Believe In Love

by Mota, Janet A.

“So Amber. Tell us about your family.”

  Amber immediately tenses but she smiles and answers. “It’s just me, my brother and sister.”

  “You don’t have parents?”

  “They died six years ago sir.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Thank you. We are okay.” She never breaks eye contact but I can tell she wants to bolt.

  “How old are your siblings?”

  “My brother will be eighteen in a few months and my sister is thirteen.”

  “How old are you dear?”

  “I’m twenty-four, sir.”

  “Have you been the sole caregiver to your siblings all these years?”

  “Yes sir.”

  I don’t know what to say or think about what she just revealed to everyone. This poor girl has had it rough. Dad clears his throat and I cut him off.

  “Dad, how about that game of pool?”

  “Ah yes. Ladies, will you excuse us.” He says as he stands. Amber looks over at me and smiles. I stand and head out of the dining room with my father and uncle. I’m disappointed to have to leave her but there is no way I am going to let my dad push her. I get the feeling that she’s been pushed to her limits already. She’s definitely got my attention.

  Chapter 3

  The Walk

  Amber

  An hour later, Miranda and I are sitting in the family room in front of the fireplace. We are talking about our Christmas traditions and what she has been up to since we graduated high school. Claire and Aunt Judy went to the craft room to discuss a knitting project. Miranda just finished telling me that she has a Master’s Degree in Business Management.

  “I am very happy for you. Is there a lucky guy in your life?” I ask her.

  “No. I dated a few but they were all duds.” She laughs. “One guy didn’t even want to go out on a date. He just wanted to go right back to my place and mess around.”

  I shake my head. “No class. Did he really think you would go to bed with him just like that?”

  “Yes. A lot of college guys are like that.” I stare at her. She’s dead serious and I can’t fathom it. She smiles at me.

  “I think my brother likes you.”

  I look at her. “No way. He won’t if he knows what’s best for him. I’m pretty sure that he’s going to stay far away from me based on the dinner conversation.”

  “I don’t think so. I think you piqued his interest.” She places her hand on mine. “He’s awesome and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother. If he is interested, you should give him a chance. My brother isn’t an angel. He’s been with other girls but he isn’t a player. He respects women and will be there for you always. He’s extremely loyal and fiercely protective of those he loves.”

  I nod. “You have a wonderful family and I’m sure he’s just as wonderful but I’m not the girl for him or to bring into this family. I have so much baggage. Your parents would kick me out of the house if they knew my history. They wouldn’t want their son with an uneducated girl anyway.” I look down and lock my eyes on a beautifully wrapped gift. I have never seen anything so pretty. I wouldn’t want to open it or touch it, for that matter.

  “Look at me.” I look into her brown eyes. “We would be honored to have you in our family. You have a heart of gold and one of the most amazing people I know. You are strong and resilient. Your baggage is a reflection of you. Life hasn’t been fair to you. I don’t know what happened before high school graduation but I do know that you have had it rough. I am here for you always.”

  “Thank you.” I whisper.

  Men’s voices enter the family room. We look up to see the three men walking into the room and Andrew clicks on the television. “How about a Christmas movie?” He asks as Claire and Judy walk back into the room too.

  “Sounds great.” Voices say in unison.

  “I will make some popcorn and get some drinks.” Claire says.

  “I’ll help.” Miranda says and gets up off the floor.

  Dylan walks over to me and extends a hand to help me up. I place my hand in his and get up. “Want to take a walk around the property?”

  “I would love to. I could use some fresh air.”

  “We’ll be back in a few minutes. Don’t start the movie without us.”

  “It’s cold out there you two. Bundle up.” Claire says and I smile at her. That small little motherly advice makes me happy and sad. I miss my mom.

  ****

  A few minutes later, we are outside. Dylan leads me to the backyard. We walk down this small path. It’s dark so I can’t really make out much but for tall trees. When we reach the end of the path, a gazebo is there. It’s all white and covered in white twinkly lights. It looks like a scene right out of a movie. It’s so beautiful and I’ve never seen anything like that. I step into it and look around. The detail is amazing.

  “My dad and I built it together.” Dylan says.

  “Wow! You did an amazing job.”

  “Thanks. Go to the end there. It’s sitting on the water.”

  I step to the end and look down. It sure is sitting on the water. To my right is a door that opens onto the dock. The views are spectacular from any place you stand. It has to be beautiful being out here watching all the seasons go by.

  “It really is gorgeous.” I turn and look at him. He’s watching me and I smile. “Thank you for rescuing me during dinner.”

  He stuffs his hands in his pockets. “Don’t mention it. Dad can get a little pushy.”

  “It’s his home and I’m a guest. It’s only natural for him to want to get to know me.”

  “True but he didn’t have to go about it in that manner. I’m sorry and I hope he didn’t cross any lines.”

  “No, not at all.” I cross my arms. “It seems like it’s getting colder by the minute.”

  “Come on. Let’s go back in.” We start back down the path. “Would you like to go to dinner sometime?”

  “I would like to but my schedule is so hectic. Maybe we can work something out.”

  “Sounds good.”

  A few minutes later, we are back in the family room. Dylan, Miranda and I are sitting on the floor with a huge bowl of popcorn and soft drinks. The movie begins and the rest of the night is spent laughing and having the best time.

  Chapter 4

  Inquiries

  Dylan

  It’s Christmas morning and I’m lying in bed staring at the ceiling. I stayed at my parents’ house last night because I was too tired to drive home. I spent most of the night tossing and turning. I am exhausted. I keep seeing Amber and wondering about her. I want to get to know her but I have a sinking feeling that she’s going to make it difficult. I am mesmerized by this girl. No other girl has ever affected me this way. I cannot stop thinking about her and I didn’t even get her number. I don’t even know if I’ll see her again. I need to see her again though. Everything about her captivates me. She’s beautiful, smart, shy, extremely sexy, brave and beautifully complicated. Those ice blue eyes keep appearing in my mind. They are so sad and tired.

  I look at the clock and the red lights read six thirty in the morning. I sit up and I can hear mom and dad downstairs. Our Christmas Day tradition is to be downstairs by seven. We open presents, have a heavy breakfast and then take naps because we were up so late the night before. Once everyone is awake, we relax the afternoon and have a nice dinner. I wonder what Amber’s Christmas tradition is. A knock comes from the door and it pulls me from my thoughts.

  “Come in.”

  Miranda peeks her head in. “Merry Christmas, big brother.”

  “Merry Christmas.” I smile at her. “Come in and sit with me a minute.” She walks in and sits next to me on the bed. “I want to talk to you about Amber.”

  “I knew it! You like her!” She whispers loudly. I laugh.

  “Yes I do but I feel like I’m going to get nowhere really fast. She doesn’t seem interested.”

  “Amber is awesome and I think you two would
be great together. I mentioned it to her yesterday and she was shocked that a guy would even be interested.” She shook her head in disbelief. “She has been through hell and back. The girl has more responsibility on her plate than anyone I know.”

  “What’s her story?” I ask in hopes to get a better understanding.

  “That is her story to tell. Plus, I’ve only heard rumors. I don’t know the whole story and I don’t want to tell you something that’s wrong.”

  “So what do I do now? I didn’t get her number.” I place my elbows on my knees and put my head in my hands.

  “I know she works at the mall. I don’t know what store though. Why don’t you come with me tomorrow?” I look at her like she has lost her mind.

  “The mall is a mad house the day after Christmas. I made the mistake going with you a few years ago and vowed never to go again.”

  “Come on. I will bring you coffee and I will take you to lunch. Plus, there is a good chance you will see Amber and find out a little more about her. You never know, maybe even get her number this time around.”

  “You don’t play fair.”

  “I know.” She stands and sticks her hand out to help me up. “Let’s go open presents.”

  ****

  Amber

  It was six this morning when I got out of bed. I spent all night staring at my ceiling so I decided to start doing the deep cleaning I planned to do today. My brother and sister went to spend Christmas with our aunt and uncle in New Orleans. They are our only relatives. I was invited to go too but I have to work. It’s nice to get a break for the first time in six years but I miss them. I try to make Christmas and birthdays very special for them. I started our own traditions and they seem to look forward to them.

  It is now two in the afternoon and the house is completely clean. What the hell do I do now? I go into my bedroom and come back to the living room with a book in my hand. I picked this one up at the used book store a few months ago and I haven’t had the chance to read it. I lie on the couch and start to read. I read the first few lines and close the book. I can’t concentrate on what I read. My mind has been on Dylan all day even though I have been trying not to. I’ve tried my hardest to not allow it but he got under my skin last night. I like him and would like to get to know him but I am terrified of what will happen when he finds out my story. My heart doesn’t care about any of that though and I really like him. There’s something about him that is pulling me to him. How can I expect any man to take on my burdens? It’s just not fair to put anyone in that situation.

  I pick up the book again and attempt to start reading again. My eyes start to close and I drift off to sleep.

  Chapter 5

  Shopping Trip

  Dylan

  It’s too damn early to be at the mall. Miranda was true to her word though and brought me an extra-large coffee. I hate dealing with crowds but if I run into Amber then it will all be worth it. I can’t get her out of mind and I can’t wait to see her again. Her beautiful face has been on my mind since she left on Christmas Eve. I really wish she would’ve come over yesterday but she insisted that she had chores to do. Who does chores on Christmas day? I really hope she didn’t make that up in order to stay away from me. If she doesn’t want to see me again, I want her to tell me that. I have a certain pull to her but I don’t want to creep her out if she doesn’t feel the same for me.

  “I’m going into The Closet. Are you coming in?” Miranda says.

  “No. I’ll wait out here.” She nods and disappears into the store.

  I watch people walk by but they don’t interest me. I turn and look at the window displays. The store has very nice woman’s clothing and the displays are creative. No wonder Miranda loves this store. I think she got three gift cards to this store for Christmas. A minute later, Miranda comes rushing out.

  “Dylan!”

  “What? What’s wrong?” I look around, instantly on alert.

  “You have to come back in there with me right now.” She says as she catches her breath.

  “Why?”

  “Amber works here.”

  I don’t respond. I turn and head into the store. She giggles and follows me back in. I look around the store and spot her behind the counter. She looks like she is ringing up a customer. She looks gorgeous. Her long hair is pulled up into a ponytail. She has minimal makeup on yet she looks so amazing. She’s a natural beauty and I can’t pull my eyes away from her. She finishes with her customer and I head toward the counter. She’s cleaning some paperwork up when I reach her. She turns just then and we come face to face. I smile at her.

  “Good morning.” I say.

  I can see that I fluster her. “Hi. What are you doing here?”

  “Miranda dragged me along on her day after Christmas shopping adventure. I followed her into this store and there you are. So, I came to say hello.”

  She nods her head in understanding. “That sucks. I hate shopping and it sucks even more that I work at a mall.”

  “I don’t mind the shopping. I’m not a fan of crowds.”

  She looks around and spots Miranda and waves at her. Miranda waves back. “I should get back to work.”

  “What time do you go to lunch? I would love to take you to get something to eat.”

  “That’s really nice but I only have a thirty minute lunch break. I brought something from home anyway.” She looks behind her and I glance at her name tag. She’s the store assistant manager.

  “Okay. Maybe next time.” She nods. “I’ll let you get back to work.”

  “Thanks for coming in and saying hello.” I smile at her, give her a wave and head out of the store.

  ****

  Miranda

  I watch my brother walk out of the store looking so defeated. He looks as if someone just kicked his puppy and my heart breaks for him. I understand Amber’s reluctance but she also needs to understand that Dylan is not the type of guy that runs from a challenge. Not only that, he’s one of the most honest people I know. If he can’t handle something in Amber’s life, he will tell her and he won’t lead her on.

  I finish picking out my purchases and head toward the counter. When it’s my turn, an associate waves me up and I politely tell her that I’ll wait for Amber. Amber smiles at me and quickly finishes with her customer. She waves me over and I place my purchases on the counter.

  “Hi Miranda. It’s great to see you.”

  “Hi. I’m happy to see you too and you work at my favorite store.”

  She laughs. “It’s not so fun when you work here.”

  “Yeah right. I’m sure your employee discount is pretty awesome.”

  “I’ve never used it. I can’t afford these clothes even though I love it all.” She shrugs and continues to ring me up.

  “I’m sorry Amber.” I say, suddenly humbled that I am blessed to be able to shop in this type of store. She shakes her head.

  “No need to apologize. It is what it is.” She finishes scanning the last shirt and presses some buttons. “Your total is $55.42.”

  I stare at her for a second while doing the calculations in my head. My purchases equaled just over one hundred dollars. “That can’t be right.”

  “I gave you my employee discount.” She flashes me a big smile.

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “I know. I want to.” She shrugs and smiles back.

  “Thank you. I really appreciate it.” I pull out one of the gift cards and finish the transaction. “Can I ask you something?” I ask as she hands me the receipt.

  “Of course.”

  “Did my brother just ask you out?” Her smile drops and she looks down at her shoes. She walks around the counter and comes to stand next to me.

  “He wanted to take me to lunch on my break. Unfortunately, I only get a half hour break so I had to turn him down.”

  I nod my understanding. “Listen, I am sorry if I am overstepping my bounds but you should give him a chance. He’s a great guy and extremely honest. He’s a
lso very trustworthy. You can trust him to tell you if something is too much for him to handle.”

  “I like him. I want to go out with him but I am afraid of getting hurt.”

  “I know but give him a chance. I think it will be great for the two of you.”

  “Thank you for the advice.” She gives me a shy smile.

  “Walk me to the door.” I say and we both giggle.