“Do I look like I’m kidding?” He latched on to her arm and jerked her to him. “It wasn’t enough that you raised your voice to me, but you basically flirted with two men right in front of my face.”
Raven snatched her arm away. “Take your hand off me. I embarrassed you? I wasn’t the one acting like a spoiled child in front of my clients.”
Darren glared at her. “We wouldn’t have a problem if you would just be reasonable and meet me halfway.”
“So that’s what you’re calling it. Reasonable.” Raven shook her head at his audacity. Not only had he disrespected her, but he had also put his hands on her. If he felt bold enough to do something like this to her in public, there was no telling how far he’d go in private. She had no intentions of signing on for any type of abuse. “We’re done. Permanently.” She left him standing there, went back inside and marched toward the restroom. He had some nerve grabbing her. She unconsciously rubbed the spot on her arm. Raven took a deep breath to regain her composure, pulled out her phone and called a cab. She ventured back outside moments later and took a discreet look around. Darren was nowhere to be seen. The fact that he’d left solidified in her mind that they would have never worked. Ten minutes later, the cab drove up. She collapsed onto the seat, closed her eyes and let all of her emotions rise to the surface. She didn’t know why she bothered. Marriage pact or not, she was done.
* * *
Bryson Montgomery sat in his office at Impressions Community Center Saturday morning making a grocery list for next weekend’s camping trip. This would be their second trip and he scheduled it the first weekend in June again, right after the school year ended. The time frame seemed to work well for everyone. He had opened the youth center two years ago after leaving his job as an inpatient clinical psychologist and, although it was hard work, he hadn’t regretted it for one moment.
His friend and business partner, Jerome Smith, poked his head in the door. “Hey, Bryson. The new camping supplies were just delivered. I’ll start opening boxes and making sure everything is there.”
Bryson nodded. “I’ll be there as soon as I finish making this grocery list and emailing the tech company who agreed to donate new laptops.” They wouldn’t be shopping until next Thursday, but he wanted to start early to ensure he didn’t miss anything. He pulled out and compared the previous year’s list, made some additions and put it aside. Turning toward his computer, he sent a reply to the tech company thanking them for their donation and asking for possible delivery dates. He hoped to have the laptops installed by the time the summer school program started at the end of the month. During the year, the center opened after school only, but during the summer opened ten hours per day. Bryson hit the send button, stood and went to help Jerome. There had to be thirty or forty large boxes stacked in the meeting room. “Did we order all this?”
Jerome cut open another box and chuckled. “Yep. I didn’t realize we ordered this much, either. The camping trip will be over by the time we finish going through everything.”
“Good thing Kendrick said he’d be here to help this morning.” Kendrick Johnson, Jerome and Bryson had all met and become friends in college. Kendrick worked as a high school calculus teacher and volunteered his time in the summer tutoring math.
“Is Raven coming, too?”
Bryson smiled at the mention of his best friend’s name. “Yeah. She said she’d help.” He’d met Raven Holloway when she was a freshman and he a junior in a psychology class when they were both complaining about the classroom desks not being left-handed friendly. Over the past twelve years, she had been there through every high and low in his life and her friendship meant everything to him.
“Good. Then we may be done before the bus loads.”
He laughed and picked up a box. They’d gotten through a good ten boxes before Kendrick joined them. Raven arrived not long after. Immediately, Bryson noticed she wasn’t her normal smart-alecky self.
He pulled her aside. “Hey, everything okay?”
Raven smiled. “Fine. Why?”
Bryson frowned. “I don’t know. You seem a little out of sorts.”
“Just had a long day yesterday, that’s all.”
He didn’t believe her for a minute. They’d known each other too long and something didn’t feel right.
Raven placed a hand on her hip. “Are you going to stare at me all day or get to work?”
He grinned. “The mouth is back.”
She bumped him playfully and pointed toward a box. “Work, Bryson. I don’t want to be here all day.”
“Me, either.” They planned to go out afterwards, something the four friends did at least once a month. It took three hours to finish inventorying the boxes and putting the supplies away.
“Man, how much stuff did you two order?” Kendrick asked. “I thought we’d never finish.”
Bryson held up his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, Rome did all the ordering on this one.”
“We have more kids going this year and some of the donated stuff was old and worn, so it had to be replaced. We can’t have the kids sleeping in tents with little tears and sleeping bags so thin you can see through them,” Jerome added.
Raven laughed. “Well, I’m all for that. Just because I have to sleep on the ground doesn’t mean I want to feel it.” She glanced down at her watch. “It’s after three. Are we going to eat or what?”
“Yeah, we are,” Kendrick said. “Bryse and Rome will keep us here all night.”
Bryson shook his head. “Shut up, Ken. Like you didn’t hold us up many a night working on some crazy calculus problem.”
“What? I know you’re not—”
“Yeah, yeah.” Raven pushed Kendrick toward the door. “You guys can talk trash while we eat.”
They all laughed and filed out. Bryson locked up the center and they stood in the parking lot for a few minutes deciding where to eat, agreeing on a nearby bar and grill.
Once there, they had a twenty-minute wait before being led to a table.
Jerome picked up his menu. “I’m so hungry I could eat two horses. I’ll order a couple of appetizers to hold us until the meal.”
By the time the hostess came to take the drink order, they were ready to give their food order, as well. Bryson saw Raven check her phone, then frown. Something was going on with her. He caught her attention and mouthed, “You okay?”
Raven nodded, looked away and turned her attention to whatever Jerome and Kendrick were saying.
Throughout the meal, he contributed to the conversation, but kept one eye on her. More than once, he noticed her go quiet and a look of sadness cross her face. However, each time, it disappeared and she appeared to be her old self again.
Afterwards, they parted ways in the parking lot. Bryson walked Raven to her car. “So, are you going to tell me what’s going on with you? And don't try to tell me it’s nothing. I’ve known you a long time.”
“Just some stuff I need to work through. Nothing for you to worry about.”
He studied her a long moment. “You sure?”
She smiled. “Positive. Thanks, though.”
He hugged her and kissed her cheek. “If you change your mind and want to talk, you know where to find me.”
“I will. Goodnight.”
“Night, Raven. Drive safe and text me when you get home.”
Raven chuckled. “Yes, Dad. You’ve been saying the same thing for the past twelve years.”
“Yep. And I’ll be saying it for the next twelve and beyond.” He held her door open while she got in and closed it behind her. Bryson waited until she drove off before going to his car. He didn’t believe for one second that everything was okay. But he planned to get to the bottom of it, sooner rather than later.
Chapter Two
Friday, a week later, Raven continued to be plagued with thoughts of her breakup. She didn’t know what incensed her more, the fact that Darren had asked her to change her job or his belief that she would defer to him like they were somewhere i
n the nineteenth century. And as much as she tried to deny it, adding another failed relationship to the already lengthy list had devastated her. Pushing her feelings aside, she concentrated on helping two mothers load boxes of food onto the bus for the camping trip. She had taken the day off and hoped being away for the weekend would help restore her balance.
She turned at the sound of male laughter. Bryson, Kendrick and Jerome always seemed to have more fun than the kids. All three stood over six feet, had well-defined muscular builds and gave new definition to good-looking. Whereas Jerome and Kendrick wore their hair cut short, Bryson sported shoulder-length locs. She knew more than a few single mothers braved the bugs and dirt just to get close to them. However, their efforts continued to go unnoticed. Too bad she couldn’t say the same thing. Bryson had either texted or called her every day over the past several days to check on her. As he’d told her, he knew her well.
“I don’t know what I was thinking volunteering to sleep on the ground for the next two nights,” one mother said sliding the last box in the storage compartment. “This child better be glad I love him.”
Raven burst out laughing. “I’m going to see if the guys need anything else.” She was still chuckling when she approached them.
“Ms. Holloway, is it time to leave yet?” a student asked as she passed him.
“Just a few more minutes, Casey.” Bryson wanted to be on the road no later than two o’clock to ensure they arrived with a few hours of daylight left, a half an hour from now.
“O-kay.” The ten-year old shuffled off.
Raven shook her head. Whereas the parent’s enthusiasm level hovered somewhere around zero, the kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement. “Hey, Bryse. Is there anything else that needs to be loaded?”
Bryson shifted his gaze from the list in his hand to Raven. “Nope. I think we have everything. I just need to grab the first aid kit from my office and we’ll be ready. You can start loading the bus.” He paused. “Those things get straightened out?”
“They’re fine. I’ll see you in a minute.” His penetrating stare told her he didn’t believe a word she said. She left before he could say anything else.
Thirty minutes later, they were on the road. The lively chatter on the bus made Raven temporarily forget about her problems. She laughed at the corny jokes told by the kids and adults and shook her head at Jerome when he challenged a couple of teenagers to a dance-off that would be held around the campfire during the weekend.
The adults were slow to emerge from the bus when they arrived at Big Bear Lake more than two hours later. However, the kids bounded off with enough energy to power a small city. The first order of business was unloading all the supplies and pitching tents. Bryson and Kendrick had driven their trucks, which contained several large coolers filled with ice to store the refrigerated foods, as well as camping stoves and grills. Raven was in charge of assigning tents and setting up the cooking and cleaning schedule. The thirty students would take shifts, along with some adult supervision.
This year Bryson had been able to secure a campsite close to the bathrooms and lake, and Raven looked forward to sitting by the water after lights out. By the time everything had been set up and dinner served, it was almost seven and the kids dove into the barbeque chicken, corn on the cob and baked beans as if they hadn’t eaten in days. She had to admit the guys had really outdone themselves with the meal.
“All right everybody,” Bryson’s voice rang out. “Once we’re done with the cleanup, we’ll meet around the campfire to talk about the schedule for the weekend. It’ll be lights out early tonight since we have a long day tomorrow.”
Raven pitched in to help with the cleanup and it took less than half an hour for them to wash the dishes and pick up the trash. By nine, the last traces of light had dissipated, leaving a black, cloudless sky studded with stars. She walked the short distance to the lake and took a seat on one of the metal benches. She inhaled the sweet night air and exhaled slowly. The area reminded her of home. Growing up, Raven could always be found near one of the lakes. The water seemed to give her a sense of peace and she did her best thinking during those times. Tonight, however, that peace was nowhere to be found.
For some reason, every guy she had dated over the past decade either wanted to change her or felt threatened by her friendship with Bryson, Jerome and Kendrick. And this latest episode with Darren, from him grabbing her to basically giving her an ultimatum—her job or him—strengthened her belief that love just wasn’t for her. Raven felt the sting of hot tears burning her eyes and forced them back. She hated crying and did her best to avoid it at all costs. She heard a rustling behind her and turned to see Jerome approaching. She quickly brought her emotions under control and hoped the darkness covered her distress.
“Raven.” Jerome took a seat on the bench next to her. “Girl, you need to let somebody know where you’re going. I nearly had a heart attack when I couldn’t find you.”
Raven laughed softly. “I’m a grown woman, Jerome.”
He slanted her a glance. “And that means what? You know Bryse, Ken and I think of you as a little sister and will always be concerned about your wellbeing. You ought to be used to it by now.”
She shook her head. “You guys need to get a life.”
“We have lives. Pretty good ones, I might add. Now, why are you out here in the dark all alone?”
“Just thinking…relaxing.” She felt his gaze on her, but refused to look his way. He was about as bad as Bryson.
“Hmm. Thinking. Anything you want to talk about?”
“Nope. I’m good. Everybody sleep?”
“Just about. I still heard a few whispers from a couple of the tents when I came out, though.” Jerome leaned forward, rested his forearms on his thighs and clasped his hands together. He was silent for a long moment then said softly, “If you want to talk about it, we’ll be here for you.”
“I know.” Raven didn’t know why she thought they wouldn’t be able to figure out something was bothering her. They always knew. Just like she knew when they had anything going on. Lately, it seemed that she was the only one having issues in the relationship department. Pride and embarrassment kept her from confiding in them at the moment. Eventually, she’d tell them, though. She always did.
He placed a brotherly kiss on her cheek and stood. “I’m going to leave you to your silence. Don’t stay out here too long.”
She smiled. “I won’t. Thanks, Jerome.” She watched him saunter back the way he came, knowing most likely he’d still keep her in his sights. She couldn’t ask for better friends.
Her mind automatically shifted to her best girlfriends and that ridiculous pact. Mackenzie and Ryleigh—the two most adamant about not being in a committed relationship—had gotten married, leaving only Quinn and herself on the countdown clock. Hopefully, Quinn was having better luck. Sighing deeply, Raven stood and started back to her tent. She’d had enough of this thing called love.
* * *
“Okay, everybody. You have free time for the next three hours.” Bryson glanced down at his watch—two-thirty. “Those of you on dinner duty, we’ll start around five, so rest up.” They had spent much of that Saturday on a scavenger hunt and completing a two-mile hike.
“Thank goodness,” one of the mothers said, removing her backpack and dropping down onto one of the benches. “I don’t think I’m ever going to have feeling in my legs and feet again.”
He chuckled. “You did great, Mrs. Jones. A hot shower and a couple hours of rest, and you’ll be good as new.”
The kids and parents trudged to their tents, some of them reemerging a few minutes later with chaperones to head over to the showers. Bryson decided to wait until the bathroom was clear before taking his, and instead, grabbed a bottle of water from a cooler, sat and drained the contents in one long gulp.
“Thirsty?” Kendrick chuckled and took a seat on the opposite bench.
“Something like that.” He reached into the cooler, got ano
ther bottle and handed it to Kendrick.
“Thanks.” He opened it and took a long swig. “The younger kids did well. I admit, I was a little concerned, but they hung in there with minimal complaint.”
“They did, and you were the perfect person to lead them.” They laughed.
Jerome sauntered over and sat on the edge of the bench. “What are you two laughing about?”
“I was telling Ken he was the perfect person to head up the younger kids,” Bryson answered.
“Amen. Give me the older ones any day.”
Kendrick shook his head. “Both of you should get a little practice, so you’ll be ready when you have your own.”
Jerome held up his hands. “No, thanks. I’m quite happy with my single status. Just because Sandra has got you all locked up doesn’t mean we need to follow suit.” He and Bryson did a fist bump.
“I’m telling you, it’s great to have that one special woman. I love not having to worry about the crazy dating scene anymore. Y’all should try it. Bryse, aren’t you still seeing that woman you met last year?”
“I’m not seeing Whitney. We just hooked up for dinner or something whenever she came to town.” Bryson had met the human resource recruiter at a business conference a year and a half ago. One thing led to another and they’d ended up in her hotel room. Neither of them was looking for anything permanent and he didn’t do long-distance relationships. Whitney living in Seattle definitely qualified.
Jerome clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s the or something you’re more interested in, I bet.”
“Not really. Most of the time, we met for drinks or dinner.” Aside from the night in her hotel room, they’d slept together only once more, and that had been close to six months ago.
“And the rest of the time…?” Kendrick asked with a grin.
Bryson held up two fingers. “Twice. And I haven’t talked to her in probably six months. For all I know she could’ve found somebody and be planning her wedding.”
“Would that bother you?”
“Rome, why would it bother me that a woman I have no designs on finds someone?” Bryson shrugged. “If she did, more power to her.” They had a good time together, but she didn’t give him anything he couldn’t get from another woman. “And, unlike this clown,” he gestured to Jerome, “I’m not opposed to marriage. I just haven’t found this special woman you’re referring to. If and when I do, I’ll let you know.”
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