Rising Summers (Pucking Unbelievable Book 1)

by Garnet Davenport

  “Chloe? Are you ready?”

  Brooklyn was right at my door. I knew if I didn’t answer her she would just keep it up and I wasn’t in the mood. I didn’t want to hurt her, but I didn’t want to even look at her. She reminded me too much of her bastard of a brother. How am I ever going to face her again? I never told her that there was something between Nix and I. How could I tell her now?

  “Chloe?” The doorknob rattled.

  This was it, I had to say something.

  “I feel like crap. I’m not going.” My voice was rough and full of sleep. Probably a little like I had been crying the entire night. Which wasn’t far from the truth.

  “Brooklyn, what are you doing?” I heard her mom say out in the hallway.

  “Chloe said she’s not feeling good. I just wanted to check on her.” Brooklyn said to her mom.

  “I’ve got her. You go ahead and get to school before you’re late.” Mama D said.

  “All right. Bye Chloe. Feel better. I’ll text you later to see how you’re feeling.”

  “Oka—,” I said, but part of the word stuck in my throat.

  I could just barely hear Brooklyn’s steps as she walked down the hallway. I sucked in a ragged breath—I missed my best friend. I wished everything was different. I wished I didn’t care that the one boy I’ve loved my entire life just broke my heart.

  I heard my car start, and she drove away. I took a whimpering breath and let the tears fall again. Before I pulled the covers back over my head, the door cracked open, and Mama D was standing in my room leaning up against the door she just closed.

  “Oh, Chloe, sweetheart.”

  “No offense but I really don’t want to talk.”

  “I know what he said.” She walked over and sat down on the edge of my bed. “I also know that he really didn’t mean it. There’s been a change in him and that change is you.”

  “It’s not me. He hasn’t changed.” I was crying.

  “He didn’t come home last night.”

  I chortled through a sob, “he was probably with someone else.”

  “I happen to know that he spent the night at John’s house last night after he drank himself almost to death over you. I’m sure if he’s even awake he’s spending time with his long lost love—the toilet.”

  That made me laugh. I sat up to face her.

  “John said he would call me this morning and let me know how he’s doing.” She patted me on my knee that was still under the covers. “Give him a little bit of time to come to his senses. You know he’s just scared.”

  “Of what? Me?” I’m sure the expression on my face gave everything away.

  “Of course, you. Don’t think I haven’t caught the change in the way he glances over at you when he thinks no one is watching.” Mama D gave me a sympathetic look.

  “He looks at me like just some conquest.” I snapped.

  “No, sweetheart. He looks at you the same way that Knox has looked at me since the day I met him.” She leaned forward and grabbed my shoulders and pulled me into her. “He’s always been very protective over you, and I think he’s just now starting to understand what he’s feeling for you. Especially, now that you’re becoming this beautiful woman.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “He’ll figure it out. Just be patient.”

  I shook my head and closed my eyes, “I’m done. Even if he doesn’t know it, he’s broken my heart over and over, I just can’t do it anymore. I need to get away.”

  “No, no. I don’t want you to go anywhere. Running from this won’t help. You have to stand and fight for what you want.”

  “No. This isn’t one of those moments where some proverb will make it all better.” I sighed.

  “Just don’t rush into anything. I know you’ve got that fundraiser this weekend just trying to relax and take a minute to feel pretty. Which dress did you pick?”

  “The cream one,” I replied, finally putting a stop to the tears.

  “That one is so beautiful. I’m so happy you chose that one. When are you leaving?”

  “Mom said she was sending a car right after school. But I don’t want to wait the whole day here and feel like crap. At least if I were there, she would keep me busy.” I explained.

  “I’m sure she could keep you busy. You’re scheduled to be back sometime Sunday?”

  “Yeah, late Sunday.”

  “Good. Then you call your mom and get packed. I’ll make us some breakfast.” She patted me on my knee and stood.

  “Is he going to be…” I let my question fall. I just couldn’t ask.

  “I’ll make sure John keeps him there until after you’re out of the house. All right?”

  I nodded to keep from letting my voice sound weak. She left me to get dressed and pack. I picked up my phone and dialed my mom, knowing she had probably already been up for hours.

  “Chloe Marie, what a surprise. Should you be in school?”

  It doesn’t even bother me that she doesn’t start the conversation like any reasonable person with a ‘Hello,’ ‘Hi,’ or even ‘Howdy.’

  “Mom, I wasn’t feeling great this morning. So I decided to take a mental health day.”

  “Oh, how lovely. Does that mean I can send the car to get you now?”

  “That’s why I’m calling.”

  “Fantastic. I’ll send the driver right away.”

  “Okay. Um, thanks, Mom.”

  “Of course. I’ll see you—no, no. I don’t want that there. I’ve got to go. Like I always say if you want something done right do it yourself.” I could imagine her eye roll at whatever crazy thing wasn’t aligning with her vision.

  I had figured the fundraiser was directly related to my dad’s campaign, but I just hadn’t known for sure. Great, so I’ll be put on public parade for everyone to gawk at. Just what I want to do. I can’t wait until I no longer have to be an accessory for my parents.

  Brooklyn had plans to go to school here, but maybe I’ll be able to convince her to go a little further away. At least out of New York. And away from Nix.

  Chapter 24

  Pucking Porcelain Gods

  Nix

  “Uuuggggh.” My skin pulled as I lifted my head from the toilet seat. It felt like ripping off duct tape from my balls. Which is a story for another time. My eyes were just barely open. I rose onto my knees and heaved whatever was left in my stomach into the glory bowl, praying to the porcelain gods to make it stop.

  “Nix?” There was a soft knock at the door.

  “Let me die in peace.” I groaned out. My head was killing me, and I felt like I could actually die.

  “I’m coming in. You better have clothes on.” Jane said through the door just before barging in. “Oh my God! Nix! What were you thinking?”

  “I was thinking that if I was going to make her hate me that I might as well feel worse than her.” My sarcastic tone made my head hurt worse. I laid back down on the cold tile floor. “Leave me alone.”

  “Nope, not going to happen. John is in the gym. He’s expecting you to go sweat out the rest of the alcohol.” She sniffed the air. “Did you drink it straight from the bottle?”

  “Don’t remember.”

  “Here’s some water and two Advil. Take it. Go feel worse and work out. I’ll make you something to eat after.”

  I reached up to grab the glass of water. I needed water. Jane walked out leaving me to get myself together and take a walk downstairs to the basement. I had no plans on trying to work out. I might sit on a weight bench but screw doing anything.

  I slowly made my way down to John’s gym and found him doing leg curls. He smiled and started laughing when he saw me.

  “Man, you look like shit.” He called out, or maybe it just sounded like he called out.

  “I hate you.”

  He laughed again, “your mom called. I told her I would let her know how you were feeling when you got up.”

  “Shit. I feel like shit.”

  “Good. There is only a handful of people tha
t knew exactly what you had said.” He ticked them off on his fingers, “me, Jane, Chloe, and your mom. And when I say your mom, I truly mean your mom. Did you know she knew you were fucking Chloe?” I wasn’t going to admit my dad knew too. It was pointless for him to know the depth of how many people actually knew.

  “We had thought she did.” I groaned. We. I’ll never be a we again with Chloe. I fucked it up so bad.

  “Well, I can tell you that she’s done with you. At least that’s what your mom said.”

  I closed my eyes feeling the pain in my head and then my heart. My whole body ached. I rubbed that same spot over my heart on my chest. John just stands there and watches me like I’m the main act at the circus. His lips finally part like he’s going to say something, but he just keeps staring.

  “What?”

  He shook his head in disbelief, “you’re in love with her.”

  There was no question there. It was a straight out fact. That made me cringe. Not because I knew now for a fact that I was in love with her but because I threw it all away for a career I’m not even sure I want anymore.

  “She’s gone?” I asked looking up at my teammate and friend.

  “Yep. Your mom said she had some fundraiser-gala thing.”

  I don’t remember anything about that. She never told me. Well, it’s not like we had the longest conversations when we got a chance to be together. I miss having my hands on her soft skin and waking up knowing I would see her.

  “When is she coming back?” I asked hoping that I would get an answer I could handle.

  “I don’t know. Didn’t ask.” He looked over at me, I could feel his sympathy, but that’s not what I wanted. “What are you going to do now?”

  “You’re going to give her a little time. You’re going to let her turn eighteen. And then you’re going to make your grand gesture.” Jane said as she came into the gym and just took over the conversation.

  “Time? Shouldn’t I make sure she knows I’m sorry and that I want her?”

  “What are you going to do? You still can’t tell anyone that you want her. You can’t be seen with her. No grand gesture to get her back.” Jane is not coddling me. She’s a petite woman, but she doesn’t joke around. She pushed out a ten-pound baby for my friend just this last year. She’s one tough—I’ll leave that alone. She might send Sweetpea after me. Jane points at her watch, “by my calculations you have forty-eight days. Is that about right?”

  I groaned in response.

  “Right. So use that time to clean yourself up and prove to her that you aren’t going to push her away again.” Jane said with a snip to her tone.

  John is silently chuckling at me and the way I back down to his little woman. I swear if she wasn’t taken and I didn’t already have the perfect girl I’d go for Jane. John and I apparently have the same taste in women. Blonde, deep soulful blue eyes, creamy skin, and a killer body.

  “Hey, stop looking at my woman like that.” He said, getting up to encircle his wife. I knew he was just joking around.

  “I just realized that we have the same taste in women,” I said laughing.

  “No shit?” John said.

  “Is there any photographs of her online?” Jane asked and then pulled out her phone. “She’s young. She has to be fourteen here.” She showed me a photo from some press thing where she was standing with her mom and dad. I patted my pockets but came up short for my phone.

  “I have one of her from the other day. Where the fuck is my phone?” I snapped, patting my pants and panicking.

  “I put in on the extra phone charger in the kitchen last night,” Jane said. “I guess she looks a little like me.”

  She showed the photo to John. His eyes widened. “That’s her?”

  I crossed my arms over my chest and snapped at him, “yes, that’s her.”

  “I’ve seen her before. Like a fuck ton. I had thought she was some crazy little stocker fan. That little girl had been at so many of our games.” John explained.

  “What?” I had to have been caught completely off guard.

  “Yeah, especially when you first started. She was there with some Secret Service looking guy.” John said.

  “Nix,” Jane whispered, her eyes starting to gloss. She looked at John. “She loved him then.” She smacked my shoulder, “you’re such a putz. Why did you have to fuck it all up?” Jane started to cry.

  “What the hell, Jane? Why are you crying?”

  “I’m just really emotional and… and…”

  “Nix, we’re pregnant,” John said, hugging onto his wife.

  I stood up. “Holy hell! Congratulations!” I hugged them both at the same time.

  “Thanks, man. Now let’s figure out how you’re going to win back your girl.” John said.

  Chapter 25

  Pucking Assistants And Pucking Blind Dates

  Chloe

  The doorbell rang as we finished up the bacon omelets that Mama D had made for us. We both looked toward the front door. “That’s probably my driver,” I said, solemnly. She patted my knee and stood.

  “I’ll get it. You finish up.” She said and went for the front door. “Hi, you must be here for Chloe.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” His strong baritone voice that I recognized came from the older gentleman I’ve known all of my life.

  I jumped from the counter stool and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Oh my God, James! Mom didn’t tell me you were driving me.”

  “She wouldn’t have sent anyone but me. You should have known that.” He gave me a tight squeeze and then pulled me back to take a look at me. “You’ve grown into a beautiful young lady.”

  “James,” I said shyly, scolding him.

  James had always been around as anything I needed. He was probably forty years old when I was born and has protected me for every step I’ve ever taken. He’s the only employee my mother has never attempted to fire, and he’s the only one that can argue back. Now, at almost sixty years old, he’s got a gorgeous salt and pepper blend in his hair, his blue prism colored eyes still look young, but he had a few more laugh lines than the last time I’d seen him.

  “Are you packed and ready?” He asked.

  “Um, yeah. I left my suitcases upstairs.” I said quietly.

  “Suitcases?” Mama D squawked.

  “Just want to be prepared. You never know what Mom will have in store for me.” I said, but she knew the truth. I had thought about it all night and while I packed. I just kept putting more and more into my suitcase until I needed another suitcase.

  “Chloe, please.” I heard the sadness in her voice. She had helped raise me. She was so much more of a mom to me than my own.

  “I just need some time. And maybe some distractions.” I replied starting to get teary-eyed.

  “What about Brooklyn?” She asked.

  I knew how hard this would be on Brooklyn. I’ve been pulling away from her because I can’t talk to her about this. I haven’t been able to talk to her about anything lately. Everything that has been happening to me has been because of Nix. He is the one that has put this awkwardness between my best friend and me. Just another reason to hate him. He’s completely turned my life inside out and backward.

  “Can you tell her I’ll call her tonight? I’ll try to explain as much as I can then.” I said.

  “I’ll tell her.” She said with distinct sniffles and pulled me in for a hug. She whispered into my ear, “I’m going to miss you. He’ll come to his senses. Probably as soon as the hangover wears off.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I can’t do it again. My heart can’t take anymore.” I sniffled, “I’ll miss you too.” I said.

  She hugged me tighter for just a moment longer. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

  “Never. I’ll make sure to call tonight.” I said.

  I took James up to my room, and he saw the five luggage bags waiting for him. “Extended stay, Miss?”

  “You could say that.”

  “I’ll get all of this out int
o the car. Do you have everything?” James asked.

  “Yes, I think I do.” I took a look around the room.

  “We better get on the road. The only reason I was here so quickly was that I was in a hotel last night to be able to get you on time today.”

  “Mom put you up in a hotel?” I said which sarcasm.

  “Yes, well, anything for her daughter.”

  “You mean anything for the campaign?” I said and walked past him to go get into the black Lincoln Town Car. I sat in the backseat and buckled up. I looked back at the house that I’ve called my home for the past few years. I felt like more was breaking than just my heart.

  James put all my suitcases in the trunk and got into the driver’s side. “You still like the oldies?” All I could do was nod. “Buttercup, come on. It won’t be as bad as you think.” He started to adjust the station. The song Butterfly Kisses came on, and I felt more lost than I’ve ever felt. James drove out of the city and back to my parent’s estate. It took a little over two and a half hours before James pulled into the gated drive.

  James parked the car out front and jogged around to open the door for me. I stepped out into the sun and looked at this gigantic house that I’ve never lived in.

  “Go on. Doors probably unlocked.” James said.

  I walked up to the double door entrance and turned the knob. As soon as I opened the door it looked like my childhood; servers, decorators, event planners, movers, security, everything that I wanted to run from.

  “Excuse me, who are you with?” Some lady in a business suit and a clipboard came walking up to me.

  “I’m with me,” I said sarcastically, not missing the fact that she was taking her job so seriously.

  “You’re not on my list you can’t be here. SECURITY!”

  “Let me make this simple for you—the last name is Summers,” I said and turned away from her.