by MJ Fields
I smile at Nikki. “Would you like to take this one, or shall I?”
I listen as Nikki begins explaining cautiously, but as Jenny’s excitement grows, so does hers.
“So you’re telling me, next time we get drunk, I don’t even have to go home?”
Nikki laughs. “Well, I’m no Bobby, so you won’t get a cup of coffee as soon as your eyes open, and I am not that great of a cook—”
“That’s because that tool Townes ordered food into your apartment all the time. You’ll be cooking up a storm again, you’ll see.”
“Which reminds me, tomorrow night I’m going to make dinner for my aunt, uncle, and Nellie, and tell them the news.”
“Soften the blow,” Jenny says as if she agrees. “I think that’s a good idea. I mean, you still have to work with them until you get a new job.”
“Actually,” Nikki grins, “my interview for Monday kind of happened today, and I start a week from Monday.”
“The one in Vail?” Jenny screeches.
“Apparently, Mr. Hawthorne wants me to set up an office close to the Shepard property. He wants to buy it.”
Jenny barks out a laugh. “Good luck finding Shep. No one has heard from him since he joined the military.”
“Well, if I can find him, you and I both know we were very close growing up, so I have a better chance of explaining to him that—”
“How close?” I interrupt, attempting to keep my tone even.
“Their parents were best friends, kind of close.” Jenny’s voice is much different, softer, and full of concern. She’s no longer piss and vinegar as per her norm.
“They were always together.” Nikki smiles, her eyes turning glassy.
“And they left this world together,” Jenny finishes. “But hell, if I go out, I’d definitely want to go out with my bestie.”
“Yeah.” Nikki looks at me. “Shep’s parents and mine died—”
“Understood, Love.” I reach over and grab her hand, squeezing.
“Hold the damn phone! Did he just call you love?”
“It’s a term of endearment, British?” Nikki asks.
“Sure.” I wink.
“So that must mean you two have gotten naked and sweaty together.” And now, the Jenny I've come to know and love is back.
Nikki laughs. “We’ve had two dates. You know I’m a three-rule girl.”
“I need details,” Jenny whispers.
Does she not comprehend how speaker systems work in cars?
“Now that you’re off self-quarantine until after your interview from the Baker crew, how about you and I meet for coffee?” Jenny says with a smile in her voice.
“I’m actually going to a soccer game.” Nikki laughs.
“Raff, are you really going to make her sit through a game surrounded by those soccer sows in the big city?”
“What in the hell is a soccer sow?” I ask, laughing.
Jenny makes an oinking sound. “All those pigs who want you to bend them like Beckham?”
“I haven't a clue as to what you’re talking about, Jenny. It’s an hour and a half on the field, kicking a ball with a bunch of men. There are no women on the field.”
“Oh my God, girl, save me a seat. I will not let you go this alone.”
“Oh. Kay,” Nikki says, confused.
“One last thing before I go get changed. I’m so damn glad you’re going to be sticking around and not headed back to that city, Nikki. Since you’ve been back, I feel like me again. Minus the perky boobs, of course. Thank you, breastfeeding.”
“Jenny,” Nikki grumbles, turning pink.
“Nikki,” Jenny mimics her tone, and we all laugh.
“You know my plan has always been to come back and regroup. There's really nothing for me here.”
“Like hell there isn't. I’m here and always have been. And you happen to be,” she pauses and then says, “cover your ears, Raff.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m driving.”
“Fine, it’s not like you don’t know it already,” she huffs. “Nikki, you’re dating the most eligible bachelor in Holiday Springs.”
I glance over at Nikki, and she looks down.
“We’ll dish later. Save me a seat at the game. Men’s league plays in Vail right?”
“Yes,” I tell her.
“See you there.” Jenny hangs up.
Nothing for her here? The comment stings, but I try not to brood. It’s still early in our relationship. After a few unpleasant minutes of silence, she flexes her hand in mine, and I glance from the road to her.
“My plan was always to go back to the city.”
I nod and look back at the road, “I’m sure when you're ready, you’ll make the right decision.”
“Okay,” she says quietly.
“Nikki, would you rather I say something ridiculous, like I’ve been sitting here debating how suspicious I may look if I begin purchasing duct tape and zip ties long enough to wrap around an adult's wrists to stop them from making what you know would be a huge mistake?” I laugh, making a joke out of exactly what it is I was thinking.
She looks at me curiously.
“Lighten up.” I squeeze her hand, then release it and turn on the radio. “I have a son to raise. Business to run. I—”
“It’s only been one, I mean two dates,” she says, her amused tone as forced as my attempt at making a joke of the situation. “Anything could happen, right?”
It already has.
The advert on the satellite radio station ends, and a song begins. It sounds like country music, which has definitely never been part of my musical palette. When I reach up to turn the station, she grabs my hand, stopping me.
“You enjoy country music?”
She smiles and nods. “This song, yes.” When she sits back, she does not release my hand.
The chorus begins.
‘If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be, baby, just you and me. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be, baby, just you and me. So won’t you ride with me, ride with me, see where this thing goes…’
I look over at her and wink; she smiles and leans over, resting her head on my shoulder.
When the chorus starts again, it’s so simple and catchy, I find myself singing along, and Nikki joins me.
When the song changes and the Black-Eyed Peas, “I Gotta Feeling” comes on, both of us laugh and, fuck, it feels good, but what feels better is her little finger on my chin, turning my face slightly, and her lips on mine.
“Not that I’m complaining, but what brought that on?”
“Pretty sure I owe you.”
“For?”
“Being a head trip.”
Walking onto the field toward my team and holding Nikki’s hand, she looks around, and her eyes stall on something.
“Jenny here already?”
“No,” she says, tight-lipped. “But more than half the single women from Holiday Springs are here.”
I stop and turn around, grab her face and kiss her, and when I pull back, I rest my forehead against hers as she fights eye connection and a smile.
“Now they know.”
“Won’t stop them from being bitchy.”
“You know what intimidates women like them?” I tilt my head and kiss the exposed flesh of her neck. God, she smells amazing.
“Um...”
I move my lips, kissing her cheek. “Confidence.” I plant another kiss on her lips. When I pull back, she's smiling.
“Do me a favor?”
“Tell me.”
“Own what this is,” I gesture between us, “and give it a name, will you?” She nods, her cheeks turning pink the way I love.
“Now, wish me luck.”
She smiles. “Better win.”
“What do I get for a high score?”
“What?” She laughs.
“When I kick their arse, come on, Red, give me some incentive.”
“I’ll ride you.”
“I said incentive, not a hard-
on while I’m on the field with a bunch of guys. But, Nikki, I sure do like the way you think.”
“Then kick ass, so I can show you everything I’ve been not only thinking, but literally dreaming about since the day I laid eyes on the hottest man I’ve ever seen.”
“I’m right here, baby. I’m not going anywhere, and I’m gonna make damn sure you aren't either.”
She walks away, practically strutting. Looking over her shoulder at me as she crosses the field, it’s impossible to think of anything going on besides my thickening cock.
“You talking to yourself, Raff?” Beckett appears from nowhere, crossing his arms over his chest and glancing at my woman appreciatively.
“Shut your eyes, man.”
He chuckles. “I’m in deep with someone, sure, but I’m not dead. Any man with a pulse would appreciate Nikki.”
I glare at him.
“Let’s get this done.” He taps my back.
I look around. “If you’re going to make this into a competition, I’m up two.”
“How do you figure?” He laughs.
“Mine stayed all night with me and is still here today.”
“We’ll see who makes it to the finish line first.” He challenges, holding back a smile.
“I’d rather see who’s still together in five years.”
He holds out his hand. “Deal.”
I clasp my hand around his and shake it. “Game on.”
Rule Number Sixteen
On Weekends they Wear Pink
Nikki
I am higher on Raff than maybe I have ever been. Still, I feel uneasy about facing the slew of mean moms without Jenny by my side. Hopefully, she’ll come quickly.
Walking around to get to the silver stands, I see Nellie’s little red Mercedes pull into the parking lot behind the field. What is she doing here?
She gets out of the car as I walk past her to the entrance. She snaps her gum and rolls her eyes.
Minutes ago, I left her, and now she clearly wants to bring the fight public. I quicken my steps, hoping to get past her without a scene. Confrontation, particularly in public, isn’t exactly something I like.
Behind me, she calls out, “And there she goes, running again.”
I want to keep walking to get away from her and the scene she’s determined to cause. Obviously, I did not give her what she wanted back at the house. I stop and turn to face her.
I pull my purse closer to my body, like a shield. “I’m not running. I’m simply not going to fight with you because again, Nellie, we’re family.”
“Family?” she huffs, a look of disgust on her face.
I’ve had enough of this. It needs to end—now. “This is gonna hurt like hell but maybe.” I look up to the heavens and all but pray for her. “But hopefully it will get through to you.”
“Like I need—”
I growl, “Shut up and listen, Nellie.”
She gasps, and I continue. “Coming back here felt like eight years of my life had been wasted. I was not only heartbroken, but I felt like I had failed. All those years of study and hard work. Don’t you get that?”
She rolls her eyes. “I don’t need any of your sisterly advice; that ship has sailed. Go.” She points to the stands. “You look like a groupie. Next thing I’m going to hear is that you’re living with him in his loft, and he gave you a job.”
My face flushes and her jaw drops, her eyes widening. “Oh. My. God.” She laughs out loud like my life is the biggest joke she’s ever heard. “Don’t even say it.”
I lift my chin. “It’s not like that.”
“Girl, you will never learn.” She gives me a disgusted look, turns, and walks away. Under her breath, I hear her mumble, “You’re not better than us. Once a whore, always a whore.”
That’s it! My patience is up! “What did you just say?”
She turns around, smirking. “You heard me.”
“I am an independent woman. I graduated from Cornell…”
“Like, four years ago!”
“I graduated from Cornell and had an excellent job. The fact that my fiancé owned the company had no bearing on what I did or how I handled my work.” More to myself than to her, I yell, “I am qualified!”
“Sure you are.” She smirks and begins to step away.
I grab her hand and spin her around. “You live at home, drive a fucking Mercedes, and have fake tits! Don’t you judge, Nellie!”
She yanks her arm from me. “Someone had to stick around so that the family business, one our fathers’ and their parents built, didn’t flop! And don’t you judge my choice of vehicles, where I live, or even my fake tits, Nikki! You’re not the only one that wanted better, but you’re the only one who got out. You’re the only one who got to live and make your dream come true!”
“You could have gone to college—”
“And I was going to, but Gran’s heart got weak, and Grandpa was ready to sell. My parents have poured everything into that place and raised us. And now, Mom has—” She snaps her mouth shut.
“What?” I step closer to her, my heart thumping.
“Don’t even act like you care.”
“Oh my God, Nellie, I do, but you keep pushing me further and further away.”
“Her arthritis is near crippling, and Dad—” Again, she stops.
“Nellie, I’m right here, tell me.”
“Like it’ll matter.”
“Like I won’t do whatever I can to help.”
“His back, his neck, his shoulders, he doesn’t have it in him either. I’ve heard them talk about selling, and if they do, where will they be? They’d barely be able to pay for the retirement home for our grandparents! They’d probably have to sell the house, and then I highly doubt that downsizing would even allow them to live comfortably.”
“Then you hire more—”
“We can’t afford it! Hell, we can barely afford you, but that place is part yours, so—”
“What do you mean it’s part mine?”
“Our fathers and grandparents owned it equally. When they retired, it was left to my father and you. How did you not know that?”
“I own part of Winterfield’s Sweet Spot?” I almost laugh, my shock so great.
“Technically, not until Gran and Grandpa leave this earth.” She shakes her head. “It still has to pay for their bills, too. So, don’t think you’re going to be some rich girl.”
“I should slap the bitch out of you, but like I said, you’re family.”
She gasps, and frankly, I do too. I’ve never let loose like this before, but God, it feels so good! “Oh, please, Nellie,” I continue. “Don’t mistake my kindness and the fact I’ve let you be a bitch since I came home, let you think you can kick me. I’m stronger than you can even imagine.” And for the first time, I feel like it’s true. I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve lived through it all. My parents' death, studying non-stop to earn and keep my scholarship, moving to New York City despite not knowing a soul other than Townes. Even the end of my relationship with Townes—I’m proud of myself for pulling through.
“So now that you see dollar signs, you’re staying, right?”
“No, Nellie. Actually, now I feel like less of a burden to this family. Clearly, I have work to do. I want to make sure our legacy is a treasure, not a trap.”
“So, you’re going to stick around and make my life even more miserable?” Her tone dilutes her venomous words. Something in her eyes tells me she’s hopeful.
Laughing, I nod. “You have no idea how miserable I’m going to make you. But in a year, you’re going to see me as less of a burden.”
“So, I’ll get my sister back?” she asks sadly.
“As long as you stop talking shit about my ass and sweet tooth to my boyfriend. Oh, and by the way, Nellie, stop flirting with him. It pisses me off. And you have your own freaking boyfriend. He comes in all the damn time, and he clearly thinks you’re amazing.”
“Yeah, well, he also thinks our open relatio
nship is amazing.” The frown brought on by those words quickly morphs into a fake smile. “And, so do I.”
Pity overtakes me, but I won’t let it show. “New rule. You can lie to your parents, but not to your sister slash cousin slash business partner, or yourself.”
She narrows her eyes at me, and I respond by quirking a brow.
“Whatever, we’ll see what happens.” She turns to walk away.
“Wait, where are you going?”
“Home to wash dishes since you didn’t. And I can’t flirt with your boyfriend, so what’s the sense in staying?”
I grab her arm. “I’m sure there are a dozen guys out on that field that you can drool over.”
She looks back at me. “I feel sick to my stomach. I’m going home.”
I walk over and hug her. “Dinner tomorrow at home. But before that, you need to tell me what it is you envision for Winterfield’s.”
“Oh my God, why are you hugging me?” she sighs but holds me back. In some weird way, I’ve missed this. I guess she has, too.
“Because you need one. Maybe we both do.”
She steps back, eyeing me suspiciously. The moment is obviously over.
I raise my chest, needing her to understand that I’m here to stay. “I’m back, Nellie.”
“Yeah, and for how long?”
I tell her half of the truth. “As long as it takes.”
She nods, turns, and walks away, her heels clicking against the asphalt.
Once she’s gone, I watch for Jenny entering the parking lot, but no luck. The whistle blows, signifying the start of the game, and I remember why I’m here.
Raff.
Sitting two rows down from the … what the hell did Jenny call them? Soccer sows, I laugh to myself as I pull my phone from my coat pocket to see if she’s messaged.
I scroll past the thirty-seven messages she sent before our talk in Raff’s vehicle.
As pissed off as she is that I wasn't paying attention, I think I deserve a pat on the back, a gold star, or maybe a dozen of her amazing chocolate chip cookies for not even looking at social media at all for that amount of time.
Or maybe… Raff deserves them since he’s the one who has kept me planted in the here and now. I take a deep inhale of the fresh air, letting it fill my lungs before slowly exhaling.
