by BJ Harvey
Given my longest relationship has only been a year, I haven’t exactly had a lot of practice in that department, but watching Jamie in action with April, I’ve realized just how good my father is at handling a woman we’d all call a ‘handful.’ Mom is one, April is another, and Ronnie is already proving she’s trouble—but the good, intriguing, make-a-man-want-more kind.
“I can hear your brain ticking over from here. I’ll answer one question to help you get in there with her.”
“I’ve already—”
“And I’m already rethinking my offer,” she says, her eyes narrowing to slits.
“Okay, okay. No smartass jokes about—”
“Jax, you don’t have long before Jamie and/or Axel come back in here, and then you’ll lose your chance. So hit me with what you really want to know and if I can answer, I will.”
Shit. Only one question. I need to make it count. What do I really want or need to know about Ronnie Nelson to help me understand her better? What’s something I need to know if I’m going to get closer to her?
“There is something I’m dying to know the answer to.”
April leans forward in her seat, resting her arms on the table, her hands cradling her wine glass, her eyes locked on mine. “Okay. Hit me with it.”
I lean back in my chair, lifting my foot to rest on my leg. “Alright. On Saturday, she mentioned leaving behind a six-figure salary for school. Now I have an idea of what she’s doing at school—or part of it…”
April’s lips curve up at that. “You want to know why she’s doing it?”
“If I can get away with it, I wanna know what job she left and why she left it.”
April pushes her chair back and stands, taking her wine with her as she goes. “This is a conversation I need to get comfortable for.”
“That bad?” I ask, following her to the living room and sitting down on the opposite end of the couch.
“No. But I’m going to give you need-to-know information rather than the full story because that’s Ronnie’s place to tell you.”
“You’re scaring me a bit,” I say, earning a giggle and a shake of her head.
“Not on purpose. It’s just that the fun part of dating is getting to know someone in their own words. I’ll tell you the essentials, but anything else is up to you to extract from her.” She grins, hooking her feet underneath her and taking a sip from her glass.
“Okay. So the job she left?” I nod. “A little background. I’ve known Ronnie for as long as I can remember. She’s been my constant from pre-teen to now, and that whole time, she has never—not once—done anything for herself unless she consulted with her parents. It’s ingrained in her; you don’t do anything against the family, you don’t want to make them look bad etc.”
“Um… okay. That’s a bit hardcore… maybe borderline abusive.”
She shrugs. “Not exactly. Strict, yes. Constricting, absolutely. Suffocating? At first no. But years of it led to what she calls a thirty-year-old life crisis.”
“Surprised she lasted that long,” I murmur, not correlating the beaten-down Ronnie with the vivacious, sometimes devious, absolutely exhilarating woman I’ve seen for the past twelve months.
“So am I. She came close to breaking free—so to speak—five years ago. That’s when her dad tried to marry her off to an up-and-coming politician. Thankfully, a week before the wedding, the man was caught up in a prostitution sting and was found strapped to a spanking bench wearing a French maid’s outfit and an Eiffel Tower butt plug up his—”
I wave my hand in the air. “Gotcha. So, no wedding and her parents gave her some freedom?”
“Well, she was still working for the family law firm, so they eased off on arranging her future for a while. But finally, a little over a year ago, she finally decided to grab the wheel and jump ship, much to her parents’ disapproval.”
“Right, so she actually was a lawyer,” I say to myself, chuckling under my breath.
April’s brows bunch together. “Why is that funny? Or do I not want to know?”
I roll my eyes. “I don’t know how being a lawyer could be funny. It’s more that she made a comment earlier about being a lawyer ‘or something,’ and I didn’t figure she literally meant that she was one.”
“Yep. Harvard Law and everything.”
“Sheesh. Law school. Family firm. Partnership?”
April smiles. “Her sister Gilly is headed for the partnership. Ronnie is the youngest, so after her parents tried—and failed—to marry her off, she was next in line for the family legacy of a partnership at the firm. She just jumped ship before they pulled the pin.”
“So, six-figure job, secure future, more money than she could ever need, gone. Then what?”
April’s expression turns soft. “Then I got my best friend back. She slept on my couch for a week, then bought a plane ticket to Destination Anywhere, did a few pilgrimage walks, and had some adventures to find herself again. She came back bright-eyed, refreshed, and ready to take on whatever life had to throw at her.”
“And now she’s taking my photography course?”
“In her words, that was an added bonus.”
My brows lift up, almost touching my hairline. ”She’s not a photography major though.”
“No. She’s doing graphic design with a side of marketing and photography for depth.”
“Wow.” That’s a ‘holy shit, she’s ambitious’ wow.
“What’s wow?” Axel says, walking into the room and taking a running jump, hoisting himself over the back of the couch and slamming me in the stomach with his elbow.
“Shi—sheesh, Ax,” I wheeze. “Give a guy some warning next time,” I say with a labored laugh.
“Axel,” April says, trying to keep a straight face to admonish her son—and failing. ”Fudge, that’s funny.”
“You’re fire-trucking telling me.” I grin, albeit half-heartedly. Where possible, most of us adults have taken to substituting curse words to save ourselves from having to pay into Axel’s now large swear-jar fund.
“Are you staying for dessert, Uncle Jax? Gran made apple pie before she left, and Jamie said we could have some if I helped with the dishes.
“Sounds good, dude.”
“Then we’ve gotta talk about the house,” Jamie’s deep voice says, joining the conversation.
I look over my shoulder. “Yep. I suppose I should really know the plan before we start wrecking things.”
He shoots me a wry smile. “Yeah. It generally helps.” He turns to Axel. “Buddy, how about you and your mom go serve up the pie, and you can sweet talk her into adding a scoop of ice cream with it.”
That’s all the little legend needs to hear. His puppy-dog eyes turn towards his mom, who laughs at him, but the way her gaze softens, I know he’s got her wrapped around his little finger.
She sighs, leaning forward to ruffle her son’s hair. “Okay, baby, let’s go get some dessert while Jamie and Jax talk shop.”
“What’s talking shop? Are they going shopping?” he says, holding April’s hand as she leads him from the room. We all chuckle at that question, not hearing April’s answer but from past experience, I know she’ll have to get creative if she’s going to assuage his curiosity.
“Right. Follow me. I’ve got the final plans from Ezra and the budget estimates from Matt and Jase. This is gonna be our biggest job yet.” He pushes off the doorframe and, once I reach his side, walks down another hallway to the back of his house where his office—and Cook Construction’s new headquarters—are effectively based.
“What did you need to talk to April about?” he asks.
“Nothing important.”
“Women trouble?” He’s not too far off.
“More like getting her perspective on signals I’m getting.”
“Isn’t Abi the first person you call for that kind of stuff?”
“Somehow I think Abi’s got enough on her plate at the moment, you know, being pregnant with two mini Carsens.”
“That’s very true. God, she’s always been that lovable pain-in-the-ass sister, and now I feel sorry for her. If she ends up with boys like you and Bry, she’s gonna need a whole lot of help—and I’m talking about the pharmaceutical kind.”
I shove him with my shoulder, walking ahead of him into his office. “You’re a funny guy, you know that?”
“My fiancée seems to think so too. Maybe she’s right.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“I just wanted to point out I had a fiancée,” he says, his shit-eating smile shifting from slight to beaming.
“Asshole.”
“Why, yes. Yes, I am. So, about the house…”
“Yep,” I say, leaning over a meeting table where the building plans are spread out. Three floors, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, full site with a garage leading to a rear alleyway. In short, a huge undertaking.
“You have classes Monday and Thursday, right?”
“Yep. And maybe some trips on the weekends for contract work. But otherwise, I’m yours to use and abuse.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that,” he says.
I look up from the extensive plans and meet his serious eyes. I’m the first brother to come onboard for the physical, on-site side of this house-flipping business. We’re all now equal partners financially, but working alongside Jamie on this project is something I’ve really been looking forward to. “Yeah. You can hold me to it.”
We stand there, eyes locked. “This is a big job,” he says, breaking the silence.
“And we’re gonna kick its ass and walk away with our heads held high and our pockets full of profit afterward.”
“Fuck yeah we are.”
“Demo day Wednesday?”
“Yep. Wake up ready to hurt those little hands of yours.”
“My mommy bought me gloves and a full-body protective suit.”
“So you don’t damage your pretty face?”
“Exactly. Some of us have brawn to get us through; some of us, we’re graced with brains and beauty,” I reply with a smirk. “You’re just lucky April likes the meathead look.”
“Fuck you,” he says, his chuckle softening his words.
“So, April helped you out with your mixed signals?”
“Yep. You’ve got yourself a good woman there.”
“Why do you think I put a ring on it?”
“If you start humming Beyoncé, I’m gonna walk away.” I speak too soon because he starts humming the tune to “Single Ladies,” and I can’t help but chuckle. “Happiness has made you soft, brother.”
“Nothing about me is soft. Ask my fiancée.”
“And that’s my cue to leave,” I say, laughing as I clap him on the shoulder. “See you eight a.m. Wednesday?”
“Yep. I’ll bring the coffee. Just make sure you’re awake, coherent, and ready to work.”
“I’m always awake, only sometimes coherent, and I’m ready to work whenever you need me so that won’t be a problem.”
“Just don’t get drunk and try demo on your own,” he says with a goofy grin.
“Yeah,” April says from the doorway, her voice warm as we both turn to face her. “Drunk demo ends up with getting schooled by your neighbor. Wait, have we checked the pink house doesn’t have any hot neighbors? You know, just in case…” April narrows her eyes at me. “Actually, it doesn’t matter. You won’t have time for neighbors. Somehow, I think you’re gonna have your hands full already.”
“I think you might be right,” I reply, nodding in agreement, loving the fact we have a private joke that Jamie doesn’t know about.
“Wait, why do I get the feeling I’m missing something here? Is this about the women’s advice Jax needed?”
April walks over and ducks her head under Jamie’s arm, wrapping her arms around his waist. “It’s nothing… yet, anyway. When there’s something to tell, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Well actually, I kinda hope I’m the first to know… since I’ll be the one… you know… involved and all…” I say with a shrug.
Jamie looks confused, April rolls her eyes and then suddenly, Axel bounds into the room with wide eyes and a look so guilty, I just know the next thing out of his mouth is going to be entertaining.
“Soooo… about the delicious, and now possibly eaten apple pie…”
Looks like dessert is out, but grabbing Ronnie’s phone number from April while Jamie and Axel were in the kitchen was my best idea yet because now I’m armed with information and an empty house tomorrow night, and I know exactly what I’m going to do with it… and with her.
6
Ronnie
I’ve been home, showered, checked my emails, and read two chapters of my favorite book when my phone vibrates on my nightstand.
Unknown number—I think I’m in need of a lawyer.
Ronnie—I think you have the wrong number. I’m an EX-lawyer.
Unknown number—Definitely not the wrong number. I think this is exactly who I want to be talking to. The runaway student…
Ronnie—Your stalking abilities are impressive.
Jax—If only you knew that my roof was covered in photos of you and that I look at them when I go to sleep at night.
Ronnie—If I didn’t know you, that message would definitely be creepy. Since I do, I know you’re living in a giant pink house that may not have a ceiling in a few weeks’ time. I think I’m safe.
Jax—Okay, you got me there. I’ve got them in an album in my man bag. I take them with me wherever I go.
Ronnie—Now THAT I believe. So how did you steal my number?
Jax—It’s not stealing or creepy if it’s given willingly.
Ronnie—Are we still talking about my phone number or something else?
Jax—Well NOW we’re definitely going to talk about something else, since you brought it up.
Ronnie—Maybe not over the phone. What about coffee sometime?
Jax—Are you asking your teacher out on a date?
Ronnie—Will it get me favorable grades?
Jax—No, only your work will get you those, and I won’t be the one marking it.
Ronnie—Well, obviously. I was making a joke Jax. Or should that be Professor Cook?
Jax—That’s Bryant’s title, not mine. I’m Jax… or Sex God, or maybe even just God… whatever comes out of your mouth at the time…
Ronnie—Asshole? Bastard, cocky, delusional, egotistical, frustrating…
Jax—Galant, handsome, intelligent, juicy…
Ronnie—JUICY?
Jax—You were working your way through the alphabet, and that was the only word I could think of. I could be juicy… like a peach
Ronnie—I’m never going to look at a peach the same way again.
Jax—So coffee?
Ronnie—Name a time and a place, and I’ll be there.
Jax—Okay. Tomorrow night at seven. I’ll text you the address?
Ronnie—Um… is this some kinky sex date where you say it’s coffee and that is actually a code word to get into some top-secret exclusive sex club?
Ronnie—Because April told me Jamie knows people, and I’m totally intrigued, just maybe not for a first date… or whatever this is.
Jax—Oh, it’s a date, and no, it’s not Sean’s sex club, but I am making a note of this conversation for future reference. Ronnie is kinky, check.
Ronnie—Ronnie will not hesitate to kick your ass
Jax—As long as we’re naked, you can try and kick my ass anytime you like. In fact, I dare you to ;)
Ronnie—Dammit, now I’m going to have to look up naked wrestling porn online. There goes my night.
Jax—God, I hope you’re not joking.
Ronnie—You don’t have a problem with women watching porn?
Jax—I’ll never have an issue with a woman embracing her sexuality and owning her needs, wants, and desires. And if you just happen to want to watch porn with me… and maybe act out a scene or two…
Ronnie—Yeah, not
so much. But now you’re going to be thinking about me… watching porn… by myself… on my couch… maybe my bed…
Jax—And there goes MY night. I won’t need porn. I’ll just be running a highlight reel of Saturday night through my mind for the rest of the evening.
Ronnie—Where are you?
Jax—Lying in bed.
Ronnie—I’m in bed too.
Jax—I won’t ask what you’re wearing.
Ronnie—I won’t tell you I’m naked.
Jax—Why is this not weird?
Ronnie—Because we’re not making it weird.
Jax—Because it feels natural.
Ronnie—As natural as me lying naked in bed, my satin sheets smooth against my skin as I squirm watching two men going at each other.
Jax—Two guys together—that’s what gets you going?
Ronnie—Does two women together get you going?
Jax—Well, duh.
Ronnie—So in lieu of you not being here to drive me crazy as only you know how, I’m indulging in a little fantasy and watching my favorite two stars devour each other.
Jax doesn’t reply straight away. So much so I have to look at my phone signal to make sure it hasn’t dropped out.
A good five minutes later, a text message finally comes through, and when it does, he doesn’t disappoint.
Jax—So how about meeting for coffee tonight instead?
I burst out laughing.
Jax
Tuesday morning I wake up energized, like I could run twenty miles, or hike a huge mountain. It’s not because I slept well—my brain wouldn’t stop turning—but because tonight I am going to get my first chance to have Ronnie all to myself without any chance of being interrupted or cock-blocked or having my mom walk in just after the deed’s been done.
Tonight, I may have said coffee, but what I’m really hoping to do is actually talk to Ronnie, find out what makes Veronica Nelson tick. Yes, I’ll serve coffee. I’ll make sure I have beer, a bottle of wine, and even a bottle of whiskey on hand—I texted April and checked what her favorite drink was.