, Thomas.”

  A man who looks like an older version of Tyler smiles at me. “Nice to meet you, Lennie.”

  “Likewise.”

  “And this is Joel, Austin, and Brandon, Tyler’s brothers.” My heart drops when I notice that Brandon is holding the same little girl Amber had with her the other day.

  “This little cutie here is Allie and her big brother, Sam, is over there.” I follow her finger to see a little boy playing with a tablet on the couch.

  “Oh.” I glance over at Tyler but he won’t look at me.

  I’ve never been one to cower away from saying what I’m thinking. “And why is Tyler’s ex here?” I glance at Amber in time to see her eyes widen with shock.

  Marie clears her throat, but Brandon speaks before she has a chance. “Because she’s my wife.”

  My mouth drops open. I can’t believe Tyler failed to mention that. “Are we ready to eat?” Marie questions, trying her best to avoid the awkward moment everyone is feeling.

  “Yes, that would be great. Can I do anything to help you?” I ask as I force a smile.

  “No, dear, we’re all set to eat.” Marie and Thomas turn and walk out of the room when I see Brandon give Tyler a spiteful look. I pause for a moment to glance at Tyler. His shoulders are tense and his eyes are hard, which is nothing like the guy I’ve spent the last few weeks with.

  I pull on Tyler’s arm and whisper, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me she left you for your brother.”

  Tyler groans before rubbing his hands over his face. “I don’t really like talking about it, Lennie. It’s bad enough that she ditched me two weeks before our wedding, but when I add on the fact that she dumped me for my older brother I end up sounding like a daytime soap opera.”

  “The other day when we saw her at the farmer’s market would have been a great time to fill me in.”

  “I told you. I don’t like talking about it, not with you or anyone else, for that matter.”

  “I’m the last person who’d judge you.”

  Tyler sighs in frustration. “Can we not talk about this now?”

  “Yeah, sure,” I snap. “Let’s go eat with your dysfunctional family.”

  I haven’t spilled my deep dark secrets, but I thought after everything Tyler has told me about Amber that he’d trust me enough to tell me about this.

  Tyler shakes his head and walks the same direction as the rest of his family, but he doesn’t even bother to see if I’m following him. I’m half-tempted to say fuck it and walk right out the door, but Tyler drove, therefore I’m stuck. I reluctantly follow him and take a seat at the table.

  “Lennie, where did you say you’re from?” Marie softly asks as bowls of food are being passed around.

  “Originally, I’m from Dallas, but I’ve lived here and there for years.”

  Amber rolls her eyes and Marie sighs.

  “Here and there?” Brandon repeats. “That’s pretty descriptive.”

  “I usually move every couple of months.”

  “Oh, goodness, why would you do that?” Marie says.

  “I’ve found I have a lot to offer the world and it feels like I’m cheating someone out of that gift if I stay in one place for very long.”

  Amber chuckles and shakes her head.

  “I’m sorry; did I say something that was funny?”

  Amber lifts her nose up in the air. “I’m just trying to figure out what gift you think you have.”

  “Enough.” Thomas, Tyler’s father, snaps. Thankfully, he’s looking at Amber.

  “What do you do for a job?” One of Tyler’s other brothers questions.

  “A little of this. A little of that.”

  A few snickers break out but the room goes quiet the second Marie clears her throat. “I’m sure your parents are proud.”

  I laugh. “Nope. They have about the same reaction as everyone at this table does, but I’ve found that I enjoy life when I live for myself and not to please others.” Marie gives me a fake smile, but the conversation ends as everyone starts eating.

  Twenty minutes pass and the conversation changes from the weather to the Cowboys until the little boy, who I’m guessing is close to four, begs to be dismissed. With his tablet in hand, he runs out of the room.

  I hate awkward moments. I go out of my way to avoid them, but suddenly, I’m smack in the middle of one. With the little boy gone, I decide I might as well have a little fun. “How long have you and Amber been married?” I question Brandon.

  “Oh, umm. Eight years?”

  Amber clears her throat. “Five.”

  Tyler tenses next to me, and suddenly I hate myself for bringing their marriage up. No matter how over her he claims to be, having to see her at his own family functions has to be hard.

  “I apologize for bringing up the huge elephant in the room. It’s just I’m still processing Tyler’s ex being married to his brother.”

  “Lennie,” Tyler mumbles under his breath.

  “It’s not a big deal. Amber’s over him and we’re happy,” Brandon smugly adds.

  “Oh, I was under the impression that Amber is still concerned about what Tyler does.” I look over at Amber with a smirk. “After all, you’re the one who told Marie you saw us together.”

  Brandon�
�s eyes harden when he looks at his wife.

  “Amber is just protective of our Tyler, that’s all,” Marie adds.

  “Protective? Oh, I’m sorry. I was told that she cheated on Tyler with his brother.” Both Marie and Amber gasp while the men share a shocked expression.

  “That’s really none of your business, but like Brandon said, that was years ago and this family has moved on from that little slip-up,” Marie angrily states.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Tyler’s chest rise and fall. His parents and brothers might be over what happened, but he’s not, at least not the part that involves his brother.

  “I wondered when I first met Tyler why he’d put his life on hold for years after one bad break up, but it’s not Amber that screwed him up, it was you.” I point at Brandon. “His own brother, someone who was supposed to protect him, slept with his fiancée.”

  “How dare you come in our home and try to start trouble!” Marie shouts. “This family doesn’t need some low life woman causing problems.”

  I don’t react to her comment. I knew from the second she looked at my tattoos with disgust that we weren’t going to get along.

  With a lackluster smile, I look around the table. “Unlike some of you, I’ve never pretended to be anything I’m not. If Tyler had put this situation behind him, I never would have brought it up. But I’m guessing it’s hard to forgive someone who’s never admitted to doing anything wrong.” I look first at Brandon, then to Amber.

  Brandon’s smug voice fills the air. “You really had to dig at the bottom of the barrel for this one, huh, Ty?”

  “I’m sure if your wife wasn’t sitting at the table you’d be the first to ask Lennie for her phone number.” My eyes widen when Tyler finally decides to chime in. “Then again, you two have a wonderful marriage, don’t you big brother? All those late nights at the office don’t take a toll on either of you.” Amber’s mouth drops open as she stares at her husband.

  “Oh, I get it. Once a cheater always a cheater?”

  “Enough!” Thomas shouts. “I think we’ve had enough family time for one night. Marie and I will take care of all the dishes. I think it’s best for everyone to go home and cool off before anything else is said.”