I have never seen Dina go at a man this forcefully before. She knows I like rough sex, I know coming home to this might be a little shocking, but I never expected her reaction to be this. I keep laughing, I am naked, with a belt used to tie me to the coffee table leg while my very short, by comparison to Brayden, best friend who has curves in all the right places with a tiny ass waist is attempting to beat the shit out of my man who towers over her with a pair of her high heels. Violence isn’t usually something Dina goes for. This whole situation is out of character for her. Then again, she has been here watching as my world falls apart.
Brayden
I never knew how strong that little spit fire is or how sharp heels can be until this moment. All the while, I am trying to find clothes, dress, and evade injury, Maggie is just laughing.
I arrived at Dina’s with the intention of coming clean to Maggie, but she looks so delicious, I can’t help but want her. All this talk of ties, blindfolds, and our previous sexcapades I lose sense of everything around us. Just as I am about to taste her sweetness, Dina walked in.
When Dina finally lets up, I get my clothes on. I go over to release Maggie, handing her the clothing I found. I stammer, “ummmm, hi Dina, how is it going?”
Dina laughs sarcastically, “How’s it going? Pretty shitty, to walk into my house, find that you have tied up my best friend, your naked, and you both seem to find this funny. And this all follows after you screw up royally and don’t even have the decency to answer a flipping phone. How is it going, you ask. Everything is dandy except I want to beat the shit out of you, and I can’t because my best friend is still in love with your sorry ass. Just get the hell out, you need to get your shit straight, Bray and quick. Mags I am sorry, I can’t stand the sight of him right now.” And with that she walks away.
Chapter 9
Dina
I am such an idiot. When Maggie told me about the credit card, I should have taken it seriously. I stare at the paper in front of me showing a five thousand dollar cash advance, tons of fast food, gas and grocery store charges. The shocker comes in the bills that were paid with the card. Using my company credit card, Brayden paid his phone, electric, and cable bill. Maggie knows to just ask for money so I know he took the card without her knowledge.
After a quick call to the bank, the card is cancelled. I pay off the almost eight thousand dollars in charges and order a new card. I decide not to tell Maggie right now.
Ryder and I meet for dinner at Rock Bottom, a restaurant here in Charlotte, so I decide to discuss the situation with him. He listens intently. I can feel the tension building inside of him.
“Dina, I told him, I didn’t want you involved in this mess. Are you really not going to say anything?” He asks me rather harshly.
Defensively I answer, “It’s just money, Ryder. I cannot and will not watch my best friend get more upset over this. It can’t be changed, it’s done. Brayden will get his head on straight eventually.”
Ryder looks across the table at me, “It’s just money, really? How much money do you have exactly, Dina?”
This is the question I have always dreaded. I begin to answer, “Does it really matter Ryder?” He nods but says nothing.
I can’t stop the tears that begin to fall as I continue, “The money came from a tragedy, if it can help Brayden or Maggie so be it. The drunk driver who hit my parents happened to be operating a company vehicle for a well-known bottling company. Without my even asking, they paid out a seven point two million dollar settlement. I sold my dad’s garage to pay for my parents funerals. I have used some of the money to pay for both Maggie and I to have a college education with no loans, her parents paid for most of her education anyway so I didn’t use much for her half. I also used it to buy my car; Maggie’s car, my house, and the up keep of my parent’s beach house. I have earned back the capitol I originally invested in my business and it’s all been invested well, so yes, before you ask, I am more than set for life.” By this point I am sobbing.
He reaches over and squeezes my hand, “I am sorry, Dina, I had no right to ask.”
I manage a weak smile, “No, Ryder, I need to share this with you. I don’t want a relationship like Brayden and Maggie. It’s just hard to talk about. I don’t live extravagantly, and honestly I don’t even like the money. I would gladly give back every penny to have even just one more car show with my dad. I donate annually to causes that would mean something to them, but it still brings me no comfort.”
I don’t know if it’s all the stress from Maggie’s situation or what, but I feel very on edge. The walls slowly closing in around us as I finally find happiness. I wish my dad was still alive; he would give me just the right advice to know what to do not only for my best friend but to be able to help Brayden as well. Plus, I would be able to tell him what is going on without betraying Maggie. My dad would be here with her dad to sort of all this out. I want so badly to call Maggie’s parents so they are aware of the unknown variables of what Brayden has brought us all into, but she asked me not to say anything so I respect that after all my secrets she carried about the abuse with Michael.
Chapter 10
Brayden
It has been a few weeks; Maggie and I are getting along and trying to sort through everything. Ryder and Dina seem distant. I guess Ryder is just going along with his girl at being angry with me. Whatever, if Maggie can push things aside they should too. I still haven’t come clean with Maggie and some days my conscience gets to me.
Work has been busy; Ryder really came through with a nice raise. I have managed to save a little money and keep my needs taken care of.
Tonight we are closing early. Ryder is attending a charity event that Dina and Maggie are working.
Valerie invited me to hang out, so I guess I will meet up with her. Valerie and I have been close since we were in the sixth grade. Her twin, Vanessa, was Bianca’s best friend so she was just always around. She has seen me at my worst; she knows the true depth of my inner demons. She too, feels chased by the ghosts of past. She just got home not too long ago from rehab. Rejection is never easy to take and apparently Ryder’s lack of interest in being anything more than friends pushed Val to her breaking point. I hope she has gotten the help she needs. For being friends for so long, I’ve never been able to comfort her. We relate on loss, bitterness, but never have we been friends to console one another.
Maggie
Dina and I have worked over six months on this charity auction for the Lupus Foundation of America. Every dinner ticket not only sold, but each person was in attendance and ready to bid. The auctions tonight will do exceptionally well.
We are almost finished with the auction items when my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number so I answer, “Hello, this is Maggie Lawson of DM Events and Promotions.”
A man’s voice replies, “Is this Margaret Rose Lawson?”
“Yes, this is she.” I answer. “Ma’am, I am Deputy Jones and your car has been in an accident. The man driving has no identification on him. He is currently in route to CMC. We need you to meet us there.”
“Ok, yes sir, I am on my way.” I manage as my heart sinks in worry for Brayden.
I find Dina; she has Ryder take me as I am in no condition to drive. She will finish the event and meet us at the hospital as soon as she can.
Chapter 11
Maggie
We arrive at Carolina Medical Center and are immediately greeted with paperwork and Deputy Jones.
I ask, “Where is Brayden? Is he okay? Can we see him?”
Deputy Jones puts up his hand, thus silencing me, and says, “The man driving your car is being treated. He is stable with no life threatening injuries, but is pretty banged up. Before you can see him, we need some information.”
A young nurse named Jamie gave us what seems like a mountain of paperwork to fill out. Ryder helps me answer the questions and hands Jamie his credit card and the insurance card for the company policy he has on all his employees.
&nbs
p; “Whatever the insurance doesn’t cover just charge to the credit card.” He tells her.
As we start our way back to the emergency department the deputy stops us. “Ms. Lawson, here is a business card for who you will need to contact about your car. You will be responsible for towing and storage of your vehicle. I will be honest, your friend slammed into a concrete construction divider on interstate 85 at an extremely high rate of speed. He is lucky he has no serious injuries. I don’t know that much if any of your car can be salvaged. There were no other cars involved so you are just left with the responsibility of your car and insurance. We will be in touch as we do have some questions for Mr. Holmes.”
When we finally get back to see Brayden, I am not at all prepared for what we see. His face is so swollen he is almost unrecognizable. The bruising has already started. The nurse, Jamie, said they are just waiting on him to wake up.
“He is stable, he is banged up but considering the speed involved in the accident he is fine. There is no sign of serious head injury. The facial swelling and bruising is from the airbag.” So she says.
I sit down by his bed. This is all so much to take in at once. I am holding his hand as he starts to wake.
He opens his eyes, looks straight at me, “I love you, Maggie, I am sorry.” He says in a scratchy voice. I start to cry, unable to stop myself.
Dina walks in, she doesn’t speak she just goes over to sit on Ryder’s lap since chairs space is limited. I know she hates hospitals and this rattles her nerves to the core. Now sitting here, seeing someone I love so much, in such a state just lying in a bed with machines making noise to monitor his blood pressure and heart, I can see why Dina is so uncomfortable.
The doctor enters right behind her with a very stern expression, “Mr. Holmes, I am going to ask you this one time and I expect you to be completely honest with me. How long have you been using drugs?
Brayden
I wake up in a hospital bed. Before I have an opportunity to comprehend what landed me here, I have a doctor asking me about my drug use. Now there is no avoiding it, time to come clean.
“On and off since I was fifteen. Actively with no attempt at stopping for the last ten months and I am a daily user.” I answer completely numb and void of emotion.
Maggie immediately starts to cry uncontrollably.
Ryder shakes his head and says, “Shit man, I had hoped Valerie was lying.
The doctor looked right at me, “I have to turn your toxicology report over to the police.” With that he walked out, leaving me to face those closest to me.
Maggie is sobbing, not looking at me or speaking to me. Dina has yet to speak to me. She just pulls out her phone and begins dialing, so much for her respecting the hospital no cell phone rule.
I listen as she speaks, “Page Wendy Carmichael please, its Dina Fowler calling.”
There is a pause then Dina begins, “Wendy, I am sorry to bother you outside of office hours. I need you to represent a Mr. Brayden Eugene Holmes. He totaled a car driving under the influence. I don’t care what the costs are; you get his ass in rehab. Thanks, I’ll be in touch.”
Ryder holds her for a moment. I know he is piping hot mad, but remaining calm for Dina’s sake. The other day I learned what a temper she really has, but never have I seen so much tension, anger, and sadness roll off her all at once.
Then she looks at me with hatred in her eyes, “You sorry piece of shit, my parents died because of a selfish bastard just like you. You guys just care about your high, your buzz, your escape. You get behind a wheel of a car with no regard to the innocent lives you affect. You are so beyond lucky no other cars were involved or that Maggie wasn’t with you. Let’s be clear, I don’t give two shits what your issues are, you are going to rehab. My attorney is going to arrange everything as well as handle your ensuing legal issues. Get your shit straight, Brayden and fast. You are better than this, Maggie deserves better than this.”
Before I can respond, she looks to Maggie and says, “Maggie, I love you, I am here for you always. Call me later; here are the keys to my car, if you want to stay. I need to get out of here.”
She leans into Ryder and asks, “Please take me home right now. This is all too much I think I’m going to be sick. This hits too close to home.”
Neither of them say goodbye, they just leave. Maggie still won’t stop crying or even look at me much less speak. Now I am left sitting here unable to put thoughts together to what is going to happen next.
Thank you, ‘Doctor I don’t give a damn about patient confidentiality’ for putting my business out there. Now, I have a rehab issue to face. I look over to find a very broken hearted and disappointed Maggie that I need to deal with. I hurt everyone. I am sure my pain meds will be cut off immediately, now that they have found a shit load of cocktails in my system. Uppers, downers, mood enhancers, and anything else you could imagine to escape the ghosts has been in my system in the last thirty days, and although I am not proud of it, I would do it again. No one knows the hell I face at every turn. They all just judge me, like they would handle it so different.
Dina knows loss. Her loss cuts deep; I would never take that away from her. She can’t understand though, no one can, the loss that should have been me.
Chapter 12
Maggie
As I sit here coming to terms with the reality of my situation I become stir crazy. I get up and leave without uttering even one word to Brayden.
I call a cab to take me home, as I am too upset to drive. Dina’s car is safe in a parking garage nearby.
When I arrive home, Dina immediately hugs me.
She sincerely asks, “Maggie, what do you need me to do?”
I am so numb I can only manage, “I don’t know, I just don’t know.”
The three of us sit down on Dina’s sectional sofa. At first we are all just silent, what is there to say.
Then Ryder pipes up, “Maggie, I owe you an apology. I have had my suspicions but didn’t take them seriously. Valerie told me while she was in rehab that Brayden was her drug buddy in high school and college. Val has known Bray longer than me. She made it sound past tense like he wasn’t using anymore. I am sorry I didn’t step in sooner.”
We sit in silence again for a few minutes then Dina says, “Mags, I think we should call your dad.” I shake my head no at her.
She continues, “Maggie, not only are your parents planning to visit in two weeks, Harrison called and he wants to come with a guest as well.”
I thought for a moment. Actually she is right. My dad is who I need to talk to right now.
I call and he answers on the second ring, “Hello Princess.”
I immediately cry, “Oh daddy, everything is a mess.”
I take a few seconds to compose myself. I give my dad the run down on everything with Brayden. He remains silent.
“Daddy, are you still there?” I finally say.
“Yes, Princess, always,” he begins, "I don’t know what to say to you that will make any of this any easier.”
He sighs, “My precious daughter, your head is going to tell you that it is over, and he is no good for you. Your head is going to tell you to walk away. My princess, your heart on the other hand is going to hold on to hope. Your heart will ask you to love unconditionally and help him to change.”
“So,” I ask, “which one do I listen to, my head or my heart, Daddy?”
“That is not for me to answer. Time will show you which way to go, Princess. As your dad, I want to hurt Brayden for hurting you. As a man, who has made more than enough of his own mistakes, I want to see the two of you overcome this.” He pauses, but continues, “Princess, just take some time and take things slow, one day at a time, and if that is too hard, take it one hour at a time. We will be out to visit in two weeks to take your mind off of things, okay?”
I find comfort in this, “I can’t wait to see you Daddy, I love you.” And with that we both hang up.
Dina is crying beside me on the couch. I know this is
opening a wound for her. I don’t think a person can ever fully heal from the loss of their parents in such a tragic way.
She slowly smiles at me, “forget two weeks, Maggie. Let’s finish up the few items to do at work this week and have a long weekend starting Thursday at the beach house. I will even call Harrison and invite him. We can get away and see your family.”
I smile genuinely at her, “that is perfect. Right now, I need to be back home.”
Ryder clears his throat, “is this a girl’s only weekend?”
Dina looks at me for an answer. I chuckle, “No Ryder you can come too. Be warned my dad and brother treat Dina just like me so be prepared for your interrogation.”
He smiles a full smile and says, “I will have to come in late Friday night, but I would enjoy a weekend with your family. Your big bad brother, dad and all.”
I remember when I brought Brayden home for the first time. My mom just fell in love, but she has always been one to just accept all my friends and boyfriends at first introduction.
My dad took him out to the garage, to have what he calls “the man talk.” I don’t know what that entails exactly, but I do know its starts with, “What are your intentions with my daughter, son?” All the while my dad is opening his big gun safe to show off the arsenal.
My brother, Cory, seemed indifferent to meeting Brayden, almost preoccupied. He is the middle child so he has never really been protective of either Harrison or I. Cory is the quiet one, the serious one. He is an investment broker for some firm up in Raleigh. Harrison and I don’t see or hear much from him, but he calls mom daily.
Harrison, on the other hand, he found out I was home and brought a boyfriend from college with me to visit, and made a surprise trip of his own to drop by.
My oldest brother is, six foot tall, built like Ryder, all muscle and Mr. Badass ripples off him. Harrison completed a four year stint in the Marines, when he was done, he settled down in South Carolina working construction for a friend of ours. Unlike Ryder, Harrison’s tattoos don’t peek out of his shirt, they scream, in your face boldly. He has a back piece, forearms, and biceps, even the back of his neck, his calves, his ribs, and his chest. After getting out he rebelled a bit and grew his black hair out. Harrison has dark almost black eyes and a serious face that can scare you with just a glance.
Salvaged (Daddy's Girls) Page 3