Condemned

by Barbara Huffert

  “Maybe there’s another answer.”

  “There is but you won’t help me and I’m too much of a coward to take care of it on my own.”

  “You aren’t seriously considering that, Brett?”

  He sighed and met Jesse’s eyes as he drained the bottle. “No. It’s not really all that bad. Tish may not be exactly the woman I pictured as my wife but she’ll be fine. And just think how beautiful our kids will be.” He rose unsteadily and searched the cabinets for more alcohol.

  “Don’t you think you’ve had enough?”

  “Two choices Jesse. Shut the fuck up or get the fuck out.” In response, Jesse just stared at him. “Hey what are you doing here anyway? I thought you’d be with Andie if you were in town.”

  “We had dinner earlier. Since I hadn’t seen you lately, I thought I’d drop by on my way home.”

  “Bet you wish you hadn’t.” Brett grimaced at the taste of the gin he had found.

  “You’re going to have one hell of a hangover if you keep this up.”

  “And your point is?” He tipped the bottle again.

  “Can I say something?”

  “Can I prevent you? Go ahead. Give me your best shot. I’m not likely to remember much after Tish left anyway.”

  “Don’t go through with this, Brett. If you really wanted this, you would be calling all your friends and dancing in the street, not sitting here alone, drinking yourself into oblivion. Other people have broken engagements. You can’t marry her if this is the reaction you’re having to the mere thought of it.”

  “I have to. I asked,” he repeated vehemently. “And she’s already off making plans.”

  “But you don’t even like her all that much. I’ve seen you with plenty of women and I’m surprised she made it long enough for you to even want to have sex with her.”

  “What about the emails? What about the auction? I have to try.”

  “Promise me you’ll take a few days and think about it at least. After the hangover fades and you have a cleared head, give it some more consideration. I really think you should call Jordan and Shane. I know they wouldn’t want you to let yourself be forced into anything even if it is of your own doing. After all, you gave both of them moral support when they needed it.”

  “It’s not the same. And I’m not alone, Jesse. I have you.”

  “Yeah, you do but I haven’t shared all they have with you. Sometimes you need the people who know you best.”

  “And sometimes the people who know you best are the ones you should avoid the most. Want a drink?” He held out the bottle. “You still haven’t congratulated me yet.”

  “Fine,” he said, taking the bottle. “Congratulations on your impending nuptials. You’ll make a dandy husband. Damn, can’t you find anything better?”

  “Help yourself.” Brett gestured toward the cabinets. “Since I thought I was moving, I haven’t been restocking too much. Guess I’ll have to remedy that tomorrow.”

  Jesse rummaged around until he found a bottle of Southern Comfort. “Too sweet but it’s a little better than that.”

  “Sharing?” Brett asked although he’d already snagged the bottle. “What do you think my chances are of having a small, intimate ceremony?”

  “Probably nonexistent.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought too. Have to invite all of Daddy’s friends, not to mention everyone on the charity boards.” Brett stared into the bottle. Before Jesse could interrupt, he said, “Talk about something else. You said you saw Andie tonight. Tell me about her. How’s it going between you? Make it good so I forget for a minute.”

  “What can I say?” Jesse grinned and shrugged. “Andie is Andie. She hasn’t changed in the few days since you’ve seen her. She did ask if I’d talked to you since we haven’t seen you this week.”

  “You think she’s going to think poorly of me for getting married so quickly?”

  “No. I think she’s going to wish you all the happiness in the world and hope you’ve really found true love. I think she’s going to be a bit hurt when she realizes you didn’t call her with your news right away, now that the two of you are friends. You could, you know. Call her.”

  “Yeah,” he snorted. “Right. Call Andie Sloan and cry on her shoulder. That’s what you’re thinking, isn’t it? Why the hell would you even offer your girl like that?”

  “One, I’m not so sure she is my girl. Two, Andie is the kindest, most caring woman there is. If she can help, she will, even if it is only by providing a friendly ear. It’s no one else’s place to dictate who she speaks with and who she doesn’t. Three, Andie honestly cares for you. Haven’t you noticed that?”

  “What do you mean, she’s not your girl? You’re always kissing and cuddling her.”

  “Brett, Andie kisses and cuddles everyone she cares for. She seems to thrive on physical contact. I won’t deny that I enjoy it but I don’t think it means as much to her as you’re reading into it.”

  “She doesn’t kiss and cuddle me.”

  “You haven’t ever let her. I’ve seen you back away when she’s around. She must think you don’t want her to.”

  “Oh.” Yeah. I guess you’re right. You still didn’t explain why she’s not your girl.”

  “I think we both know that we make better friends. Then again, if I show up tomorrow and she greets me in some lacy lingerie and tells me she wants more, I doubt if I’d turn her down. We’re just taking it slow, not rushing into anything.”

  “Wise man. You aren’t going to fuck her over, are you? Andie’s not like that.”

  “You really think you even need to ask?” Jesse waited, staring until Brett shook his head. “Why didn’t you ask her out when she first got here? I know you spent time with her and Sadie.”

  “I was an idiot. I let a preconceived notion keep me from looking beyond the exterior. Hell, I admit it. I thought she was a dull mouse. Another fine example of my extensive lack of abilities to accurately judge women.” He raised the bottle in mock salute. “My compliments to your superiority.”

  “Don’t do this, Brett. You don’t deserve it and you know it. There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to a certain type. You know plenty of wonderful women who happen to also be beautiful.”

  “But Andie is beautiful. I just never really saw it before she and Charlie were at the piano. She’s so alive. And genuine. I bet if you were in my situation with Andie, you’d be shouting from the rooftops.”

  “Absolutely. So would you if you were found yourself suddenly engaged to Andie. Doesn’t that tell you something?”

  “Sure. Same thing I said earlier. My life is royally fucked. You think my soul will be damned to hell if Tish has an aneurism? Ah, what am I saying? I’d never wish that on her, no matter what. See? I truly am a bastard who doesn’t deserve to live. Isn’t that enough proof for you to shoot me?”

  “If I do, your other friends would never forgive me and I’d lose them too. Do you really wish that on me?”

  “God, no!” He slammed his fist onto the table.

  “Breaking your hand won’t help anything. Go pass out, Brett. Sleep it off. Blow off the agency for a few days and get your head on straight. You really don’t have to go through with this even though you asked. Be a bastard and tell Tish it was lust talking and that you’ve changed your mind. Don’t wreck both your lives with something that is so clearly not what you want.”

  “The words of wisdom from a true friend.” He drained the last of the bottle. “I think I just might do that. There’s nothing left to drink anyway. No point in staying up any longer.” He almost fell when he tried to stand. “Shit. Everything’s spinning already.”

  “Come on.” Jesse steadied him and was surprised when Brett didn’t resist. “I’m putting you to bed and I’ll lock up on my way out. I’ll be by tomorrow. Don’t even consider not letting me in because you know I’ll just pick the lock if you do. And if you take off, it’ll piss me off and I’ll find you anyway.”

  Brett muttered the e
ntire way to his bedroom. “I can manage,” he grumbled when Jesse efficiently stripped him down to his briefs but didn’t fight him. “Hey, Jesse, thanks. You’re a good guy to stick around when I’m fucking up more than I’m not.”

  “Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for,” he replied even though Brett had already passed out.

  Chapter Nine

  “Morning, Jesse,” Andie said pleasantly when she opened the door. “It’s great to see you.”

  “Can you come with me? We need to talk.”

  She studied his face, becoming increasingly more concerned. “What happened?”

  “I don’t think we should do this here. Can you come?”

  “Of course.” She grabbed her coat and told her aunt that she was going out with Jesse for a little while.

  He drove her in silence to his apartment. He didn’t know how strongly she would react but wanted to ensure her privacy if she needed it.

  “Where are we?” she asked, glancing around.

  “My place.”

  “I thought you didn’t let anyone come here,” she tried to tease.

  “I couldn’t think of anyplace else to bring you.”

  “You’re scaring me. Just tell me. Whatever it is, just say it.”

  “Andie…”

  “Tell me!”

  “I saw Brett last night. He and Tish are getting married.” Jesse waited but Andie stood motionless, as if she were frozen in place. “Andie, say something.”

  Finally, she blinked. She took a deep breath and said, “I guess that’s it then.”

  “Andie…”

  “Thanks for trying, Jesse. I appreciate all you did for me.”

  “Andie.” He folded his arms around her and held her gently against his chest. Before long, her sobs started. Feeling helpless, he let her cry, murmuring comforting words as he rocked her against him.

  “Why?” she finally managed.

  “It’s a real mess. I don’t think he meant to propose. I think it just sort of slipped out.”

  “While they were having sex?” She snorted.

  “No. From what I can piece together it was when she was explaining why they couldn’t have sex. Because she wouldn’t until she was married.”

  “Bitch,” Andie swore and then looked horrified. “I didn’t mean that.”

  “Why not? It’s true. I had the same thought last night along with how she tricked him.”

  “She doesn’t love him. I do. So much. Why can’t it be me?”

  “It should be you. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be. You didn’t do it. I guess I was misreading the cosmic plan all along.”

  “I don’t agree. Maybe sometimes fate doesn’t manage to make things work out the way they were supposed to. I still think you and Brett are meant to be together.”

  “How is he?”

  “Honestly, he’s worse than you can imagine. But he won’t walk away now that he’s made the commitment.”

  “But this is wrong. They don’t belong together. He has to know that.”

  “With how he was reacting, I’m sure he does. But he asked. He’s got some misplaced sense of honor that won’t let him back out. Or not yet anyway. Hopefully he’ll come to his senses before he’s trapped.”

  “I’m a mess.” She sniffed.

  “Bathroom’s the second door on the right.” While Jesse waited for Andie to freshen up he debated on whether or not to share the conversation he and Brett had had about her. Finally, he decided she needed to hear everything. “Sit with me. There’s more.”

  “More? Oh God,” she moaned and let him pull her onto his lap.

  “I know this won’t help but ninety percent of our plan worked. Brett wanted to change the subject so he asked about you. He sees you for yourself now. He admitted that he was an idiot to not ask you out when you first moved in with Sadie and thinks you’re beautiful.”

  “Jesse.” Andie was crying against his chest again as he held her.

  “I wish I could do something to make this easier for you. I almost didn’t come get you this morning.”

  “I’m glad you did. I couldn’t have handled it if I’d heard by accident from someone in passing. You telling me did help.”

  “Not enough. It doesn’t take away any of the hurt for you. You shouldn’t have to feel this way. Brett doesn’t deserve it either, even if he was being impulsive.”

  “Impulsive or not, he asked her. We both know he thrives on feminine attention. He’s never asked anyone else so there must be something there. Or is she the only woman who’s ever said no to him?”

  “So hurt and still defending the man. I know all about Brett’s reputation but you really shouldn’t believe everything you hear. I won’t deny that he’s had his share of sexual encounters in the time I’ve known him but they weren’t nearly as frequent as you’d think.”

  “Why are you telling me this now? Why didn’t you say anything when we talked about him before?”

  He shrugged. “Because I’m his friend too. Maybe I wanted to be sure that you truly loved him. If you’d balked at what you thought was his past, I would have doubted your sincerity.”

  “Oh and since I was willing to ignore it I was good enough for him?”

  “Something like that. Andie, why couldn’t you have loved me?”

  “I do, Jesse. Just not the way you mean.”

  “If it helps, I love you too. As much as a friend can.”

  “So it’s good I don’t love you like that.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  “About Brett.”

  “I’ll be staying close. Don’t worry. He hasn’t called Jordan or Shane yet. I’ll keep pushing him to but I really can’t do it for him.”

  “Why can’t he see that he’s the one putting the distance between all of them? I bet they both would have come last night, even if he’d insisted they shouldn’t.”

  “I know they would. At one point, he asked me to shoot him so he wouldn’t have to suffer.”

  “He wouldn’t—”

  “Never. Even though I’m positive, I still added some insurance by mentioning what it would put all of us through. He’s out of it but not so far gone that he’d hurt everyone like that.”

  “She just doesn’t seem very affectionate to me.” Andie gasped as if horrified by her judgment of Tish. “I shouldn’t say that. I don’t even know her. Besides, she’ll have Kiley and Alyssa nearby to use as examples. They’ll show her how to warm up.”

  Jesse shook his head. “They’re staying here. Brett says he’s selling his house and commuting. I’m not exactly sure how that came about but it seems to have been decided just as impulsively as the proposal.”

  “Well then, if that’s the case, they’ll be needing a housekeeper. Maybe I should apply.” She seemed semi-serious. “I could be the evil hired help who steals the husband from the cold-hearted wife.”

  “Only one problem. You’re not like that. I can’t see you in that role, even if it is Brett.”

  “Maybe I need to grow up and change my reputation,” she declared hotly. Sadly, she shook her head. “Who am I trying to kid? You’re right. I’m not like that. If that’s the way I got Brett I’d be so full of guilt that I’d ruin it. What a selfish bitch! How can she choose playtime at charities over building a life with him? Brett loves that house. It’s perfect. Maybe I’ll buy it. Do you think Aunt Sadie would loan me the money?”

  “I’d give you the money if I didn’t think it would be pure torture for you to live there. Do you really believe you’d be happy?”

  “No, not without him,” Andie sighed and swallowed the tears that continued to threaten. “How am I going to face Aunt Sadie every morning? I’ve never been very good at hiding my feelings. I’m devastated and I’m sure this hurt isn’t going away any time soon. I’ll have to manage somehow. I know she loves me but I don’t want to worry her. I will if I hide in my room like I want to.”

  “You’re more than welcome to stay here. I hav
e a spare room. Since I’m planning on spending limitless amounts of time at Brett’s, you’d have plenty of privacy. And you can borrow my car, since I know yours is getting painted this week.”

  “He’s really that bad at the thought of marrying her?”

  Jesse nodded.

  She thought for a moment. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “I want to. I can’t think of any other way to help. If I can provide you with a temporary sanctuary to regroup without interruptions, I’d be more than pleased if you accepted. I’d also be more at ease, knowing I’d get to check on you when I get on Brett’s nerves and I let him think he’s kicked me out.”

  “Are you sure I wouldn’t be invading? Even though we’re friends, I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

  “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t hope you would take me up on it. I wouldn’t have brought you here today if I felt uncomfortable with you being here. You’ve been hurt, Andie. I care about you. A lot. Let me give you what little comfort I can.”

  “You’ll tell me if I’m overstaying my welcome?”

  “Scouts honor.”

  “What am I going to say to Aunt Sadie? I can’t just run away with you without a word.”

  “Hmm.” Jesse felt her relax and grinned. “Imagine how it would boost my ego having everyone think a pretty girl ran away to be with me.” Andie managed a faint smile. “I’ll take you home soon and tell her what’s going on. I’m going to have to make her give me her word that she won’t call Jordan but I think I can twist her arm.”

  “I should tell her. It’s not right to let you…”

  “Yes, it is. I can be very persuasive when I want to be. All you need to do is call your students and tell them you’re taking a little vacation.”

  “I can’t do that.”

  “You can. And you will. Think how they’ll react if you started crying in the middle of a lesson. If I were a kid, I’d think my playing caused it and I’d never come back.”

  “Oh. I didn’t think of it like that.”

  “See? Sometimes, I really do know best.”