Her Turn

by Allison Jones

  The silence lingers, and then she quietly adds, “I don’t want him to get hurt. I know that I have to be exposed to the media, but he didn’t sign up for this.”

  “Let me get my friend on this, and I will deal with the media. Owen is lucky to have you, Addie.” I mean it. She loves him fiercely, and it just makes her even more perilous to my heart.

  “No, I am the lucky one, Jameson. Before he was born, I was invisible to my parents. My mother was too busy perfecting her image while my father was always distracted. But Owen came into this world and gave me hope. He saw ME. He saved me and gave value to my life. He needed me, and in turn, I need him. He loves me unconditionally, and in my family, that is like winning the lottery. He is truly the only person on this Earth who accepts me for me and vice versa. We are a team, and I don’t want to let him down.”

  “You aren’t letting him down, Addie. I promise you that I will help you protect him. The kind of love you have for him is rare and pure.”

  “Jameson, that was probably the kindest thing you’ve ever said to me. Thank you for helping me with this. I feel better talking to you.” I can hear her smile through the phone. For a brief moment, I feel my shield cracking, but then I remember the pain of feeling and I shut down.

  “Don’t get used to it. I’ll be in touch. Good night, Addie.” My voice is gruff.

  “I won’t. I’m sure it was hard for you to say. Good night, Jameson.” Her voice drips with sadness.

  And with that, she hangs up. She continues to surprise me, while I continue my streak as a grade-A asshole.

  Addie

  I look at my phone as if it were an alien. The conversation with Jameson was unsettling. The fact that he was seemingly supportive and wants to prevent any harm to Owen should have made me feel better. Instead, I am confused. I didn’t peg him as someone who would be moved by another person’s circumstances. The whole situation is baffling.

  I reluctantly go into my bedroom, throw the clothes that litter the bed onto the floor, and lie down. With no energy to spare, I fall asleep immediately. I wake up to sunlight—and the chilling sensation that someone is watching me- my skin prickles. I scream and arm myself with my very dangerous pillow. Adrenaline pumps through my veins as I pummel the unwelcome guest repeatedly. At some point, I recognize a voice that could only belong to Jameson. Shit.

  “What the fuck, Addie?” he shouts as he fends off my feathery assault weapon.

  “Um, well, you know, I thought you were an intruder. And by the way, how the hell did you get into my apartment?”

  “Well, when you didn’t answer the phone or the intercom after several attempts, I called Owen, and he let me in. He finally gave me the password. Also, he likes doughnuts, so that helped. Anyway, it’s after nine, and we’re late for our meeting. I thought something happened to you.” His voice is laced with worry.

  “Oh, that is so sweet! That, you know, you were distressed over my well-being. Okay, well, I’m ready to go. Sorry about the misunderstanding. Wait. How did you get Owen’s number?” I pause, looking at him for the answer.

  “Nina, of course, was kind enough to give me his number. So, let’s reevaluate this situation. First of all, you are not ready to go. I saw you in that outfit yesterday, so there needs to be a shower in your immediate future. Also, you’re my client, so I’m always concerned about your well-being.”

  “Right. Client. Got it. Okay, so I’ll jump in the shower, and then we can get going. Sorry about the pillow bashing, not answering my phone, and the litany of other charges that I am guilty of doing. I’ll try to be your star client from now on.” My clipped tone drips sarcasm with a hint of hurt, and I mock salute him.

  I gather my things and slam the bathroom door in his face. The maturity level today is at level zero.

  Jameson

  The ride to Nina’s office is overcrowded with layered silence. As we ride the elevator to Nina’s office, I break the tension by asking about Nina’s relationship with Owen.

  “We do brunch together most Sundays. He thinks Nina is his girlfriend.” A grin spreads across her face that melts a bit of my frozen heart.

  As the doors to the elevator open, her phone rings.

  “Sorry, I have to get this. It’s Owen. He doesn’t usually call while he’s working.”

  I nod, but I am reluctant to move from her side. After a brief, hushed exchange, she ends the call, and a smile tugs at her lips; tears are pooling in her eyes.

  “Owen just saw his picture in the paper. He isn’t upset. He says that customers want his autograph. Gosh, I had hoped to keep him private—not because I’m ashamed of him, but because I know how cruel the outside world can be to someone different. I’m so glad he’s taking this well.” She avoids my eyes. At a loss for words—seemingly my constant state of being in her presence, I simply nudge her toward Nina’s door.

  As we spend the next hour hashing out the book tour, I find myself lost in thought. I’m so captivated by this woman. It isn’t about her looks, although she’s gorgeous even with her peanut butter stains and her lack of fashion sense. It is her inner beauty that radiates. It’s what translates in her book, which is why the entire world is just as awestruck as I am.

  “Hello…Jameson. Are you even listening?” Nina’s voice interrupts my thoughts.

  “Yes, of course, I am.” Jesus, I need to get my shit together.

  Nina smirks and rolls her eyes.

  “Alright then, we’re all set. You’ll leave on Monday and head to LA. All the arrangements have been made. Get excited, Addie! This is going to be amazing.” Nina was probably a cheerleader in high school.

  Addie utters a weak “yay” with an added raise-the-roof hand gesture.

  “Now that we have the tour settled,” I say, “let’s chat about your father. His resurfacing might be disconcerting, but we can control the narrative. Do a few interviews so that your side can be noted.” I’m treading lightly because I’m not sure how she’ll take the idea.

  “Fuck. No. I will not be commenting on my loser father and the mess he left behind. It’s no one’s business.” Her face is flushed with anger, a reaction that doesn’t surprise me in the least.

  I hold up my hands in surrender and say, “Okay. For now, we’ll do it your way; but if things escalate, we need to stay ahead of it. The story will be shared by other parties, so it’s important that your side is on the record.”

  She nods in agreement, but I know there will be a fight about it later.

  Addie

  The week was hectic between the multitude of appearances and the hassle of trying to pack for LA. Of course, George made several visits to my apartment to help me get my shit together: you know, scoffing at my choice of luggage, judging my collection of vintage T-shirts and yoga pants. Speaking of luggage, he’s probably jealous. Hello Kitty is adorable, and I have never lost my luggage on that ridiculous carousel. While other people are panicking trying to find theirs, mine screams, “Here I am, Addie!” He snickers at me when I slyly try to insert some of my comfort clothes into the mix. While I think that my actions aren’t being observed, he’s quickly unpacking them and throwing them on the floor.

  Owen is all smiles because he gets to stay with our friend and neighbor, Emily. Emily is my stand-in when I’m gone for longer than a few hours. She’s great with him, and I’m grateful to have someone who I trust to help me out when I need it.

  “Owen, are you going to be okay with me being gone for five days? I mean, this is the longest we’ve been apart.”

  “I am a man now, so you don’t need to baby me. Bye.” He goes back to looking at the current YouTube video that he’s obsessed with and ignores my existence. Typical.

  “Aren’t you going to miss me?” I sound like I’m begging.

  “I will miss you, Addie. You will be okay without me.” He gives me a tight hug and lingers. I take him in. This sweet hum
an whom I love so much is the foundation for the good in my life. We let each other go, grinning at one another. I leave, dragging my suitcase behind me, and it makes a clunking sound down four flights of steps. As I step out of the front door, I am mystified by what I find in front of me. Jameson is leaning on a sexy sports car, looking very smug. It’s quite a sight. My ovaries cheer. Bitches.

  “Wait, where’s the town car?” I eye the tiny, black BMW sports car suspiciously.

  “Before I answer your question, please tell me: what kind of fucking luggage is that?” He’s laughing. First of all, why does he have to be so hot while he laughs? Second, why is everyone so invested in my choice of luggage?

  “Jealous? While you’re trying to find your average black bag that matches everyone else’s, I will be waiting on you with my delightfully cheerful suitcase. Now that that’s settled explain this current car situation?” I tap my foot impatiently.

  “I thought I would drive us to the airport. However, since you brought that creepy kitty luggage along, I am currently rethinking my decision.” He keeps laughing. Asshole.

  Annoyed, I stand there and glare at his hotness. Why must this man be attractive 24/7? Does he ever have an ugly moment? Jesus, why must he be so damn perfect? He interrupts my thoughts with his irritatingly deep, sexy voice.

  “Are you thinking again? Come on, Addie. We need to hustle so that we can get to the airport.”

  “Be gentle with my kitty. She’s sensitive.” At that moment, I realize the innuendo. Wishing the ground would swallow me whole, I escape by getting into the car while he bellows in laughter. My mortification is complete.

  The leather smell blends with the manly, spicy aroma radiating off of Jameson as he gets in the car. I suddenly realize that I am making sniffing sounds again.

  “Allergies,” I whisper.

  He nods with a slight smirk. “Tell me about Owen and how you got to be his guardian.” He starts driving.

  “Well, my father left us shortly after Owen was born. I was ten, and honestly, I had never met anyone with Down syndrome. He’s magic. The moment he looked at me, I was smitten. That was it. I was hooked by his natural ability to love without walls. He touches everyone he meets and doesn’t allow his disability to limit him. Anyway, when my mother’s health started to decline, she named me his guardian. It was all I ever wanted, really, and it wasn’t a big change. I have been his advocate and mother-figure for years. It has always been Owen and me against the world.”

  There’s a pause, and I’m not sure whether Jameson is processing what I said or if he wasn’t listening in the first place. “I have my PI trying to locate your dad,” he blurts out. Real smooth, hotshot. I open up to him, and this is what I get back. I sigh, my mind switching gears to a much less pleasant subject. Even though we had talked about involving another party to search for him, I’m still nervous about taking action. I’m fearful about what they might uncover.

  “I could live my whole life never seeing him again,” I say. “I don’t need anyone in my life who doesn’t accept Owen. There is enough of that in society. Who needs family like that? But with that being said, I guess I have to admit that you were right the other day. We need to keep ahead of him, just in case. I mean, I have no what kind of person he is today, and I want to keep Owen safe.”

  The day my father left was the catalyst for my trust issues with men. He came to me with tears in eyes and said, “Addie, sweetheart, I need to leave. Know that this has nothing to do with you, but I simply can’t be with your mother anymore. Give me some time to get settled, and I will come back for you.” I wrapped my arms around the man who had, when he had bothered with me at all, provided the buffer between myself and my prickly mother. He was the only person that I felt cared for me. I fell to my knees as I watched the taillights of his car disappear into the night. That was the last time I saw him. He never came back to get me.

  Jameson jolts me out of my thoughts.

  “I understand. With all of the press about your book, this could get ugly. Do you have any other family that helps you with Owen?

  “I have a cousin, Matthew. But he doesn’t help me with anything. He is all about himself and his shoplifting wife, Dorothy.”

  “They sound like a lovely pair.”

  “They are a delight.” I sarcastically retort. “Matthew can’t even care for himself. It makes it easier that he doesn’t have any dealings with Owen. He doesn’t need people who aren’t consistently there for him. He needs stability, and after his upbringing, I want to be the person who provides that for him.”

  Jameson is silent, and I let the silence linger. Maybe he’s figuring out some way to help keep Owen safe.

  Addie

  I try to act cool, but I’m flying first class, so I’m a little bit like a toddler at a toy store. I might have squealed. The flight attendant hands me a glass of champagne while eye-fucking Jameson. Typical. It has happened all morning. At the ticket counter. At security. He even got pulled aside by a female TSA agent who gave him a good pat down, then called over one of her colleagues, who proceeded to pat him down as well. Their hands lingering on his very tight, taut ass. Lucky bitches.

  I chug my bubbly beverage. So much for looking confident and sophisticated. Jameson’s eyes leave the book in his hand to study me. I’m sure he’s counting the hours until these five days are behind us. Anyway, I am not going to allow his steely personality to rob me of my excitement. I keep thinking of the next trip I’ll take with Owen and how he would be in heaven sitting in these seats.

  “Enjoying yourself?”

  “Yes!” I giggle and then promptly dig in my purse for some

  chocolate.

  “What would happen if there was no chocolate at the bottom of your purse?” he asks, and I gasp.

  “I would panic. Anxiety would overcome me. I might pass out,” I say with a deadpan expression on my face.

  “Really?” His face reflects honest surprise.

  “No, I just wanted to see your reaction. It’s kind of an oral fixation. I need to have something in my mouth. It calms me.” Once the words leave my lips, I silently berate myself. The innuendo hangs there like an annoying gnat. There is nothing I can say to take it back, so I make it worse by saying, “Plus, chocolate is better than sex.” And there, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason that I haven’t dated in eons. I have no filter and easily get flustered. My lady parts sigh in disbelief and ask me to return my woman card.

  He gives me a sideways glance and resumes his reading. This is going to be a long flight to LA, because now I’m thinking about sex, I’m sweating, and I keep popping chocolate like they’re Xanax. And by the way, Nina suggested that I get some Xanax for my anxiety over the launch and tour. She isn’t a pill pusher, but she does understand that I am an extroverted introvert. It’s a thing. Look it up. The gist is that I like people in small doses, but sometimes people ruin it for me. Do you understand? People in large groups is a big fat NO. Unfortunately for me, I am going to experience masses of the human race. It sounds hideous. At that thought, I drift off to sleep. See? The thought of people makes me lose consciousness.

  I am jostled from my slumber by Jameson. It’s then that I realize I had fallen asleep on his shoulder, my hair sticking up in all directions, and I have left a thin residue of slobber on his shirt. Awesome.

  “Enjoy your nap?” His eyes dance with amusement.

  “Yeah, um, sorry I fell asleep on you.” I quickly extricate myself from his shoulder while wiping the drool from my mouth.

  “It’s fine. There will be a car waiting for us once we get our luggage, and then we’ll head over to the hotel. You’ll have a few hours before we head to the party. George has scheduled hair and makeup for two hours before we have to leave.”

  As we make our way to the luggage carousel, a giggle slips from my lips as I navigate to the front to retrieve my Hello Kitty bag. Yes, I get looks
of confusion, judgment, and probably a host of other aspersions, but I stand by smugly with my bag while they sadly continue to wait. I move to the side, waiting on Jameson. Thirty minutes later, we stand at the lost baggage counter, where he fills out a report. I can’t help but be very amused. Luggage lost on a direct flight—a direct flight, people! Seriously. Understandably, he is a tad out of sorts. Being the smart cookie that I am, I zip my lips. It’s a struggle because I had some good material to share. For example, “How do you like my kitty now?” or “My kitty never lets me down”… and then I realize that those sound sexual, so I’d better keep them to myself.

  We make our way to the limo that is waiting for us, and as I am about to express my sincerest condolences, he glares at me and says, “Don’t say a word.” Well, that only makes me want to do it more.

  “All I was going to say was that I could get you a set of Hello Kitty luggage. My treat.” I grin at him.

  He rolls his eyes while gritting his teeth.

  Addie

  L.A. is blanketed in plastic. Not the recycled, saving-the-Earth kind, but the kind where women’s faces lack emotion, and their body parts don’t jiggle in any of the right places. A façade of perfection: perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect clothes. I bet none of them would ever be caught dead in a T-shirt and yoga pants- their loss.

  Anyway, the hotel room is gorgeous. I try to imitate Julia Roberts’ scene in Pretty Woman when she throws herself on the bed and giggles. She did it better. Still, everything is so plush, elegant, and sophisticated. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an amazing view of the bustling city and a bird’s-eye view of the “Hollywood” sign. The linens on the bed, well, let’s just say that they aren’t Target brand. Oh, and the large Jacuzzi tub taking up residence in the bathroom might be my new favorite spot. I can’t believe this is my life. I shiver, a ball of excitement peppered with anxiety. The party is in a few hours, so I decide that I’ll take the time to check in with Owen, and then I’ll have a date with that tub before the team of people arrives to help me get ready. I can’t wait to go to the party with the poster child for grumpiness.