by K E Osborn
“You have me… and Frankie.”
He nods and then looks up like he’s just realized something. “I guess Chris is my best friend?”
“Yeah, you two get along pretty well.” I smile.
“Yeah, he’s great. I really like him.”
Standing, I make my way to him and put my hand out. He takes my hand, standing to meet me with a boyish grin. We walk over to the telescope where a blanket has been placed for us so we can lay down and look at the stars. I cuddle into him like we did on our first date, the memories flooding back and filling me with contentment.
“Hey, lovebirds,” we hear someone call out.
We both sit up when Frankie walks toward us.
“Thanks for dinner. It was, as always, delicious,” Aiden declares.
“I know,” he goads with a smirk. “You must be the beautiful Jeni who I spoke to on the phone?”
“That’s me. Thanks for this, Frankie. I appreciate it.”
“For a beautiful young woman like you, Jeni, it’s my pleasure. Aiden, happy birthday, dude. Twenty-nine today, huh? You’ll be shuffling along with a walker before you know it,” he jokes.
Aiden scoffs. “You’re only ten months younger than me.”
“Ah, details, details. Anyway, I’m going to leave you lovebirds to it. Have fun, man.”
“Thanks again, Frankie.” I beam with a smile.
“Anytime, sweetheart,” he calls out over his shoulder.
I sigh and lay back as does Aiden, and we look up at the beautiful, twinkling stars.
Alone at last!
I breathe in slowly, smelling Aiden’s masculine aroma as I prop myself up. He looks at me casually as the candles flicker, making this all feel like something from a romantic fairy tale.
“Happy birthday.” I move in to kiss him, and twilight fades away around us as we lay on the blanket.
He lies on his back with his arms under his head.
I sit up and reach over to a bag that’s sitting near the telescope.
“What are you doing?”
I decide to show him rather than tell, so I pull out two pillows and a duvet from the bag.
His eyes widen. “We’re sleeping here tonight?”
“Yup. Just like our first date, but this time with pillows and a duvet.”
He takes his pillow, propping it under his head. “That’s better.”
We lay under the duvet in each other’s arms, staring at the stars and kissing intimately.
The sun’s up, the birds are singing, and there’s not a cloud in the sky. The sun’s almost blinding, so I pull the duvet over my head.
Aiden chuckles. “Morning, beautiful. What’s the weather like under there?” he jokes.
“Ha-ha,” I say sarcastically. “It’s far too bright for me this early.”
He raises the duvet to look at me. “Is it time to go?”
“Yeah, unfortunately, I think so.”
We both sit up causing the duvet to fall away, and we pack everything and start the walk to the car which I know will arrive at seven. There was no way I was having Mike stay here all night like last time.
“Did you have a good night?” Mike asks.
“Yes, thanks, Mike, and thanks for helping me set it up.”
He dips his hat. “Anytime, Miss Taylor.”
When we get back to our apartment, Aiden drops the bag on the floor, and we kick our shoes off. Then, in one swift movement, he lifts me, catching me by surprise.
“Whoa!” I giggle as he carries me into the bedroom, throwing me onto the bed with his eyebrows raised insinuatingly.
Aiden sits on the edge of the bed with his back to me, and I move in behind him wrapping my arms around his chest, my head resting on his shoulder. “I’m so in love with you,” he whispers, spinning around and gently kissing my lips.
“I’m so in love with you, too. Always will be.”
He leans me down onto the bed, and our tongues collide together as if they’ve been apart for centuries. And unlike last time, I think Aiden is going to remind me just how good he is at making love to me.
The rumbles and gurgling from our stomachs tell us we should probably eat something. Afterall, it is four in the afternoon. Aiden is the first to get up, putting on sweatpants and heading to the kitchen.
I slowly stand and dress in a negligee before meeting him in the kitchen.
He’s already fixing us peanut butter toast and brewing our coffee so I sit at the dining table, waiting for him to join me with our late light breakfast.
It isn’t long before we are getting ready for Aiden’s birthday dinner at Vinchenzo’s. We are picking up my mom on the way, so we have to leave a little earlier.
Pulling up at Mom’s house, Mike opens our door. After he slides out of the car, Aiden helps me out, and we walk to the front door. As soon as I ring the doorbell, Bella starts barking which makes me smile. When Mom finally answers the door, she’s holding a frantically happy Bella in her arms. “Hi, honey. How are you?” With no warning, she shoves Bella into my arms, who immediately licks my face while Aiden pats her on the head.
“I’m good. How are you?”
Mom fumbles in her handbag to try and find her keys as Bella wags her tail wildly.
“Good, thanks, honey. How are you, Aiden?” she asks, finally finding her keys. She takes Bella from me, gives her a kiss on the head, places her inside, and then shuts the door.
“Good, Ev.”
“Happy birthday,” Mom chimes.
“Thanks.”
Aiden leads us to the car and sits in the front with Mike, leaving Mom and me to catch up in the back. It’s nice to spend some time with her even if it’s only a short car ride.
We arrive at Vinchenzo’s ten minutes late. As we make our way inside, we notice Sarah and Chris are already seated at the table as well as Niall, Callie, Brielle, Logan, Killian, Daniel, Nana, and Bill. Everyone stands to greet us when we walk in.
Sarah looks at me and then shoots her eyes to Niall and rolls them.
I smile and hug her.
“Ev, you remember my mother, Callie, and this is my father, Niall.”
“Hi. Nice to meet you, Niall.”
“Good to see you again, Ev. You have a wonderful daughter,” Callie gushes to my mother.
Niall huffs, and Mom puts her hand out for Niall to shake, but he ignores her hand and simply sits at the table. “Can’t even be on time,” Niall mumbles under his breath.
“Charming,” Mom mumbles while looking at me.
I shrug, and we make our way to the table.
Mom sits next to Niall, which I know is a bad idea, but I can’t say anything in case Niall overhears. I sit next to her and Aiden next to me.
“Ev, I want to thank you for having such a wonderful daughter. She truly has made my Aiden happy,” Callie says.
“Yes, she has.” Aiden takes my hand and kisses it.
Mom smiles. “I can’t take all the credit. She’s a very bright, independent young woman, and she’s made herself into the person she is today.”
I shake my head and roll my eyes.
“Yes, she’s incredible.” Aiden takes my hand under the table.
“Are you kidding me?” Niall mumbles.
“Niall, behave,” Callie snaps at him.
I look at Mom who doesn’t look the least bit amused. This is the first time she has heard his taunts, and I know it’s not going to end well.
“We should order,” I blurt out, interrupting the staring contest between my mother and Niall. The tension is filling the air much quicker than I anticipated.
“Yes, good idea,” Aiden agrees, while looking at me apologetically.
Chris calls over a waitress to take our orders, who then promptly brings our drinks.
“Chris, it’s nice to meet you. Jeni’s told me so much about you. It’s great Sarah has finally found someone worthy of her,” Mom boasts, making Sarah blush.
“Great to meet you, too, Ev. And thanks,” Chris replies.
“Whose stupid idea was it to come to this dump, Aiden? Guess it was hers?”
My eyes widen at Niall’s sudden outburst.
Chris glares at Niall, shaking his head. “Not even worth it.”
“Father, for your information, I love it here. It was my choice, if you don’t like it, then leave. No one is stopping you,” Aiden retorts.
I bite my lip, holding back a smile. I feel proud of my man for sticking up to his arrogant ass of a father.
Niall huffs, folds his arms, then sits back in his chair. The tension mounts as silence engulfs the table. Everyone exchanges glances as we’re waiting for someone to say something. I take a sip of my wine and look at Aiden, opening my eyes wide and tilting my head in a gesture for him to say something.
Anything.
“I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. It means a lot to Jeni and me that our families and friends could meet.” Aiden raises his glass.
“Happy birthday, Aiden,” Brielle chimes, raising hers.
Everyone except Niall raises their glasses.
“Happy birthday,” we say in unison and clink our glasses together in celebration.
We break off into smaller groups, talking amongst each other at the table. Everyone’s having a good time except for Niall, who’s still sitting with his arms crossed, leaning back in his chair, frowning at how miserable the world really is in his eyes. Maybe if he put a little effort in, people would talk to him.
The waitress comes along with our plates of food, and we start to eat. Niall plays with his spaghetti twirling it around with his fork but never actually eats anything. “What do you call this shit?” Niall asks, looking down at his plate.
Aiden grunts. “Father, leave! If it’s so abhorrent to you. Go! Now!”
“I’m not going to leave my son’s birthday just because the place is a shithole.”
“So, he is your son now. Not just mine, then?” Callie asks, shocking me.
“Don’t talk to me like that, woman.”
“That’s enough!” Mike yells, so loudly his nostrils flare in rage.
I’ve never seen Mike angry before. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever heard Mike raise his voice.
“What? Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? You’re just the damn help,” Niall yells.
“Father, leave. No one wants you here,” Killian grunts.
“Shut. Your. Mouth. You’re nothing but a raging homosexual. Who would take you seriously? I’m ashamed to call you my son,” he yells at Killian.
Everyone’s mouths drop open, including mine. The rest of the restaurant’s patrons are now looking over at us as the argument escalates.
Daniel stands up to talk, but Killian pulls him by the arm. Killian then stands, and they both walk off, leaving the restaurant.
“Is this what you put up with, Jeni?” Mom asks, waving her hand at Niall.
Niall opens his eyes wide in a look of shock. “Put up with? I’m the one who puts up with it. That thing you call a daughter is a leech. She’s nothing more than a money-hungry slut who has taken control of my son and is going to drain him for all he’s worth.”
“Excuse me?” Mom yells back at him, raising her eyebrows.
“Are you deaf as well as stupid?” Niall retorts.
“Holy fuck! Jeni told me you were awful, but she didn’t tell me you were a complete and utter bastard.”
Niall’s eyes widen. “What did you just call me?”
“Are you deaf as well as stupid?” Mom quips back sarcastically.
I suppress my laugh and bite my lips to stop from smiling.
“Listen here, wench. You and your stupid, parasitic daughter are the—”
“Niall!” Callie calls out, looking at my mom and shaking her head like she might cry.
“Shut up, Callie. This does not concern you,” Niall snaps at her.
Callie stands abruptly. “I’ve had just about enough of your crap.” She waves her hand through the air, then storms off.
Mike jumps up, taking off after her.
“That’s right. Leave when the going gets tough,” Niall calls out, standing when they leave.
“Fuck you!” Mike yells out, shocking me.
“You can’t talk to me like that. Remember, you’re nothing but the help. You’d do well to remember your position in this household,” Niall yells mockingly.
“Oh, of course. Sorry. Fuck you… sir.” Mike smiles, but it shows more aggression than anything else as he walks away.
I try to hide my smile again, but Niall sees it this time. “What are you smiling at? You’re the cause of all of this. Don’t you realize that, you little bitch?” he snaps at me, making my smile disappear as quickly as it appeared.
Mom stands in front of Niall. “That’s enough! My girl doesn’t have to put up with this bullshit from a pathetic, decrepit, control-freak like you!”
He opens his eyes wide and glares. “She does if she wants to keep her job.” A smug grin appears on his face.
Mom picks up her glass of wine, throwing it in Niall’s face. I can’t help but laugh as he jerks his head back in shock. He huffs, picking up a napkin and wiping away the red liquid. “Listen here, you’ll pay for that. Do you hear me? This is a designer suit.”
“Bring it on,” Mom goads, rubbing her hands together.
“Father, we’re here for Aiden’s birthday. Can’t you calm down?” Brielle asks softly, tugging on his arm.
“Brielle, stay out of this,” he yells, then shakes her off violently. She loses her footing which causes her to fall, hitting her head on the corner of the table. Drinks topple over and spill with the violence of the heavy strike. I gasp as Sarah rushes to Bree’s side to help her up. Brielle’s eyes slowly fill with tears as she stands, but she stumbles slightly. Blood slowly seeps out of the wound on her head, dripping down to her chin.
My hand rushes to my mouth with the shock.
“Fuck, Bree, are you all right?” Aiden gasps.
She glares at Niall angrily, and he shrugs it off like it’s nothing.
Nana grabs a napkin and holds it to Brielle’s head. “Come on, darling. I’ll take you to the hospital.” Nana wraps her arm around Brielle as Logan scowls at Niall but says nothing.
“Niall, I raised you better than this,” Nana chides harshly as they walk away.
“Are you serious, Father? Now you’re intentionally physically hurting the ones you supposedly love?” Aiden berates.
“It’s the only way I can get my point across.”
“I think it’s time you leave,” Chris suggests, taking Niall by the arm.
Niall pulls out of Chris’ grasp and pushes him hard. Chris shakes his head and clenches his jaw as he comes toward Niall, his fist clenched ready to punch him. The staff notices the commotion and begins to head over.
“Don’t you touch me, boy, or I’ll have you arrested,” Niall yells at Chris.
Sarah grabs Chris’ arm and attempts to hold him back. Chris glances at Sarah, somehow calming down. “You think you can come to my restaurant and act like a dick? Get out before I call the police,” Chris warns Niall, pointing toward the exit.
“Gladly,” he huffs.
I take hold of Aiden’s hand, and he grips on to me so tight it’s almost painful. I lean into his side to try to placate him and rest my hand on his chest. His heart thumps so hard I feel it through his clothes.
The rest of the restaurant’s patrons clap when Niall finally storms out.
“I’m so fucking sorry, Chris,” Aiden expresses.
“It’s all good, man. Don’t worry about it and definitely don’t apologize for him.”
Sarah takes Chris by the arm, and we all walk out of the restaurant, leaving our unfinished meals behind.
We arrive in the parking lot, and Niall is waiting by his chauffeured vehicle.
As we walk past, Mom can’t help herself. “You know, if you’re that unhappy with your life, do something about it. Oh, but that’s common sense, right?
And you don’t have any of that, do you?”
Niall storms over and points right in Mom’s face. “Listen here… you and your trashy daughter better stay away from my family or else—”
“Or else what, Father? I swear to God, if you’re threatening Jeni and her mother, I’ll leave the business and take all the clients with me,” Aiden yells, slapping Niall’s hand away from my mother’s face.
“Don’t you threaten me, boy. Know your place,” Niall yells.
“How about you know yours. Rot in hell, you worthless pig,” Mom snaps back at him.
He raises his eyebrows like he’s amused. “Worthless pig? I’m wealthier than you could possibly imagine. At least I’m not a slumdog like you.”
“I’m happy with my life. Sad that you’re not happy with yours, though. You think that you need to be this tough, superior man to be wealthy and successful? I tell you now, you may be wealthy, but you don’t have anyone who loves you. Not one person in this world loves you the way you are,” Mom scoffs. “At least I have family and friends who I care about as equally as they care about me.”
Niall swallows hard like that’s hit home. “Look, I don’t need people to love me, woman. I look after number one.” He slaps his chest, hard. “Me, myself, and I. As long as I do that, my life’s great. Thank you.”
“You keep telling yourself that,” Mom huffs.
“I will... Aiden, your slut is fired. I don’t want her in my office ever again.”
My eyes widen and mouth opens in shock.
“Father, if she’s fired, so am I.”
Niall’s eyes open wide as his mouth pulls together showing all his wrinkles. It’s as though he’s struggling with his thoughts. “Fine. She stays. But I swear to God, Aiden, if you don’t start acting your age—”
“You’ll what, Father?”
“Just act your age, son.”
“How about you act your age, Niall? Stop hurting the people you love just to keep up this bravado, or you’ll end up alone and lonely for the rest of your godforsaken life. And you and I both know you don’t want that… do you?” Mom emphasizes.
