STEALING IT

by Robinson, Rachel

  I don’t even pause to consider the consequences. Marching toward my daughter, my mind is on only one thing. Getting her away. Saving her.

  “Kendall,” I say, breathless. She turns to me with wide eyes. Deer in the headlights.

  “Mom,” she replies. “Uh,” she mumbles. “Can I buy a t-shirt?”

  I clear my throat, looking at the man she’s talking to. He’s tall, broad like his friends, but unlike his friends he has a different air, a more devious aura seeps from his body. Also, he is so much younger. “Introduce me to your friend.”

  The man smiles. My stomach sinks. He extends his hand. “I see where Kendall gets her beauty from.” His tone drips with sarcasm. “I’m Leo Callaway.”

  Leo. Leo. Leo. It connects. Kendall must read it on my face. Or she’s intuitive enough to know she’s in trouble after all of this time. “No,” I say, taking my hand from his. “You can’t buy a t-shirt, Kendall. Go sit at my table next to Jenny right now. I need to talk to Leo.” Kendall doesn’t say a word, she leaves quickly, her heels clicking as she finds her way to Jenny. My breathing quickens. My pulse hammers. I see red. When I’m confident Kendall is safely with Jenny, I meet Leo’s gaze.

  “Looking for your ex-boy toy?” Leo slides in, licking his lips.

  “Excuse me?” I say, furrowing my brow.

  “He decided on something a little younger. Sally?” Leo says, tapping his chin like a condescending asshole. “No, wait.” He snaps. “Polly. That’s it. Polly. He’s probably fucking her in the bathroom again. I can’t believe he tapped your old pussy for so long. We all like them young. Everyone knows that.” His nefarious gaze flits over to Kendall.

  My stomach sinks and my brain does that funny swimming thing that happens before I faint. It’s only happened once before many years ago. I steady myself on the table next to us and take several deep breaths. Leo walks away, cackling under his breath.

  “Is that little asshole bothering you, Mrs. Sager?” a low, southern voice rolls over me.

  “I’m fine,” I say, keeping my face down.

  He clears his throat, so I force myself to acknowledge the voice. It’s Aidan’s friend, Mercer. He smiles a lopsided grin. “Don’t believe anything he says. He’s been fighting with Aidan for months. Rabid. Fucking. Fighting. Are you sure you’re okay ma’am?”

  I’m not okay. “Don’t call me ma’am. Or Mrs. Sager. I’m not married. It’s Magnolia!” I scream, and people turn to gawk at me. “Is he with Polly?” I choke on the name of the girl who came to his house the first night I was there. The memory is hazy because it has been replaced with good things, but it’s funny how much I overlooked at the start. Why? Because his touch felt like magic. Because his words were a salve to my soul. Because I fell in fucking love with the devil himself.

  Mercer looks uneasy. “I’m sorry, Magnolia. I didn’t mean any offense,” he drawls, holding up two palms. “Can I get you anything?”

  “Answer my question,” I growl.

  He glances away toward the table of SEALs, and then back toward me. “I don’t know,” he whispers. “I don’t know what game Leo is playing at, but it’s dangerous.” Mercer walks away, and leaves me alone in a crowded room, my body turned inside out. Others have to be able to sense my vulnerable state, it has to be on display. It shouldn’t affect me. Aidan has moved on. Or moved back to his old ways. I was a fool to believe I’d changed him. I was merely another stop on his whore train to pound town. I bet he does the falling act for every woman. It’s how he hooks them. Makes himself seem like an honorable, desirable candidate.

  Mercer may not know what game Leo is playing at, but I’m about to find out. Not for myself, no. For my daughter.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Aidan

  San Diego two months ago . . .

  THERE HAD TO BE a point in falling in love. A lesson learned. Something to be gained by feeling this pain. The address was crumpled in my pants pocket. I’d already memorized it, I kept it because it’s in her handwriting. It’s how I’m hanging on to the impossible. I vomited in Magnolia’s front yard before making my way to the airport to head here. The scenario plays over and over anytime I close my eyes. I haven’t slept. I’m barely eating. Not only won’t Magnolia pick up my calls, I know she never will. Not after seeing the strength of a mother-daughter bond for myself. That is sacred. An outsider is what I’d always be.

  I finished all of my medical tests at noon. Before I knew what I was doing, or why, I ended up parked in front of their house—in a nondescript middle class neighborhood. It’s the kind of neighborhood bad guys hide in. The kind so plain and unappealing new people rarely move in and residents never move away. It’s a prison. An illusion of security with a hard edge that only I can feel.

  There are no cars in the driveway, but I know my father always parks his vehicles inside the garage. A fact I doubt time changed. I get out of my rental car and survey the area with a keen eye. I wait, but the dread doesn’t come like I assumed it would. A sense of relief washes over me and I hate that she’s right. That she’s won another piece of me I’ll never get back. I need this. Pacing slowly, I don’t think about what I’ll say if they’re home, only seeing them, letting them see me. A whole, self-made man. Sure, I’ve arrived today as a man who has nothing to lose, but this journey began on completely different terms—back before I lost everything.

  I can be a man worthy. Magnolia showed me that. It has to be the takeaway. There’s no other logic I can wrap my brain around when I think about the time we spent together and what she taught me. I ring the doorbell once and wait. She opens it, and I see the second her confusion turns to sorrow—regret. The years have been kind to her, the lines on her face deeper than they were when I was a child. Her hair is gray and the frown lines around her mouth are deep and telling. Happiness never lived inside her.

  “Aidan, son, is that you? Oh my gosh, get in this house right now and give your mama a hug,” she croons, voice creaky from disuse.

  I laugh. “You want a hug?” I choke out. “You want a hug,” I repeat, shaking my head, motherfucking tears already threatening. “Is he home?” I ask.

  She looks down at her feet and shakes her head. “He died, son. Five years ago.”

  I try to swallow, but it’s lodged in my throat, along with my breath. I hold it in for several more seconds before I blow it out, rough and noisily. “Jesus,” I whisper, as my legs give out. I sit right there on the cement in front of the door and put my face in my hands.

  She leans over and puts a hand on my back. I jerk away. “I tried to get in touch with you, but the Navy wouldn’t give me the information. I’m sorry, son.” Every time she calls me son, my skin prickles. There’s a reason they wouldn’t give her the information. I told them not to. “He was so proud of what you made of yourself, Aidan. You should know that. Every single day he prayed for your safety. Prayed you’d find your way home to us so that he could shake your hand. You did it.” Emotion floods her voice and it’s the last straw. A traitorous tear slides against the palm pressed to my face.

  I’m not angry. I’m not confused. I’m furious with sadness. “I did do it,” I say, looking up at her. The same position I was in my entire childhood. “All by myself,” I call, shaking my head. “Not because of anything he did. Because of the man I made myself.”

  Her eyes glaze over. “I know we were awful parents. I know, son. We weren’t sure how to make sure you grew up successfully. We didn’t know. I’m sorry. Your father was sorry. But look,” she says, tears streaming down her face. “You are a hero. A strong, brave hero.”

  “Not because of you,” I deadpan. “Despite you. You guys were fucked up. Think how strong and brave I’d be if you actually loved me.”

  “Is that what you think? That I didn’t love you?” she asks, letting the door close and sitting down in front of me so I have to meet her sad gaze.

  “You let him beat me. For no reason at all. What made you think that was okay? That’s not love,” I growl. “And t
he reason I know that is because I tasted pure love for the first time and I know exactly what it is. It’s why I’m here. Why I came to show you that I’m a person worthy of being loved. I am a hero but not for the obvious reasons. You know why? Because I survived you.”

  She covers her mouth with a weathered hand as her eyes crinkle in pain. “Son,” she sobs.

  I continue on. “I survived you and I soldiered on. I got a little mixed up, and sometimes I did horrible things to people because I had to learn how to treat people I care about the hard way. No one ever cared about me. How the fuck was I supposed to know how to have a relationship? My sole role models for a family unit were completely neglectful and abusive. I succeeded in my career and everything else around me crumbled. Then I met her. It was a revelation. A goddamn stroke of luck.” I think of Magnolia and my chest aches. “I fucked it up, because what choice did I have? A man like me doesn’t deserve that kind of love, right? Fuck me.”

  “That’s not true and you know it. If that woman loves you like you love her then choices aren’t a factor. There is no choice to be made. Love forgives, Aidan. Weak men blame their pasts for their mistakes. Nobody is perfect.”

  I sigh a haggard breath. “I’m not blaming you. I just want to know why you never tried to save me.”

  “You didn’t need saving. You were a strong boy.”

  I bark a laugh. “I was a child.”

  “I was wrong,” she says, taking my hand in hers. I can’t find it in me to pull away. “Your father and I were both wrong. I’m so sorry you endured a less than ideal childhood. I loved you. I love you still. When you have a child, you’ll understand what that kind of love feels like. The balance is hard. Forming an adult while loving a child. I wasn’t tender enough. You deserved more from me and I failed you.” She sucks in a breath that seems strong enough to rattle her rib cage. “He beat me too. Your rather beat me too. That was my normal. Our normal.”

  I stay quiet. I never expected this conversation. An apology. My whole adult life was formed because of miscommunication, rather, the thought that I was strong so I didn’t need culpable love in physical form. Their way of loving me was their own. Can I respect that while disagreeing completely? Her hand squeezes my own, a reminder that he’s gone and she’s here. A mother hoping to reconnect with a son. I’d give anything for another chance with Magnolia. To be in her proximity. To feel her lips against mine. If her love would be mine again, I’d be able to face this. Alone? I don’t know if I’m strong enough. I run a hand through my hair. “I’ll leave you my phone number. I’m living in Florida now. A small town called Bronze Bay. I’m heading back there in a few days after I finish up some testing here.” I stand, helping her up as I go, grabbing her other hand. I see the frailty then, the way she wobbles without me as leverage. “You live here by yourself?”

  “A nurse comes to check in once a week, but I’m used to it. Since your father died, I’ve found peace in being alone. No one to worry about except myself.” She rubs her neck as she speaks, the loneliness creeping into her tone. “I don’t want to talk about myself. Tell me about you. Tell me everything. If this is my one chance to see you, I’m taking it. Give me everything you can. All the good and the bad.” She holds open the screen door and her arm shakes a bit.

  Something cracks, a weakness in my armor. This isn’t what I planned on, but I know without a doubt it’s what Magnolia hoped would happen. I swallow hard and sigh, reaching out to hold the door for her I say, “Okay, Mom.”

  She turns back, beaming. I return the smile. I can’t mete out forgiveness to my father, but perhaps my mother is deserving.

  _______________

  I deleted the dating apps off my phone the night after I returned from San Diego and tried to talk to Magnolia at her shop. She ordered me out without even considering my truth. It’s what I expected. What I didn’t expect was to feel so downtrodden because of it. No one tells you how awful a breakup is. What confuses me is how quickly the person you love the most in the world turns into a complete stranger in a short amount of time. I see her from a distance when she’s closing the store and it’s as if I’m watching a person I don’t know. The Magnolia Sager that came after we ended. Another human.

  Leo has been making my life a living hell since the breakup. Taunting some pseudo relationship/friendship with Kendall over my head. Others swear to me he hasn’t touched her, but my anger refuses to accept that. She’s a kid. And she’s mine. I’ve broken his nose once, given him two black eyes and threatened to end his life if they didn’t ship his ass to Cape Cod as soon as humanly possible. His orders are in and he’s leaving next month so I’ve backed off, but I still keep tabs on the fucker for Magnolia’s sake. I’m responsible for Leo being in their world to begin with. I recall the conversation on the beach when I told him that Magnolia was off limits. Why would I think to add Kendall into that spoken order? Never in my wildest dreams did I think he would move in this, sneaky, desperate way. He hasn’t done anything illegal, so no actions can be taken. Being friends with a teenager isn’t a crime, especially when you are a teenager yourself. It’s hard when two years’ difference is close to nothing once you’re in an adult relationship. I don’t want to accept that intellect now. Not when it affects me and those I love.

  I brush my sweaty hair off my face and mop it with my t-shirt. The gym is empty and I’m thankful I don’t need to make small talk with anyone. Tonight we have a mandatory fundraiser for the local school district. We have to be there, and I’d rather be anywhere else besides in a room with Leo, but I was told there isn’t an option. Sighing, I hit the showers and put on my dress uniform. I fix my hair, leave the office and put my cover on. It’s a short walk to Town Hall and it’s already buzzing with people. I see my brothers right away and make sure Leo isn’t in sight before approaching the group.

  Mercer slaps my shoulder. “Got that extra workout in, bro?”

  I nod. “Three times today.” I’m not fucking so I need the adrenaline release and endorphins working out gives me. Bonus points because it clears my mind and it’s the only time, all day, that happens.

  He cups my arm. “Your muscles are even more perfect than they were before. I want to hump them.”

  I push him away, shaking my head. “Is the fucker here?”

  “Oh, he’s here, but he’s staying out of the way. He knows he’s not welcome in the crew. It’s so fucked up what he did to you, man. We all agree.” Mercer shoves a beer into my hand. “Oh, there was someone looking for you though.” His pink cheeks tell me he’s been drinking for quite a while already, and his grin is mischievous.

  My heart skips. “Magnolia is here?” My voice changes when I say her name and he catches it.

  “No, no, man. Sorry. Didn’t mean to get your hopes up.”

  The elation quickly turns to dread as I sip the beer. I need to stop that. Getting all bent dicked over Magnolia when she clearly wants nothing to do with me. “Polly was looking for you. Heard you were single again,” Mercer explains, glancing away so he doesn’t have to witness my pain.

  “Wonder who she heard that from,” I deadpan, scanning the crowd for my nemesis. “That kid is trying to fuck me over constantly. I never did anything to piss him off.”

  Mercer clears his throat. “He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t need a reason.”

  I brush a piece of lint off my jacket. “Where is Polly?”

  Mercer’s drunk smile appears again. “Atta boy. Get back in the saddle. She was in the foyer looking for her table number when I last saw her. Wearing some weird flowery dress or some shit. It’s short.”

  I clap him on the back and excuse myself. I take off my cover when I enter the building and look at the main desk where table numbers are being issued. Polly isn’t there. Magnolia and Jenny are walking away, toward the bar. I trip over my own feet and have to steady myself on the door frame. She’s so beautiful—the low lights falling on her bare shoulders like an invitation. I’d give anything to kiss them again. She saunters
with confidence as she talks to the bartender. My brothers filter in and move toward two tables in the center of the dining room.

  I move away from them, heading toward the sign for the restrooms. It’s a hallway I can hide in for a second. While my mind flits through all of the possible outcomes of me saying hello, Leo rounds the corner. He winks at me when he enters the restroom. I follow him in.

  “You need to fucking watch yourself, Leo. You’re playing with fire. You might be getting transferred, but you’re pissing off a lot of people. That’s not good for business. You’re new to the teams so let me be the one to say, you are only one indiscretion away from being fired completely.” I mean it to sound like a threat. I am his senior, but he knows enough that I alone would be hard pressed to have him fired without solid, indisputable evidence.

  He pisses into the urinal, and tilts his head back, eyes closed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t touched Kendall. We’re just friends.”

  “Bullshit,” I scoff.

  “Stay the fuck away from them. This isn’t a game. This is their life.”

  He zips his fly, and readjusts his cock. “Not a game? Life is a game, brother. Have a good night.” He winks at me as he leaves and I’m left holding fury and jealousy. I slide down the filthy wall until my ass hits the ground. I don’t know how long I stay in here trying to come up with a plan that will backfire on Leo and expose the truth, but I snap directly out of it when Polly slides into the men’s room and flattens her back against the door.

  “He said you wanted me to meet you in here?” Polly whispers. “Is that true?” I don’t know if it was Mercer, who was trying to do a good thing, or Leo who is trying to set me up, but in this moment I don’t have any fucks left to give. I stand up.