by Alison Mello
“No, ARAGORN!” I scream, running toward the impending encounter with earnest. My dog falters, looking over to see me before he shrinks back and onto his stomach as I near him. I grab his collar, sinking my fingers into his warm fur as I look up at Stephanie to see horror in her eyes. “Good boy,” I whisper in his ear. Aragorn immediately steps out of his submissive form and lifts his head to look up at the “threat.”
“Your dog is loco,” Stephanie hisses. I wonder why she’s here…I see a small white and brown Chihuahua in her arms and I arch an eyebrow. Since when did they have a rat dog?
Stephanie pets her dog, quickly talking to it, and I almost laugh at how picturesque this moment is. Very Legally Blonde.
“I’m sorry. He must have mistaken your…dog as a squirrel. Or a rat.” I shrug my shoulders, clinging to my dog as I speak to her.
She’s not going to make any crude remarks, not with Aragorn nearly baring his teeth right in front of her.
Stephanie looks offended before she narrows her eyes at me, shaking her head. “You better watch it, piggy.”
Her nickname for me shakes me to the core, causing me to flinch backward. Aragorn growls as Stephanie walks away. I look down at my dog, blinking away tears. “Let’s go,” I whisper, walking back toward my car.
I open the door of the Chevy Traverse, allowing Aragorn to hop into the back before I shut the door and get into the driver’s seat. I start the car, roll down the windows, and then let out a painful sob, dropping my head down against the steering wheel.
My dog whimpers from the back but I ignore him, crying out all the pain that is carried with the name “piggy.”
She has no morals. That has to be the reason she is so cold…so callous. Does she not care how her words affect people? That every time, a dark thought crosses my mind?
It’d be easier to end it.
I cry and cry, burying my face into my hands. I need to learn to not let her words affect me, but it’s more than the words. It’s the memories. The scars.
My phone vibrates and I pick it up, placing it to my ear. “Hi, Pop.” I let out a shaky breath and brush my tears away.
“Hi, Mama,” I whisper, leaning back against my seat.
“What’s wrong, baby?” she asks, her voice sad. I look up through the sunroof at the long branches that are reaching over my car. They resemble an old lady’s fingers, all crooked and bent.
“I don’t know how much more I can take. The pain…my heart can’t do it.” I lick my lips, feeling a warm, soft material brush against my arm. I lift my arm to allow Aragorn to step into the front, sitting half on the passenger seat and half on my lap. He licks my chin twice before he drops his head on my thigh and sighs.
“Oh, honey. You just need to hold on. You said that something is going on with Reid? Perhaps you should go visit him. He’ll help you,” my mom suggests. Who I really want to see is my mom.
But she no longer lives in Illinois. She moved across the country for some job, living in paradise. Coronado, California.
Our phone calls just aren’t enough.
“Yeah. You’re right. I love you, Mama,” I say.
“I love you too, baby.”
Hanging up the call, I put my car in reverse and back out. Aragorn lifts from my lap and sits in the passenger seat, his head out the window as I drive to Reid’s apartment.
***
“Sorry for just showing up…” I whisper, looking up at Reid. His eyes are droopy and he has patterns on his face, signifying that he has just woken up…from a nap, I’m hoping. It’s three in the afternoon.
“Are you kidding? You’re always welcome.” Reid opens his door wide, allowing Aragorn to saunter in, me following behind him. Reid wraps me up in a hug and I let out a sigh of contentment.
Reid leads me toward his living room, where he pushes me to sit on the couch, and heads back to the kitchen. After a few minutes, he’s carrying a cup of steaming hot tea. My mouth waters as I take it from his offering hands and carefully sip the mint tea.
“Thank you,” I whisper, holding it close. Reid sits beside me and Aragorn curls into a ball at my feet.
“Why were you crying?” Reid asks, reaching over to brush his thumb across my cheek, probably rubbing away my tear tracks.
I shrug my shoulders and drink more of the tea, feeling my body already starting to relax.
Because of the tea or Reid, I’m not sure.
I look at him, seeing his eyes focused on me. He raises his eyebrows, patiently awaiting my answer. He’s not going to let it go.
“It’s stupid, really. Just something Stephanie said.” A glare makes an appearance on his face and I bite the inside of my cheek to await any anger that might follow. But he doesn’t say or do anything. He just leans into the couch and watches me.
“She can’t hurt you, Poppy. I won’t let her. Do you want me to go speak to her? I will.”
I shake my head quickly. No. That will just make it worse. She’ll then make fun of me for not being able to stick up for myself, that I have to hide behind a dog and a man. It will be endless for about three months, with her constantly bringing it up. She will search me out to embarrass me. She will come to my work and tell my co-workers rumors. She’ll just make it worse.
“Leave it alone, Reid,” I say.
Reid leans over and places his hand on the back of my neck, his thumb cupping my jaw as he stares intensely into my eyes. “I can’t. The thought of you crying, Poppy…Stephanie needs to be put in her place.” I couldn’t agree more, but that’s not going to happen. She has my father’s love and is spoiled rotten by Diane. She doesn’t have a clue about punishment. Nothing will stop her.
“Please,” I plead, staring right back at him. Reid’s lips dip into a frown, his eyebrows falling as he shakes his head slowly. I can see how hard this is on him. I wish I didn’t have to bring this upon him. I wish I had left him out of it.
Reid takes my tea and sets it on the table behind him. He then uses the hand behind my neck to pull me toward him. I rest my head on his chest, my arms loosely wound around his waist as he holds me to him. He soothes my hair, massaging my scalp.
Crazy how a man can be so gentle and loving when there are men like Gavin out there, who are cruel and bruising.
“If she approaches you when you’re with me, I am saying something, Poppy. I can’t stand idle. I’ll always protect you, no matter who it is.”
***
It seems to me that “always” is going to be cut short.
The following day, Reid walks into my Starbucks, his pace slow as he heads toward the cash registers. He stares into my eyes and shakes his head, a frown marring his face.
My heart squeezes tightly, making me take a step back. “Megan, cover my position.” I don’t wait to hear her response as I run around the bar and right into Reid’s arms. He clings to me, his nose buried into my hair as I sniffle.
“We have about eight months, Poppy,” Reid whispers into my ear, his hand running over my ponytail before he twirls my hair around his hand, clinging to it in desperation.
Eight months until Reid will be deployed and won’t return for a whole year.
Chapter 8
Her Opinion
Reid
May 29, 2016
“Where’s Poppy?” Talen asks, sitting across the table from me. He leans back in the booth, holding a pitcher of beer in his right hand as he casually drinks it. Rachel sits beside him, a look of anxiety upon her features. She sips her margarita…no, she practically gulps it down.
We are currently at Outback Steakhouse, sitting about twenty feet away from the bar in a comfortable booth. I face the front entrance, waiting patiently for Poppy to make her appearance.
People from the bar get rowdy, screaming at the TV because of some play from the current baseball game. I personally can’t be bothered with the game at the moment. Neither can Talen or Rachel, drinking away their wits and nerves.
I watch them, my lips twitching.
What
exactly are they expecting? A hail of fire? A rampage?
Poppy steps into the restaurant, dressed in black skinny jeans with black knee-high boots and a simple maroon blouse. Her hair is falling out of its side bun as she scans the area before her hazel eyes land on us. I raise my hand and wave her over. A small smile makes its way across her face as she hurries over and greets Rachel and Talen.
When she slides beside me, I rest my arm behind her on the booth, casually resting my hand on her shoulder. “How was work?” I ask, my voice loud to speak over all the noise in the restaurant.
Poppy shrugs her shoulders and opens the menu. That topic is officially over. I watch as she gazes it over until a hand is suddenly sprawled across her menu.
“I have always enjoyed the New York Strip.” Rachel points dramatically at the food choice, waving around her ring finger.
“Oh my God,” Poppy whispers, releasing the menu to lift her head up, staring at her best friend. Then she looks at Talen. “Oh my God.” She snatches Rachel’s hand and examines the ring, letting out a soft gasp. “Oh, Rachel. I’m so happy for you guys.” Poppy slides out of the booth to give Rachel a bone-crushing hug before returning to her spot beside me.
Poppy glances at me, her eyebrows raised in confusion. “Talen asked for my permission…I’m sorry, but I’ve known for a while.” Poppy pouts and I almost let out a curse at how completely adorable she is. I let my eyes wander to her puffed-out lip, wanting to kiss it.
“Have you set a date?” Poppy asks, turning away from me, obstructing my view of her lips.
“We want to have the wedding before Reid leaves. It’ll have to be in seven months…December 12th,” Talen answers, taking another swig of his beer before he nudges Rachel’s shoulder. Rachel glares at him, mouthing a few words until she looks Poppy in the eyes.
“Reid is Talen’s best man…Poppy, it would mean the world to me to have you as my maid of honor.”
Poppy’s jaw nearly drops to the table as she stares at her best friend, the woman who is practically her sister. Rachel is already crying and the sniffles sounding from Poppy signify that she has followed suit. The two girls cry as they again embrace each other.
I share a glance with Talen, who is already staring at me with a “so, what’s going on?” look on his face. I raise my eyebrows, smile, but decide not to answer. Because I’m not even sure what the answer is.
I’m just glad to be spending time with Poppy, glad that she hasn’t gotten annoyed and bidden me farewell.
The girls talk the rest of the evening while Talen and I watch, completely content with just gazing upon the loves of our lives.
***
“Mom and Dad called,” Rachel says, sitting across from me. I grab the latte she has supplied me, leaning back against the booth as I watch her sip her hot coffee. She twirls her ring around her finger, nibbling on her bottom lip as she does so.
“Rach…”
Rachel snaps out of her daze and clears her throat. “I told them there was news we both had to share. I mean…you have two things to share.” I arch an eyebrow. What do I possibly have to share, other than the fact I’m going into the Army? “Finally getting the girl.”
I break out into laughter, throwing my head back as I attract attention from everyone in Poppy’s Starbucks. But I don’t mind. What Rachel has said couldn’t be more spot on. My parents have known about my crush on Poppy since before I fully acknowledged it. They will be pleased to hear that Poppy has agreed to go steady with me.
“You’re being disruptive.” Her small whisper of a voice causes my heart to leap into overdrive. I look up to see Poppy standing in front of us, wearing her bright green apron with her hands on her hips. She’s trying to pull off a scowl, but her sweet smile is shining through.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. We promise to behave,” I whisper back. Poppy shakes her head and sits down beside Rachel, keeping her eyes on me as her cheeks flare red. She doesn’t enjoy being scrutinized. And it seems, ever since I told her that I see her, she has become greatly aware of how often I watch her.
Every. Single. Chance. I. Get.
“How’s work? Are they listening to you?” Rachel asks. Poppy loses her smile and suddenly, I watch her shrink back into her shell. I refuse to allow the disappointment to show on my face.
Poppy shrugs her shoulders in answer, grabbing Rachel’s coffee to take a quick sip. She grimaces at the flavor, which is all sweet with cream. Poppy likes mint tea, or coffee with little sugar.
I hand her my latte, which she seems to favor. A few moments later, it seems my drink has found a new home within her grasp.
Poppy’s eyes are downcast, gazing at the pattern in the wooden tables, tracing them. Her hair would be a curtain, obstructing our view, if it wasn’t in a high ponytail.
I’m glad that Poppy has been promoted to a shift…that her boss sees what she is truly made of. However, I’m a little fed up with the fact that people aren’t listening to her. She has been given this position for a reason, and it’s mandatory that the baristas listen to her.
Poppy gives me back my drink and leaves the table without another word, heading back to the bar.
Getting up, I march over to the register, where I lean over the counter. A barista with the name “Megan” written on her name tag with curly cues comes to take my order. “I’ll wait for Poppy,” I say, putting on a nice smile, though I truly want to give this girl a piece of my mind.
Poppy walks over, a confused look on her face as she stands before me, the counter in between us.
“My parents are coming in. I want you to come with me when we share Rachel’s news,” I invite. Poppy nods her head quickly, as I knew she would. She adores my parents. “Also, I need your opinion. Do you think it would be better to throw the party at my apartment? Or perhaps we should rent out a venue?”
Poppy’s eyes widen before she shakes her head and takes a step back. She looks lost and flustered, not wanting to give her opinion with the chance of it not being favored. I know Poppy, I know this is what she’s thinking.
But her opinion will always be favored with me.
I lean across the counter again and grab her hand, holding it softly within my grasp. “Poppy, I value your opinion. Please, help me with this.”
I know her answer. Poppy isn’t into extravagant outings. She’d rather have an intimate gathering at my apartment.
Poppy squeezes my fingers, as if for support as she glances around at her co-workers, who are watching our exchange with great interest. I squeeze her fingers back in encouragement.
“Your apartment,” she finally says. I smile and lift her hand up to place a kiss to the back of it.
“Thank you, sweetheart. Enjoy the rest of your shift.” I send her a wink before I turn and head back to Rachel. She has a knowing smile on her face as I take my spot back at the booth.
“You’re the best man for her, Reid. You’ll never hurt her,” Rachel says, looking at me over the rim of her coffee.
I shake my head and watch Poppy as she gives quiet orders. I’m pleased to see her co-workers listening as they assume their positions and begin cleaning the equipment. Poppy glances over at me, a harsh blush upon her cheeks as she mouths, “thank you.” I smirk back at her. “Never. And no one else will either. Not while I’m around.”
Chapter 9
The Game of Life
Poppy
June 3, 2016
I look up at the sign that hangs above the doorway in bold letters. Charlotte Russe stands before me with Rachel on my left.
“Let me get this straight. You’re shopping,” Rachel whispers, hooking her arm through mine as she walks me into the store.
I nod my head. “Yes.”
“I mean, not just shopping. But dress shopping.” I look over at Rachel, arching an eyebrow.
“Is there a problem with that?” I ask her. Rachel lets out a laugh, stopping us in front of a rack with a few dresses.
Rachel shuffles through them, shrugging her shoulde
rs as she grabs a few. “Poppy Evans is the owner of two dresses. Just wondering what brought this on.”
I bite my bottom lip to keep myself from smiling as I help find a dress that will suit me. “I just want to look nice for tomorrow. We’re celebrating your engagement. It calls for a new, nice dress,” I answer.
I wasn’t going to admit it to Rachel that it also has to do with the fact that tomorrow I’m seeing Reid. I want to look beautiful. I want to feel beautiful.
Rachel shows me a few options of the dresses she’s found, but they’re either too busy, too short, or too tight. She vetoed all my dresses too, saying that the yellow would clash with my hazel eyes or the bow on the waist looked too…much.
“Reid will never hurt you,” Rachel says suddenly. I look over the rack to see her head bowed as she slides the clothes down, peeking at every item before dismissing it. “You’d be the one to hurt him, if anything.”
“I’d never…”
“I know,” Rachel says, lifting her head so our eyes meet. “That’s what I’m saying. Reid…there is no one better for you. And I trust him completely to take care of you. What I’m saying, Poppy, is don’t be afraid to give your heart to him. You’re only going to find happiness with my brother.”
I know Rachel is right. I know Reid is never going to hurt me. Not like Gavin. Or Stephanie. He cares for me in a way I never thought possible. I am blessed to have him in my life. And I do trust Reid. I just want to be everything he deserves. I fear he’ll lose interest but never say anything because he’s too good of a man.
But I also know that I need to just trust Reid completely. Trust that he knows what he wants and trust that he won’t break my heart.
I grab the next dress I see and immediately fall in love. However, I must ask Rachel for her opinion.