The Last Woman (All That Remains #1)

by S. M. Shade

  “Well, aren’t we a pair.” I sigh and lay my head on his shoulder. “I suppose rationally it doesn’t matter whether we’re happier in our post-plague lives. We didn’t cause it, and we can’t change it.” I take his face in my hands, feeling the raspy scrape of stubble on my palm. “I love you and not because you’re stunningly attractive. That’s just a bonus.”

  His shy smile makes him look younger, more innocent. It’s rare when he drops that arrogant, cocky facade he likes to hide behind.

  “You’re my happiness, Abigail. All this other shit, none of it matters. If I have you, I’m happy,” he replies, kissing my forehead. “We’d better go back.”

  * * * *

  Gary asks to speak to me as soon as we return. “Carson is an amazing child. The fact that he has continued to train himself in karate is inspiring. I’d love to award him his black belt. Promoting to black belt is a huge honor, so I’d like to have a little presentation ceremony.”

  I’m glowing with pride for my son. After all he’s been through, he deserves this so much. We decide to make a celebration of it. When I tell Carson, he’s ecstatic. Gary drives to town in search of a black karate belt while I prepare for the impromptu celebration.

  We all gather on the front lawn late in the afternoon, and Carson has quite an audience. Gary instructs him to run through eleven different katas. Carson demonstrates his different kicks, blocks, and punches. I’m exhausted just watching him. After an hour and a half he’s soaked in sweat and dead on his feet.

  “Carson Bailey,” Gary’s voice booms, “you’ve earned this promotion to black belt.” He ties the belt around Carson’s waist and shakes his hand. “You aren’t finished, young man. Studying martial arts is a lifestyle, not just a goal. It’s a journey and an art form to be passed down to the next generation.”

  Carson beams. “I’m teaching Walker.”

  Gary grins at him, and they bow to each other and then to us, while everyone claps.

  Airen slips his arm around me and whispers in my ear. “You were so upset over him not having this opportunity. You see, we never know what the future will bring for any of us.”

  I lay my head on his shoulder. “You were so sweet to me that night. I was already falling in love with you,” I confess.

  His breath is warm in my ear as he chuckles and hugs me tight. “And I was completely clueless. I was crazy about you, but I didn’t think you felt the same way. You were so distant.”

  “I was trying like hell not to let it happen. I was terrified you’d leave, and I didn’t think I’d survive another loss.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I know that now.”

  He holds me at arms’ length, and his eyes lock onto mine. His face is suddenly tense and solemn. Lines form around his mouth as he presses his lips together skeptically. “Do you?”

  “Yes,” I whisper, keeping my eyes trained on his. “I know you won’t leave me.”

  “But not that I love you.”

  “I know you love me. The rational part of me knows you love me, Air. Still, there’s a smaller part of me, an inner voice that whispers how ridiculous that is. How could a man as perfect as you love me when no one else ever could?”

  “I’m far from perfect, darlin’” He sighs and slings his arm around my neck as we walk across the yard. “Well, we have nothing but time. I can spend the rest of my life convincing you.”

  “I feel loved, Airen, by you, Joseph, and the kids. It’s the first time in my life I can say that. Please, don’t sound so sad.”

  He stops walking and brings his lips softly to mine, kissing me with slow, gentle licks that make my whole body sing out in pleasure. His lips linger against mine as he whispers, “You are so loved.”

  “So are you.” His hair is sweaty as I weave my fingers into it and scratch his scalp the way he loves.

  “Well, aren’t we a pair?” He grins, returning my words from earlier.

  The kids are asleep, and the bonfire is slowly dying out when Joseph joins me and Airen on the steps. “Have you talked to Julie at all?” he asks us.

  “Just to say hi. I haven’t really had a conversation with her or anything. Why?”

  “She’s a doctor.”

  “Really?” Airen exclaims. “What kind of doctor?”

  “A pediatrician and an internist. She really likes it here, and I think she’d stay if we invited her.”

  “Just because she’s a doctor doesn’t mean she isn’t crazy. We still have one psycho bitch to deal with,” Airen complains.

  “I’ve spent most of the day with her, and she seems really sweet, but after Mandy I don’t trust my instincts.”

  My eyebrows climb my forehead at the word “sweet”, and Joseph rolls his eyes.

  “Not like that. She’s old enough to be my mother. I just think you two should get to know her. They plan to leave tomorrow afternoon.”

  “It can’t hurt to talk to her.”

  “Mmm.” Airen shrugs noncommittally. That’s as close to an agreement as we’re going to get for now.

  The next day we discover Julie is a really nice lady. Even Airen has to admit it. She and Joseph have hit it off, and I know he wants her to stay.

  “Where do you have in mind?” Airen asks Joseph.

  “The other house, after we finish the electric. I was there this morning, and it would only take us a day or two.”

  “What do you think?” Airen turns to me with a sigh.

  “I think we should invite her to stay, mainly for Jayla. You know how badly she wants to be a doctor, and she could learn so much from her.”

  Airen finally acquiesces. “If this one goes crazy and starts poisoning people, I’m not imprisoning her. I’m shooting her. Just to be clear.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. She’s a doctor. She wouldn’t poison us,” I assure him. I almost laugh at the skeptical look on his face. “She has a plethora of drugs at her disposal,” I quip, smiling.

  The corners of his mouth turn up slightly before he forces a scowl. “You aren’t funny, Abby.”

  “I’ll talk to her,” Joseph volunteers and rushes off to find her. It’s good to see him excited and happy about something.

  “You can bet her friends aren’t going to be happy if she agrees to stay,” Airen remarks.

  “Always the optimist.”

  “Pot, kettle, sweetheart.” He grins.

  Later that afternoon, we all gather to say goodbye as the group prepares to leave, minus one doctor.

  “Come back and visit,” I insist.

  “You stole our doctor. We’ll be back,” Gary replies. “Take care of each other!” he cries as the RV pulls away.

  A letdown follows their departure for a few days. It reminds me of how I used to feel after the holidays were over, and things went back to normal. Everyone is somewhat subdued. Having all those people around again felt so good, and now it seems too quiet. I’m working in the garden, pulling weeds and planting the pot seeds Danny left me, when Julie sits down beside me.

  “Hi, how are you?” I greet.

  “Good and I love this weather.”

  “Do you like the new house?”

  “It’s amazing. I never dreamed I’d be able to flip a switch and have light again,” she replies.

  “I’m looking forward to it,” I admit. “It shouldn’t take them as long to do our house now that they know what they’re doing.”

  “Look, Abby,” she hesitates, and I realize she’s approaching the subject she really wants to talk about. “Joseph told me about Mandy and what she tried to do to you. I know she’s locked away where she belongs, and I just want you to know I’m fine with whatever you decide to do with her.”

  I sit down beside her and brush the dirt from my hands. “Even if I said Airen wants to kill her?” I blurt, watching her closely.

  “Perhaps that’s your best option.” She stares back at me. “I’m a realist, Abby, and things have changed.”

  “I was a heathen liberal.” I sno
rt. “I just don’t want this tragedy to change me. I was against the death penalty before the plague, and my values haven’t changed.”

  “I understand, but we had numerous alternatives before, and we have to have a way of dealing with the worst of the worst. However, if you want to keep her locked up indefinitely, I’ll be glad to help.”

  “I suppose we have to figure out something by winter or she’ll freeze to death in there.”

  She pats my hand. “You have plenty of time.”

  I decide I like her. Julie fits in well, and the kids are growing fond of her. Even Airen has to admit asking her to stay was a good decision. I’m glad to have another woman to talk to. I’ve been outnumbered by men for too long.

  “How long have you and Airen been together?” she asks nonchalantly while we pick green peppers and fertilize the garden.

  A smile blooms on my face as I answer. “We met almost a year ago, but we didn’t get together until April. Joseph and Walker have been with us for about five months, and Sara close to three.”

  “I spent the first two months alone before Danny and Hope found me,” she remarks.

  “That must have been hard. I had Carson with me the whole time, and I don’t know if I’d have survived it alone.”

  “You’d be surprised what you can do when you have to. Look what you, Joseph, and Airen have built here. You grow your own food, purify your own water, and now you have electricity. You have all adapted amazingly well,” she praises.

  “Thank you, it doesn’t seem that way sometimes. It’s a day to day struggle.”

  “But we’re alive.” She beams at me, and I smile back at her.

  “We’re alive.”

  Joseph has an announcement to make at dinner. “If I have everything installed correctly, the power will be on tomorrow.” The kids cheer, and Airen slaps Joseph on the back.

  “We should celebrate,” I suggest with a smile. “Any suggestions?”

  “I say we celebrate by turning on the central air,” Jayla remarks, making everyone laugh.

  “Aren’t you from Atlanta?” Julie asks. “You should be used to the heat.”

  “I wasn’t crazy about it there, either. Seriously, I’m sweating like a whore in church.”

  “Jayla!” Joseph snorts, and Airen hides a small smile behind his hand.

  “We’ll turn the air on, don’t worry,” I assure her with a grin.

  Tomorrow is the first day of August, and the temperature has been over a hundred degrees for a week. The humidity is unbearable. You can practically wring the water from the air.

  “I want to play video games all day,” Carson speaks up.

  “Me too!” Walker cries.

  Sara and Jayla announce they want to hang out together and listen to music.

  Joseph shrugs. “We could have a few drinks, and I wouldn’t say no to some of that delicious fried catfish Abby makes,” he says, throwing me a charming smile, complete with adorable dimples. He knows how to get to me.

  “You’re lucky we happen to have some frozen,” I reply. “Airen?”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “Plus, Airen’s birthday is tomorrow,” Jayla volunteers.

  He gives her an exasperated glance. “Is it?” I demand.

  “Maybe.”

  “And just when were you going to tell me?” I huff, crossing my arms.

  “In a year or two,” he jokes. “I don’t want to make a big deal of it.”

  “Fine, but I’m making you a cake.”

  “Carrot?” he asks, smiling.

  Damn, he has a beautiful smile. “Sure.” I kiss his cheek, and he squeezes my behind.

  “I know what I want to unwrap on my birthday,” he murmurs in my ear, his gaze climbing my body. His eyes are hooded as they capture mine in a scorching stare, leaving me flushed and speechless.

  It’s noon the next day when Joseph gathers us together in the kitchen and announces he’s finished. “Are you ready?” he asks.

  “Yes!” the kids scream.

  We’ve spent the last few minutes unplugging any non-essential appliances. I flip the kitchen light switch. “Three, two, one,” we all count down. Joseph throws the breaker and we’re bathed in soft, white light. The electricity is back on after sixteen months of darkness. We all cheer, and I grab Joseph and hug him hard.

  “I don’t know what we’d do without you. Thank you.”

  His face glows pink, and he nods at me, choked up. Jayla makes a beeline for the thermostat and turns on the central air. “It works!” she squeals.

  “Run and shut all of the windows.” I giggle at her excitement.

  “I’m happy for you.” Julie hugs me. “I’ll be back in a few hours to celebrate with you.”

  “You may want to hurry. It looks like our resident lushes are starting without us.” I gesture towards Joseph and Airen, amused. They’re pouring shots out of a new bottle of bourbon.

  “What? It’s my birthday, remember?” Airen smirks.

  Oh, I know what I’m going to give him too. He’s too hot for words, standing there with that cocky expression, dressed in a pair of blue cotton shorts and little else. All the work he has been doing has toned his body beyond belief, and I can’t take my eyes off of him. The muscles in his hips are so defined, tapering down into a sexy V before disappearing under his waistband. When did those show up? He’s sweaty. It’s beading on his chest hair, and the hair above his ears is pasted against his head. Fuck, he’s too sexy to be real.

  “I think we lost her,” Joseph scoffs. I roll my eyes as I walk away, embarrassed, closing the bedroom door behind me, and blocking out their laughter.

  A few hours later, we’re all seated around the kitchen table, playing Bullshit. It’s been awhile since I’ve played, but it’s a simple game. We announce our cards and lay them face down. The other players try to tell if we’re lying, both by the cards in their hand and the look on their opponent’s face. It’s a fun, easy game to play when you’re drinking.

  “Two aces,” I claim, smacking two cards on the table.

  “Bullshit,” Joseph calls.

  “All yours, honey.” I laugh as I slide them toward him. Airen has the best poker face. Those acting skills must come in handy because I never know if he’s lying. He and Julie each take their turn, and then it’s on Joseph.

  “Two fours.” He glances around the table, grinning.

  “Liar,” I challenge.

  “I don’t think that’s the name of the game.”

  “Bullshit, then.”

  Groaning, he picks up the stack of cards, shaking his head. “This game sucks.”

  “Sorry, those little dimples give you away every time.”

  “They’re adorable, aren’t they?” Airen teases.

  “And that blush is just too cute too,” I add.

  Joseph is so easy to embarrass sometimes. “You know, Julie, there’s this great movie called Dancers United that…”

  “Truce!” Airen yells, interrupting. I can’t stop laughing as I gaze at the two of them. I could hang out with these guys forever.

  It’s late, and the kids are asleep. Airen has switched to drinking ice water. He must be at his limit. Always Mr. Responsible. I’m feeling pretty good myself. Julie and I are drinking peach schnapps, and Joseph is still hanging on to his bottle of whiskey.

  “Let’s play I Never,” Joseph suggests.

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Oh? Are you worried what we might find out?” Joseph teases me, his cheeks red from the alcohol. He’s so cute when he smiles like that.

  I give him an exasperated look. “Don’t double dare me, then I’ll really have to do it.”

  “Hmm, what could Abby be hiding? I’m intrigued.”

  “You’re drunk.” I giggle and give him a playful slap. “Fine, I’ll play.”

  Julie begins. “I’ve never been married.”

  Since Joseph is the only one of us who was previously wed, he drinks, and it’s my turn.

  “I
’ve never been arrested.” Everyone drinks, and I stare at them in surprise. “Julie?”

  She shakes her head and smiles. “I was protesting an oil pipeline.”

  Joseph grins sheepishly when I regard him. “Public intox.”

  Airen sighs, and before I can ask he volunteers, “Assault.”

  Damn. “Who did you hit?”

  “A girlfriend who asked too many questions.”

  “Very funny.”

  “A guy started shit with me at a party, and I knocked him out. Can we move on?” Judging by the edge in his voice, he’s not proud of his behavior.

  “Okay, it’s your turn.”

  “I’ve never ridden a roller coaster,” he states, and everyone drinks.

  It’s Joseph’s turn. “I’ve never had a threesome.” We all look at each other expectantly, and Airen finally takes a drink.

  Joseph hoots. “Details, buddy! I need details!” Airen glances at me before shaking his head at Joseph.

  “I’ve never kissed someone of the same sex,” Julie claims.

  Oh shit. Joseph drinks, but will Airen cop to it? He must know I won’t tell on him if he denies it. He drinks, and Joseph gapes at him, stunned.

  “It was in college,” he explains, sounding defensive.

  “On a dare or something?” Joseph asks.

  “No.” He gives him a stare that clearly says, “Drop it.”

  I clear my throat. “Moving on.”

  We play for a few more minutes before Julie announces she’s tired, and Joseph leaves to walk her home. Airen and I curl up together on the couch.

  “You know I wouldn’t have told them if you didn’t drink on that kissing question, don’t you?” He smiles and pulls me into his lap. He smells so good, his citrus scented soap mixed with the scent of him.

  “Yes, but it seemed wrong to lie about it, like I’m ashamed when I’m not,” he explains, kissing my ear lightly.

  “Mmm,” I hum, closing my eyes.