by Claire Adams
You said to be creative. I warned you.
“The way you’re smiling, no, that’s a boy crush smile. He might be a friend now, but I have a feeling it will end up more.” She slid her money in and made her selection.
As she walked away shaking her head, I couldn’t help but wonder what Aiden would think about her opinion. I didn’t think he wanted things to be too hot and heavy. He had a lot going on in his life, thanks in part to my parents, and I wanted badly to ask him how his day went. I hadn’t gotten any calls that my parents had shown up down in the ER lobby, so I guessed it wasn’t a bloodbath.
How did things go? I figured I could keep the question vague enough and do no harm.
No change. They won’t budge + I’m not settling = Impasse.
Suddenly, my heart felt like someone had it in a vice. I hated that my parents were being so stubborn and mean. And, all I could say was: I’m sorry, Aiden.
No worries. Call me later.
Will do. I burned with guilt as I hit send: guilt because I didn’t want to stop seeing him, and guilt because I couldn’t tell the truth. I battled with my own impasse.
I left work and headed over to pick up Bre for dinner night with my parents. I told myself to keep a good attitude, and hopefully conversation wouldn’t fall on the subject of Aiden. I didn’t think I could hold myself together long enough for that. And with Bre knowing what she knew, I surely didn’t want her stirred up.
We arrived with a few minutes to spare, so we sat in the car as I collected myself. “Why are you so nervous? It’s not like it’s the first time you and your parents have disagreed on something.”
“Yeah, but they met with Aiden today, and not an hour after, he and I discussed our upcoming date together. He even told me I help make things better.” I gave her a knowing glare, and her eyes widened.
“Oh, shit. You’ve got to end things with him now. If they find out about him, our dinners are going to be even more awkward.” She pulled out her compact and swiped on some gloss.
“I know, I know. But I like him. I’m not going to stop seeing him. I need to tell him the truth and hope he doesn’t hate me.”
“Hate you? He’s going to be devastated. Now, let’s take a deep breath and get this night over with.” She glanced at me and shook her head again as if she couldn’t believe my actions. I couldn’t believe them myself.
I followed her to the house, and we went inside where Mom’s vulgar taste in furnishings assaulted our senses.
“Come right in, dears. Dinner is ready.” Mom carried the salad to the table, and we hurried in to join her and Daddy, who was already munching on a roll and drinking tea.
“Gregory, dear, put down that roll and say hello to the girls.” She lowered herself into her seat and took a sip of wine.
“Hello, girls.” Dad put down the roll to peek inside the dish, making a face as he dug around for a potato. Pot-roast was one of my favorites and something Mom had requested most often for family get-togethers. If Shawn had been there, you’d think that everything was normal.
“So, Bre, how are things?” Mother smiled and waited for her to answer.
She swallowed a bite of her own roll and then folded her napkin in her lap. “Great, thanks. I’m still seeing Daniel, and things are good.”
“Well, that’s nice to hear, I wish my daughter would find someone to settle down with.” Mom turned her attention to me. This was the same old conversation every time, and I wished so badly that I could tell her who I was seeing. I held my tongue and smiled.
Bre offered up an awkward rebuttal. “I’m sure she will when the time is right. Could you pass the salt?”
As I passed the salt, my mother turned the conversation toward me. “Well, I hope you find a nice young man. Someone with money would be nice, though if all the wealthy men around here are the same as that damned Walker boy, I’d wish you’d marry middle class.”
“You mean Aiden?” The words spilled from my mouth with enough acid in my tone to eat a hole in the table.
Mom looked up at me with surprise in her expression. “Don’t tell me you’ve had the honor of meeting him; he’s an impossible asshole. Promise me you’ll stay clear of him.”
Dad offered a less emotional summary of their day. “Your mother and I went to talk to him about the settlement. He all but insulted your brother and was very disrespectful to your mother and me.” He stabbed a carrot slice with his fork.
Mother aimed her fork at me. “He went off the handle and even compared me to a prized sow. I’m not settling for anything less than what I’m asking. He had the nerve to ask us to prove the amount was fair. Fair is having your son at the dinner table every night.”
Dad chewed another bite and then swallowed. “I wish Shawn had never met Allison. We’d still have our son.”
“Well, I was appalled that he didn’t seem to care one bit about our family and our loss.”
My emotions were going in all directions. I couldn’t wrap my head around Aiden being disrespectful about my brother and wondered if that was true or an overreaction from my mother. Then something else came to mind, something that bothered me even more. “Did you mention me?” I hoped my parents hadn’t said anything to out me.
Mother dropped her fork. “Why would we mention you, darling? We’re trying not to drag you into this mess. Besides, what would it gain us by doing so now? We’d like to at least get this thing to court before springing you on them.”
“What does court have to do with me?” I wondered if they planned to pull me out in court and make me testify about Shawn and Allison’s relationships.
“You’re a grieving sister, and our Mr. Blanc said it could play into our hand later, something about not desensitizing you to the competition just yet.”
“If you don’t want me involved, then why have me show up there at all?” I couldn’t believe they’d planned to use me. My head was buzzing and throbbing with all the thoughts cluttering it like a swarm of bees.
Mother cut her meat with a scowl, and I wondered if she was picturing Aiden. “It’s only if needed, and besides, it wouldn’t hurt you to help out if you can.”
I wanted to push my chair back and storm away, but I didn’t want to make Bre angry. Instead, I bit my tongue and tried to eat my dinner. Mom’s cooking had nothing on Aiden’s maid, Mattie.
Thinking of him made my guts twist even more, but I choked down another forkful to keep my mouth too busy to speak up. There was no chance I’d ever have any type of relationship with him where he and my parents would get along. And, no chance of us ever having a sit-down meal together where we shared our lives and polite conversation the way we had when Shawn was alive.
“Are you listening to me, Alexandra?” Mother tapped her fork against her plate, and I lifted my eyes to meet hers. “I asked you if you could help out.”
“No, I believe you told me I would. It’s not like either of you have cared much about my opinions on this lawsuit, so maybe it is best that I stay out of it.” I released a long breath as Bre met my eyes for a moment, as if to tell me again how much I needed to stop seeing Aiden.
“I think you’ll change your tune when we end up with his money. You could take some time away from that job of yours and go on those lavish vacations you always dream of. It could go a long way, especially after your father and I are gone. It’s more money than any of us will ever need.”
She spoke like it was the most practical thing in the world, and my stomach turned thinking that if she won the money, it would one day go to me. If there was anything left that she didn’t spend, that is. I didn’t want it. Not a dime.
“If it’s more money than you’ll ever need, then why are you, so hell bent on taking it from a man who has lost his entire family?” Bre’s words shocked me as she had spoken my thoughts.
“I beg your pardon?” Mother glared up at Bre as if she had no right to speak.
“You said you don’t need it, and quite frankly, I have to agree with Lexa.”
Mother laughed nervously as if she had no idea what to think of Bre speaking up. “Well, thank you for your opinion, Breanna. I’ll be sure and remember that the next time I consider your opinion on personal family matters.”
Bre stood from her chair. “You’re right, Mrs. Patterson. I’m not family. I’ve only sat at this table as a friend of Lexa’s our entire lives because I care about her. And for once, I wish you’d consider for five minutes what you’re doing to your daughter and think about someone other than yourself for a change.” She stormed out, and I dropped my fork on my plate and pushed my own chair back.
“Way to go, Mother.” I hurried out after Bre and found her waiting in the car.
I dug out my keys and slid into the seat beside her. “Thanks for that.”
“No problem. I always knew one day I’d snap.” We both shared a laugh before she released a long breath while my Camaro roared to life.
“I’m surprised you’ve waited this long.” I pulled out of the drive and onto the street. “Where to now?”
“Some place where I can get a beer.”
The only place I could think of echoed in my mind with Aiden’s voice: Jay’s Pub.
Chapter Twenty-One
Aiden
Smitty was halfway through a dirty joke when Glen’s eyes widened. I glanced over my shoulder to see what he was looking at and nearly fell off my stool. Standing at the door were Lexa and another girl, both clutching their expensive handbags as if they’d gotten lost down a dark alley in the wrong part of town.
A few of the men in the place whistled, and Lexa grabbed hold of her friend’s hand to keep her from bailing.
“Be right back.” I hurried across the room as the laughter from Smitty’s foul joke filled the air, and I startled Lexa as I walked up beside her and took her hand.
“Aiden! Thank God. I thought we’d come to the wrong place, and, well, this isn’t exactly what I thought it would be.”
“This is the place; I’m surprised you remembered. I didn’t think you’d ever show up here. I thought I made it clear it wasn’t exactly the type of place you’d be caught dead in.” I knew I had tried.
“Yeah, but I figured since you came here, it couldn’t be so bad. Not that it’s terrible, but I’ve never seen so much denim and leather in one room before.” She glanced at the table where some of the local bikers had gathered.
“They’re harmless, but it’s been a while since they’ve seen a woman as clean as you come in here.” Her friend coughed, covering her mouth and mumbling her name.
Lexa spun around and pulled her closer to her hip. “This is Bre. She’s been my best friend since we were kids.”
The girl offered a smile. “Nice to meet you. Can I get a beer?” Bre seemed more relaxed than Lexa, but kept her close regardless.
“Sure, come on up to my place.” I led them to the row of empty stools beside mine.
Her friend took a stool, and Lexa sat between us. “Nice place you’ve got here.”
I rapped my knuckles on the bar, and Glen spun around from where he’d been talking to Smitty, who was still in the thralls of nasty jokes. Glen walked over and poured my next beer as he smiled for the ladies.
“What can I get for you two lovely ladies?” He flashed his eyes as Bre, and she grinned back as her cheeks stained with blush.
“I’ll have a Long Island iced tea.” Bre raked her fingers through her hair and looked Glen up and down and elbowed Lexa who ordered a Corona with lime.
As Glen dropped the drinks, I introduced him. “This is Lexa and Bre.”
“I can’t tell you how nice it is to finally meet you. Aiden’s told me a lot.” He offered his hand and Lexa took it.
“All good, but not too good?” She cocked a brow at me and laughed.
Her friend stuck her hand out and introduced herself. “Breanna Lively.”
“So, you’re related.” I nudged Lexa, who still seemed shaken, but she turned and threw her arm around her friend.
“Yes, cousins, friends, we’re practically sisters.” Glen gave me a shrug as she threw her arm around me, dropping her friend who leaned forward on the bar.
Lexa glanced up at me with wide eyes. “I’m glad we met up. I hope everything turned out okay today.” She ran her fingers through my hair, and I nodded as I sipped my beer.
“Things are much better now. I’m glad you stopped by, but you should have told me you were coming out here and I’d have walked you in. This isn’t the safest place for two beautiful women to be at night.”
“Believe it or not, the two of us have been to some scary places over the years.” I didn’t like the sound of that and hoped she’d be more careful. She turned and got Glen’s attention as he made small talk with Bre. “Hey, how’s your cut doing?”
“Stitches come out soon, and it’s healing a lot better than expected, considering my job. But I tell you what, if I get lemon juice in it one more time, I might just quit and close the place down.”
Bre scrunched up her face. “Ooh, I bet that stings.”
“Yeah, it’s not much fun. Remind me to hide the knives when this one comes around. He’s bad luck.” Glen pointed at me and then stepped over to where Smitty was still entertaining his crowd. His speech was so slurred that you couldn’t tell when he hit the punchline and the only way anyone knew it was time to laugh was when he did.
“Who’s the charmer?” Lexa nodded toward the old man.
“His name is Smitty. He’s the bar’s mascot and Glen’s best customer.” I watched as she tried to listen, but she shook her head and laughed with the others.
“Well, this is some place.”
“I’ve drowned a lot of grief right here on this very stool. So much, in fact, that it’s reserved for my ass only.”
She gave Bre a nudge, and the two exchanged a look. “Hear that, Bre? He’s got his own barstool.” She slid her gaze back to me with a smile.
“I think you’ve found a winner,” Bre whispered to Lexa, but loud enough for me to hear.
“Oh, so I have the best friend’s approval? Is that what this little rendezvous was all about?” I gave Bre a wink.
She threw her arm around Lexa. “My approval is everything. You’re lucky you’re cute.”
We continued talking until Bre’s phone rang and she turned away to take it.
I took the time to brush a stray strand of hair from Lexa’s face and tuck it behind her ear. “I’m looking forward to our date.”
“I bet you are. Transvestite sword fighting, I believe you said?” I nodded and laughed. “As long as they’re using actual swords, count me in.” She turned up her beer and took a hearty swig for someone so petite.
“What else would they be using?” I wanted her to answer, but instead, her eyes widened, and she began giggling. Bre hung up the phone and pulled her closer, whispering something too low to hear.
Lexa turned back toward me and finished her last sip of beer, then she slammed the bottle down on the glass hard and met my eyes with a hint of sadness. “We have to go. I’ll call you later, though.” She leaned in and kissed my lips. I hated to see her go. I couldn’t offer to take her home and leave her friend alone, but the temptation to take her to bed had my pulse racing.
The two of them waved their goodbyes to Glen, and when I returned from walking them out, he met me at my spot. “Woo-wee, that’s some hotness, right there, and she was checking up on you.”
“Actually, I’m not sure what that was about. I think she was worried, but she didn’t say it. She knows all about the lawsuit and how I had to go meet the family today.”
“Damn, I bet that was rough.” He pulled the towel from over his shoulder and wiped the bar down after tossing their empties.
“It wasn’t pretty. But it is what it is. I’m playing hardball with them. They sat there telling me how they didn’t want my money or need it, but they’re suing the shit out of me. And that woman, I think she’s crazy.”
“Oh, man.” He shook his head.
“Yeah, it’s hard to imagine a nice guy like Shawn having that dragon lady as a mother.” I cringed, remembering her posturing glares.
“They are trying to put a value on their son’s life that is grossly disproportionate to the case. They’ll lose. I’ve seen it a thousand times. The world is full of bitter-ass people.” I finished off my beer and pushed my empty glass toward him.
“I hope it works out, man. At least you’ve got a good woman to help get you through it. That one’s a keeper based on looks alone. Do you ever say no to her? I’d give her anything she wanted.” He shook his head and put my glass in the wash bin.
“I plan on it, if I can keep her interested.” I was trying to play it cool, but the truth was, I would do exactly that and give her anything in the world. And, he was right — it was nice knowing that no matter how shitty things got, I had Lexa to bring me out of my slump.
I stood from the bar and fished out my keys. “I’m going to quit while I can still drive myself home. I need to get going. It’s been a long day.” I stretched my arms, which were still sore from my workout. I’d gone to the gym before showing up at the bar.
“Take it easy, man.” As I waved to Glen, I glanced down at my phone to see if Lexa had texted, but found Layne had called again instead.
I had turned my phone down because it wasn’t like I could hear it in the bar, anyway, and I didn’t want anyone other than Lexa disturbing my drink. I decided to call him before it got too late and before he woke me up too early the next morning.
I pushed his number and waited for him to answer. “’Bout time, Aiden.” I hated when he answered the phone that way, and it made me want to remind me that my time was my own and I wasn’t living on his.
“What?” Keeping it short was always best with Layne.
“They aren’t going to settle, so we’re going to trial. I wanted you to know before you hear it in the press circuit.”
“Offer them half.” I headed out to my truck and unlocked my doors.
He groaned. “Dammit, Aiden, they aren’t going to settle, and that’s more than they deserve, and you know it.”