Friends with benefits: Erotica

by Walker, Kelli

  “Leaving,” I said. “I’m done.”

  “No you aren’t,” he said.

  I zipped the bag shut and threw it over my shoulder. I walked right up to him in the doorway and waited. When he didn’t move I said, “Excuse me.” He glared at me for a moment before smiling and backed up.

  I rushed into Avery’s room, finding her overnight bag. I started shoving carious outfits in for her before stuffing her favorite toys in with them.

  “You don’t have anywhere to go,” he laughed.

  “I’ll go to my parents house,” I said decisively.

  “You’ll be back,” he said with conviction.

  “Don’t count on it,” I said. Tossing both bags over my shoulders, I grabbed my purse and began to head for the door. That’s when I saw his keys. I picked them up off the table and removed the keys to the SUV.

  “What do you think you’re doing now?” he asked, still finding it all humorous.

  “The SUV is mine. I paid for it while I was working. It’s in my name. You can have the car,” I said as I pulled the keys off his ring.

  “You’re nothing without me,” he spat. “You can run but you’ll be back. Nobody wants a woman with a kid.”

  “Don’t be so sure,” I said as I slammed out the door. It took everything I had to not run to my car. I wanted to be as far away from him as possible.

  The door opened and he stumbled outside. “You’ll see,” he yelled. “You can’t survive without me.”

  Slowly, I backed out of the driveway, hands shaking. As I put the car in drive and pulled away, I didn’t even look back.

  With my new confidence, I headed toward my parents house. I had expected to feel more sadness or an emptiness at least. Instead, all I felt was relief and freedom.

  Chapter 17

  Sean

  It was afternoon by the time I made it to the hospital where my mother was. My dad had called while I was driving to tell me they had moved her into one of the rooms for observation. They were running tests and waiting on lab results. I had been waiting to just get there.

  Pulling into the parking lot after dropping Cash off in my parents backyard, I could feel my heart racing. I couldn’t lose my mother. Not yet. It wasn’t like I didn’t love my dad, but my mom was the one I would always turn to. Right now, I needed her more than ever.

  I walked through the big automatic glass doors and found the map that showed where everything was. I located the wing and traced the route before heading off in the right direction. Before long, I was walking into my mothers hospital room.

  I didn’t know what to expect, but I wasn’t ready to see her so vulnerable. The harsh lighting and the fact she wasn’t wearing her usual make up was one thing. But the tubes and monitors brought my world to a screeching halt.

  My dad looked up when he heard me come in. He’d been sitting in a chair beside her, her hand clutched in his. When he saw it was me, he stood and gave her hand a kiss before gently lowering it to the bed again.

  “I wasn’t expecting you for another 45 minutes or so,” he said as he pulled me in for a hug.

  “I may have gone over the speed limit a bit,” I admitted.

  “You shouldn’t have,” he said. “What if something would have happened?”

  “What’s going on?” I asked. I took in my fathers appearance and felt my heart sink a bit deeper. He looked thinner. He had to have lost at least ten pounds.

  “They’re thinking it was some sort of interaction with her medications,” he said softly. “They’re working to figure out which ones now.”

  I let out a breath I didn’t know I had been holding. “So she’s going to be okay?”

  He looked back at her before moving me closer to the door. “They haven’t said one way or another. She’s pretty out of it when she comes around. For the most part they are trying to let her rest to allow her body to recuperate.”

  “How could this happen?” I asked. “Didn’t they know?”

  He shrugged. “It’s just one of those things. Most of the time, people take medications with no trouble but sometimes…,” he paused and took a deep breath. “Sometimes there’s trouble.”

  “Now what?” I asked.

  “Now we wait,” he admitted.

  “When was the last time you ate anything?” I asked, changing the subject.

  “I don’t know. I’m not really hungry,” he said, his eyes going back to my mother.

  “Go get something,” I insisted.

  “I really shouldn’t,” he began.

  “I’ll be right here if she wakes up,” I said. “Go take a breather in the cafeteria. Find something to eat and just relax. I’ve got her for now. Go.”

  He looked like he wanted to argue but finally nodded. He patted me on the shoulder before turning and walking out into the hall.

  I turned and looked at my mother again before taking my seat in the chair. I looked at her hands, they seemed much older than she should be. The skin was growing loose and they appeared to have more wrinkles. There were a few new freckles and her nails weren’t as long as I remembered.

  “Hey Mom,” I said as I took her hand. “It’s me, Sean.” I paused, trying to decide if I should be talking to her or not. Dad said she needed rest, what if I woke her? A still, small voice inside told me to just talk to her, so I continued. “Things have been going pretty well for me,” I began. “Remember that girl I told you I ran into? I really like her. More than like her, actually. I think I’m in love,” I said softly. “The problem is, she’s married. I know that’s not good but he’s a jerk. She shouldn’t have married him, period. He doesn’t treat her right and seems to be pretty controlling on top of it.” I stopped when a nurse paused outside the door but soon she continued down the hall.

  “I think she loves me, too. Of course, she has a lot to think about. She’s got a little girl. Her names Avery. Cutest little thing,” I chuckled. “You’d like her.” I felt a lump form in my throat and a single tear slid down my cheek. I wiped it away, frustrated. “I’m going to give you grandbabies with her, you’ll see,” I said. “You’ll be able to spoil them and make your awesome sugar cookies with them.” I struggled to hold it together as the thought of what she’d be missing if something happened to her sunk in. “You have to stay,” I finally said.

  Sitting back in the chair, I pulled my phone from my pocket to check the time. Seeing how low my battery already was, I turned it off. I didn’t know when I’d be able to charge it and wanted to conserve what little battery I had left. I felt sure that I wouldn’t miss anything while it was off. I needed to focus on my parents for right now.

  Lily was safe at home and probably wouldn’t be contacting me at all today. For now, I was where I was needed. Everything else could wait.

  Chapter 18

  Lily

  “I’m so sorry for my part in all this,” Dad said as he passed me a cup of coffee.

  “None of this is your fault, Dad,” I sad as I accepted it. “If he would have had one drink like you said, none of it would have happened.”

  My mother had silently been watching me after we sat down at the table outside. Avery was running around pretending the butterflies in the yard were fairies.

  “So now what are you going to do?” Mom asked as she sipped her coffee. It was later in the afternoon but we were all a bit tired after the excitement last night. As far as they knew, I’d gone home after I’d left.

  “Well, I guess I’m going to have to look for a job somewhere. I plan on filing for divorce. I already went to the bank and pulled everything out of my savings account. Chris’ name was on it, too. I don’t want him getting a dime.” I took a sip of the hot coffee, feeling it slide all the way down.

  “Good for you,” Mom said raising her fist.

  Avery came running over. “Grandpa, want to come play?” she asked, her cheeks rosy from exertion.

  “I have a better idea,” he said. “Why don’t we all go for some ice cream?”

  “Yeah!” Ave
ry exclaimed, bouncing up and down. “Ice cream!”

  “I couldn’t possibly eat ice cream right now,” I said. “But you guys can go.”

  “I’ll stay with Lily,” my mom said. “I’m not really in the mood, either.”

  “Come on, Grandpa,” Avery said as she tugged on the older man’s hand. “Let’s go.”

  “All right, all right,” he said as he followed her into the house.

  “Explain to me again why you’re so tired?” Mom asked after they had left.

  “I told you, I couldn’t sleep,” I said avoiding her gaze.

  “I know better than that,” she scoffed. “Just come out with it. You know I haven’t been able to stand your husband for a while now.”

  I bit my lip but knew she was right. It wasn’t that I thought she would judge me, anyway. It was just that I wasn’t sure I wanted to share. Finally, I decided there was no point in trying to hide it.

  “Sean and I went stargazing last night,” I finally said.

  “That sounds romantic,” she said gently. She waited for me to continue but when I didn’t she said, “And? What else?”

  “There may have been some intimate moments,” I admitted carefully.

  “And how was that? Is he a good kisser?” she grinned mischeviously.

  “Mom,” I said as though I were put out before laughing. “Maybe.”

  “Oh, it’s so wonderful,” she said clapping her hands together. “How long ago did you know him again?”

  “When we worked at the factory. He was there for a while before he finally left and I met Chris.”

  “Too bad,” she said. “But it looks like love’s destiny to me.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know. It’s just something I like to say when two people end up together. You weren’t ready for each other back then. He left and you both did a bit of growing. Now, you’re back together, again. It’s like destiny.” She grinned like the Cheshire cat.

  “I’m not sure I believe in all of that,” I admitted. “Why would I marry Chris if I was meant to be with Sean?” I asked.

  “Well, if you didn’t, you wouldn’t have that precious little girl,” Mom pointed out. “But like I said, maybe you just weren’t ready for each other yet.”

  “Maybe,” I said but I still wasn’t sure. “I’d feel better if I could make money with my jewelry. There’s not many places around here hiring. With me being out of work for so many years…,” I let my sentence trail off.

  “Don’t worry about that,” she said as she waved my concerns away. “Things will work out perfectly, you’ll see.”

  “You think?” I asked.

  “Of course,” she said as she leaned back in her chair. “Just have faith in yourself. I believe in you. You’re jewelry is unique. There’s nothing else like it out there. It’s worth far more than you charge, you mark my words. I can feel it.”

  “I hope you’re right,” I said. “I could use a bit of luck right now.” I picked up my phone with the thought of sending Sean a message but changed my mind. I told him I needed time. I didn’t want to look desperate.

  Chapter 19

  Sean

  Dad and I were sitting beside Mom’s bed when my Aunt Maggie rushed into the room.

  “Oh,” she said as she stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes on mom. Her lip trembled as she turned to us. “I just got your message,” she said as she hurried over to us. As my mother’s sister, the resemblance was plain. Maggie was almost ten years younger than Mom and quite a bit taller but in the face they were almost identical. Maggie was dressed in a red pantsuit with her hair up in a bun. “I just got back from Springfield,” she said.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” Dad said. “She’ll be happy to see you.”

  She moved to her sister’s bedside as I stepped out of the way. Just then, a nurse appeared in the doorway.

  “Mr. Mitchell, can I speak with you privately?” she asked.

  Dad nodded and followed her.

  “How are things?” Maggie asked.

  “She’s okay so far. They think they may have figured it out but were waiting for some results to be sure. They said she’ll be tired most of today,” I said.

  Maggie nodded. “How could this happen? She’s been taking the same pills for years.”

  “She didn’t tell you either?” I asked. I should have known that Mom wouldn’t tell her sister, especially if she wasn’t telling me. Maggie shook her head. “She’s got cancer. They had her start a few new meds for it. Don’t feel bad, I’m not supposed to know, either,” I sighed.

  “Always so stubborn,” Maggie said fondly as she looked down at her sister.

  “How’s work?” I asked since it was plain she’d been busy with it from the way she was dressed.

  “I’m overseeing five different art galleries,” she said brightening. “They may hand over two more next year. Depending on how these do.”

  “That’s amazing,” I said.

  She sat down in one of the chairs and motioned for me to join her. “So how have things been with you? Found a girlfriend yet?”

  I smiled, thinking of Lily. “Maybe,” I said. “It’s complicated.”

  “Complicated usually means it’s good,” she said smiling softly. “What’s she do?”

  I couldn’t tell her she was a married stay-at-home mom. Instead I said, “She makes jewelry. It’s really interesting.”

  “Interesting how?” she asked as she crossed her legs.

  “I’ve never seen anything like it,” I said. “Here, I’ll show you.” I pulled out my phone and turned it back on. I navigated to my photos and brought up the pictures Lily had sent me. I handed the phone to my aunt, showing her the intricate necklace Lily had created. I had no idea how she had made something that looked so ethereal and magical from wire and crystals.

  “That’s stunning,” she said. “Like a work of art.” She paused, her hand hovering in mid air before she said. “Can you show me more?”

  I leaned over and scrolled to the next photo. This one was a pair of earrings that climbed the wearers ear. I scrolled to the next which was yet another necklace.

  “And she did these herself?” she asked.

  I nodded. “She’s got a shop online but isn’t making big bucks yet,” I admitted.

  “Well, that’s because she’s not in the right market,” she said looking up at me. “These aren’t just jewelry, they’re wearable art.” She tapped her fingernail to her teeth. “Do you have any idea how many pieces she currently has?”

  “Not really, no. Why?”

  “When you talk to her again, find out. I just might be able to help. These pieces are beautiful and I think I’d like to showcase them in one of my galleries,” she said as she handed my phone back.

  “Are you serious?” I asked, excited. “That’s amazing!”

  She nodded. “Give her my contact information. We can work something out from there. I’ve been looking for something that wasn’t the same old, same old. I think this is exactly what I’ve been searching for.”

  Chapter 20

  Lily

  It was getting late when there was a knock at the front door. Avery and I were curled up under a blanket while Dad read his book and Mom crocheted. We were all watching a movie Avery had picked out.

  “I’ll get it,” Dad said as he stood. After peeking out the window he turned and said, “It’s a police officer.” He pulled the door open and invited the officer in.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you but I was told I might find a Lily Farr here?” he said.

  “That’s me,” I said as I pushed the blanket to the side.

  “Come here, sweetie. Let’s get ready for bed,” my mom said as she took Avery from the room.

  “Ma’am, are you married to a Christopher Farr?” he asked.

  “Yes but I left him this morning. What’s this about?” I could feel my stomach twisting in knots. Something wasn’t right.

  “Do you mind if we si
t down?” he asked.

  My father gestured to the couch and chairs before pausing the movie.

  “Are you her father?” the officer asked.

  Dad nodded. “Mark DeSoto,” he said as he shook the man’s hand.

  “Lily, we’ve picked up your husband. He’s landed himself in some serious trouble,” he finally said.

  “What?” I gasped.

  “He went to a local bar tonight and the bartender claims he appeared to have possibly been intoxicated when he arrived. They served him two drinks before finally cutting him off. To my understanding, that’s when he became disorderly.” The officer pulled out a notebook and a pen. I looked to my father who just shrugged. “He then threatened the bartender and said he would give her what he was going to give his wife. That’s when he acted as though his fingers were a gun and pointed them at her. She called us but while she was waiting for us to arrive he continued to tell anyone who would listen that his wife wasn’t going to leave him and that he’d make sure of that. Once he was in custody, we searched his vehicle and found that he had a weapon in the vehicle that was loaded. We’re fairly certain he planned to make good on his threats.”

  “My god,” my father said. “What should we do?”

  “Right now, nothing,” the officer said. “We have him in custody and he’s not going anywhere. But we’re going to need Lily to come down in the morning and give us a statement and let us know what happened between them this morning. Were you aware he had a weapon?”

  I shook my head. “No, I wasn’t. He never even said anything about wanting to own one.”

  He nodded. “We’re trying to find out where he acquired it at the moment. We’re trying to piece a timeline together to see if there are anymore charges to be added. As it is, we will start a protection order for you. Was that your daughter?”

  “Yes, sir,” I said my blood running cold. “Did he threaten her, too?”

  “Not that I’m aware but we don’t want someone like that around a child, either. I’m going to do my best to make sure he goes away for a long time. If you can come to the station in the morning sometime?”