“Hey Ry, take a seat.” He gestured for me to sit down.
I walked over to the sofa and sat down as Cooper jumped up to Evan and gave him some love by licking his face. I smiled as Cooper always had that effect on me. Bones came over to me, and I gave him some attention. Abby came back a few minutes later and handed me three dresses that were just perfect. I thanked her profusely and headed on my way upstairs lonely without Coop by my side. I already missed him.
** CHAPTER 14 **
Riley
The flight was long and dreadful. I knew that once I got off that plane, reality would set in. I would be burying my mother. My grandmother would be burying her daughter. Something a mother should never have to do. I packed light, as I really wasn’t excited for this trip. I packed tons of comfortable clothes and just a select few dressy items. I decided to stay for the full week as a mini vacation to spend some time with my grandmother. Plus, it would give me a break from Dustin draining my mind. I felt so drained, as it was. I was hoping grandma could distract me from the chaos in my life.
I made my way through the terminal to baggage claim where there stood all five foot one, long grey straight haired, beautifully plump Gramma Olivia. She used to take care of me over the summers, and I loved every second of it. She always made so many plans for us all summer long, always came up with new things for us to do. She was the source of some normalcy in my life. She knew I didn’t have the greatest upbringing, and she hated the fact that my mother was with my father who seemed to have “corrupted” her since they married. She thought by having Galena, life would have changed for the better, but that’s when things actually took a turn for the worse.
She stood with her arms wide open as I rushed to be engulfed by the warmest of all hugs in the world. No person could ever hug me like my grandma. As soon as I sank into her arms, she wailed a good five minutes before pulling back.
“I’m so glad you’re here, sugar.” She wiped her tears. “Let’s get some breakfast. We'll stop at the best pancake house in town.” She smiled. “How was your flight?”
“It was long, and I, of course, was stuck next to someone who reeked of body odor. It smelled as if they hadn’t taken a bath in years!” I laughed trying to ease the tension.
“It never fails.”
She patted my back and helped me with my bags to the car. We headed out of the airport and stopped at Casey’s Breakfast for some delicious omelets and pancakes. Neither of us had much of an appetite, but what we managed to eat was good food. We shared small talk, but I mostly kept the conversation on stuff here, because I didn’t want to get into me being unemployed and also having boy trouble. I hadn’t heard from Dustin since Abby and I ran into him with his daughter. What was only a few days really seemed like so long ago. I can't help but wonder if he has been thinking about me. Has Evan told him about my mom?
We headed back to her house and for me it all looked the same. It was a ranch style home very outdated, but had the most loving charm an old lady could put to a house. Pictures galore lined the walls and knick-knacks were everywhere. It felt good walking through the house recalling memories of things that had taken place here. We were both so exhausted from pulling all-nighters that we decided to take a nap. We both needed the rest in order to be able to focus on the next few days ahead of us. We had many arrangements to plan and we already started receiving flowers in memory of mom. Most were from people I had never heard of before. I guess mom made several friends after I left having been so lonely with me gone.
Shortly after I woke up, I heard a knock at the door. Grandma was still sleeping, so I made my way over to the door and looked through the curtain to see who was there. They had their back turned to the door so I opened it. I was shocked. There stood the one and only person I was not expecting to see.
“So, you just going to stand there and stare at me or are you going to let your sister in?” Galena stared.
“Galena, come in, what are you doing here?” I released the words faster than I could take them back.
“I’m doing what’s right, not what I want to do. Where’s grandma?” She stomped in with a bag hanging from her shoulder big enough to barely squeeze through the doorway.
It looked as though she were planning to stay a while. Boy had she changed since the last time I had seen her. She had this strong appeal to her now. She had fishnets on with a red and black pleated mini skirt and a black skintight tank top. The hooker heels she was wearing could cause me to trip just thinking about them. Her hair was a faded dark black with streaks of pink and a messy braid. The last time I had seen Galena, she didn’t look anything like this. She was just your average girl wearing average jeans and t-shirts with normal hair color and a much nicer attitude. Now, she looked like she was a bad ass about to kill you if you said the wrong word. The tattoos that spread across her body scared me a bit, as she appeared to be marked from head to toe.
“She’s sleeping. I’m glad you came. It’s nice to see you, Galena.”
“I go by Lena now.” She snapped.
My eyes bulged as she continued to carry her brash attitude home with her after using it with me on the phone as well. I had never done anything to Galena, I mean Lena, for her to be so cruel and harsh toward me.
“Lena, how long will you be staying?” I glanced at her bag.
“I’m staying as long as the band I’m following is staying in town. What a coincidence, right?”
“You’re following a band?” I asked her curiously, as this was news to me. Lena had never been like this before. This was so weird.
“Yeah, they’re called Guilty Tendencies. They’re going to be big someday, you know!”
My phone started vibrating in my pocket as I took it out to see who it was, and it was Dustin texting me.
Dustin: ‘I’m sorry. I really am. It’s just I need to focus on Molly right now. I hope you can understand, maybe we need just a break or something until I can figure things out. I love you, Riley, but everything is complicated.’
I rolled my eyes. The last thing I wanted to hear was he needed a break. Then again, it was music to my ears, because I knew I probably needed to end things with him. How could I be his girlfriend when his ex despises me? When I caused drama in his life just by being with him. I couldn’t keep doing that to him when he obviously wanted his daughter in his life. I guess his words were true. Maybe we were over for now, but maybe our relationship would be better in the future. Either way, I needed to get my mind off him and focus on what the next few days were going to bring
“That’s cool, what kind of music do they play?” I guess it was kind of a stupid question if I were to judge by the way that she dressed. It had to be some kind of hard rock band.
“Rock. They have a concert tonight. You should totally come and let lose. That’s what my plans are.”
“I’ll think about it. I don’t know if I want to leave Grandma.”
“Well, we should plan this stupid thing and get it over with. I wonder if mom left us any money.” She raised her eyebrows and seemed to get a little excited thinking about that. But that’s the way she always thought. I was far from thinking about what money mom left for us, if she even had any.
“We’re going to the funeral home later today. Everything will be done today and the wake should be a day from now with the funeral the same day. I doubt mom will have known that many people to need to plan the wake separate from the funeral.” I glanced at her. Then grandma came into the room.
“Well, well, well, look what the cat dug up and brought in. Glad you could make it, Galena.” Grandma walked over and extended her arms to her as she did me.
“Good to see you too, Grams.”
“I’m glad you’re here. Ladies, we should head over to the funeral home and get things rolling.”
We all nodded and followed Grandma out to the car as she took off. We managed to arrange everything from picking out the casket to flowers and then the plot at the cemetery. The family lawyer arrived to let
us know that our mom did have an insurance policy. I was shocked, and I think Lena’s eyes grew wider than appropriate. Unfortunately, news to Lena was not what she wanted to hear as Mom left me the full amount of money, which was 50,000 dollars. Mom wished the money to go towards planning the funeral arrangements and to use the balance wisely. Those were her exact words, and I would have to use it wisely until I had a job offer.
The ceremony would be beautiful. I think mom would be proud that we came together for her. It was definitely something I never imagined happening. It seemed Lena was a little hurt, but I agreed I’d split the insurance money with her and grandma after the costs of the funeral were calculated. It was only fair, and I knew they would appreciate the money to help them financially as much as it would help me. I hated saying those actual words, though. I would have given the money back in a heartbeat if it meant I weren’t burying my mom.
Once everything was official and planned out to the tee, we headed back to Grandma’s house, and she made us dinner. Homemade pineapple pork chops with mashed potatoes and squash. It was simply delicious.
“What are you girls up to tonight? You’re not going to sit in this house, and sulk all night, are ya?” She looked at both of us as she took our plates and headed to the sink to wash.
“Actually, I’m dragging Riley out for a good time tonight at a concert. You don’t mind, Grams, do ya?” Lena asked her with the slightest bit of laughter in her tone.
I hadn’t agreed to go to the concert, but I actually wanted to go. I wanted to get out and do something I normally wouldn’t do. Going to a rock concert was something I normally would not do. Time to step out of my comfort zone.
A few hours passed, and I dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a tight black t-shirt that had a V-neck shape to show off my boobs. I slapped on tons of makeup, and I did my curls so they flowed loosely down my back. I looked smoking hot, and that was just what I was going for. Lena was wearing another pair of red hooker heels and a mini jean skirt, which was ripped short. She had put on a red tank top with her black bra showing, and her boobs were barely covered. This was so out of my element, but I felt I needed it. We borrowed Grams’ car, and headed down to the local joint where Guilty Tendencies would be playing.
The bar was crowded full of rockers and groupies, just like Lena. They were all dressed very similar to Lena, and the men were covered with tattoos, and looked like a bunch of skinheads. This was going to be an interesting night. Peanuts were scattered all over the floor, and our heels dug into the mess as we waltzed through the bar making our way up to the empty stage. There was some distant music spread through the speakers leading up to the concert. As if there wasn’t enough noise with chatter, laughter, clanking glasses, your typical rowdy bar noises. Lena and I made our way up to the bar, and ordered a few beers to hold us over until the concert started. We didn’t say much to each other. We just drank our beers, quite fast. I actually thought I wouldn’t mind getting drunk. That would fit right in with easing the mood.
A flyer was tossed in my face, and Lena snatched it from me.
“Yes! There’s an after party at Central Lake. We’re going. The after parties are the best, Riley!” She smiled so wide. I rolled my eyes, but agreed to go. It was something new, and I was already out in a new atmosphere, so I thought I might as well make the best of it.
The band finally came out on stage. My eyes were glued to one band member in particular. He was drop dead gorgeous, and so not the type I usually gravitated toward, so it rather shocked me. There he stood, bald with a shaved head, built as if he must have worked out every damn day of his life. His muscles were almost ripping through this tight, green t-shirt. He had the most beautiful blue eyes that sparkled in the light and drew my attention. I just couldn’t stop staring. His tattoos were painted along his arms, and one on the back of his neck. It was sexy as hell, and it made a tingling feeling fall deep between my legs as this man turned me on at just the sight of him. He had the best smile to match his handsome blue eyes. He was the most beautiful rock star I’d ever seen. I was pretty sure this was my rock star fan moment. I didn’t even know the band, or what songs they played. For all I know, their music may suck, but I wanted this man more than ever.
They all stood up and introduced themselves as Guilty Tendencies, and then went around to each member as they said their names. Austin, the bass guitarist, was the only word that I remembered out of all of them. He was the one that I wanted to make damn sure I found a way to be his girl for the night. I don’t care what I had to do. This after party was going to be my chance.
The concert started and the music was actually amazing. I found myself dancing with Lena, and ordering more and more beers. We bounced, swayed, and head banged with the crowd, but I mostly remained mesmerized by Austin. The way he moved his body on stage, and the way he played his instrument, and his goofy grin that kept creeping across his face made me want to jump on stage and claim his lips as mine. Dustin came to mind for a second. Nah, we were just not right for each other. I brushed it off.
They finished the night, and dedicated their last song to their most favored fan that followed them everywhere, Lena Miller. She jumped up and down, raised her glass of beer to them, and the song began.
I yelled over to her, “They know you personally?”
“I’ve met them all, but I just hang out with them. They’re awesome guys!” She screamed back over the blaring music.
I glued my eyes back on Austin. It ultimately sent me into a daze, and the next thing I know Lena’s poking my shoulder catching my attention.
“Hello, earth to Riley!”
Apparently, the concert was over, and we were headed to the after party. I followed Lena and arrived shortly later at Central Lake. I looked around as I tried to spot Austin. That’s all I focused on was finding Austin.
I looked around, and came up short on my luck. I knew my chances were slim on trying to find him because there were a gazillion people here, but I was going to try. I grabbed a few beers on my search. Then I just followed Lena as she wandered around the lake talking and mingling with people. She introduced to me a few people but I was probably looking like a zombie to them. I was so focused on finding him you’d think I’d go cross-eyed. After having several beers in me, my bladder was calling my name.
“Lena, I’m going to find the restroom. I’ll find you!”
“Call me if you get lost!” She giggled and continued talking with her friend.
I wandered toward the brick building and found a completely new different crowd lingering inside. The place was pretty big, almost like an empty abandoned warehouse. I spotted the bathroom and practically ran toward it. Thankfully, there wasn’t a line of girls and I made it right in. Once I locked the stall, I could tell you I was not happy to be in this disgusting, run down, filthy bathroom. No wonder there were no girls lined up for this dump. Once I did my duty, I felt my phone going off. I got out of the stall, and washed my hands vigorously about ten times before I actually felt clean from the filth that was around me. I looked at my phone, and noticed a text message. Nope, ignoring it, not going to ruin my night.
I had enough for one day. I was so pissed by what I heard from Dustin earlier I kicked the door on my way out of the bathroom. I’ll deal with that asshole later. It’s always I’ll find a way. Screw Sabrina. He didn’t seem to be able to make up his mind—but neither could I. Why is our life so complicated together? I busted out of the bathroom, and knocked right into a guy, causing him to drop his beer. It wasn’t until I looked up I noticed who I was looking at—Austin looked even more beautiful standing right next to me, close up.
“Watch out! You spilled my drink, now you owe me another beer.” He glared at me with an intense overbearing look.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I smiled.
“You better not have meant to, or we’d have a problem. So, are you going to get that beer or what?”
A grin snuck across his face, and that made me happy. He was
putting out this rough demeanor, but that smile gave away his tenderness. “I’ll get right on that beer. Where can I find you once I retrieve it?” I grinned, giving him my goofy smile.
“I’m actually heading outside by the lake. I’ll follow you to get a drink. There are some nuts that run around here.” He winked at me. Was he flirting with me? Hell, I’d take the flirting. Needed to get Dustin off my mind.
“Are you saying you don’t think I can handle walking by myself to get a beer?” I laughed at his remark. I didn’t really think I came off as that fragile.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying, and you’ll just to have to deal with it.” His lips caved to one side letting out a sneaky grin. “So, what’s your name, beer spiller?” He chuckled cracking a horrible joke.
I pursed my lips to the side of my mouth and rolled my eyes. He couldn’t come up with anything better than that? “The name is Riley, Riley Miller, actually.”
He laughed to himself and shook his head. “Miller spiller, huh?”
“So, what would you like me to call you, Impressive Asshole?” I shot back sarcasm since he decided he wanted to play that game.
He started walking toward the door, and I followed him outside toward the lake. “Actually, I think Austin the asshole suits me better.” He held out his hand with a grin running across his face. “Nice to meet you, Mills.”
“What is it with you and nicknames?”
“I like nicknames.”
“Well, hate to break it to you, but if you’re going to call me by a nickname, I’d at least want it to be something I liked, and not so ordinary.”
He laughed, “Ha! Ordinary? What, you’ve spilled other guy’s drinks before so they’ve called you Miller spiller?”
I rolled my eyes, “You’re something else.”
“I can be your something else.” He made a witty remark back to me and a seductive grin sketched across his face.
I put my arm in his as he led us toward the lake. It was quite a walk from the building, and you could hear the party still thriving up ahead of us. His last remark sent me silent. I didn’t have a comeback for that. The only thing I did have was a solution. I wanted him so bad and by him saying that made me have hope where this might be heading.
A Tattered Love Page 15
