“Quit while you’re ahead,” I warn him.
He laughs, “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
With that he turns back to his place.
“Later, Jax.”
“Later, Macky Mack,” he finishes through laughter.
I CAN’T CONCENTRATE on a damn thing. My mind is completely fucked. Rolling over to shut off my alarm, I see there’s a text message. I’m really hoping it’s her. The fact of the matter is, she won’t talk to me. She won’t hear me out; she won’t give me the time of day, and why should she? I know it was a dick move. Unlocking my phone, I scroll to see who it is.
It’s Vicki. Anger immediately seeps into my veins—then I read her message:
Andrew, it’s Vick. Pls meet 4 coffee? I won’t bother u after this again. Promise.
Contemplating on whether or not I should actually go, the decision comes easily—I’m going. If only to give her one last piece of my mind, it’s happening. I send her a short text in response and give her the address of where to meet.
I WALK INTO Macchiato’s in some slacks, a button up shirt, tie, and my jacket. My every intention is to get in, say what I have to say, and distract myself with some work—which is why I chose a place a couple of blocks away. I’m assaulted with memories of my first time back here. The aroma of coffee, the voices carrying on conversations, the hustle and bustle of the morning jolt—the first time I saw Kennie again.
Scanning the small shop, my eyes fall on the skinny brunette who’s caused more problems in my life than she’s worth. She waves her hand to catch my attention and holds two cups up in the air. I move from the entrance, through groups of chatter, to the table where Vicki is seated. She’s chosen to sit where our view is of both patrons passing through the window and conversations had indoors.
I seat myself across from her, cross my arms over my chest, and wait.
“Andrew…I just—” Holding up my hand, I effectively cut her off.
“Vicki. Stop right there.” Uncrossing my arms, my elbows rest on the table. “Because of how undeniably selfish you are, you’ve caused a lot of damage in my life.” Her features twist when I direct her towards the fading bruises on my face. “We’re over. We’ve been over. You saw to that by your actions. I’m not sure what delusions float around in that head of yours daily, but there is no us.” My hand movements point between she and I. “Just admit you weren’t happy. Be done with it. I have been for longer than I can remember.”
Her eyes dart in a different direction other than the glare I pin her with. She inhales a deep breath, “Andrew. That’s what I came here for. To apologize and to give you this.” Turning to the chair beside her, she reaches, pulls out, and slides a manila envelope towards me across the table. “I’ve had a few days to think about what I did. I’m ashamed, to put it mildly. I know I was at fault for what happened between us. And honestly? I have no clue what came over me. I called your mother, and she told me about you moving on and that you were with her.”
“If you think you’re going to say anything negative about Mackenzie, you’d better fucking think twice.”
“I wasn’t going to,” she says defensively. “It just drove me crazy—for no reason at all.” Tapping her finger on the table she continues. “I mean here I am, knowing I did you wrong, but it felt like you betrayed me by being with her. It brought me back to the first time I heard you and Jax talking about her, and I always felt like I was living in her shadow.” She pushes the second cup of coffee towards me, and nods at the envelope. “Those are the divorce papers. They’re signed, I just wanted to give them to you in person, and apologize for…everything.”
Wow. “I’m not even going to pretend to understand why, for all of these years, you felt as if you were living in Mackenzie’s shadow, but thank you. I hope you find closure, Vick. I know I have. Take care of yourself, alright?”
Her eyes well up. “You too. I’m sorry for anything else I’ve ruined, and I hope I didn’t cause too much damage.”
Our chairs screech against the floor as we both stand. I give her one last hug. “Take care of yourself, Vick.”
I RUB THE back of my neck, staring at the whole of shit spread across my desk. I can’t concentrate on a mother fucking thing. Not one account, or contract, or blueprint. I usually pride myself on being able to separate my home life from my work life, but this is so damn frustrating. Vicki’s unexpected surprise apology, to Kennie purposely ignoring me and not giving me a chance, is killing me. Right now my best bet is the jar I know she took. I saw her, blanket wrapped around her, eyes bloodshot, hair a mess and yet, she was still so fucking beautiful.
I just wish she would talk to me. I want her to say anything, even if it’s a ‘fuck you’. Then I could at least know I’m on her mind, even if it’s in a negative way. Granted, it’s only been, what? Five days? I had this big idea of us ringing in the new year together—starting out fresh, together, as a couple and in love. Today is New Year’s Eve and the forecast of my fantasy playing out, are shit to none.
The office is vacant other than Elijah and Kip. Jax should be here soon. He was going to try to make any headway with Kennie, and then come into work. I’ve thought about talking to Kip, but the bruises on my face that have dulled in color, are a reminder of how unforgiving and stubborn he can be. I know he’s hurt and disappointed more than anything else; he has a right to be. My thought process now is geared towards talking to Elijah. He seems to be a reasonable man. When this epiphany strikes me, Jax strolls in my door—whistling.
“Still unclear as to what the rules of coming into a closed office are, I see.”
“Why is it closed anyway? No one’s here.” He plops down on the couch in the corner. “And, I’m aware of the dynamics of knocking on a door, I just don’t exercise them.”
“Clearly.”
“Still have a bug up your ass? You need to loosen up.”
“What, like you? What’s got you in such a good mood, anyway?”
“Oh, a little something called forgiveness. Today, it was in the form of a hot brunette with striking blue eyes.” He winks at me.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
He props his elbows on his knees and leans forward. “Nope. Why so angry, brother?”
“How do you always get through to her first? It’s total bullshit.”
“First of all, I’m more charming than you are.”
I flip him off. “Second of all, I didn’t keep a marriage secret from her.”
“Yes, you did.”
“Third of all,” he continues, ignoring me, now counting off on his fingers. “She doesn’t love me.”
“Yes, she does.”
“Okay. I guess I have to paint the picture for you. Are you ready? Pay attention, it’s only going down once. I’m not the one who was married. You were. And I know she loves me, but she’s in love with you.” He patiently waits for me to answer. When I don’t, he continues, “Did you catch all of that?”
My brows scrunch together. “No. I’m not sure I grasped the full capacity of your dry sarcasm and quick wit.”
“Touché. There may be hope for you yet.” His smirk says it all. I’m still upset Kennie’s heard him out before me. To play devil’s advocate, I was the one who she trusted in a real-future-together kind of way. It still blows though. Yeah. I need to have a talk with Elijah. I need a better tactic than the “Jax Method”. It works for him, but that shit isn’t going to work for me.
“Do you know if Elijah’s still here?”
“Uh, he may be, I saw Kip in the hall though—still angry and brooding.”
“I’ve avoided him. I’m not sure he’s ready to hold hands and sing around the campfire just yet.”
“Well, he’ll get over it. I know he’s protective of Mackenzie, but if she can move on, so can he.”
“She hasn’t technically moved on from not wanting to speak with me, though.”
“Stop being such a pussy, and go talk to her.”
“Do
n’t judge me. I’m going to talk to her dad first.”
“Real smart idea. What are you going to say? ‘Elijah—Mr. Tillson, sir—I need advice on how to get your daughter to talk to me, even though I royally screwed her over. Any ideas?’ Yeah, I think it’s a fan-fuckin-tastic move.”
“You’re such a dick. I’ll figure it out. Go get some work done and leave me alone.”
“Okay, but don’t get your panties in such a twist.”
Chuckling, he stands and leaves. I really haven’t figured out how to go about talking to Elijah, or if it’s even a smart idea. Without another thought, I put everything into piles, lock my office and head on the elevator up to the top floor to talk to him—before I lose my nerve.
When I get off on Elijah’s floor, I turn left and walk down the long corridor to his office. It’s one whole side of this floor. It almost looks like an apartment suite—but the office edition. He’s got glass that encases his whole office, including his door. He doesn’t hear me walking up. Looking intensely at some paperwork, he lifts his head when he hears me knock.
“Come in.”
“Elijah—Mr. Tillson, I was wondering if I could have a moment?”
“It’s Elijah son, and sure, what can I do for you?”
His hazel eyes linger on the dull color of the bruises on my face, so I figure I’ll start with that. “I’m sure you know where these came from.” I point to my jaw.
“Yes. I heard, briefly, of a situation of some sort.”
“Well, sir, I know not too long ago you came to me about improvements you saw in your daughter, and how you think Jax and I had something to do with it.” He takes a sip of coffee and nods. “I just, I haven’t seen her in several days, and if she’s been acting anything like me, I’m the cause of it, and for that, I would like to apologize.”
“Andrew, I knew about your situation.” My eyes widen and mouth slacks open a little. “Don’t look so surprised, son. You know, parents talk as well. We had a big discussion about you and Jax leaving Virginia, and maintaining your father’s half of the franchise, the first visit your parents had.”
“I’m sorry, sir, I had no idea.”
“No need for apologies. It’s a tough situation to be in. I know you have good intentions for my daughter. Her brother doesn’t seem to see it that way, but I notice things. I see the way you look at Mackenzie; how much you adore her.”
“More than even she knows…” I trail off.
“I’m not sure what advice I can offer you concerning how to approach this subject and her, but she’s stronger than she thinks. She’ll have to move on from this in her own time. Right now, you’ll just need to be patient.” He clears his throat. “But if I know anything about you, it’s that you’re a fighter, especially if it’s something you want. I see you in business meetings. You’ve got a lot of potential.”
He’s right about one thing; I am a fighter. When it’s something I want, I don’t give up, and she’s definitely what I want. Elijah’s given me a little bit of a clearer mind. Excusing myself, I walk to the door. “Thank you sir, I appreciate your understanding.”
He waves his hand. “Don’t mention it. Go get her back. And don’t worry about Kip. He’ll come around eventually.”
As I nod my head and turn to leave, he stands. “Oh Andrew, one more thing,” he comes walking up and claps me on the shoulder; “I respect you son, but if you hurt my baby in any real way, let’s just say…they’ll be consequences.”
“Yes, sir.”
Respect is given where it’s earned. From his standpoint, I respect the shit out of his warning. If I were to ever have a little girl, I’m sure my responses would be more along the lines of Kip’s reactions. Nodding my understanding, I walk out with newfound determination.
IT’S GETTING TO the latter part of the afternoon, and as I stand in front of Kennie’s door contemplating what to say, I conclude that I’ve got nothing. Apologies are the most obvious, but I need more. I’ve come over unannounced all week. She hasn’t opened the door for me yet, but, maybe Jax did me a service and buttered her up.
I clear my throat, loosen my tie, run my fingers through my hair, and knock. Just before I’m about to give up, she opens the door. Not that I’ve forgotten what she looks like, but in this small white sundress, she looks absolutely breathtaking.
“Kennie,” I gasp.
“Drew.” She crosses her arms over her chest, and I remember this isn’t going to be easy.
“May I come in?”
“You may.” She sweeps her hand across gesturing for me to come in. I breeze past her and run through how many ways I can apologize, to, how many ways she can verbalize her hatred towards me.
“Listen, Sweetheart, I’m sorry. I know apologies mean nothing considering I ruined your Christmas, but I’ve got nothing,” I finished dejectedly. “I fucked up. I fucked up in a big way. I’ll probably never be able to make this up to you, but can I at least have a chance to try?”
“Why didn’t you tell me about who Vicki was on our date? You mentioned her previously, but never let that tiny detail slip that she was your wife.”
We’re sitting on her sectional; the light shining through her windows and the confusion in her eyes, mixed with the rigidness of her posture, leaves me hopeless.
“I don’t have an excuse. I really don’t. Every time I told myself I was going to tell you, I chickened out. There was always going to be ‘next time’ or a ‘better time’.” I slip my tie off of my neck and start fiddling with it.
“She was a big part of your life for obviously a number of years, I never even knew who she was. What’s worse? She knows me? And, apparently hates me, for no reason at all.” Her shoulders lift in question.
Clearing my throat, I admit, “She did know of you. She was always a jealous girlfriend. I either never saw it, or always ignored it. Ignorance took me down the aisle, even at the warning of my close friends and family. We’d had a rocky relationship for a while, but I still decided taking the plunge would fix everything. I couldn’t have been more wrong.” My fingers make their way through my hair again in frustration. “Little did I know, she always had a back up plan. Multiple back up plans, actually.”
“Then why would she refuse to sign divorce papers?”
“Pride? I’m not sure. Vicki’s never had anyone dump her. My doing so was fresh. She’s manipulative and sneaky. Again, ignorance is bliss.”
“Forgive me for being so blunt, but what does that have to with me, and her insults towards me?”
“I would appreciate it, if you kept your mouth shut about what you almost walked in on,” I whispered to Jax who looked at me and smirked.
“Sure. But you should probably break it off with Vicki if you have feelings for Mackenzie.” He whispered back.
“Sixteen, bro, you’re sixteen.”
“You ready to start your spring semester, Andrew?” my mother asked me.
“Yup, all set.”
“Did you boys enjoy the holidays with the Tillson’s again?”
“Yeah mom, I think Drew did more so than me.”
I kicked his leg when my mother wasn’t looking.
We all packed our things in the trunk after we grabbed our luggage from baggage claim. We piled into the car.
“Oh is that right, Andrew? Was it because of Mackenzie? She’s grown up to be such a beautiful girl, hasn’t she?”
“She really has.”
Jax leaned over to me and whispered, “You may want to wipe the drool from the corners of your mouth.” Then he straightened back up.
“Well boys,” my father interjected. “It may be a while before we can visit again. Work is picking up, and we just won’t have the time like we’ve had the past couple of years.”
“Is that set in stone, dad?” I asked.
“No, but it’s more than likely.”
The whole drive home I sulked about that. After we pulled into the driveway and I grabbed all of my stuff, I dropped down on my bed. I’d almost ki
ssed her—almost. I should’ve just done it. I didn’t know if I would’ve liked it, but then at least I could’ve known for sure.
MY DOOR FLEW open. I glanced up to see Jax. “It’s called knocking.”
“I know, but I don’t care.”
“What do you want?”
“I wanted to see if you were still daydreaming about her, and it looks like I’m right.” He fell down on his back beside me.
“You can get out if you came here to give me more shit.” I leaned over to my nightstand and picked up my football. I started to toss it in the air playing catch with myself.
“I didn’t come to give you shit. From what I saw, you guys would’ve looked good together.”
I caught the ball. “Yeah? You think so?”
“I do. I probably shouldn’t have interrupted. She wanted to kiss you as badly as you wanted to kiss her. That much I could read even though I was half asleep. Mackenzie wanted you bro, bad.”
I sighed. “You’re only sixteen.”
He snickered. “You keep saying that. Clearly, I’m also wise beyond my years.”
“Who the hell is Mackenzie? And what were you doing to be in a position to kiss her?”
Jax and I locked eyes and then slowly sat up. Shit.
“Hey babe.”
She crossed her arms and glared at me.
“Don’t ‘hey babe’ me. What the hell happened in Florida?”
“Nothing happened in Florida.” That was the problem, nothing fucking happened.
“Jax, would you mind giving Andrew and me a moment alone, please?”
He glanced at me and shrugged his shoulders. Once he left, she started to grill me about what she’d overheard between my brother and me.
“All of those years ago, and she still had that much animosity towards someone she’s never met, seriously?”
Ending a Broken Journey Page 28