by S. M. Shade
When she finally hangs up, I wrap her in my arms. “What happened?”
“It’s Mom. They think she had a stroke. They had to call an ambulance.”
“I’m so sorry. What can I do?”
“My aunt and uncle are arranging a flight for me from the Indianapolis airport. Can you get me there?”
“Of course I can.” My mind spins with what else I should be doing. I’ve never really been faced with an emergency like this. “Get dressed and I’ll warm up the car.”
I leave her to get ready and step into my dad’s room. He and Ben are already awake. “What’s going on?” Dad asks.
“Jani’s mom had a stroke. I guess it doesn’t look good. She’s going to catch a flight out of Indianapolis to Hawaii.” I run my hands through my hair as Dad follows me out to the hall. “I don’t know what to do. I should go with her, but…”
“Do you have any idea how much a last minute ticket to Hawaii two days before Christmas would be? If you can even get a seat?”
“I know.” Even if I depleted my savings, I wouldn’t be able to swing it. I know Dad struggles too or he’d loan me the money.
His hands land on my shoulders. “Just get her to the airport and make sure she gets on the plane okay. Do you want me to go with you?”
“No, no, I got it. I just hate she has to go alone.”
“Does she have family to meet her?”
“Yeah, they paid for her ticket.”
“Then she’ll be okay. It sucks, I know, not being able to stay with her, but you do what you can.”
By the time I get the car warmed up, Jani is packed and ready to go. She holds my hand the entire drive to Indianapolis, and right up until it’s time to board the plane. Watching her leave by herself makes me feel completely helpless and I hate it.
When I get back to my car, I just need to talk to someone.
“Noble?” Denton yawns out my name as he answers his phone. “You okay?”
“Yeah. No. Fuck man, I don’t know. I just dropped Jani off at the airport. Her mother had a stroke and she had to fly to her aunt’s in Hawaii.”
“Oh, dude. That sucks. Do they know if she’ll be okay?”
“I don’t think they know much of anything yet. I just feel like an asshole because I didn’t go with her. I just couldn’t afford it.”
“Man, none of us could. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”
“Have the other guys left town yet?”
“Yeah, they left last night.”
Sighing, I turn on the car and crank up the heat. “I’m going to stop by my Dad’s and then head back that way.”
“I’ll be here.”
Dad is more than understanding about me leaving early. I may not be able to be with her, but I want to be there when she gets home. She promised to call me as soon as the plane lands, but it’s nearly an eight-hour flight, so I’m back home at my apartment by the time she texts.
Mom: Aunt just picked me up from the airport. On our way to hospital.
Me: I’m sorry I’m not there with you. Please let me know how Aubrey is doing when you can. Take care of yourself.
Mom: I will. Apologize to your dad for me.
Me: He understands.
Denton is the only one home and after watching me pace the apartment for an hour, he hands me a glass of whiskey. “Sit down. You aren’t helping by wearing out the tile. Fuck knows these cheap ass floors can’t take it.”
When I sit, he hands me a stack of stapled together papers. “Here, take your mind off Jani. We have another problem to deal with. This was left on the door yesterday.”
The first page is a letter from the housing management announcing the apartment complex has been bought by a new company. While they will remain income based and rent won’t increase, they have new rules and regulations. They make it clear multiple times that breaking them can result in eviction.
Shit. I knew things were going too well.
I flip through the pages, then gape at Denton. “Are they serious with this shit?”
“It’s legit. I called to make sure it wasn’t a joke.”
Monthly inspections where they come to judge your housework? Anyone without a job must volunteer ten hours a week with their company? “Is this shit even legal?” I ask.
“I’ve been researching, and they run complexes in other cities the same way. I don’t know about legal, but does it really matter? No one here could afford to challenge them anyway.”
I’ve never been one to feel sorry for myself for not being financially stable. I mean, so many are worse off than I am, and most students are in a similar situation. I know it’s not forever so I don’t dwell on it. But this is the first time I’ve really felt poor. In one day, I’ve gained two problems that could’ve been greatly helped by having money. I swear, once I’ve graduated and work full time, I’ll sock away every dime I can.
“I was discussing it with some of the other neighbors,” Denton says and a wicked grin creeps across his face. “We have a plan. A little malicious compliance.”
“Like?”
“Well, being naked in your own apartment isn’t against the rules, so bring on the inspections. Half the circle has already agreed to go balls to the wind.”
Denton grins when I laugh. I can’t help picturing some of my neighbors, who are all sizes and ages, just running bare assed around the house as someone checks to see if we’ve mopped our floors. “This is crazy.”
“Yeah, I mean, didn’t they see the response when the town tried to close Scarlet Toys? You’d think they’d learn not to mess with us, but we’re just going to have to show them.”
My phone rings with a call from Cassidy. Shit, I should’ve called her. She’s Jani’s best friend, so I’m sure she’s let her know.
“Noble, get your shit together. You’ve got a flight on a private plane to Hawaii in an hour.”
“What the hell are you smoking?” I ask, getting to my feet. The guys always screw with me because I can’t sit still when I’m on the phone.
“Look, we’re headed there too, but it’s going to take us longer to get there, and Jani needs someone with her. You’re the boyfriend, so get your shit together and get to the Morganville Airport.”
“Don’t you think I wanted to go with her? I don’t have the money!”
Cass sighs. “Are you dense? There are times when being engaged to a gazillionaire comes in handy. This is one of them. Get your ass to Hawaii. Bring Denton if you want. I know he’s alone for Christmas.”
“I—” This is one of those times when my pride isn’t as important as someone I care about, so I swallow it and accept. “Thank you. Tell Wyatt I’ll pay him back.”
She snorts into the phone. “Shut the fuck up and get moving.”
Denton and I perform the fastest packing job in history and race to the tiny airport where we board a plane that looks like it could be brought down by a large bird. I’m not sure you could even call this little illuminated strip of pavement an airport.
Denton’s glance is full of amusement. “Are you scared to fly?”
“No, I just didn’t think the first time would be in a glorified remote-controlled plane.”
Chuckling, Denton hands me a pill just after I buckle myself in. “It’s what I take for anxiety. It’ll calm you down.”
Calm me down? I swallow the pill, grit my teeth through the takeoff, and pass the fuck out. Denton has to shake me awake as we’re descending.
“Hey, lightweight, wake up. We’re landing.”
I’m instantly sorry when I look out the window and see the ground advancing toward us. “You couldn’t wait another few minutes?”
“And miss that look on your face?” He laughs, and I breathe a sigh of relief when the plane rolls to a stop.
“I hope you get a spontaneous bout of severe diarrhea.”
We disembark and find a car waiting to take us to the hospital. “We have to find a way to thank Wyatt and Cass for all this,” I tell Denton.
&n
bsp; “They’re awesome friends to have,” he agrees. “It’s beautiful here.”
It’s such an abrupt change from the winter hellscape we just left.
Even the hospital looks bright and welcoming, surrounded by palm trees and landscaped grounds. A large courtyard sprinkled with benches is host to quite a few people. Some are patients, dressed in pajamas and towing their IV poles along with them.
We’re cutting through the courtyard when I see her out of the corner of my eye. I’d know that dark hair and those amazing hips anywhere. My chest loosens a bit when I see her mother sitting on the bench, wearing a robe. They’re both talking and wearing identical smiles.
In retrospect, I probably should’ve given some thought to the way I approached her. If you’re picturing that romantic run across the lawn into each other’s arms, forget it.
Walking up behind her, I sling my arm around her neck and murmur, “Hey sexy, you come here often?”
At least, that’s what I was trying to say. I only get the first four words out before my foot is stomped on like it’s a damned grape. A split second later, the wind is forced from my lungs by an elbow to my solar plexus, and my lip swells as her fist makes contact incredibly fast.
Dropping onto the soft grass, I try to inhale and only get that braying donkey sound. “What the—Noble?” she exclaims.
Drawing a thin breath, I nod, and I’m vaguely aware of Denton laughing his ass off behind me.
“What are you doing here?”
I finally manage to fill my lungs and stumble to my feet, one of which feels like a puffer fish. “Surprise,” I squeak. “I was worried about you and Aubrey. Wyatt arranged a flight for us.”
“Your girl whooped your ass!” Denton announces, still laughing. “Oh, why wasn’t I recording?”
“I’m so sorry! It was a reflex!” Jani steps forward and wraps her arms around me. She also manages to step on the same foot she tried to pulverize a moment before.
“Sorry!” she repeats while Denton tries to laugh himself into a hernia.
“Let’s just…sit for a minute, okay?” I take a seat beside her mom. “How are you?”
Aubrey smiles, looking a bit embarrassed. “It wasn’t a stroke. It was an MS attack. They’re easy to mistake. They’ve adjusted my meds a bit, and I’m feeling much better. I just have to stay a few days for observation.”
January sits on my other side, her smile as bright as the day. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
It’s been less than forty-eight hours since we saw each other, but she hugs me like she hasn’t seen me in months. It’s the first time I’ve felt like maybe she feels as strongly for me as I do for her.
“It was really sweet of you to come,” Aubrey adds.
“Hey, what about me? I had to deal with Mr. Afraid of Planes over there.”
“I’m not afraid of planes.”
“Not once they land.”
Aubrey laughs and gets to her feet carefully. “I’m just going to the next bench to chat with Helen. Hang out with your friends, honey.” She meets up with a plump older lady walking toward her and they take a seat out of earshot.
Turning to Jani, I pretend to whisper. “He drugged me, baby. Probably took advantage and touched my no-no spot while I was sleeping.”
My joke gets the laughter I was hoping for. It’s good to see her happy after the way she looked when she left.
“You have to enjoy the little things in life,” Denton says, looking around. “Is there a vending machine or anything around here. I’m starving.”
“Just inside the emergency department doors,” Jani tells him, and he jogs off in search of food.
A gust of wind wraps her hair around her face, and I tuck it back behind her ear. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, much better now. I was just getting ready to call you when—”
“You assaulted me?” I tease.
“Hey, any guy who grabs me from behind is going to get his ass kicked. Just how it is.”
She leans against me, and I sit back, soaking in the sun. “Where did you learn that?”
“Women’s self-defense class. Cass and I went last year.”
“Well, thank you for not going for the jewels.”
Giggling, she plants a kiss on my sore lip. “Did I hurt you?”
“Nah.” I just won’t be able to take my shoe off because there’s no way it’ll go back on. “So your Mom is okay?”
Shrugging, she cuddles against me. “No worse than usual, but I’m worried about her. I think she wants to stay here, like move here permanently.”
Fear streaks through me, but I try to sound unconcerned. “Would you move with her?”
“No, my life is in Indiana. You, my friends, my job. I’m not leaving. I’m just not sure what’s best for her, you know? My aunt and uncle are seriously loaded, and they love her. I’m sure they could take better care of her.”
“What does Aubrey want?”
Sighing, she glances over to where her mother and aunt are laughing together. “I think she wants to stay. I’m just worried she’s doing it to take the burden off of me. She knows if I wasn’t paying all our expenses, buying her meds and paying for the therapy that insurance won’t cover, I could get ahead, maybe take the classes I’ve been wanting to take. If she thinks she’d be happier here, I understand, but I don’t want her moving here just to help me.”
Aubrey and Helen walk up, and Helen sticks out her hand. “Hi, I’m Helen. I’ve heard all about you, Noble. It was sweet of you to come. Seems your name is apt.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“Well, I was just telling Aubrey, you and your friend can stay with January in the east wing.” She gestures to the two suitcases we left sitting beside the parking lot. “Is that all your luggage?”
“Yes, ma’am, we didn’t have much time to pack, but we can get a hotel room. Denton has already reserved one near the hospital.”
“Don’t be silly. We have more than enough room!”
Considering her house has wings, I don’t doubt that.
“Thank you, Aunt Helen,” Jani intervenes.
“I’m just going to rest for the remainder of the day,” Aubrey says. “You should take him to the beach, Jani. Show him around.”
“But—”
Her mother gives her a look. “I’m fine. And I promise to call if that changes. It’s your Christmas holiday. Go enjoy it.”
A car stops near our bags in the parking lot and Cass and Wyatt emerge.
“Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Cassidy and Wyatt are coming.”
I swear Jani tears up and this is not a girl who ever cries. I guess having your best friends show up thousands of miles away on Christmas Eve is enough to do it.
“I’m going to go find Denton,” I murmur. “We’ll catch up with you okay?”
She nods and runs toward Cassidy. I watch as they hug. “See, that’s the reunion we should’ve had,” I mumble to myself and Aubrey cracks up laughing.
Denton stands just outside the hospital, sucking down a soda and a bag of chips. “Come on, dude. We’re staying with Jani’s family.”
“Okay, then.”
***
“Holy hell, your family lives here?” Denton exclaims when we pull up to a sprawling mansion overlooking the ocean.
“My aunt and uncle,” she clarifies. “And my cousins, Chloe and Brinna. They’re both home for the holidays too, so you’ll probably meet them. They’re in another wing, though.”
Jani shows us around the place, and it’s unbelievable. Seven bathrooms for four people? We had to arm wrestle for the room with the attached bath at my apartment, and I was thrilled not to have to share the only other bathroom with three guys and the revolving door of women they bring home.
This place is better than a resort. An inground pool is just a few steps out the back door, complete with a waterfall and diving boards. I don’t know why they’d want a pool when they’re this close to the beach, but it does look inviting. A
long staircase leads down to the white sand of a private beach where a woman in a bikini walks along the waterline.
“There’s a reef over there I always liked to explore when I was a kid,” Jani says, pointing to the right. “We can go snorkeling if you want.”
Denton is like a kid in an amusement park. “Yes! I’d love to snorkel. I brought swim trunks, but I don’t have goggles or a snorkel or anything.”
Jani shows us into the pool house. “These two are changing rooms, and the third room is full of trunks, swimsuits, goggles, anything you need. They won’t mind what you borrow. I’m going to get changed and I’ll be right back.”
When I emerge from one of the dressing rooms wearing a new pair of board shorts, and carrying goggles and a snorkel, Denton is waiting for me with a huge smile on his face. “Dude! This is so amazing! Jani’s mom is okay, and we got a Hawaiian vacation out of the deal.”
We walk out on the deck and he doesn’t take his eyes off of the ocean as Jani approaches us carrying three sets of fins. “It’s so blue,” he murmurs.
Jani leans against me and sighs. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“It’s so much more…powerful than it looks on television.”
Jani turns to Denton. “Have you never seen the ocean?”
“No, my family didn’t really take vacations.”
Of course they didn’t. I struggle with money for the reason a lot of people my age do, because we’re trying to pay for college. Sometimes I forget that Denton grew up a lot worse off than I did. I may not have had everything I wanted, but I didn’t do without anything growing up.
“Come on,” Jani says, smiling at him. “You have to see what warm sand between your toes feels like.”
It really is something special to watch someone experience a beach for the first time. We run around and goof off like a bunch of little kids, splashing in the surf. It turns out Denton isn’t a strong swimmer, and after he realizes how hard the waves pull at you, even with a life vest, he’s too nervous to swim out as far as the reef, so he stays on the shore while we snorkel.
“I feel kind of bad leaving him,” she worries as we make our way out to the reef.
“He’s fine. Look at him.” He’s playing in the sand, probably building a castle. He’s managed to find a kid’s pail that was abandoned and is filling it with water and heading back to his project.
