“Let go,” I said slowly. He did. “Let’s get something straight. No one, not even you, is going to manhandle me. And I thought a relationship went two ways. We always do what you want, you’ve barely met my friends, if we’re going to do this, we need to do it equally. Now, like I said, I’m going to hang out with my friends tonight, are you coming with me?”
If I wasn’t pissed off the look on his face would have been funny. I started walking back to the group again, I heard Anthony move to follow me.
“So,” I said, when we rejoined everyone, “what’s the plan for tonight.”
Bodie was shaking his head and Kayleigh was grinning.
“I say we eat and then go bowling,” Major said.
“I’m game,” I said.
We all agreed to meet for dinner in an hour.
“Hey,” I said to Kayleigh, “I’ll catch up with you.”
She nodded and left the swim complex with Major. Bodie and Tiffany followed them.
“So,” I said turning to Anthony, “are we cool?”
“Yes, and I see your point. I just like having you all to myself.”
“I get that, but I have friends that I like spending time with. It’s important to me.”
“Okay, but after bowling you’re all mine.”
I grinned at the look on his face. “Deal. I have to go get changed and ready to go out. I’ll meet you outside the dorm in forty-five minutes.” I gave him a quick kiss and ran to catch up with Kayleigh.
“Everything okay?” Kayleigh asked, when I caught up with her.
“Yep, we came to an understanding,” I told her.
“So, in other words, you got your way.”
“Of course, I did,” I said with a grin.
She shook her head at me but smiled back. Major, Bodie and Tiffany went to the boy’s dorm while Kayleigh and I went to ours to get ready.
Just over thirty-minutes later I was almost ready.
“Don’t forget socks,” Kayleigh yelled.
“Thanks,” I yelled back. The last thing I wanted to do was put my bare feet in bowling shoes.
By the time we got downstairs, Anthony was waiting, and so was the rest of the gang. Anthony and I got in his car and everyone else got in Major’s truck. Ten minutes later, we were at the restaurant. It was the same one that Bodie and I went to last weekend, but neither of us said anything.
Dinner was loud and fun and just what I needed. Anthony was quiet, but I think it was because he just didn’t know everyone. I hoped in time he’d fit right in. Bowling was just as much fun. We all sucked, but we had a good time making fun of each other. By the time we were done I was exhausted.
Anthony and I went back to his place and I plopped down on the couch as soon as I walked in the door.
“You look worn out,” he said to me.
“I am. I’m typically tired after a competition but the bowling did me in. You were pretty quiet tonight; did you have a good time?”
“I did. Your friends are certainly interesting.”
“We’re an eclectic group, rich boys and their poor girls,” I said with a laugh. “That reminds me, do you know Bodie or Major’s families?”
“Should I?” he asked.
“It just seems like rich people know other rich people, especially since you live in the same city.”
“I didn’t grow up with them, so I don’t think I know them.”
“How about West Security or Davenport Media?”
“Yeah, so?”
“Bodie’s last name is West and Major’s is Davenport.”
I saw when he put it together. “I see,” he chuckled. “Did you ask them if they know me?”
“No, but I don’t talk about my boyfriend with them either.”
“Fair enough. I know my dad has had dealings with West Security, but I never paid much attention to what he did until I was in college.”
I shrugged, “I just assumed you all knew each other in some way.”
“Did you know all the people who made the same money as your parents?” he asked.
“Point taken,” I said with a yawn.
“Enough talk about this. I think you should have a bath then I can massage those wonderfully sexy muscles you used today.”
“I’m not going to say no to that,” I said.
After my completely relaxing bubble bath, I found Anthony on the bed in his pajama pants. He patted the bed next to him and instructed me to lie down. He started rubbing my neck and moved to my back. It felt like heaven.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, it was morning, and I was in bed alone. I heard music coming from the kitchen, so I quickly used the bathroom and went to see what he was doing.
“Just in time for omelets,” he said, when he saw me.
“Sorry I fell asleep on you last night.”
“I could tell you were exhausted. But we have the whole day to make up for it.”
“I like the sound of that,” I said with a grin.
“What do you like in your omelet?” he asked, and pointed to the counter.
There was a whole assortment of things to choose from. I picked ham, cheese, mushrooms and peppers. Anthony made us each one and it was delicious.
“Thank you,” I told him. “That gave me the energy I needed.”
“Energy for what?” he asked.
“This,” I said, and let my robe fall to the floor. I was naked underneath it. “Come and get me.” I took off for the bedroom.
He was only a couple of steps behind me and caught me before I reached the bedroom door.
“You’re in trouble now,” he growled.
I grinned as he picked me up and put me on the bed. His mouth immediately went to my nipples and I squirmed underneath him.
“I like this kind of punishment,” I said, in between breaths.
Anthony continued to punish me until we were both coming and breathing heavily.
“That was fun,” I said giggling.
“Give me a few minutes and we’ll do it again.”
“Mmmm, I like the sound of that.”
Anthony’s phone rang and he ignored it. But after it rang for the third time, he decided to answer it. It was a very short conversation.
“I have to go to the main house,” he said, getting up. “My dad needs me for something.”
“Right now?”
“I guess. I’ll be back in five minutes, ten tops.”
“I’ll be waiting,” I said, and checked the time on my phone.
A few minutes later, I got out of bed and got dressed. When I looked at the time, I noticed he’d been gone for twenty-minutes. After another ten minutes went by, I decided to go looking for him.
I kind of remembered the way in the main house, but I wasn’t sure where he was. Then I heard Anthony’s voice and went that direction. I was just about to go into the room, but I stopped when I heard his father say my name.
“You did what?” Anthony yelled.
“I had West Security do a background check on her and got them to prove something to me,” Mr. Pagano said.
“Prove what exactly?” Anthony asked.
“That she wasn’t a gold digger after our money.”
I felt sick.
“Stop, just stop,” Anthony said. “She’s not after our money. She didn’t even know who I was. I picked her up at the club, not the other way around.”
“I know that now,” his dad said. “That kid of West’s got her to talk and when I listened to the recording, I understood that she had no idea who you were or what our business was.”
When I realized who he was talking about, I instantly felt sick to my stomach. West’s kid was Bodie.
“I have plans for her dad, don’t fuck this up for me,” Anthony growled.
I couldn’t listen to anymore. My heart was racing, and I was sure I was going to throw up. I had to get out of there. I ran back to the guest house. My hands were shaking so bad, I could hardly open the door. It seemed to take forever for
me to find my purse and phone, but in reality, it was only a couple of minutes. When I had them in my hands, I ran out of the house, down the long driveway and out to the road. I kept running when I reached the sidewalk and ran until I was out of breath, then I called Major.
“Hello?” he said confused.
“I need you to pick me up?” I said, breathing heavily.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Physically yes, I just need to get away from here.”
“Where are you?”
“I don’t know exactly, give me a minute to find the cross streets.” I walked to the end of the block and told him where I was.
“I know it,” he said. “We’ll be there in fifteen-minutes, if not sooner.”
“Okay. I’m going to keep walking up Cherry Street,” I told him.
“Okay, be safe, Karma.”
I hung up and kept walking. What I overheard was playing on repeat in my brain. Anthony’s dad thought I was a gold digger and had West Security prove I wasn’t, and Bodie was involved and didn’t say anything. I was so angry I could hardly see straight, but underneath the anger I felt betrayed. How could Bodie do that to me?
My phone started ringing, it was Anthony. I didn’t answer. I had no idea what to say to him at the moment. It sounded like he didn’t know but right now I wasn’t sure what was true and what was a lie. He called three more times and each time I let it go to voicemail. I decided to send a text.
Me: I’m fine, but I left. I heard the conversation you had with your dad.
He responded immediately.
Anthony: I didn’t know anything about it
Me: I know, but I can’t deal with it right now
Anthony: Where are you? I’ll come get you.
Me: I have a ride
Anthony: Who?
Me: Someone I trust
Me: I need to be away from your place right now
Anthony: Ok. Call me later?
Me: I don’t know
I heard a honk and looked up from my phone to see Major’s truck coming down the road. I got in the back seat and felt a little relief at the prospect at getting out of this neighborhood.
“What’s going on?” Kayleigh asked.
“I need to talk to Bodie,” I said. “Where is he?”
“I think he was going to his parent’s place for some family dinner,” Major said.
“Take me there,” I said.
“Can this wait?” he asked.
“Nope. The longer I wait the more likely it is that I’ll kill him.”
“Uh, okay then,” Major said, and started driving.
I saw him text someone, probably Bodie, but I didn’t care. I was going to confront Bodie, no matter where he was.
****
Bodie
I was sitting in the living room with my mom and sister when my phone dinged with a text.
Major: On the way there with Karma. She’s pissed. Be prepared.
“Fuck,” I whispered to myself. “When is dad going to be home?”
“Should be any time now,” mom said. “Why?”
“I think there’s a storm on the way and I need him to help me with it.”
“What are you talking about?” mom asked.
“Short version, I had to spy on Karma for dad. Her boyfriend’s dad thought she was a gold digger. And I think she just found out.”
My sister started laughing.
“It’s not funny. We’re friends, and I didn’t want to hurt her, but it was either me or a stranger. I hated doing it, but I had to prove her innocence.”
“Is this the girl who made you donate the dress?” Lana asked.
“Yeah.”
“Well shit,” she said.
“Yep.”
“And she’s on her way here?”
“Yeah. Major just texted me. I don’t know what she knows, but he said she’s pissed. Dad said he’d help me if I needed it, and knowing Karma, I’m going to need all the help I can get.”
“I’ll give him a call,” mom said.
“Thanks,” I said, and got up from the couch.
Last I knew, she was going with Anthony after bowling. Did he tell her? But dad said he didn’t know anything about it. Did Antonio say something to her? If he did, I was going to have words with him, client or not. Just because you have money that doesn’t mean you’re above the rules. I had another text.
Major: Taking the long way
Me: Thanks
Mom came over to me. “Your dad will be here in ten minutes.”
“You tell him why?”
“Yes, that’s why he’s hurrying,” she said.
“Thanks. Major is doing his best to take his time as well.”
“I’m sorry, honey,” mom said. “I’ll tell you if I was in her place, I’d be angry. So, don’t be surprised if she goes off like a rocket, and she probably won’t listen to you, so be prepared for that.”
I nodded. I knew enough about Karma to know she was going to bite my head off, then try and eat me alive. I paced the living room until I heard the front door open and close.
“Bodie,” dad called out.
“In here,” I said.
“Tell me what you know,” dad said.
“Not much. Major texted me that he was on his way here with a very pissed off Karma. I can only assume she knows. She was with Anthony last night but that’s all I know.”
“Okay,” he said. “I know how important this is to you son. I’ll be right here with you and I’ll talk to her before she talks to you.”
“No dad. I deserve whatever she has to give me.”
He shook his head at me. “I see you believe that, but I don’t agree. Antonio Pagano is the one who deserves it, but we’ll save that for another time.”
My phone dinged. They were here. There was a knock on the door and mom answered it. I heard Karma’s voice.
“Excuse me ma’am, is Bodie here,” she said.
I was surprised at how normal her voice sounded.
“You must be Karma,” mom said. “He’s in the living room. Right this way.” Mom walked into the living room followed by Karma, Major and Kayleigh.
Before I had a chance to say anything my dad spoke. “Karma, Bodie, let’s take this discussion to my office.”
We nodded and went with dad. He sat at his desk and we took the chairs.
“Karma,” dad said, “before you start yelling at Bodie, tell me what you know.”
“No offence sir, but what do you have to do with this?” she asked him.
“Everything. Now please tell me what you know,” he said, in a tone that left little room for argument.
I think Karma figured out it was pointless to argue with him, so she started talking.
“I overheard a conversation between Anthony and his father. Mr. Pagano had your company look into me because he thought I was after their money. And Bodie was the one to do it.”
“Yes, that’s basically the gist of it,” dad said.
“Okay, can I yell at Bodie now?” she asked. “Because I really want to.”
Dad leaned forward and put his elbows on the desk. “I understand you’re angry, and you have every right to be. But I’d like to tell you something first, okay?”
“Okay,” she said.
“When Antonio Pagano first brought this to me, I was going to tell him no and to find another company. He didn’t know that I knew who you were, and I never told him. But then I thought about it and decided to do it because I knew you weren’t the person he was accusing you of being. That’s why I asked Bodie to do this. When I first told him, he was furious at Antonio and said there was no way he was going to spy on you. But then I convinced him that it was better for him to do it because he knew you weren’t after anyone’s money. I asked Bodie to do this for me because I knew he would find a way to prove your innocence. He cares about you and wasn’t going to let you be labeled as a gold digger that was after their money. Does any of that make sense?”
“I g
uess,” she said quietly.
“I know it doesn’t make the situation any better, but I wanted to let you know that Bodie did this from a place in his heart because he values your friendship and didn’t want to see you hurt. Now, I’m going to let you two talk for a while.”
Dad left and it was like the air had gotten heavier. I knew Karma was furious and this could be the end of our friendship. I waited for her to say something.
“How long?” she finally said. “How long did you spy on me.”
“Three days.”
“How did you spy on me?”
“I recorded your phone calls, our conversations and had access to your texts and voicemail. I also put a bug in your living room.” I was going to tell her anything she wanted to know.
I could tell she was thinking. “Is that why you asked me if I was with Anthony for his money?”
“Yes,” I said. “I knew it would make you mad and I hoped you would go back to your apartment and vent to Kayleigh. That’s what ultimately proved your innocence.”
“But you invaded my privacy, Bodie.” She sounded more hurt than mad.
“I know, and I hated doing it. That’s why I pushed the conversation with the money. I felt like such an asshole for what I was doing. I wanted to clear your name as quickly as I could.”
“So, you read my text messages, even the ones between me and Anthony?”
“Yes.”
“You recorded all of my phone calls, our conversations and what was said in the privacy of our dorm?”
“Yes.” I wanted to say more, but I didn’t know the right thing to say.
“How could you look at me every day, knowing that you knew you’d been lying to me about this whole thing?”
“You lied to me for over two months, Karma. How is this any different? I can’t stand that you’re with that douchebag, but I knew you were happy with him. So, I did something I didn’t want to do in order to make you happy. You lied to me because you were scared.” I probably should have kept my mouth shut but I had to say something.
“I may have lied, but I didn’t betray your trust,” she said, getting louder. “Do you have any idea what it feels like to learn that someone you care about has access to the most intimate details of your life? That someone you trusted invaded your life in the worst possible way? I let you in, Bodie, I told you something that I don’t tell anyone and now I can’t trust you.”
Diving in Deep (A Bay State University Novel Book 2) Page 16