by Leaona Luxx
Two hours later, I’m too far gone to leave when One and Hardy show up. I’ve drowned my sorrows with some shots from a bottle of Beam, I’m ready to forget everything. They approach me at the bar, taking seats on each side.
“Gentlemen.” I put on my best sober, only slurring a little.
“Dude, your shit-faced,” Hardy says as he motions to the bartender.
“I am. Fuck women. Fuck all the women,” I say, turning my head from side to side to talk to them.
“Now, come on. You don’t mean that,” One says as he trades my liquor in for water.
“I’m not entirely drunk. I know what I’m saying when I say I want to fuck that woman.” The room spins when I close my eyes. “I mean, I want her to fuck me.” There, fixed it.
“Okay. Who are we talking about?” Hardy pushes a cup of coffee to me.
“Torrence. Torrence Harrington.” I throw her name out like vomit.
“What about me?” Spinning in my seat, I’ll be damned if she isn’t standing there.
“You. You fucked me.” Chugging my water, I wipe my mouth with my forearm. “And you broke my heart.” Not holding back. I’m not drunk, I’m relaxed, laughing to myself when I think it.
“Torrie, he’s had a rough day, we’re about to take him home.” One stands, taking me by the arm.
“Nope. Not until she dances with me.” Jerking my arm from him, I put my hand out in front of me.
She looks from me to One and then Hardy but surprises us all by taking it. “Let’s go.”
“Torrie.” Hardy stands.
“I’ve got this.” She waves them off as we walk to the dance floor. We begin swaying from side to side to Brad Paisley’s ‘Then’. Arm in arm with a space of distance between us, we look everywhere but at each other. Then the floodgates open. “What’s going on, Brannon?”
“Are you kidding me? How did you know I was here?” My eyes narrow as I fight to get a little clarity.
“I was driving by, saw everyone’s trucks.” Her eyes scan the room rather than looking at me.
“So, you thought you’d stop and grab a drink?” Sliding my hand around the small of her back, I pull her to me. “Torrie.”
Her eyes flash to mine. “What? No. I wanted to see you, okay? You–said things earlier.”
“I said several things, which are you talking about?” I wait on her.
“I guess I should hear your side of the story,” she huffs, saying it almost unwillingly.
“Don’t do me any favors, Torrie.” Dropping my hands to my side, I glare at her.
“I wasn’t doing you any favors.” Crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m trying here, okay?”
“Trying what? To make me feel worse than I do? You can’t, someone beat you to it!” I choke out the words.
“So, it’s my fault you feel bad? I’m the one you left.” Her voice drips with disdain.
“Yes, I know. I kick my own ass everyday about it.” Shaking my head, I continue, “Damn, Torrie. Can’t you see, I’ve never stopped loving you.” Now, I could choke her but before I get the chance, Ava walks through the door.
“Well, what have we here?” She saunters up in skintight, ripped jeans and a tank top.
“Don’t. I am not playing with you, Ava.” I point at her as she gets closer.
“Don’t what? Tell your secrets or hers?” Ava jerks her chin in Torrie’s direction.
“Leave. I’m not asking you.” Venom drips from my words. “Leave now.”
“Oh, no. Please, go on.” Torrie stands beside me. “’Cause, I’m going to tell you a few things.”
“Like the fuck what? What could you possibly have to tell me?” Ava yells.
Torrie takes a step toward her, I touch her arm. “I don’t give a fuck what you have to say about me or the things he’s done the past ten years. It means nothing to me.”
My fingers flex from her arm as my hand falls to my side. “It’s time for me to go.”
Torrie’s hand finds mine when I turn. “Please, wait,” she asks.
“Yes, wait. I think rich bitch with a stick up her ass needs to hear what I have to say,” Ava yells at her again.
“Tell me,” Torrie says with contempt.
“Get the fuck outta here, Ava.” Why will she not listen?
“You don’t deserve him.” Torrie nods slowly at Ava’s words. “When you let him walk away from you, you fucked up,” Ava hisses at Torrie.
Torrie snarls at her. “Don’t you think I fucking know that?”
“Why are you here then?” Ava growls.
“To fuck him when I want.” Torrie leans into Ava’s space. I give Hardy and One a heads up. If these to go at it, I’m gonna need help.
“Well, you have to kick me outta his bed, darlin’, ‘cause I’m the only person fuckin’ him,” Ava declares making Torrie narrow her eyes.
I might just go to jail. Releasing Torrie’s arm, I pick Ava up, slinging her over my shoulder. “Shut the hell up, damn it.”
“Hey, Ava,” Torrie yells, “I fuck him in mine before he gets in yours.”
Ava screams as we walk out the door. For fuck’s sake, what in the hell just went on? Sitting Ava down, I open her car door. “Get the fuck in and go the hell home. Now,” I bark at her.
“Fine but you better be behind me,” she says.
“Why? You have to stop this, Ava. And it isn’t fair to Andi, this nonsense you’re always spouting. Stop it.” I’m done, I’m over taking care of her shit. I slam her door, turning just in time to see Torrie drive away.
Son of a bitch. I knew the motherfucker was an asshole, but to tell me he loves me while he’s with her? What in the hell is he thinking? I’m a damn fool for believing his shit.
Taking my steps at home two at a time, I sling my bag on the counter and grab the wine. I damn well need something stronger but this will have to do. Pouring myself a big glass, I draw a bath and sink in. My wild and crazy Friday nights.
I decide to take a couple of days off, I think spending some time on the beach is what I need. Besides, everything is running smoothly on the build. I call Thayer, asking her if she and Lea would go shopping with me. I need a place where I can purchase a swimsuit or two. We make plans to meet the next day.
I meet Thayer and Lea at a local shop around one on Saturday. I try on several suits but nothing looks right. Lea and Thayer shove me back in the room and start handing over suit after suit until a bikini flies over the door. With hesitation and encouragement, I try it on. Stepping out to do a quick turn for them.
“Gorgeous. Buy. Now, try this one,” they exclaim, pushing me back through the door.
“I’m not so sure about these, I think I’m too old.” Rolling my eyes at the swimsuit I just stepped into.
“How old are you?” Thayer asks as I adjust my top.
“Thirty,” I say with a little more confidence when I look in the mirror. Stepping out, I’m met with catcalls and whistling.
“Love it. Buy,” Lea exclaims.
I stand in front of the mirror, twisting and turning to get a good look at myself. Just then, I notice a little girl watching me, smiling.
She’s a doll. Wavy chestnut hair and beautiful eyes, I return her smile. To my surprise, she walks closer. Waving at Lea and Thayer, she steps on the stage where I’m standing in the mirror. She sways back and forth, appraising me.
“You’re pretty. I like your smile,” she says as she watches me.
“Thank you. I was just thinking the same thing about you.” She smiles wider. Kneeling beside her, I introduce myself as I hold my hand out to her. “Hi, I’m Torrie. What’s your name?”
“I’m Andi, with an ‘I’. I like your name.” She takes my hand, giving it a little shake.
“Thank you, I don’t like it too much. It’s short for a boy’s name, Torrence.” I wrinkle my nose when I explain it to her.
Her brows are pulled down low in question. “Why would your parents’ give you a boy’s name?”
“My father wanted a son but he
got a girl.” I shrug.
She smiles brightly. “My dad named me after his friend.”
“How nice. What did your mom think about your dad calling you Andi?” Trying to make small talk with her, I think she’s perfect.
“She doesn’t care.” Andi shrugs this time.
“That’s so nice of her.” I pat her on the back.
“Well, it was nice meeting you.” She shakes my hand before turning to leave.
I’m caught off guard when she swings back quickly to hug me. My hand lands on the floor to keep us upright. I think my heart just melted. She holds on to me so tight, and I catch my breath. Just then an older woman walks up.
“Andi, sweetie. We don’t bother other people while they shop. Please excuse us,” she says, shaking her head.
“I’m sorry, Gamma,” she explains.
“It’s fine, honestly. I think she’s stolen my heart, though.” I watch Lea and Thayer, the look on their faces are hysterical.
“Well, thank you. She’s our baby girl.” Her gamma winks at her.
“I have to go now. I’ll see you later, Torrie.” She waves as she walks to her grandmother. Glancing up at her, her grandmother stands stunned. She’s wide-eyed with her mouth hanging open.
“Torrie? Your name is Torrie?” she asks quietly.
“Yes. Torrie Harrington.” Presenting my hand.
“Oh, it’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Joyce O’Hurley, Brannon’s mom.” She takes my hand, holding it. Her southern drawl as pleasing as his. “You’re as beautiful as I imagined.”
“Thank you. It’s good to meet you after all these years. How have you been?” Asking out of courtesy, I don’t want to talk her.
“Good, thank you. Brannon told me he’s working with you, how are you?” She’s amazing. I could kill her son.
“Good. Busy working.” I nod as I smile nervously.
“Brannon said it was for your father. That’s good.” She gives me a tight smile. “Well, we need to leave you alone. It was good seeing you.” Andi waves as they walk away.
I storm toward the dressing room. Slamming the door behind me, I try to gather myself. What did I expect? It’s his town, of course, I’m going to run into his family. She called his mom, gamma. She must be his niece, she’s the little girl I saw with him the other day.
Wait. Brannon was an only child, so she’s not his niece. It doesn’t make sense, who in the hell? Then, it hits me. Mother fucker, he has a daughter. Is he married? Surely not, I kissed him. Fuck, I kissed him. Why hasn’t anyone told me?
For the second time in years, I cry. I’m not even sure how long I sit in the changing room, but I stay because I want them long gone when I leave. I hear a knock at the door, and I pray it’s Thayer or Lea.
“Yes?” I ask.
“They’re gone, sweetie. Let’s get you home.” I crack the door to find Lea standing there with tissues. “Thayer watched them pull away. Let’s check out your things.” She takes my suits, walking toward the front. I check my face for any problems then follow her to the register.
On the ride back to my place, the car’s quiet. I think they’re waiting to see what I say or how I act. But I’m just blown away. I have a million questions, most I don’t even want the answers to. Wiping more tears, I bite the bullet. I have to know, everything.
“His daughter?” They look at each other first.
“You should ask him,” Thayer answers.
“She looks just like him.” Tears fall faster. Thayer passes me more tissues. “I thought I was pregnant after Christmas; I guess one is enough.” Lea looks at me in the mirror.
“You should talk to him,” she suggests.
“We’ve tried, it always ends badly.” Laying my head back, I shake it. “What about the farm, does he still have it?”
“I can take you or give you directions if you want to see it,” Thayer states.
“Sounds great. Would love to see what my father’s money has done.” My words are laced with venom, and I don’t like the taste. Still, there’s no way I’m going to that farm.
“You need to talk to Brannon. This is his story to tell.” Rolling my eyes, not at Thayer but at the suggestion.
“Wait. How old is she, his daughter?” They side-eye each other, no holding back ladies, I already know. “She’s nine. Right? Andi’s nine years old. Motherfucker.” I close my eyes, laying my head back. I try to count down, but when I hit nine, I start crying again.
Later that night, I toss and turn, asking every question I want the answers to from him. I play it over a hundred times, hearing different things each time. Some, I like. Most, I hate. If I ever thought, for a second, we might ever be able to salvage this, it was just decimated.
A sleepless night and a pot of coffee later, my phone rings, it’s One. “It’s Torrie.”
“Good morning, it’s One. I want to let you know we’re presenting to council today for the revised permits. I don’t foresee any issues, we’re just re-submitting plans which have already been approved.”
“Do I need to be there this morning?” Knowing I do, praying I don’t.
“Yes, please. You will need to sign a few things.” He’s such a good guy.
“Will he be there?” I think he could hear me grit my teeth.
He sighs. “Yes. Brannon will need to be there.” Fuck.
“What time?” I take out my pen to jot it down.
“Eleven,” he answers. Are you kidding me?
“I’ll be there. Thank you.” Checking the time, it’s nine thirty. Shit.
“It’s gonna be okay, Torrie. See you, there.” One ends the call. I thought it would, not so much anymore.
I hurriedly dress, thanking the good Lord for the shopping yesterday. I have something decent to wear. Gray slacks, burgundy, off the shoulder, silk blouse with gray, suede booties and a high ponytail, I’m comfortable and ready to work.
I’m out the door and on my way by ten-thirty. I wasn’t expecting traffic to be this heavy. I’m a little frantic by the time I get there. I’m at the courthouse in the nick of time.
Grabbing my cell, I shove it in my bag and notice my father has called. I send a quick text as I walk through the door. Reading my father’s response, I walk straight into a wall. Dropping my phone and everything in my purse. The contents scatter, rolling in every direction.
“Shit.” Dropping to my knees, I gather as much as I can, ramming it back in my open bag.
“Here,” is all I need to hear to know it’s him. I jerk my things from his grasp.
“I can do it,” snapping at him.
“I’m sure you can,” he replies in a smug tone.
“How would you know?” I spit at him as he reaches more of my things to me.
“I guess I wouldn’t.” His words are no more than a whisper, making me glance up to get a check on his location to me. His hand is outstretched. Refusing his help, I stand on my own.
“I’ve got it, I’m alright,” I spit at him as I brush past.
“I can see that.” Glaring at him over my shoulder, I run into One.
“Fuck.” I grimace, the look on One’s face is priceless.
“Everything okay out here?” One asks, looking from me to Brannon.
“It’s fine. Dropped my bag,” I snap.
“All good. You ready?” Brannon replies.
One gives us another once over. “Okay. Let’s get this done and get you two away from one another.”
“Even better,” we answer together as I roll my eyes.
One and Hardy stand in the middle, while Brannon and I stand on each end of the counter as the papers are gone over and filed. Brannon has a few adjustments and addendums to make with no issues, as One said it would be. Once the papers are filed, I’m out the door.
I hurry to my SUV, trying to answer a few texts from work as I walk. I bump into doors and poles along the way. After tripping for the third time, I look up to see where I’m going. Brannon stands, leaning against my SUV. My eyes roll but my hea
rt, it never listens—it skips a beat.
He hasn’t changed one damn bit. He’s got some swagger through the years, makes him even better. He’s wearing jeans and a tee shirt, which is stretched to its limit across his broad chest. His hair is shorter, giving it a wave.
His arms are impossibly bigger, the tats on his biceps look as if they could burst. His pecs are well defined through his shirt as is his thick, muscular thighs. His chiseled jaw begins to tick the closer I get. I’m not entirely sure if he’s pissed or nervous.
I come to a stop in front of him, running my eyes over him once again. Damn it, he still makes me squeeze my thighs together. I shift my stance, trying to garner some relief. When I do, his irises dilate, then he rubs his hands down his jeans. He’s nervous.
“Torrie, I’m sorry. I can’t begin to explain all that’s happened.” The tone in his voice pleading.
“I don’t care what has happened with you. I just want this project done and back home before my father finds out.” Glaring at him.
“Why doesn’t he know?” He steps forward, crossing his arms over his chest.
“I refuse to tell him. It’s my call, you don’t like? I don’t care.” I spit my words at him. His eyes barely a slit, he studies my words.
“Fine. If you ever want to hear the truth, I’m here. Other than that, I’ll just do my job and stay outta the way.” He turns to walk away.
“Should we ask your wife to join us or we just going to sneak around? You let me kiss you the other night, what are you thinking?” I yell after him. “You have a daughter, for fuck's sake, when did you plan on telling me?” He stops dead, spins around, marching right back up to me. Shit.
“Yes, I have a daughter. We could ask my wife if I had one, but I don’t. I know you’re hurt, but you need to remember, you weren’t the only one.” His nostrils flare, he’s pissed. I step closer to him so he can hear what I’m about to say and all the spectators can’t.
“What more is there to know? You fucked me, then you left with the first dollar to cross your palm. Damn straight, I’m hurt,” I seethe at him.
“Of course, you’re the victim. I don’t remember you wanting to hear the truth,” He spits back.
“Why? To see how you spent my father’s money.” It’s a low blow but well worth it.