One Indecent Night

by Hargrove, A. M.

  As soon as I walked up, all eyes focused on me.

  “Hey, man, you missed a great dinner,” Bradley said. Then he introduced me to Colin, because I knew everyone else. The women were eyeing all of us and it was awkward because this was when we should all be exchanging names. I never used my real name in a club. I couldn’t remember if Bradley knew that. Evan was fine, but not Thomas.

  One of the women approached me and said, “Hi Erwin, I’m Emily.” She must’ve heard Bradley introduce me to Colin, but I didn’t bother to correct her. “Hi Emily. Hope you’re having a good time tonight.”

  “I wasn’t until I saw you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, there’s nothing like a six plus feet of hot and hunky man.”

  Fuck. Why did I always get the drunk ones?

  “Hey, Lydia, don’t you think Erwin is hot and horny?”

  The guys laughed

  “Emily, how would you know I was horny?”

  “Aren’t guys always horny?”

  “No.”

  “Hey, Lydia, did you know guys aren’t always horny?”

  Christ.

  “Emily, will you excuse me for a minute?”

  I turned to the guys and said, “I have to get away from them.”

  We went back toward the front, but the female trio followed us.

  Bradley elbowed me and said, “Looks like your admirer is bedazzled.”

  “Excellent.” I scoped out the place, searching for the woman who bought my drink and she magically appeared by my side.

  “Looking for me?”

  “Yes, I need your help. See those three women tailing us?”

  “Yeah. Do you want me to scare them away?”

  I grinned. “Not exactly. Can you pretend to be my date for a while? One is sort of stalking me.”

  “Sure. But how do you know I won’t really want to be your date?”

  “I don’t. I’m taking a chance.”

  “Brave of you. I’m Kristen, by the way.”

  “Pleased to meet you. I’m Evan.”

  Then I turned around and said, “Hey guys, you remember my date, Kristen?” And I introduced her to the rest of the group. Eventually the trio disappeared, only now Kristen was hanging out with us. That wasn’t bad, but I didn’t want to give her any ideas either.

  It wasn’t long before I became aware that Kristen’s attention was solely focused on Colin. The good news was he was returning it. I whispered, or rather yelled into her ear since the music was blaring in here, “Why don’t you go and talk to him? “

  “Oh, I don’t know.”

  Taking her wrist, I maneuvered her next to Colin. “You two seem like a good match,” I said.

  Colin gave me a weird look. “Isn’t she your date, mate?”

  “She was my fake date to get that lunatic away from me.”

  He instantly brightened. “In that case, Kristen, would you care to dance?”

  “Thought you’d never ask.” She gave me a thumbs up as they headed toward the dance floor.

  Bradley said, “Since when did you become a matchmaker?”

  “Since about one minute ago. Apparently, Colin thought she was my real date.”

  “She’s smokin’. I’m surprised you passed her off. What’s happened to the Evan I know?”

  He’s right. Ordinarily, I would’ve ended up in either her bed or a hotel room. I never took women to my place. That was completely out of the question. No one knew where I lived and it would remain that way. Only a few people were allowed into that inner sanctum. I didn’t want the press getting wind of that. My address wasn’t even linked to the business. I had another apartment in Manhattan that I used as a dummy address, when necessary, but I never went there, never even took women there. If we couldn’t go to their place, then it was a hotel.

  “Not really my type,” was my only reply. He shrugged to that. The real reason was she didn’t come close to Sylvie, who still occupied my brain and I realized another woman wouldn’t fill her place for quite some time.

  It was just past midnight when I told my friends good night. I was ready to ditch this scene. The loud music had given me a slight headache and I was tired of shouting to my friends in order to have some sort of conversation.

  When I got into the cab, I pulled out my phone and saw a text from Pearson, which was a surprise. I figured that wouldn’t happen for quite some time. It was even a bigger shock when I read it.

  Come to our family dinner tomorrow at my parents. I owe you a huge apology. Sorry for the way I reacted.

  I texted him back immediately.

  Sorry it’s so late but I just got this. Apology accepted. I’d love to come. What time?

  Not expecting to hear back until the morning, the three flashing dots were a surprise.

  Be there at one with an empty stomach. You know how Mom loves to feed us.

  I laughed because he was right. Paige West was one of the best cooks and when you went there to eat, she stuffed you until you could barely move.

  Will do and see you then. Thanks.

  When was the last time I’d eaten Sunday dinner with the Wests? Was it when Pearson was in law school and I was in grad school? I couldn’t remember, but my mouth was already watering in anticipation.

  Thirteen

  Sylvie

  They did the surgery that same night. Lucky for me, it was because of Grey’s connections. Otherwise, I would’ve had to wait until Monday. A plastic surgeon, along with Dr. James did the procedure. I was left with a giant bandage across my nose and one underneath it. It looked ridiculous. My eyes were nearly swollen shut and they had purple bruises underneath.

  They released me that night, but Pearson drove me directly to his house. Rose refused to let me stay alone, since I was on pain medication. I went straight to bed and didn’t wake up until almost noon. It was the throbbing pain that did it.

  I stumbled out of bed and went to the bathroom to pee. Montana was asleep when I arrived, and when she saw me, she laughed.

  “Why do you got that white thing on your face, Aunt Sylvie?’

  I mumbled something and hit the john. It seemed like I peed for an hour. When was the last time I went? As I washed my hands, I looked in the mirror and moaned.

  Montana waited for me right outside, with her hand held out.

  “Mommy said I’m sposed to help you to the kitchen. She has pancakes.”

  “That’s nice.” I wasn’t hungry in the least. All I wanted was an Advil for the pain.

  Montana pulled out a chair for me and Rose handed me a pill along with a glass of water.

  “What’s this?”

  “It’s a Lortab. I have to keep it under lock and key, Pearson’s orders. You know why.”

  Former addicts can’t take a chance.

  “Can’t I take Advil or something less strong? These things knock me out and I don’t like that.”

  “Sure,” Rose said. “We can try it to see if it works. I just don’t want you in pain. He really did a number on you. Sylvie, he feels terrible about this.”

  “I can see why. His fist really packed a punch.”

  “Will you ever forgive him?” she asked.

  “For this? It was an accident. If he meant to punch me, I’d kick his ass.”

  Rose only shook her head.

  “Seriously, Rose, there’s nothing to forgive. But I am still pissed off about what he did with Evan.”

  “He knows and he’s going to apologize to you both.” She pointed to the breakfast on the table. “You should eat.”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “Maybe a bite?”

  Not wanting to hurt her feelings, I did as she asked. My nose was crammed so full of stuff, I couldn’t taste a thing. “I’m sure these are wonderful, but my taste buds are shot.”

  “You poor thing. Is there anything I can do for you?”

  Montana ran into the kitchen and handed me a picture. “Here, Aunt Sylvie. This is for you.”

  I covered my
mouth when I saw it. “It’s perfect.”

  I tried to put a princess band-aid on your nose, but it was kinda hard.

  “It’s perfect,” I said, handing it over to Rose.

  I heard her suppressed giggle as she coughed. “Pop Tart, I love this. How about watching a video?”

  “Sure.” She ran back out and I snorted or did my best imitation. It wasn’t the same with this nose situation going on.

  “It looks like I have a giant marshmallow on my face.”

  “I was thinking a doughnut.”

  Then we both cackled. Pearson walked in through the back door then.

  “What’s so funny?”

  Rose handed him the picture and he sighed. “This is my fault.”

  “Now you can add to your list of misdeeds that you broke your cousin’s nose when you were sober.” I snorted at my little joke, but it sounded more like I was choking. Pearson ran over and pounded my back.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Saving you from choking.”

  “I was snorting. It sounds different with all this crap jammed up my nose.”

  “Jesus, I’m worthless.”

  “Shut up. Listen, you idiot, it was an accident, but I’m still pissed at you. When are you going to start treating me like an adult?”

  “Yesterday,” he said, with a grin. “I’ve learned my lesson the hard way and I’m sorry. You’re right, Sylvie. You’re old enough to make your own decisions on who you want to date and if it’s Evan, then you have my blessing. I had no right to butt into your life. Will you forgive me?”

  “Wow. I wasn’t expecting this. But there’s nothing to forgive. And thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. And so you know, I’m going to apologize to Evan too. He’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember and it was stupid of me to overreact that way.”

  “That’s very noble of you, Pearson.”

  “I’m pretty good at apologizing. It’s one thing I learned to do quite well at rehab. So how are you feeling?”

  “Ugh. Like I have a broken nose.”

  “You probably don’t remember, but both doctors said today would be the worst. Tomorrow you’ll feel much better. I’ll take you in on Monday for them to remove the packing and you’ll feel even better after that.”

  “Yeah, I think so. This stuff is annoying.”

  Rose said, “You should rest today. Sleep is your friend.”

  “That was my intention,” I said, rising from the chair. “I’m going to take a nap.” That was funny since I had just woken up. I didn’t think I’d sleep, but when my head hit the pillow, I was out.

  It was getting dark when I woke up. Jeez, I must’ve been tired. I went to the bathroom and then the kitchen for something to drink for my parched throat.

  No one was around, but there was a note on the counter saying they’d be back before dinner. I guzzled some orange juice followed by some water. There was a bottle of Advil on the counter, so I took some more, since that seemed to do the trick, and went to watch TV.

  I must’ve dozed off, because I heard the front door open and the group of them walked in with Montana chatting excitedly about the fun she had at the zoo. She loved the monkeys and the rabbits there.

  “We’re gettin’ pizza tonight, Aunt Sylvie. Want some?” Montana asked.

  “Yum. Sounds good,” I said.

  Pearson ordered it and when it arrived, I was able to eat one slice.

  “Did you like it?” Montana asked.

  “I sure did,” I said.

  “Mommy has ice cream for dessert too.”

  “My favorite.” My taste buds were still blunted, and I had a feeling they wouldn’t return until this mess was removed from my nose, but I bet the cold would feel good in my mouth.

  After we finished our desserts, I announced I was hitting the sack. Before I left the room, Pearson said, “Oh, tomorrow is Sunday dinner at Mom’s. If you’re feeling up to it, do you want to go?”

  “I’d love to, but did the doctor say if I could shower?”

  “Yes, you can but don’t get the bandage wet. It might be best if you take a bath and wash your hair separately.”

  “I can help with your hair,” Rose offered.

  “That would be great. Good night everyone.”

  “Can I tuck you in, Aunt Sylvie?” Who could deny that sweet little girl anything?

  “Sure thing.”

  Montana waited for me while I brushed my teeth and washed my face around the massive bandage. Then she pulled the covers up over me. “I guess you say your prayers laying down, huh?”

  “Oh, yeah, that’s what I do.” The guilt that conjured up had me instantly reciting prayers. Then she kissed me on my forehead.

  “I love you. Sleep tight and don’t let any mosquitos bite.” That was a new one on me.

  “Good night.”

  She flipped off the light and I dropped off to sleep.

  When morning came, I felt so much better. It was as though someone gave me my energy back. I went to the bathroom and filled up the tub. I couldn’t wait to take a bath. Afterward, I changed into fresh clothes that Rose had picked up for me. A pair of jeans, a black sweater, and some black booties did the trick.

  Rose would have to help me with my hair. I went to the kitchen for some coffee and everyone was already up.

  “Good morning everyone,” I said.

  “You look great today,” Rose said.

  “I feel so much better,” I answered, heading to the coffee pot. “A day of sleep did wonders. All I need now is clean hair.”

  “We can do that,” she said.

  “I’m happy you’re better. You didn’t look so hot yesterday,” Pearson said.

  Aiming my thumb at my face, I said, “Oh, and this is the picture of hot?”

  Montana giggled. “You look funny, Aunt Sylvie. How long you gotta wear that thing on your face?”

  “I don’t know, goofball.” I tickled her belly.

  Everyone ate breakfast, and then Rose helped me with my hair. It wasn’t bad, since we played beauty salon in the kitchen, with Montana standing on a chair as assistant. Close to one, we all hopped into Pearson’s car and drove over to his parents. Everyone was already there, with the exception of Hudson, who couldn’t make it because all of his in-laws were in town visiting.

  When we walked in, Aunt Paige and Uncle Rick hugged me and made a huge deal over the nose, then came Grey, who had seen me on Friday night.

  “You look much better already,” he said.

  “I can’t wait to get this thing off.”

  “Oh, Sylvie,” Marin exclaimed. “It must’ve been awful. I’m going to teach my brother-in-law some manners.”

  “Not to worry. Rose and I have already handled that.”

  We finally made it to the den where I got the surprise of my life. Evan stood there and I wasn’t sure who was more stunned, him or me.

  He was at my side in an instant asking, “What in the world happened to you?”

  Fourteen

  Evan

  When she walked in with her nose bandaged up, I had to look twice. I almost didn’t recognize her.

  “You might want to ask Pearson. But before you get all wound up, it was an accident.” What the hell did that mean?

  My head swiveled to Pearson, who had guilt written all over him, and I asked, “Well?”

  “I punched her.”

  “You what?”

  Before he could say another word, Paige said, “Everyone, let’s give these people a bit of privacy.”

  Rick agreed and shuffled everyone out of the room except for Sylvie, Pearson, Rose, and me.

  “You were saying,” I prodded.

  “Pearson, maybe I should handle this.”

  At Pearson’s nod, Sylvie said, “He came over while I was meditating, so he pounded really hard on the door because at first I didn’t answer. He didn’t expect me to open the door when I did, so suddenly it was me standing there, and not the metal door, and he po
unded my nose instead. You can probably use your imagination for the rest. I had surgery on Friday night for a broken nose, but everything is fine.”

  “You broke her nose?” I asked him, anger riding me.

  “Yeah, and it was the most awful thing ever.”

  I wanted to grab him around the neck and squeeze it until he couldn’t breathe.

  “Evan, like I said, it was an accident,” Sylvie reiterated.

  “Why did you go over there in the first place?” I asked.

  “Honestly, I was still pissed. After the conversation you and I had, I was going to have it out with her.” I opened my mouth to berate him, but he held up his hand, palm toward me. “Let me finish. Then this happened. She let me have it on the way to the hospital. When we got there, Grey handed it to me as well. I realized I was being foolish, not to mention an ass and an idiot. I was intruding where I shouldn’t have been. She’s an adult and old enough to make up her own mind. So I apologized to her, and then to you. This was all a huge accident, but it made me see my errors and if I’ve learned one thing, it’s humility. I was wrong and admitted it.”

  The anger fled out of me when he said those words. How could I still be pissed or even hold a grudge when he recognized he’d been wrong? I wasn’t that small minded.

  “At least something good came out of this,” I said.

  Pearson nodded and added, “This is why I wanted you both here today. I’m not sure where you two are, or if you’re even seeing each other. But if so, you have my blessing, not that you needed it, to see each other.” When he finished speaking, he and Rose left the room.

  Sylvie frowned. I wanted to reach out and smooth it away.

  “I’m sorry about your nose.”

  “Me too, but at least it resulted in Pearson finally treating me like an adult. It hurt like a mother though.”

  “I bet. I wish I had known. I would’ve come over and given you a back rub.”

  “By the way, thank you for the tequila and shirt. I’ve been staying at Rose’s since Friday and didn’t have a chance to text you when all this happened. Today is the first day I’ve felt like a human.”