Swirl

  “Hello?” she snapped. “Is anybody going to answer my fucking question?”

  “He’s in the back, but you can’t … ”

  The words barely escaped my lips before she stormed through the double doors.

  “You can’t come back here,” I said, following her.

  She stopped in her tracks and whirled around to face me. “I suggest you get your ass back up front and eat a bagel or something,” she said. “This isn’t any of your damn business.”

  It’s my business now, bitch. And what does “eat a bagel” mean? Is that a dig at my weight? Calm down, Bri … don’t whoop her ass just yet.

  “Jayce!” I yelled.

  I didn’t get a response, and before I was able to call his name again, Vivianne had resumed her stampede into the walk-in fridge. Jayce’s back was to us and his head bounced to the beat of whatever he was listening to. He turned around to grab another container of creamer and froze. His eyes locked with mine first and then Vivianne’s. He snatched his earphones off and threw the creamer onto the shelf.

  “What the fuck are you doing in here?” he said. The vein in his neck popped out, ready to explode.

  “That’s what I want to know. I told her to take her ass back up front,” said Vivianne, glaring over at me.

  “I’m talking to you!” he shouted, jabbing his finger in her face. “I told you to stay away from me and stay away from this shop. Did you think I was joking?”

  “Can you get the fuck out of here!” she shrieked at me.

  “Bri, don’t you move one step,” he ordered.

  Okay … this is hella awkward. Do I say something or just watch them yell at each other? I know one thing for sure, if Vivianne keeps yelling at me, she going to find those implants on the outside of her body.

  “Let’s get out of the fridge and go somewhere warmer,” I suggested.

  Jayce stormed out, but not before he turned around and grabbed my hand. Now, I’m sure he didn’t mean to, but he nearly dislocated my arm.

  “Wait a minute … what the hell is this shit?” asked Vivianne, struggling to keep up with us.

  Oh, shit. He’s really poking the hornets’ nest now.

  We went into the office and closed the door.

  “I asked you a question!” she screeched.

  I reallyyy don’t need to be in here.

  “Listen, we’re done. I’m done trying to make you happy and I’m done trying to fix things between us,” he explained.

  Even though Jayce was the one talking, Vivianne’s eyes are burning holes into my head.

  “Bri tried to help me figure out ways to keep you in my life, but you’re not the woman I fell in love with. I don’t know who you are,” he said. “And I don’t want you anymore.”

  “Did you sleep with him?” she asked calmly … a little too calmly.

  Okay, wasn’t expecting that one.

  “Vivianne,” he hissed. “Are you even listening to me? It’s over … what part of that don’t you understand?”

  “Did you?” she asked, taking a step closer to me.

  She looked pissed off, but there was a smile on her face … a dark uncomfortable smile. Her eyes cut over to Jayce and then back to me again.

  “Never mind, I know Jayce wouldn’t stoop so low. You’re a complete downgrade compared to me,” she laughed.

  Excuse me? Game on.

  “As a matter of fact … yes,” I replied smugly. “I had amazing sex with him, last night as a matter of fact. I’m actually still sore from it.”

  Checkmate, bitch.

  It was a low blow, but Vivianne asked for it. Had she not insulted me, I would have kept my mouth closed.

  She lunged for me, but Jayce got between us and faced the onslaught of her wrath instead.

  I’m not sure what language she lapsed into, but I picked out a few choice words like … bitch, fat, and whore. Jayce picked her up and carried her out the back door.

  “If you keep it up, I’m calling the police,” he threatened.

  She stood there with a red face and tear-stained cheeks. Her too tight dress was pulled up high on her thighs and she didn’t bother to pull it down. “You’re throwing away an opportunity to play football and the chance to build a life with me?” she asked between sniffles.

  “Bye, Vivianne,” he snapped.

  The back door slammed shut, and we stood there with nothing but the sound of our ragged frustrated breaths. I don’t know what he was thinking, but I was pissed off.

  “Why did you do that?” I asked angrily.

  “Are you serious? She came in here like a bull in a china shop,” he said.

  “I’m not talking about Vivianne. I want to know why you had to drag me into the middle of this mess,” I snapped.

  Jayce’s mouth twisted sideways and his brow furrowed. “I intended to show both of you that I’m dead, damn serious. It let her know where I stood with her and it lets you know where I stand with you. I’m not trying to hide anything from anybody,” he grumbled. “I didn’t plan on putting you on the spot like that. It just sort of happened that way.”

  “It’s okay,” I muttered, opening my arms to him for a hug because we needed it.

  The aggravation was plastered all over his face, and I didn’t like seeing him this way. He still had feelings for Vivianne, but it was obvious he was trying to force himself to move on. I wanted him, but I didn’t plan to have him like this. It was hard, but I kept my concerns to myself … for now.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  I called Kirsten as soon as I got off work, but the call ended up going straight to voicemail. My nerves were fried and I needed somebody to talk to. Relief washed over me when Jayce left the shop to take care of some other errands, because I used his absence to think.

  He’d never given me a reason to doubt his word in the past. His love and devotion to Vivianne was out there for the world to see and I appreciated the fact that he didn’t hide his feelings. My heart was screaming for me to stop thinking so hard about everything. But I couldn’t stop my brain from questioning every hug, every smile, and every word exchanged between us, even the ones during our friendship.

  There was a soft knock on my door just before it cracked opened. “Bri, we’re having dinner with Gram-Gram at six,” said Mom.

  I rolled over and tossed the pillow covering my head to the side. “I can’t tonight!” I yelled.

  Mom opened the door wider and poked her head inside. “Why not? We have some catching up to do.”

  “I have a date,” I muttered.

  She finally pushed the door completely open and invited herself inside. “A date? Is it with the guy that came over and met Gram-Gram?” she asked, her eyes lighting up.

  “Yes,” I grumbled. I should have known Gram-Gram told her about him. “We’re going to grab some food and maybe watch a movie at his house.”

  “He can come eat dinner with us,” she suggested. “That way I can meet him too. From what I’ve heard, he has the potential to be my son-in-law.”

  “What?” I croaked.

  “Invite him to dinner, Bri, or I’ll do it myself,” she threatened playfully as she backed out of the room.

  Crap.

  Despite the smile on her face, she meant business and wouldn’t hesitate to embarrass me if I didn’t do what she asked. I grabbed the phone and scrolled down to Jayce’s number.

  “Hey, babe,” he answered.

  “Hey, do you mind coming over to have dinner with my mom and grandmother?”

  “You know I don’t mind. I would love to meet your mom and see Gram-Gram again,” he said. “What time?”

  “Six,” I muttered.

  “Awesome, I’ll be there.”

  “All right, bye.”

  My stomach flipped, flopped, and twisted in knots. There was no telling how this was going to turn out. I headed downstairs and started cleaning up a bit. Mom preferred cooking alone and I didn’t want to get in her way. Typically I just stood around watching and sneaking taste
s when her back was turned.

  “What are we having?” I asked, unable to resist the tempting scent wafting from the kitchen.

  “Homemade lasagna, garlic bread, and a salad. Do you think your boyfriend will like it?” she asked, opening the oven.

  “He’s not my boyfriend,” I muttered. “He’s my … well I don’t know what he is.”

  “What do you mean you don’t know?” she asked, waving the oven mitt over the pan. “You haven’t established the guidelines for your relationship yet?”

  “Mom, we haven’t gotten that far,” I said.

  “Well, Bri, don’t give him your cookies until you know where you stand,” she said.

  Too late. He’s had my cookies and dipped them in milk too.

  “We’re not discussing this right now,” I grumbled. “Everything is fine for now.”

  She shook her head and grabbed the garlic bread off the counter. “I’m giving you great advice, and I suggest you listen. Make him work for it.”

  Shut up, shut up, shut up!

  “I’m going back into the living room,” I said.

  I plopped down on the couch and snatched a magazine off of the coffee table. Keys rattled outside the door and I groaned to myself. The door opened and in walked Gram-Gram.

  “You’re not dressed for dinner?” she snapped.

  “Not yet,” I sighed.

  “Bri, go on upstairs and come back presentable. You can’t have a gentleman caller seeing you like this,” she said.

  Gentleman caller? Have I somehow time traveled into the past? Am I the black Scarlet O’Hara?

  “Jayce has seen me in pajamas with uncombed hair and no makeup before. I would go to the coffee shop like that all the time before I started working there,” I huffed.

  She put her hands on her bony hips and glared at me over her glasses. The message for me to get my ass up and moving was written all over her face. I pursed my lips and stormed up the steps.

  I need to get my own apartment sooner rather than later.

  My phone was ringing from somewhere on the bed and I nosedived into the tangle of sheets to retrieve it.

  “Hello?” I said, breathing heavily into the phone

  “Ummm, did I interrupt something?” asked Kirsten.

  “No, I couldn’t find my phone,” I said. “What happened to your antennas earlier? You completely went ghost on me.”

  “Bri, I’ve had the most wonderful day ever. I’ve been with Keon all day. Once you get past his assholishness, is that a word? Whatever … you know what I mean. He’s a big cuddly bear. I’ve never been hugged so much in my life. I actually don’t want to go back to work,” she sighed.

  “You better take your ass to work,” I teased. “I’m glad you’re really hitting it off with him. For a minute I thought you hated each other. Where is he now?”

  “He’s in the bathroom,” she said. “So when he comes out don’t get mad when I hang up on you.”

  “I guess I can go ahead and fill you in on what happened earlier, because I need some advice,” I grumbled.

  I gave her the short version of today’s events. She gasped, moaned, and groaned all throughout the conversation.

  “Wow, that’s a big mess. Personally, I think you need to kick Vivianne’s ass and tell her to kick rocks. But you really shouldn’t worry about that crazy bitch. I told you I have a good feeling about Jayce and I don’t want you to mess up your own happiness by getting caught up in a brawl with Vivianne. The time for love is now, and I plan to ride this rollercoaster until the wheels fall off. Based on the bits and pieces of conversation I’ve overheard, Jayce sounds serious about his feelings. Uh oh … gotta go.”

  She ended the call before I had a chance to quiz her on what she heard.

  Oh well … I guess I’ll get dressed before Gram-Gram comes up here to do it for me.

  I looked down at my clothes and then over toward the closet. I actually didn’t plan on changing, but I wanted to keep the peace in the house. Since I planned on getting undressed anyway, I decided to hop in the shower.

  I came out, and sat on the edge of the bed with my towel wrapped around me. My phone flashed with a text message notification.

  Jayce: Are we still on for tonight after dinner?

  My thumbs started typing my response and just before hitting send I erased the entire message. An idea popped into my head to take a few pictures instead. I dropped the towel to my waist and smiled for the camera. I hit send and waited. His response was instant.

  Jayce: Really, Bri? I’m in public with a hard on.

  Hmmm I wonder what kind of response he’ll have if I send a few more.

  I dropped the towel completely and posed so my pudgy stomach wouldn’t show. My mind was so focused on teasing Jayce that I didn’t hear the door open.

  “Oh my goodness, Brianna Marie! What in the world are you doing?” shrieked Gram-Gram.

  Holy … fuck.

  I fell over and grabbed the towel to cover up.

  “Are you in here making sex videos? Evelyn, get in here!” she yelled.

  “Gram-Gram get out and shut the door!”

  Mom stumbled up the stairs, still wearing her oven mitts. “What? What happened?” she asked, panting, as she tried to catch her breath.

  Gram-Gram pointed her finger at me. “She’s in here making porn.”

  “Bri,” Mom hissed.

  “I’m not making porn. Mom can you please leave and take Gram-Gram with you,” I begged.

  “Evelyn, I saw her with my own two eyes. She had her legs wide open and was … ”

  “Come on, let’s give Bri some privacy. She’ll explain herself once she gets dressed,” said Mom, taking Gram-Gram by the elbow.

  She closed the door behind her giving me one last wide-eyed glance.

  I can’t believe I didn’t lock the door.

  It took a few minutes for my heart to beat normally again. I couldn’t even think of a logical lie I could tell in order to explain my “delicate situation.”

  Brianna: You won’t believe what just happened.

  I texted to Jayce.

  Jayce: What?

  I quickly typed out the horrifying experience that just transpired, and his response made me fall off of the bed holding my sides laughing.

  Jayce: Do I still get the pictures?

  After telling him I may have scarred my grandmother for life, the first thing he asked was whether or not he could still see the pictures. It was so funny because I would have asked the same exact thing.

  I sent three more pictures and slipped a navy blue maxi dress over my head. If I could stay in my room all night, I would, because I didn’t want to explain what I was doing.

  “Bri!” yelled Mom. “Your company is here.”

  My feet couldn’t get me down the stairs fast enough. Jayce stood there with a bouquet of flowers. Mom and Gram-Gram were holding bouquets of roses and their smiles were almost ten miles wide.

  I was surprised he remembered to get me lilies and calla lilies. I tilted my head up to thank him and he kissed me instead. The moment was sweet and awkward because we had a giggling audience in the background.

  “All right, young man,” said Gram-Gram. “Let’s not put the cart before the horse. Come have a seat while we get the table set.”

  Jayce stepped back, but my head was still tilted, eyes closed, and lips puckered. I didn’t want the kiss to end just yet. He leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the lips and a light swat on the ass once Gram-Gram and Mom were out of sight.

  “Brianna, come give us a hand!” yelled Mom.

  I took my flowers into the kitchen and found an empty vase in the cabinet.

  “How sweet for him to bring us all something,” whispered Mom.

  “Brianna, you need to fix his plate when we sit down at the table,” Gram-Gram ordered. “It’ll show him you don’t mind being submissive. Men like that kind of stuff.”

  Here we go with that again. I have to slip into the 50’s and be the good housewif
e in order to make her happy.

  I grabbed the plates and food and made my way to the table. “Jayce, we’re ready to eat!” I yelled.

  “Stop yelling, Brianna, it’s not lady like,” said Gram-Gram.

  “The food smells wonderful,” said Jayce. He walked around the table and pulled out each one of our chairs. I had to admit, it was a rather smooth move and definitely scored a few points with me.

  “Brianna,” muttered Gram-Gram through clenched teeth. Her eyes landed on Jayce’s plate and then back to me, so I leaned over and took his plate.

  “Thanks, babe,” he said rubbing my lower back.

  Once everybody had food in front of them, Gram-Gram gave a long winded prayer. Mom cleared her throat loudly a couple of times.

  The food is going to get cold. Good grief, is she praying or preaching?

  “Amen,” said Mom quickly. Gram-Gram had paused for a moment to catch her breath and thankfully Mom capitalized on the opportunity.

  It didn’t take long for us to dig in and suddenly all that could be heard was the sound of forks hitting the plates. Jayce used one hand to shovel food into his mouth and the other one caressed my thigh. I was glad we were the only ones on that side of the table because I moved his hand and slowly pulled up my dress. He paused for a moment and cut his eyes at me when I placed his hand against my bare skin. He stroked my inner thigh gently and pretended like nothing happened.

  “So, Jayce, what are your plans with my daughter?” asked Mom.

  “Mommm,” I whined, dropping my fork onto my plate. “It’s too soon for that kind of question.”

  He squeezed my leg and put his fork down. “I don’t mind answering,” he said. “Bri and I are still in the beginning stage of our relationship. I’m not sure where it will go, but I can honestly say, I don’t jump into relationships without planning for a possible future with the person.”

  What? What plans? What future? With who … me?

  “I think Bri is a wonderful person and I’m lucky she came into my life as a friend first,” he said.

  Mom nodded her approval, Gram-Gram smiled, and I tried to remember to breathe.

  I was so happy when the conversation steered away from the topic of our relationship and possible wedding bells.