Jagged Love

by Nicole Simone

  Andrew regained his voice. “Phi Delta Gamma.”

  Brad fisted his left hand, showing off a ring on his middle finger. The gold band flashed underneath the florescent lights. A black stone was in the middle with an engraved crest. My inner street kid itched to lift the expensive ring and resell it. I could probably get enough to cover the cost of my road trip.

  “I haven’t taken it off since we got them.” Brad boasted. “How bout you, man? Do you still have yours?”

  “Yeah, but it’s at my mom’s house. I didn’t want to lose it while I was traveling through Europe.”

  “Makes sense.” Brad checked his watch and sighed. “I have to get going. Don’t be a stranger.”

  The bell hanging above the front door jingled, announcing his exit. Andrew sat back down in the booth while I followed suit.

  He cradled his chin in his hands. “That guy exhausted the hell out of me. Throughout those three years in college, I took more naps than was deemed normal. I blamed it on all the partying and pot use, but Brad is like a teapot on the verge of boiling.”

  I chuckled at the accurate description of his friend. “He wasn’t that bad.” Andrew gave me a pointed look. “Ok fine, you’re right. Poor Becky.”

  “His fiancée was a cheerleader for the football team. She can out-ra-ra him any day.”

  “Sounds like they are a good match. Although, please don’t invite them for dinner if I’m around.”

  “I wouldn’t subject you to that.”

  Andrew ate his apple pie that had arrived while we were talking to Brad. Puddles of ice cream melted on top of the crust. Chewing the side of my cheek, I mulled over how to approach the topic about his Facebook status and decided to dance around it.

  “Why is a man who doesn’t text on Facebook?” I asked

  Andrew sought the perfect apple slice, moving the unsatisfactory ones to the side of his plate. “My sister said I needed to build a brand for myself. She set up all my social media accounts.”

  “When was the last time you logged on?”

  Andrew caught on to my true question. “I’ll change my status if it bothers you.”

  “Of course it bothers me! Why wouldn’t it?”

  “Because social media isn’t a reflection of how I feel. Camilla doesn’t have my heart. You do.”

  “I get that, but the next time we run into one of your friends, I don’t want to be mistaken for Camilla.” My eyes widened as a horrifying thought occurred. “Your parents know that you broke up? Right? Because….”

  “Of course they do!” Andrew reassured.

  “Were they happy or sad about the news?”

  Pushing me over, Andrew slid into my side of the booth and swung his arms around my shoulders. I couldn’t think, let alone breathe when he was this close.

  Andrew rested his chin on the top of my head. “My parents will you love you.”

  “I’m not a traveling yoga teacher with world experience under my belt.”

  “No, you are Haven. Smart, sweet, sexy Haven. They would be fools if they didn’t love you.”

  Sumiko had contradicted herself back in the hospital. She said she was happy I was opening my heart, but then went on to say you can’t trust anybody. Those two were mutually exclusive. Giving away your vital organ to a random stranger on a street corner would be dumb and illegal.

  An inner battle of faith played out the week leading up to meeting Andrew’s parents. He had changed his Facebook status but a gnawing feeling I couldn’t put my finger on wouldn’t go away. In a certain sense it didn’t matter, heartbreak was inevitable. If Andrew and I parted ways, my heart would have to be duct taped and glued back together and even then it wouldn’t be the same. I wouldn’t be the same. Andrew had changed me for the better.

  Forgiveness was creeping its way into my past and changing my outlook. My mom wouldn’t win any mother of the year awards but she provided a roof over my head and food on the table. She also taught me how to be a fighter who didn’t take bullshit from anyone. The bad moments overwhelmingly beat out the good; however, I couldn’t focus only on the bad. Some memories brought a smile to my face. Like, the time my mom had once brought home my favorite candy bar just because, or when she allowed me to borrow her makeup. It was the little things that showed she cared. Trust went against my nature, yet I wanted to try my hardest for Andrew’s sake. He deserved nothing less.

  “Is the heater on high enough for you?” Andrew adjusted the vents. “I can also turn on the seat warmers.”

  On our drive to Ann Arbor, the golden hued trees held my attention captive. In Detroit, you didn’t get this kind of natural beauty.

  “I’m actually a little too warm. Do you mind turning it down?”

  I shed my light blue cardigan that was borrowed from Monica. She shockingly had a ton of clothes that were ‘meeting the parents’ appropriate. Mine, while classy, showed a tad more skin than deemed appropriate. Monica had lent me three dresses, two blouses, and a pair of heels for the next two days. As I looked out the window, snowflakes drifted from the clouds above and I wished I’d brought along a heavier coat.

  Andrew fiddled with the heat some more and I swatted his hand away. “Concentrate on driving. I’ll do this.”

  “Sorry, I’m a little nervous.”

  While I appreciated his honesty, my own nerves didn’t benefit. I wanted to jump into the snow-dusted grass and sprint toward the city lights of Detroit. Older people, especially wealthy older people intimidated me. They were a rare breed of animal I had only gotten a glimpse at through their insulated bubble. At eighteen, I had a brief gig as a catering waitress until a tray of caviar covered crackers spilled on the Mayor. He wasn’t happy.

  “Why are you nervous? You have met your parents before, I haven’t.” I pointed to my chest. “I’m the one who has to scrounge up dinner party topics and act as if their son is the best thing since sliced bread.”

  Andrew looked at me from corner of his eye. “You don’t think I’m the best thing since sliced bread?”

  “Whole wheat, maybe, but defiantly not potato,” I joked.

  “Baby, I’m cinnamon raisin swirl. A challenge with a sweet reward.”

  I barked out a laugh. “Ha! You were not a challenge. I could have had you at the snap of my fingers.”

  “Really? Is that what you think?” He flicked on the turn single and directed the car to the side of the road. “We will see about that.”

  “I’m not having sex with you, Andrew. I don’t want to show up at your mother’s with my clothes wrinkled and smelling like a whore house.”

  Andrew unbuckled his seat belt.

  “I’m serious,” I warned.

  A yelp escaped my lips as he threw my seat into reverse so that I ended up flat on my back. He climbed across the gearshift and loomed over me. Lust blossomed in his gaze, weakening my resolve. Andrew’s fingers grazed my bare inner thigh while we locked eyes.

  “Do you want this?” he asked huskily.

  I gulped. “No, get off of me. Your parents are waiting for us.”

  “They can wait.” He continued his journey to the outer edge of my black lace thong but didn’t stop like I wanted him to. Andrew’s hands grabbed my hips and pulled my crotch against his trousers. “I’ll ask you more one time. Do you want this, Haven?”

  My name sounded like honey dripping from his lips. Need coursed through my veins. Fuck yes, I want this.

  Gripping his t-shirt, our mouths inches from each other, I whispered. “You know I do.”

  Andrew grinned wickedly as he lowered his head and stole my breath with a soul-shattering kiss. The windows fogged up with our desire.

  As we broke apart, I whimpered. “More.”

  Ignoring my request, he climbed back to the driver’s side with a tent in his pants. “See, I am a challenge. You broke in under a minute.”

  Outraged, not to mention hot and bothered, I yanked my seat to an upright position and glared at Andrew. “Are you fucking kidding me? You did that to pr
ove a point?”

  “It worked, didn’t it?”

  Frustrated, I was beyond speaking intelligently. “Argh!”

  “Was that English?”

  “Hush.”

  Laughing, he pressed the start button and put the car in drive. Thank God I wasn’t a dude or else I would be meeting Andrew’s family for the first time with a hard on.

  Stately gates opened to a gravel driveway framed by an immaculate lawn. It wound up the hill where a French chateau stood, looking as if it belonged in one of those snooty TV shows about British monarchs. I couldn’t imagine having this as my vacation house. Why would anyone need this much room for five weeks out of the year? Wealthy people were a weird bunch and I had a feeling things would get weirder over the next two days. Partly because there were hedges carved into various animals staring at me.

  I turned to Andrew, straight faced. “There isn’t enough room for me here. I think I’ll get a room at the Motel 6.”

  “Ha, ha,” he said. “Before we got out, there are a few things I want to mention.”

  “Oh God, you lied didn’t you? Your parents have no idea I exist.”

  “Of course they know you exist. Jesus, don’t be a drama queen,” Andrew snapped.

  Crossing my arms over my chest, I looked out the window, hurt. “You didn’t have to invite me here.”

  “I’m sorry, Haven. My family, while wonderful, is….”

  Snapping my head around, I filled in the words he couldn’t say. “Is in a higher class than me? Is that? Are you embarrassed to be seen with the girl from the other side of tracks?”

  “Don’t pin your insecurities on me.” He paused. Heaving a sigh, he ran his hands through his hair. “We got off track. My parents are conservative, especially my mom. It would save us both a heap of trouble if you didn’t mention we were living together.”

  I lifted my shoulder in a shrug. “Sure, whatever.”

  “My siblings though have a more modern view on life but most importantly….” He flashed an encouraging smile. “Be yourself.”

  Yeah, right, be myself as long as I acted polished and groomed like a Stepford wife. Regret about agreeing to the visit churned in my stomach. The front door to the mansion opened as we stepped out of the car. With his mother’s honey chestnut hair and unlined face, it became obvious where Andrew got his good looks. Behind his mother was Andrew’s father, a man in his early fifties with gray a speckled beard. His hand rested on her lower back.

  His mother’s arms spread open. “Andrew!”

  “Hey, Mom! Happy anniversary.” He dropped his luggage and folded himself into her embrace. “Thanks for having us.”

  Stepping back, his mom cradled his face in her hands. Devotion twinkled in her gaze. “Of course, sweetie. I’m just happy you could make it. I know how busy your schedule is. I’m sorry we couldn’t make it your art show by the way. Your father and I had a work function.”

  “No worries.” Andrew smiled at his father. “You look as old as ever.”

  “And you look as ugly as ever.”

  The two man sealed their inside joke with a hug and clapped each other on the backs. Holding my purse to my chest, I waited for Andrew to introduce us. Snowflakes melted on my exposed feet and my teeth rattled together. I stared at the house longingly, where I imagined a roaring fire and mug of hot chocolate were waiting for me.

  Andrew’s mother’s sapphire colored eyes found mine. “Hello! You must be Haven. Andrew told us so much about you.” She glided down the front steps and took my numb hand into her palm. “Oh darling! You are freezing. Let’s get you inside.”

  “I’m ok,” I said weakly.

  “You are not ok! You are frigid.” She lowered her voice as she winked. “What women do for fashion, huh?”

  I immediately felt myself warm toward her. Andrew’s mom was the kind of mother I longed for as a child. Welcoming, kind, and made you feel as if you were part of the family within five seconds of meeting her.

  “I’m Candice, but everybody calls me Candy,” she said while ushering me into the house.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Candy.”

  The nickname was an odd fit for a former Amish girl turned wealthy housewife. I would have to ask Andrew the context behind it later. We stepped into the grand foyer with a double staircase and a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. While there wasn’t a picture frame out of place, coziness emitted from the space. You could tell a lot of memories took place here.

  Breathing in the scent of apple cider, I grinned. “It smells like fall.”

  “My husband and I met in October so every year for our anniversary we gather the family and make gingersnaps, apple cider, DIY wreaths, the whole nine yards.”

  “Wow.”

  “You’re overwhelming her, Mom,” Andrew said to my left. “Remember we are supposed to ease guests into our craziness.”

  Candy waved away his remark. “You hush. I can already tell Haven is going to be a master gingersnap baker.”

  “I thought that title went to me.” A young woman dressed in ripped jeans and a college sweatshirt walked into the room. She looked like Candy’s mini-me except rounder in the face. “I have a trophy to prove it.”

  Trophy? Andrew’s family was really into tradition.

  His sister glanced over at me and showed off a blinding set of white teeth. “Are you my brother’s new girlfriend?”

  That was a good question. Andrew and I hadn’t discussed our official title but considering we lived together, slept together, and had strong feelings toward each other then yes, we were boyfriend and girlfriend. Nonetheless, I didn’t want to make an ass out of myself if that wasn’t the case. Andrew was known for being hot and cold.

  Candy chimed in. “No, she is a random stranger off the street,” she retorted sarcastically. “Of course she is Andrew’s girlfriend and she has a name—Haven.”

  “Jesus Mom, I was just asking.” Andrew’s sister moaned. “Why do you have to be like that?”

  “Like what?”

  “Embarrassing.”

  Watching their exchange was a hilarious peek into what a healthy mother-daughter relationship was like. I held my tongue to keep from giggling.

  “I’m not embarrassing.” She glanced at Andrew and her husband to confirm. They stared at her blankly. “Whatever, I’m nothing compared to Grandma June. Last year, she dressed the pumpkins in lacy lingerie because she thought they needed more spice.”

  Andrew, his dad, and sister murmured their agreement. Based upon what Andrew had revealed about his family, my initial perception of them was off base. They weren’t bourgeois or stuck up. They were just like any other close knit family that loved each other. Although, I stood by what I’d guessed earlier. These next two days weren’t going to be boring.

  Candy steered her daughter toward the kitchen. “Come on, you have a pot of apple cider to stir.”

  Andrew’s dad stepped forward, his handsome face breaking into a warm smile. “I didn’t have a chance to introduce myself earlier. I’m Mark.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You too. Andrew will show you where your bedroom is for the weekend. There are extra towels in your bathroom and if you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask us.”

  “Thank you,” I said, touched.

  “Enjoy the peacefulness while it lasts. My extended family is coming in an hour,” Mark joked.

  Andrew and I were the last two in the foyer. He came up behind and wrapped his arms around my waist. Sensing my annoyance with him hadn’t worn off, Andrew apologized again. “I’m sorry. My parents didn’t like Camilla or any other girlfriend of mine for that matter. They never thought any of them were good enough for me.”

  Spinning around, chest to chest, I looked into his dark brown eyes. “You didn’t believe I was different?”

  “No quite the opposite. I was afraid my family would fall for you and then it would be a thousand times harder to let you go.” Andrew lips quirked at the
corners. “Looks like it’s going that way.”

  My chest squeezed at the sadness his confession evoked. There were two and half months left before my planned road trip, which was a ways off, however, time slipped by quickly. I would blink and it would be upon us. Leaving Andrew wouldn’t be easy for me either.

  “I don’t have to go,” I said without meaning a word of it.

  Andrew thankfully shook his head. “No, you do. This has been a dream of yours that I will not stand in the way of. I’ll just have to sleep with your pillow every night and pretend as if you are there.”

  “Or you can come with me.” The idea popped out of my mouth before my brain connected. My eyes widened in surprise as did Andrew’s. I backpedaled. “I mean, that is if you wanted to. Obviously, you have work commitments.”

  “I can paint anywhere and or get a fresh perspective and start something new like woodworking,” he stated.

  “Yeah exactly, but feel free to think about it. We don’t need to make any rash decisions right now.”

  “Of course not.” Andrew planted a kiss against my forehead. “Let me show you to your room.”

  As we ascended the staircase, my heart fluttered with anxiety. For the past two years, that dream had been mine and mine alone. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to share it with anyone else, even if that person was Andrew.

  My bedroom for the weekend had black stained hardwood floors, white walls, and original crown molding. A plush duvet was thrown over a four-poster bed and covered in a million pillows. My feet sunk into a fake bearskin rug as I approached the fireplace. Looking at the remote on my nightstand, I tried to make sense of which button controlled what. I gave up with a sigh and sat crossed legged on the floor. With thirty minutes until I had to go back downstairs, I pondered Andrew’s and my future. Up until two weeks or so ago, I didn’t have to factor anybody into my life plans. Although Andrew hadn’t asked me to, as a couple you made decisions together.

  My road trip around the United States then Europe didn’t have an end goal. Basically, I would go wherever the wind blew me, which would put the kibosh on our relationship if he didn’t join. It wouldn’t be fair of me to ask him to wait around. Meanwhile, the idea of taking this journey solo seemed lonely all of a sudden. I had gotten used to Andrew being my partner in crime. A knocked sounded on my door.