Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Beta'd by HollettLA.
Sorry for the delay. But I gotta long one for you!
Those of you who were reading Tribute...FFn pulled it, so now it's being posted on TWCS and my blog: www dot TributeSLC dot wordpress dot com (mind the "dot"s)
"Riders on the Storm"
Chapter Forty-One: Lost Time
SONNY POV
My tongue was numb and my teeth were getting there. Nevertheless, I kept it moving—going from munching on to licking Maggie's clit, my finger twirling inside of her.
I've lost count as to how many times I've…serviced my wife orally since we arrived.
Although Maggie enjoys it all the same every time.
She can't get enough.
It's like . . .
Well, I am making up for lost time.
I'm making up for the past…two months, and this was just the beginning. There was no limit to what I would do to make it right. Meanwhile, I don't think anything will. I've just been thanking God that my wife is the most understanding human being—woman—on this planet. My love for her knows no bounds, and I was incredibly reproachful.
A sorry sack of shit is more like it.
I don't deserve her forgiveness.
Apologizing has lost its meaning as well, but nothing will stop me from saying it—from eating her pussy, from spending every cent I had, from doting, loving, and caring…
My wife hates that I'm beating myself up . . .
She wants me to stop, for us to go back to normal, but . . .
She's forgiven me, yet I can't forgive myself.
Every time I think back…my mind goes away from me, I cringe and want to punch myself in the face. It's a horrible feeling. I've never been sorrier in my life. I've never harbored this much regret and guilt.
Never in my life . . .
"Fuck!" Maggie fisted my hair, and I winced, albeit slightly. My hair—my head, from her pulling my fucking hair—it was sore, too. But that means she's about to come. "Oh my God!"
And there it was…
I smiled against her as she squeezed my finger, her body quaking and soft moans falling from her mouth . . .
That, her orgasm filled me with glee.
"Oh…" She went limp, blowing out breath after breath.
Spent as well, I lay next to Maggie, gathering her into my arms. "Tonight . . . maybe we can have a picnic on the beach? I'll call room service . . . We'll actually leave the room." While I was content to stay on the low, I wasn't sure if Maggie wanted more—to sightsee, or go to the beach. I've asked and she's said no, but she could be downplaying any wants or needs she has.
She moaned, turning over to face me, tangle our legs. "That sounds amazing, but . . . we're not supposed to leave the room."
"True—" I raised a brow "—but if we do it late enough…a midnight stroll?" I kissed her collarbone, wanting to bite it.
Maggie palmed my cheeks. "Santino…" She searched my eyes, swallowing loudly. "I'm, um, I'm not made of glass . . . and I really want you to—I want you back, how you were." Her brow furrowed. "I don't know if I'm saying this right. I know you're sorry. I believe you. And I'm sorry too." Maggie nipped my lips and straddled my waist.
I rolled over to gently run my hands up her torso, palm her tits. "You're gorgeous."
"Did you hear what I said?"
"Every word," I promised. "I just . . . We've ignored the elephant in the room long enough . . . I don't know. I fucked up, and—"
"Your mouth…" She ran her thumb across my lower lip. "It's wonderful," she whispered. "But I want you to make love to me, like you used to. I know you had trouble when you were using . . ." She looked away.
"I'm fine…down there." Fuck. My cock was hard now. "You can't feel it?" I laughed, lifting my hips.
She giggled, squirming on top of me. "Why haven't we—I mean, we've been here for two days."
I hummed, sitting up to hold her close. "I know you like it when I go down on you—"
"But that's not all I like." Her hands trailed down my back. "I want to feel you—be connected. I need you, Santino." She placed kisses along my neck—those crazy kisses that drive me wild, the ones only Maggie can give me. "That's the way we feel close." She bit my earlobe, making my eyes roll back. "Right?"
I hugged her tight, a little too tightly, but I thought it'd be cool. "You're my best friend."
She was smiling. "Really?"
I nodded, nuzzling my nose to hers. "Yeah…but I don't know why—"
"Sometimes we hurt the ones we love the most . . . I heard you say that." She gave me a soft little peck on my forehead. "And we don't know why. But I've forgiven you. I love you and I need us to move forward."
"But us fucking like bunnies again won't fix what's wrong. Do you understand?" At the end of the day, I need to remind myself of my wife's age; meanwhile, I think she's more mature than I am. Fuck if I know. "It'll only mask our problems with this…false happiness?"
She scooted away from me. "So…let's talk. When we get back, you'll have like a week to study for the bar. I stare at that circled day on the calendar a lot." Her eyes widened. "February 26th . . . I worry that your recent problems have taken you away from that goal."
"Well . . ." Thoroughly impressed and dumbfounded by how grown she sounded, I sat up to face her, wearing a smirk. "I—I'll be honest and say I haven't given it much thought. I was originally doing it for—" I didn't wanna say her name "—Katie, but…" I trailed off, at a total fucking loss. "Do you want me to take the test?"
Maggie grinned, poking my stomach. "It's so freaking solid. Your abs," she sighed, her eyes meeting mine, and I thought I lost her. But then . . . "The question is, do YOU want to take the test?"
"Check you out." I don't know why I didn't give her more credit. "I'm not sure, not anymore. I don't see a point. I'm successful. I don't have to work another day, and we'd be set for life . . . with what we have in the bank. Not many can say that at twenty-eight. Being an attorney never truly interested me?" I scrunched my nose. "I was only doing it, so…I have no idea." I originally studied law to learn how to get around it, cover my ass. A few courses on Forensics didn't hurt either.
"What did you want to do? What did you want to be when you grew up?" she asked.
"I am a grown-up," I laughed.
"When you were little." She nudged my leg with her own. "I know there are responsibilities you still have…will have for the long-run, but…maybe you could get into something that makes you happy? Besides me…'cause I know being inside me makes you happy." She snorted.
"It does." I nodded, smiling widely. "Are you going to keep up with the innuendoes until we fuck?"
"Yeah, pretty much." She nestled into my side. "I just wanted to make sure it still was."
"I wish you knew what being inside you feels like," I whispered. "It's the best."
"What'd you wanna be?" She raised a brow, getting us back on track.
I laughed at myself. "I wanted to be just like my father. I wanted to do…basically what I'm doing now. Sometimes, when we get what we want? We take that for granted." I lifted her hand to kiss her rings—the symbols of our bond.
"I don't know if I can ever forgive your dad." She looked angry now. "When I saw . . . I just, I didn't care what you had done, but I got so mad." She gritted her teeth, tears filling her eyes.
"Hey." I palmed her cheek. "Don't."
"I know he helped you," she cried. "But he hurt you, too. And I love you so much." She threw herself into my arms.
"Shhh." I rubbed her back. "He did help me…more than I can explain. I needed a wake-up call, baby." I kissed her hair. "I was so wrong, and if you'll let me…I'll devote the rest of my life making that up to you."
I felt her shake her head. "It's done." She leaned away, wiping her eyes. "We can't take back the past. We have to move forward, have fun, laugh, and smile…Your mom said that, but I agree. The best times and the worst of times—in my life to date—they've all been with you. And I want more good times."
"I'm sure—can guaran-fucking-tee that we'll have more bad times, too."
"I know…We're married…"
Silence fell upon us, yet we were content to stay in the embrace.
"Have you wanted to use since we've been here?"
I nodded my head yes, in all honesty. "I'd feel right…I think maybe I won't be so unsure. But I know…I know using again is not an option. Not if I want my life to stay the way it is, with you in it . . . I'm doing all right, though."
It's true; when I get upset or think back to three days ago, I yearn for some yak. My body is telling me I need it. My fucking brain keeps messing with me, too. However, I haven't had a mood swing—except mild depression—since we've been here. And I know that once we get back to New York, that desire will be all the more stronger, amplified by a thousand.
I was going to beat this.
I was going to come up swinging like I did the other day.
"Thank you for being honest."
"Don't thank me for that." My eyes snapped to hers. "I want us to be more truthful. I want to share things with you. Even though, I know some things—I don't know if you'd be able to handle them, my demons." Swallowing was hard; I felt like I had a lump in my throat. "I know I took you for granted—"
"It's okay." She placed her lips to mine. "Tell me…anything and everything. I don't keep things from you . . . Well, except for some of the silly things your sister gets me into."
"I wanna know." I laughed through my tears. "I want to know everything, even if you think it's stupid and immature. Don't be embarrassed."
"Okay," she sighed, resting her forehead to mine. "I love you."
"I love you, too." I hugged her tightly again. "You want us to get back to normal, and I want us to be better—better than before. I'm going to make sure I'm home more often."
"I think I'll do night courses," she said.
"What?"
"When I start at NYU? I'll do night courses, so our schedules will sync. You know? I know it's nighttime, and you'll worry—"
"We'll make it work." I squeezed her. "Okay? We'll play it by ear. I don't want you to change anything—"
"But it's okay if you do?" Her face fell and the tears were back. "I'm missing more school being here. I'm afraid—afraid I won't graduate on time." She started to sob.
"What…?" I held her cheeks, making her look at me. "You're having trouble?"
"I flunked all my mid-terms." She sniffled. "I haven't been sleeping. When—when being there gets boring, I call for our car, and they take me home. By that time, you're gone. And I've made sure to call either Gino or Tommy . . ." She shrugged. "It was just so hard, being there when-when—"
"Listen to me—" I wiped under her nose "—we'll figure it out. I'm sorry. I'll help you study, but why haven't you been sleeping?"
"I just can't. I worry about you," she hiccupped. "I'd lie in bed half-asleep, and I'd only fall asleep when you'd get home. It was like…my body knew when you'd walk in. I'd be half asleep, and then I'd nod out. Only, then I'd wake up two hours later . . . You'd be passed out—"
"Okay." I nodded. "What are your options? Summer school…? It's been a while since I was in high school. And you need high school. It's not the same as me with the bar exam."
"I know," she whispered. "They called my dad. He said he was going to call you, but I begged him not to. He made me promise I'd tell you. But in comparison, it didn't seem important."
"Are you kidding…?" I was taken aback. "Maggie…"
"I'm sorry."
"Look at me—" I dipped my head to meet her gaze "—don't apologize. We'll figure it out. All right? I'll—we can meet with your teachers…?" I wasn't even sure. All I knew was that when I was in school, teachers wanted to meet with parents and/or legal guardians. While Maggie is eighteen, the same rules still apply.
"I don't want you buying my diploma."
I smirked because my wife was getting to know me too well. "It'd be really simple. It's a Catholic school."
"My courses are a lot to keep up with. I'm in advanced classes. You know that…" She rolled her eyes. "There needs to be a meeting, but it is a private school, like you said. They bend a lot of rules, and if my absences are explained—"
"I can get you a doctor's note." I nodded, pursing my lips.
"I know you can." She grinned. "But what I'm trying to say is…if I ace everything this last semester, I'll be able to graduate on time. I know so."
"Good. We'll study together. We'll try to get some kind of balance, so that we're both getting the rest we need. We're able to spend actual time together, and we'll do the things we gotta do. Deal?" I put my hand out.
We shook on it, and then she pulled me closer to her. "Can we…go to the prom, too?"
When I leaned back to look at her, she wore a big toothy grin.
"I heard you tell your brother . . . When he mentioned it, you said you were dreading the spring because of it." She rushed out.
I winced. "I did say that . . . and I meant it. Do you know how old I'm gonna look in comparison—"
"So, what? Do you have any idea how much every girl is going to hate me?" she giggled. "Because of how hot you are, although a bit older."
I sighed, thinking that could be my penance—no matter how much it truly didn't compare. "I'd love to be your date."
She squealed. "It's gonna be awesome!" She fist pumped the air. "You'll take me back to the Waldorf and try to get under my dress, too, I hope?"
I bit my lip and grabbed her ass. "You can count on it."
"A limo?"
"Whichever one you want." I nodded. "But no one else rides with us. I'm going with you, and I don't plan on socializing."
"Pictures?" she asked.
"As many as you want. I'm sure Mom and Ky will have a field day, and I'll never live it down," I guffawed.
"Hey…it won't be that bad."
"I know." I lifted her, bringing her over to my side. "We'll have champagne and a fancy dinner beforehand." I stared into her eyes, hovering over my beauty.
Maggie rubbed up my chest, wearing a smile.
"We'll make sure to get you the most expensive, fanciest gown . . ." I eased between her legs. "Sound cool?"
"Very!" She wrapped her arms around my neck, a giddy mess.
"Doesn't take much to make you happy, huh?" I gave her an Eskimo kiss, my hand sliding down her side to grasp her hip.
"As long as I have you, I don't need much else."
"Ditto," I said, meaning that with my whole heart. "I was a fool . . . and I hope you've truly forgiven me." My tears were back, and I couldn't hide them. "I can't be me without you. I also told Dame . . . you're the best thing to ever happen to me. And I mean that, too." I sniffed, wiping my nose with back of my hand.
Maggie brushed the tears away from my cheeks. "Don't cry." Her lip quivered.
I smiled, chuckling. "I know…it gets you started."
We were quite the pair, I thought.
"It does." Her face crumbled.
"Christ." I snuck my arm under her, hugging her body close while trying to keep my weight off of her.
Maggie sighed, composing herself, her head slowly turning to mine. "Santino…" The look in her watery eyes hypnotized me—the love and desire I saw made my heart suddenly pound fast and loud in my chest.
I crashed my mouth to hers, my tongue invading, probing, and tasting—a grunt falling from my lips. My body pinned her to the bed; I no longer cared about my weight, weaving my hands into her hair.
Maggie moaned, her body rocking against mine, kissing me just as passionately and deeply. Her nails clawed at my back while I felt her feet push my boxers down.
Quickly, I leaned away to grab my dick, staring into those eyes—my eyes—before I fell forward. I held my breath until she sheathed me, letting it out only to finally feel at ease . . .
My wife gasped, and her eyes widened, her hands gripping my shoulders . . .
I leaned back down to kiss her, wanting to go slow, but that wasn't happening. My hands pulled her waist closer as I dug into her deeper, coming all the way out just to push back in with force.
"I fucking missed you." It was the only thing left to say, because I missed her like fucking crazy. I wasn't me for so fucking long. And now that I was back . . . I was making up for lost time.
The coke was like a cage—it was like being in the can, it held me back.
It helped me to excel in other roles but not the most important one.
To my surprise—Maggie, in her own lust-filled haze—wore a smile. "Shut up and fuck your wife."
I shot her a lopsided grin, wrapping her legs around my waist, my elbows coming to rest on either side of her head. "You can't let me be romantic—have my own moment. I had an epiphany and shit—" I tapped my temple "—up here."
"God…" She groaned, thrusting up to me. "I need it."
"I know what you need," I sang.
She slapped her hands against my chest. "Roll over."
"I'll—relax. Okay?" This wasn't romantic at all now. She'd ruined it, but being inside her was as euphoric as it's always been.
"Roll. Over." She more like demanded, pushing me with all her might.
I refused to move, firmly intending on fucking my wife. "Shut up." I pulled her hair to make her back hit the mattress as I picked up the pace with my hips.
"Yes! Fuck me!"
"Listen to you…" I chuckled, but I didn't mean to. She honestly felt like…the best thing ever. Not only did I miss her, but my cock did, too. Thinking back, I couldn't remember the last time we'd actually made love.
That wasn't important . . . not when I was in that fucking vise.
Now . . . Hell, I had to concentrate or else I'd come.
And the way Maggie was going insane, that wasn't an option.
"Come." I sucked her lip into my mouth, my hand snaking down to toy with her clit.
"Harder."
My eyes widened. I gritted my teeth, trying my hardest . . . going faster.
"Santino." She slapped my chest again, whining. "You come—for me? Come inside me—"
"Fuck!" I was already there, going the deepest I could to spill, holding her tightly. I swore I saw fucking stars. My ears were fucking ringing, too. "Shit." I panted. "I'm sorry."
She was beaming. "Don't be." Her arms wrapped around me again. "Just lay with me…like this. I just…You know I missed you, too—everything about you. We can do that again, and again—order room service, and go again." She nodded.
I blew out a breath, agreeing. "As many times . . ." I honestly felt better, my head a little clearer, after our talk and coming. "Fuck," I laughed, roaming my hands down her sides again.
She yelped when I squeezed.
"Sorry."
"Don't be. I missed your hands, too. My bull . . ." She rubbed the side of my face. "I'm not a china shop."
"I remember telling you that." I chuckled, pushing her messy hair away from her face. "I love this face."
She giggled. "I love you…"
"I know." I nodded, the weight of that sentiment hitting me like a brick suddenly. "I know." My words were a whisper as I kissed her deeply once more.
Maybe we'd never see more than the airport here in Bermuda.
But I saw more of my wife . . .
We connected in ways . . . I could hardly describe it, but I knew we were solid.
We'd get back to New York, and to being Sonny and Maggie . . .
Faults included.
/=/=/=/=/=/
KYLIE
/=/=/=/=/=/
I stared at my mother, wondering if she was going to sleep our whole vacation away. I mean, I know she's been depressed or whatever, being away from Dad. And I could relate . . . although what she and my dad have doesn't truly compare to Gio and me. They're, like, really-really-really in love, have almost morphed into one person, one soul or something.
She says that sometimes her chest aches—with anxiety and sadness, because she misses him.
And that was so deep.
I wondered if Dad was having the same problem, if he missed her as much.
Nevertheless, we haven't done much. She's been sleeping a lot, barely eating, and I know she's trying her best to appease me—keep me occupied.
We've eaten at many restaurants . . . We bought wigs. I helped Mom to dye her hair an even darker brown. She looked hot. Her new hair makes her eyes more pronounced.
We've also rented like every movie this hotel has on Pay-Per-View.
I gazed at Mom again, wondering if I should let her sleep.
It was going on two o'clock in the afternoon . . .
We'd gone to bed late, though.
When we went to Walmart, we bought a few board games . . .
This vacation has been so exciting.
And I can hardly contain myself . . .
Cue the sarcasm.
Today, we're supposed to visit my uncle. Then, later on, we're going to stay at Alice's house. I couldn't wait to be around more people. This time I've spent with my mother . . . It's truly been amazing. I know I can be a brat, but we've talked so much. I think she understands me better.
However, I just don't think we're utilizing this time. You know? We should be living it up, going to bars, and flirting with guys . . . Neither of us would mean the latter, but it'd still be cool . . . let our fake hair down and all.
"Mom?" I whispered to see if she'd get up.
She didn't stir, still bundled in the blankets.
I shook my head, leaning back.
Even though she hadn't given me permission, I snuck out of the room and got us food from Burger King a half hour ago. It's not breakfast, but I got her coffee, and it was getting cold. She'll have to nuke it.
When her cell phone rang, I jumped—startled at the sound—and Mom hopped up, awake.
"Hello…?" She panted, and I knew it was Dad.
When he calls, she mostly just listens, and he sends his love . . .
Worst of all, I couldn't muster the courage to ask my mother what I wanted to the most . . .
My mind wanders and I wonder if this is really a vacation, or some front to get us out of Brooklyn.
It frightens me because . . . I just don't want my mother to lie to me, nor do I want to put her in a position to lie.
She's said we're not in danger, and I believe her.
She answered my most pressing question, at least.
"I love you, too." Her voice didn't break. She masked it, but tears did fall.
I went to her bed and rubbed her back. "Hi, Dad!" I shouted.
Mom giggled. "He says, 'Wassup, Kylie Cat?'"
I smiled. "Miss you, too."
Mom winked at me, and I leaned back so she could sit up. "You've spoken to Sonny? How…? Oh." She nodded. "I'm glad." Her eyes widened. "I was worried." She looked to me. "I'm happy things are going well…for them. How are you?" Her eyes left mine, and she focused on her sock. "Awesome . . . Very cool. Okay. All right. Great."
I furrowed my brow, silently asking what was up.
Mom didn't answer me. "Amazing. I can't—Edward, I—Yes, I love you, too." She ended the call, slumping her shoulders.
I went back over to her. "When's he coming back? I know he's away somewhere."
She wiped her eyes. "Sorry, I'm a mess."
"It's okay to miss him," I whispered. "You'll think I'm crazy, but I miss him, too."
She laughed, hugging me close. "I bet you're starved. Sorry, I'm so tired. I'm not taking very good care of you—"
"Are you kidding?" I was a little disappointed and left her arms. "We've been so real with each other . . . I mean, I know you're hurting. I know…being away from Dad is hard for you. I don't want you…putting on some smile just for me. You know? I have no problems crying to you." My lip quivered and I bit it down.
"Come here," she whispered, widening her arms.
I wasn't embarrassed to crawl right in there, enjoy her embrace and warmth. "I'm sorry you're sad."
"It's okay." She hugged me tightly, shaking me. "Things were just so crazy before we left. I barely had time to make heads or tails, and then we were leaving . . . Your father had left."
"Where did Daddy go?" I tested the waters with that.
"A business trip—nothing important. But he says we can go home on Monday."
"Really?" I asked, surprised. "That soon?"
She hummed. "I'll talk to Dad when we get home. You're old enough, and I don't see why you can't fly down to see Gio one weekend...as long as you pay your own airfare. I know he'll be back for spring break—"
"You mean it?" I gasped. "I could go to Texas? I managed to get you coffee before—" I pointed.
"You, what?" she shouted. "You left—You didn't wake me before you just—fucking left?" My mother had never screamed at me like that before.
I cowered away from her. "I went across the street . . ."
"Fuck." She palmed her face. "You can't do that, Kylie."
I narrowed my eyes. "So, all this…this is just some…some…bullshit? You're talking about my freedom, but—"
"I'm not apologizing for screaming." She left the bed, staring me down. "You will not leave this room—leave my sight unless I know about it. Understand?"
"I—"
"I don't give a fuck!"
My heart threatened to beat out of my chest. "Mom…"
"Do you have any idea—Christ, if something happened to you…?" She was crying again. "I'm sorry. Going to Texas, where no one knows us, where there's no harm…that's different. Precautions need to be taken before you just walk out there. I bet you didn't even glance over your shoulder." She moved her arms with a flourish, her anger still visible in her words and demeanor.
I didn't know what to say.
Being used to having a short leash, I didn't see a point in . . . in anything.
Why should I even bother arguing?
I was saddened, disappointed . . . I felt like my spirit had died, like a prisoner in my own life, as I tried to mentally figure out how much money I had in my bank account.
Unlike my friend Maggie, I do think about running . . . just away.
Being here without an escort or a driver felt weird, but oddly incredible.
But it was all bullshit.
I had no true freedom.
/=/=/=/=/
BELLA
/=/=/=/=/
After checking out of the hotel, Kylie and I drove to Middletown. As it turned out, we did have many more things to haul—take around with us. Edward was right in getting us the large car . . . but all of that didn't matter.
Kylie hasn't said a word to me. She's angry; I can see it in her eyes, but she has no idea how much she scared me.
If she'd just woken me up beforehand, I wouldn't have stopped her from going.
I would have followed her, made sure shit was cool before I hightailed it back to our room.
My heart was hurting because . . . I don't know. I wasn't going to apologize for reacting the way I did. No fucking way.
An enemy of Edward's . . . I didn't wanna think of what they'd do if they got ahold of Kylie. Or, what we'd endure if Kylie was harmed. I didn't even want to think about it.
A lot of times it's only a precaution, and she swears she understands . . .
I truly don't think she does.
When we left the highway, getting off at the Middletown exit, I gave Kylie a fleeting glance. "Do you plan to ignore me—give me the silent treatment forever? This trip'll be miserable…"
"Just leave me alone," she whispered.
"Oh, is that what you want?" I asked, sarcastic.
She nodded, staring out the window.
"Too bad." I grinned, stopping at a red light. "Can you just try to be me for a second?"
She shook her head. "I get it. Just let it go."
"I can't," I said.
"You have no idea what it's like to be me . . . the only privacy I have is when I'm alone in my room. I can't go anywhere—I can't even fucking breathe, it seems, without approval!" she shrieked.
I cleared my throat, driving on when the light turned green. "Are you finished?"
She groaned, stiffening. "You're being like Dad!"
"Hey…when he's not around, I am the Skip." I kept my tone hushed.
"What the fuck is a skip anyway?!"
"Watch your mouth!" I shouted.
"I don't even think it has that much to do with being a female." She spat. "You actually listen to what Sonny or Damion have to say . . . And no, you're not the Skip when Dad's gone. Sonny is. You take direction from him. You wonder why I'm like this? I mean, you—who did I have to look up to? You?" She snorted. "You tell me to be independent, be mature…Where would I have learned it from?"
"Excuse me?" I raised a brow, feeling as though her words grew hands and smacked me around.
"Dad said this, and Dad said that—you always listen to him. He says jump, and you ask how high? I mean, seriously? Your leash is just as short as mine, and you don't even complain! You don't care!"
"What?" I was confused. "Who's driving this car right now? Kylie Marie, there's no one following us . . . We technically don't have leashes right now."
"But you can't drive around in Brooklyn."
"Touché." I nodded.
Kylie became quiet again, and I guessed she didn't expect me to actually speak civilly or agree. That took her aback, and it made me smile.
"I wasn't always so compliant. But when you love someone as much as I love your father . . .? And when the one you love is more stubborn than a mule? You learn that you'd rather spend your time listening and trying to understand, rather than fighting." I huffed a breath. "Can you understand that, Kylie?"
"I guess," she whispered. "But you don't even fight for it at all, Mom. I need to fight for it."
"Never stop." I gave her hand a squeeze. "Don't . . . I can promise it won't always be like this, though. You'll go to college, maybe move away with Gio for graduate school . . . if you go. I don't know. The world's your oyster, baby girl. But as long as you live close to your father . . ." I trailed off, not wanting to say she was a huge target for anyone trying to get to him.
"That's what sucks."
I nodded. "Because you want to stay close—have your cake and eat it, too."
"It's not even like that. I just want my driver's license, a car . . . maybe sometimes I don't have to tell you where I'm going, or whatever. I'm not asking for anything special. You guys spoil me, but I want what everyone is pretty much entitled to—what everyone has. I need something—an inch."
"You'll get it. I promise, but . . ." I didn't know what to say or when I could guarantee her freedom. "Let's just make it 'til Monday, okay?" My eyes pleaded as I gave her another brief glance.
Kylie didn't reply with words, she just nodded.
In just two days, we'd be leaving for Brooklyn. Edward was already in Vegas. And as far as I knew, they were going to pop Heidi and get the fuck outta there—drive down to Arizona and hop on a plane.
He said he'd call with details—where we'd meet him. The objective was for all of us—as a family—to hit Brooklyn on the same day.
My husband said he'd spoken to Sonny. He was doing well but not doing much in Bermuda, which was the plan. Edward said he sounded good, happy.
He told me to not to call Damion. Carlisle had checked in with him, and that's what my brother in-law would have done if our plans stayed the same. Him calling wasn't out of the ordinary. Dame was none the wiser, carrying on as he usually does—going between work and school.
"You wanna see if we can get Alice to take us out tonight?" I asked, pulling up to the curb in front of Emmett's.
"Out...?"
"Yeah." I smiled. "There are bars and clubs up here, too." As I killed the engine, I saw Emmett jump from the porch in my periphery. "Whattdoya say?" I rushed out, trying to ignore my goon of a big brother.
"Hells Bells. Open up!" He tried the locked door to no avail.
I giggled and faced Kylie. "Maybe we'll, uh, take him with us?" I pointed to her uncle.
Kylie smiled. "He'd ruin our swag."
"Come on, B!" Emmett knocked on the window.
I laughed, opening the car door, only to be engulfed in a hug.
"It's been too long." He squashed me. "My baby sis."
I reveled in his embrace and tried not to cry. Also, I wondered how it was that . . . being here, being in his arms could transport me in time—how I could feel so young again. "I missed you."
Emmett kissed my hair. "Come on in. Rosie got cold cuts, all different types of bread." He paved the way for us to follow. "Need me to get your bags?"
"No." I waved a hand. "We're gonna stay with Alice."
"Alice?" He grimaced.
I winced, and it was only because of Jasper . . . Edward preferred us staying over there. "I—"
He scoffed at nothing—at me—only to beam at my daughter. "Kylie!"
"Uncle Emmett!" she shouted back, running and jumping at him.
It was cute, and my smile was huge as we walked into his house. It'd been ages since I'd been here. They always visit us in Brooklyn, have been visiting us for years.
"Is Grandma Swan here?" Kylie looked curious, and I could probably count on one hand how many times she'd seen my mother—her whole life.
"No . . ." Emmett looked to me. "Did you want her here?"
"No!" I glanced at Kylie. "I mean—"
"Bella!" Rosalie came at me with open arms.
I sighed, taking in the scent of her shampoo. She's used the same one for years, and her blonde hair was just as long and shiny. Maybe Rosalie has aged like us all, but she was graceful and as beautiful as ever. "How are you?"
She smiled, a little misty-eyed. "I'm great. We can't let this much time pass . . . That one was supposed to get married."
"Funny." Kylie's tone was sarcastic.
Rosalie's eyes stayed on me. "I mean it."
"We always mean it." 'Cause we always say the same thing—that we'll spend more time together, get together more, talk more…etc.
Nevertheless, and it's sad, we mostly see each other at weddings and funerals since we're all so busy with our immediate families and lives.
But I think that's the same with most families . . .
"Let me show you the deck." Emmett smiled wide. "After seeing what Jacob did to Jazz's backyard—" he shook his head "—the kid's a great carpenter."
"Em, let her settle first."
"I'll go." Kylie offered.
"All right," my brother laughed, placing his arm over her shoulders and ushering her away. "At least someone cares about my new deck!"
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "It's a deck." She shrugged.
I giggled. "Right."
She sighed. "Let me take your coat."
"Oh." I shrugged out of it. "Where—"
She took it from me. "I have lunch all set out in the dining room—"
As I gazed around, her home was immaculate. Most of the furniture was still the same—from years ago—but the place looked great. When Emmett and I had our falling out years ago, when he'd basically turned his nose up at our lifestyle, my husband stopped…giving him odd jobs? Associating with him in that way?
As per Edward, Emmett never complained, never asked for a thing.
I was grateful for many reasons, actually.
Emmett and I made up. Edward and Emmett have a cordial thing going. We get together when we can, and there are no complaints . . . Except that we should get together more often.
"Thanks. It looks amazing."
She waved a hand. "That old couch . . ." Rosalie walked toward the dining room. "Would you like something to drink?"
Rosalie had her back to me, and I grabbed her hand to gain her attention. "Rose . . . it's me," I said. "If I want something to drink, I'll get it—same with Kylie. And we can have sandwiches at your kitchen counter, like we used to."
She flashed a small grin. "Whatever you'd like."
I furrowed my brow. "Why are you being weird?" I was honest, because she was being odd. She wasn't treating me like… "It's me."
Anger seared through her gaze for a quick moment. "Can't I pretend we're not white trash for five-fucking-minutes?"
I laughed. "That's better."
"Christ. It's not even funny." She walked away from me.
"No, it is." I followed.
And it was only humorous because they're anything but. Maybe their bank account isn't as large as ours, but there's nothing trashy about Rosalie, my brother, or their lifestyle.
/=/=/=/
Unfortunately, all of Kylie's cousins were working—busy with their own lives. We didn't expect a grand welcome, as our visit was unexpected. I wished we could have seen them, though there's always tomorrow.
Emmett actually kept Kylie busy. I guessed she was bored or wanted space from me. But after he showed her the backyard, they went to the shed, and then to the garage to check out Em's tools.
Getting to sit, eat, and catch up with them was amazing. It did feel like old times, if only there wasn't so much tension between my brother and Rose. That was weird since they're usually so loving toward each other.
We were all going to Alice's for dinner, so I was only allotted a short amount of time to get the scoop.
When Emmett and Kylie settled in front of the television, I sidled up to Rose with my wine. "What's up?"
"Nothing." Rose topped off our glasses.
"Seriously…? You and Em?" I sipped my Pinot.
"What'd he say? What'd he tell you?" she asked, leaning into me.
"Not a damn thing. I'm asking you." I nudged her shoulder. "Tell me what's up? I can sense it."
"You're nosy," she sang.
"Yeah…" I nodded. "Tell me something I don't know. Like, what's going on?" I laughed.
"We're bickering more than usual, and I can't stand it—regular marriage stuff."
"Okay…" I pursed my lips. "I get it. Edward and I have rifts all the time. I mean, geez." I understood, more than she knew.
"Glad you admitted that much. You guys walk around like you're the perfect couple—always in the spotlight smiling. It's sickening." She grabbed my arms to shake me. "Sickening!"
I laughed so hard I snorted. "We . . ." I composed myself. "Truth…" I lifted my hand to properly testify. "We get into it…probably more than you and Emmett. But it does lead to great make-up sex. Can I get an Amen?" I kept my hand raised.
She guzzled her wine down. "No."
I dropped my shoulders and hand. "You guys don't—"
"Oh, we used to . . . but now—" she glanced into the living room "—he spends more nights in Lilly's old room." She stuck her tongue out. "It literally gets to the point where we're sick of each other."
"Really?" I couldn't imagine. Edward and I fight, but if I'm going to be miserable and stew, he's going to suffer it with me. I think Edward slept in the guest room once during our whole entire marriage. He tries to run, but I'd never let him get away.
There was a time when I'd go to run . . .
Then I knew better, and I learned how much misery does in fact love company.
"Really," she confirmed. "I mentioned a separation, but…we can't exactly afford to live apart—"
"What?" I shouted.
"Shhh." She hit my shoulder. "Just a little space from each other. That's all."
"No…" I felt tears prick my eyes. It was like finding out your parents are breaking up; I was incredibly saddened at that. "Why…Rose…"
"Relax. We're not—we're not doing anything."
"But if you're not happy…?" I didn't know what to say.
"The love's still there . . . at least I think it is." Rosalie didn't even look upset, like she'd already come to her own conclusion. "Whatever. We've been together thirty-one years. Maybe—I don't know. My monkey man is somewhere in there." She looked into the living room again.
I did, too, to see Charlie sitting on the recliner.
I gasped, shaking my head of the image—my heart jumping into my throat and skipping a beat.
"What?" Rose asked.
"I…" I looked back over my shoulder, frightened, but I only saw Emmett there now.
These days, he resembles his father more and more. It was just freaky, as if I'd just seen a—
"You're as pale as a ghost. I swear. It was—It was a thought. And you're an adult. Surely you know not everyone stays together forever."
I waved a hand, playing it off. "I know Emmett is still madly in love with you." I put the wine down, my heart beating a million times a minute.
Cautiously, I turned to my brother again as he laughed with Kylie at the TV.
It was just them—Emmett and my daughter.
"Bella?" Rose touched my cheek.
"Nothing." I shook my head, laughing. "Maybe you don't need more space…but more time together?"
She grinned. "I think that, too. We'll be fine. No worries, right?"
"No worries," I agreed, my voice still a bit shaky.
/=/=/=/=/=/
An hour later we arrived at Alice's. Jasper surprised me and was there for dinner. So was Jacob, their youngest, who I believe still lives at home. My cousin didn't treat me any differently. Then again, we tend to see more of each other.
Kylie made herself at home, and she helped out a lot—kept herself busy.
Alice, Rose, and I didn't get to gossip. We didn't get a minute alone together; all of us hanging out at the table until dinner was served. I was stuffed from that sandwich at lunch, and I honestly wasn't hungry.
Dinner passed in a blur, a flurry of laughs, words, and movement. It wasn't as hectic or loud as the dinner parties Kylie and I are used to. It was nice, getting to spend time with them all, catching up—especially with Jacob, who went on and on about his recent projects.
The kid has a mean relationship with wood, nails, and his leveler . . . I don't know. I kind of zoned out while he was speaking.
Alice ate every word, very proud of her son.
Jasper didn't share their enthusiasm. In fact, he looked bored sitting here with us, like we were keeping him from something. Hell, we probably were. Midnight Sun does not run itself. Jasper's made his money, but he works for it . . . does what he does. And I wondered how much of a role Sonny took in that.
Edward used to look into things from time-to-time there. Now he couldn't be bothered. Then again, Sonny's probably looking into it for him, making sure his father's not getting robbed.
When it got to be half past eight, Jasper had to go. A car was waiting for him outside, and he was going to Midnight Sun.
"Nice seeing you." Jasper kissed my cheek.
"Same here." I smiled.
"Where's Sonny been?" He buttoned his jacket. "I haven't—I haven't seen him or Edward in…days now. Aro either." He furrowed his brow. "Everything cool?" Jasper had cornered me in the foyer.
"Everything's great." If Jasper didn't know—about anything—there was obviously a reason for it. "I don't know about Aro." I shrugged. "Sonny took Maggie away for the weekend. He wouldn't even tell me. It was a surprise and…I'd tell Kylie and then Kylie tells Maggie," I sighed.
"I hear that," he laughed. "Us guys—we try to do nice things, surprise youse and—sometimes it don't work out."
"Right." I nodded. "I hope we're not intruding. Edward, with the cold he has..." I whistled, waving a hand.
Jasper winced. "He's sick? He's a bastard when he's sick."
I wagged my finger, not saying more.
"No offense." He smiled, showing me his palms. "Anyway, I gotta go." Jasper kissed my forehead again before leaving out the front door.
"Everything cool?" Alice asked.
"Perfect." I wrapped my arms around her neck to squeeze. "What are we doing tonight?"
"Tonight…?" Her face fell.
"Yeah." I nodded. "Come on . . . you don't wanna go out?"
"Out?" She scrunched her nose, and she wasn't being Alice-like. "Bitch, you call me outta nowhere, and now I gotta entertain youse? What the fuck?"
I cackled, leaving the foyer. "Get dressed. We're going out."
"I planned to do my roots tonight!" she shouted.
"Christ, Ma! The mouth…" Jacob ran up the stairs.
"You wouldn't have to hear it if you got your own place." Alice grumbled, leaving the landing. "He's gonna be twenty-three . . ."
"You don't mean that. As soon as he leaves—"
"I'd help him pack." She winked, not meaning a word, sitting next to Rose on the sofa. "So…where are we going? It's Bella's treat, right?"
"Sure." I rolled my eyes.
"What do you wanna do?" Alice nudged Kylie.
My daughter rubbed her stomach, watching as Emmett flipped through the channels. "I'm tired." She yawned.
"Tired?" We all shouted in unison.
"Long day . . . Can I use a phone to call Gio?"
"You don't have a cell phone?" Rose looked surprised.
"She dropped her iPhone before we got into the car. The whole screen cracked," I was quick to explain. "Here. Use mine, but—"
"I'll be quick." Kylie took the cell from me and walked off.
"It is getting late." I turned to Alice and Rose. "Where should we go?"
Alice gasped. "We should go to The Switch Inn. It's still a hot place to go—new owner though." She smiled at me.
"Okay." I nodded. "Sounds good."
Sadly, when Kylie came back from making her call, my brother made to leave. "You should come out with us," I said.
He glanced at Rose. "We'll catch up tomorrow?"
I nodded. "Definitely—"
"I'll take this one off your hands." Alice actually gave Kylie a noogie.
"Stop!" she whined.
I smiled, looking back up to Emmett, and I didn't want him to leave . . . "Have a few drinks…just a couple?"
His thumb grazed my chin. "Be good. If you guys need a designated driver, call me."
I reached to hug him tight before he took off.
From Alice's doorway, I watched Emmett get into his car and go.
"What should I wear?" Kylie leaned on me.
I pushed her off because she's not twenty pounds anymore. "You don't have to change. I'm not changing." I closed the door.
"We're in jeans…sweatshirts." She laughed in disbelief. "I don't understand."
"Well…we're in Middletown, and it's not the same as Manhattan. We're not going to one of your father's clubs." I highly doubt that she'd been anywhere else. "In fact, you might not even be served. You can sit with us—"
She snorted. "I have a fake ID."
I tried not to chuckle. "Have you looked at it?" If my daughter thought her age was fake on that, she gave her father a lot more faith than he deserved, or she's just incredibly gullible.
Edward—my husband, her father—has always been equipped with an alias for Kylie. Her surname actually matches my own in the ones we're using; we're easily mother and daughter—our birth years still the same, our last names matching.
"What?" She dug into her purse. "Nuh-uh."
I bit my lips together, leaving the hall. "I'm gonna go clean up. Ready to go in fifteen?"
Rose and Alice nodded. "Sure," they said, facing each other.
"No way! Why—Ma, answer this!" Kylie accosted me again. "Why give me a fake ID with my same—age!?" She was beside herself, and my eyes pleaded—hoping she'd compose herself. "I can't believe I'm not at least twenty-one!"
"Take it up with your father," I whispered. "And keep your voice down."
"I agree with Kylie. What's the point of having a fake ID then?" Rose asked, having heard our entire exchange.
Alice stared at me wide-eyed. "What's going on?" She shot up to meet me at the bottom of the stairs, and all I wanted to do was run up the steps.
"Nothing," I said.
"Bullshit. I have fugazzi papers, too." She placed her hand on her hip. "You use them—dye your hair a different color—" she gestured to me "—only when you want the old you to disappear."
"What?" I laughed. "Alice, Kylie asked her father for a fake ID. It's a prank—a silly, whatever." Truth be told, I didn't know how to get out of this one, but it sounded plausible.
She nodded slowly, squaring her jaw and walking closer. "Are you sure? I'll call Jasper and tell him to come right back here."
"There's no trouble. If there was—come on, Ali. We'd all be hiding out. Right?" I raised a brow, lifting my leg to get farther away from her—go upstairs.
"True." She turned back to Kylie.
"I can't believe him!" my daughter shouted. "He thinks this is funny?"
Alice snorted. "Call him—yell at him on the prepaid." She stomped up the stairs, pulling me along with her.
"Alice!" I stopped her in the hall.
"You're bullshitting me. I know it. Tell me what's going on—if I gotta call somebody or what. You're more than welcome to hide out here, but I need to know what we're up against, too."
"Edward has the flu—a cold." I shrugged. "I told you. And Kylie was getting bored . . . Do you wanna call Edward?"
"What?"
"Call him. You mentioned it…and you have his number." I knew his phone would be off. "If you don't believe me . . . Nothing's amiss. I promise. Geez. I won't visit again." I turned from her.
"Bella—"
"Alice..." I had a tone.
"I'll drop it, if you promise me—"
"There's nothing wrong and there's no trouble," I said.
"Okay." She walked around me.
I slumped against the hall wall, feeling exhausted.
Lying has always been hard work, which is why I never liked doing it.
/=/=/=/=/=/
The Switch Inn looked exactly how I remembered it. We walked through a cloud of smoke to enter the darkened pub, and a bouncer immediately checked our IDs.
I think he gazed at Alice's, Rosalie's, and mine to be polite.
Kylie got a stamp on her hand to indicate she was underage.
And as soon as she walked past the doorman, she tried to lick it off.
"Stop," I giggled, pulling her hand away.
She lapped at it still. "If it comes off…hey. I'll be served."
"Is drinking that important?" I asked, palming her cheek.
She dropped her hands at her sides. "No, I guess not. But next time something like this happens, check wit' me before you give tickets to Bermuda away," she ranted. "I could have gotten a tan, drunk my weight in mojitos—"
"Relax." I rubbed her back, her passion for the subject hilarious to me.
I thought I was the one who needed a vacation.
"We could have gone snorkeling." Now she sounded like her father.
"I went snorkeling once," Alice added, and she already had a drink.
"Ohh, gimme a sip!" Kylie looked around herself.
"Back off." Alice leaned away. "Let's find a table."
I nodded, looking for Rose.
She was too busy chatting it up with the bartender. "Huh…" I snorted.
"What happened?" Kylie leaned on me again.
Instead of pushing her away, I ushered her to a table. "You want a soda?" I asked her.
"Root beer…see if they got Stewart's so it'll look like real beer." She nodded. "What's up with this music?"
Alice was singing along, getting louder when Kylie grimaced. "It's from when we were your age." She gestured between us.
I grinned at my cousin.
Kylie dug some money out of her purse. "Can I go to the jukebox?"
"I'll go with her," Alice offered.
When they turned to leave, I did, too—going over to the bar. "Hey." I nudged Rose's hip with my own.
"Bella." Rosalie placed her arm around me. "You remember Alistair, right?"
Looking at him, at who I know he was supposed to be—a guy I'd slept with thirty years ago—I did not recognize him. He had grayish hair combed back, his face looking older…He didn't resemble the Al I knew at all.
Or maybe I was thinking of another person? No, there wasn't anyone else, except Eric...my high school boyfriend, or should I say, my high school mistake...?
Christ. I'm getting old.
"Hi." I waved.
"Isabella Swan." He grasped my hand to kiss my knuckles. "How are you?"
I cleared my throat, prying my hand away. "I'm married—not a Swan anymore."
He nodded, his eyes turning into slits. "You married Edward Cullen. How could I forget…? Oh, did you want a drink?"
"I'll take an Absolut and cranberry…Can I have a Coors Light for my friend over there?" I glanced over to Kylie, knowing that'd make her night. It was only when I looked at her now that I regretted telling her she didn't need the wig.
It'd only make Alice more suspicious, and we were with a group . . . I was strapped.
"For you? Anything for you." He got busy making the drinks. "Is that your daughter?"
I didn't answer; I just smiled and turned my attention to Rose.
"He owns the place now," Rosalie said.
"You and him?" I whispered in her ear.
She scoffed, like I'd just puked on her. "Good God, no!"
When we both turned to Alistair, he grinned at us, and he was missing some of his teeth.
"Thank you, Jesus." I relaxed, thinking Rose's standards couldn't possibly go that low, while grateful she wasn't unfaithful.
"See?" Rose pushed me. "Just ewww."
I giggled, placing cash down on the bar.
"Your money's no good here, Bells." He winked.
"Bells." Rose poked my side to be a dumbass, tease me.
I elbowed her hand away. "Thank you." Before taking our drinks, I left a ten on the bar anyway. "Take care."
Rosalie cackled while we walked over to join Alice and Kylie. "You're in luck," she told her niece, handing her the beer. "Your mom used to boff the bartender."
"Rose!" I shouted.
Kylie's eyes were huge. "You, what? Is he the one who got you pregnant?!"
"Shhh." I slapped her thigh, taking a seat. "Shut up."
"Spill!" Kylie pushed my shoulder.
"Drink your beer," I said, sipping my Absolut and cranberry.
"Al? He was just your mom's fuck-buddy. You know? No strings. Hit it and run—"
"That's enough!" I scolded Alice.
"You hafta tell me everything." Kylie was in my face.
I was smiling until my eyes traveled back to Alistair.
He was staring back, but he was on his cell phone. At that moment my stomach rolled, although it's not like I can ask him who he's speaking to. "Is he still boys with Jasper?" I asked Alice.
"Mom! Come on!" Kylie laughed.
I ignored her, staring at my cousin.
"Maybe years ago…years and years ago. I don't even know what their relationship was back then." She guzzled her drink. "Oh, I gotta nurse it. Alcohol mixed with my meds makes me loopy." She winced.
"I'll drink it." Kylie went for it, and Alice blocked her, but my daughter only had eyes for me.
"It meant nothing," I laughed, deciding not to drink from my glass either, dread still in my gut. "We were kids. He—I don't know."
"He's busted, Ma." She snorted a laugh.
"Okay, thirty years ago—"
"She's right," Rose agreed. "He was hot back in the day, but we get older…"
Kylie scrunched her nose. "It's weird thinking about you with another guy."
I nodded. "It's weird for me, too." And it was, after being with Edward for long.
"How was the sex?"
"Kylie Marie!" I guffawed.
"Answer the question," she said.
"Answer. I wanna know." Rosalie turned back to Alistair.
I did, too, and he was still on his phone.
"How big's his cock?" Alice asked, widening her hands.
I bit my lips together. "I don't remember." I was honest.
"Yeah, right!" Kylie didn't believe me.
"I get it." Rose nodded. "Before Emmett—well, no one ever compared." She was crestfallen.
I reached to rub her back, being happy about that. Maybe there was hope for them. But we all looked to Alice.
"I remember everyone I ever slept with." She nodded.
"Me, too," Kylie said.
"All two of them," I giggled.
"Two's a good number." My daughter nodded.
"A fantastic number." I pushed her hair off her shoulder.
Kylie frowned. "One is a better number...I wish I never, you know."
I pouted. "I know, baby girl. But you live and learn."
"Joe was hung, though." She pursed her lips.
"Yeah!" Rose shouted, giving Kylie a high-five.
I chuckled at their exchange.
"But no one compares to Gio," Kylie said. "He's huge—"
"Gio? Really?" Rose sounded very interested.
"Oh!" Alice exclaimed. "Did you want me to call Leah?"
"Who's that?" Kylie asked.
"She used to be your mom's best friend," Rosalie said.
"Bet she has some good stories." My daughter tickled my side.
I slightly shook my head no. "It's been years…" And I didn't want to run into any more people that I knew. "Next time."
"You always say that." Rosalie rolled her eyes.
I was content to let the subject die, my eyes going back behind the bar, and Alistair was no longer there.
Nevertheless, I tried my best to smile and think nothing of it. I mean, I was being totally and completely paranoid.
"There are no cute guys here at all." Kylie grimaced, finishing her beer. "Get me another one?"
"I'll—"
"It's cool." I cut Rose off, sliding off the stool. "Next round's on me." I wasn't sure if any of us had paid for a drop. "Be right back."
Alistair, the owner, was the only bartender here, so I waited with money in my hand for him to come back.
Not a minute later, he walked out beaming at me. "It's been so long."
"Yeah…Can I have another round?"
"Absolutely." He went on to get our drinks ready while he continued to stare at me.
I narrowed my eyes, looking away, staring back at the table, and trying to ignore it...his gawking. "You must make a lot of money on weekends." I tried for polite conversation.
"Eh…it's nothing like the places you guys own. I mean, your husband and Jasper."
I nodded, smiling.
"We don't get business like the joints in the city." He lined the bar with our drinks. "Your daughter looks just like you."
"She does," I sighed, trying to give him money again. There was no use in denying who Kylie was. She's a mini Bella; we look too much alike.
"Are you staying in town a while?" he asked, waving my cash away.
"A few days," I confirmed. "'Til Tuesday. But Alice's is so busy, we're staying at the Holiday Inn by the highway." I winked, and he leaned in closer. "Did we ever go there?" I thought by being nice, sounding a bit suggestive, it would distract him and maybe ease my mind. I had to lie just in case, make him believe we were staying in a hotel somehow...just in case.
He bit his lip, resting his forearms on the bar. "No. One time, we went to the Days Inn...We had a great time. Remember?" All I recalled was us hitting up a hotel once because…I don't remember why exactly.
It was such a long time ago...
"I remember," I lied. "You married?"
"Divorced…we had two kids…not long after you moved away." He touched my chin with his knuckle, and I practically cringed away in disgust.
Trying to mask it, I smiled around my straw, pretending like I was drinking my beverage. "It was great seeing you again."
"What? That's it? Two drinks?"
I giggled. "It's late. We're not as young as we used to be, huh?"
He sighed, slouching back. "We're not."
"Take care." I gathered all the drinks in both of my hands and went to turn away.
"Bella—" I felt a hand on my back, and then I saw Alistair in my periphery. He came around the bar to help me. "Maybe…we can meet up again? Before you leave? Go to lunch, or . . . Like old times?"
I grinned a sly grin, staring up at him. "I'm married."
He didn't give a fuck, still waiting for a real answer.
"It was nice seeing you. That's for sure." While I didn't mean that at all, I didn't want to piss him off, my paranoia shining through my smile.
"Come on…" He drawled, letting out a chuckle. "We'll go to lunch and—"
"Hey, skeezoid!" Kylie sidled up to me. "Stop worrying about your dick and go see a dentist!"
"Kylie!" I shouted, and I almost dropped the glasses in my hands. "Alistair—" I was about to apologize, but my daughter grabbed my forearm—made me drop the drinks—and pulled me away. "Kylie!" I pulled back, stuck, at a loss and highly embarrassed.
"We're leaving." She tossed my coat at me.
Alice and Rose wore mortified expressions, making to leave as well.
"I'm sorry." I mouthed to Alistair, and he sneered back at us.
We'd worn out our welcome...obviously.
In a single file, we all rushed to get the fuck out of there—Kylie tucked in my side.
Before we were out the door, I looked back and saw Alistair on his cell again.
"I'm driving." I held my hand out for Alice's keys.
She gave them up right away, laughing her ass off. "Hey, Skeezoid!" My cousin stole Kylie from me, my daughter cracking up as well.
"She's your fucking kid...for sure," Rose said, trying not to giggle. "I'm heading home. We'll see you tomorrow?"
"Definitely." I gave her quick hug before I hopped into Alice's car.
A minute later, Rose wasn't even behind her wheel, and I was peeling out of the parking lot.
Alice, who thought Kylie hilarious, had to regale Jacob with the story when we got back to her place.
I excused myself to call Carlisle.
Having no idea who Alistair was these days, what he was up to, my thoughts flew away from me. Him knowing who I was now, which he's always known, but seeing me in Middletown without my husband.
Kylie insulting him…
"Yo!" Carlisle boomed.
"Hey…uh…I don't know." I didn't know where to begin.
"Where are you? I'm on my way."
"No, no…" I blew out a breath, thinking myself ridiculous. "We're at Shorty Doo-Wop's." I meant Alice. "We don't need to haunt the place like ghosts." I hoped he knew I wanted to leave.
"What happened?"
"We were thirsty…saw an old jump off," I whispered.
"Who?"
"Not important," I laughed shakily.
"I know of a few friends of ours in the neighborhood. It'll take me over an hour to get to youse—"
"No friends." I kept my tone hushed, sticking my head out the bathroom to hear Alice and Kylie laughing. "When Doo-Wop goes out of style, I'll change."
"Into what?" he asked.
"Whip it…" I referred to our car. "I'll let you know when I do."
"I'm heading up there anyway."
"Bet," I said, ending the call.
When I went back downstairs, Kylie was still smiling, proud to have defended me. I understood it all too well, and I appreciated it, and under other circumstances I would think it's funny.
"Can I go get our bags?" Kylie asked. "I want my PJs."
Alice was on her way out of the kitchen.
"Ali—" I gave her a hug "—I'm beat."
"Oh, girl. Me too." She pursed her lips. "Youse'll be okay? Damn. I only had one drink." With all the meds she's on for her ailments, I knew she'd be out cold in no time. "I'm so tired...need my bed. The guest room's all set."
"Go 'head. I know where everything is."
She embraced me once more. "I love you. Thanks for coming. Believe it or not, tonight's the most fun I've had in ages." She held my cheeks.
I leaned over to kiss her lips, squeeze her around the neck. "Same here."
She yawned, leaning away. "Goodnight."
Kylie and I waved, watching her retreating form go.
Once she'd ascended the stairs, I turned to my daughter. "Go use the bathroom. Try not to be loud…We're leaving in two minutes—two."
"What?" she asked, confused.
"Don't argue with me." I gave her a push toward the bathroom.
Kylie didn't complain and did as I asked.
While she was gone, I wrote Alice a quick note, explaining how Edward called. My husband was miserable, threw a fit, and wanted us home as soon as possible.
It was plausible, and I put it on the fridge.
When Kylie was finished and I had my coat on again, I looked to Jacob in the living room and I had to speak over the loud-ass TV. "I'm gonna go out and get our bags."
He barely looked at me, giving me a brief nod, his eyes heavy.
"Okay," I said.
"I'm going with you." Kylie held my hand, fear in her eyes.
I waved to Jacob. "Be right back."
He didn't respond, or maybe he just didn't care.
Behind the wheel, I started the car right up. Kylie strapped herself in, and then we were heading for the highway.
I thought we'd go north.
"What's going on?" Kylie asked.
"Nothing—"
"Bullshit. We sneak off like bandits or something—tell me!"
I blew out a breath, getting onto the main road. It was quiet, and I kept looking into all my mirrors. "That guy…I got a icky feeling in my stomach."
"What?"
Giving her a brief glance, she was still staring at me. "I can't explain it," I said. "And we don't have drivers…I thought it best we left."
"Oh." She settled down, and I heard her whimper. "We were just having fun."
"I know, baby girl." I grasped her jaw.
"I didn't even care about the bar. That guy was creepy."
"So, you understand why we left?" I asked.
"Yeah." She sniffled. "Sorry."
"It's all right," I sighed, lifting the cell phone. "We're almost outta gas. I'm gonna stop and call your uncle. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Do not leave the car." My tone was stern as fuck as I pulled into the Mobil station. "You lock the doors and you don't leave—no matter what."
"I won't," she whispered, turning to me. "I'm scared."
I smiled. "Do I look scared?"
She shook her head and then thought better—nodding just as fast. "I don't know."
I put the car in park, digging into my purse. "I know we're fine, but just in case." I opened my bag, letting her take a peek inside.
"But—"
"I'm not afraid to use it." That was the absolute truth. "You'll be fine—"
"I don't like the way you said that." She glanced around. "There's no one here."
I pointed to the attendant. "There's a guy right there."
She blew out a breath. "Am I being silly?"
"Yes," I laughed, lying through my teeth. My paranoia was getting the best of me, making me anxious. "We're fine." I turned, leaving the car.
Once I was by the gas pumps, I took a fifty out of my purse. The young man offered to do it, load our tank, and I thought that was great. It gave me the opportunity to try and squash my daughter's fears.
She sat stock still, her eyes going everywhere.
"Look at me." I palmed her cheek. "We're fine. Okay?"
She nodded.
"Kylie…" I shook her.
She cracked a grin. "I believe you."
"Good." I called Carlisle again.
My brother-in-law picked up on the first ring, letting me know he was on the thruway. He'd asked me not to go north, but head back toward Brooklyn.
"We're going back toward Manhattan."
That actually loosened Kylie up a little bit. "Good. More people. It's too quiet up here."
I was still on the fence, and we were still at the gas station. "Maybe—" I wanted to suggest we go back to Emmett's, but that wasn't an option. Seeing my family was no big deal. They wouldn't tell anyone of importance where we were or alert anyone to our presence.
Also, going out to the bar wasn't that big a deal either.
Alistair—that was the straw that broke the camel's back—seeing us. Meanwhile, that might not be anything at all. His behavior was shady, made my belly ache, and it had nothing to do with seeing an old flame…if that's even what he was.
"Maybe, what?" Kylie asked.
"Nothing." I placed the car in gear, slowly entering the road again. "Everything's fine."
"Okay," she whispered, sitting back.
"We're gonna drive—meet up with your uncle. Maybe he'll have a good idea? Something fun?" At this point, I honestly didn't see anything wrong with using our aliases and heading to Texas for two days.
"I just wanna stop—" She waved to her stomach.
"You're gonna be sick?" I went to pull over.
"I meant being nervous. I'm sorry. I'm not strong like the rest of you." She covered her face. "You're all so tough—"
"Hey…" I laughed, reaching to grab her hand as I pulled onto the highway. "Are you kidding? You were so brave before—rude as fuck, but brave?"
"He was—he was stepping to you, being creepy."
"And you stood up for me!" I shouted. "Kylie, that was very brave." Maybe if she'd known he could possibly be a real threat, she would have played it cool like me.
"But my doing that is why we're running away—"
I ignored that. "We could have gotten kicked out of the bar, yelled at—you didn't care. That takes balls . . . and you stood up for me. Do you know how proud Dad would be? Hell. I'm going to tell him. I bet he gives you money." I kept my smile in place.
"I was a little scared," she whispered. "But I just wanted him to back off."
"You know what? Thank you," I said. "Because…I was uncomfortable. I didn't know what to do...but I was trying to be nice. Who knows, though? If you didn't do that…I might have gotten scared."
"No, you wouldn't have."
"Yes." I nodded. "You've only ever gone to a bar or a club with your dad, Sonny, or your uncles with you…It's scary—being approached, not knowing what's up. Who knows what he would've said or even tried to do? If I was persistent and kept saying no? It is…can be scary. But you stood up for yourself and me."
I was laying it on thick, but I didn't care—would do anything to make her not afraid, take her mind off of us fleeing my hometown.
Thank you for reading.
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