by Sky Winters
“Oh, honey. Don’t worry. We have had a great day. I took your father for a drive down to the lake where he used to fish and he loved it.”
“Did he remember it?”
“No, I don’t think so. It was if he was discovering it again for the first time, honey. The look of joy on his face was priceless though.”
“Does he always recognize you?”
“Yes. I don’t know why. It’s as if I am the only one he can remember consistently. Perhaps because we are twins. I can’t say, but he always seems to know me, though he sometimes forgets my name.”
“I wish he couldn’t remember me. It hurts to see him like this.”
“I know it does, honey. Just take your time getting home. We are just getting in and I bought a few things to make dinner in a bit. We’ll be eating in a couple of hours if you want to get home in time for that. Feel free to bring your friend.”
“Okay, Aunt Kay. Thank you. I think I will make a couple of stops on the way in then.”
Angelina ended the call and thought about “her friend.” She needed to be a big girl if she was going to play grown up games. It was casual sex and he owed her nothing beyond it. He had fixed the truck for free, after all. She supposed that was enough.
Making her way to the grocery store, she picked up the things she had intended to get before the truck had broken down. An hour had passed, so she still had a little time before dinner. After a bit of debate, she decided she had nothing to lose. Picking up her phone, she called Anson.
“My Aunt is making dinner. I thought since you made lunch, you might want to come out for it. She’s a pretty good cook.”
“Asking me to meet the family already? You don’t waste any time do you.”
“What? I, uh, no, I . . . .”
“Relax. I’m just yanking your chain a bit. I’d love to come to dinner. What time?”
“Should be ready in about forty-five minutes.”
“Short notice.”
“I’m sorry. You don’t have to if you don’t want. It won’t hurt my feelings.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
Angelina felt a knot in the pit of her stomach. Why had she called him? She was trying to turn a casual encounter into something it wasn’t meant to be. Why hadn’t she just left it alone?
“I’d love to come to dinner, Angelina. I was missing you already.”
“Really?”
Every tense muscle in her body relaxed. She was so relieved that she wasn’t making an ass of herself by seeming too needy already.
“Yes, really. See you in a while. Should I bring anything?”
“No. I picked up some wine at the store and I’m sure my Aunt has made a table full of food. She always does.”
“Great. I’m looking forward to it.”
Angelina realized that she felt nervous as she pulled the truck into the driveway at her father’s house twenty minutes later. Making her way inside with the groceries, she began putting them away while her Aunt chattered about her day out with Carl.
“Did he go to bed early again?”
“No. He is watching television in the living room.”
“I’m going to go in and see him for a moment and then I need to freshen up. I invited my friend Anson over for dinner. I hope you don’t mind. He was nice enough to fix the truck for me at no charge. It’s the least I could do.”
“Oh, sure, honey. No problem at all, but this Anson, would that be Anson Hawthorne?”
“Yes. That would be the one.”
“I would never tell you what to do, but you know about his troubles with the law, right?”
“Yes. I know. He told me all about it himself.”
“Just don’t get involved in something that could drag you down with the wrong sorts, honey.”
“I think you’ll be surprised, Aunt Kay. He may have been that person before, but he came here to start over. He’s not as bad as you think he is, not at all.”
“I hope you are right, honey. Everyone deserves a second chance. Perhaps he will make the most of his.”
Angelina smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek before heading to the master bedroom to get freshened up and changed. She could still smell his scent on her and had to wonder if her Aunt Kay could, as well. She felt a flush remembering the afternoon events.
“Angelina, I think your friend is here.”
“Okay, Aunt Kay. I’ll get it.”
Angelina hurried out to the door just as Anson knocked, pausing for a moment to collect herself so she didn’t seem like an over eager teenager. She pulled open the door looking much more at ease than she felt. It immediately dissolved as she saw Anson standing there, looking positively delicious.
“Going to invite me in or just stand there and stare at me like I’m your favorite dessert?”
Angelina flushed red again, realizing that she had been doing exactly that. How transparent she must be to him. She was sure he had this effect on all the women he bedded and she felt a streak of jealousy. Reminding herself that she might not be as special as she hoped, she dialed it back a notch.
“Funny. Come on in, Anson.”
“Thank you. I know you said not to bring anything, but I brought some wine anyway. It’s my favorite. Nothing fancy, just a chillable red. I thought maybe we could put it in the fridge and have it after all the grown-ups go to bed.”
“Sounds good.”
“You sure? You don’t seem very thrilled with that idea.”
“No. No. It’s fine.”
He gave her a puzzled look and she realized she was being a bit of a flake, hot and cold, all that. She wanted to devour him, but she was afraid that if she showed too much interest, he would bolt. That was the last thing that she wanted from him, though she wasn’t sure any other offerings were on the table.
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m just not sure how to behave after today. I don’t usually just do things like that with someone I hardly know.”
“I know you don’t. I’m glad you did. I like that you couldn’t resist me.”
He smiled at her with a crooked grin that only melted her further. She smiled back, a flush creeping up her face once more and he laughed.
“And I love that you have that shy streak that leaves you all flustered like that.”
They were disrupted by her Aunt calling them to the table. Anson followed her in to the dining room where her Aunt and Father were already sitting at the table. Anson looked at her father for a moment and smiled, reaching for his hand to shake it.
“Mr. Thompson! I didn’t realize you were Angelina’s father. It’s great to see you again.”
“Anson Hawthorne? I haven’t seen you since you rolled into town and dropped a wad of cash on the counter for that old hunting lodge. You had that heap plowed under yet?”
“No, no. Just the opposite. I’ve done quite a bit of repair work to it and live there. You should have Angelina bring you out sometimes to see it.”
“Ah, I wish I could. Angelina’s been in New York for quite some time now. I’d love to see her, but she just doesn’t seem to get home like she used to. I miss her so much.”
The sadness in her father’s face was only matched by the confusion on Anson’s. He looked up at Angelina as if to ask a question and then realized the answer on his own. He mouthed the words to her and she nodded. He looked down for a moment and then took a seat near Mr. Thompson.
“I hear you went to the lake today? Were the fish biting?”
“We didn’t fish. My sister just wanted to get out and enjoy some fresh air. I’ll have to remember to take my pole next time she wants to do that. It looked like a good place to catch a fish or two.”
“I’ve heard it’s a great fishing hole.”
Angelina had a feeling that he had heard that from her father, though she wasn’t sure how they had crossed paths or why her father remembered him when he couldn’t remember her. She had to fight back the tears that threatened to surface
at any moment. Anson looked over at her and put his hand on her knee, squeezing it knowingly. She smiled through her sadness at him as they began eating their dinner.
“Rose, I’m tired. I’m going to go on up to be, love.”
“Okay, Carl. Sleep well. I’ll help your sister clear away the dishes.”
The words felt tasteless in her mouth. It was so hurtful to have to talk to him as if she was her mother and for him to think she wasn’t coming to visit him, but what could she do about it? Would he have remembered her too if she hadn’t left? He remembered her mother, though he thought she was her. He remembered his sister. He even remembered Anson, who he had probably only met once. Why did he not remember her?
“Aunt Kay, I’ll clear the dishes. You’ve been here long enough. Why don’t you head on home?”
“Are you sure, hon? I don’t mind.”
“You’ve done plenty already. Dinner was delicious. Reminded me of Mom’s cooking, always does.”
“Thank you hon. I’ll head to the house and let you kids talk.”
Anson and Angelina both said their goodnights and walked to the door with her. Anson stood watching until she was safely in her car, though she was probably in the least dangerous place in the country.
“Let me get these dishes up and we’ll relax in the living room.”
“Here I’ll help you. How about I pour us some wine while we work?”
“Sounds good. So, how do you know my father?”
“I met him when I was buying the lodge. He was there visiting the owner and encouraged him to sell it to me while it was still standing.”
“Sounds about right.”
“He invited me to go fishing with him. Said I reminded him of himself when he was younger.”
“Really? That’s surprising.”
“Why? That your father may have once been a rebel of some sort?”
“I guess. I always just see him as my father, calm and peaceful. Never one to cause a stir.”
“It hurts you that he can’t remember you. I could see it in your face when he recognized me and spoke to your Aunt. I could see how it pained you for him to think you are someone else. Rose was your mother, I take it?”
“Yes. I look a good bit like her and he thinks I am her.”
“My grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease. He couldn’t remember anyone after a while. It is a sad ailment for everyone involved. I’m sorry, Angelina.”
“Thanks.”
Anson poured them each a glass of wine and they sipped at it while doing the dishes together. Angelina’s stomach had butterflies each time Anson leaned in toward her and placed soft kisses on her neck or shoulders. They finished the dishes and adjourned to the sofa with the remainder of the wine.
“So, what did you do in New York, Angelina?”
“I’m an accountant.”
“And what about now that you are out here?”
“I don’t know yet. I have some savings that will hold me for a while. Maybe just get a part time job somewhere. I won’t need much.”
“Would you consider working for the club?”
“What?”
“I could use a good bookkeeper.”
“You don’t have any books!”
“I have books. Trust me.”
“I don’t know if I should.”
“You can. I promise.”
Anson pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. It wasn’t the heated kiss as earlier, but a lazy, soft kiss that spoke volumes more about what he felt toward her. It wasn’t lust, it was an affection that had developed immediately between them. Perhaps there was such a thing as love at first sight, but what was she getting herself into?
“I’ll consider it.”
“What if I give you some incentive?”
“Like what?”
His kiss intensified, as he pushed her back on the sofa, tangling his fingers in his hair. She felt a tingling sensation all over as she pulled away and looked at her.
“Like that.”
“I’m still not sure. How about we go discuss it in my bedroom?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Their second time was nothing like the first. It was soft, sweet, like two old lovers who knew each other’s bodies instinctively. Angelina found herself shattering over and over as he made love to her so slowly and beautifully that she wanted to cry, falling asleep in each other’s arms once again. She awakened in the night to find him reaching for her, taking her again just as passionately and exquisitely as before. What she felt was so much more than lust, but it was too soon and she knew so little about who he really was.
Waking in the morning, she rolled over to find him propped up on one elbow, looking at her.
“What are you doing?”
“Just watching you sleep. I love how peaceful you seem when you are asleep. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt quite as peaceful as you look.”
“Never?”
“No. Maybe the closest I’ve ever come was last night, lying beside you.”
“You’re such a charmer.”
“I’m just honest. I could fall in love with you.”
“I don’t think I would mind that at all.”
They were startled by a sound in the living room and Angelina shot up out of the bed, getting dressed. She laughed as she realized she was acting like a teenager that was about to get caught making out by her parent, as she was sure it was just her father up and about. Then, she realized it was worse than that. If he thought she was Rose, it could be worse.
Making her way out quickly to the kitchen, she began making breakfast. A few moments later, she heard Anson in the living room talking to him. It was obvious that her father still recognized him and she found that it made her sad once again to think that he didn’t know her. Putting the food on the table, she called them into breakfast.
“Her Rose, look who stopped by again this morning,” her father was saying as he walked into the room and turned to see her. His expression changed immediately, a broad smile sweeping over his face. “Angelina! You’ve come home!”
Her eyes widened and she almost ran to him, giving him a hug so tight that she thought she might break his fragile frame. She didn’t know how long it would last, but he knew her. He finally knew her! Tears filled her eyes as she pulled away and looked into his pale blue eyes.
“Dad. I’m sorry I’ve been away so long. I’ve missed you! I love you so much!”
“I know kid. I know. I have missed you too. You’re my best girl! Hey, come here, I want you to meet Anson. I think you’ll like him. He’s about your age.”
Her father nudged her in the ribs a bit like he used to when he was trying to fix her up with boys he liked and laughed. Angelina smiled at him, brushing away her tears. It was all the endorsement of Anson she would ever need.
THE END
Date with the Devil
CHAPTER 1
There was nothing pleasant and enjoyable about being on the other side of a bar serving drinks to what seemed like the worst of the pack. But it was paying the bills, and if she was lucky, the tips would add up. At the moment, Trisha’s eyes kept watching the clock, counting down the hours until her shift ended. But as with every other night, the time dragged on, and she labored over her task of satisfying ungrateful and rowdy men one drink at a time.
“What will it be?” she asked the large heavyset man as he crashed his weight onto the stool opposite her. She was often glad of the safety that was afforded her behind the mahogany partition.
“Other than you?” he asked and grinned. She would have probably taken that as a compliment and smiled, if it wasn’t for the fact that he was a member of the Devil’s Disciples Motorcycle Club. They frequented the bar she worked, and this one never failed to make his affections known.
“Does your order come in a bottle?” she asked as she sighed and reached for the gin he would eventually take.
“What is it about you girls that make you think you’re so special?” he
asked. He sounded as if he was already drunk, and about to make trouble. The worst combination she could think of at the moment; and she was not in the mood for it. She turned the bottle over and filled up the shot glass before sliding it over to him. He slapped it away, spilling some onto the counter and drawing the attention of some of the other patrons at the bar. “I asked you a question,” he told her and glared at her.
“I wasn’t aware that I needed to provide a response,” she told him. “It sounded like rhetoric to me.”
“What did you just call me?” he asked, further displaying his ignorance. “I’ve been asking you out for the longest while, and I’ve seen the way you look at the other clowns in here. You don’t look at me like that. Do you think they’re better than me?” Suddenly he leaned over and slammed his hand down on hers. She jumped, frightened about what he was thinking to do next.
“Hey, what’s going on?” some other guy further down the line leaned over and asked. “Johnny, leave the girl alone!”
“Mind your fuckin’ business,” he spat.
Trisha tried to ease her hand away while the man was distracted, but she was too slow. He folded her small hands in his and held onto her tighter. The fear she felt was now visible on her face, and she looked around wildly for someone to rescue her.
“Johnny!” A voice came over the din. The man tensed, and ever so slightly his grip on the girl loosened. He turned around to face Calvin Walker, leader of the Motorcycle Club. Trisha pulled her hand back sharply and quickly went to tend to her other customers.
She wasn’t that far off that she couldn’t overhear the conversation. “What the fuck is going on?” Calvin asked Johnny.
“Nothing,” he said and attempted to get up, but the man blocked his path. Johnny was bigger in mass than Calvin, but the power he wielded commanded greater respect, and the man shrank before him like a midget. “I was just having some fun.”
“Is that what you call it?” he asked. “Get your shit together man!” he told him.
Johnny wasn’t too pleased about being reprimanded in public and he shoved past the audience he had created and disappeared, obviously embarrassed. Calvin remained and took the seat Johnny had occupied earlier. He rapped his knuckles on the counter to grab her attention, and slowly she returned to take his order.
