NEVER KISS A STRANGER

by Chance, Logan

  I finish my coffee, making my way back into the kitchen to rinse the mug.

  “Morning sleepyhead,” I say when I spot Kiki making her way into the room, her eyes still sleepy and her hair a mess. She looks cuter than I’ve ever seen her.

  “Coffee,” she mumbles.

  Ah, my girl is not a morning person. I pull down a mug and pour her some piping hot coffee.

  She breathes it in. “What are you doing up so early on a Saturday?”

  “Work, baby. Always work.” I smile and kiss her cheek. “Actually, I have to meet Urban at my father’s house. He has something to talk to us about.” My smile turns tight and I can’t help rolling my eyes a bit.

  “Uh oh. I hope it’s ok.”

  “I’m sure it will be.” I wrap my arms around her. “And what’s on your agenda today?”

  “I have to pick up a few things for Yasmin’s wedding.”

  “Dinner after?”

  “Absolutely.” We’re falling into this perfect little rhythm and I fucking love it.

  * * *

  I pull into my father’s mansion by the water, and spot Urban’s SUV. Thank god he’s here before me.

  The house on the hill boasts wealth, importance, and a lie he’s trying desperately to hold on to. It has all the elements of things to compete with all the neighbors. A grand yard, big columns, and a dock with a boat tied off to the end of it.

  I really don’t want to be here. But, I’ll play the game. Whatever game that is. My father looks at life like a game of chess. He positions the pieces so that no matter which move you make he’s already calling checkmate before you even know what’s happened.

  But not this time, not today.

  “Ellis, so glad you’re here,” my father says with a tight smile.

  “What do you need to see us for?” I ask him before I’ve even completely stepped into his house.

  Of course, my father is one of those types. He needs to set the mood, have us come inside. Light cigars. Drink our tea. Act like civilized folk, and all that other horseshit.

  Urban obliges, stepping inside and making small talk until my father has us sitting inside his office. It’s a power play.

  Him sitting there behind his big cherry-wood desk, degrees from the various universities he graduated from decorating the wall behind him, and us in the chairs on the opposite side. He towers over everything in the room even in a seated position, like his chair is on the highest setting. Another power move.

  Hell, all he’s missing is the red tie to show he means business.

  But, not today. He wears a Tommy Bahama shirt, blue with a white hibiscus flower pattern. He pulls out a little wooden box from his humidifier case. Ah, the cigars.

  I decline, but Urban and my father light theirs up.

  “Are we about done with all the theatrics?” I lean back in my stiff wooden chair, trying my best not to look as displeased as I feel. But, that’s easier said than done.

  “Ellis, you should be grateful I don’t throw you off this new project you and that girl have started.” My father stares at me from behind his dark-rimmed glasses.

  “Don’t threaten me, old man.” Ha. I’d like to see Daddy dearest try.

  He holds up his hands in surrender. “Ok, we’re getting off on the wrong foot here. I called you both over because I feel like you’ll need me to move forward.”

  “Need you?” I ask, and before I can go any further Urban stands from his chair.

  “Dad, while we appreciate the help, I think Ellis and I can take it from here. We’re seconds away from closing the deal with Henry, and have all the products ready for production.”

  “Yes, but we need a face for the new products, and I think that’s where I need to take the reins. I need to showcase my new products to the world.”

  “Ah, so you get the credit.”

  “Well, it is my brewery,” my father says, his eyes gleaming with dollar signs. Wonder how long it will take him to gamble away the future earnings.

  “No deal.” I rest my hand on his desk. “I’m not here helping so you can just get us into the same predicament next year.”

  Urban sits back in his chair. “He’s right, Dad. We can’t have things getting as bad as before.”

  My father hangs his head for just a moment, really for show more than anything else. “You’re right, boys. I need to be better. I will be better,” says any good junkie who needs his next fix, and for my father it’s gambling.

  “Ok, seriously. If we need to get you into some sort of rehab, we will,” Urban says.

  My father laughs. “I’ll be good.”

  Richard Atwood could never be seen at a rehabilitation center for gamblers, or for anything else for that matter. The country club gossip would fly through the roof, and they’d not be invited to their weekly squash game.

  I stare at my father, the anger I’ve had toward him doubling over, begging to be released. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

  My father sits up straight, puffing out his chest. “Urban, give us a minute.”

  Urban nods, leaving the room.

  Richard Atwood doesn’t speak right away, instead he studies me over his glasses, puffing on his cigar. “You really hate me, don’t you?” he finally asks, his voice low and concise.

  “I really do.”

  “You know your mother has forgiven me for what happened all those years ago.”

  I laugh. “No, she just doesn’t care about you.”

  “Ellis, do you know what the opposite of love is?”

  “Hate.” Because everything coursing through my bones is the opposite of love right now.

  He shakes his head, like he knows everything in the world. His smugness nearly kills me. “No, it’s indifference. When you no longer care, and all the anger melts away. That’s when you know you no longer love someone.”

  “That’s what happened with Mom? You left her because you didn’t care?”

  My father shakes his head. “No, you’re missing my point.” He stands, moving over to look out the window. “What happened between your mother and me was all my fault. And I’ve felt worthless for many years because of it.”

  “Good.”

  He snaps back to stare in my direction. “Sometimes you don’t realize you’re making the wrong choices until it’s too late.” He hangs his head low, hands joined behind his back. “And then you’re left with a lifetime of regret.”

  I stand. “Thanks for the life lesson, Dad.”

  I walk out of his office, not looking back.

  TWENTY-THREE

  Kiki

  Never trust an ex...

  “Just hold still Titan,” I say to the little maltipoo sitting on the leather chair next to his owner, a very relaxed Mrs. Gold. “You’ll love this, promise.” I start his blueberry facial, rubbing the mixture over his smooth coat of fur.

  “He always smells so yummy after we leave here,” Mrs. Gold says, enjoying her very own blueberry facial I finished moments earlier.

  I keep rubbing, making sure his fur is fully covered, and then move him over to the small sink to rinse.

  “All done,” I say when I finish rinsing out the product. “Marge will be in to finish you both up.”

  Marge’s job is to dry and comb the pups, and then gets them all ready for the mani/pawdi they’ll be having.

  My mind thinks back to when Ellis was sitting in this very room, my hands running over his smooth face. Chills erupt at the thought of the way he stared at me with all the intensity in the world.

  I wash my hands, and then make my way back out to the front entrance to wait for my next client.

  “What do you think of this?” Poppi asks, holding out a magazine of the newest bachelor and how the girl who won the whole show and got the rose and engagement broke up.

  “Can’t say I didn’t see that coming,” I say with a laugh.

  Before Poppi can say anything more, Henry walks inside like he owns the place, carrying a little white poodle with him. A brunett
e scurries behind him, her gray eyes fixed on Henry. She looks familiar and I realize it’s the bartender from Bearded Goat.

  “Hi Kiki, this is Mia.” Then he holds up the little poodle. “And this is Alaska.”

  I smile. “Great name for a great dog.” And then I reach my hand out to shake Mia’s. “Hi, nice to meet you.”

  Henry throws an arm around Mia’s shoulders. “She’s my fiancée.”

  And there it is, all shiny on her left ring finger, the same rock that Henry proposed to me with. The very ring that travelled through little Peter the goat’s digestive tract.

  Wonder how many other places it’s gone.

  “Oh, wow.” I glance wide-eyed at Poppi before congratulating the happy couple. “Congratulations. How can I help you today?”

  “We’re here to get Alaska and Mia the Spawsome whatever thing.” Henry waves his hand as if he can’t be bothered to read the package names. But then again, he’s always been like this.

  Not really paying attention.

  Never really reading into any type of situation.

  How had I never noticed it before?

  And now it all clicks. He was never in love with me. He’s in love with being made partner at his big fancy firm.

  I smile, like the professional I am, and tap a few keys on the computer, checking the schedule. “I have an opening right now, actually.” Thank goodness Miss Mingle canceled. “Poppi can take you in the back.” I wave my hand, pointing to the set of white French doors and Poppi hops into action.

  “Absolutely, follow me.” Poppi pushes the doors open and Mia follows behind with Alaska in hand.

  “How are you?” Henry asks as soon as we’re alone.

  “I’m good. Listen, Henry,” I need to tell him, “I’m kind of seeing Ellis now.”

  Henry laughs like this news could ever be true. “I know. It’s not that I have you followed or anything.”

  “Oh, ok. I just wanted you to know.”

  He smiles down his nose at me. “I always am in the know, Kiki.”

  What’s that supposed to mean?

  “It means Kiki. Ellis needs me. He doesn’t need some dog shop owner like you.” He steps closer, smoothing out the non-existent wrinkles in his tailor-made suit. “It means I’m keeping the brewery going. I’m the one who’s going to keep all the little stupid ideas you have of dog beer and pink beer,” he rolls his eyes, “afloat.”

  I blink, not really sure of the reaction he’s looking for from me.

  “You’re grateful I’m doing this for them, right?”

  I nod. “Yes.”

  “I could very easily get the firm to pull the deal like,” he snaps his fingers, “that.”

  “Don’t do that. Please, Henry. I know things didn’t work out between us, but the brewery deserves a chance.”

  Henry laughs. “There’s one thing you need to know about me, Kiki.”

  “What’s that?”

  He puffs out his chest. “I’m a winner. Always have been, always will be.”

  “What does that have to do with anything?”

  He steps close, almost too close, and I’m thankful for the counter keeping us apart. “I always win.”

  “Ok.”

  “And for me to invest in the brewery and save the day I need something from you.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes you.”

  I don’t like the sound of this. At all. And I’m afraid to even ask what he needs me to do.

  But, I don’t need to because Henry tells me, like he’s all too excited to get the words out, “I want you to break up with Ellis.” There’s a gleam in his eyes, and I know he’s loving this request.

  I’m dumbfounded. “How could you even ask that of me?” My face scrunches up with anger. I wish I could ask this ass to leave, but he’s a paying customer, so I tap away at the computer. “That’ll be sixty-five thirty.”

  He pulls out his wallet, handing over his credit card. “I’m serious here, Kiki. I can’t work with a company where the owner is fucking my ex.”

  “Please leave.” I don’t care if this goes against my own company standards. I wrote the handbook, so I’m allowed to break them.

  “Kiki, do you want to see the Atwood’s lose everything they have?”

  I don’t move a muscle. “Well, no.”

  “Exactly. Now, how serious is this little puppy dog crush you have on each other anyway?”

  I don’t want to tell Henry that I think I’m falling for Ellis, and that I think Ellis may be feeling the same way, so I keep my mouth clamped shut.

  “Let me tell you something about Ellis. He’s not serious about you.” Henry laughs. “He’s just using you. Do you think a man like Ellis would ever go for someone like you?”

  Ouch. “You did,” I spit out, holding my chin up.

  Henry doesn’t say a word, just pushes off the counter, checking his watch before staring out the glass door that leads to the street. He watches the cars pass by for a moment before turning to face me once more. “I’m serious here, Kiki. I don’t lose. The only ones who are going to lose from your selfishness are the Atwood’s.” He pushes open the door, glancing over his shoulder. “I expect you to do the right thing.” And then he walks through the door, pushing his sunglasses over his eyes, not even looking back. I definitely won’t be here when he comes to pick up the dog and his soon-to-be-bride, that’s for sure.

  * * *

  I’ve been in a sour mood for days since Henry left my shop and told me to break up with Ellis. I’ve been over and over it again in my head. I can’t break up with him. I really really like him times a thousand more reallys. I also don’t want him and his family to lose the brewery.

  This is a moment for ice cream. Mint chocolate chip to be exact.

  But, no. This problem is so much more serious than ice cream can handle. And besides, I can’t pop open a tub right here where I am.

  Ugh, I wish I had someone to talk to about this. Lola and Poppi would just tell me to say ‘no’ to Henry and ride off into the sunset with Ellis.

  It’s not that easy. In fact, it’s the most complicated shit on the planet. Like I would need a nuclear physicist to try to figure it all out. And still, I don’t think he could even come close.

  I care about Ellis. I do. And I can’t let him lose the funding for his projects. I can’t let them lose everything if the brewery doesn’t make it.

  But, I also don’t want to rush into things. I made that mistake with Henry, and look where that got me. Ellis lives in Atlanta. I live here.

  “Do you have the flowers, Kiki?” Poppi asks when she finds me gazing out over the water. We’re here at the Atwood’s home on the Intracoastal, and trying desperately to get all the prep work done for Doodles and Sparkles wedding.

  “Is it weird the bride and groom are brother and sister?” I ask Poppi, handing her the bouquet of flowers.

  She laughs. “Is it weirder they have more people attending their wedding than I’ll ever have at my own.”

  I continue stringing the lights, making this another spectacular wedding. I need to make sure I get lots of pictures for the portfolio. “Yeah,” I say, absentmindedly.

  “You’re awfully quiet.” Poppi stops working. “Want to talk about it?”

  I slump my shoulders in defeat, desperate to get a little advice. “If you had the ability to save someone’s future, would you?”

  Poppi studies me for a moment before answering, “Is this about the brewery?”

  I nod.

  “What’s going on exactly?”

  I probably shouldn’t tell her, and even saying it out loud is a bit ridiculous, but I do it anyway. “Henry won’t help the brewery unless I break up with Ellis.”

  “Oh, wow,” she says while blowing out a deep breath. “I always knew that man was a…” she doesn’t say whatever profanity she’s thinking of for Henry, and so many would fit so well.

  “I know.”

  “Are you honestly thinking about doing it?” She pla
ces the string of lights down on a nearby table, then rests both hands on my shoulder, looking me directly in the eyes. “You can’t let that man control you.”

  “But Ellis’ life is in Atlanta and mine is here.”

  Poppi shrugs. “So?”

  “So...it’ll never work out.”

  “Never say never,” she says. “Sounds to me you’ve already decided, and not giving the unknown a chance.” She drops her hands, picking up the lights again. “Sometimes we make rash decisions because we’re not sure of the outcome.”

  “I can’t be the reason their brewery fails.” I’ve made up my mind. And not because I’m afraid to think about how Ellis and I would work as a couple with him in Atlanta and me here. But because I can’t let him lose everything. And this is bigger than just Ellis. There’s a whole company to think of. Urban, all the employees, everything.

  I can’t be the sole reason everyone is out of a job.

  With my mood worsening by the minute, I continue the setup of the back yard.

  “This is all so beautiful,” Yasmin says. “You’ve done a wonderful job transforming this place.” She studies the string of lights we’re setting up. “This will all be so perfect.”

  “It’s coming together nicely.” Geeze, I can’t even fake being pleasant. It’s like all the good mood has been sucked dry from my being, and I’m left with this emptiness inside.

  Yasmin pictured an evening wedding, with soft twinkling lights over head as the two pups bark their vows to each other. The yard is littered with white fold-out chairs, an aisle made of white tulle, and a bride dressed to the nines in one of the prettiest little wedding dresses I’ve ever seen.

  “Sparkles looks amazing,” I tell Yasmin as Poppi finishes the last strand of lights. “Just an hour to go until guests start arriving.” And I have to check on the food. “Excuse me.” I head off toward the kitchen.

  Ellis pops a pig in a blanket into his mouth as I walk in. “You do know this is all ridiculous right?”