Chapter 17 *
Amy knew better than that. When he was bored or couldn't sleep he'd be in there for hours. Seeing the skepticism on Amy's face, he decided to play on Kirsten's sensitivity-he leaned in to whisper something in her ear and was rewarded with the desired response. "Shane, go ahead and stop for Jeff, I'll be fine."
"Are you sure K?"
"Yes, for Pete's sake, let the man go get what he's after."
"Ok if you say so." Shane maneuvered into the parking lot and dropped Jeff off at the door.
"What he couldn't let us in on it?" Shannon wondered.
"No, Jeff just hurry up and go by yourself before they don't have what you want." By this time, Amy, Shane and Shannon were extremely curious. Amy, quick to put 2 and 2 together, thought she knew where this was heading but Shane and Shannon remained clueless. Kirsten saw Amy trying to decipher it all so she slid over and gave her some reprieve. Sure enough, Amy once again was on track. She wasn't surprised one bit. Jeff had it in him when he wanted to put forth the effort.
"What's the deal ladies?" Shane asked.
"Just you nevermind and when Jeff comes back-keep your comments to yourself." Amy ordered.
"Yes, please. If Jeff is anything like his brother, you 2 will have the same effect on him you had on Matt tonight." Kirsten added.
Amy could hear some bitterness in her voice, causing her to feel somewhat responsible for its presence.
"Alright, what did we do now? This night feels like one huge cluster fuck."
"Shane, I'll tell you later-I promise." Amy tried her best to forego getting into this discussion right here and now. "shush, here comes Jeff, nobody say anything remember?" Kirsten could see he had what he'd gone after and was happy for both parties involved. Amy was echoing that silently when Jeff crawled in the backseat and said "Thanks guys." "No problem man, we ready now?"
"Sure."
Shane and Shannon had seen the package and immediately a few teasing remarks came to mind. Neither dared to voice one out of fear they'd get slapped in the back of the head. HARD! Once on the road again, it was only a short time before they pulled into Kirsten's drive. Silent as thieves, they helped Kirsten manage her key in the door. Monique had left a light on in the entry way and the stove light on in the kitchen. Shane and Shannon waited there while Amy assisted Kirsten to bed.
Jeff, on the other hand, proceeded in stealth mode navigating his way through the house to Monique's room. Stopping just before her door, he semi- felt like an intruder-regardless of Kirsten giving him approval. He prayed that Monique would recognize the gesture instead of focusing on the fact that he had invaded her privacy. Slowly he positioned himself in front of the door that was already cracked a bit. The light of the candles cast shadows on the walls and the foot of her bed. He was beginning to enjoy the scents escaping through. Taking a deep breath in anticipation, he slid his lithe frame into the room as if he were floating. Lying on her right side, she had her back to him so he exhaled silently and crept towards the bed. Closer and closer he progressed until he heard the rhythm of her breathing. Her hair was draped over one pillow and the other she had her arms wrapped around like a substitute for a teddy bear. Oh, to be that pillow right about now, he thought. Even with them closed, he swore he could see that mesmerizing blue of her eyes-he almost thought for a second that she had opened them. Talk about doing a double take. Freaked enough, he laid the offering on the pillow she was embracing and gingerly put a hand written note under it. He wanted to touch her, kiss her forehead and inhale the scent of her, but decided not to chance it. He quietly mouthed "Goodnight" and stole out as carefully as he had come.
Backup front, Jeff found Amy and the guys waiting impatiently. Amy assured him that Kirsten was fine. She left a note on the table, re-checked the front lock and they took their leave.
Meanwhile, Matt hastily re-entered the club and darted straight upstairs. Seeing that the table they previously occupied was now empty he asked the bartender where the group had gone and when. The barkeep said they left shortly after he had and through the front entrance. Cursing, Matt had several ideas where they might have gone-knowing Shane and Shannon. He did not feel like going on a wild goose chase though. His best bet was to go back to Kirsten's and wait for them to show up. They had to come home sometime, didn't they? Man, he did not want tore-live the past, once was enough for his lifetime. He left the club by the front and standing on the curb momentarily tried to predict their whereabouts. Frustrated, he went to his vehicle, pulled out of the parking lot and headed for the girls' house. Twenty minutes later, feeling as if he had been guided by something other than his own sense of direction, he arrived at his intended destination just in time to see Shane's car driving away.
Matt realized he could do nothing to appease the situation tonight. Kirsten was probably already tucked in bed-he knew Amy well enough to figure out that she had thoroughly taken care of her. Annoyed at himself for creating the present situation he drove home. The entire way his mind became engrossed, searching for a way to make amends. Once at home, he swiftly performed the usual routine and sullenly dragged his body to bed wishing for the deepest slumber to claim him.
Monique's internal alarm clock stirred her just before dawn. Opening her eyes while she stretched sleeping muscles she saw the most beautiful rose lying on her pillow. The faster her senses became alert, the better she could smell the wonderful scent of it. The flower was a pale yellow with tips that were just barely a mixture of red and orange. Monique reached out to bring it closer and was pleased to see that its giver had diligently removed the thorns. As she lifted it toward her nose, a small sheet of paper fell between her body and the pillow. Moni rolled over onto her back, laid the rose across her chest and unfolded the note.
Written in exquisite penmanship were the following words;
Good morning. I hope you're smiling.
I regret your absence from us last night
We are leaving this afternoon for SC
Please keep me company on the way
***-**** Jeff
Torn between conflicting emotions, Monique sighed. Part of her was flattered and excited, her heart beating faster than normal. The other part was scared, reminding her that if she gave this man an inch of her, he held the potential to eventually break her will, the proceed to break her heart. What little she had left. Still, she was curious. She would call him. What does Mr. "I can have(and probably do) any girl in every town", want with divorced mom plain Jane? Suddenly, Moni recalled her conversation with her sister. Kirsten! Was she home? Was she ok? What did they talk about? Monique folded the note back and quickly put it in her night stand. Flying out of bed, she retrieved a vase from the bathroom cabinet, filled it half way with lukewarm water and placed the rose on her dresser. She peeked in Nic's doorway-the little imp was still sawing logs. Loudly! Heading for the kitchen she noticed that Dad wasn't up yet either. Of course not, jarhead, nobody else hears trumpeting reveille in their head at 05:00!.
Anxiously hoping someone, anyone would wake soon, she occupied her time by taking the garbage out to the curb. A few minutes later she found herself comparing her thoughts to the orange juice she was mixing. It just felt like this never ending circle of similar conclusions. What in the world would make this man want ME? Dad interrupted her inner musings- "Good morning dear"
"Hey Dad, you looking for some coffee?"
"Sure if you can manage."
"I'll get right on it!"
"Thanks. You seem to be deep in thought already-need to talk about it?"
"How long were you standing there watching me entranced by OJ?"
"Long enough to know something is on your mind. Let's hear it."
"It seems that one of the gentleman you met last night has appointed himself my potential "savior"-not in his words-in mine. I'm not sure what he has to say for himself-Kirsten isn't awake yet for me to interrogate her. I don't even know what she told him. Worse, I can't figure out why he has decided to bother with me."
"What do you mean by that- bother with you?"
"Dad, this man could have his choice of pretty much any female alive who knows who he is(that number is getting larger by the day). I see this all day, everyday. Women throw themselves at him and I'm positive a nice number of them have been rewarded-if you get my drift. I don't play second best for any man."
"So you're saying he can't see something either internally or externally beautiful about you?"
"Dad, he doesn't even know me internally and next to what he is used to, I'm not the 'usual'"
"Maybe he doesn't want the usual and wants to explore that part of you that he sees. You have to tear down that wall someday."
"I realize that but for a man who's in the position he is-at his age-he doesn't know what he wants. Besides, I said I didn't want anymore younger men."
"Be honest with yourself for once without the objections, does he interest you?"
"Yes, I guess but I'm scared of him too."
"Just had to throw that but in there didn't you? You are the most argumentative child. I hope Nicole is 5 times worse than you- you deserve it!"
"Thanks a lot Dad."
"Your welcome."
As if sensing that she was required for this discussion to continue, Kirsten came moseying into the kitchen. It was either her radar or the smell of the coffee, Moni thought. "You know you're underestimating him Mon. You always pride yourself on doing the exact opposite. I'm the one who needs to start being the suspicious."
"Why's that dear?" Dad asked "Are both my girls having guy issues?"
"Yeah Dad, maybe me & Mon should switch-I'm not understanding the older one of the two."
"What happened K?" Kirsten filled them in on Matt's exhibition while she poured herself some coffee and combed the cabinets hoping something would strike her interest for breakfast.
"Hold off K, I'm going to make eggs, bacon and toast."
"Oh ok"
"Can you wait a bit for Nic to get up?"
"Yeah that's cool."
"Here, Amy left this note for you." Monique handed her sister the note she found on the table in the entranceway. K took the note and paused long enough to read it. Done, she crumpled it up and made a 2 point shot into the trash can. "Everything cool?"
"Yeah she just said she had fun and she'd call this morning."
"So if he wasn't going to go home with her, why the show?" Moni wondered.
"I don't know. Amy and Jeff didn't see him-they still think he left with the bimbo."
"Did Matt get offended at anything you said or did?"
"Not that I know of Mon, He just acted weird after Shane and Shannon showed up." "Maybe he thought or thinks one of them is interested in you. Did you encourage either one of them?"
"No! I always catch Shane eyeballing Amy or pulling her away & Shannon only asked me to dance but that was after Aims and I got back from the ladies room."
"Well, I wonder what the conversation was about while you 2 were making yourselves presentable."
"Me too, it might make more sense that way. I…" Just then the phone cut Kirsten off. She picked up the cordless in the hall. Dad had gone to shave and shower etc.. so Moni started pulling out all the ingredients for breakfast. "Hello? Oh hi Amy. Yea, we're awake. Sure. You can join us for breakfast. Ok see you in a few." Kirsten hung up the phone. "That was A, she's on her way over." Kirsten suddenly started to choke on her coffee. "What a way to go, Death by coffee. News at11."
"You might want to get ready. And don't wear a tank top. Dad will see your tattoo and drag you back to Jersey."
"Right. No sleeveless shirts, or belly shirts, he'll see my belly button piercing." Kirsten ran to her room and changed. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Kirsten went to answer it and let Amy in. "I can't believe you are up and dressed already. I wouldn't be if Matt hadn't called so damn early. Girl, he wants to talk to you bad."
"Did he tell you that he didn't leave with the blond?"
"Yeah he did."
"Did he bother to say why he started to in the first place?"
"Nope not a word. I may be wrong-but my instincts are on more often than not, I think this may have something to do with the girlfriend/friend situation from a few years ago. But that is better left to be explained by Matt."
Monique walked into the living room from the kitchen, "Breakfast is ready."
"Oh food." Kirsten and Amy run into the kitchen and chow down. Just then the pitter patter of little feet are heard on the hall carpet. Nicole rubbed her eyes in an attempt to finish waking up. She put her arms up, signaling she wanted to be picked up and chirped "Hi!" Monique picked her up and walked to the kitchen. Nic noticed her aunt and struggled to be let down. Excitedly she ran toward her exclaiming "atie kisten!"
Kirsten picked up her niece and spun her around. "hey beewees. good to see you."
Amy cleared her throat "How do I get in on that?"
Monique looked at Amy. "Nic, do you recognize this lady?"
Nic glanced at Amy with a pensive look, then smiled "it's ita!"
Kirsten started to laugh, "that's my girl, yea, this is Lita, but her real name is Amy. Can you say Amy?" Nic looked at Kirsten like she had two heads.
"Amy?" and she stuck her chubby little arms out to Amy who took her from Kirsten and said "Hey there." Nic looked around, "where da boyz?"
Amy started to laugh, "I think they are getting packed and ready to hit the road today-I'm sure one or two may stop by before leaving." Amy looked at Monique after her last comment. She was looking a little worried. What the heck had Jeff said in that note?
Monique was laughing, "definitely my sisters influence."
Dad came back in the kitchen to hug his daughter. "look at you, nice hair. I see where this is coming from!"
"What, like you didn't see that earlier? You just wanted to say something in front of Amy."
Amy holds up her hand "Whoa wait a minute- you had that hair when I met you! I did nothing!"
Before Amy got the chance to bring up the tat and belly button ring, Kirsten leaned over to whisper a warning in her ear "Hey, don't mention the tat and the ring-he doesn't know yet." Amy nodded in understanding.
Thankfully, Dad had decided to drop the discussion and eat his breakfast on the back porch. Nicole had been snaking food off of Amy's plate the whole time.
Amy knew better than that. When he was bored or couldn't sleep he'd be in there for hours. Seeing the skepticism on Amy's face, he decided to play on Kirsten's sensitivity-he leaned in to whisper something in her ear and was rewarded with the desired response. "Shane, go ahead and stop for Jeff, I'll be fine."
"Are you sure K?"
"Yes, for Pete's sake, let the man go get what he's after."
"Ok if you say so." Shane maneuvered into the parking lot and dropped Jeff off at the door.
"What he couldn't let us in on it?" Shannon wondered.
"No, Jeff just hurry up and go by yourself before they don't have what you want." By this time, Amy, Shane and Shannon were extremely curious. Amy, quick to put 2 and 2 together, thought she knew where this was heading but Shane and Shannon remained clueless. Kirsten saw Amy trying to decipher it all so she slid over and gave her some reprieve. Sure enough, Amy once again was on track. She wasn't surprised one bit. Jeff had it in him when he wanted to put forth the effort.
"What's the deal ladies?" Shane asked.
"Just you nevermind and when Jeff comes back-keep your comments to yourself." Amy ordered.
"Yes, please. If Jeff is anything like his brother, you 2 will have the same effect on him you had on Matt tonight." Kirsten added.
Amy could hear some bitterness in her voice, causing her to feel somewhat responsible for its presence.
"Alright, what did we do now? This night feels like one huge cluster fuck."
"Shane, I'll tell you later-I promise." Amy tried her best to forego getting into this discussion right here and now. "shush, here comes Jeff, nobody say anything remember?" Kirsten could see he had what he'd gone after and was happy for both parties involved. Amy was echoing that silently when Jeff crawled in the backseat and said "Thanks guys." "No problem man, we ready now?"
"Sure."
Shane and Shannon had seen the package and immediately a few teasing remarks came to mind. Neither dared to voice one out of fear they'd get slapped in the back of the head. HARD! Once on the road again, it was only a short time before they pulled into Kirsten's drive. Silent as thieves, they helped Kirsten manage her key in the door. Monique had left a light on in the entry way and the stove light on in the kitchen. Shane and Shannon waited there while Amy assisted Kirsten to bed.
Jeff, on the other hand, proceeded in stealth mode navigating his way through the house to Monique's room. Stopping just before her door, he semi- felt like an intruder-regardless of Kirsten giving him approval. He prayed that Monique would recognize the gesture instead of focusing on the fact that he had invaded her privacy. Slowly he positioned himself in front of the door that was already cracked a bit. The light of the candles cast shadows on the walls and the foot of her bed. He was beginning to enjoy the scents escaping through. Taking a deep breath in anticipation, he slid his lithe frame into the room as if he were floating. Lying on her right side, she had her back to him so he exhaled silently and crept towards the bed. Closer and closer he progressed until he heard the rhythm of her breathing. Her hair was draped over one pillow and the other she had her arms wrapped around like a substitute for a teddy bear. Oh, to be that pillow right about now, he thought. Even with them closed, he swore he could see that mesmerizing blue of her eyes-he almost thought for a second that she had opened them. Talk about doing a double take. Freaked enough, he laid the offering on the pillow she was embracing and gingerly put a hand written note under it. He wanted to touch her, kiss her forehead and inhale the scent of her, but decided not to chance it. He quietly mouthed "Goodnight" and stole out as carefully as he had come.
Backup front, Jeff found Amy and the guys waiting impatiently. Amy assured him that Kirsten was fine. She left a note on the table, re-checked the front lock and they took their leave.
Meanwhile, Matt hastily re-entered the club and darted straight upstairs. Seeing that the table they previously occupied was now empty he asked the bartender where the group had gone and when. The barkeep said they left shortly after he had and through the front entrance. Cursing, Matt had several ideas where they might have gone-knowing Shane and Shannon. He did not feel like going on a wild goose chase though. His best bet was to go back to Kirsten's and wait for them to show up. They had to come home sometime, didn't they? Man, he did not want tore-live the past, once was enough for his lifetime. He left the club by the front and standing on the curb momentarily tried to predict their whereabouts. Frustrated, he went to his vehicle, pulled out of the parking lot and headed for the girls' house. Twenty minutes later, feeling as if he had been guided by something other than his own sense of direction, he arrived at his intended destination just in time to see Shane's car driving away.
Matt realized he could do nothing to appease the situation tonight. Kirsten was probably already tucked in bed-he knew Amy well enough to figure out that she had thoroughly taken care of her. Annoyed at himself for creating the present situation he drove home. The entire way his mind became engrossed, searching for a way to make amends. Once at home, he swiftly performed the usual routine and sullenly dragged his body to bed wishing for the deepest slumber to claim him.
Monique's internal alarm clock stirred her just before dawn. Opening her eyes while she stretched sleeping muscles she saw the most beautiful rose lying on her pillow. The faster her senses became alert, the better she could smell the wonderful scent of it. The flower was a pale yellow with tips that were just barely a mixture of red and orange. Monique reached out to bring it closer and was pleased to see that its giver had diligently removed the thorns. As she lifted it toward her nose, a small sheet of paper fell between her body and the pillow. Moni rolled over onto her back, laid the rose across her chest and unfolded the note.
Written in exquisite penmanship were the following words;
Good morning. I hope you're smiling.
I regret your absence from us last night
We are leaving this afternoon for SC
Please keep me company on the way
***-**** Jeff
Torn between conflicting emotions, Monique sighed. Part of her was flattered and excited, her heart beating faster than normal. The other part was scared, reminding her that if she gave this man an inch of her, he held the potential to eventually break her will, the proceed to break her heart. What little she had left. Still, she was curious. She would call him. What does Mr. "I can have(and probably do) any girl in every town", want with divorced mom plain Jane? Suddenly, Moni recalled her conversation with her sister. Kirsten! Was she home? Was she ok? What did they talk about? Monique folded the note back and quickly put it in her night stand. Flying out of bed, she retrieved a vase from the bathroom cabinet, filled it half way with lukewarm water and placed the rose on her dresser. She peeked in Nic's doorway-the little imp was still sawing logs. Loudly! Heading for the kitchen she noticed that Dad wasn't up yet either. Of course not, jarhead, nobody else hears trumpeting reveille in their head at 05:00!.
Anxiously hoping someone, anyone would wake soon, she occupied her time by taking the garbage out to the curb. A few minutes later she found herself comparing her thoughts to the orange juice she was mixing. It just felt like this never ending circle of similar conclusions. What in the world would make this man want ME? Dad interrupted her inner musings- "Good morning dear"
"Hey Dad, you looking for some coffee?"
"Sure if you can manage."
"I'll get right on it!"
"Thanks. You seem to be deep in thought already-need to talk about it?"
"How long were you standing there watching me entranced by OJ?"
"Long enough to know something is on your mind. Let's hear it."
"It seems that one of the gentleman you met last night has appointed himself my potential "savior"-not in his words-in mine. I'm not sure what he has to say for himself-Kirsten isn't awake yet for me to interrogate her. I don't even know what she told him. Worse, I can't figure out why he has decided to bother with me."
"What do you mean by that- bother with you?"
"Dad, this man could have his choice of pretty much any female alive who knows who he is(that number is getting larger by the day). I see this all day, everyday. Women throw themselves at him and I'm positive a nice number of them have been rewarded-if you get my drift. I don't play second best for any man."
"So you're saying he can't see something either internally or externally beautiful about you?"
"Dad, he doesn't even know me internally and next to what he is used to, I'm not the 'usual'"
"Maybe he doesn't want the usual and wants to explore that part of you that he sees. You have to tear down that wall someday."
"I realize that but for a man who's in the position he is-at his age-he doesn't know what he wants. Besides, I said I didn't want anymore younger men."
"Be honest with yourself for once without the objections, does he interest you?"
"Yes, I guess but I'm scared of him too."
"Just had to throw that but in there didn't you? You are the most argumentative child. I hope Nicole is 5 times worse than you- you deserve it!"
"Thanks a lot Dad."
"Your welcome."
As if sensing that she was required for this discussion to continue, Kirsten came moseying into the kitchen. It was either her radar or the smell of the coffee, Moni thought. "You know you're underestimating him Mon. You always pride yourself on doing the exact opposite. I'm the one who needs to start being the suspicious."
"Why's that dear?" Dad asked "Are both my girls having guy issues?"
"Yeah Dad, maybe me & Mon should switch-I'm not understanding the older one of the two."
"What happened K?" Kirsten filled them in on Matt's exhibition while she poured herself some coffee and combed the cabinets hoping something would strike her interest for breakfast.
"Hold off K, I'm going to make eggs, bacon and toast."
"Oh ok"
"Can you wait a bit for Nic to get up?"
"Yeah that's cool."
"Here, Amy left this note for you." Monique handed her sister the note she found on the table in the entranceway. K took the note and paused long enough to read it. Done, she crumpled it up and made a 2 point shot into the trash can. "Everything cool?"
"Yeah she just said she had fun and she'd call this morning."
"So if he wasn't going to go home with her, why the show?" Moni wondered.
"I don't know. Amy and Jeff didn't see him-they still think he left with the bimbo."
"Did Matt get offended at anything you said or did?"
"Not that I know of Mon, He just acted weird after Shane and Shannon showed up." "Maybe he thought or thinks one of them is interested in you. Did you encourage either one of them?"
"No! I always catch Shane eyeballing Amy or pulling her away & Shannon only asked me to dance but that was after Aims and I got back from the ladies room."
"Well, I wonder what the conversation was about while you 2 were making yourselves presentable."
"Me too, it might make more sense that way. I…" Just then the phone cut Kirsten off. She picked up the cordless in the hall. Dad had gone to shave and shower etc.. so Moni started pulling out all the ingredients for breakfast. "Hello? Oh hi Amy. Yea, we're awake. Sure. You can join us for breakfast. Ok see you in a few." Kirsten hung up the phone. "That was A, she's on her way over." Kirsten suddenly started to choke on her coffee. "What a way to go, Death by coffee. News at11."
"You might want to get ready. And don't wear a tank top. Dad will see your tattoo and drag you back to Jersey."
"Right. No sleeveless shirts, or belly shirts, he'll see my belly button piercing." Kirsten ran to her room and changed. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Kirsten went to answer it and let Amy in. "I can't believe you are up and dressed already. I wouldn't be if Matt hadn't called so damn early. Girl, he wants to talk to you bad."
"Did he tell you that he didn't leave with the blond?"
"Yeah he did."
"Did he bother to say why he started to in the first place?"
"Nope not a word. I may be wrong-but my instincts are on more often than not, I think this may have something to do with the girlfriend/friend situation from a few years ago. But that is better left to be explained by Matt."
Monique walked into the living room from the kitchen, "Breakfast is ready."
"Oh food." Kirsten and Amy run into the kitchen and chow down. Just then the pitter patter of little feet are heard on the hall carpet. Nicole rubbed her eyes in an attempt to finish waking up. She put her arms up, signaling she wanted to be picked up and chirped "Hi!" Monique picked her up and walked to the kitchen. Nic noticed her aunt and struggled to be let down. Excitedly she ran toward her exclaiming "atie kisten!"
Kirsten picked up her niece and spun her around. "hey beewees. good to see you."
Amy cleared her throat "How do I get in on that?"
Monique looked at Amy. "Nic, do you recognize this lady?"
Nic glanced at Amy with a pensive look, then smiled "it's ita!"
Kirsten started to laugh, "that's my girl, yea, this is Lita, but her real name is Amy. Can you say Amy?" Nic looked at Kirsten like she had two heads.
"Amy?" and she stuck her chubby little arms out to Amy who took her from Kirsten and said "Hey there." Nic looked around, "where da boyz?"
Amy started to laugh, "I think they are getting packed and ready to hit the road today-I'm sure one or two may stop by before leaving." Amy looked at Monique after her last comment. She was looking a little worried. What the heck had Jeff said in that note?
Monique was laughing, "definitely my sisters influence."
Dad came back in the kitchen to hug his daughter. "look at you, nice hair. I see where this is coming from!"
"What, like you didn't see that earlier? You just wanted to say something in front of Amy."
Amy holds up her hand "Whoa wait a minute- you had that hair when I met you! I did nothing!"
Before Amy got the chance to bring up the tat and belly button ring, Kirsten leaned over to whisper a warning in her ear "Hey, don't mention the tat and the ring-he doesn't know yet." Amy nodded in understanding.
Thankfully, Dad had decided to drop the discussion and eat his breakfast on the back porch. Nicole had been snaking food off of Amy's plate the whole time.