by Andrea Smith
“Rocky?” Olivia gasped. “Is Rocky actually a real person?”
I nodded. “Apparently so. And because she was so high, when I got home last night, I guess she decided to clue me in on him. He’s the Rocky who inspired the tatt. The tattoo my money paid for, and the Rocky she’s been financially supplementing with the money I’d given her all summer while we were on tour. Did you know about this?” I asked, because as close as our trailers were to one another, I’d be pissed if I found out Olivia had seen any comings and goings of this dude while I was gone, and hadn’t come clean about it to me since we’d gotten close.
She noticeably bristled at the implication, and pulled away. “How can you even think that?” she snapped, “If I’d seen anything like that, I sure as hell wouldn’t have defended Stacie like I did against you. I would’ve spoken up.”
I pulled her back against me, “Sorry, sorry,” I apologized, “I just feel like a total fool for being so clueless.”
Olivia nodded, “You’re not alone on that,” she remarked. “So, go on.”
“Okay, so she’s spilling her guts to me on this, and apparently, this Rocky guy dumped her because since I’ve been back and handling all the money, his income has somewhat diminished. Rocky’s plan was to stick close to Stacie as she continued to feed him a line of shit about how in love with her I was, and the band was set to hit it big, and she’d be in for lots more money once that happened.”
“My God,” Olivia breathed. “She had a web of lies for everyone, didn’t she?”
I nodded, “Oh yeah she did. So last night when they met up, she told him things weren’t going as planned, and suggested they scrap the plan, and she and the baby would move in with him, because she didn’t think she’d be staying with me much longer because–and get this–I’d been cheating on her.”
“Oh no she didn’t!” Olivia gasped.
“Yep, she did,” I replied. “So he dumps her ass then and there, she goes back and picks up Emmie, comes back to my place and sees that I’m not in the trailer. She went walking around and I guess spotted us on…”
“Yeah, yeah, go on,” Olivia interrupted, waving her hand as if embarrassed.
“She goes back to the trailer, takes a bunch of pills of unknown type or origin, and then downs a half a bottle of whiskey. Hell, by the time I got back, I just thought she was drunk. She then got even wackier, telling me she was leaving for good, and slammed out of the trailer. I got the baby fed and down for the night, and I stretched out on the sofa and went to sleep. About an hour later, she comes back in, and goes to the kitchen drawer, grabs a knife and proceeded to cut her wrists, telling me I ruined everything.”
Olivia jumped up and paced the small space of the room. “That must’ve been when she came banging on my bedroom window,” she said. “She looked like something out of a horror flick.”
“Yeah,” I replied, “when she got back to the trailer I could tell there was something more going on than just alcohol. I wrapped her wrists, but the cuts weren’t very deep. I called Katie to come stay with the baby and I drove Stacie to the E.R.”
Olivia sat back down beside me, her forehead wrinkled in confusion. “I don’t understand,” she commented, “So why is she in I.C.U.?”
“Because the doctors aren’t sure what type of pills she took. Stacie was so incoherent when I got her into the E.R., they immediately pumped her stomach and now have her on monitors and I.V.’s. They’re running blood and urine tests.”
Olivia curled up against me. “I know Stacie has issues, and maybe her issues are more extreme than any of us thought, but Emmett, what’s gonna happen when she comes out of this? What’s gonna happen with Emmie?”
I’d been thinking of nothing else since Ace had left. There was no way Stacie was fit to care for the baby. That much had been evident even before she’d gone off the deep end last night. “Emmie’s my responsibility for now, Olivia,” I replied, “I totally get that it’s gonna be challenging what with our week in Chicago to record next month, but somehow, I’ve got to make it work.”
I felt her nod against my chest. “I’ll be right here to help you any way I can, Emmett.”
I wanted to kiss her silly, but it wasn’t the time or the place. The fact that Olivia had such a good heart was one of the things that drew me to her. “I appreciate that, babe, but I know you have your hands full with your mother. I can’t take you away from your responsibility.”
“Hey,” she said, looking up at me, “We’re like thirty yards apart. I think I can handle it. Besides, Mom seems to be doing a bit better with her meds. We’ll make it work.”
Those were the words I had wanted to hear. Somehow having Olivia by my side lessened the total freak-out I’d been on the verge of having at the thought of being a full time parent to Emmie.
I lowered my mouth and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. “Would you mind going back to my place and relieving Katie? I’m gonna stick around here until Stacie’s parents get here, and then I’ll be home.”
She kissed me back. “You’ve got it, Emmett.”
“Oh, and by the way,” I continued before she left the room. “Our sign-on bonus and advance checks came yesterday. They’re in a Fed-Ex packet on top of the refrigerator. You can get yours, and give Katie the one for Ace if you wouldn’t mind? And could you call Coop and let him know to pick up the rest?”
“Will do,” she replied with a big smile, “Time to shop.”
Chapter 29
Olivia
After talking with Emmett, I felt a little less guilty. But still, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel some guilt. How Stacie could finagle her way into our lives was almost unbelievable. For someone who had nothing going for her, she carried a lot of power.
Maybe it was time to lose my conscience. Let myself have what I wanted, and that was Emmett. Did I deserve him? More so than Stacie did, I thought. Then there was the whole Emmie thing. I couldn’t blame an innocent baby, and now, I was going to get my chance at caring for her. If Emmett and I were ever going to work it out, and Emmie was his, she’d be a part of our life–my life.
The look on Emmett’s face when I left was the most heart-breaking thing I’d ever seen. This girl had manipulated him to no end. Yet, he felt obligated to stay by her side when clearly, it was just another attempt to get her claws in him. How I wanted to say just that, but it would only have made him feel worse, and I didn’t want that for one minute.
I checked in on Mom before walking over to Emmett’s trailer. She was still sleeping and I left a note for her to see when she woke up. I wrote that I’d be at Lot 16, and to call or text me if she needed anything.
Katie’s car was still in the drive. I figured Emmie might be asleep, so I quietly walked in. Katie looked up, and I tiptoed over to the couch where she was sitting with Emmie in her arms. The baby was sleeping peacefully, and she mouthed that she was going to put her in her bassinet. I nodded.
I watched as she quietly maneuvered herself up from the couch, and crept slowly down the hall. She didn’t take Emmie into Stacie’s room. I knew which room was hers from the time she had me come and get her stuff. So, it must have been Emmett’s room. Maybe they’d been staying in the same room since Emmie was born.
Stop it, Liv. Don’t let Stacie get to you, I thought, as that doubt came knocking on my heart, again.
Katie quietly shut the door and gave an exasperated sigh. “Finally,” she whispered, “I love my little niece, but I’m so over the baby thing. I don’t even think I want another baby.”
It hit me just then, that since Stacie was Ace’s little sister, and if Emmie wasn’t Emmett’s, she would still be a part of our lives.
“How’s Stacie?” she asked, and I knew I had to show some sympathy, and that was hard to do.
“I wasn’t able to see her, but Emmett said she was still in I.C.U. They’re not sure of all the drugs she took
.”
“Oh, God, Stacie,” she murmured and covered her face with her hands. I wasn’t sure if it was from true concern or because of the drama Stacie continued to create around everyone.
“I know. Emmett is staying with her, so…”
“Poor Emmett,” she then said, and again, I didn’t know which way her comment swayed.
“This all just pisses me off, so much,” she replied and I tried to decipher it. All I could do was take Katie’s hand in mine, and give it a supportive squeeze.
“I know it’s been hard on all of you,” I said trying my best to comfort her, because regardless of the trouble Stacie caused, I figured family was family.
“Stacie has caused us so many problems,” Katie said. “First, her parents kicked her out, because she was dating some loser who was just released from prison. They didn’t know what to do with her. Ace only took her in… because, what else is a big brother supposed to do?” She was whisper yelling, and I knew she wanted to get it out. I, too, wanted to know more about Stacie.
Katie continued, “I thought I could help her, you know… get her to go back to school. But no, what does she do? Gets wasted and spends the night with Emmett. Emmett can’t remember a damn thing, but if you ask me, he probably only made her stay here for her own safety.” She stood, and went to the fridge. “I made some more bottles for when the baby wakes up.”
Whoa, how long was I to stay here? I knew nothing about babies. I knew Emmett needed my help. I did owe him–the guitar.
“You know, Liv, Emmett has done a lot for me and Ace. Being in the band has given Ace some light at the end of the tunnel. We were struggling so badly. So I hope you give Emmett a break with this Stacie stuff.”
I felt my jaw drop at the implication of her words. “Wait-what?” I stammered.
She gave me a wry smile. “Everybody can see it, Liv, even if you can’t. You are the light in Emmett’s eyes, the song on his lips, and he is the same for you. Nobody deserves the kind of hell that Stacie puts them through.”
I watched as Katie gathered up her purse and coat.
My blinders were coming off now and I began to see the real Stacie.
“Do you want to know the worst part?” she asked, pulling her coat on. “She will still be a part of my and Ace’s life, whether Emmie is his or not. Emmie is the real victim here. She deserves so much better than that piece of trash. Stacie will never be a mother, you know?”
I wasn’t sure how to answer. Was she trying to convince me? “Oh, I know what you mean. Kinda saw she was an emotional wreck that first day. But hey, she fooled me, too.”
She looked down the hall where she’d taken Emmie, and then back to me. “To tell you the truth, part of me would’ve felt a bit relieved if she had succeeded in the…”
She didn’t finish, but I knew what she meant. The suicide. I raised my hands in a non-judgmental gesture.
“God I know how fucked-up that sounds. Anyway, thanks for taking care of Emmie. I would take her with me, but my son is sick again. He’s with my sister, and I’m sure she’s not happy about that,” Katie said, her weariness showing.
“Hey, Katie,” I said, “don’t let it beat you down. It sounds like everyone’s done what they could for Stacie. By the way,” I continued, going into the kitchen and pulling the Fed-Ex packet from the top, “Emmett told me to give you Ace’s check that came yesterday.”
I saw Katie’s face brighten as I handed the check to her. I pulled the one with my name on it out, and placed it on the counter.
“This sure helps,” she said with a smile. She was about to walk out the door, when she stopped and turned abruptly. “Oh, with all of Stacie’s shit, I almost forgot. I created a Facebook fan page for Wasted, and ran a sponsored ad. I’m hoping to get some notice before the album is cut. Indie songwriters are making it big now. I thought, what the hell, I just wanted to let you know. So far, we have over eight-hundred followers.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. Thanks, Katie.”
She left, and I stood, looking around the trailer I crashed a couple of months back. How could I have been such a fool to be suckered into Stacie’s drama?
I tiptoed down the hall, and opened the door to where Katie had taken Emmie. I saw a bassinet next to an unmade bed. I knew it was Emmett’s bed and swept my hand along it as I went over to check on Emmie. She was sleeping so peacefully, and I tried to see any resemblance of Emmett in her. I couldn’t tell, but she was so beautiful. It was easy to see why Emmett would fall in love with her.
I reached down to touch her, and she jerked but never woke. I wanted to hold her, but didn’t want her to wake up. I knew nothing about babies. Maybe if I would have had a younger brother or sister, I would have.
I looked around Emmett’s room and saw the life of a struggling musician. Posters with rock stars and women in bikinis. It looked like a teenager’s room, with clothes strewn about. But, he was doing his best. I knew in my heart, that no matter the outcome, Emmie would always come first, and that made me love him even more. It’s more than my old man ever did.
I lay down on the bed and rested my eyes. I was now exhausted. What a sudden change of events. I could smell Emmett’s body wash on the pillow and took in a hefty sniff. Our night, less than twelve hours ago replayed in my heart.
“Olivia?” I heard Emmett whisper.
I opened my eyes as he was quietly walking in. He tiptoed over to Emmie’s bassinet and craned his neck. I lifted my head up onto my hand and watched him tuck the blankets around her. He was truly a good father. He smiled down at her and brushed his fingers lightly across her cheek. He then turned and lay down beside me.
“Thank you, so much, Olivia. I don’t know what I would have done.”
I didn’t want to, but asked anyway. “How’s Stacie?”
“She’s awake. She’ll be fine. Her parents got there. Man, they are something else, but I can’t blame them for their anger and frustration. Since Stacie isn’t eighteen yet, they’re committing her into a mental health in-patient program for sixty days.”
I felt an immediate rush of relief. “That’s… good,” I said, “What about Emmie?”
“They offered to take Emmie, but I told them no. Just couldn’t do it,” he replied with a sigh. “Do you think I can handle this by myself?”
I smiled, and brushed a lock of hair back from his forehead. “Babe, you already have been,” I replied, “And you won’t be by yourself. You’ve got me. You’ve got Katie, and didn’t you tell me your stepmom has been chomping at the bit to help out? We got this.”
He didn’t say a word, but kissed me tenderly on the lips. I fell into his trance and the next thing I knew, our clothes were coming off in a frenzied rush.
Our kissing drew more passionate and I yearned to connect with him physically again. I needed my Emmett fix, and I wouldn’t be denied. He kissed a path southward, until his mouth found my drenched pussy, and when his tongue licked my clit it felt like velvet. God I wanted to moan my pleasure, to let his name spill from my lips, but I wasn’t about to wake the baby.
I squirmed around his face, my hips undulating as he licked with precision. His tongue felt so amazing, and my orgasm exploded, and I came in heavy breathes. He sat up, his face glistened with my juices and he smiled at me. He was stroking his huge cock, and I let out a soft whine as I lifted my hips in a begging manner. I wanted more. More before Emmie woke.
“Olivia,” he whispered. “God, you’re so fucking beautiful when you open up for me. I can’t believe I have you in my bed.”
“Fuck me, Emmett. God, I need you inside me,” I whispered hoarsely in a voice that I didn’t recognize.
“You got it, babe.” He moved down and placed the head of his cock at the entrance of my wet slit. I wanted him to push in hard, but he pushed in slow and savored each movement. I lifted my hips as he thrusted in deeper, and my legs wrapped tightly aro
und his hips. His cadence increased, and I could feel the head of his cock pummel against my sweet spot. I thought about what he had done when we fucked on the picnic table. How he’d finger fucked my ass as his cock rocked in and out of me.
“Stick your finger in my ass, Emmett,” I begged in a voice so wanton it was foreign to me. He had so much control over me. I had never spoken those words in my life. Not that I was ever a prude. I just didn’t know I would like it.
“You like your ass reamed, eh?” he said with a tease and reached underneath and pushed past the rim of my anus. I jumped with pleasure, and he rocked into me harder than ever. The sound of damp skin slapping against damp skin was an aphrodisiac, and the sweet scent of our sex permeated the room.
“Fuck, I’m going to come, Olivia,” he whispered in a hoarse groan. “Let’s do this together babe.”
“Ahhh,” I mewled, “do it! Come inside of me,” I whispered back.
I felt the pulsing of his cock deep inside of me and he jerked and groaned as his hot seed shot into my greedy pussy. My walls clenched his cock, milking out every last drop as he shuddered the last of his release. I rode out the rest of my orgasm in wave after wave of pleasure, mated as one perfect union. When we were both spent, he lay pressed against me, our hearts beating as one.
It wasn’t soon after that, Emmie woke up. Emmett sighed, “As much as I want to lie here all day, my priority is calling.”
He stood up, his cock still glistening from our lovemaking and pulled on a pair of sweats before he picked up Emmie. His attention was fully on her as he placed her against his shoulder. “Hey, there. You ready for lunch?” he asked, looking down at the smiling baby in his arms.
Once again, my hormones skyrocketed at the sight of this man, and I reflected in cozy fulfillment of our lovemaking just moments before. I sighed and lay back on the pillows, totally satiated.
After Emmett left for the kitchen I got out of bed and got dressed. He was feeding her on the couch when I walked in. God, he was stunning, even feeding a baby.