by Hood, Holly
That was all it took. A sudden rush of tears escaped me. I didn't talk to Karsen about my Slade sighting. She didn’t know I saw the kiss.
“Sweetpea is everything alright?” Nona asked alarmed by the tears and sobs that were shaking my body. She wasn’t one for sadness; she lived in a world of joy all day long. Dad came to stand beside me, his hand clamping down on my shoulder.
“If it’s because I didn’t give you a present…” he teased, trying to get me in a better mood.
I wiped at my eyes and forced a small smile. “I’m not worried about a present, Dad.” Everyone stared at me carefully. They all acted like it was the strangest thing they had ever seen—except for Kidd. He looked troubled. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away from my tears, and this didn’t sit well with me.
“I did get you a present, but I am saving it for later.” Dad kissed my forehead. “Why don’t we clear out and let Hope talk to Karsen.” I shook my head in a panic.
“No, I want to talk to Kidd.”
Karsen raised an eyebrow but followed everyone out of the room. It wouldn’t take her long to understand why I was emotional or why I wanted to speak to Kidd out of everyone.
Kidd fiddled with the black bracelet on his wrist waiting for me to say something.
“I know I shouldn’t be missing him, but I am.” I sniffled. “I thought it was going to be easy to forget him.”
Kidd ran a black fingernail across his lip. “It’s never easy.”
It wasn’t easy, but that wasn’t what I was looking for. I wanted the truth.
“How long has he been fooling around with Audrey?” I wiped at my eyes, a new batch of tears welling up. “I don’t know if you know this, but I saw them at the festival. He was kissing her. So you don’t have to cover for him.”
Kidd shrugged. “I wouldn’t know.”
I slammed a hand down on the table. “Just be honest.”
A silence fell between us. And Kidd caught my gaze; he pursed his lips and finally said something. “It’s been weeks. Before you got back from school, Audrey’s been hanging around for some time.”
The stomach-churning reaction slowly rose in my stomach. My hands went hot then cold, and I felt like I wasn’t there anymore. Kidd went to stand, but I stopped him by grabbing his arm.
“Why did he sleep with me again? Why didn’t he just break things off between us? We talked the entire time I was gone, every day. He could have just let it be, and I would have slowly learned to do without him. I came back excited for more; he said he couldn’t wait to see me.” My heart ached, like a hot ember searing away my insides.
“Because he’s Slade, he doesn’t think.” Kidd stood up. “He’s an idiot. And if there is anything else you want to know talk to him. I don’t want to be a part of this. He’s a really big idiot, and he doesn’t think, Hope.” Kidd emphasized the last part shooting me a bothered look and took off out the door like his pants were on fire. His anger lingered in the room as he left, he didn’t want to talk about it. He was as angry as I was it seemed, but why?
I watched him head across the beach.
“Everything okay,” Karsen asked, coming to stand beside me. She followed my gaze. “Why is he leaving?”
“I asked him about Slade, and he stormed out.” I shrugged, turning to Karsen. She looked into my eyes. Her own filled with unease “I told him I saw Slade kissing Audrey. And I asked how long it had been going on. Maybe it wasn’t my place to ask Kidd, but I wanted to know.”
Karsen didn’t speak. She shook her head, listening to me explain.
“He said it’s been going on before I even got back.” I let out an overwhelmed laugh. Karsen pulled me to her and wrapped her arms around me.
“You don’t need him.” She smoothed my hair. “I’m so sorry you had to find this out on your birthday.”
I shrugged. “It’s just a birthday. I have been miserable for days. And there is something else I need to tell you, Karsen.”
Karsen was confused. She raised an eyebrow. I pulled her out the door, and we started walking toward the water where we would have privacy.
The sand and shells poked at my bare feet. I knew it was now or never. I needed to share my secret with someone. So I didn’t feel alone in my chaos.
We sat down near the water.
I looked at Karsen and let out an anxious sigh. “After you went home last summer something happened to me.”
Karsen’s eyes grew as round as saucers. She blinked several times, tucking a tuft of hair behind her ear and angled her body toward me, so she could look at me head on.
“Well…” I wasn’t sure how to tell her.
Karsen’s stared at me puzzled. "Since when is it hard to tell me anything?"
“Well aren't you going to say something?" she pushed.
I hadn’t thought about telling Karsen I was forever indebted to Slade as being such a difficult thing. I knew there would probably be a supernatural tie between myself, and black magic forever probably, but Hutch had promised it could be broken. And that’s what I wanted. Maybe telling Karsen wasn't the right thing to do until I figured out how to fix things.
I looked at her confused expression. “Let's postpone this conversation until another time. I promise you I am alright." It was the right thing to do.
Karsen sighed irritated with me. “Alright fine, but if I find out it was something major. I might just kill you. Let’s get you ready for your birthday dinner.”
I sighed. “Where is this happening?” I hated surprises of any kind.
Birthday Candles
I secured the tiny black earrings in my ears as I came out of my bedroom. Nona gasped, perfectly pleased with the new dress, she and Claude had special ordered for me.
“Oh, Sweetpea. You look absolutely stunning.” She gushed, hands to her face as she admired me. She touched the silken fabric. I gave a little twirl. I was quite fond of the dark purple and black sleeveless dress. I liked the way it looked wrapped against my body. The black lay under the purple and gave the illusion it winded around my entire body. And I loved how the neckline accentuated parts of me I otherwise would have frowned about. It was a great dress.
“Thanks. I feel absolutely stunning.” I took a seat next to Claude while Dad tried finding a tie in his closet and struggled to get the wrinkles out of his nice clothes.
“Honey I am going to help my son pull himself together. If we wait any longer we are going to miss our reservations,” Nona said to Claude and clomped out of the room.
I smiled at Claude. He winked back and stayed his usual quiet self, between the French accent and his lack of conversation. I didn’t know what to say to him. I wondered how Nona, and him got along so well. She loved to gossip, and Claude was the strong silent type.
Dad and Nona finally resurfaced. Dad straightened his dark-blue tie, and Nona quickly smoothed his shirt out. She was forever treating him like a teenager, and he always put up with it. It wasn’t any different than me taking care of him. I frowned at the thought of the old days when Dad took care of me and our family, and how much he probably missed that.
“You look great, Hope,” Dad said, kissing my cheek. I smoothed my hair down nervously. I had no idea what to expect. I knew there was some kind of birthday dinner, but Karsen refused to go into detail. I hated surprises.
We pulled up to the boardwalk, where several overpriced restaurants sat. The ones I never set foot in unless I was with Nona, like tonight. I slid out of Claude’s fancy car and followed everyone up to the twinkling lights from the restaurant.
Nona bypassed all three restaurants slipping behind the last and final building. I made a face at Dad. He shrugged his shoulder and offered me his arm.
We passed the brick of the restaurant and rounded the corner to a glorious looking terrace. I gasped.
“Surprise!”
I couldn’t believe my eyes. Nearly the entire town of Cherry was decked out in fancy dresses and dress shirts. Purple and silver balloons were gracefully fluttering around the w
ooden post of the terrace. Silver star confetti was sprinkled around each table setting and in the center was a gigantic purple and silver birthday cake.
“What do you think?” Dad asked patting my back. “Did Nona go all out or what?”
I looked over the crowd of people. Some I didn’t recognize, but I knew they were friends of Nona and some I had seen at the supermarket or on the beach. Nona knew everyone.
I smiled at Elliot and Easton, who stood among their friends sipping fancy drinks. They too dressed up in matching dress shirts and ties. Out of the crowd came Hutch, he smiled warmly and pulled a present from behind his back. I hadn’t even known he was going to be there. However, I was sure it had something to do with Karsen. I quickly found her and Kidd in the crowd. She smiled deviously at me as I accepted Hutch’s gift.
Dad left me and Hutch alone and took off for the refreshments.
“I thought I told you no more gifts?” I said, pulling the pink bow loose. It hung loosely from my fingertips as I tore the paper from Hutch’s present.
“Birthdays don’t count. Glad I could come,” Hutch said watching me open the gift.
I laughed at the ruby-red slippers on the silver chain. I handed it over to Hutch and lifted my hair. He secured it around my neck.
“You’re a clever one.” I stared at the red slippers laughing at our little inside joke against my fingertips.
“I thought you would get a kick out of it.” Hutch pulled me close and planted a sweet kiss on the top of my head. “This is a big turnout. I didn’t realize you were such a popular girl.”
I smiled, looking around at all the strange faces mingling at my birthday party.
“Most of these people are friends of Nona,” I assured him.
Hutch nodded, leaning over he whispered into my ear. “You look stunning, doll.”
I blushed. “Thanks. So do you.” I tugged on the collar of his white shirt and gray vest. He looked handsome, and I loved how he left the white shirt underneath open not bothering to button the three buttons. I toyed with the necklace that was hiding under the fabric of the white shirt he was wearing.
“What’s this?” I asked.
Hutch pulled it free. “A family heirloom.”
I gave one more look at the dark stone before he tucked it away, and took my hand.
“Don’t you want to say hello to everyone else?” His eyes stayed connected to mine. The energy between us sped my heart up as I stared at him.
I nodded, “maybe in a little while.”
Hutch shook his head understanding. “Sure, why don’t we get something to drink then?” I followed him to the beverages, and he got us both fancy punch Nona had named after me in honor of my birthday.
“Sweet pea, that’s quite the nickname,” Hutch teased, sipping his purple punch, he grinned over the cup at me.
“Ever since I can remember it’s what she called me.” I took a swig of mine. “What about you? Do you have any nicknames?”
Hutch frowned jokingly and looked off as if he was trying to recall. I was really enjoying his company. “I can’t say that I do. Do you have anything in mind?”
I laughed. I could think of a few things I wanted to call him. Like hottie or sexy. However, I wasn’t about to tell him those. His eyes lit up with amusement. He leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear.
“You’re going to want to learn to control that.”
I stared at him in awe, my cheek's warming. “What do you mean?”
His smile grew even bigger. “Hottie or sexy aren’t very common nicknames. Even so, I am flattered, thank you.”
I turned away mortified he had tapped into my thoughts.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m flattered that you think so highly of me.” He turned me toward him again. “And it also means you’re getting better with your abilities.”
“It’s quite embarrassing. I can’t believe you heard that.” Hutch touched my cheek.
“Don’t worry about it. If only you could hear what is going on in here when it comes to you.” He tapped the side of his head. I laughed, forgetting my mess up. I didn’t feel bad anymore; it almost felt okay that Hutch knew what I thought about him. At least, I didn’t have to say it out loud.
Hutch and I made our rounds thanking everyone for coming to my birthday party. He even forced me to thank the people I didn’t know. It wasn’t anything I would have done on my own, but he was so easily persuadable. And he made me feel like I could do anything.
“You’re such a charmer. I think my grandma has a crush on you after that story.” I told him as we got another glass of punch, Hutch was a very wise guy and the stories he told everyone about his travels impressed everyone, including Nona. I tried to decide on a finger food while Hutch refilled our drinks. I was starving now and I really needed to get something to eat. I must have been too busy trying to find something to stuff my face with because the next thing I knew there he was.
“Slade,” I said, dropping the crackers in my hands back on the tray. My mouth instantly went dry.
Hutch handed me my drink. “Hey there, Slade,” he said standing his ground.
Slade politely nodded at Hutch, but he kept his eyes on me. Hutch took my drink back.
“Why don’t I let you two get caught up for a bit,” Hutch offered.
I looked at Hutch panic taking over. “You don’t have to leave.” I wanted to grab a hold of Hutch’s arm and scream at him to stay with me. I didn’t want to be alone with Slade. I wasn’t sure how I would handle being alone with him.
“You’ll be fine, doll. It’s your birthday. I'm sure he isn’t trying to ruin that for you too.” Hutch flashed a big smile in Slade’s direction. Boy he was cocky when he wanted to be. “Besides, I’ll be over there if you need me.”
Slade ran a hand down the back of his neck annoyed, it was written all over his face. “She doesn’t need a bodyguard.”
Hutch cocked his head to the side and grinned. “That’s where we disagree.”
I touched Hutch’s arm before things got even more out of control. “I’m fine.” His eyes searched mine for the truth.
“I wouldn’t be against teaching him some manners.” He quickly glanced at Slade. Slade flexed his jaw angrily; Hutch leaned down and kissed my cheek, looking out the corner of his eye at Slade as his lips met the side of my face, and then he took off through the crowd, leaving us alone.
I dropped my gaze to my feet refusing to look at Slade.
“Happy birthday,” he said, pushing a small box at me. I looked up; he got me a gift.
“This is a shock,” I opened the lid; it was a brand-new iPod. I raised an eyebrow confused. “I have an iPod.”
Slade nodded. “You were always saying it only works half the time and running out of space. I added some of my favorite songs to it.” He shrugged, biting at his lip.
I replaced the lid. “Thanks.”
Slade reached out and grasped the necklace from Hutch. “How original, that’s not obvious at all.” He pulled back. The red slippers hit me in the chest.
“I think it was sweet,” I said. “So, where’s Audrey?” My anger was back now.
Slade shook his head as if I was ridiculous for asking such a thing. “I have no idea.”
I pushed my hair behind my ear. “That’s a scary thought. I’m sure she will be pissed knowing you showed up to my birthday party.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it,” Slade said staring me down.
“You should have.” I crossed my arms, getting out of the guest way, so they could get drinks and a bite to eat. Slade grabbed my arm.
“Let’s take a walk,” he said, I pulled away from him.
“I don’t want to walk with you.” The memory of their kiss swarmed in my thoughts. And the anger coursed my veins. I cleared my throat knowing what would make me feel better. “I almost slept with Hutch.” I admitted, dishing out the same thing he had given me days ago.
Slade’s expression changed for a split second and then morphed back to
the somber one he was always wearing. “I slept with Audrey.”
My heart cracked in my chest. I recoiled as if something bit me. That didn't make me feel better at all. I pushed him out of the way and headed out of my party, but he was on my heels.
“Go away, Slade. You’re nothing but an uncaring asshole. I don’t even know why you would show up here.” The sand gave way under my high heels, and finally, I had enough and ripped them off and ran for the water with them in my hand.
He kept his distance watching me cry as I stared across the water.
“Does it feel bad hearing me say so?” he asked. “Did you enjoy almost sleeping with him? Do you like that guy?”
I shook my head. “Why does it even matter? This thing we had was nothing but a joke.”
Slade crossed his arms. “I never said I didn’t care about you.”
I laughed, wiping at my face. “You didn’t have to. And if you’re all about being honest right now then yes, I do like Hutch.” I waited for him to admit that he liked Audrey, so I could feel better knowing everything happened for the right reason. However, he just stood there and said nothing.
“And don’t think you’re going to fight him like Tucker. Not everyone can be bullied by you.” I pointed out; afraid Slade was going to go back to the party and punch Hutch for almost sleeping with me.
“I don’t go around beating up people like you think. I got into it with Tucker because he was disrespecting you. I stood up for you.” Slade shrugged. “I just came to wish you a happy birthday because you deserve one.”
He started across the sand leaving.
“It’s not very happy now that you ruined it.” I shouted. “What did you think you were accomplishing coming here?” I kicked at the sand angry.
“I don’t know,” Slade said over his shoulder.
“Just admit it. Admit that you care about her, just put me out of my freaking misery.” I raised my hands to the heavens completely spent from our five-minute interaction.
Slade stopped walking and turned around. “I’ll never admit that.”
“Why?” I demanded.