Ending a Broken Journey

by Melissa L. Delga

  “So is this often?”

  I look at Kip. “What?”

  “Jax and one-nighters?”

  “He goes in spurts.”

  Kip’s eyes are bloodshot from the alcohol, as are mine I’m sure. He clutches his chest and laughs. He laughs so hard tears spring from his eyes. I join in. No idea what’s so funny, but well aware the liquid we’ve been drinking for hours has definitely caught up to us.

  I WAKE UP in my bed with a blinding headache. Looking over at the clock, it reads noon. I have no clue how I passed out—one, in my bed, and two, in just my boxers. Yawning and scratching my chest, I shuffle my way lazily to the kitchen to look for some form of headache medicine. Opening the different cabinets, I hear my brother’s door close quietly and see the brunette from the last of what my memory can recall. Making eye contact with me, she blushes. Ah, the dreaded walk of shame. I give her a lopsided grin. She collects herself, rushing to the door. Then, I hear a god awful loud snore.

  Kip.

  Damn he’s a loud mother fucker. I find the meds I need, grab a bottle of water and down the pills. Walking to my couch where he’s passed out, I throw a pillow at his face which causes him to jerk awake.

  “What the fuck?” He looks around, unaware of his surroundings.

  “Uh, you snore loud as hell.”

  “Fuck you, dude, I was sleeping just fine.” He chucks the pillow back at me.

  “I said nothing about sleeping, I said snoring.” He swings his left arm over his eyes and flips me off with the other. “It’s noon. Go home to your own bed; I’ll see you later tonight.”

  He peers out at me from underneath his arm, “Yeah alright,” He stretches then stands, rubs his face and yawns. “At least there I won’t be fucking harassed. See you later.”

  LATER HAS COME at record speeds, and still, I couldn’t decide on what I wanted to be, so I grabbed the first thing I found at the costume store: Scrubs. A cheap stethoscope came with, and I figure, since this is a last minute costume, it’ll work. I’m in my bathroom styling my hair into a wild mess with some gel, when Jax walks in. I look at him from the mirror, and choke on my laughter. I turn around to witness both of his fists on his hips in the stance of a super hero.

  “Are you serious right now?” I manage between laughs.

  “What? This costume’s fucking awesome. Don’t hate on me, brother.”

  “In what world are green tights ‘fucking awesome’ on a grown ass man?”

  “Peter Pan is the shit. You’re just jealous you didn’t come up with it first.” He crosses his arms over his chest leaning against my doorframe. “Your costume required no thought.” He points his head in my direction.

  “I may have chosen something plain, but I can assure you, jealousy is the last thing I feel when I look at you.”

  Wiping tears from my eyes, I continue styling my hair.

  “You just watch. The ladies will be swooning over this costume. I’ll find my Wendy tonight. Trust.” He winks, walking back out of my bathroom to answer the ringing at the door.

  “You had to outdo me didn’t you!?” I hear my brother yell from the front door. I finish up, turning off my light to head out and see what all of the commotion’s about.

  I stop dead in my tracks. Holy fucking shit. These two are insane.

  “Green tights, Jax? Really?”

  “Oh? Like you’re one to talk? A wig and skirt? Dude, your costume was being a chick?”

  I sit back watching the exchange, chuckling, because this is just too ridiculous for words.

  “Correction, asshole. Tarzan is not a chick.”

  “Sure. I really do like the Amazon skirt and wig thing you’ve got going on, though. Really manly,” Jax manages to say with a straight face. They both turn to me.

  “I don’t know why you’re laughing. One hot girl comes up to you and your boner will be on full display,” Kip points out.

  The smile on my face dies. Shit. He’s so right.

  They both laugh at the expression on my face. “Let’s go get the girls. They’ll be waiting for us,” Kip says heading back to the door.

  “Very fucking funny guys,” I grumble as a response. “Let’s go.”

  ADE, CASS, AND I manage to finish getting ready early. I wasn’t shocked to find Ade at my door in a very revealing cop outfit; hat, cuffs and all. The girl’s hot and she knows it. Cass, on the other hand, was a little more of a shocker.

  When I opened my door, she was standing there in an extremely short light blue dress with ruffled sleeves, glittered make up and glitter platform pumps. When I asked her who she was, she said Wendy from Peter Pan. She looks good, too. Compared to the two of them, my costume is much more played down. I’m going to the club tonight as a flapper; red dress, white gloves, fake cigarette, red lipstick—it’s a far cry from my comfort zone. The girls said I’d better be something good, or they were going to choose my costume for me. I didn’t want that to happen, so here I am.

  All week I racked my brain. On our morning runs, Jax questioned me every day as to what I was going to be. I hadn’t decided yet so I kept telling him I didn’t know. He in turn, kept his costume top secret.

  “Mackenzie, I’m so proud of you, chica!” Ade appraises me, and smiles from ear to ear.

  “Thanks. My deep discomfort thanks you as well.”

  We’re standing in my kitchen sipping on some margaritas before the guys come over. Liquid courage is what I need right now, so thankfully we’re getting started early. “You both look really good,” I comment.

  “Thanks, girl. Cheers to a night full of fun, friends, and memories.” Cass raises her glass. I’ll drink to that. We clink our glasses together and enjoy our concoction.

  “You okay girl?” Ade asks me.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “No reason. Just making sure because I know you’re way out of your comfort zone. I’m proud though.”

  How true it is. I’m much more of a home body. It may stem from rarely going out when my relationship status was taken, or simply, from my constant insecurities. Either way, tonight will be a first of hopefully many on my road to self-improvement.

  “Nope, I’m good.” Taking another sip, we hear knocking at my door. Yeah I’m good. Not scared at all. I’m definitely kidding myself.

  Answering the door, I barely contain my gasp of surprise. Three handsome men at my door: one in scrubs, one in a wig, and one in tights.

  “You look stunning.” My brother leans in to hug me then escorts his way past me. I don’t even have time to process he’s wearing some sort of skirt, too.

  “Mackenzie, babe, looking good.” Jax grins at me, and I notice that he’s…oh my god, Peter Pan. Cass is going to have a field day with this. “Hey you.” I smile as he makes his way past me also.

  Last, but not least, is the sexy doctor standing in front of me. His costume is so plain, but he can pull off anything. Obviously. His hair is a disheveled sexy mess. My nervousness and self-consciousness kicks into over drive. He brings his hand towards my face, using his index finger, he gently closes my mouth. How embarrassing. I was standing there, literally with my mouth wide open.

  Amusement dances in his eyes. “My, my, my, don’t you look as gorgeous as ever.” Taking a step closer, he bends to kiss both sides of my face. Straightening up his tall six foot three frame, he grabs my hand, walks in, and shuts the door to lead me to the rest of our party. I think the alcohol has started to kick in, my self doubt is subsiding somewhat. Hell, I’ll take it.

  “I can’t believe you guys came unknowingly as a couple!” Ade is alit with humor.

  “Ha-ha. Very funny, Ade,” Cass replies, fuming, with her arms crossed over her chest. It seems everyone is enjoying this joke at her expense; even Jax. I would even guess he’s immensely enjoying the fact that their costumes match as well.

  “It is actually,” Drew’s deep bravado rings in my ears beside me. I smile inwardly because, yes, it’s agreeable. Jax infuriates Cass. They go back and forth about as much
as my brother and Ade do.

  “Don’t we have somewhere to be?” she responds annoyingly, flipping her long golden hair over her shoulder.

  My brother chuckles, “Yeah we do. The taxi’s waiting on us downstairs.”

  In Tampa, taxis are rare, but needed for such an occasion as this. I volunteered to be the designated driver, but Kip insisted otherwise.

  Clapping her hands together, Ade calls out, “Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go have some fun!”

  It takes about twenty minutes to arrive at Lune. The driver pulls over by the front entrance to let us out. Kip hands the guy a few bills, thanking him as we all pile out. It’s still pretty early, so the line isn’t as long. While we wait, I take in my surroundings. The outside looks like a brick warehouse with rows of windows going up what could be about four flights. The windows are so darkly tinted, I can’t tell what kind of lighting is going on inside.

  We move forward at a steady pace until we’re at the door—a castle chamber door. The bouncer checks our IDs before we usher on inside. The first thing I notice is, the music has a great beat to dance to. The second thing, this club is very upscale. It’s separated into three sections; to the left of us there’s a lounge area with white leather sofa chairs surrounding circular modern glass tables with square bottoms. A long white leather bench is lined up against the wall with a background of a waterfall lit up by aqua colored lights. To our right, is a wall of mirrors with the bar in front, that has white and black striped bar stools placed in a row with dark blue lights illuminating the bottom of the bar. Straight ahead is a massive station for the DJ; the dance floor is in a black and white checkered pattern with dim blue and aqua lights shining on it. This club is truly breathtaking; it was definitely a good call to come check it out.

  To keep in theme with Halloween, all of the tables have cobwebs glowing with a black light, and smoke machines, pumping at different angles in the club. We make our way over to the lounge area, and have a seat. A bartender comes up and takes our drink orders; he’s also in costume like the rest of the staff—Captain Jack Sparrow. He pulls it off nicely, too.

  Kip and the guys have fallen into a conversation about sports, and whose stats are beating whom for their fantasy football league. Our drinks arrive a few minutes later. I take in the scene going on around me—people dancing, having a good time, all of the different costumes for tonight’s event; some are really creative. I see people making out in dark corners of the club, and I envy them. Not a care in the world, but each other. The music continues to pump more loudly and my gaze falls onto the bar where I witness a few guys all fawning over a tall blonde. I look closer at the costume she’s dawning and can see why they are. A Victoria’s Secret Angel accustomed with wings and all. It’s a great outfit, one I would never have enough gall to wear. She turns around laughing and we lock eyes—Sammy.

  What the hell is she doing here?

  I order two shots and another drink when the Captain comes back to check on us.

  “Hey Mackenzie, you might want to slow down, honey. You rarely drink.” Cass is right. I rarely do. I rarely drink, go out, attempt to be a part of anything—but if I’m going to get through this night, as sad as I am to admit this, I will need the accompaniment of alcohol. I know it’s not the answer, which is precisely why I didn’t turn to it before. Tonight’s all about having fun, though, so that’s exactly what I plan to do.

  “No I’m fine, Cass. Trust me it’s okay.”

  She gives me a doubtful look, but refrains from saying anything.

  Ade grabs my hand after I down my shots and cocktail. “Come on Mackenzie, let’s go dance—you too Cass, let’s go!”

  “No thanks,” I yell over the music, “I’m good, Ade.”

  “Uh-uh. Woman, get your ass up, no excuses. Tonight you’re a hot flapper from the 1920’s who’s self-assured and confident, now own it.”

  I reluctantly stand, and almost lose my balance. I’ve only had a few drinks. They must’ve been stronger than I thought. I straighten my pose; she’s right, I can do this. I look over at the guys. Kip and Drew are looking at us, smiling, while Jax is checking out all of the women walking by. Typical of the Jax I’ve come to know. He said earlier he was going to find his Wendy for tonight which caused everyone to laugh again; Cass of course found no humor in it.

  “You guys wanna join us?” Ade asks coyly.

  Kip sits back and stretches. “I’m game. Think you can handle me, officer?”

  “A guy in a skirt?” she shoots back. “I think I’ve got this.”

  He gives her a dirty look. “You coming, man?” Kip is still shouting over the music. Drew nods his head and looks at his brother.

  “I’m gonna hang back,” Jax says.

  We make our way to the dance floor that is now filling up. Orange and black lights are flickering all around, the music picking up pace. With the atmosphere so energetic, I manage to push the fact of Sammy being here to the back of my mind and finally loosen up.

  For once, I take Ade’s advice. I’m someone else tonight; I try to envision exactly how much confidence a beautiful flapper from a different era would exude, and let it guide me. I sway my hips to the music, and after a while, I feel someone’s hands on my waist. I turn around to see a man dressed as Zorro smiling down at me.

  “Hey guy, back off. She’s taken.”

  I am? I look at Drew. His nostrils are flaring. He grabs my arm and gently pulls me towards him. Zorro shrugs it off as no big deal, and walks away.

  “What was that about?” I yell over the music.

  “You just never know. There are creepers everywhere.” Drew spins me around so that his front is to my back. Shocked by this, I take it in stride. I continue to chant the mantra of what a sexy flapper would do given the opportunity to dance with an unbelievably gorgeous guy.

  Our hips sway together to the beat of the music. It’s surprising to find he can actually dance. It’s so sensual and personal. Moving back and forth, I glance up to see Ade and Kip moving together as well. I feel Drew’s hands grasping my waist as our bodies continue together in sync.

  After a few songs I realize I’ve danced enough for this round. I’m hot and sticky anyway.

  “I’m going to grab another drink and sit down.”

  He shakes his head and points to his ear to let me know he couldn’t hear me. I reach up on my tiptoes and repeat myself in his ear. I turn around making it a few steps before I feel a grip on my hand. Drew spins me in towards him and presses his forehead to mine. I can feel his chest rising and falling against me with heavy bated breaths. I stare up at him. The entire club disappears. All I can see is him, and those gorgeous eyes, boring into mine. He reaches his left hand up with measured ease, lightly stroking his thumb across my bottom lip. My mouth parts, slowly, causing his face to break out into that adorable grin I’ve managed to witness more often lately.

  “Drew—”

  He places his index finger against my lips, effectively cutting me off. He lightly shakes his head back and forth. “Kennie, let me just admire you for a second.”

  Admire me? Standing on the dance floor with bodies moving all around us, I still only feel our presence—his warmth consuming me. He takes both of his hands to cup my face pausing to place gradual light kisses on where his hands are not. Before reaching my lips he waits—hovering so close I can feel, smell, and hear his breath. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see his jaw clenching as if he’s trying to maintain all of his self-control. I close my eyes willing his lips to touch mine.

  Nothing comes.

  No kiss, none at all.

  I open my eyes to inspect his features. His brows scrunch together as he glances from my lips, to my eyes, and back. Before I can say anything, he inches the one breath closer to me which forgoes all of my doubt about his intentions. Pressing his lips to mine, I inhale everything that is Drew—the softness of his mouth molding perfectly to mine, his breath which smells of fresh mint. He open and closes his mouth at a languid pa
ce enjoying everything this kiss has to bring. His tongue parts my lips even further to deepen something that already has me weak in the knees.

  I guide my hands up and place my palms softly flat against his chest. My brain refuses to process what this kiss may bring, having taken on a life of its own, my mouth molds to his every movement. I’m frozen in this moment. Drew’s pace eventually comes to an excruciatingly slow stop. His mouth releases mine with no urgency at all. I’m afraid to open my eyes but can still feel his hands holding my face. I need to see what this meant to him. It was so much more than just a kiss to me. This was part of awaking my soul.

  My eyes flutter open to see a smirk play across his face. “I’ve waited over eleven years to do that.”

  “And?” I ask him, meekly.

  “And?” His index finger gently holds my chin up so I can’t look away. “That was just the warm up, Sweetheart.”

  My stomach does a flip—half excitement and half nerves. He’s waited over eleven years to kiss…me? He takes a step back so our faces are just inches away, dropping his hand. He leans down again and kisses the tip of my nose. It tickles causing me to smile. Winking down at me he says, “You were always my favorite girl.”

  I stand there stunned at his words—hell, who am I kidding? I’m stunned at everything. He tells me he’s going to grab a drink for me in case I want to go ahead and rejoin Jax. It isn’t until his tall muscular frame is almost by the bar that the loudness of the music sinks back into my system.

  I turn to the girls, and Kip. and point in the direction of where we’re sitting. Ade gives me the thumbs up with an enormous grin, shimming her hips to the pounding bass. Cass’ reaction is about the same; smiling from ear to ear. And then Kip…Well, if there were ever a look to describe as disapproving, now would be the perfect time. He starts in my direction, but I will not let him ruin my high. I continue to push through the crowd and plop down on a seat next to Jax. He’s chatting up some brunette who’s taken residence on his lap. He looks at me and winks. I just shake my head.