by Nia Arthurs
I slow down as I near the gate and give my name. They’re expecting me so the guards don’t give me any trouble. Seconds later, the old, iron-wrought barriers are croaking and groaning as they spread apart.
Signs stick out of the grass, telling me to slow down.
I don’t.
My truck screeches to a stop in front of the main building’s front door. An older woman dressed in a plain navy blazer and straight skirt is waiting on the stoop.
I climb out of my car. Slam the door behind me.
“Mr. Humes, could you kindly park in the—”
I storm past her. “Where’s Ariya?”
“She’s fine. Mr. Humes…” The woman scrambles to keep up. Her short legs can’t dream of matching my loping strides.
My head whips back and forth, searching the cavernous corridors leading out of the main hall. I’ve never been to this side of the academy.
Doesn’t matter.
I’ll search every damn room if I have to.
“It’s that way,” her feeble voice says.
I glance back. Note the direction she’s pointing. Head there.
She starts scurrying behind me again. “The headmistress wanted to see you.”
The headmistress can choke for all I care. “Ariya first.”
She opens her mouth. Fading red lipstick catches the light. It’s clear she wants to argue, but something in my expression changes her mind.
She nods. “Alright.”
Like I needed her damn permission anyway.
The long hallway ends at another door. I push through it and stumble into a blue room. There’s a thick woman standing in the middle of it, a thermometer in her hands. Behind her are two hospital cots with the curtains drawn.
A little girl lies on the bed near the door. Long black hair splays over the white pillow. Normally vibrant brown skin is a shade paler. Milky coffee instead of chestnut. An IV drip is attached to her scrawny hand.
My heart drops all the way to my toes.
“Ariya…” the name escapes on a tortured croak.
Her eyes widen.
“Don’t try to sit up,” the woman—I’m assuming is a nurse—cautions her.
Three steps. That’s all it takes to get to her side.
I clutch her little hands.
They’re cold and clammy.
“Brendon,” she sobs. Brown eyes fill with tears.
The nurse appears beside me. “She’ll be fine. We were able to act fast. Thankfully, she had her EpiPen in her room.”
A lump in my throat makes it hard to speak.
My little sister, normally so full of life and fire, is lying in a hospital bed. I could have lost her tonight. I could have…
Ariya dismisses the nurse’s instruction to stay still and scrambles up. She wraps her arms around my neck.
I bury my nose in her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Me too.”
I pull back and grab her upper arms. “I’ll talk to your headmaster. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”
“Don’t.”
“Huh?”
She sniffs. “Just get me out of here.”
“Now, Miss Ariya…” Red Lips steps forward.
I twist my neck around. Pin her with a glare. “Is this how you run your school?”
Her mouth opens. Closes. Like a fish out of water. A fish with red lips.
“If someone intentionally tried to hurt her, I’m going to sue the hell out of this place. And then I’m going to call the police.”
Eyes widen. “Mr. Humes, there’s no need for that.”
Ariya tugs my hand. She shakes her head slightly.
I’m past the point of caring.
Ariya could have died tonight.
Died.
It’s such a horrifying thought it makes me want to punch a hole in the wall.
“You said your headmistress needed to see me?” I rise to my full height and stare Red Lips down. “Let’s go. I’ve got a few things to say to her as well.”
Red Lips looks uncertain.
I arch an eyebrow. Cast her a dark look. “Well?”
She swallows audibly.
I look down at Ariya. Stroke a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Okay.” She bites on her bottom lip.
I return my attention to Red Lips, my gaze hardening. “Let’s go.”
“Mm... oh. Yes.” She turns. Shuffles out.
I follow her down the corridor. We take a right and walk up a set of stairs to the second floor. On the way, I try to calm my temper.
When it comes to Ariya, I can get… kind of crazy.
Which won’t work in this situation.
I can blast into this headmistress. Easy. But if Dad finds out…
He’s technically Ariya’s dad. At least he is on paper, but the man hasn’t been much of a father to her.
To either of us really.
I bet the school called him first before they called me.
I’d bet even more that Dad didn’t answer. Probably because he’s too busy getting off on some chick half his age.
But that’s not my concern.
Red Lips opens the door, gaze on the ground.
I stroll in and let my eyes adjust to the dimness. The standing lamps on either side of a big mahogany desk don’t illuminate much. All I can make out is the outline of a slim woman sitting in an overstuffed office chair.
She stands and approaches me. Her features become clear. Sharp black eyes take me in. “Nice to see you again, Brendon.” Her voice is crisp, crackling like a whip. There’s a hint of a British accent. “Although I wish it were under better circumstances.”
“You want to explain why someone tried to murder my sister?” I bark.
Okay.
So my temper’s still a bit out of control.
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“How far would you go?”
Headmistress rounds the desk. “It was a simple misunderstanding.”
“Let me question the little bastard for myself. See if that’s true.”
“I don’t appreciate the name-calling, Brendon.”
“That’s unfortunate. I was trying so hard to restrain myself.”
“Mistakes happen.”
“Someone could have died.”
“But Ariya didn’t. She’s perfectly fine thanks to our staff’s quick and clear-headed actions.”
I sneer. “You don’t seem that concerned about this.”
Thick heels click against the shiny hardwood floor. She steps closer to me, hands clasped in front of her. “I care for all of my students.”
“Even the ones with darker skin?”
Her thin lips tighten. “What are you implying?”
“Ariya’s complained about people bullying her before.”
“Ariya’s no victim, Brendon. If she’s being bullied, she’s not taking it sitting.” Headmistress taps her chin. “I seem to recall an incident just last month where your parents were called for another fight.”
I bristle. “Where she was the only one who got in trouble.”
“For punching someone in the eye.”
“He called her the n-word!” I yell.
“Something that was not verified by any of the witnesses.” She doesn’t even flinch. “We’re an institution that runs on facts, not feelings, Brendon. Your sister is welcome here and treated with respect, but if she’s trying to break stereotypes, I’m afraid she’s not doing a good job.”
Her words barrel into my chest. Force me back a step.
My left eye twitches.
Anger surges through my veins.
Damn. If only I were a woman. I’d slap her silly…
Headmistress scoffs. “You rushing in and making a scene over a simple incident is not helping her adjust. Go home.”
We have a stare-off that lasts a couple seconds.
I back off first. My eyes flit left. “I’m withdrawing her from this school.”
“I’m
afraid you don’t have the authority to do that.”
“Why the hell not? I’m her brother.”
“Withdrawal can only be finalized by a parent.”
“I don’t give a damn.”
“Lower your voice.”
“Why the hell should I?”
More lip twisting. “If you continue to act aggressively, I’ll call the police.”
“Good. I was about to do that anyway.”
“Brendon…”
“I’m not leaving my sister in this hell-hole of a school.” I gesture to her. “You clearly have issues you need to work out, but Ariya’s not going to suffer while you deal with them.” I whirl around. Stalk to the door.
“Then I’ll have no choice but to inform your father.”
I freeze.
My nostrils flare.
I’m itching to burn this whole place down. Her and Red Lips with it.
My fingers curl into fists. “Do what you have to.”
I stalk through the door.
Red Lips is nowhere to be found. She probably bailed when she heard shouting.
I shake my head and sprint back to the nurse’s office.
Ariya sits up when she sees me. “Brendon?”
“Pack your things, Ari.” I help her out of bed and slip the little bunny slippers waiting nearby onto her feet. “I’m getting you out of here.”
Five
Kayla
“So he just… left?”
“Yup.” I nod. “Ran right out.”
“The jerk.”
“It really doesn’t matter. I dodged a bullet.”
“No, you dodged a wild night of fun with a sexy stranger. Even from a distance, I could see that he was packing.” She closes her eyes. Writhes a little. “Girl, I’d be ripping my clothes in mourning right now.”
“I think I’ll survive.”
Venus sighs dramatically. “You should have skipped the small talk and just gone to the bathroom. Made second base at least.”
“I’m sure that’s what you would have done.”
“Hell, yeah it is.” She lifts her chin proudly.
A note pops up on my laptop. My eyes skim the reminder. “Venus, as much as I’m enjoying this—”
“Yeah, yeah. You have a client.” She shakes her head. Wavy curls bounces against her chest. “This is exactly why last night was so necessary. You’re wound up too tight.”
“I’m wound just fine.”
“He would have worked out all the kinks…” She stomps her booted foot. “How dare he run off without following through?”
“He didn’t really offer anything,” I admit.
Venus stops, mouth open. “Huh?”
“It was more of a feeling.”
“Whose feeling?”
“Mine.”
“You?”
“Mm-hm.”
Threaded eyebrows slant down. “You had a feeling he was about to take you home?”
“That’s right.”
“So he didn’t say anything along the lines of”—she lowers her voice to a husky timber—“‘girl, let’s get out of here. I’ll rock your world tonight. Over and over. I’ll make you scream my name’.” Her voice goes back to normal. “None of that?”
I dip my chin.
Venus bursts out laughing.
I blink. The hell?
She slaps her knee that’s exposed thanks to the high-waisted mini-skirt she’s paired with a cute, wool sweater. “Kayla, you’re insane.”
“Me? Why?”
“I’m gonna leave on that.” Venus wipes at her eyes, still chuckling. “Girl, you too much.”
I jump to my feet. “At least explain.”
“You have a client, remember?” She waves dismissively and disappears through the door.
I slink into my chair, hands fisted on either side of my laptop.
I’m not feeling too pleased about the turn last night took either. But it has less to do with the almost-one-night stand and any ‘kinks’ I need to work out and more to do with Brendon.
Or specifically, why Brendon ran out.
The way he’d clutched his cell…
The way his silver eyes had tightened with fear…
The name…
Ariya.
Who the hell is Ariya?
A wife? A baby?
A baby mama?
Jealousy stiffens my spine.
There must be something wrong with me.
If he does have a wife, I definitely want nothing to do with him.
Even if I missed out on the best sex of my life, it wouldn’t be worth the drama or the shot to my principles.
If Ariya is his child…
It doesn’t matter. Brendon’s gone. I’m never seeing him again. And I’m never going to that bar again just in case he happens to come back.
There’s a knock on the door.
A woman sticks her head through. She’s short and mousy-looking with pale skin, limp brown hair and dull brown eyes.
Finally, something to get my mind off Brendon.
I rise and paste a gentle smile on my face. “Eva, welcome.”
“Hi,” she whispers.
I round the desk. Stalk confidently to her.
She flinches but tries to stand still, preparing herself.
I give her a short hug. “You look good.”
“Thank you,” she mumbles into my shoulder. I pull back and smile. She plucks at her T-shirt. “I wore pink today.”
“Feeling girly?”
“Kind of.” One shoulder lifts in a half-hearted shrug.
“Why don’t you sit over there?” I ask.
She shuffles to one of two wingback armchairs settled in front of my desk. I take the other. Usually, I interact with clients from a distance, but Eva is more comfortable this way and I’m all for whatever makes her happy.
“You had your first phone date yesterday, right?” I press the ‘RECORD’ button on my clunky voice box and get comfortable.
Usually, I’d clack out notes on my computer or scribble information on a file while a client discusses their date. With Eva, I have to shake things up. Traditional mediums of note-taking remind her too much of a therapist—which I am not and which she’s had bad experiences with in the past.
“It was nice.”
“Nice?” I smirk. “Can I get another word? Preferably something a little more descriptive.”
“He likes Star Wars.”
“Wow.”
“But not Harry Potter.”
I frown. “Oh.”
“He thinks the Flash would beat Superman in a race.” Eva blinks expectantly.
As if I’m supposed to get what she’s trying to say.
I don’t.
“So… that’s a no then?”
“I’d like to find out more.”
“In person?” I ask hopefully.
Her thin lips press together until they disappear. Eyes turn foggy with panic. “No.”
“Over the phone is fine,” I say before she starts to cry.
Eva rubs her forehead. A sign of mounting stress. “You must hate me.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Someone like me is a waste of your time.”
“Hey,” I scoot to the edge of my chair, “none of that. Remember, the key to finding the perfect partner is having confidence in yourself and value in your body. There’s no other way.”
“What about him?”
“Who? Pete?”
“Is he… does he… I mean, I know I’m not—”
“You are.” I stare intently. “You are everything and more. Any guy would be lucky to have you.”
She stops. Sucks in a breath. “Thanks, Kayla.”
I smile. “Shall we continue?”
My session with Eva runs over an hour. I let her get it all out, even when our conversation veers away from her preferences in men and becomes a simple conversation about her favorite comic book.
I hang on each word, taking mental notes about what get
s her excited enough to push her past her chronic shyness.
It’s a strategy that works well for me.
Everyone has at least one thing they’re insanely passionate about. Easiest way to find them a partner is by uncovering that thing and pairing them with someone who cares about it too.
Not that it’s always so straightforward.
Eva was so shy when we first started that it took me a while to find her ‘thing’. But stumbling on her love of science fiction and fantasy pointed me to Pete—a man who can name the issue, date and line of the comic book he’s referencing.
I’ve got a good feeling about those two shy, nerdy cuties.
And my gut instincts rarely fail me.
Now, all I’ve got to do is convince them both to meet in person.
Maybe in another… three weeks?
Three months?
Gosh, I hope I can get them in the same room by next year.
“Thanks, Kayla.” Eva waves goodbye at the door. “You’ve really been—I couldn’t have done this without you. I mean, I know it’s just a couple of phone dates, but…” She plays with her fingers and sheepishly ducks her head.
“I get it.” I nod. “You keep being yourself. If Pete makes a move, it’ll be because he’s into the real you.”
Eva leaves with a smile.
I close the door and let out a pent-up breath.
My phone lights up on my desk.
I walk over. Pick it up. See another reminder.
A death anniversary.
Next week.
My heart tightens in my chest.
Dread washes through my veins.
Invisible chains around my wrists and legs tighten.
Eva and every client that walks through my door will find their happy ending.
Because that’s my punishment.
My penance.
My prison.
And I’ll never be free.
Six
Brendon
I pull the forest green jacket over my crisp white shirt. Brush it down with my left hand. Check the time on my watch with the other.
Mom’s late.
Of freaking course she is.
A brown streak flies through the door and jumps on my bed. Ariya lies flat on her stomach, stick legs shooting up behind her. She’s wearing her favorite pink pajamas. Long brown hair is propped up in a messy bun. “You look nice.”
“Thanks.”
“Can I go?”
