Playing in SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 9)

by Crystal Perkins

  “Jeanne, I like almost everyone on the planet more than I like your mom. I’m grateful to her, because I wouldn’t have you otherwise, but I haven’t liked—or loved—her for a very long time.”

  “She told me she still loves you.”

  That’s even bigger bullshit than what Jeanne said earlier. I have to be diplomatic for my kid, though. “I can’t help how she feels. Hopefully she’ll find someone else, and move on.”

  “There’s no chance you’d get back together with her?”

  “None.”

  I mean that with my whole heart, especially since she was too “busy” to come and check on Jeanne, even after I told her she’d almost been kidnapped again. I don’t know if she just doesn’t care about our daughter, if she thinks her waning career is too important, or what. But I could never be with someone who didn’t put their own child first. It didn’t work out the first time, and I’m not even going to try again.

  “That’s not your color,” Audrey tells me with a wink, as she walks into the closet.

  I look down and see that I’m holding a peach dress in front of me. “Really, I think it brings out the color in my eyes.”

  “You’re so embarrassing, Dad.”

  “What? It’s only Audrey.” Her face falls, and I want to bang my head against the closest wall.

  “Anyway. I was hoping you’d be up for a Girls’ Night, Jeanne. The Griffin wives host one every month, and sometimes us Society girls get together with them, too. Reina, Isa, Ainsley, Darcy, and Faith are in if you are.”

  “They don’t hate me after the things I said at dinner?”

  “What? No. We’ve all been teenagers. We understand the angst. Especially after the day you’ve had. I’d say some more ice cream and chick flicks are in order. Along with nail painting and frozen bras of course.”

  “Do I get to freeze your bra, Audrey?”

  “That would be a ‘hell no’ Blake.”

  “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  “So, what do you say?” she asks Jeanne, pointedly ignoring me.

  I think I just struck out, and it’s only been two days. I was hoping for a home run, and I’m not ready to throw down the bat yet. “Jeanne, why don’t you go help Audrey’s friends grab snacks while I talk to her for a minute?”

  “Oh-kay. Don’t be making out when we get back, please. I’ll be loud, but still.”

  “There’s no chance of that, Jeanne, so you can be as quiet as a mouse.”

  “Make noise, Jeanne.”

  “I’m going now, because this is really awkward. Bye!”

  “What did you want to talk about, Blake?” Audrey asks once Jeanne is gone.

  “I didn’t mean it like you think I did.”

  “Mean what?”

  “You know damn well what I’m talking about, and I only meant that you wouldn’t care if we acted goofy around you.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay, we’re good? Or okay, you’re just saying that to try and shut me up?”

  “We’re good.”

  I walk over and pull her into my arms. “How about you and Reina?”

  “We’re good, too. She just worries about me. I’m like an older sister to her.”

  “I thought older sisters were supposed to worry about younger sisters,” I say, kissing her cheek.

  “It goes both ways.”

  I place my fingers on her jaw to turn her face the way I want it, and see her wince. “What’s wrong?”

  “I took a hard hit earlier.”

  Oh my God. I knew they got Jeanne away from those guys, but I didn’t even think about how they did it. “Where?”

  “My jaw. It’s fine. It’s going to look pretty ugly tomorrow, though.”

  “You were fighting to save my daughter. Nothing about that is ugly,” I tell her as I feather kisses all over her jaw.

  She moves and then we’re full on kissing. She’s got my t-shirt clutched in her hands, and I’m playing with the next button on her jumpsuit. I just get it popped when we’re interrupted. Jeanne doesn’t yell, but she’s not quiet, either. It doesn’t really matter since either of them would have the same effect—I have to go back to my room alone.

  “Tomorrow night?”

  “Maybe.”

  “That’s better than no.”

  “It is.”

  “Dad. Your time with Audrey is up. Go hang out with the men. They’re in your man cave.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I tell her with a salute, before kissing the top of her head.

  I grab Audrey for one last kiss, and then head out to the pool house, also known as my man cave. Beer and foosball will be fun; although, I know it won’t compare to a night with Audrey. I’ve waited twenty years for that, and while I won’t wait twenty more, I can be patient. For maybe another 24 hours or so.

  * * *

  Audrey

  “I’ve got your pajamas, Aud,” Stella tells me, handing me a bag.

  I’d filled her in on my plan while we were shopping, so she could get us all something to wear tonight. Everyone has on a cute t-shirt and shorts combo, and I’m expecting the same. That’s not what’s in the bag, though.

  “Stella, where are my pajamas?” I ask, looking at the piece of silk in the bag.

  “Oh, they were out, so I got you something different.”

  “There were no regular pajama sets anywhere in that mall?”

  “Pleading the fifth.”

  “I’ll just stay in my jumpsuit, I guess.”

  “You can’t, Audrey. This is my first slumber party,” Jeanne tells me.

  “What Stella got me isn’t something I would wear to a slumber party.”

  “Unless it was an 80s movie, or a porno,” Darcy says with a laugh.

  “Those two are not interchangeable little girl,” I tell her, shaking my head as she sticks her tongue out at me.

  “It’s just us girls, and it can’t be that bad,” Reina says. “Just put it on.”

  “Okay, Boss, but I warned you.”

  I go into the bathroom and slip on the pink pin striped sleep shirt. It’s shorter in front than back, and I’ll have to be careful to not flash my friends too much. Yes, they’ve seen me in my panties before, and naked too, but I try to keep my lingerie to myself. I straighten the thing one more time, and then walk out.

  “You look pretty, Audrey,” Jeanne says. “I want a nightgown like that, too.”

  “Thanks, Jeanne. I’m sure Stella can get you one.”

  “I can. Now let’s get started. What are we doing first?”

  We decide to do our hair and nails first, and then watch the movies while we eat the junk food. Darcy puts on some music, and we get started. I’m painting Jeanne’s nails while I ask her about the guy at the mall.

  “Was that Roger at the mall?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And?”

  “He’s a jerk. Thank you for showing me that.”

  “That wasn’t what I wanted. He was just being a…jerk, and he needed to be put in his place.”

  “My mom would’ve probably flirted with him,” she says, biting her lip.

  “Well, I’m definitely not Misha.”

  “No, you’re not. I like you a lot, Audrey. I know we’ve only known each other for a few days, but I do.”

  “I like you, too, Mija.”

  “I didn’t expect you. Any of you.”

  That’s a weird statement, so I press her a little. “Expect us?”

  “I mean, I never thought I would meet cool, smart, and beautiful girls.”

  “You’re cool, smart, and beautiful.”

  “My dad’s the only one who has ever said that before.”

  “He has his good moments.”

  “Are you going to be his girlfriend for real?”

  “I don’t know. How would you feel about that?”

  “I don’t know,” she says, and we both laugh.

  “Seriously, though, if it bothers you, you need to tell me. Your feelings are important t
o me.”

  She bursts into tears, and I put down the nail polish to gather her into my arms. “Why doesn’t my mom feel this way? Why doesn’t she care?”

  “I’m sure she cares, just in her own way.” Actually, I’m sure her mother is a self-centered bitch, but she doesn’t need to hear that right now.

  “Hey, what’s going on over here? It usually takes Audrey at least a week to make someone cry. Usually it’s because we can’t read her handwriting—or understand all the chemistry notes mixed in with the words—and not while she’s painting our nails. Did she mess up that badly?” Stella asks with a laugh.

  “No. They’re perfect. Audrey’s perfect.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” I say, as I swat my hand at Stella.

  “I would,” Reina tells me, as she comes up and gives me a hug from behind. “I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without your help, Aud, and we both know it.”

  I turn slightly from Jeanne to hug Reina back. We’ve been together since the beginning of the Society, and she’s more important to me than almost anyone else on Earth. My family—I won’t say my “real” family, because Reina and the other women are real to me, too—are the only ones I would possibly put before her. Possibly, but not likely. I do need to go see them while I’m here.

  “Are you okay, Audrey? You looked sad?” Jeanne asks, wiping her eyes.

  “Not sad, just thinking about visiting my family while I’m here. It’s been too long, and I should try and see them.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Reina says, squeezing my hand.

  “You should get back.”

  “I’m the boss, and you need me. We both know you shouldn’t go alone.”

  I do know that. My family loves me, but I’m a disappointment to them. I was supposed to marry a nice boy—or even a not so nice boy—who could provide for me. It doesn’t matter that I can provide for myself. Or even that I could provide for my parents without making a dent in my bank accounts. All that matters is that I’m almost 40 and not married. So basically, I’m a failure.

  “I’ll go too,” Jeanne says.

  “Thank you, Mija, but I’m not sure it’s safe for you to go anywhere but school until we find out who’s after you.”

  “You’ll take care of her, Reina?”

  “Always, Jeanne.”

  “Okay, enough of this seriousness. We have some junk food to eat, and some movies to watch.”

  We spend the rest of the night eating too much, while laughing and crying over the movies. Jeanne ends up snuggled against me as she falls asleep, and I can’t help but wish she was my daughter. I have to remind myself that she has a mother. Maybe not the one she needs, but that’s not exactly my business. Even if I got involved with Blake, Misha would still be a part of both of their lives. Like it or not, that’s the reality of the situation.

  Chapter 6

  Blake

  Zack had the awesome idea that we should make breakfast for the girls. Well, all of us except for Brayden, that is. Apparently there was an incident in Las Vegas, and he’s not allowed near a stove. The rest of us are making eggs, bacon, potatoes, and toast while he arranges some fruit on a plate. We’re almost done when Jesse walks in.

  “Hey man, you had a party and didn’t invite me?”

  “Nah. You know I’d invite you if something was going on. They’re just hanging out while their women protect Jeanne.”

  “Oh. That’s cool.”

  “Yeah. So, guys this is my best friend, Jesse. Jesse, this is Matt, Zack, Jake, and Brayden.”

  They all give him the standard chin nod, and get back to work. “I guess I’ll catch you later.”

  “You can stay. We have plenty of food,” I tell him.

  “You sure?”

  “You can keep an eye on Brayden for us,” Matt tells him.

  “I’m putting fruit on a bloody plate. I don’t think even I could fuck that up.”

  “Oh, I think you could,” Zack says.

  “Asshole.”

  “I own that title on occasion.”

  “We all do,” Jake says with a shrug.

  “That’s what make-up sex is for,” Matt says with a smirk.

  “When it works,” Reina says, walking in.

  “Always gotta shoot me down, huh Princess?”

  “That’s so sweet,” Jeanne says.

  “What’s sweet, honey?” Reina asks.

  “He calls you ‘Princess.’”

  “That’s not sweet, it’s an insult. My name means ‘Queen’ so he calls me ‘Princess’ to make me remember I’m less than that.”

  “Rei,” Matt says, looking ashamed.

  “It’s fine. I’m used to it.”

  “Excuse us for a minute, please.”

  Matt grabs her hand and pulls her from the room. Jeanne and I stand there awkwardly for a minute while everyone else starts loading up their plates, and acting like nothing unusual happened. I finally grab a plate and hand it Jeanne, before getting one for myself, too.

  “I’m sorry,” she blurts out.

  “For Matt and Reina? Don’t worry about them. They fight over what color the sky is,” Isa tells her.

  “Why are they married then? My parents got divorced because they fought so much.”

  “Matt and Reina love each other more than anyone I’ve ever met in my life. That kind of love can be scary. They have trouble dealing with it, so they fight,” Audrey says.

  “Is that why you and Mom fought, because you love each other so much?”

  “No, baby. We never had that kind of love.”

  “Maybe you’re scared, too.”

  I put down my plate and take her face in my hands. “Jeanne, I don’t want to hurt you, but you need to understand that I don’t love your mother. I thought I did once, and I’m happy about it, because I wouldn’t have you if I hadn’t felt that way. But that’s it.”

  She nods. “Okay. I get it. I guess I just always hoped you’d get back together. I like Audrey, though.”

  “This isn’t about Audrey, or any other woman or man. Your mom and I broke up because of us and no one else.”

  “I believe you.”

  “Good. Now let’s eat so I can get you to school on time.”

  “Jake and I will be taking her to school today. It’s safer,” Isa says.

  “And then we’ll get to work on figuring out who’s behind all of this,” Audrey tells me.

  “You really think you can figure it out? I know you’re a super genius, Audrey, but whoever did it won’t have left a trail of clues for you,” Jesse says.

  “Criminals aren’t always smart,” Ainsley tells him.

  “They aren’t always stupid, either.”

  “Is there something you want to share, Jesse, because it seems like you’re pretty sure we won’t figure this out,” Darcy tells him, her eyes narrowed.

  “Just playing Devil’s Advocate,” he responds with a laugh.

  The girls—and guys—all look at each other, which isn’t surprising. Jesse’s been my best friend for over two decades, and I thought what he was saying was weird, too. Maybe not suspicious, which is what I know they’re thinking, but definitely weird.

  “Are you going to visit your family today, too, Audrey?” Jeanne asks.

  “Yes, Mija. Reina and I are going to see them after breakfast.”

  “I thought you were working on finding out who’s after Jeanne,” I say, not able to stop the anger I’m feeling from seeping into my voice. My daughter needs to be top priority right now.

  “I am in no way, shape, or form, a computer hacker, and analyzing information is not my specialty, either. I’m passable in both, but others are experts. Ainsley and Darcy’s teams can hack, along with Scott’s help, while Isa and our friend Tegan use their teams to analyze. Once they have more information, they’ll go over it with me.”

  There’s bite is in her words, too, and I know I deserve it. She’s put Jeanne first in everything over the last couple of days. There’s no reason for me to
think that’s changed. “I’m sorry. This whole thing is stressing me out. I worried that someone would try to kidnap Jeanne because of me, but I never thought someone would try to take her because of her brain. It’s hard to sit back and wait.”

  “It is,” Audrey says, putting her hand over mine, “but we know what we’re doing. We’ll figure this out, and make sure the person who did this goes to jail for a very long time.”

  “So now you control the courts, too?” Jesse asks.

  Reina pins him with a look that would send me running. “We control what needs to be controlled in order for people to be brought to justice.”

  “Only because you don’t let me and Aiden bring our brand of justice to the table,” Faith says with a smirk.

  “You have a very long leash, Faith, and if it ever there ever came a time when it wasn’t enough, I would happily unleash you.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  “Is anyone else scared? Because I’m a little scared,” I say, swallowing hard.

  “You only need to be scared if you’re the one behind all of this, and I hope to God you’re not,” Audrey tells me.

  I’m a little startled, but then I realize I shouldn’t be. Everyone is a suspect. They have to be. My daughter has been threatened, and I want them to take down whoever’s behind it. Even if it might be my best friend. The one who’s currently smirking once again, and making me doubt him.

  * * *

  Audrey

  Once Isa and Jake leave with Jeanne, and everyone else is settled in to work, Reina and I go to my parents’ house. She’s driving, because she knows I’m nervous. Coming from a Mexican family herself, she understands what I’ve had to face. Her parents were much more progressive than mine, so she’s never had any trouble with her career choices. But she knows the culture and the mindset, and I’m glad she’ll be there with me.

  “You ready?” she asks as we pull up outside the house.

  “Not even a little bit.”

  “I can drive us back to Blake’s.”

  “You know that’s not an option. I need to go in there. My dad will have to leave for work soon, so let’s get this over with.”

  We walk to the door, and I knock. The door opens, and my mother’s smile falls when she sees me. “You shouldn’t be here.”

  “Do you really want to have this conversation on your porch, where all of your neighbors can see us?”