by F. L. Jacob
Sabrina slowly walks up behind me and wraps her arm around my waist as she slips into the crook of my arm.
“It’s good to see you both happy again.”
Kissing Bre on the top of her head, I squeeze her shoulder.
“I give Sabrina permission to spend all of our money today, but she won’t do it, so I’m leaving that to you and Beth.” I say to Sara.
“Caston,” Sabrina tries to protest.
I quiet her with a kiss.
Sara starts squirming in front of us. “Damn it, you two, stop it, or I will join in.”
Sabrina blushes. I know she’s just as excited about that option as Sara is.
“Go,” I whisper into Bre’s ear, “I’ll worship your body tonight.”
She heads off down the hall with Sara, and I have to smile because she didn’t grab her crutches.
Taking out my cell phone, I dial my dad.
“Hey, Dad… I’m good. I need to talk to you about something. Can you come over tonight for dinner and a beer? Okay, great. See you then.”
Hanging up, I call Terrance to tell him I’m heading home, and then I make my way to the garage. Thankfully, Terrance had moved the bike after I got in, so I didn’t have to go deal with the paparazzi again.
A few hours have passed, and I’m sitting on my couch mindlessly flipping through the channels while waiting on my dad to show up. I’m already tense and unsure how this is going to go. The weather outside has dimmed, there’s a storm on the horizon.
Hearing the front door open, I mute the television and reach for my rum and Coke.
“Hey, son. How’s it going?”
He walks over to the bar in the corner and pours himself something.
“Where’s Jon? I thought he was coming.”
“Nope.” I said as I take another drink.
“Something the matter, son?”
I look over at him slowly. Taking another drink, I size up how this is going to go. Terrance is already stalking back and forth in the other room, I can see him out of the corner of my eye.
“You could say that.”
He still doesn’t have a clue that I’m upset with him.
“Something wrong with BH? Please, tell me it’s not with Sabrina?”
I get up and walk to refill my drink. Turning around I rest my back on the bar. “So, Dad, tell me about my mom, Rose.”
He immediately tenses, but he shakes it off. He smiles at me, “What do you want to know, Cass?”
“How about how she died.”
“Caston, I’ve told you this all before. She was on her way home from work. It was dark and rainy. A car was speeding down the road and hydroplaned. It lost control and jumped the curb hitting her. Thankfully she didn’t suffer because she died immediately. I paid for her burial. It was a just her and me, very intimate.” He takes a huge gulp of his drink.
“Bull shit, James…”
His head snaps toward me. “Don’t talk to me like that.”
Glaring at him I walk over toward the couch. “But it is, isn’t it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I think you know exactly what I’m talking about, Dad.”
His mouth drops open, and he blinks a few times.
“How… what do you know?”
“I know she’s alive. I have a meeting with Detective Alverez tomorrow to find out more, but I’d like to hear it from you.”
He takes a deep breath and stares at me as if he was lost in his thoughts.
“I want the truth, don’t fucking try to come up with some lie. I think you owe me this.” I slam the glass down on the table in front of him, making him jump back.
“Okay. Caston, sit, please.”
I back up and sit in the chair. Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on my knees and wring my hands over and over.
James backs up on the couch and takes a drink. It was slow and painful waiting for him to continue. Right now I didn’t even want to call him Dad. Who lies to their son their whole life? Fuck, he would leave me with Beverly for days on end even though he knew she was crazy.
“Your mom is still alive,” he says quietly.
“No shit, Dad… Tell me something I don’t know.”
“God, Caston, I am not sure where to start. This has been killing me, since the day I told you she was dead.”
“Really, James?” I get up in his face and grab his shirt, “Fucking start at the beginning.”
Terrance appears in the doorway behind my dad. He’s tense, not sure how I’m going to react. Crossing his arms over his chest, he watches me closely. Knowing he’s going to be there to back me up, I loosen my grip and shove James back onto the couch. I sit back on the chair and go back to wringing my hands.
A bead of sweat appears on his brow, and he puts a finger in his shirt pulling it away from his neck as if it is choking him.
“Okay, Caston. Please, settle down. Just let me start off by saying I–we–never meant to hurt you. We were only trying to protect you.”
“Let me fucking decide that.”
“Okay, okay.” He holds his hands out if front of him to try to calm me. “You know your mom and I had an affair before you were conceived. Beverly never knew, or so we thought. I was days away from filing for divorce. That was the night we had the party and she pulled me into the room for a threesome. I froze when I saw the third was Rose. She looked surprised herself. I wasn’t sure what to do with both of them together in the same room. I mean Rose was Beverly’s sister, so we’ve been in the same room, but never for this type of situation. I tried to play it off the best I could, focusing most on Beverly, so she wouldn’t be wiser. Afterward Beverly fell asleep, Rose moved over to my side of the bed she was panic-stricken. She was crying about how she had gotten a note from me to meet in my bedroom, but to come in the back door because there would be a party. She said that she never questioned it until Beverly had walked in with me. I tried to soothe her, telling her everything would be okay, but I didn’t understand how this happened. I didn’t send her a note.”
He paused. Agitated I want him to continue. Slamming my hands down on the table besides me. “I know this shit already! Damn it, James…”
He started talking quickly now. “Beverly woke up and smacked Rose off the bed, hitting her multiple times before I pulled Beverly off of Rose. Beverly freaked the fuck out, spouting all this shit she had on me and Rose and how she would ruin us. I was terrified for Rose. Beverly was crazed, I’d never seen her this bad before. Rose was so scared on the floor, cowering in the corner. Beverly and I had it out, screaming, yelling, and hitting. Rose suddenly started getting sick and bleeding. Terrified I scooped her up, leaving Beverly without looking back. I rushed her to the hospital. I stayed by her side the entire time. That’s when we found out about you.”
“But, you told me you never knew about me.” I whispered.
“I know, Cass, I’m so sorry.”
“Whatever.” I look away from him.
“You were just a little bean.” He reached forward to try to touch my leg.
“Don’t fucking touch me.”
He pauses. “I decided that moment that I was going to leave Beverly. Getting Rose settled into the hospital for overnight observation, I headed home to finish the deal. When I got there Beverly was sitting on the floor in the bedroom with Jon in her lap. Thankfully he was sleeping, but she was rocking him with a butcher knife in her other hand. A fucking butcher knife! The look in her eye was ruthless, she told me every little dirty detail she had on me, all the blackmail she would ruin me with. I panicked. I’m so sorry, Caston. I couldn’t let my business and everything I worked so hard for go to shit. Plus, she was the one that had the money to begin with. She funded my ventures. I had to do what she said. Not to mention she had a fucking knife threatening Jon.”
He shakes his head and rubs his forehead. “I got her calmed down and vowed that I wouldn’t leave her. I had to lay low for a week or so. I wanted to make sure Beverly believed me. Whe
n I went back to Rose, she was missing. I was frantic and went to her house looking for her. Her house was empty, like she was never there. They said she’d moved out. No forwarding address, no contact information. Her phone number was disconnected. I looked for her for years. I begged Beverly to give me her contact, I just knew she had something to do with her disappearance, but she always played the innocent. I just wanted to know about you, and I was worried about Rose.”
Looking over at me he had the saddest eyes, but I wasn’t falling for it.
“Four years later, Beverly handed me an address. I wasn’t sure what it was, it was in the bad part of the city. I had all but given up until Beverly handed me that paper. Beverly told me I should go to that address today. My heart was in my throat when I walked up to that door. I was shocked when I got there. She was living in poverty. There was no food. She was crying. Rose hid you from me that whole time. I was furious with her. That’s when I took you, brought you home to live with me, Jon, and Beverly. At the time I couldn’t understand why Rose wouldn’t try to contact me for help. Beverly took you right in and said that she was so happy to have another son, and she’d love you as her own. I fell for her lies… again.”
I look into his eyes. “You fucking left her.”
Snapping his head back up to me he glares at me. “Would you fucking let me finish? You are the one to who wanted to know.”
We stare at each other for a few minutes in silence. His chest was rising and falling quickly.
Walking out of Caston’s office I was in shock. His mom is alive? How? My thoughts consumed me. It wasn’t until we got to Sara’s car that I realize I’d walked the entire way without my crutches. I stop abruptly, causing Sara to almost run into the back of me.
“What the…”
I spun around, coming face to face with her. “I just walked this entire way without my crutches. I don’t even feel tired and my leg doesn’t hurt.”
A huge smile engulfs her face. “I was waiting for you to notice.”
I want to jump up and down, but I know better than to push my luck.
“You were a walking zombie. Apparently you made up with Caston, so what’s on your mind now?”
Arriving at the car, I slid into the passenger side of her red BMW X6. “Caston just told me his real mom is alive. What do you know about her?”
She starts the car and turns to face me. “I know. He mentioned something to me. It’s fucked up, but I only know what you do. I mean, he’s told me the story James has told him, which I assume is what he’s told you.”
I nod, feeling slightly hurt she knew before I did.
“Caston will figure this out, don’t worry.” She pats me on the leg high enough to make my insides flutter.
Blushing, I look out the window. She laughs. “I love when you blush.”
“Caston says the same thing all the time.”
“I always knew he had good taste.”
We both laugh. She backs out of her space and heads for the exit.
Driving in silence for a little while staring at the passing scenery I catch site of a blacked out SUV following us. My heart starts to beat hard when I notice it’s doing exactly what we are.
“Get out of here, Sara. I mean now, let’s go.”
She looks at me confused, but floors it, weaving in and out of traffic. I keep glancing behind us as the black vehicle does the same, following our every move.
“What the fuck is wrong, Bre?”
“I think we’re being followed.”
Sara weaves in and out of traffic. I keep my eyes glued to the cars behind us. I see the blacked out SUV turn a few streets back. I take a deep breath and turn in my seat to face forward.
“They turned.”
Sara quickly turns off onto a side street and throws the car in park. “Sabrina, my God, we could’ve been killed, the way I was driving. It was probably some random person driving down the street.”
I cringe, feeling bad for scaring her. Sara’s trying to catch her breath.
“I’m sorry, Sara. I could’ve sworn—whatever, it’s over with, let’s go pick up Beth.”
She turns toward me and glares, her eyes shooting daggers. “Sabrina, you tell me someone is following us and now you say forget about it. No way. Spill it.”
I bite the tip of my thumb and look out the window. The tension in the car could be cut with a knife.
“Sabrina.” There’s warning in her voice.
Turning back toward her I take a deep breath and start, reluctantly. “Okay, fine. The last week, or so, I’ve felt that someone has been following me, watching me. I’m just anxious. Caston hasn’t noticed it, so I’m sure it’s all in my head. I mean, this is my first day out without him. He would’ve noticed, wouldn’t he?” My voice cracks with uncertainty.
“I didn’t notice anything, Bre.” She reaches across the car and touches my arm lightly, making me jump.
Shaking my head, I bite my lip. My voice starts to waver, “When we pulled out into traffic it did the same. Sara, I think I’m going crazy.”
“Bre, you were stalked and shot. You’re entitled to feel scared and unsure. This is your first time out without Caston, you’re going to see things that aren’t there. It’s okay.”
“Are you sure? How are you holding it together so well? You were kidnapped and held against your will too.”
She nodded. “Jon and I turned it into a sex game. Made it a fucking hot fantasy.” She blushes and shifts in her seat. “Yes, it’s sick and twisted, but I guess that’s who we are.” She laughs, throwing her head back before looking at me seriously. “Yes, I’m also sure it’s okay to be jumpy and unsure too.”
She pushes a hair off my forehead, tucking it behind my ear. My insides warm. Forcing myself to smile at her, I didn’t feel much better, but I put on a brave face.
“I do think you should mention it to Caston. I know you don’t want to because he’ll tighten your already short leash, but if there’s someone following you and you didn’t tell him…” She whistles shaking her head.
I laugh without humor. “You’re right.”
Sara starts the car and pulls out into traffic again. “I know I’m right. Now if you see the scary black vehicle again, can you tell me calmly?”
I smack her arm, and we both start laughing. “You’re an ass.”
“Oh, I like ass.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“Sara, you are something else.” I roll my eyes.
She looks over at me and winks. “Would you want me any other way?”
Reaching over she grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze.
“No way,” I say.
Traveling along in silence for a while, I think about the last few months and how my life has changed. What a whirlwind. Finally arriving at Beth’s apartment, I smile at the memories we shared in her small living room.
“Ready to get your shopping on?” Sara asks as she parks the car in the guest parking spot.
“No,” I groan. Shopping is a thorn in my side.
Turning toward me, she clutches her chest, like I’m giving her a heart attack. Just as I’m about to respond to her, there is a knock on my window. I let out a screech. Beth starts laughing hysterically as she jumps into the backseat.
“Who’s ready to shop?” Beth beams.
Sara responds with a shriek, clapping her hands like a little kid. I turn to face the window, rolling my eyes at both of them.
They were gabbing back and forth about what style of dress I’d look good in and what color bridesmaid dresses they were going to look at. I take out my phone and send a text off to Caston as I tune out the chatter.
I miss you. Wish I was with you instead of here.
I palm my phone and gaze out the window again. All the talk of A-line, ball gown, and mermaid style makes me want to crawl under a rock. My phone chimes a return message.
I’ll take care of you tonight. Just enjoy yourself. Love you.
I squeeze my thighs together, wondering what he has in s
tore, idly pondering if he would consider going to the club tonight. Smiling at the possibility, I reluctantly give myself over to my girls and shopping.
“Earth to Bre…”
My head flips around to see Beth leaning over to the front seat staring at me, and I realize they aren’t talking anymore.
“My God, Sara, look at the shade of red her cheeks are. What’d that text say?” She moves to grab my phone, but I pull it away just in time, before I shove it into my purse.
“Nothing. Just promises.”
The girls giggle, and I see Sara eyeing me over Beth’s shoulder. Pulling up to the shop, we all get out of the car. Sara has gone ahead of us to tell the consultant we’re here for our appointment while Beth and I take our time. Beth gives me the biggest hug. “I’ve missed you girlie.”
“Me too, Beth.” I really did.
She links her arm in mine. “He treating you right?”
I stop short almost making her stumble. I look at Beth like she has two heads. “Are you serious? No offense, but I’d rather be with him then with you girls. If you know what I mean.”
She laughs with me. “Great to hear, Bre. You deserve it. I’m so happy for you.”
Wanting to catch up with her a bit, I ask, “Have you heard from Broc?”
She runs her hand through her hair and shakes her head. “He keeps trying to get me back. I use him here or there, when I need to get off, but that’s about all he’s good for. He needs to learn I won’t always be there when he needs me. I know he still feels guilty for what happened to you.”
I shrug my shoulders. “Beth, I never… maybe I should call him. I need him to know it was my fault, not his.”
“He’d like to hear from you.” Her face looks a little sadder. “I’d like to meet my prince charming, like you have.”
It makes my heart hurt for her. I make a mental note to call Broc. Wrapping her in my arms, I whisper in her ear, “Beth, you deserve the best. You’ll find the one, I can feel it in my bones.”
We get to the door, and I take a deep breath. “Here we go…”
As we step through the open door, Sara turns around to look at us. She walks up to us, handing each of us a glass of champagne. “Who’s ready to get this party started?”
