Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Beta'd by HollettLA.
HAPPY Sunday!
Have you guys read my new story? It's Copward/NYPDward :-) It's called "Offbeat".
Do I have any other announcements? No, not really. LOL. See you at the end!
Oh, I realize some of you might miss Bella . . . She'll be up soon! Next chap!
"Riders on the Storm"
Chapter Seventeen: Reality
Kylie POV
"Kylie, you ready?" my uncle shouted from upstairs. His voice startled me, and I quickly shut Anthony's laptop down. He has loads of gay porn, and I find it all so interesting, and hot—oh so very hot. Two men going at it . . . the butt seks.
I remembered to delete the browsing history and empty the cache, just like Ant taught me. At home, we have private browsing, which is a godsend. But here, because of my younger cousin, Eddie, they like to crackdown on shit he views on the Internet.
Anthony had to leave early. He's starting a new job, working for Sonny—something with junk bonds or junk stocks. I don't know. He looked hot in his Valentino suit, though. He let me pick out his clothes—like Kylie Eye for the Queer Guy.
I thought being fashionable was expected, a prerequisite of sorts. I don't know a lot of homosexual people. Anthony is the only one, but Damion actually has more fashion-sense than my cousin does.
And Dame has a hard time matching his own clothes, like...the man seriously needs some Garanimal-wear. He'll just throw anything on, but all of that doesn't fly while I'm around. I make sure my guys look decent.
"Kylie!"
I groaned, grabbing my bag and purse. "I'm coming!" Apparently, my parents were home from their quick get-away.
Believe it or not, I had a lot of fun staying here. My uncle never bothered me like Daddy does. He didn't care about what I did, although I haven't left the house...
Anthony and Alex are a hoot to drink wine with. They're goofballs, and I never really saw my aunt like that—carefree and fun. We've always been close—the lot of us—but this past weekend . . .
I liked the family dynamic they had? It wasn't even weird seeing Carli at dinner. Everything was peaceful, and I never spoke about Joe. I wanted to, had to bite my tongue, since I wondered if she was still seeing him, or if he was with Bianca now.
It was even funny watching Hanna throw a bitch fit on the phone with All State, her insurance company or something. She got into a fender bender months ago, and they're giving her a hard time about reimbursement—her car was wrecked. But then, of course, Uncle Carlisle spoke to them—fucking reamed whoever a new asshole—and a check is likely in the mail as we speak.
It was nice actually getting to chill with Hanna and Carli. They kind of keep to themselves these days, but they still—like most others—treat me like a baby.
I really didn't want to go home.
Being here . . . it was like being with one of those TV families. I did miss my mom, though. Having her with us would have been the icing on the cake. She's so much fun…when Dad and Sonny aren't around. It has nothing to do with them as people, but I know they'd frown upon Mom being so . . . perverse? Fun with me—baby girl—around?
I swear. I have two dads in my father and Sonny; meanwhile, I really can open up to Sonny. He's not as judgmental, even if he doesn't like what I have to say. He gives decent advice, too.
We can always be ourselves around Damion. He just doesn't care, and therefore, he's like my secret keeper. When I see Damion, I just want to tell him everything. Unlike Sonny, he rarely gives advice; all he does is listen, and that's pretty fucking cool.
Trudging up the stairs, Uncle Carlisle met me at the landing. "I have to go to work."
"I can just walk..." We do live three blocks away.
"Nope. Eat something fast and let's go." He left the doorway, buttoning his cuffs.
"You know…" Aunt Alex started. She was standing at the stove making breakfast. "I can just take her after I take the twins to school. Tony won't mind. We'll swing by afterward. Bella and I can have coffee..." She wasn't fooling anyone. I'm sure she loves me and enjoys spending time with me, but since I've been around the twins are up my ass—not hers—and I help her get them off to school, which goes by really fast. We make it a game, who can dress their twin the fastest. She's won every day so far, but she does it every day.
I was quick to munch on the ready pieces of bacon while they discussed it.
It's the same in this house as my own—if you're not there when meals are served, you can't complain when there's none left.
"I'm sure Ed and B miss her." He kissed her cheek. "I'll be home early."
Alex smiled. "Awesome. What do you want for dinner?"
I stole a piece of toast from my baby cousin. "Hey!" Blaze didn't like that.
Making sure to chew it good, I showed him the toast in my mouth. "You want it back?" I mumbled.
"Yuck!" He and his brother shouted in unison.
"Love you guys." I gave them each a kiss on their heads, while my aunt and uncle continued to talk about dinner. "Be good for your mom."
They looked to each other. It was almost conspiratorial.
"I won't be your friend if you don't behave."
Ronnie and Blaze nodded—knowing I meant business.
"And eat your food…or I will." I scooped some of Blaze's scrambled eggs into my mouth.
"Honestly…I'll eat whatever you make," my uncle said, and they were still talking about that shit. If Dad doesn't like what Mom makes, he starves. Kidding. He'd likely eat it anyway.
"I have chicken defrosted, but if you want steak—"
My uncle placed a finger over her lips, and then he kissed her.
I turned away to eat some of Ronnie's eggs. It's not stealing; they won't eat it all anyway.
"Lemme see," he giggled.
I opened my mouth to show them my chewed food. The twins get a kick out of it; they always do.
"Eat this." Blaze gave me a piece of his bacon.
It's bacon. I wasn't going to turn that down.
"Shit…I'm gonna be late." Little Eddie was a flash of movement through the kitchen. He barreled down the back staircase, grabbed a Gatorade from the fridge, and then he was gone.
My cousin chooses to take the bus to school—something I wouldn't be caught dead doing, even if my parents let me. He's lucky that he doesn't have some goon following him everywhere, though. Alex has a driver named Tony, but Eddie's a boy . . . The bus stop is across the street, too. I'm not sure if that factor counts. I think it's just because he's a dude.
Things are a certain way for females and then another way for males in this family. A lot of it is unfair.
Anyway, Eddie's a weirdo—swears I left the door unlocked while I was showering last night, but I know better. He jimmied the lock—weirdo. So fucking weird. He didn't see anything, but I bet he hoped he did. I thought about telling Damion, but my brother probably wouldn't care. Sonny might smack him around . . .
"Edward Carlisle!" Alex hollered for him, but he was gone. "He has to eat breakfast." She groaned, her eyes landing on me. "You too—make a plate for Christ's sake."
"I'm okay." I laughed, while Blaze handed me another piece of toast.
"Eddie's trying to show us he's a man now, love. He'll eat at school...Remember? We went through the same thing with Ant." My uncle kissed Alex again, and I think that's all they do—kiss and paw at each other, like my parents.
Looking back to Alex, she was staring up at my uncle, only to sigh.
And these days, I hate looks like that—seeing everyone so in love—when my love is miles away. I was bitter and sad, and I didn't care who knew it.
It was true.
"I'll be in the car," I said.
"Wait for me."
I stopped, hearing my uncle say that. Honestly, did they think someone was going to hop out of a bush and kidnap me?
Uncle Carlisle walked ahead of me in his Gucci suit—that man has style—with his briefcase. "I think you'll like what your dad has to tell you." He snatched the toast away from me and ate it.
But what he said caught my attention. "What? Did they bring me back something?"
He smiled, chewing. "Maybe." He kissed my hair, opening the front door for me.
Suddenly excited, I shook the crumbs from my hair and skipped to his car. "Oh my God!" I exclaimed. "It's a car, isn't it?" I've been doing everything I can to get one – hinting at it for nearly two weeks now. "Oh…is it?" I was vibrating with joy, anxious to get home.
Uncle Carlisle smirked, taking my bags and placing them in his trunk. "I don't know."
I hopped into the front seat, shouting, "Come on! Let's go!"
He thought it was funny as he joined me and started the car. "It's rare we get to hang out. Did you want to go for coffee? We can chill and talk."
"Hell no!" I knew he was messing with me now. "Take me home."
He chuckled, backing out of the garage.
As he drove, a random, yet important thought came to mind. "I thought tonight we were supposed to all go to Sonny's?"
Uncle Carlisle shook his head. "That's just for your mom and dad, Aro—for their parents."
"Is everything okay?"
"Eh..." He frowned. "Sonny and Katie just have some news."
I gasped. "It's twins? They're having twins?"
"God no! . . . Excuse me," he laughed. "I'm sure someone will tell you."
"I'm going with them then."
"That's up to your parents—Sonny." He shrugged. "I don't see why you can't go."
I nodded. "Good." Then another thought came to mind. "Plane tickets? I can go see Gio this weekend...? Oh my gosh!"
He shook his head no, and we stopped at a light.
"Can you give me a hint?"
"Nope." He took off.
I pouted in the passenger seat. "You know . . . I helped a lot with the twins. All of which probably made Alex less tired . . . I bet I helped get you laid."
"Excuse me?" He wore a blank face, and then guffawed. "Kylie Marie . . . Are you this blunt with your father? If you toned it down, by a notch, maybe he'd give you more freedom. You probably scare the man."
"There's no shame in my game." I puffed my cheeks, leaning back. "And I hear the way you, Dad—the way you guys talk to—basically all the boys. It's not fair, hypocritical. You're all perverts, but it's accepted because you're all men. Women can be pervy, too."
"Shame in your game?" He shook his head. "And I refuse to see you, my baby niece, as pervy. Shut up with that shit." Now he sounded like my father.
I started giggling. Just like Dad, he's easy to mess with. "I'm just saying . . .You could at least give me a hint." I shrugged. "I heard you guys going at it," I lied, softly punching his shoulder. "I was like your pimp, bro. She wasn't as tired—bet she rode the pony real good." I stopped while I was ahead—didn't want to cause an accident. The vein in my uncle's forehead was throbbing. I was getting on his nerves.
"Enough." He put a hand up to stop me. "You were being a good cousin. Don't call yourself a pimp." He chuckled, reaching into his pocket. "But there's nothing wrong with positive reinforcement. Thank you." He gave me a fifty-dollar bill, which surprised the hell out of me. He was being really cool.
I stuffed it into my purse, feeling like a pimp, like a boss. "I don't want your money…"
"Then give it back."
"No. It's mine now." I smiled.
He did, too, turning down my street. "You're a real character."
Ignoring him, my nose was practically up against the glass, but there were no other cars in the driveway except for Mom and Dad's. "No car…" I whispered.
My uncle didn't say a word as he left to get my bags out of the trunk.
"Kylie?" Mom poked her head out of the door. She was wearing a bathrobe.
"Did you guys get home last night?" I left the car, slamming the door. "Nobody tells me anything. I could have slept in my own bed."
Mom walked to meet me. "Uh…it was late."
"Where did you guys even go?" That was kept a secret.
Mom kissed my forehead. "Um…around."
I widened my arms in disbelief, and then Dad came out.
"Was she good? She behaved?" He slapped a hand to my uncle's.
"Yeah, because I'm six years old," I grumbled, leaving them to enter the house.
It looked exactly the way it did four days ago. Nothing was out of place, nor did I see a gift for me anywhere. Sad—because I was excited for a second—I trampled up to my bedroom to see if they left anything in there.
Nothing.
My bed wasn't made, my pajamas were still on the floor—
"Hey."
I internally jumped, hearing Damion. "What are you doing here?" It's Friday, and I thought he worked at the hospital six days a week. For someone who's supposedly crazy busy, it seems like my brother comes home a lot. He never visited this much before this term started, and he's always commenting about how third year is hell.
"I did my pre-rounds, and then came to visit." He shrugged. "I switched shit around. I work a full day Sunday. I'm not allowed to be here?"
"You've been coming home a lot more than usual."
He grinned. "The head of the department is Dad's friend, cuts me a lot of slack. Plus, Dad's on the board. If you ever wanted to ditch Texas, you and Peto could always go to NYU."
"What?" I asked.
"Pay me no attention. It's just...with Sonny having a baby and all, I thought...don't worry about it." He waved a hand. "He could probably get Gio accepted, too, is what I'm saying."
"I..." I didn't know what to say. "Oh...Is Amelia coming over?" I rolled my eyes. That would explain it, why he's home.
"Soon . . . we're all going to Sonny's."
"Of course you are." I threw myself onto my bed. "And I'm not invited." When I rolled over, he wasn't even in my room anymore. "Blah," I said without sound, sticking my tongue out.
Then I decided to just go to sleep, curling up with my phone and my blanket. Gio might call. I was tired. Instead of staying in the guest room last night, I'd fallen asleep next to Anthony while we watched a movie. My cousin is a wild sleeper—kept kicking me, and I'd kick him back.
But then, not even ten minutes had gone by, and Dad was in my doorway. "Catch."
Soaring through the air was a set of keys. Sadly, I didn't catch them—I've never been very coordinated, but I dove for them. Like an animal, some savage beast going for a slab of beef, I crawled to grab them, and then jump into the air.
Dad was laughing his ass off. "Come on, silly rabbit."
"I-fucking-knew it!" My voice was so deep and strained, I sounded like a monster.
"Excuse me?" Dad asked.
"Whatever!" I spat. "You use that word more than anyone else I know. Proper language for little girls, my ass!"
"Watch it."
"I'm not a baby, and Mom says it too."
He glared before he pushed me, gave me a nudge that made me stumble, but I knew it was playful.
"Stop!" I pushed him back, but he didn't go anywhere. "Where is it?"
"The garage." He led the way downstairs, and I was so excited I thought I might pee myself.
However, I was disappointed to see the hunk-of-junk parked there.
"Um… What is it?"
"A Honda Civic," Dad said.
I snorted. "You're kidding, right?"
Mom was already there, waiting for us, and they shared a look.
"There's rust." I showed them, just above the rear tire. "Plus, it's…like brown and old. You don't expect me to drive this, do you?" It was more of a punishment than a surprise.
Mom came toward me, but Dad stopped her to speak with me. "You don't know how to drive yet. This will be your learning tool. I was just going to take you around in mine, but I saw it and thought...It was cheap enough." He turned, shrugging to my mother. "I wasn't going to spend a bunch of money for you to wreck it. This is also a perfectly good car—"
"I don't want it. It's junk." I pointed. "I can't be seen—"
"You're a spoiled brat!" Mom nearly shouted. "We give you a car, and this is how you act?"
"But—"
"No. When I was eighteen, I lived on my own—I didn't have a car, and I would have loved this one. I went to school, held a job, paid rent, and my parents never gave me shit!" Mom looked pissed. "And this is how you show gratitude?"
"Well…" I was nervous because . . . Mom was yelling at me. "I—"
"I want your credit cards—all of them. Your allowance is gone."
"Bella—" Dad placed his hands on Mom's shoulders.
"For every hour you spend at that salon, you'll get nine dollars. From now on, you'll get a paycheck, and you can do with it what you will. You're not in school, so I also want one hundred dollars a week. That will cover your room and board here. You can eat with us—you're welcome to whatever's in the fridge, too." She nodded, looking proud of herself. "Every month, you'll pay for your cell phone as well."
I shook my head. "What?"
"Don't forget, taxes will be taken out of your check. Manage your money wisely."
"This car?" I pointed to it. "I, uh, I love it—"
"You're cut off! Until you can appreciate the value—until you can appreciate what we give you, or realize just how lucky you are. You get nothing unless you earn it. You hear me, Kylie Marie?" She yanked on my ponytail.
"What?" I tried not to cry, tried to swallow the lump in my throat.
"I love you." She held my cheek, wearing a hint of a smile. "But you don't appreciate anything. You sit around this house, if you're not moping around the salon . . . You don't help me, you don't do anything, and you just expect the world to be handed to you."
I shook my head. "I'm thankful—"
"Then start showing it. When I can see your work ethic, when I can see how hard you'll work to gain the things we've given you, that's when you can have it all back." She turned to my father. "You've created a monster."
"Me?" He pointed to himself. "I've spoiled all our children—"
"The boys worked from when they were fifteen...No. We never spoiled them." She scoffed.
Dad briefly looked to me, and then leaned down to Mom's ear. "We never had shit growing up...Why not, you know." I still heard his words, and I could see he was nervous. Mom was that pissed.
"You know what? I'm not getting into this. I've asked her to stop it with the credit cards, the shopping...asked her to help around the house, and...I've made my decision. She needs to learn how to be responsible, how to manage her money, because...the free ride is over." She dust her hands off, going for the door, groaning before she disappeared.
I wiped the tears away from my cheeks.
"Uh…" Dad was still here. "On the nights I'm home early, we can take this baby for a spin." He slapped the hood and the bumper fell off. "Fuck."
I sobbed into my hands.
"Now there's a dose of reality . . ." Damion commented from behind me.
I ignored him, still crying my eyes out.
"I'll get it fixed," Dad said. "You're not ready for a new car yet, and I thought this would be fun . . . This is just for practice. Your brothers went to driving school—took the course the high school gave. You decided not to…" He trailed off before continuing. "When you leave for Texas, I'll get you a different one—a newer, more reliable car, so I don't have to worry about you breaking down," he sighed, coming over to hold my cheeks. "I also…you and your brother are more than welcome," he tilted his head, so Damion could hear him as well, "to join us for the Halloween party. You can bring a friend . . . you'll be with your family, and you won't disappear, nor will you drink yourself sloppy like you did last week. Otherwise, it should be a fun night."
I didn't know whether to be happy, or even sadder. It's not like I have money to get a costume now, or a friend to invite. It's only a little over a week away. But then I tried to think of ways to get out of this—ways to get my allowance and credit cards back. Nothing came to mind. "Thanks." I sniffled.
On my way back to my bedroom, I passed Mom. She was in the kitchen, and I obviously had nothing to say to her.
When I tried to close my bedroom door, Damion stopped me. "Just leave me alone." I thought I'd head to the salon. It was still early, and I could make some extra money. Today was Nancy's last day for the week. She's going on a short cruise with her friend, and I could send her home early.
"Just…" Damion pushed me back and closed the door. "I'm here to help you."
"How?" I shouted. "This sucks—all because I hated that car."
"How much money do you have in your account? Your checking account?" he whispered.
I shrugged, picking up my phone to check. After typing in my log-in info, I started crying again. "$73 . . . and $50 in cash in my purse."
"Dad didn't give you money when he left?"
"I went shopping with Aunt Alex yesterday," I whispered. "I'm still not using my credit cards—Mom's being impatient with me. And you just saw . . . I pushed her over the edge." I plopped onto my bed. "Anyway, I burned through my cash. There was a sale—"
"Gimme a break, Ky. With you, there's always a sale. You don't need half the shit you buy. Amelia's the same way—always shopping, spending money. You guys are little princesses with Daddy's credit."
"Screw you." I bit my thumb at him.
"Oh no. Not the thumb." Damion smirked, reaching for my laptop.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Gimme a second. It doesn't matter how much money you have anyway." His fingers hit the keys rapidly. "This is a low, low blow, but fuck it." He chuckled. "I don't even know why I'm helping you."
"What?" I sniffled, wiping my eyes with my sleeve.
"Fuck it." He turned the laptop to show me. "Cheapest flight to Austin is $166 . . . You tell them you're leaving, and that you'll get a job. You don't need their money. You'll be fine without them—you're going to stay with Gio. They know they can't have it both ways. They can't say you'll be independent, while expecting you to still live by Dad's rules. You're eighteen."
My eyes widened. It was a dirty trick—a horrible threat, but it wasn't a bad idea at all, to really do it. "They probably won't pay my tuition—"
"They'll renege," he laughed. "Things'll go back to normal as long as you promise to cool it with the spending, do chores, help out. That's all Mom really wants. While we're at it, she's not your maid—"
"Says the man who brings his clothes home every week." I spat. "For Mommy to wash them." I pushed him.
"I'm busy 'round the clock. Mom helps me out, so what? You don't do shit, and you still . . . don't do shit," he laughed.
"You're right. I can work—go to community college." I smiled. "Thank you." I wrapped my arms around him.
"No," he said. "You're not really going until February."
"Fuck it," I giggled, using his words. "I'll go now—surprise Gio."
Damion shook his head. "You threaten them. It's supposed to be idle—"
"No." I suddenly wanted to start packing. "Can I borrow some money? Just for—just to get me started?" I opened my closet for a suitcase.
"Gio lives in the dorms…you won't be able to just bunk with him forever." Damion hopped in front of me. "Fuck, Kylie…it's just a ruse."
"But!" I held up a finger. "It's a genius idea. Who knew flights were that cheap? Plus, if they want me to be independent—like you said—I'll be independent." I squealed. "Just Gio and me…no rules, privacy…" I was giddy, just with the thought.
"Do what you want . . ." He backed away from me. "If you really wanna leave with Mom being mad at you . . . Also, Dad'll be so pissed at Mom—because of what she did, because what she said was the catalyst behind you leaving . . . Dad might just leave."
"What?" I asked.
"That's what happens after they have huge fights. Dad leaves, Mom cries . . . but hey, you do what you want."
I slumped my shoulders. "No…"
"Yes." He nodded. "If you really leave…" He chuckled darkly. "Sonny and Katie don't exactly have good news to tell them later either."
"What's wrong? Is it the baby?" I was in tears again.
Damion shrugged, walking out of my bedroom. "What do you care? You're leaving . . ."
"Hey!"
"Good luck to you." He was being so cold.
"Damion, wait!"
He turned around. "It's supposed to be an empty threat. Don't go for real."
I nodded, letting my suitcase fall to the floor.
In all honesty, I'd vowed days ago to make the most of the time I had left with my family. Gio's my boyfriend, and that's not changing. Soon, we'll see each other every day, and I won't see my family for months at a time. "You really think—"
"I know." He pointed to his temple. "Wait it out. You'll be in Austin before you know it."
After he left, I sat in bed waiting—waiting for Mom to come and apologize, waiting for Dad to come in and say Mom was full of shit.
None of those things happened.
I called Gio and we talked for a while, which made me feel better. We set a Skype date for later on.
I tried on all my shoes.
I made my stupid bed.
I surfed for gay porn . . .
And I forgot that I had the volume as high as it could go.
When some dude moaned, it scared the crap out of me, and I hoped no one heard it.
And none of those things cheered me up.
When a few hours had passed, I gathered all the courage I had and went into the kitchen. Mom was making grilled cheese for lunch since it was so late. Dad sat at the table drinking coffee with Damion, and I stood there—heart in my throat, dry tears still staining my cheeks . . . I made myself cry again for dramatic effect, but I was still really nervous.
"Ca-can I talk to you guys for a minute?" I whispered.
Mom waved the spatula, indicating I could, and Dad turned in his seat.
Damion raised a brow encouraging me, showing his moral support.
Keeping my head up, I kept looking to Mom and then Dad. "I've decided . . . what with being independent and all—and I really wanna thank you both for being so generous all my life. But Mom's right . . . I should make my own money, be responsible . . ."
"It's really for your own good," Mom said. "Money doesn't grow on trees, and soon…your father and I won't be around to help you with everything, or give you whatever you want because you want it. You have to—have to—work for things. When you go to school, we'll set up an account for you. You'll have a credit card for emergencies only. Most children learn a lot earlier . . . you can't always get what you want, like that." She snapped her fingers. "You need to learn how to be an adult before you leave this house—learn responsibility. You keep saying and reminding us about how grown you are, but you still act like a petulant child when you hear the word no...and I can go on, but I won't."
"I know." I nodded. "And I hate that I'm this leech . . . that you guys, like, hate me."
"What's not true." Mom and Dad said in unison.
I kept going. "I mean, I can get a job, stay with Gio until school starts—"
"Whoa!" Dad held up a finger.
"Can I finish? Please?" I swallowed.
"Let her talk," Mom whispered.
"I know you'll hate me even more. I know you might not pay my tuition, and that's okay. I'll work until spring semester starts. I can pay my own way. I can—I can start my life."
Dad's leg was shaking, and I didn't know what that meant, but then Mom spoke up. "First of all, we don't hate you. We could never hate you. We love you very much, but . . . if you think that's best."
I felt like someone stabbed me in the stomach. "What?"
She shrugged. "You're absolutely correct. You're of age. You have your own life to live—"
"Fuck that!" Dad shouted.
"Edward." Mom had a tone.
"I can afford my own flight—I can get there on my own. You know?" I nervously bit my lip. "That's all . . . I'll pack and leave tomorrow. Don't try and stop me."
When neither one had anything to say, I went back into my bedroom.
That was when the shouting started. Dad couldn't believe Mom—that she'd give me her blessing so quickly. Damion never said a word, and my parents continued to argue back and forth.
It happened just like Damion said.
They screamed at each other. Mom was actually on my side—saying all of this would be good for me, that I'd grow up, but – as my parents – they'd still be here for me. I needed to spread my wings. They'd pay my tuition anyway.
Then Mom said something about how she'd grown up—being tossed into the world with nothing thrust her into adulthood a lot faster, only I wouldn't starve.
Dad was just so pissed . . . screaming a bunch of things at the top of his lungs . . .
That's when Damion started shouting—telling Dad to let Mom go.
And I didn't know what was happening, until—until I heard Dad's tires screeching.
He left.
And I hadn't gone anywhere yet.
Damion was so wrong; meanwhile, it was a genius plan. I really thought they'd beg me to stay, take back what happened, and things would go back to normal.
When Damion knocked on my door, I ignored him—covering myself with my blanket, my phone forgotten.
When Mom pleaded for me to open the door, I thought about it—but I was half-asleep already, tears still falling from my eyes, and nothing she could say would take away the guilt I felt.
Either way, I knew I wasn't going anywhere—Texas or otherwise—for a while.
I stayed in bed.
When I finally woke up, it was almost dark outside.
Looking out the window, I saw Vito parked by the curb—his nephew Salvatore, who's around when more security is needed, was in the passenger side.
That's when I knew no one was home.
The house was very quiet, eerily so—Damion, Mom, Dad—all of them gone. Meanwhile, I could probably count on one hand how many times I'd been left alone.
Wary, I sent Damion a text massage, even if I was a little pissed at him—asking where everyone was. Gio had called me three times, and I sent him a text—saying I was fine but not very talkative, which is unheard of.
After brushing my teeth, I went to the garage to throw some towels into the wash before I cleaned up the kitchen. I did a quick once over, and then straightened up as I went downstairs.
By the time the towels were clean and ready for the dryer, I saw Damion had messaged me back.
We're all at Sonny's, even Dad. No worries—D
Are Mom and Dad speaking? I asked, hitting send.
Yes—D
I blew out a breath and took the piece of paper I had found in the kitchen out of my pocket. For some reason, I was scared to read it when I woke up. It was a note from Mom, saying there weren't any leftovers but there were Hot Pockets and stuff in the freezer. Since I wasn't hungry, I decided to watch TV.
Flipping through the channels for nearly an hour and finding nothing, I was surprised—and a bit delighted—to see Maggie in our backyard.
"Can't you take a hint?" I asked her.
She turned, jumping. I'd scared her. "I just—"
"He has a girlfriend," I said. "And . . . you're a bit young."
"He has a girlfriend?" She frowned.
I nodded. "Wanna come inside?"
"Okay." She was literally bundled from head-to-toe, not showing a sliver of skin, and it wasn't even cold out.
"Do your parents dress you like that?" It was like…a Walmart sweat suit or something.
"My mom buys my clothes, so yeah." She plucked her sweater.
"You don't shop for yourself?" I plopped down onto the couch again. "Sit."
Maggie complied, sitting next to me.
"I mean, no offense, but you live on this block . . . these houses are all worth millions. What does your dad do?"
"Our house has been in my mother's family for decades. But, um, my father's a teacher at Brooklyn Tech and he's a deacon at Saint Anselm."
"And your mom?" I asked.
"She's a homemaker." She still wore a frown.
"Are you sad about Damion?" I scrunched my nose.
"No...I don't know. I know I shouldn't be since I don't know him, but...I just poke my head in your backyard to see if he's there."
"He's no one—the last fucker on the planet you should cry over." I thought it was funny, while I also felt bad for her. "You wanna see his room? You can spit on his pillow. That makes me feel better."
Second, I thought, from getting stray cat shit from the yard and putting it in his bed—I've done that to Sonny, too. My brothers think they're so slick, but they scream like girls when they find my surprises.
She giggled. "That's gross."
I shrugged. "You wanna?"
She shook her head no. "I just—that night we hung out? I had the best time ever. He saw me—I was a woman, and no other boy has ever, um, boys don't talk to me. And he said he liked me. I really thought he did. Maybe I'm just boy crazy...like, I want one, not necessarily him, though. Heck, if I know." She tapped her forehead.
"First off, when a guy says, 'I like you', it just means you're cool to hang around, which is likely what he meant. He didn't mean he liked you, liked you."
"Oh."
I pulled on her sweater. "You got a hot bod under there, and no one can see it. You wanna be seen as a lady? Then dress like one, become one. I'm not saying to dress like a whore, but…guys see even a little skin and think sex."
"My parents—"
"Will get over it." I nodded. "Honestly. People say—you're going to be a nun?"
She sighed. "I don't know anymore."
"Because of Damion?"
"Because I'm eighteen and there's plenty of things—things to think about and consider." She sounded exasperated. "To make a choice now . . . I thought that was what I wanted, but it was really what my parents wanted. I just can't do it. But I have a full ride to Saint Mary's. And all the stuff I love doing for the church? I can still do it without becoming a nun."
"I thought you were seventeen?" I asked.
"My birthday was yesterday." She shrugged.
"Excellent." I rubbed my hands together. "You know what you need?"
"What?"
"A friend . . . I need a friend, too."
"You and me?" She waved a finger.
I snorted. "No, the girl behind you." When she turned, I stopped her. "Yes, you. I'm already with someone. But we can find you a man. That'll be our plan. Operation: Find Maggie a boyfriend. Or, Operation: Lose Maggie's V-Card," I giggled.
"Um… V-Card?"
"Your virginity," I clarified.
She blushed. "That's another thing about being a nun. I get all these sexual thoughts...There's something wrong with me."
"You're human!" I exclaimed, shocked by her admission. "My God...seriously. It's normal to be horny and shit. But...forget about Damion." I shook her. "Forget about the stupid boys at Bishop Ford."
She laughed, nodding her head.
"There's a Halloween party. My dad's throwing it. You should come with me. He said I could bring a friend. We can be fairies!" I got excited. "We can go shopping. I have a little bit of money . . . Do you have a credit card?"
"No," she whispered.
"When do you get allowance?"
"I got it today—"
"Oh, wait. How much did you make off your birthday?" I asked.
"Nothing. I got a gift card to Barnes & Noble's."
"Okay . . . how much do you have? I need to know what we can work with. We can shop tomorrow when you get out of school. I work on 86th Street. We can shop there on my break."
"Um…twenty-dollars. If I don't each lunch tomorrow, twenty-five."
"That's it?" My face fell.
"What do I really need?" She gave me some odd look. "I live at home, my mom cooks, and I go to school."
"Oh." Now my face had fallen. "You probably see me as this spoiled, rich brat."
"Yeah."
I honestly liked that she was so truthful.
"Okay." I smirked. "I have enough—for the both of us. You're eighteen, allowed to party but not old enough to drink. My mom will also be thrilled we're hanging out. You'll be a good influence, while I try to corrupt you."
"Um…corrupt me?" She raised a brow.
"Step one: tomorrow, when you're on your way to school, roll up your skirt—just above your knees," I giggled. "Do it at the bus stop, leave two buttons open on your uniform shirt . . . guys'll notice."
"That goes against the rules—"
"It doesn't when you're not in school—to and from." I nodded. "Come on." I grabbed her hand, dragging her upstairs with me. "I have fishnets—you can wear them under the kilt, but you have to take them off when you get to school. When that last bell rings, you follow the throngs of sluts going to the bathrooms. You put them back on."
"Kylie—" She stopped me, taking a look around the house. "This place is huge."
I waved a hand. "My room's this way."
"Is your other brother home?"
I smiled. "You are a horn dog, aren't you?"
"I was just curious. I saw him for the first time in a long time weeks back...I gave him a note to give to Damion. That's all. He's...yeah, he's handsome." Her cheeks were red again and her face lit up.
I stuck my tongue out. "They're not unfortunate looking, but they both have chicks. You don't want either of them anyway. They're dogs."
"I don't want them. I was just curious...The both of them are very nice to look at, though," she giggled, and so did I. Maggie was funny.
Then I had another brilliant idea. "Do you need a job?"
"Huh?" She sounded confused, still looking every which way. "Who are those guys outside? Why are there always men outside your house?"
We'd stopped in the hall near my bedroom. "Your parents don't gossip about mine?"
She shook her head. "That's not Christian. My parents don't gossip at all. Mom says your father is very generous. He gives a lot of money to the church, and she loves your mom's lasagna recipe."
"Oh…" I found it odd, unless she was pretending, that she didn't know who my father was. "You don't know anything about my family—nothing?"
"Um…I know Santino lives on Fourth Avenue. I've seen him go in and out of an apartment building while I was waiting for the bus. But I honestly forgot that he was your brother until I saw him that day."
"Do you just stalk random hot guys?" I laughed.
Her eyes widened. "I just noticed...I'm at that bus stop every day."
"Oh...what else do you know about us?"
"Damion," she smiled when she said his name, "I remember seeing him all the time when he lived here, but I was really little back then. Um…your dad owns clubs? I don't know much besides what I've seen or heard."
"Okay." I nodded. "How long have you been crushing on Damion?"
She let out a gust of breath. "He's dreamy and sweet—"
"And a total butthead. Get him out of your head."
"I know." She groaned, holding her face. "Will he be at this Halloween party? I don't know if I'll be allowed to go—"
"Say you're staying at a friend's house—say we're going to my cousin's Halloween party. I can call your mom and pretend to me mine." I smiled. "I sound just like her. It works like a charm."
"Will he be there?"
I nodded. "His girlfriend probably will, too."
"Is she pretty?" she asked.
"Very, but you're pretty, too. And you have this hot bod under your layers of clothes..." I felt bad for her. "You're skinnier than Amelia, though." I thought that might make her feel better as I entered my bedroom. "Let's order pizza, and then we'll watch TV." I grabbed my phone to call Vito, and that was when I realized how lazy, how catered to, I truly was. Then again, I didn't have the number for the pizzeria that gives us free pizza.
"Okay," Maggie agreed. "I love pizza."
"Me, too." I placed my phone to my ear. Vito was more than happy to send Sal for a pie.
"Can I use your phone?" she asked as I ended the call.
"You don't have a cell phone?" I frowned.
She shook her head. "I can just run back and tell her . . ."
"No, here." I handed her my cell, showing her how to use it, and . . . I guess I just thought everyone had a cell phone. Maggie was short with her mom, just telling her where she was, and that she'd be home later on. "Do you always have to check-in?"
"Always." She groaned. "But I told my mom I was going to confession when I left earlier."
"Confess to me." I sat on my bed and she followed. "Tell me all your sins," I giggled madly.
She did, too. "Besides lusting—having impure thoughts . . . Oh, I took the Lord's name in vain many times."
And she was serious.
I did the Sign of the Cross over her. "You're forgiven. Those are bullshit sins by the way. I used to lie . . ." I got up to go through my closet. "Let's dress you up."
"Why?" she asked.
"Because it's fun." I shook my head, and saw the hair dye I bought a few months ago. "Wanna dye my hair?"
"What color?"
My hair is very dark, and I bet it doesn't even come out. "It's red—will probably wash out in a week."
"That's good. In case you don't like it and stuff."
"I can paint your toes . . ." I was over-excited, having a girl to do girl things with. "Your nails . . . Tomorrow, too, we'll go get manicures. The nail salon next to the tanning salon does my nails for free. Oh, did you want a job? A few hours a day after school." Having a buddy might make the time go by faster. "It's seven-fifty an hour, and there's not much to it." Nancy was on vacation for the next week and a half. "It'll be part-time and then per-diem."
"Okay. Cool," she giggled. "Maybe I can get a tan."
I nodded, going back to the bed with the box of dye. "How do you think I stay sun-kissed when there's no sun? You don't want to over do it, then you turn orange." I scrunched my nose. "Stick with me and by the end of the week, I'll have turned you into a total babe. You'll be sexy as hell, dude!"
She nodded. "Turn me into a babe, someone guys'll like."
"Yes!" I fist pumped the air. "We'll get you a boyfriend soon enough."
She still looked sad. "Do you think Damion—"
"Forget about my brother. He has a girlfriend he can't tear his eyes away from, but yes. I bet he'll notice."
Maggie grinned. "Then I'm game—I trust you."
"Excellent." I reached out and hugged her neck.
/=/=/=/=/
EDWARD
/=/=/=/=/
When I arrived at Sonny's, I was still in a very pissy mood. I couldn't believe Kylie, or even worse Bella—to just say it was okay for Kylie to leave. I knew Kylie was fucking around, calling our bluff to get her credit cards back.
For all I know, Damion planted that seed because he's still pissed at me—my bad seed was causing trouble . . . again.
But honestly, it's just money—and there's no shortage around here. Why Bella has to try and teach her now, after all these years of spoiling our daughter, is beyond me. It made absolutely no sense, and she was pushing our daughter away.
Plus, I also hated myself—losing my temper and grabbing Bella like I did.
Especially in front of Damion.
If he hated me before . . .
Throughout the years, we'd always have it out in private, never around the kids. While they're adults now, I'd still rather they never saw that side of me—the side of me that just fucking loses it and puts my hands on my wife.
Bella cried.
Damion looked like he wanted to kill me.
And I just left . . .
It was one of those times where I wished Sonny was home. Things would have never escalated the way they did, or he would have knocked me out before I even reached his mother.
It was too late, but I sought him out anyway.
Sonny was busy cooking when I got to the apartment, while Katie was...I don't know what she was doing. I watched TV and nearly drank a bottle of scotch until Aro and Lisa showed up. He calmed me down, speaking of inane garbage, and trying to get me excited about the baby. We'd look over at Katie and smile.
Still, the unhappy couple wouldn't announce anything until everyone was here. We were only waiting on Lauren and Bella.
When my wife arrived with Damion and Amelia, I pulled Bella into the bedroom. I apologized, and like she's done many times before, she forgave me. Then she told me some bullshit Damion had said to her—it was all a ruse. Kylie wasn't going anywhere, which was something Bella knew—had the suspicion of from the get-go, and why she went along with it all.
After we all sat down to eat, I kept glancing over to Damion. His gaze would fall back on me, ice-cold. He couldn't let go of the way I'd treated his mother, or anything else . . . and that was fine. If he forgave me as fast as Bella, then I'd find that weird.
While we ate—Sonny had made roasted chicken and potatoes—talking stayed at a minimum. There were sides galore, and Bella stopped at the bakery, picking up a nice chocolate cake for dessert.
"She's not going anywhere. Get that look off your face," Bella whispered to me.
I leaned over to kiss her cheek. "I'm sorry."
"I know you are, but stop pouting."
I nodded, stuffing my face with chicken, the guilt still close to eating me alive. "After being away—where we had so much fun…"
"I know." Bella frowned.
We did just get in the car and drive. We wound up in Plattsburgh—our secret get-away, and we fucked all weekend. It was just us—a glimpse of what was sure to come once our house was empty. Just Bella and me . . .
"I love you." I placed my hand on her thigh.
"I love you, too."
Curious, I lifted her sleeve. She was wearing a short-sleeved sweater with this tight pencil skirt. She looked hot, and had my handprint on her bicep.
"Leave it alone." She didn't look at me, but pulled her sleeve down.
Maybe she hadn't forgiven me, maybe this was just a show for everyone else at the table . . . I didn't know, but I still felt like shit.
"Okay." Sonny put his fork down, turning to look at Katie. "The reason we asked you all over today . . ."
He went on to tell us that things just weren't working out between them. It came as a shock to Bella, Lauren, Lisa—it basically and practically brought the females at the table to tears.
We were all rooting for them, every last one of us.
Most thought—while I hoped—they'd live happily ever after, with a baby to boot.
But when Sonny spoke to me at Eclipse that one night, I knew it was coming.
They apologized to everyone, although I had no idea why.
Sometimes . . . things just don't work out.
They explained that they'd live separately but would raise the child together. They'd have joint custody.
That was when everyone fired off question after question.
Bella wanted them to give it more time. Rome wasn't built in a day. Hell, God couldn't even create the earth in one either. Supposedly, they needed more time.
But I knew the real reasons and so did Aro.
Katie couldn't be married to a made guy—a man affiliated with us in any way. Sonny told me that bullshit, too.
But to be honest, if Bella wasn't interested in hearing about my work, I'd never—ever—bring it up. If Sonny never spoke about it, Katie would be none-the-wiser, but she knows too much—from growing up with Aro as her father.
The love Katie and Sonny still have for each other hadn't gone anywhere, I guess. Circumstances are keeping them apart? Keeping them from being together?
After dinner, Sonny pulled me over to the side. He had something to ask me. My son wanted to know if he could buy out the old lady who lives downstairs. He wanted Katie to have that apartment—they could still be close.
I told him to go for it, knowing Bella will be pleased having Sonny, Katie, and the baby within walking distance. Sonny would pay their rent, too, if Katie allowed him. Sonny's hellbent on actually raising this child together—not just alternating weekends.
That's when I spoke up. "But…if you're not with Katie, I mean, I'm sure you'll find someone else," I whispered. "You know what I mean?"
"I do," he said. "And that's something I'll—we'll figure out as we go. That's the last thing on my mind."
"Okay." I nodded. "This shit didn't work out. That doesn't mean your life stops. You'll have a kid—so what. You still need to do you." And I was speaking to him as a father and a friend.
"I know that." He was incredibly sad-looking. "Maybe after the baby's born…maybe she'll want me."
"Come here." I pulled him into my arms, and hugged him tightly.
"Dad, I tried everything."
"I know . . . Sometimes…things just don't work out." I rubbed his back.
"I'm willing to change everything."
"I know," I sighed. "What if—" I stopped talking.
"What?" He leaned away. Sonny wasn't even crying; meanwhile, I thought he was. That's why I grew even more concerned.
"Um . . . What if you…took a break for a while. You weren't—involved?" First and foremost, he's my son—not an associate, not head of a crew—my fucking son.
"We can break the rules. What's the point of being the boss if I can't bend my own?" Lord knew I bent enough for Damion, and he doesn't even have his button.
"What are you getting at?" he asked.
I held my forehead. "We'd keep it a secret—say you're doing your own thing from afar . . . you leave Brooklyn behind." By now, he knew what I was getting at.
Sonny was quiet for a few minutes. "Go on the run? Stay in the cut and live quietly? The Skip's son skipping town?" He spat, disgusted. "All the shit I know...everyone would want me dead. You and Aro, too, for allowing such a thing. They'd stage a coup, and then when it's all done, Caius would be boss."
"Or Jasper," I laughed. "You're getting very ahead of yourself, and I don't want you to worry about who'd be anything. We'd keep it on the hush, but yes—even I couldn't guarantee your safety. If certain people found out..." I nodded, solemnly. "There's a chance they'd never know, though...if you came back on occasions." I placed my hand on his arm. "I never wanted this life for you anyway, but..."
"You'd risk...so much...everything, just for—"
"You're happiness." I nodded. "In a heartbeat. When your daughter is born, you'll understand."
"No."
"No?" I cocked a brow. "I thought you'd do anything—"
He looked into my eyes. "Anything but that. I took an oath. I'm in this until death."
I respected that. "But you'd have your freedom—no more bullshit. You could have Katie and the baby, and…a house in the country somewhere."
"I just can't do it. I can give up Eclipse, the women, the—anything I'd do that would keep me out late. But I won't break the vow I made. I won't—" He brought his voice down. "I won't put everyone in danger for some selfish cooz." His gaze was hate-filled suddenly. "I'd have to question her, her love, if she even accepted that!"
"Relax," I whispered.
"She brought it up once...She just might." He gritted his teeth. "Just to get what she wanted...How can I love someone like that?" He held his face. "And she's not that selfish...has a good heart and can be caring...I just—I can't. This is what I'm saying...the Katie I knew, the Katie I fell in love with, would never. I don't know this new person. She says I've changed...I think I'm the same. She's just different."
"Look, I'd respect any decision you'd make. I never forced you to do anything, and I'm not forcing you now."
"No," he said, looking in the mirror. "Shit is what it is. Katie can get with the program, give us a shot, or we'll stick to the plans we have now."
I hummed, just standing there. "How's Layla working out?" I hadn't been to the club in nearly a week, and I knew we had a new manager.
"She catches on quick—she's doing well. Her attire is all wrong. She stays looking like she's going to a school assembly. Plus, she put all the money I gave her away. I told her I'd take her shopping—I'll take the money out of her pay. She's doing wonderful. She just doesn't look the part. Maybe I'll ask Kylie to come with us."
"Cool," I sighed. "At least that's out of the way. You still studying for the bar?" His books, the practice tests were on his chest of drawers.
He nodded, taking off his shirt. Just like me, he's comfortable in a tank, but this isn't my house. In fact, I was dying to go home and undo my pants—stuffed from dinner. "Yeah…Unc says I'll have a corner office. When the time comes, he'll throw some clientele my way, too."
"Good. What about Eclipse?" I asked.
"I'll still take care of it . . . no worries on your end. With Layla, all I'd have to do is keep an eye on the books."
"I can chill there a few nights a week, too; I already do," I said.
He still wore a long face.
"Hey . . . maybe you need to go out—get a blow job. You and Katie still…" I trailed off, knowing my son is happier when his shit is greased regularly—it clears his mind.
He shook his head. "She's not even interested," he laughed. "All this was because we couldn't stop fucking around… We're trying to draw lines and stick to them."
"Right…that's a smart idea."
"Amelia have any sisters?" he asked.
I chuckled. "Her siblings are a lot younger. You know that."
He groaned. "I'll have to start dating again—actually dating. The thought of going back to the way I was…I realize that, that I want someone, need someone in my corner."
"Right, but how's that going to work with Katie and your daughter a floor below you?"
He shrugged. "Fuck if I know. But it's reality. Same as…I'll have to get used to her dating when she's up to it."
I sat on his bed, thinking his words very mature. "There's no giving it some more time?" It was still terribly heartbreaking. I felt mine was broken right along with his.
"It's been a month. A fucking month. She won't—just forget it. I'm honestly tired of discussing this." He shrugged with this look in his eyes as he went for his closet.
I was quiet as he picked out a suit and a shirt. "Where you going?" I asked.
"The club. Tonight is Layla's first night handling shit on her own. I just—I wanna make sure she's okay. I'll just have a drink with the guys."
"I'm sure she's fine. She would've called you . . . You want me to go?" Hiding there didn't sound like a bad idea. "Maybe you spend too much time there?" When Bella and I were first married, Eclipse seemed to be the source of a few of our problems. "Maybe if you didn't—"
"Please...just stop with the solutions. I've thought of everything. We've spoken about everything...She loves me, but can't accept my lifestyle. She'll fuck me, but she won't marry me." He pulled on his hair. "Get it now?"
I put my hands up in surrender. "Damion shows up again, you kick his ass out. He's not allowed to be there unless I am."
Sonny laughed, buttoning his shirt. "I don't even wanna know. He won't tell me what you two discussed…just says…forget it."
"What?" I was amused. "What'd that fucker say?"
"You're cold—a dick. I told him he didn't have the slightest clue as to who you truly are."
"Thank you," I whispered.
"I told him that you can be detached. . . but, you know. He's incredibly cunty for someone with balls the size of Texas—lemme tell you. I told him he couldn't have it both ways—give you the cold shoulder while expecting you to be warm…coddling?"
"Right." I still didn't know what my best course of action was.
What I wanted to do was have Damion put the sweat and work into moving up, without him actually doing so. Sonny went through it and survived...starting as a low-man, a grunt, a nobody.
It's kind of like what Bella wants to do with Kylie.
Like it often happens, hours later, I finally understood my wife's reasoning.
Damion thinks he can do whatever he wants with no consequences. He doesn't respect what I do, thinks it's all a game.
Something inside of me snapped when I found out what Damion pulled that night . . . his nine, on not only Aro and Caius, but Sonny—and in front of Amelia? Plus, the way it was described to me, nothing happened for him to act so irrationally. He was knocked out, and then hopped up with his heat in his hands. It could have been the blow to the head. I've woken up all disoriented before.
But while a part of me can understand and sympathize, it still doesn't excuse his actions.
Having the last name Cullen does not give him a license to kill; it doesn't mean the laws don't apply to him. If he wants it, he has to earn it.
I worked my way up, did what I had to do to gain the respect, the title I have now.
Same with Sonny.
Who the fuck did Damion think he was?
Sure, I fucked with his head. Most of what I said—they weren't lies—but they didn't need to be uttered. My whole act was done purposely to get a rise out of Damion—to see how he'd handle it.
Meanwhile, he never truly spoke out of turn or lost his temper, which leads me to believe that Bella's words ring true: Damion does fear me, although he tries not to show it.
All I did was embrace that dark side of myself—the part of myself that Damion inherited. I acted like he does; disregard for others, lying, fucking with people's emotions.
It's true; I do that shit on a daily basis, but never with my kids . . . unless it's done in a positive manner. Like, when Kylie asks me if she looks fat, and I go into a spiel about how beautiful she is, how she needs more self-confidence—although that's not true. My daughter is very confident, gorgeous, and she knows exactly who she is, and that she's not overweight. She's not a stick figure, she just fishes for compliments—digs attention, but that's a separate beast altogether.
Either way, you can't drive without a permit—a license—and you can't gain those without doing some driving—learning. While I teach Kylie how to actually operate a vehicle, Damion was going to learn how the thing truly works.
He needs to know the rules.
I also feel like . . . after this exercise is over, he might still choose to walk away, have no part of it. Of course, I was going to do whatever I could to make him miserable along the way, and make sure he'd still be able to…walk away. Things that he'll see won't be unseen and that whole mess.
And lastly, I wanted my son to know me. I realize that I know a lot more about him than I give myself credit for.
But he has no idea who I am . . .
"I think—" Sonny paused, changing into slacks. "What if you did coddle him?"
I rolled my eyes. "Your mother's been doing that his whole life."
"You," he said.
"And I kind of do, too. I'm soft—you see the way I am with him."
"Give it time." He threw my words back at me. "Little by little, maybe he'll open up. If, in your words, being warm isn't working, don't fawn over him. Be the Skip. Fuck him. Who does he think he is anyway?"
"Huh…" I mused; however, that was my original plan.
"Damion's so fucking lucky." Sonny shook his head. "Makes me regret all the times Mom set me up, and I just…" he sighed. "They were probably great girls."
"Caius wants to hook you up with his daughter."
"And have that fucker in my face more than he is now?"
"You don't like him," I assessed.
"He's thirsty...power hungry." Sonny stared at me, biting his lower lip. "Give me your blessing."
"What has he done besides piss you off?" I chuckled.
"He's going to turn on you one day . . . I'm just trying to be proactive."
I nodded, wearing a smile. "Then someone else moves up, gets close, and you'll have the same problem again, and again, and then they'll be no one left." I widened my arms. "I'll always have that problem, which is why my guard is always up and my eyes are always open. I know Caius . . . I know how he thinks, how to keep him content. The hell you know is better than the one you don't. Trust."
"I'd feel better if—"
I put my hand up to stop him, wanting to change the subject. "I never asked . . . How'd that go? Dropping Shorty off that one night?" Now that shit . . . I just did to fuck with Dame, something to give him a push to stake his claim. He knows those rules . . . No woman is truly off-limits until you put a ring on 'em.
"Fine. Luke wasn't even home. Elena was…but Amelia was fast to run into her bedroom. I apologized to Elena—said they got into a fight. Amelia just wanted to call Dame or something—"
"How was the ride, though?" I inquired, keeping my tone hushed. "She okay? Dame treating her all right?"
"She loves him." He shrugged. "She's blinded by love . . . I bet he treats her decently," he said his words slowly, thinking them out. "But even if he didn't, she wouldn't open her mouth." His lips pulled up into a smirk. "Amelia—"
"Stop." To me, it was only a game, but I didn't think I'd create a monster. "She's Dame's. You know that. You didn't make a play for her, did you?"
He raised a brow. "I could have . . . If I wanted to, I could have snatched that up before he even met her." He plopped down next to me. "I'm just being real about it . . . She's attracted to me—that I know. Some shit you just know, but no. I wouldn't do that to him. That doesn't stop me from thinking him lucky . . . Does it make me a dick because I'm jealous? But not so much because of who she is, but because of how compliant she is?" He held his head, laughing at himself.
I didn't have any comments. "Maybe Katie—"
He groaned. "Again . . . Katie and I are two completely different people now, and that's all it comes down to." He left the bed to grab his shoes.
"Okay. Maybe Amelia has friends?" I raised a brow.
"That are just like her? Yeah, right."
I laughed. "Don't go down that road. Your brother got lucky…don't be jealous, or go for his girl just because you're miserable."
"I'd never. What the fuck? I just said—"
"Relax…I've just—" Rather than get into a history lesson, I stood up. "We'll talk more this week." I kissed his cheek.
"What about Mom?…She's—"
"She's upset, but she'll deal," I said.
"Right."
I left his bedroom.
Bella served me a slice of cake when I went back into the dining room, but I declined. I was too full, too aggravated and disappointed—even chocolate cake couldn't make me feel better.
After saying goodbye to everyone, Bella and I left. She wasn't happy about it, but came with me anyway. It's not like she was being warm to Katie and Lauren—practically ignored them the whole dinner, only conversing with Amelia, and, surprisingly, Lisa.
Dame and Amelia stayed behind, and I said I'd send the car back for them.
"We couldn't even stay for dessert?" she asked, once we were settled in the car.
I told Vinny, my new driver, to drive. "I just…I wanted to leave." I held Bella's leg close to me. "Sonny wasn't even staying for dessert."
"You could have left—that's what you're good at—and I could have stayed." She nodded, acting all distant.
"I'm sorry I lost my temper."
"It's not about you losing your temper. Leaving like that?" she asked, shaking her head in disbelief. "We promised each other ages ago—we wouldn't do it, and every time you do it, you swear it's the last time." She turned to face me, getting really close. "Don't make me regret saying this."
I pecked her lips; she was right there.
"The next time you leave? Stay gone."
"Bella!" I exclaimed.
She turned, tears welling up in her eyes. "I put up with a lot of shit—"
"I know you do." I turned her to face me, grasping that chin. "You act like I took off with some broad—left the country. Where did I go? I chilled on Sonny's couch until you got there."
"Still." She pouted.
"Well, fuck you…" I didn't know what to say. "You're stuck with me." I yanked her into my side. "I may go, which is usually for the better, so I don't do some ol' wild shit . . . it's preventative. Sometimes I need time to cool off. But I'll always come back."
She giggled, which was like music to my ears. "I love you."
"I know." I kissed her hair. "Love you, too."
"But—just stop." She dug her finger into my side, and I winced.
"Shit. You stop that," I laughed.
She hummed, and we didn't really need a driver. We were already in front of the house. "Kylie wouldn't talk to me."
"She's not going anywhere either—until the spring," I said, opening the door and taking Bella's hand.
"She just wanted her credit cards back."
"Have you even taken them from her yet?" I snorted, holding her hip as we strolled up the walkway.
"No, not yet," she sighed. "Baby girl needed a wake-up call—that's all. I think the Honda is cute."
I took out my keys to open the door. "It's a piece-of-shit worth pocket change. Let her wreck and scratch that one."
"If it works, let her keep it." Bella shrugged, entering the house.
"After buying Sonny a Lexus for his graduation? Sending Damion to Europe? That's not fair. Sure, she gets a lot more in general, but . . ."
I wanted to buy Kylie a kickass whip. I like spending money, too. We came across the Honda on Craigslist. It was my intention to get her a car that was crappy—it has a purpose—but it's only temporary. I didn't expect the wife to go nuts. Yet, I knew Kylie was going to hate it—wouldn't want it.
Bella didn't say anything, going up the stairs.
"Kylie would look cute in a Mini Cooper."
My wife giggled. "True. But as fashionable as she is . . . She'll want a gas-guzzler because she thinks everyone in Texas drives a pick-up."
"She'll love whatever we give her now." I pulled her into my arms, swaying us. "We're really okay?"
She nodded, resting her head against my chest.
I took her hand and spun her around. "What if she was serious?" I kept my voice down, hearing Kylie's giggles down the hall.
"Trust me…she wasn't, but who's here?" Bella left for down the hall, and I followed after. "Kylie?" She knocked.
"Come in!"
Bella opened the door. We saw Kylie and Maggie laughing at something they were looking at on the laptop.
"Maggie…?" Bella looked surprised.
"Um…I invited her in. I hope that's okay." Kylie left the bed to come to the doorway.
"It's fine." Bella nodded. "How are you, dear?"
"I'm well, Mrs. Cullen. How are you?"
"Good, good." My wife looked back to me.
"Um." Kylie started, dancing from foot-to-foot. "I'm sorry." Her voice was hushed. "I'm not going anywhere—I washed towels, and I promise to do more."
"Okay." Bella kissed her forehead. "Thank you . . . we'll talk more about everything else tomorrow—when you don't have a guest."
Kylie reached behind herself. "Maggie says she doesn't wanna mess up my hair. Can you do it?" She held a box out to Bella.
"No." She reached for Kylie's hair. "It's gorgeous. You'll ruin it."
Kylie shrugged. "Whatever . . . Wanna say hi to Gio?" Our daughter seemed just fine, random and energetic, happy-go-lucky, and it made me smile.
Maggie handed her the laptop. Gio and another boy were on the screen. "It's like a double date," Kylie said. "See?"
Bella snorted. "How romantic . . . Hi, Gio!"
"Greetings from Texas!" he shouted back.
"How you doin', darlin'?" Some kid winked at my wife.
"I'm good…"
I pulled Bella into the hall. "'Sup, Peto?"
"Oh…hiya Skip!" He waved. "Tell my father you saw me."
"Call him," I said.
"I do almost every day, but he doesn't understand Skype or Facetime." Peto pursed his lips. "I'm healthy and alive. Let him know."
I nodded, having to remember to have Kylie teach me how to do it, the video chat crap.
"Okay." Kylie brought her computer back to the bed.
"Did you eat?" Bella asked them.
"We ordered pizza." Kylie had wide eyes, like it was our cue to leave. "When Damion comes home, send him in."
My eyes went right to Maggie, and she was trying to cover her face.
"Have fun, ladies." I pulled my wife into my side, closing Kylie's door. "Let's watch TV."
"Let's get undressed first."
"I love the way you think." I picked her up, threw her ass right over my shoulder.
Our vacation didn't have to be over just yet. Besides, that's the best part of fighting: making up.
Dun. Dun. Dun. I've cockblocked you all again! Bwa-ha-ha
No worries. Lemony, citrusy, sexy times are ahead!
Thank you for reading.
Please leave me your thoughts.
I'm sorry! I know most of you probably want more Edward and Bella (sigh) I'm sorry for not writing about their time away, too. I go/write what speaks to me, and this is how it went (shrug) There's a Sonny arc coming up, so we'll be hearing a lot from him. For those who dislike it . . . Idk what to tell you. Some shit is coming up. LOL. Just ride it out with me . . . I'm still nowhere near finished.
I never do recc's anymore, so here we go!
I'm so glad they're reposting these! Adult stories FOR adults. Amazing, really great. Check them out.
FIC RECS: Two of my favorites are BACK!
Scars and Souvenirs by Ashma0407
RE-POST...A pending divorce, kids and reconnecting with a lost love. *Working summary* (Lexi's summary: Bella is unhappily married, and then she gets a surprise phone call from an old flame, Edward. Life and circumstances tore them apart, but can they reconnect - repair what was once shattered, their hearts?)
www dot fanfiction dot net/s/8023233/1/Scars-and-Souvenirs
At Last by Itlnbrt
Edward and Bella find each other while married to others. Go on their journey while they try and find a way to be together and make it work. They have a lot to learn along the way to finally be together, at last.
www dot fanfiction dot net/s/8533785/1/At-Last
Completed Rec:
30 Days of Darkness by mkystitch
I refused to scream. No matter how bad he hurt me I wouldn't give him the pleasure of hearing my voice scream out. My only goal was to get out of this room alive. No matter the cost. *this is dark so I rec that you check out the trailer on my author page* (She means her page) E/B. Rated M.
www dot fanfiction dot net/s/6188506/1/b30_b_bDays_b_of_bDarkness_b
Isla De Cullen by Cara No
18 year old Bella and 37 year old Edward come from both the same world and two different worlds. She's invited to Isla de Cullen thanks to Alice. Will two weeks be enough? Very smutty. EPOV-BPOV "I will do anything to hear him call me 'little one' again."
caranofiction dot wordpress dot com