by Mindy Carter
I'm not sure what time it is when I get home, but Reese is waiting. I can tell by the look on her face that Kaleb has told her everything. I'm relieved I don't have to rehash it all.
"Come here," she tells me from the couch.
I do as she asks, and she pulls me in. No words are exchanged, and after a long while she whispers that it will be all right. I'm hoping for that same outcome, but it's too soon to tell where the chips are going to fall.
"Where's Kaleb?" I ask.
"With Keegan."
"Good." I smile. The first one all day.
"You know what a kind and beautiful person you are, Aimee? How did I get so lucky to have you as a best friend?"
"Good karma, I guess." I smile for the second time.
Reese laughs at me with a twinkle in her eye.
"I talked to Liam today. He's visiting again for a few days." She eyes me.
"I know. I called him. I need his help, and he's willing."
"Aimee, can you tell me what the plan is, so if it blows up in your face, I can at least cover you from the explosion." So I tell her what Liam is doing to prove that Gretchen is lying about the genetic tests. I confess that a small part of me wonders if it's true, and how much it scares me for him.
We talk well into the night, and just as I'm about to get into bed there is a knock on my door. I think it may be Kaleb, but when I open the door it's not.
"Hi," I say.
"Hi," Keegan answers. I step aside to let him enter. He looks tired and worn. Nothing like the carefree and charismatic man I know.
"Do you want something to drink?"
"No. Can we talk?"
"Of course," I answer. We both sit on the couch.
"Look, I know this is all hard on you, and I'm sorry, but what were you thinking going down to my office today?"
The mood in the room suddenly shifts, and I don't like the way it makes me feel.
"I was thinking that it's time for someone to go to bat for you," I answer.
"You know you're lucky Kaleb was there, or you may have been arrested for trespassing."
"I don't care, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Keegan, can't you see it's all part of her game?"
"It may be, but it doesn't change anything, Aimee. You have been through enough. You don't have to fight my battles."
"And you don't have to fight mine, but you have been doing it since we were kids," I retort.
Keegan lets out a frustrated breath. "This would be so much easier if I didn't love you so much."
His eyes change, and for a split second, I think he's going to change his mind about our future. As quickly as the look comes, it goes, taking another piece of my heart.
"I don't want you to stop loving me, Keegan; I never will," I say.
He runs his fingers down my cheek. "If things were different, Aimee, but they aren't."
"They could be, if you just let me help you."
He stands. "You have, and I just want to help you to have the life you always dreamed of. I can't do that for you, not anymore. There won't be a day that I will ever stop loving you."
He kisses me on the top of my head, and walks out the door, and my life. This was his goodbye, and for the second night in a row I end up crying myself to sleep. This time though, Reese crawls in next to me and holds me close.
"My fantasy, two girls in bed together," says an annoying voice.
Reese is still fast asleep, and has stolen all the covers. She's wrapped up like a burrito. Kaleb is at the foot of the bed with a smirk on his face.
"Once a pervert, always a pervert," I say, launching my pillow at him. He catches it in midair.
"You're going to have to wake much earlier than that, missy," he returns.
I sit up, and notice he has dark circles under his eyes and is wearing the same clothes as yesterday. I expect it's because he spent the night with Keegan.
"I have the coffee brewing, if you want some." He holds his hand out to me to help me out of bed.
The last thing I want to do is get out of bed, but I need to ask Kaleb for a favor.
Once we enter the kitchen I smell the rich aroma of the coffee. Kaleb and I fix our coffee and sit.
"You look like you had a late night," I observe.
"You could say that."
"He came to see me yesterday," I tell him.
"I heard. You know he's miserable, right? All of this is the last thing he wants, but he thinks he's doing the right thing. I mean, I told him he was stupid, but once he gets something in his head there is no reasoning."
Yes, I know this. He can be one stubborn mule. It has irritated me since we were kids.
"Just take care of him, Kaleb. He needs you."
"What he needs is you, Aimee."
"What do you think I should do? He broke up with me. He made it clear to me last night," I reiterate.
"Fight for him, slap him around a little, tie him up, seduce some sense into him."
I laugh a little at his list. I would consider some of what he's just said if I thought it would work.
"If I ask you for a favor that maybe could get you into trouble, would you consider it?" I ask hopefully.
"I would do anything for you, Aimee, you don't even have to ask."
He may change his mind after he finds out what I'm asking. He's the only one I trust with this, and my only option.
"I won't be offended if you can't do it," I say.
"Now you have me intrigued." He eyes me with curiosity.
I go into detail about what I need from him. He listens to me and doesn't tell me I'm crazy. I kind of expected him to talk me out of it, but he doesn't. He agrees to do what I ask, and shoots his way up my list of favorite people.
"What are you two plotting?" A sleepy Reese appears, and Kaleb gets up, going to her like a magnet. His eyes only look at her with love and adoration. It puts a smile on my face, because these two people are so perfect for one another it makes me giddy. I'm not jealous of them; I could never have that emotion toward my friends.
I give them some privacy; I know exactly what's going to happen in about ten seconds, and I'd rather not witness their canoodling.
I treat the day as any other, and anticipate putting more of my plan in motion. I'm not sure how long it may take; possibly weeks, or months. I know I have to be patient. The sooner Kaleb does his part the better it will be for all of us.
I talk to Liam, and although he's helping me, I can tell he's uncomfortable talking about Keegan with me. He doesn't talk me out of it, just reminds me that it may not turn out the way I picture it in my head. I'm aware of that, and I try not to think about it. At least we will know the truth. My gut is telling me that I need to do this no matter the outcome.
As I'm packing up to leave work I get a text.
FoxTrot: Mission Complete
Kaleb insisted on being stealthy, as he called it, and changing his name in my phone, as well as mine in his, during his secret mission, as he wanted to call it. Who was I to deny him what he asked. He was doing me a huge favor, and a risky one.
PrincessPeach: That was fast any problems?
FoxTrot: No, A-OK. The Goose was showering.
PrincessPeach: I could kiss you
Naturally, he would choose the princess from Super Mario Bros, his favorite video game of all time.
FoxTrot: In your dreams, Princess P
PrincessPeach: Seriously, I owe you. BIG!
FoxTrot: All in a day's work, mam
PrincessPeach: How is Goose?
FoxTrot: He's seen better days. Must abort this message will self-destruct in 2 minutes
The conversation ends, and I take comfort that the first step is completed. The second will be discussing this further with Liam. He's booked a flight and will be here in a week's time. I remind myself that this is all going to work out and end the way it's supposed to. I'm giving it my best shot, and that's all I'm capable of for now. I ponder plan B, and the only thing I can come up with is kidnapping. This has to wo
rk, or I may be facing jail time. He's worth it, though; I would do just about anything to fix this whole mess. Jail time seems like a small price to pay.
Chapter Twenty-Four
I just about go stir-crazy waiting for Liam. One week; that's how long it's been since I last saw Keegan. The pain in my heart increases every day. We've had no contact, and I don't reach out to him. I can't until I have proof that Gretchen has once again manipulated him.
Liam opts to stay in a hotel rather than our apartment. It's his idea, and I can see he's taking steps to move on. I think he always knew where my heart belonged; he was just happy I gave him a little piece of myself, and maybe in another life things would have been different, but in this one I'm fully committed to Keegan.
We agree to meet at a coffee shop close to my place. He has a full schedule, one spending some time with Reese, and another is fulfilling his duties as a groomsmen in his college friend's wedding while he's here, so after our meeting, he's going to take his sister to dinner. He invited me, but I think he needs some sibling time. The timing of him traveling here is perfect, I know everything could have been explained on the phone, but I feel more comfortable speaking to him in person.
When I walk into the coffee shop he looks up, and stands. He's already ordered our coffee, and I can see the steam lifting off mine.
When I reach the table he pulls me into a friendly hug. We both sit, and I go over everything again for him, not leaving anything out.
"Do you think he has any chance of disbanding and just being able to work independently? Take his clients with him, and start off fresh?" I ask him.
"It's hard to say, but the original contract is ironclad; her family basically funded the entire operation."
I was hoping he would tell me the opposite, but that's why we're going over things right now, so we don't miss anything.
"Kaleb faxed me everything he had, as well as the documentation you wanted investigated."
"Any word on how long it may take?" I ask.
"I don't know for sure, the guy I have working on it says it could take a while. Looks like there were a few different labs involved."
I nod in understanding, taking a sip of my coffee. He notices my mood shift.
"Aimee, these things take time. I have someone digging on her, but her family is very well-off. I do know one of the labs that was involved in the test looks to be on a list of charities for her family."
That's great news, and the proof we need. Why hadn't he told me this already?
"I know what you're thinking, but do you know how hard it is to prove they doctored up a genetic test? If we don't have the proper evidence, Aimee, it could all be disproved."
"Maybe if I just tell him, it will be enough," I tell him.
Liam lets out a long breath, eying me sympathetically.
"You could, but proving she's done something illegal first would benefit both Keegan and Kaleb," he states.
"Okay, I get it," I say.
It's the truth, and I'm not going to run to him, even though my feet want me to. I miss him so much, and I'm holding on by one thin thread.
"Your grandmother's ring looks good on you." He points to the ring on my left hand.
"Thank you," I reply.
"You're strong, Aimee, and no matter what happens you'll be fine. If it works out, you have got a great story to tell."
I want that, to tell hundreds of stories to my grandchildren, so they can pass them down. I want to tell happy stories, though.
"How's your dad?" he asks.
His concern is welcome, even if he's just trying to take my mind off things.
"He's doing good, checking in with me. He's following the doctor's orders and taking it easy. He's trying to avoid another trip from me. I may have driven him a bit crazy."
"Well, I'm sure that's not true. Who wouldn't love to have a daughter like you taking care of them?"
I'm not sure if he's just trying too hard to make conversation, or flirting. It makes me nervous; I don't want him to think that he's an option. I want him to be happy too. He's important to me, and I don't want to hurt him any more than I have.
"He doesn't like being taken care of. He practically kicked Keegan and me out after two weeks."
His eyes go sad when I mention Keegan's name.
"I'm glad he was there for you. I know I gave you a hard time about him, but I can now see that he cares for you. If he's loves you enough to let you go then he's a better man than I am."
That had to be tough for him to admit. I'm positive he'll be fine. When the time is right he'll meet who he's meant to be with.
"Liam, I know that was difficult, and I can't tell you how much that just meant to me."
"Well, he built you a goddamn castle, Aimee; how can anyone compete with that?"
I blush at his humor, which is laced with a tiny amount of envy.
He quickly comes back with a smile that tells me he's fine. I'm glad I've always been able to read him so clearly.
"I just want you to know I'm doing everything I can. I know what is at stake, for not just you, but Reese as well. My nephew or niece needs a father who has a job," he jokes.
I smile at him, and we talk about Reese and Kaleb. I even joke about twins, and there is a sparkle in his eyes. I have no doubt this baby or babies will have the best uncles who shower all kinds of love.
Liam and I walk back to the apartment together. We don't say much on the way back; all that needed to be said was. The closure that was needed occurred, and I'm lighter for it.
Liam needs to make a phone call and decides to wait for Reese outside. He hugs me tightly, and he gives me an innocent peck on the cheek. I smile up at him. As we pull apart, I can feel him behind us. Timing is a strange thing, and never on my side. What is actually a friendly farewell may look totally different to a bystander.
"You've found a better man." The voice sends cold ice right down my back.
I want to say "fuck you, universe, for your crappy timing." When I turn Keegan is staring at us, I'm frozen. How do I explain this without letting him know what I've been planning? What we are all doing behind his back.
"Keegan," I whisper, backing away from Liam.
Liam and Keegan just stare at one another for a moment. The tension rolls off the both of them. I'm ashamed to have even been put in this position.
"I'll just let you two talk. If you need me, I'll be upstairs." Liam squeezes my hand and leaves.
"I would ask why he's here, but I'm guessing good news travels fast. I just didn't expect him to swoop in so soon."
"Keegan, it's not what you think, the opposite actually. We are just friends, and he's here on business, and to see Reese."
"I've heard the whole friend thing before, Aimee," he points out.
I'm hurt that he thinks I would move on from him, like it could ever be a choice.
"Why would you think that, there's no one else for me but you." I move toward him, but he backs away from me, holding his hands up, warning me to stay where I am. I don't want to. I just want to touch him, show him how much he means to me.
"It doesn't matter, Aimee; I don't want to be like this with you, I didn't come here to accuse you of anything," he says.
"Why are you here then?"
"I didn't think it was going to be this hard, but I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving the city."
Why would he leave? His life is here.
"Did something happen? Are you okay?" I ask, concerned for him.
"Physically, yes. I just can't be here anymore; there's nothing keeping me here anymore."
He sounds like he's given up entirely. This is too sudden and impulsive. Out of character for him. He's not this impulsive. I expect this from Kaleb, but not him.
"You're scaring me." I start to cry.
"Aimee, don't make this harder than it has to be. I need to leave."
I've lost all of my emotions. The tears are flowing, and I'm my own personal waterfall.
"You can't leave, you l
ive and work here," I remind him.
He inches closer, grabbing my hand, and the people passing begin to stare. I'm too upset to care. Moving us to a secluded corner, he pulls my chin up to look at him, and I notice his blue eyes aren't as bright, and they are surrounded by red.
"I've given my portion of the company to Kaleb. It happened fast; it had to, before Gretchen found out."
"Where are you going? When are you coming back?" I breathe.
I know before he even says the words that he isn't going to tell me, and he has no intention of returning.
"I can't tell you that."
"I need you, I can go with you." He looks at me as if he's considering my words.
"If I thought there was any way I could give you what you want, I would. I've gone over it a million times. I love you, Aimee Brennan, and I want what's best for you, and it's not me."
I start to cry harder, again. Every time the good-bye becomes more pained. I don't know what else to do.
"Don't run away. I'm sorry I did, but please don't run away," I beg.
"God, if you only knew, Aimee."
"To the stars," I profess.
He wipes away my tears and kisses me gently on the lips.
"To the stars," he returns. Then he walks away. I don't have the energy to follow him, or be angry with him. I watch him walk away, and once his figure disappears, I slowly collapse onto the dirty sidewalk. I cry like I've never cried before. I'm not sure how long I'm even there. Every part of me has been sucked away. I'm just a body. You can call it shock, but this is total obliteration of my heart. I can't even tell if it still beats.
I'm vaguely aware of being picked up by strong arms. I open my eyes, but they aren't his, but Kaleb's.
"I promised I'd take care of you, I'd never let anything happen to you, Aimee."
"Did he tell you where I was?" I ask.
"No, Aimee. I made that promise to him when you were six years old. I intend to keep it." I bury my face in his chest.