Flirt With Me

by Kristen Proby

  Rachel spreads cream cheese on her garlic bagel, and Maeve and I share a look.

  “But we stayed up super late, just talking and catching up. She’s so nice, you know? She really wanted to know all about everything that’s going on, and she’s happy for me, that I like it here and everything.”

  “That’s great,” Maeve says with a big smile. “I’m glad you had a good time. We were a little worried, though. You didn’t text your dad.”

  “Oh, it’s okay. I was just with Mom.”

  Now she’s calling her mom?

  “Dad,” Rachel continues, happy as can be. “Can I have a car?”

  “A what?” I stare at her as if she’s lost her mind. “You can’t even drive, Rach.”

  “But I’m almost sixteen,” she reminds me. “It’s legal for me to get a permit. It didn’t really matter when we lived in Seattle because we had the public transpo, but there isn’t any here on the island. I’d like to be able to get around without always asking for a ride.”

  “I’m not even going to entertain the idea of getting you your own car until you’ve been through driver’s ed. We’ll look into it this fall. I don’t have a problem with you driving, but let’s not get carried away. First thing’s first.”

  “I don’t have to take driver’s ed to test for the license. Mom said so.”

  I narrow my eyes and want to punch the wall.

  Carla isn’t the fucking driver’s ed police.

  “My rule says you do have to take driver’s ed,” I reply. “You’ve never been behind the wheel, Rach. You’re nowhere near ready to take a driving test. But we’ll get the ball rolling.”

  “Okay.” She sighs in disappointment and takes a bite of her bagel. “I think I’ll go walk on the beach for a while.”

  “Be careful,” Maeve calls out to Rachel as the girl leaves the room, then she turns to me. “So, this is fun.”

  “I’m canceling the Vegas gig. There’s no way that I can leave here in two days with Carla in town. I don’t fucking trust her.”

  “I know you don’t trust her, but you do trust me. And I’m telling you that we’ll be okay. It’s twenty-four hours. I can handle things for that long.”

  I pace the kitchen in frustration. “It’s not you I’m worried about.”

  “Does Carla have a history of kidnapping or child endangerment?”

  “No.”

  “Has she ever put Rachel in a dangerous situation?”

  “No.”

  “I know she’s not a great person, but I don’t think she means Rachel harm. You should go. Do the job and then come back. It’ll be fine.”

  I was looking forward to going to the fight. To seeing everyone again, hearing the crowd, and submerging myself in the life once more, even if only for a few hours.

  “I’ll go,” I say at last. “But if there are any issues, I want you to call me right away. I can be home in a few hours.”

  “Don’t worry,” she says and pats me on the shoulder. “We’ve got this. Rachel won’t do anything to hurt me. I’m confident in that.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “Dad, you’re going to build a gym this big?” Rachel asks the following day. We’re standing out in the field that’s just to the right of the house. It’s close enough to walk to in any weather, without being right on top of the house and garage.

  “That’s right,” I reply. “I need it to be big because I plan to put a ring inside.”

  “Who are you going to fight?” Maeve asks with a laugh. “It’s not like we have a huge MMA population on the island.”

  “I’ll have visitors, and I have friends from Seattle who’ll come visit. It won’t go unused. Besides, I have the space and the money, so why not?”

  “Can’t argue with that,” Maeve says as she walks around the foundation that’s already been poured. “What else will it have?”

  “The usual weights and cardio machines. And I think I’ll put an office upstairs. Mostly, it’ll be a place to display trophies and memorabilia.”

  “You should display those things in the house,” Maeve says.

  “I think it would be cool to have it all in the gym,” Rachel says, thinking it over. “Like, this is where it all started and came from, and if it’s part of the décor, that would be awesome.”

  “You know what?” Maeve says, nodding. “You’re right. I like that, too. Where do you have that stuff now?”

  “In boxes,” I reply.

  “In boxes,” Maeve echoes and then laughs. “Of course, you do. Well, I’m glad you plan to put them on display. You should. You earned them.”

  I grin and shove my hands into my pockets. “Damn right, I did.”

  “I’m hungry,” Rachel announces.

  “You’re always hungry,” Maeve says and loops her arm around my daughter’s shoulders. “You must be growing. That’s what my mom used to say when we were growing up. What can I fix you? Tuna sandwich? Flatbread pizza?”

  “The pizza sounds good,” Rachel says with a grin. “Do we have pepperoni?”

  “What else do you put on pizza?” Maeve asks. “Oh, Hunter, I was going to ask you a question.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Do you mind if I have my sisters and a couple of the cousins from Seattle over tomorrow night while you’re gone for a little girls’ night? We’ve been trying to arrange it since you and I went to LA, but something always comes up. Tomorrow night works for the others. There will be some alcohol, but we’re never crazy with it, and we’ll be responsible with Rachel here.”

  “They’re almost all mothers,” Rachel reminds us both. “Of course, they’re not going to get wild and crazy. They’re old.”

  Maeve and I blink at each other and then bust up laughing.

  “Thanks,” Maeve says and pulls Rach down in a chokehold, rubbing her knuckles in Rachel’s hair. “You little jerk.”

  “I meant it in a nice way!” Rachel giggles and pulls out of Maeve’s hold. “You look really good for your age and everything.”

  “I’m only thirty-four, you toddler,” Maeve retaliates and starts to chase Rachel through the field.

  “Of course, I don’t care if you have a little party,” I say when the two quit chasing each other and stop to catch their breath. “This is your home, too.”

  Suddenly, I hear the light honk of a horn.

  We all turn to see a brand-new blue MINI Cooper convertible pull into the driveway.

  “Who’s that?” Rachel asks.

  “No idea,” I reply. “Let’s go see.”

  As we approach, the driver puts the top down and waves over the top of the windshield.

  “It’s Mom,” Rachel says and picks up the pace. “This is a sweet car, Mom.”

  “Well, I’m so happy to hear that you think so because I bought it for you, sweet girl.”

  No.

  Oh, hell fucking no.

  “What? Are you kidding?” Rachel runs over and hugs Carla as her mother steps out of the car.

  “I’m not kidding at all. You mentioned that you wanted a car, and I saw this one for sale. It’s adorable and fun, just like my daughter.”

  “Holy crap! Dad, look! It’s my very own car!”

  I don’t smile. I don’t even look at Rachel. I just glare at the woman who gave birth to her and take a long, deep breath.

  “It’s cute,” Maeve says, breaking the silence.

  “It’s a convertible,” Rachel gushes. “I’ve literally always wanted a convertible. This is the best, Mom. Thank you so, so much.”

  “You deserve it,” Carla says. “You work hard, and you’re a good girl. Come on, let’s go for a ride. You drive.”

  “No, absolutely not.” I step forward, having heard enough. “Rachel doesn’t even have a learner’s permit, and I told her yesterday that she couldn’t have a car until she went through driver’s ed.”

  “That’s silly,” Carla says, waving me off. “She doesn’t need driver’s ed. She just needs someone to spend some time teach
ing her. I’m here, I can do it.”

  “I said, no,” I repeat and earn a glare from my daughter. I don’t give a rat’s ass. “Rachel, go inside.”

  “But, Dad—”

  “Go. Inside.”

  “Let’s go make that lunch,” Maeve says and goes in with my daughter.

  “Why do you have to be such a killjoy?” Carla demands and glares at me.

  “Why would you buy my kid a car without consulting me?”

  “She’s my kid, too,” she replies.

  “Only when it suits you. And according to the law, she’s not yours. You gave up your parental rights the day after she was born. You don’t get to make these kinds of decisions for her, Carla. I don’t know why you’re here, or what you’re trying to prove, but all you’re doing is creating chaos.”

  “I’m just trying to get to know her,” Carla counters. “And spoil her a bit. I’m entitled.”

  “You’re not entitled to anything. This car is inappropriate, and you know it. You just don’t give a shit.”

  She smirks. “So, put it in the garage for safekeeping until you decide she can have it. What’s the harm? I won’t take her driving if it makes you that crazy.”

  “Go away, Carla.” I back up toward the house. “Just…go away.”

  Chapter 14

  ~Maeve~

  He’s been gone for only five hours, and so far, everything is just fine. I know Hunter was on the fence about leaving with all of the new Carla drama going on, but after I assured him once again that we’d be fine, he finally agreed to go.

  I had breakfast with Rachel this morning. She wasn’t thrilled that her dad wouldn’t change his stance on the car situation.

  There’s nothing at all that I can do about that.

  But I was happy to lend an ear and try to be the voice of reason. Unfortunately, I think kids are deaf to the voice of reason at her age.

  I just finished showing two houses to a nice couple from Nebraska. If I had to guess, I’d say they’ll go for the first one. I need to swing by my house to see how things are progressing with my roof before going back to Hunter’s to check on Rachel.

  I shouldn’t have stopped by my place. All it does is depress me. The contractors have replaced the tarps my brothers, Cam, and Hunter pieced together with a big black one to keep all moisture out, but there’s been no real progress on the actual structural repairs.

  It doesn’t even feel like home anymore.

  I only spend a few minutes there and then head back to Hunter’s to see what Rachel’s up to. We both have today off from the pub, which is unusual. In fact, it’s going to be just the guys at O’Callaghan’s tonight because the girls are all coming to Hunter’s for our party.

  It was nice of Keegan to insist that he could handle things with the help of our brothers and Da. Ma said she would be perfectly fine in the kitchen.

  That’s the difficult thing about a family-run business. It’s hard to include everyone in things because someone has to work at the pub.

  So far, we’ve been able to figure it out.

  I pull into the driveway and scowl at the MINI Cooper parked in front of the garage. Hunter made it clear to both Rachel and me last night that he doesn’t want Carla here while he’s gone.

  And yet, here she is.

  Great.

  I walk inside and toss my bag onto the counter, then follow the laughter coming from upstairs. I find Rachel and her mom in Rachel’s room, hanging a new set of curtains.

  There’s a new comforter on the bed, and a different rug on the floor.

  All very different from what Rachel and I picked out together just a couple of weeks ago.

  I lean on the doorjamb, cross my arms over my chest, and clear my throat.

  They both turn my way.

  Carla’s gaze hardens, and her chin stiffens. She knows she shouldn’t be here. She knows she’s just stirring the pot.

  And she seems damn pleased with herself.

  “Isn’t this awesome?” Rachel asks with a smile. “Mom thought I needed bolder colors in here, so she bought me all new stuff. Isn’t that nice?”

  I force a smile in return. “It’s great. I like the navy blue. Carla, can I speak to you for a moment, please?”

  I walk out of the room and hear Carla say, “I wonder what the wicked witch wants,” making Rachel giggle.

  What a bitch.

  “Yes?”

  “Hunter doesn’t want you here.” I don’t mince words or try to be nice. There’s no reason to. “I’m sure you already know that.”

  “I’m her mother.”

  “You don’t live here,” I remind her. “So, technically, you’re trespassing. I don’t want to make things horrible for Rachel and call the police, but I will. I have no problem doing that at all, actually. Because he does. Not. Want you here.”

  “He’s just an ass,” she hisses. “Such a controlling ass.”

  “Even if that’s true, which it isn’t, this is his property. Not yours.”

  “You just love this, don’t you, you little gold digger?” She bares her teeth and leans in. “The sex is great, isn’t it? Best there fucking is. But he’ll cast you aside just like he did me. And I want to be front-row-center, watching with my own eyes when it happens. He’s not in love with you, no matter how many charming, mushy speeches he gives.”

  “Are you done?”

  “You’re nothing.” She points her finger at me. “Nothing but white trash.”

  “You need to go.” I’m proud of how calm I sound when everything in me wants to slap this bitch across the face.

  She whirls back to Rachel’s room.

  “Well, darling, I think I need to go ahead and go. I have lots of errands to run. Of course, you’re welcome to come with me if you’d like. We can hang out together, just you and me. Make it a slumber party.”

  Rachel’s eyes light up, and she turns to me.

  “You don’t need to ask her,” Carla says. “She’s not your dad.”

  Rachel frowns with uncertainty. “Still, I’m here with her. What do you think, Maeve?”

  “Let me call your dad real quick, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  I step out once more and call Hunter’s cell phone.

  “What happened?”

  “Nothing.” I smile and shake my head. “This is literally the only time I’ll interrupt you. I’m about to make a decision, and I want to make sure it isn’t the wrong one.”

  “What’s up?”

  “Rachel wants to stay the night with Carla. I don’t mind if she does, but I also don’t mind if you say no.”

  He sighs on the other end of the line. “Let her go. Jesus, I hope this fiasco ends soon. She’s never stuck around this long.”

  “I’ll tell her. Now, don’t worry about a thing. Go. Enjoy your time in Vegas—well, don’t enjoy it too much.”

  “It’s all work, babe. You and I will come together sometime and really enjoy it.”

  “It’s a date. Okay, talk to you later.”

  I turn back to Rachel’s room in time to see Carla opening Rachel’s shirt just a bit to show off more cleavage.

  “There you go. Show what your mama gave you, girl.”

  Rachel blushes.

  I want to rush over and fix her shirt.

  “Your dad is cool with it,” I say instead.

  “Awesome,” Rachel says with a grin. “I’ll be home tomorrow way before my shift starts at the pub.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  I walk the two to the front door and keep an eye on them, making sure that it’s Carla who gets behind the wheel to drive away.

  When they’re out of sight, I lean against the closed door and sigh.

  I don’t trust Carla.

  But I trust Rachel. And she has my number.

  In fact, just to be sure, I shoot Rachel a text.

  Me: Hey, just to remind you, I’m here if you need ANYTHING. Just a phone call away.

  I watch as the three little balls boun
ce on my screen as she replies. But when the reply comes, it’s just a heart.

  At least she saw it and knows I’m here.

  “She bought the kid a car?” Jules asks with a stunned and disgusted look in her blue eyes as she sips her lemon drop martini. “Just out of the blue, without talking to Hunter first?”

  “That’s right.” I shake my head and set a charcuterie platter on the kitchen island.

  I love that there’s so much chatter, so much life happening in this house. When I daydreamed about buying it, I always pictured it as the perfect place to host parties.

  Of course, it’s not my house, but it’s awesome, nonetheless.

  Maggie and Lexi are mixing the lemon drops. Nat, Jules, and Meg are sitting with me at the island, while Anastasia, Amelia, and Izzy tour the house.

  “I bet he was damn pissed,” Jules says.

  “Oh, very. He made her take it back.”

  “Good,” Natalie chimes in. “It was inappropriate. I’d be mad, too. Do you really think she’s just here because she’s jealous of you?”

  “I do,” Maggie says as she reaches for some salami and a cracker. “You should have seen the look in her eyes when she saw Maeve at the pub. If looks could kill, Maeve would be cremated and in the ground.”

  “It’s so weird,” Jules says and pops an olive into her mouth. “They were never super serious, according to what Nate told me. And then she left the baby with Hunter. Why get jealous now?”

  “Because this is his first public relationship,” Meg Montgomery says as she refills her martini glass. “And it has to hit right in the pride that he introduced Maeve to the world at the ESPYs, and said such nice things in his speech. He’s happy. He’s doing great. He has a sexy girlfriend, a good relationship, and an awesome daughter. Things that she didn’t even know she wanted until Hunter got them first.”

  “Does she want a sexy girlfriend?” I ask with a grin. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

  “You know what I mean,” Meg says with a laugh.

  “Oh, so you’re saying she’s vindictive,” Nat says with a nod, thinking it over. “I see that. It’s pretty crappy and makes her a bad human being, but I see it.”