“Yes, he is a good guy.” She gave Nicole a smile and focused her attention out of the window as the trees flew by. Finally, she made her way into her house, waving at Nicole as she headed back to the party, and to Braden.
There is nothing to feel, doing her best to ignore the fact that she felt something awful about Nicole’s revelation. It made perfect sense to her now. Nicole and Braden were together, and Braden was playing this game with her to keep her away from Eric. He really was a good friend that was for sure. She had kissed her friend’s boyfriend, although she didn’t even know their status at the time. It still left her unsettled.
It would be a lie if she didn’t face the truth of how she felt. Some part of her felt Nicole’s words like a gut punch. She had the perfect guy in her life, yet here she was upset over some playboy who had simply added her to his game play. She felt her resolve to stay away from Braden even stronger now than ever before. She refused to be a fool in his game, at least tomorrow she would be able to go home to her mother’s for a while, a welcome break from here.
Eric
It wasn’t her fault. He would tell himself that over and over until it didn’t hurt anymore. Lila was a good, sweet girl. No her infatuation with Braden wasn’t her fault at all. He felt the sting of the situation wash over him as he waited. Soon everyone would be gone and he would sort it out once and for all.
As people drifted out he managed to stop Braden at the door. “Hey man, can you stay around for a bit? I need to talk to you.”
“Sure thing man.” Braden gave him a knowing look and set out to helping people get into cars to head home.
Finally, everyone had gone and Braden poured himself a drink, tossing it back quickly. He looked tense as Eric watched him, waiting. He walked over to the bar and set out a glass for Braden to pour him one. He did, and the two turned around to face the empty room.
“How long.” Eric said it quietly.
“I don’t know.” Braden voice was calm, and quiet.
“Give me something here Braden, I mean I get it, I know how you are.” Eric gave him a hard look.
“The first day of school.”
“You didn’t even know about her then Braden.” Eric gave him an inquisitive look.
“I know. We ran into each other, literally. There was something but I didn’t explore it.” He sipped his drink.
“How far has it gone?” Eric tipped back the glass drinking the rest in one gulp.
“Eric... I.” He looked up at him.
“Answer the question Braden, it’s the least you can do.” Eric said it sarcastically.
“I’ve kissed her… twice. That’s all.”
“Thanks all.” Eric sniffed loudly. “Why Braden, we have been friends, best friends since first grade? You can have, in fact, have had any girl you want. Why mine?” He felt the pain deep down, just like before.
“I’m sorry Eric, I never meant for it to happen. I don’t even know why it happened. I’ll stay away from her, promise.”
He waited, wanting to feel better, wanting to believe him but he didn’t. He sat the glass back down on the bar. His heart was heavy as he looked out the massive windows into the lawn below. He believed that Braden was sorry, they had been friends so long he could tell he was being sincere.
“I guess me being gone for two months certainly won’t hurt you will it?” He couldn’t stop the words from flowing, didn’t want to.
“I’ll stay away Eric. Don’t worry about it.” Braden filled the glass once more.
“Seems like there is a pattern here, doesn’t it?”
“I am not sure I know what you mean.” Braden barely got the words out.
“Of course you do, Nicole.” Eric turned to give Braden a hard glare. “Seems like we had a similar situation when I fell for her, and yet somehow, before it was all over she ended up in your bed.” Eric pointed at him, angrily.
Braden leaned on the counter, the silence filling the room around them both. “It wasn’t like that Eric, not even close.”
“Ok, so then tell me, are you still fucking Nicole? It’s a simple question Braden, see because seems to me we were overlapping there at the end.” He threw the glass into the wall, watching it shatter.
“That’s not fair Eric, Nicole and I started and I had no idea you two were even dating. As soon as I found out I stopped, ending it.” Braden had a panicked look on his face.
“Ah, you mean as soon as it suited your needs you ended it, and she, all caught up in the wonderful Braden Montgomery, ended it with me.”
“I didn’t know Eric, honest.” Braden almost pleaded with him.
“Fine, but this time you did know. You knew and yet you couldn’t let me have anything. Not you, because Braden has to win all the time.” He turned to face him.
“It’s not Lila’s fault Eric, just don’t be mad at her. She has enough on her plate. Hate me if you want to. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, about all of it. You're my brother, in every way that matters. That means more to me than a woman, no matter who she is.”
Eric watched him go, slamming the door behind him. He felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Had it been nothing he would have relaxed, moved past it and did his best to be the man that Lila could love and be happy with. No this was different, Braden was worried about her feelings and not his own. The simple truth was Braden was in love with his girlfriend.
Chapter 12
Lila
She knew something was wrong, but as usual Eric kept it all to himself. She helped him to pack, and load everything up for the movers taking everything ahead. She did her best to lighten his spirit, but despite his efforts, she knew something was wrong.
“I guess that’s everything.” He gave her a smile. My flight leaves in an hour; I guess we should get going then. Do you mind taking me down, Braden had something come up?”
“Of course.” She grabbed her things and slid into his car. They talked about her weekend plans and she told him she was going home for a while, she needed a break.
“Everything ok Lila, you know you can talk to me about anything don’t you?” He gave her a sweet look and squeezed her hand as he drove.
She felt the guilt again, over Braden, it stuck with her and she could find no way to let it go. She older him about her concerns over her mother.
“I know some great doctors, I’ll see if I can’t get someone to come by and see her why you are in town with her.”
Once again she was struck at how living Eric really was. He was quiet, but he always did his best to keep her smiling. She watched him as he drove carefully into the city and the airport. His blond hair a stark contrast to his tanned skin. He was adorable.
She walked him in and they stood waiting at the terminal.
She felt his hand slip down and carefully put her hand in his. She smiled to herself and gave him a squeeze. He turned to face her, a serious look on his face.
“I hope you know how much I will miss you, and your company Lila. I hope you will take time to think… about us I mean.” He looked at her intently.
“I will Eric, I definitely will.” She gave him a smile. She could tell he wanted to say more, but just as she thought he would he shut down again.
They called his flight number over the speaker.
“That’s me, I guess.” He gently rubbed her hand between his fingers.
She felt his shift, but was still unprepared for the kiss he gave her. It was sweet and loving, he touched the sides of her face lovingly, cupping her chin and letting the kiss deepen. She felt the butterflies stirring in her chest as he pulled away from her, leaving her breathless.
“No matter what Lila, I’ll always be there for you.” He let her hand go and waved as the tram carried him out to his waiting plane. She waved back enthusiastically.
She made her way outside to his car, which he had left in her care for the duration of his trip. She wanted to move, wanted to go. Instead, she let the tears fall down her face unchecked. He was gone, and she w
as happy for him. She only wished her tears were for that reason, and not because when he had kissed her she hadn’t felt any spark. There was a sweetness there, butterflies, even, but it wasn’t like it was… with Braden.
She should have told him, told him everything. Instead, she had been a coward, not wanting to ruin his trip. It was clear that he was a better person than either she or Braden, and he deserved to be loved, he definitely deserved better than this. She made her way home, stuffing her things in the car before heading to her mother’s a couple of hours away.
By the time she arrived, she was empty of tears. She had cried for most of the trip, ultimately stopping when she had exhausted herself. She stopped at a rest area before getting there to clean up her face and put it all away for a while. Her mother would only worry about her if she showed up with red eyes from crying. She hadn’t been here in over two months, and she knew she would have to do better.
The nursing home was nice, at least in her opinion. It was cost effective, even her half of the cost was outrageous. She smiled, thinking about Lehana, her sister. Adopted at the age of two she was three years older than Lila, and traveling the world. Despite that she always made sure to help cover the cost of moms living arrangements. She would have to call her again soon, and see what new and exciting mess she had gotten herself into. They had spoken right after the dinner party, and then she had been in Ireland, helping with some educational awareness. She was always doing something, always making her mark on the world.
The place was sunny, and bright and Lila hoped she was having a good day. She signed in and said hello to Miss Mary, the woman in the front office. As she went down the hall, she made sure to greet everyone she knew as she went. She’d gone out of her way to befriend most of the nurses, if for any other reason than to make herself feel better. When she came to her mother’s room, she frowned, finding it empty. She knew something was wrong, and she felt panic set in. She ran back down the hall to the nurse’s station.
“Miss McCann, it’s so good to see you.” She was greeted by one of the nurses whose name escaped her at the moment.
“Where is my mother? I went to her room...” She took deep breaths of air, feeling dizzy.
“Oh honey, she was just moved that’s all. I am so sorry now.” The older nurse came around the corner and hugged her. “Come on baby, let me take you.
She felt her body relax as she was led down the long hall in the east wing. She was concerned, knowing this area of the building was very new, very different, and much more expensive. She finally found herself in a massive one-bedroom suite, where she saw her mother sitting out in the sunroom.
She thanked the nurse and made her way into the room. It was beautifully decorated, tasteful and yet simple at the same time. There was a room to one side where she found a small young lady doing some paperwork at a desk. As soon as the woman saw her, she jumped up smiling.
“You must be Lila, Hi, I am Simone, your moms nurse.” She held out her hand and then wrapped Lila in a half hug.
“Her nurse? I’m confused, how did she move over to this side, and how can we afford a personal nurse?”
“I see; I guess there is a lot of changes going on. Let me get you some tea to bring out to you and your mother, she will likely be getting tired soon, and then you and I can chat about all the changes. How does that sound?”
Lila nodded, eager to spend some time with her mother. She stepped out onto the sunroom.
“Lila, oh sweetie, come sit with me.” She held her hands up for Lila to step into, hugging her tightly.
“Hey mom, nice place you got here.” She looked around the sunroom, once more struck by how beautiful it was.
“Oh yes dear. It is quite lovely isn’t it. I even picked out the plants out back.” She giggled like a happy school girl.
“Well, I am certainly glad; how have you been feeling mom?” She noticed the peaceful look on her face and she knew it was the sunlight. She had always loved being outside with the birds, and her plants.
“I am doing well, sweetheart, sometimes I forget things, but that happens I guess.”
“Yes, I suppose it does mom.” She held her hand, noticing other things about her. “Are those new clothes mom?”
“Oh yes, aren’t they lovely, I have to say your nice young man is very sweet to me.” She gave her a wink. “He is a handsome one too, why, if I were a younger woman.” She whistled loudly, making Lila laugh.
“My young man, huh, I hear that.” It was obvious her mother was confused. She simply enjoyed her time, both laughing about old times. As the sun began to set she noticed her mother’s head was getting heavier.
“I need to go rest for a while Lila, will you be able to come back tomorrow for a while?” Her mother looked up at her eagerly.
“Yes mama, I’ll be back tomorrow, maybe we can have lunch?”
“Oh yes Lila, the catering company brings me such nice meals, I’ll have Someone call them and tell them you will be here for lunch.”
“Oh… Ok then.” She was still confused. She settled into a seat waiting for Simone to get her mother into bed. She had tried to do it, but her mother refused to seem weak.
“Miss Lila, ok then. I understand you have some questions about your mother’s cost of care?”
“Yes, how it is her insurance would cover a nurse once a week and her cost of living was one rate, now she if over here? I am just confused.”
“Well, based on all the information I was given she was enrolled in a new program, she was eligible for s sponsorship program, giving her a new set of rooms, direct care 24/7 and an allowance for expenses.”
“I see, and who enrolled her in this program? As the executor of her estate, I would think I would be notified.” She felt her concerns deepen.
“Well, when the sponsorship director came through to give her the good news, he said he would get all the paperwork in the mail and be sure you had access to everything. I can reprint you a copy if you’d like Miss McCann.”
“Yes, please, I’d like to know as much about this as possible.” Surely Eric wouldn’t have done anything like this. He was a stickler for the rules, he would have never done anything without asking her.
She took the paperwork from Simone and shoved them in the bag, a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach as she said her goodbyes and made her way out to the car. She took a deep breath and read through the papers quickly looking for the name of the sponsorship program, finally she found it…. Montgomery Enterprises.
She checked into her room, quickly dialing his number before hanging it up. No, she would stay away from him at all costs. She felt the pent up energy in her, needing a way to vent. She smiled, dialing her best friend Angel from college. What she needed was a night out.
Looking at her reflection, she could barely recognize herself. Everything was tight, Angel laughed as she tried to sit down. She shrugged, it would have to do. The two of them made their way out to the local bar, sliding into the tall bar stools. She was three drinks in before she felt the tension subside. Angel was going on about her boyfriend being a total jerk.
“Oh, I know all about jerks, let me tell you.” Lila felt the room spinning slightly.
“Yeah, they are everywhere honey, look there is Paulina Woods.” She spun around to look, almost falling off the chair. Ok, enough alcohol for one night that much was certain. She watched Angel chatting happily with Paulina, and she gave them a wave, too afraid to walk over there.
She pulled out her phone, seeing a message from Eric. She frowned, maybe she should wait and respond tomorrow when she could make sense of it. Instead, she tossed her phone down, not realizing she was dialing the last number she had called.
Soon she asked the bartender to call her a cab, she knew better than to drive. She grabbed her phone and headed back to the hotel. Saying her goodbyes to Angel as she went. She fell into the bed half dressed, only needing to sleep, and a lot of it.
Drums, that’s all she could hear. Who plays drums in
the middle of the night anyway? She moaned loudly, rolling over, noticing the sun peaking in the windows of her room. Maybe it wasn’t the middle of the night after all. With stiff movements she pulled herself up, moaning as she went. She should never have gone out last night, it was too much. She hadn’t done that in years, and now she remembered why. Someone was still banging on that damn drum and she was ready to punch whoever it was in the face. She blinked her eyes rapidly for a few minutes until she could see clearly.
Rubbing her temples, she realized that it wasn’t a drum at all, someone was banging on the door.
“Ok ok I am coming shut up.” She drugs herself to the door, flinging it open.
“Wow, you certainly know how to party.” Braden stared down at her, frowning.
“What the hell are you doing here Montgomery?” She tried to shut the door on him, but he simply moved out of the way.
“Looking for you, Lila, although you didn’t make it easy on me.” He was scowling and she didn’t care.
“Why are you of all people looking for me?”
“Because at 1 am you called me and all I could hear was some man yelling. I was concerned about you. Eric would kill me if anything happened to you while he was gone.”
She instantly sobered. Wrapping herself in the blanket to cover up her disheveled state. She ran her hand through her hair, yelping as she hit a snag.
“Ok, you're alive, that’s a start. Go take a shower and by the time you get out I’ll have coffee. Don’t argue with me Lila.”
She watched him slam the door as he left, and she felt bad for worrying him. She stepped into the heat of the shower, washing off the night before. When she emerged she was in a towel, and feeling ten times better than before. She brushed her hair back off her forehead and turned to find some clothes. The door opened and he came back in dropping food and coffee on the table. He failed to notice her for a moment, slowly, his eyes traveled up her body until his eyes rested on her face.
Romance: Zach (A College Bad Boy Romance) Page 39
