Vote Then Read: Volume III

by Aleatha Romig

  “Or maybe he looks like Freddy Krueger,” he counters.

  “Maybe Freddy has a cock like Declan,” Sage taunts.

  “And on that note, we’re going. Where’s all the luggage, Holls?” Declan asks, looking around.

  “There’s not much, just the suitcase on my bed and my laptop bag right here.”

  Baxter blinks twice. “Where is the real Holly and what have you done with her?”

  “Things change, boys. I travel for work way too much to be an overpacker anymore. I’ve got it down to a science.”

  Immediately, Baxter’s hand is against my forehead. “She doesn’t feel feverish. I’m sure this is the same Holly who took four suitcases on our senior trip.”

  “That was hilarious.” Sage laughs. “She’s telling the truth, though, she’s a good girl now.”

  “Well then, I’m going to go get ready for my date. Sage, I’ll text you later when I get home. You two, have a great weekend and don’t you dare get married without us.”

  “That would never happen,” Declan and I answer at the same time. Baxter’s parting glance, indicates he’d beg to differ, but I’d never get married without my best friends. That’s crossing a serious line.

  “Bye, guys!” Sage calls as she follows Baxter outside.

  Declan rolls my suitcase out, and I can’t help but smile. I’m really excited to have some time away with him, even if I’m terrified. “Where’s your luggage?”

  “Already in the car and ready to go. Come on, love, your chariot awaits.”

  When we arrive at the restaurant where we’re meeting Tom, Declan pales.

  “Are you okay? If you’re not ready for this, I can go tell him we’ll have to reschedule.”

  He laces our fingers together, brings my hand to his mouth, and kisses me lovingly. “I’m a bit nervous. We talked a little while you were on your trip last week. It’s just … strange, you know?”

  “Yes, I’m familiar with the sudden appearance of a sibling. At least Heather was still young enough for me to know her as she was growing up. You two aren’t really that far apart in age.”

  “Only seven years. Imagine, Holly … if I’d known?”

  “I know, but you just have to make the best of it now.”

  “That’s the plan. Don’t go getting any ideas of falling in love with the younger version of me, either. You’re very much taken.”

  “Never. You’re the only man I want, Declan. He might look like you, but he isn’t you.”

  He leans over the console to kiss me before steeling himself to go inside. “Let’s do this.”

  They’d picked a quiet but upscale restaurant, hoping to have a low-key meeting as well as hoping none of Declan’s followers would be there. Our first dinner date at a restaurant was interrupted so many times, we gave up and went home. It was irritating, but as much as I thought I’d want to stay out of his work life, his followers were respectful. Most of them swooned a little over our love story and wanted to get selfies with him. For me, it went a little deeper. I had this huge surge of pride for Declan and what he’d become. I swore to myself right then that I wouldn’t begrudge him anything and would try to be more supportive.

  He holds the door open for me before lacing his fingers back through mine. We immediately spot Tom at a table off to the side. He’s impossible to miss because he looks so much like his brother.

  Declan squeezes me tighter and I squeeze right back. I’m with him all the way. When we reach the table, Tom stands and they both stare at each other. Finally, feeling sorry for them, I release Declan’s hand and hold mine out to Tom.

  “You must be Thomas, I’m Holly, Declan’s girlfriend.”

  He pulls himself out of his haze and shakes my hand. “You can call me Tom, everyone does. It’s nice to meet you, Holly.”

  They reach out to shake hands with each other, but Declan pulls him into a hug at the last second. They laugh, and after we all take a seat, Tom looks at us and then shakes his head.

  “Well, this isn’t awkward or anything,” he jokes.

  “I’m sorry, this is all still sort of new to me, I guess,” Declan replies.

  “You’re telling me. One minute, my roommate is telling me how amazing your show is and that it’s a must-watch. All the while, he’s gawking about how much we look alike. I never knew your name, he just kept calling it The Funhouse. I promised when I left for home I’d check it out. The next thing I know, I’m at my mom’s house learning a history I never knew existed.”

  “She seemed nice in her email. Regretful but sincere,” Declan admits.

  Tom takes a sip of his water as the waitress brings two more and some menus.

  “My mom is the best. It was the two of us until I was about six years old. That’s when she met Gerald, my step-dad.”

  “And you have brothers and sisters?” I want to learn more about him, but I also want to give Declan a chance to soak everything in without feeling like he has to keep up a constant flow of conversation.

  “Three sisters, actually. Lily is nine, Rose is seven, and Magnolia is four. I’m sure you can tell my mom loves flowers. I’m not quite sure how I didn’t end up one myself, but I’ll take the blessing.”

  I like him. He’s open like Declan.

  “Wow, that must be fun having little sisters. Holly’s sister, Heather, is twelve.”

  “Teenage years are coming, those are sure to be fun. Are your parents ready to go through it all again?” Tom asks with a genuine interest.

  “Well …funny story. Declan and I are alike in more ways than one. My mom is a drug addict.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  He looks from me to Declan, and I hope he doesn’t think Sally is an addict, too.

  I quickly amend my statement. “That’s not how we’re alike. Declan’s mom … Sally, she’s incredible. She’s a nurse, and she and my dad have been dating for a few years now. It’s sort of a long story, but my dad had custody of me. Shortly after I turned eighteen, my mom showed up on my doorstep with her new husband and my sister, who was almost five.”

  Declan smiles at the memory. “Just like me, Holly had a surprise sibling.”

  Tom doesn’t even try to hide his shock. “Now that’s something you don’t hear every day.”

  Declan laughs. “Let’s be thankful for that.”

  We browse our menus as the two of them make small talk. Once the waitress takes our orders, Tom asks Declan about work.

  “Did you always want to be an … internet celebrity? I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’d call it, but it’s pretty cool.”

  “I wanted to be a lawyer or a professor. Since I couldn’t decide, I figured internet celebrity was a good middle ground.”

  “Glad you found something that meshes so perfectly between the two,” Tom quips with a smile.

  “It wasn’t planned. One day, Holly and I were hanging out and I was worked up over something, I don’t even remember what—”

  “The removal of birth control from the campus clinic,” I interject.

  “You remember that?” he asks, admiration in his eyes.

  “Of course, it was a big change for you. I always try to remember the important things in our relationship.”

  “Okay, so I was worked up over birth control, or lack thereof, and I made a video, uploaded it to one of those hosting sites, and tweeted it out. The reactions were intense, and it filled me with this renewed passion in something. Then, when the two of us broke up, I went at it hard and it all started spiraling from there.”

  Tom holds up a hand. “Wait, I’m confused. I thought you said Holly was your girlfriend.”

  Declan explains to Tom the history of our relationship as I listen attentively. I don’t even need to be part of the conversation; watching them get to know each other is an experience in itself.

  “So … you haven’t seen our father lately?”

  We’ve just finished lunch. I figured this question would come up, but from the look on Declan’s face, it still sti
ngs.

  “I haven’t seen him since I was about eight or nine. He sent checks, but that was the extent of it. He’s a real stand-up man, if you haven’t figured that out for yourself.”

  “Sounds like it. What’s it like with your parents dating?”

  Declan smirks and I laugh. “It was weird at first, but now … I don’t know, it seems like a natural progression somehow. Don’t you think so, Declan?”

  “It doesn’t bother me as long as Sean sticks to his promise.”

  “What promise?” I ask, giving him my full attention.

  “When I found out they’d been dating, I told him he better not think about marrying my mom before I married you.”

  Tom snickers as I pick my jaw up from the ground.

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Because I knew it would bother you.”

  It would have.

  “Thank you.” As I lean over and kiss him, Tom averts his gaze.

  “What about you, Tom? Are you seeing anyone?” Declan asks.

  “Nah, new school, first semester, I’m just getting the lay of the land. Enjoying college life mostly. I like being single and keeping my options open.”

  Declan tosses his napkin down. “Oh, so you’re a player like him.”

  “Declan, that’s not fair,” I caution. Poor Tom seems taken aback.

  “You’re right,” he grumbles. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s cool. I’ve seen your videos and know how fast you can get heated. I’m eighteen, Declan, I don’t know what I am. My focus is on school, it always has been.”

  “You don’t owe me any explanations. I shouldn’t have snapped.”

  “I don’t mind. You’re my brother, right? This is the kind of stuff brothers talk about. When I think about our dad and how he treated my mom, and yours for that matter, it pisses me off. When I think about anyone treating my sisters like that, I’d kill the bastard. So, no, I don’t think I’ll be like him. I just haven’t found anyone to make me want to settle down yet, and considering I’m only eighteen, I’m pretty sure it’s not uncommon.”

  “We’re uncommon, you’re pretty normal,” I say, trying to calm the tension between them.

  “You know, we’ve been here a couple of hours already, and as much as I’d like to hang out with you two, I know you’re on your way out of town. Plus, I have a study group in about an hour, so I need to get back.”

  Tom reaches for the bill, but Declan snags it from him. “I’ll expense it. I’m sure I’ll get some good talk time out of our new development.” The horrified look on Tom’s face has him backpedaling. “I’m joking!”

  “Gotcha!” Tom laughs, and I’m suddenly filled with love for the two of them and how they’re finding their way.

  “How about next time you come spend the weekend with us? You can have my apartment and I’ll stay with Declan.”

  He looks to Declan. “Would that be cool?”

  “Hell yeah, but you don’t want Holly’s apartment, it’s … quaint. You can stay at mine and we’ll stay at hers. They’re across the hall from each other, so it’s not a big deal either way. Mine has more of a man’s touch is all.”

  “So, in other words, Call of Duty lives at your house and the Kindle lives at hers?”

  “Declan has a Kindle, too, but for the most part you nailed it on the head. I’m sure I have more tequila, though. Not that you’re old enough to be drinking.”

  Tom looks to Declan. “Is she blushing? That’s cute.”

  Declan’s wraps his arm around me and pulls me close. “She’s extremely cute, and she makes the world’s best chocolate chip cookies. They’re like crack for my soul.”

  “I think she’s crack for your soul.”

  “That, too,” Declan says while signing the check.

  As we walk out of the restaurant, there’s a group of waitresses huddled together in the corner, glancing our way. Our waitress breaks away from the whispering group and heads toward us.

  “Excuse me, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I couldn’t let you leave without saying thank you.”

  Tom and I are clueless, but Declan casually dismisses her. “It’s was my pleasure.”

  “I’m sorry, but can I hug you? I know this is probably extremely strange, but my son has Autism. I work here when my husband is home so I can make extra money to pay for his ABA therapy. Your tip will pay his bills for two months.”

  Before Declan gives her permission, she stands on her tip-toes and hugs him quickly. “Thank you again,” she adds before rushing off while she swipes away her tears.

  “Damn, that was cool.” Admiration radiates from Tom, but Declan acts like it’s not a big deal.

  After we’ve all said our goodbyes and promise to talk next week, we get in the car. We both sit unmoving, trying to process the day. While Declan is surely reflecting on meeting his brother, I’m stuck on what he did for that waitress. Once I’ve had time for it all to sink in, I turn in my seat and cup his cheeks before kissing him. “That was …”

  “No big deal.”

  “A complete fucking turn-on,” I correct.

  “Really?” he asks with a quirked brow.

  “Yes. In fact, it makes me want to do many dirty things with you.”

  “Would sex be one of those things? Because as much as I love sleeping in the same bed with you, I’d really like to finally have sex, love.”

  “Oh yes, sex would definitely be on that list of dirty things.”

  “You’re killing me, Holls.”

  “Get driving, hot stuff.”

  When we finally arrive at the cabin, it’s dark and sprinkling. The clouds were growing darker as we drove up, but I didn’t actually think it was going to rain. Icy cold air pours into the car when Declan rolls down the window to grab the keys from the mailbox at the end of the driveway.

  “Did you think it was going to be this cold?” I ask as he rolls the window back up.

  “I hoped it would. Gives us the perfect excuse for wine by the fire.”

  “We don’t need an excuse for that. It was my plan all along.”

  “Good, then let’s get to it. You make a run for the house and unlock the door. I’ll grab the luggage.”

  With my laptop bag, purse, and keys in hand, I do as he asks. The porchlight comes on when I step up, which makes seeing much easier. Once I have the door open and step inside, I lose my breath. This place is beautiful. It looks like something that would be featured in a magazine. I put my bags down on the chair and take a look around.

  There’s this perfect mixture of light and dark woods, granite counters, and stainless-steel appliances. There’s even a wine fridge, and it’s full. I know Declan said it would be stocked, but wow. I realize how far out he went when I open the refrigerator and see just how full it is. We wouldn’t run out of food in a month, let alone a weekend.

  It’s too dark to see anything through the sliding glass door, but I imagine with the floor-to-ceiling windows, this place has a spectacular view of the lake, and I bet it’s absolutely breathtaking when it snows.

  When Declan wraps his arms around me, I relax into them. “This place is gorgeous. How did you find it?”

  “You’re gorgeous, but the house is nice.” Pushing my hair aside, his lips warm my neck.

  “Mm, you didn’t answer.”

  “Someone Baxter’s mom knows.” Thunder rumbles and the lights flicker. “Let’s get naked.”

  “Let’s get the fire started and find some candles just in case. Besides, we need to talk before we get naked. I’m ready to tell you my secret, Declan. It’s time.”

  sixteen

  Holly

  New dress, check. Killer heels, check. Good attitude, not really, but I’m working on it. Terrified is more like it, but I’ve got to pop my cherry sometime, might as well be now. In a million years, I never thought I’d be going out on another first date.

  Even if my heart isn’t in it, at least I look good. Sage keeps telling me the only way I’m going to get over De
clan is to get under someone new. I’m not so sure about that, but what I do know is being miserable while he’s screwing his way through the town isn’t accomplishing anything but fueling my anger and misery.

  I would have been fine if I hadn’t seen him with that bimbo at Chili’s. Then, to make matters worse, when I was at the store buying enough Ben & Jerry’s to drown the sorrows of a hundred brokenhearted women, I ran into Baxter and Bobby.

  I’m sure Declan doesn’t know Baxter is fucking around with Bobby again. Bobby was boasting about how I was lucky to get out before Declan went full manwhore. In the middle of his rant, he mentioned Declan hadn’t been talking to Baxter, either. Baxter wore an expression between shame and sadness and chased me out of the store, begging me not to tell Declan.

  What a joke. I don’t have plans to talk to Declan again and told him so. But then I showed my weakness and asked him if what Bobby said were true. “Please don’t make me answer that,” he said. Instead of leaving and letting Baxter be the friend he’s always been, I sank to my lowest point ever and told him if he didn’t answer, I’d tell Declan about Bobby.

  Instead of Ben & Jerry’s, I went back in and bought tequila. It was the first time I’d ever been drunk by myself, and when I woke up on the floor next to the toilet the next morning, I vowed to be a better person and to never again let Declan James be the cause of my tears.

  That was last month. I wasted five months of tears and loneliness on someone who’d moved on so fast he probably has whiplash. Maybe he was cheating and had used Sage’s and my conversation to his advantage. I don’t know, but I can’t keep continuing to care.

  When the doorbell rings, I give myself one final glance in the mirror. “You can do this, Holly. Luke is nice, he’s cute, and he asked you out, so he’s also interested.”

  As I walk to the door, I keep repeating “you can do it” to myself, hoping I won’t be sick.

  Putting a smile on my face, I swing open the door. “Hey …”

  “Hey yourself,” Declan says, his beautiful blue eyes never leaving mine. His hands are in his pockets and his shoulders are slumped forward. I’d almost feel sorry for him if I weren’t so angry. When I start closing the door, he puts his foot in the way.