Her Turn

by Allison Jones

  “Addie? Is that you?” I look up and find myself greeted by a familiar face: Grayson Malone. The hottest guy in high school. He was popular, smart—the whole package. Every girl in school wanted to be on his arm. But since I wasn’t in his social circle, I hardly thought he noticed me. Ladies, let me tell you that he looks even better now. His fitted designer suit hugs his muscular build, while his jet-black hair begs to be tussled. He smiles at me. Jameson clears his throat.

  “Umm, yeah, it’s me.” I giggle like a high school girl and am instantly reminded why it’s no wonder guys aren’t banging down my door. Real smooth. My liquid courage is dwindling.

  “You probably don’t remember me. It’s Grayson Malone—from high school.” He smiles. It’s genuine and kind. I pause. Holy shit! He is talking to me, looking at me. Me, people! I. Can’t. Even. Okay, so I gather my wits and try to tackle the situation at hand. I need to get my shit together—fast.

  “Of course, I remember you.” I get up from my seat and embrace him. He’s yummy. His arms feel strong as he draws me close to his body. “Do you live here in Boston?”

  “No, I’m here on business. I live in New York.” His eyes roam my face as he releases me, and I feel a little giddy with the attention.

  “Oh, me too! I mean, I’m here on business, and I live in New York, too.” I’m trying to be cool, but my nerves mixed with alcohol are a recipe for one hot mess.

  “I heard about your book,” he says sheepishly. It’s adorable. “I read it. It was amazing. My sister will be so jealous when I tell her that I saw you. She loved your book, too. I think she’s planning to go to one of your signings in New York.” He pauses, then says, “I would love to get together. Can I have your number?” He looks at me with a boyish shyness that just makes him even more delicious.

  Flustered, I’m stunned into silence. When I realize that he’s waiting for an answer, I quickly hand him my phone, and he enters his information. Our fingers touch when he returns it. I send him a text, and he grins at me. My face hurts from smiling. He hugs me goodbye. And yes, I sniff him. Sue me. He smells woodsy and spicy. Once he releases me, he gives me one last grin and walks back to his table. I continue to stand there like an idiot until Jameson’s irked voice brings me back to the current reality show going down at our table.

  Let me pause this scene for a moment and explain the shitshow that has been my dating history. I told you earlier that I would, and I think this is the best place to keep my promise. My first date was in college. Seriously. Nobody was interested in a quirky girl who always had her nose in a book or writing in journals or who was the main caregiver for her brother with special needs. Carl asked me out during my freshman year of college. He was nice, predictable, and very boring. I lost my virginity to him because I felt like it was the right thing to do. It was something I felt the need to get done. Like it was an errand on my to-do list. Let me be clear if I could leave a Yelp review for that sexual encounter, my lady parts would have given him a one-star rating. We dated for a few months, and then he broke up with me. His reason? I was boring. Yep, his words. Mind you, this guy organized his pens by color and would lose his shit if they were out of place. I guess we just have different ideas about what constitutes a boring personality. Whatever.

  There were others, but most were assholes who were put off by Owen. One called him “retarded,” which is grounds for murder in my book. Never use that word. It’s unacceptable. Owen and I come as a package deal. There is no room for anyone who isn’t willing to open their hearts to both of us.

  Then there was the Tinder period, insistently prompted by Nina. The whole thing was a disaster, and I decided to take Dora the Explorer’s advice when she admonishes, “Swiper, no swiping.” So, I’ve been living the life of a nun. A stern voice interrupts my trip down memory lane.

  “You know, you didn’t even introduce us to your friend.” Jameson’s voice is strained with irritation. I roll my eyes. He emphasizes the word “friend” like it’s something sordid.

  “I’m sorry. It was all so random. I simply got caught up in seeing him again.” I smile. My lady parts are jazzed, but I noticed they were more subdued than they are when Jameson hugs me or kisses me. Instead of the “Hallelujah” chorus, they were chanting more of a “We will, we will rock you!” It’s like lady parts karaoke. I shrug those thoughts away.

  Jameson is glaring at me. Ignoring him, I look over at Owen, who is very invested in his meal, and my father, who looks as if he’s having his last meal before his execution. You know, the typical family gathering served with a whopping side of dysfunction.

  I sit back down and sigh. I realize that Jameson is staring at me.

  “What?” I ask, my tone slightly clipped.

  “Did you date him?”

  “Umm, no. He’s just a guy from high school,” I tell him.

  “Will you go out with him if he calls?” he inquires.

  “Jesus, are you writing a book? What’s with the inquisition?” I pause. “Wait a minute. Are you jelly?” I smirk at him.

  “What’s with the teeny-bopper ‘jelly’? The word is jealous, and no, don’t be ridiculous. I just need to know. Once you’re in the public eye, everything changes. Your life is no longer private. You have an image that I need to preserve.”

  “Well, he probably won’t even call.” I shrug. “Even if he does, it won’t be your business.” I focus on my food. I can’t shake the feeling that the more good things keep happening to me, the harder the other shoe will drop. It leaves me feeling unsettled.

  Jameson

  What. The. Actual. Fuck. We are seated at the table. Owen is chattering away at his emotionless father while I try to stay composed and keep myself from punching the asshole. Meanwhile, this pretty boy comes strolling along. I see his gaze roaming over Addie’s body. I don’t hear much of their conversation, but I know that Addie is giggly and nervous. He keeps touching her. It’s hard to concentrate with my fists clenched and my jaw tight. I refocus my attention on Owen, who keeps trying to draw his father into the conversation. I notice that Owen looks uncharacteristically disappointed. Seemingly frustrated that he isn’t getting any response from his father, he gives up and focuses more on the meal in front of him. How anyone could fail to be enamored by him is beyond me. This sweet human being is just happy being here. Everything brings him joy.

  Since seeing Owen unhappy makes me uncomfortable, I decide to engage him on topics I know he likes to talk about, like his favorite shows, girls, and sports. They happen to be my favorite topics, as well. He chatters on, and I watch as Richard gazes at his phone. Thinking that I’m not watching, he texts a few times, and I notice his face goes pale. If I could get a hold of his phone, maybe I could find out who’s making him squirm.

  Between Addie hugging that douchebag, Owen being ignored by his father, and Dick getting distracted by his phone, I think that I might explode. This dinner has been a disaster. I am definitely getting a background check done on this Grayson character. What?! It’s part of my job to make sure that my client is surrounded by honest individuals who won’t take advantage of her, including potential “boyfriends.” You don’t believe me? That’s fine. I’m just doing what I’m paid to do. What? You think I’m lying to myself? Well, denial is my best friend at this point.

  Addie

  Jameson is seething, and I am loving every moment. Every. Single. Moment. I turn my attention to my father and Owen. After barely uttering a word, even with Owen jabbering on and on about everything under the sun, my father does something I prayed he wouldn’t do. He asks for time alone with Owen. Owen’s face lights up, and my heart is breaking. This is just a chess game to my father, and my sweet brother is simply a pawn.

  “Jameson, can you take Owen to the car? I need a moment with my father.”

  “Sure. No problem. Come on, Owen. Let’s plan what we’re doing on the last day of our Boston adventure.”

&
nbsp; “Okay, boss!” He laughs. He has been calling Jameson “boss” ever since he heard me say it. Of course, mine is laced with sarcasm. He turns to my father and hugs him. Owen gives the best hugs. Love simply radiates through him. My father stiffens and lightly pats him on the back. Like he’s some sort of pet. His discomfort is palpable. Jameson and Owen head to the car, and I turn back to my father after assuring myself that Owen is out of earshot.

  “Why would you want to spend time alone with him? You barely talked to him tonight. When he hugged you, you treated him like he had some sort of disease. I’m not going to stand by and watch him get hurt if you aren’t all in.”

  “You can sit and judge me all day, Addie, but the reality is that I am his father. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. You let me get to know him, or I take you to court. The media circus will just bring more unwanted attention to Owen. Your choice.” His eyes darken.

  “Well, here is your choice. You can spend time with him, but these outings are supervised. I’m only doing this because I feel that Owen does deserve to know you. But make no mistake, he picks up on bullshit.”

  He smirks at me and leans toward me. The strong smell of liquor makes me gag. “Or perhaps you want to make this easy and write me a check to keep me away from him. I’ll be in touch. Have a good night, Addie.” With that, he gets up, turns, and walks away, leaving me standing there, wishing I had never written this fucking book.

  Jameson

  I hated leaving Addie to contend with her father, but Owen didn’t need to be a part of that. While we wait in the car, we plan our next outing.

  “Can we go to Boston Harbor? I want to see where they dumped the tea.” He beams at me. My heart constricts.

  “You know there isn’t actual tea in there anymore, right?”

  “Duh! I have Down syndrome, but that makes me special, not stupid.” He laughs at me.

  “Sure, we can do that and anything else you want. Did you like spending time with your dad?” Again, I’m asking questions to which I would rather not know the answer. I’m a fast forgetter.

  “He doesn’t talk much. Sometimes I don’t think he likes me, but he doesn’t know me very well, so maybe he’ll like me later.” He’s still smiling. He’s hopeful, and it makes me hate his father even more.

  “I’m sure he likes you, Owen. How could anyone not?” I grin at him. The door to the car opens, and Addie climbs in with a smile plastered on her face. It’s forced and doesn’t reach her eyes.

  “Addie, what did he say? Am I doing something with him?” His eyes are hopeful.

  “He is going to give me a call tomorrow to plan some time with you. We can all go together. Whatever you want to do. I hate to miss the last day with you and, well, I think it would be a fun f-family outing.” Addie stumbles on the word “family.”

  “Okay. I want to go to Boston Harbor, and Jameson is going too. Do you think our dad likes history like me? I wonder if that’s something we have in common.”

  “I don’t know, but you can ask him tomorrow.” She exhales like she’s been holding her breath.

  I do what feels natural. I reach for her hand and squeeze it. This time, she doesn’t let go. She gazes out the window.

  When we get to the suite, Owen gets ready to watch Grease for what seems like the millionth time, and Addie goes out onto the balcony. The inner war continues, but again, I do what feels natural, and I follow her. She’s pensive and doesn’t hear my approach. I sit next to her on the plush sectional overlooking the shimmering lights of the city.

  “He wants to spend time with Owen alone. I told him that it would have to be supervised. My gut tells me something is off about this whole situation.” She turns and looks at me. “He couldn’t even have a conversation with Owen, yet he is threatening to take him away. Owen is the only person that I have left. He implied that money would make him go away. But for how long? I know that if I start paying him, it will be another endless cycle. I already got trapped in that with Matthew and Dorothy. I don’t want to repeat my mistake. Sometimes I feel like people only want me for the money. Never just me.” Tears pools in her eyes.

  I sit there, thoughtfully listening but not sure what to say. This is new territory, and I’m navigating it like a drunken sailor.

  “I can’t tell you what to do, but just know that I’m looking into it from all angles. I agree with you about the timing, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure Owen stays with you, where he belongs.

  “You know how he wants to go to Boston Harbor? Well, I reminded him that there’s no longer any tea in it, and he basically called me a dumb-ass.” She laughs, and I feel the constriction in my chest ease.

  “Well, Owen isn’t known for his filter. That sounds good. I need a little decompression, and an outing with him always helps me stay in the moment.” She gives me a slight smile. “Thanks for being so supportive. I know I’m just a client, but I feel safe with you.”

  Before I can correct her, before I can tell her that I feel like there is more to this relationship, her phone buzzes. She peers at the screen, and her face lights up. I look down and see it’s Grayson. My jaw clenches. “Good night, Addie.”

  “Good night, Jameson.” She doesn’t look up at me. I go to my room, knowing that sleep will elude me.

  Jameson

  I spend the night tossing and turning. Unsettled, I put in a phone call to get the background check on Grayson going. I hope I find something. Of course, I’m the asshole who wants Grayson to be exposed as the bad guy so that I can look like the white knight. Then there’s the part of me that just wants her to be happy, even though I can’t be the right kind of guy for her. She needs someone good enough—the type of man who will commit to her. The kind of man who doesn’t have his demons. I can’t be hers.

  I shower, then put on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. I hope that I can get a little work done today before taking Owen to Boston Harbor. I venture into the living room, where I find Owen doing his best imitation of Danny Zuko while Addie assumes the role of Sandy. Both are giggling. They are truly in their element. I take a moment to watch them together. Their love for each other is consuming. Owen catches me watching them.

  “Jameson, you can be Danny if you want to. He gets the hot chick!” He laughs and Addie scowls at him.

  “Owen, remember we don’t refer to women as hot. Try beautiful or pretty,” she reminds him. It is a losing battle.

  “No thanks. I just want to see some hot girls. Am I right?” He looks at me, wiggling his eyebrows. I can’t help but laugh. Addie glares at the two of us and mutters, “Pigs,” as she goes back into her room.

  We head out to Boston Harbor, where we’re meeting Addie’s father, Dick. Addie reached out to him earlier since he never called. She only contacted him because she couldn’t stand the thought that Owen would be disappointed. Owen was, of course, thrilled at the prospect of seeing his father again today. I purposely greet him as Dick, even though he has repeatedly told me he prefers to be called Richard. Yeah… that’s not going to happen. Addie is quiet. She’s cautiously observant of the exchanges between Owen and Dick. Dick keeps looking at his phone. He appears nervous and suddenly announces his departure.

  “Something’s come up,” he announces. Fortunately, I have a tail on him, so maybe I can get more information about his angle. Well, hell—I know his angle; it’s money, but I need to get the proof. He leaves without so much as a goodbye to Owen, who is visibly crestfallen, and I can feel Addie seething.

  “What the actual fuck was that?” she whispers to me. “He threatens me, then does a 180 by agreeing to a supervised outing, and then leaves after less than ten minutes.”

  “I’ve got one of my guys following him, so hopefully we’ll get more information soon. Let’s enjoy our last day here. Owen deserves that.”

  She pops a chocolate in her mouth. “I wish I had a Xanax.”

&nbs
p; We stop for lunch at a nearby food truck and feast on lobster rolls. My phone rings, and I step away to take it. Thank God it’s Grady.

  “Did you get anything for me?” If I were one to pray, I would have sent a request to the big guy upstairs.

  “Well, here’s what’s interesting. Once Richard left you, he headed to a nearby motel. Fifteen minutes later, he left with an envelope and guess who followed him out a few seconds after that? Dorothy. They ended up at a diner. I followed him to a casino, and he used the cash from the envelope to gamble. So, it’s confirmed that she is giving him money.”

  “Well, I’m not surprised about a money exchange, except that Dorothy is broke, so we need to know who the source is in this scenario. Keep me posted.” We disconnect. I head back over to the table, where Owen is laughing and Addie is rolling her eyes.

  “Jameson, Addie is cramping my style as a chick magnet. Can we leave her and look for hot girls? You can be my wingman.” He grins at me. Addie laughs, and I fist-bump Owen.

  “Fine, you all troll for the ladies, and I’ll head back to the hotel.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone with a camera pointed at Addie and Owen. It’s probably paparazzi now that Addie is in the public eye, but I can’t be too safe. Wanting to protect them, I nonchalantly move to block the person’s view and suggest we all go back together.