“Yeah. She said I can have two days off together every week, and she even offered me the Corrigan jets.”
“She’s definitely the best boss ever. I mean, I don’t know anyone else who would’ve gathered us all to bring you ice cream and vodka,” Matisse says.
“Thanks again for that, by the way.”
“Of course. You’ll be there for us when we need you,” Rose reminds me.
“I will. I think one of us needs me now. How about it, Kalila?”
“Nope. I’m good.”
“You kissed Theo and invited him to cuddle.”
“Not going to talk about it.”
“One day, though, right?” Harlow prods.
“Yes. One day I will tell you all the sad story of Theo and Kalila. Just not today.”
“We’re here when you’re ready,” Camari says, and we all nod.
“You have a guest, Sierra,” Neveah tells me, nodding behind me.
I start to turn when a baseball cap is slapped on my head, and a baseball jersey is draped over my shoulders. I just stare at Joel as he puts my arms through the sleeves and stands back to take me in.
“Cada dia que passa eu me apaixono mais por você.”
“Bloody hell. Did he just say what I think he did?” Jen asks.
“If you think he just told her that he loves her more every day, then yes,” Nev tells her with a smile.
“While his jersey and hat are on her. Well played, Mr. Cruz. Well played,” Rhieve tells him.
“You can stop swooning over my man. All of you,” I tell them with a laugh.
“Are you swooning, Gatinha?” he asks.
“Oh, yeah. Paixão da minha vida.”
“That’s hot. Like, I-could-go-for-a-girl hot. What did she say?” Rheive asks Nev.
“I said he’s the love of my life. And you need to get out more,” I answer.
“I know,” she says on a sigh.
“Thank you for the jersey and hat,” I say, turning back to Joel.
“Here’s your ticket, too,” he says, handing it to me.
“I can’t wait.”
“Me neither. Are you ready to meet my parents tonight?”
“You’re sure I’m not intruding?”
“Of course not, Kitten. They’re going to love you.”
“Should I change or is this okay? Without the jersey, of course.”
He spreads the jersey open and looks at my dress, which he saw when he zipped me up this morning, but he’s pretending to need a closer look at now. Not that I mind. It’s nothing fancy, but I like how it’s rucched, making me look a little curvier. The silver butterflies look pretty against the dark blue fabric, and the lighter blue on the inside of my upper arms adds a modern edginess to it. And yeah, Stella said some of that to me in class today, but I agree with her.
“You look perfect. For dinner with my parents, at least. When it’s just us, I prefer a lower neckline,” he tells me, fingering my dress where it lands above my collarbone, “and a higher skirt.”
He pulls my dress up a little on the bottom, but I slap his hand. “Pare! I’m at work.”
“Fine. I’ll stop,” He says pulling me into his arms. “For now. You’re going to meet us at the restaurant.”
“Yes. I’ll see you there.”
“I can’t wait. My three favorite people will all be in one room.”
He kisses me hard and then bows dramatically to my friends before sauntering out. I can’t help but shake my head. He’s definitely a cocky asshole sometimes, but he’s mine, and honestly, I wouldn’t have him any other way.
The afternoon is uneventful, and before I know it, it’s time for me to touch up my hair and make-up and head to the restaurant. I’m meeting them at one of the Brazilian steakhouses here in town. Joel’s been wanting to take me anyway, and his parents love the place, so it works out for everyone.
I see him immediately when I walk in. He’s facing the door, and when our eyes meet, his smile widens. I walk quickly over to him, barely glancing at the wooden high back chairs that must be holding his parents. When I get close enough, he stands to introduce me.
“Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Sierra. Sierra, this is my mom and dad.”
I smile until his father stands and his mother turns. No. This isn’t happening. Oh my God, no. “Sierra?” his mother asks, a look of shock passing over her face before anger sets in.
“Hello, Raquel. João. It’s nice to see you again.”
“You’ve met?” Joel asks, looking back and forth.
“Your girlfriend is apparently Marcus’ girlfriend as well,” Raquel tells him.
“What? What are you talking about? Is this some kind of joke?”
“I wish it was, but we saw her with him. She was his date. She kissed his cheek and held his hand in front of us. They danced and left together. There were pictures of him leaving her room hours later,” João tells him.
“No. They’re wrong. Tell me they’re wrong.”
I can’t. “They’re not wrong. I was there as Marcus’ date. I didn’t know they were your parents.”
“And that makes it better? Marcus is one of my best friends. All the Portuguese lessons weren’t for work, were they? You wanted to show off at the ball. For Marcus.”
“No. That’s not true.”
“You told me your boyfriend taught you our language and made it seem like it was Marcus. You took advantage of both my son and a man I think of like a second son,” Raquel says.
“I didn’t. It’s not what it seems.”
“Then what is it? Explain it to me. Please explain it,” Joel implores me.
“I can’t. I’m sorry. I can’t explain.”
“I never want to see you again.”
“Please. I need you to just trust me.”
“I don’t. You should leave.”
I don’t remember walking out of the restaurant, getting in my car, or driving home. All I remember is falling asleep in a baseball jersey and praying for this all to be a bad dream.
* * *
Joel
I’ve thrown myself into baseball this last month. I left for Arizona the morning after I sent Sierra away and I haven’t seen or talked to her since. I’ve practiced all day, every day, and partied almost every night. I haven’t slept with another woman, but I have taken lots of pictures that make it look like I have. I’ve even kissed a few women for the cameras. It worked, because the texts and calls from Sierra stopped after the first ones hit the internet. I needed them to stop, because in the darkest hours of the night, while I lie in bed jerking myself off, I almost called her, and I can’t do that. I can’t ever be with her again. She crossed a line when she fucked Marcus, and it’s one I can’t forgive.
I’ve ignored Marcus’ calls, too. His texts say we need to talk, but I can’t right now. The thought of him with his hands on her, and his body moving inside of her…it makes me see red. I don’t want to kill my friend, so it’s best that we don’t talk right now, because if he gave me any details, I’d be on the next plane to Sao Paolo.
I push all of that out of my head as I dress for the game. My first game back. Management made me wait and practice the first few weeks to make sure I was really ready. I’m still excited, even though I know Sierra won’t be here. This is what I’ve worked for, what I’ve dreamed of getting back to. Today is for me, and I’m going to make the most of it.
I only glance in the stands a couple of times during warm up. Okay, it’s a couple of times every minute, but I have to know. She’s not here, and I can’t lie to myself—it hurts. Even though I try and convince myself that I don’t want her here, I’m hurting. I give myself a mental shake. I have a game to play, and I need to keep my head in this game.
I make it through the National Anthem with misty eyes, but I don’t let any tears fall. I’d never hear the end of it if I did. I take one last glance in the stands, and the seat is still empty. I shake off my disappointment, and channel my anger into my bat. It works pretty well,
getting me a few RBIs.
We’re behind by one with two on base as I step up to the plate. I give it all I’ve got, and knock it over the fence, winning the game for us. The guys all sprint out of the dugout, hugging me and slapping my ass. I throw my head back to laugh, and that’s when I see it. Her. Sierra is in her seat. Well, actually she’s out of it, jumping up and down as tears stream down her face. She’s wearing the jersey and hat I gave her, and she’s never looked more beautiful.
“I love you,” she mouths to me.
I look away. I have to. She shouldn’t be here. A part of me wanted her here, but it’s too much. Seeing her here is too much. I want to punch something. Or someone. I have post-game interviews to do, so that’s not an option. I take some deep breaths, and paste a smile on my face as I head for the first reporter.
It’s over an hour later before I can finally leave the stadium. I’m not surprised to see the usual group of women waiting for me when I leave. I am surprised to see Sierra leaning against the wall. Or maybe I’m not. She pushes off the wall and starts walking towards me. I can’t let this happen. My emotions are too raw right now.
I grab the closest busty blonde and pull her to me. “Nice rack, babe.”
“Thanks. You can have a closer look if you want, Joel.”
“Oh, I want. I’m definitely a boob man. Nothing’s better than having them spill out of my hands.”
“Joel,” Sierra says softly. “Don’t do this. Talk to me.”
I reach out and grab the bunny’s tits. “I’ve got my hands full right now. No time to talk.”
She pulls the hat off her head and throws it on the ground, and then does the same to the jersey. She stands there for a minute in her blue bra and jean shorts, just staring at me.
“Oh honey, I know a doctor who could help you with those. Maybe Joel will talk to you then,” the blonde bunny says.
“Thanks, but the man I love told me my body’s perfect. I’m going to choose to believe that.”
She turns and walks away with her head held high. I wait until she gets in her car and pulls away. Only then do I let go of the girl and bend down to pick up the hat and jersey.
“You ready to go, Joel?”
“Not today,” I tell her, walking away while she sputters behind me.
Not ever, actually. What I did right now was low, even for me. She came here. No matter what’s happened between us, she came to this game. She was jumping up and down for me, crying tears of joy for me, and she even waited to talk to me. I just stomped all over her, and while she may deserve it, I could’ve thanked her for coming. Or maybe even listened to her. It’s too late for that now. I’m pretty sure that ship has not only sailed, but it sank to the bottom of the ocean, never to be seen again.
Chapter 14
Sierra
“Sierra, can you stay for a minute?” Reina asks me once class is over.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I know you went to Joel’s game a couple of days ago. I’m guessing it didn’t go well.”
“That’s the understatement of the year.”
“I wish I could let you tell him, but that wouldn’t be fair to everyone else.”
“I know.”
“I’m flying to Sao Paolo today.”
“Marcus?” I ask, knowing that Ainsley’s still been monitoring things with him, even though nothing happened at the ball.
“Yes. There have been more threats, and his investors are all gathering for a meeting. We’re afraid whoever is after him will try something with them all there.”
“Joel’s an investor.”
“He is. He’ll be there. He’s going to think I’m another investor. Just like everyone else.”
“You’re not going in alone, are you?”
“No. Faith will be in the kitchen.”
“Be careful, Rei. I hope it’s another idle threat.”
“As do I. We’ll be fine either way. I just wanted you to know.”
“Thanks. And thanks again for having faith in me.”
“I do. We’ll talk more when I get back.”
“Yes.”
I walk out of the room and spin in a slow circle, trying to figure out where I want to go for my free hour. I can get a snack, or study, or I could go downstairs and play with some knives. Yeah, that’s what I want to do. Maybe I’ll even put a picture of Joel over the bullseye.
I’m not surprised to find Nev already in the room when I get there. She won’t touch a gun, but she loves throwing knives. She’s great at it, too. She hits the bullseye almost every time. I’m pretty sure she’ll do the same with the guns once we get her to that point. We have to get her there. She can’t be in the Society without knowing her way around a gun. It’s just not an option.
I wait until she’s done throwing her set before I approach her. “You’re a boss with those knives.”
“Oh, hey, Si. Thanks. I didn’t think anyone else would want to be in here right now.”
“Am I going to mess you up or distract you if I play, too?”
“I’m not ‘playing.’ I’m trying to excel at this so they don’t kick me out for not being able to do the other thing,” she tells me, dropping to the floor to sit with her arms around her knees.
“The guns?” I ask, sitting down next to her.
“Yeah, the damn guns.”
“Can I help somehow?”
“Do you have a time machine that can take me back and warn my dad not to enter the street where a gunfight is going on?”
“No. Oh, honey, I had no idea. This was back home? In your country?”
“This is my home now, but yes.”
“You know it was the person behind the gun that killed him and not the gun, right?”
She shakes her head. “It was an accident. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I don’t blame the person who shot him. He didn’t mean to.”
“That’s big of you.”
“Trust me, he’s blamed himself more than my family ever could for all of these years.”
“You know him?”
“Yes. He came to us after it happened and he’s become a good friend to my family.”
“Wow.”
“He’s a good man,” she assures me again. “None of us know why my father walked into a middle of a gunfight, and we never will. Every other civilian ran, but he walked straight into the fight. A young soldier shouldn’t be punished because a stray bullet ended his life.”
“A soldier? Oh my God, was it Matt?”
She looks around, and then nods. “Like I said, he’s a good man.”
“He is. I don’t know many men who are better than Matt Corrigan.”
“Me neither.”
“That’s how you got in, despite the guns.”
“I earned my place,” she says defensively.
“Of course you did. I didn’t mean to suggest that you didn’t. I swear, Nev.”
“It’s okay. I’m a little sensitive sometimes about it, because I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. Matt’s been training me for years. Making sure I knew languages and technology. Sparring with me since I was twelve. I never knew what it was all for, until I met Reina and the other women. Then I knew the stories he told me were real. He recommended me, but I’m told that Faith didn’t hesitate to mentor me. She thinks her sense of justice will stir me to pick up a gun. It hasn’t worked yet.”
“We’ve only been here for a couple of months. You have time. I’ll do anything I can to help you. The other girls will, too.”
“I need to tell them. I know they’re curious.”
“I’ll keep your secret until you’re ready, but you shouldn’t worry about telling them. Now that Greta’s gone, no one will give you any shit about it.”
“I know. I’ll tell them soon.”
She stands up and reaches her hand down to help me up. “Let’s throw some knives.”
We throw for the next half hour, and I’m happy to say I can hold my own with her. I don’t hit qui
te as many bullseyes, but I hit a lot. We grab a smoothie in the cafeteria, and then it’s time for Science class with Audrey. Just another day in the life of a wannabe spy girl.
* * *
Joel
“Reina, it’s so good to see you again,” Marcus says a little too loudly as she walks in the room. What the fuck is she doing here?
“Hello, Marcus.”
“Do you know the Cruz family?”
“We’ve met, yes. Hello.” I don’t miss the ice in her gaze when she makes eye contact with me.
“I didn’t know you were an investor, Reina,” my mother tells her.
“Matt believes in Marcus. He wanted to be here himself, but he’s in the middle of an important deal.”
“You’re more than capable, Reina,” my friend tells her. We haven’t talked in weeks, but he’s still my friend.
“I know,” she tells him with a smile.
“Who’s running the Foundation while you’re gone, Reina? We wouldn’t want all your girls to be running amok.” I know I’m being an ass, but I can’t stop myself.
“If you want to ask me about Sierra, just do it. I don’t play games.”
I should’ve known she’d call me on my bullshit. My mother’s the one who answers for me. “Why would he want to know about her? She’s a gold digger, and I’m surprised you don’t vet your workers better.”
Marcus starts to say something, but Reina shakes her head at him. “Sierra is one of the best people I know. Please do not make assumptions about her when you don’t really know her.”
“I know she was here with Marcus, hanging on him and telling everyone she was his girlfriend. And then she was with my son, saying the same thing. What would you have me believe? I thought I had seen everything from working in the political world for so long, but I never saw that coming.”
“All those years in politics should’ve taught you that things are not always as they seem. What should be important to you—and your son—is that Sierra loves him.”
“She wouldn’t have walked out of that restaurant without any explanation if she loved him.”
Society Girls: Sierra Page 11