by Terri Marie
They stopped by her office and told Elissa to go home with Emma. “Do you have your keys?” asked Sean.
“No, I forgot to grab them at the house. I’m such an idiot…” Her cheeks reddened.
“Listen, Honey. We’ll take care of this, okay?” Without saying another word, Sean headed out the door with his brothers following close behind.
When they arrived at her parent’s house, Sean knocked on the door, while Tyler and Vincent stood out of view. Vincent agreed that the presence of all three brothers would most likely cause Elissa’s parents to keep the door closed. Luckily, her father answered the knock.
“What do you want?!” he yelled.
“I’m here to pick up your daughter’s car keys, and to find out where you had it towed to.” Sean kept his voice calm, which totally impressed Vincent.
The man shrugged at Sean. “I called the cops. They towed it.”
“You called the cops?” Vincent watched as Sean’s fists clenched. “Well, we’ll go get the car out of impound. I’d like the keys now, please.”
“Get off my property!” The man started to slam the door in Sean’s face, and before Tyler and Vincent could get to him, he pulled the man out onto the porch by the scruff of his shirt.
“Sean! Easy, there.” Tyler had his hands around Sean’s fist, trying to get him to release the guy.
“Give us the keys,” warned Vincent. “If you don’t, I’ll make a phone call and have your daughter publish her life’s story in the paper. Would you like that? Do you think all of your neighbors and relatives would like to know how badly you’ve treated your daughter and grandsons? Give us the keys, or your life will go from zero to hell after Wednesday’s publication.”
The three men towered over the man and glared at him. Suddenly, he ran inside the house and grabbed the keys. Vincent heard him jingling them all the way to the door.
“Here! You tell that bitch if she ever comes back to my house, I’ll have her arrested!” he threatened.
“Okay,” began Sean. “And if you ever cause her another moment’s grief, we won’t be so kind.”
“Remember our faces,” said Tyler. “You don’t ever want to do anything to make us come back here.” He snatched the keys from the man’s hand, and the three brothers stepped off the porch, while the door was slammed and locked behind them.
Vincent called the impound lot and carried on a short conversation before hanging up. “The car’s there. Let’s go get it out.”
On the way, Tyler began to grin. “So, you know the publisher of the Southfield Eagle?”
“Nope, but it worked!” They busted out laughing and continued to the impound lot.
Once they recovered the car, Vincent opened up the trunk. It was empty. He opened the glove box and his stomach twisted into knots.
“What’s up?” asked Sean.
“They took everything from inside. She had baby books and things that were valuable to her, stored in the trunk. Even the glove box is empty…” Vincent had no idea how he was going to break the news to the poor girl.
“Let’s go get her things,” said Sean as he turned back towards his SUV.
“Hold on a sec,” said Tyler. “There’s no way in hell he’s going to open the door for us again.”
“He’s right, Sean. He’ll probably call the police if we show back up there,” said Vincent. “Wait a second…Tyler, call Emma and see if she’s up to doing us a favor.”
“She’s going to kill the man,” said Tyler. But he got out his phone and called her.
Vincent looked at him cautiously when he hung up the phone. “Well?”
“She said she’ll go, but fair warning. It she gets in any kind of trouble, we’ll be at fault. Regardless, get ready to pay bail money and the stupid jackass’s hospital bill.”
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Emma pulled up to the curb, a few doors down from Elissa’s parents’ house. She shut off the engine, and then took a few slow, deep breaths. “You can do this,” she said out loud. “Don’t yell, don’t hit him. Don’t yell, don’t hit him,” she chanted as she got out of her car. While she was walking towards the house, she began to smell smoke. It was coming from the creep’s back yard. Even in heels, Emma could run like the wind, something she’d learned while being hunted by Robert. She followed the smoke to the backyard. Elissa’s dad was standing at a burn barrel with stacks of things on the ground.
“So help me God. If you put one thing in that barrel, I’ll stuff you inside of it. Better yet, how about if I torch your damn house?” Emma was seething and had lost all composure.
“Get off my property!” he yelled.
Without another word, Emma walked over to the pile and lifted it. Next to it was a cardboard box filled with baby shoes, pictures, and other knick knacks.
A woman’s loud voice sounded from the back door. “Leave! I’m going to call the cops!”
“Go ahead and call the cops, but I’m leaving with all of Elissa’s things.” Emma began sliding the box out of the yard with her foot, while she carried the books and other things.
The woman charged off the porch and raised a hand at her. Emma dropped the stack in her arms and grabbed the woman’s wrist. “I haven’t beaten the hell out of anyone since I lived in Miami. It’ll be fun to get back down to basics again. Now, unless you want your ass beat in front of all your neighbors, I highly suggest you back off. Don’t let this dress fool you…”
Elissa’s mother quickly withdrew her hand, and gave Emma dirty looks, all the way to the back door. She yelled at her husband to come inside, and then the door slammed loudly. Emma smiled as she pushed the box and carried the stack to her car. Once inside, she got out her phone and called Tyler.
“I have her things. I’ll bring them to Vincent’s house.” She was out of breath and brimming with anger.
“How did it go?” he cautiously asked.
“Well, I’m not going to get a Christmas card from them. I’ll meet you there.” Emma wanted to get out of this neighborhood as fast as she could. Her heart broke for Elissa and those two small boys. How can anyone mistreat the people they’re supposed to love? She asked herself. Her thoughts soon turned to her father, Brian, Renee, and the Montclair men. She couldn’t help but think that surviving abuse helped you to find your real family. Their group was together for a reason, and she’d always felt that way. Now it was Elissa’s turn to be invited in, and Emma would welcome her with open arms. “Yeah, assholes,” said Emma as she left the subdivision. “You two, stupid individuals, picked a fight with a village! Good luck with that!!!”
When Emma reached Vincent’s house, she pulled up in the driveway. As she opened the passenger door to remove Elissa’s things, she saw Jacob walking towards her. “Perfect timing. You can carry this stuff in for Elissa.”
“Baby, you can’t go around being Billy Badass on people.” He wrapped his arms around her.
“I didn’t do any such thing. I did get Elissa’s things back, though.” She smiled proudly.
“I’ve been away at a seminar all day, or I would have come with you. I didn’t even know what was going on.” Jacob looked down at her. “I’m sorry.”
“Because we’re going to be husband and wife, I have to tell you something. If you ever pick a fight with me, I’ll win.” She kissed his cheek and walked towards the house, as Jacob grabbed the box and papers from the car.
Everyone was in the kitchen except for Renee and Brian. Carrie was cooking dinner, while Elissa colored with the boys at the table. Emma felt all eyes on her as soon as she walked through the door.
“I got your things, Elissa. The burn barrel was going, so I hope he didn’t get the chance to destroy anything.” Just the mere mention of what she’d seen, was pissing her off.
“Here ya go, Elissa,” said Jacob as he walked in behind Emma and sat the stuff on the counter.
“Oh, thank you!” she said excitedly, as she passed the baby over to Vincent and ran to the counter. She carefully inspected the items, a
nd pulled everything out of the box. “Some things are gone, but most of the stuff is here. I don’t know how to thank you, guys.”
“Thank Emma. She’s the brawler in the family,” laughed Jacob.
Vincent looked her in the eyes. “Emma, you don’t have to go into details right now, but is there any chance I’m going to have to defend you in court?” He laughed, but Emma could tell he wasn’t completely joking.
“No, not exactly. Well probably not.” Emma thought for a moment.
“Probably? We need to chat,” said Vincent.
“Don’t bother, Vinnie,” interrupted Jacob with laughter. “If she talks in her sleep, I’ll let you know. Other than that, she’s not going to kiss and tell.”
Tyler looked at her with fondness.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
That night, after Elissa and the boys went to bed, Carrie joined Vincent in the living room. Being an only child, made her long to be part of a large family. As chaotic and loud as it got with all of the Montclairs together in one room, it felt like she was in heaven. Who knew that this much love and laughter could exist under one roof? When she got a job and moved out on her own, all of this would be gone. She’d be alone once again, watching television each night, until she fell asleep.
“Hey, what world are you in?” laughed Vincent. “Dinner was superb by the way. You’re a mighty fine cook.”
“Thank you,” she replied. “It’s so nice being around everyone. You’re very blessed to have such a wonderful family.” She smiled but the sadness shone through her eyes. She looked down at the floor to hide her emotions.
“You’re a part of us, Carrie. Don’t think you’re anything less.” Vincent got up and walked over to the sofa. He sat beside her and lifted her chin to look at him.
“Not really. Hopefully I’ll find a job soon, and then that’ll be it.” Her eyes started to water a little.
“I like having you here and so does everyone else. You’re a good friend, Carrie. As a matter of fact, when you do get a job, you’re still welcome to stay here.” He brushed her cheek with his thumb.
“That’d be taking advantage of the situation, Vinnie. No one wants a house guest who doesn’t leave,” she laughed, but quickly stood up and turned her back to him.
The word ‘friend’ burned her for some reason. She really didn’t know she’d respond so strongly to that description by him.
“Carrie, come sit back down with me. Something’s not right with you, and I want to know what it is.” He gently pulled her by the hand so she’d sit down again.
“I think I should go get some rest. It’s getting late and I have to be up early to help make breakfast and take care of the boys.” She smiled and stood back up. Her stomach was aching with an emptiness she couldn’t describe.
“This Friday, are you busy?” he asked softly.
“I have to go grocery shopping and help Elissa out with the boys. Did you need me to do anything special?” She looked at him, and couldn’t hide the pain she felt.
“I’d like that coffee date you still owe me, if you don’t mind. I’ll come home around five or so, get spiffed up, and whisk you out of here around seven. Does that sound okay with you?”
“Really? A date?” A quick laugh escaped through her lips.
“Yeah but we’re not just going out for coffee. I’d like to take you to this great steak house I know of, and then we’ll go to a club downtown and get a little bit of dancing in.” Vincent stood up and began to swing his hips. “I can’t dance, but I’m fun to watch.”
“Aww that’s so sweet of you, but I don’t want you doing this out of some sense of obligation. It’s been my pleasure to help out, and I’m the one who should be paying for your dinner.” Carrie felt so unbelievably awkward. Feeling like a charity case wasn’t helping.
“I want to take you out, not because of what you do here, or because I agreed to a coffee date with you.” He had a serious look in his eyes as he stepped closer to her.
“Okay, if you’re sure. It sounds like fun. Goodnight, Vinnie.” Carrie tried to look happy, but her insides were a nervous wreck. What was she thinking, agreeing to a real date?
Carrie stared at herself in the mirror. How the heck was she going to look like she belonged on the arm of a man like Vincent Montclair? Her, with the drab blonde hair, no make-up, and no dress clothes to her name. She didn’t even have the money to buy anything new to wear. She’d bought some things for Elissa and the boys, and had been buying a few groceries for the house, so Carrie had very little money left to her name.
Slowly her face lowered, and she turned off the light. She’d have to make up some excuse by Friday.
Chapter 13
Renee heard a soft knock at the front door, while on her way into the kitchen to make lunch. After looking through the peep hole, she opened the door, surprised to see Carrie standing there with Elissa’s sons.
“It’s so good to see you, Carrie, come on in!” She gave her a hug, and then greeted the boys.
“Is this a bad time?” she asked, with a troubled look in her eyes.
Renee could tell that something was wrong with her friend. “No, not at all. I love company.” She escorted Carrie and the boys into the living room. “Brian’s in the back of the house with his teacher, so I was getting pretty lonely. I’m glad you decided to visit me.” Renee didn’t want to pry.
Carrie reached into a bag and pulled out some toys for the kids. “I came to visit because I’ve missed you, of course, but also to ask you something.”
“Sure. Ask away.” Renee smiled.
“First, I need to know if you can keep this a secret.” Renee could hear the desperation in her voice.
“As long as it doesn’t bring anyone any harm, of course I can.” Secrets, Renee knew, didn’t help anything or anyone.
“Could you find some reason to keep Vincent occupied on Friday night?” she blurted.
“Uh…why?” Renee listened closely for her explanation.
“Please don’t say anything.” Carrie repeated. “He…asked me out, and it’s not a good idea.”
Renee laughed and reached for her hand. “Vincent is one of the most wonderful men on the planet. All of the Montclair brothers are. Why don’t you want to go out with him?” Renee knew, hands down, that he’d never bring this woman harm, but Carrie was suddenly acting as though she was afraid of him.
“Look at me!” She stood up and splayed out her arms, then quickly sat back down and covered her face.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Carrie. I can certainly see why any guy would be attracted to you.” Renee tried not to explode with happiness. She’d wanted Vincent to find that special someone for a long time.
“Vinnie is a beautiful man, Renee, but I’m nothing but a plain Jane. I don’t have anything to wear, nor do I know how to act on a real date. Hell, I’m used to being invited to football games or to the bowling alley. But dinner and dancing? No way.”
“Welcome to Renee’s salon.” Renee smiled and curtsied.
“I thought about this all night long. I realized that there was no way I could come up with an excuse on my own. Like, I live with the guy.”
“Wait, how’d you get here?” Renee got up and went to the window.
“Elissa came and picked me up on her lunch break. Hopefully, I can bum a ride home from you.” Carrie laughed but it didn’t fool Renee.
“Come with me, we’re going shopping.” Renee walked to the closet and pulled her jacket out.
“I don’t have a job, so I can’t. This is useless. Maybe you can come up with some fake reason to need legal advice from him or something.” Carrie sighed heavily and let her body go limp, sagging into the back of the sofa.
“Looking nice doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Think of this as doing something good for the family. You’ll be helping Vincent to relax. Grab the boys, while I tell Brian I’m going out, and we’ll go have some fun. I promise I won’t say a word to anyone.” Renee couldn’t wait to get started.
Carrie really was a beautiful woman, and her wheels were already spinning.
Their first stop was the mall. Renee remembered how it felt to not have any clothes to wear. If it wasn’t for Emma and the Montclairs, she’d still have nothing. Her heart softened more and more, each time she looked at Carrie. She knew how uncomfortable she’d felt when Tyler showered her with expensive things, and she had no desire to make this woman feel like she was undeserving or less than. It had taken a long time for Renee to feel at ease with accepting gifts, so this shopping trip wouldn’t be too over the top. But at the same time, she owed Carrie her life. They all did.
The mall was buzzing with activity, but not overly crowded. They wandered into several different stores, but Carrie shook her head at every outfit that Renee suggested. “Girl, you have to help me with this,” she laughed.
“I’m not a flowery type of person. I don’t want to look like I’m ready to pick up every guy in a bar, but looking like a librarian isn’t my goal either. I told you, this is useless.” Carrie placed the last dress Renee had held out, back on the rack.
“I’m not giving up, and neither are you,” insisted Renee. There was only one store left, and she knew the place was expensive, but she’d have to work around that fact.
“No! Look at this! I can’t afford to buy a dress for eighty bucks!” Carrie gasped and handed the red dress back to Renee.
“It’s twenty percent off. Go try it on for me.” Renee took her by the wrist, and led her to the fitting rooms. Come out and let me see it on you.”
The boys had fallen asleep in the stroller. Renee took out her phone and snapped several pictures of them. She couldn’t wait to hold her own baby in her arms and begin her life as a mother.
“I look dumb.” Carrie stepped out of the dressing room. The look on her face showed pure disgust.
“Just focus on the dress. It fits you beautifully! Turn around.” Carried turned around slowly, and Renee’s breath caught in her throat. The small V in the back, the dusting of lace and sequins...It was all red and fit her perfect figure...Then Renee let her eyes travel downward.