Top Dog_A Mafia Romance

by Rye Hart

  Ike was staying with me while his apartment complex fumigated for bugs. I had finally broken down and given him a chance during our senior year of high school. For most of the time we were together, I enjoyed his company though I was never content. It drove me crazy because I had a persistent desire for more. I sure as hell tried to carry on like everything was fine, but I knew, in the end, I was settling.

  Lately, he’d started to become a little more possessive than I liked.

  I usually bucked his ridiculous behavior, but tonight I was tired and didn’t want to deal with it. I put the yellow dress back and plucked a navy blue on from the back of the closet. It was sleeveless but had a high neckline and fell just below my knees. Besides, I rationalized, I was going out to a stuffy event with my father. Why did I need to look sexy? I grabbed my lacy white shawl off the hanger and threw it around my shoulders.

  Satisfied, I stepped into the living room.

  “How do I look?” I asked.

  Ike looked up from his book on the couch, and I watched his eyes dance over me. I was waiting for that smile that had drawn me in, especially once he’d ditched the braces and gotten rid of his glasses.

  But instead of smiling, he wrinkled his nose in disgust.

  “You chose that dress?”

  “Don’t you like it?” I asked.

  “Isn’t that a strapless dress?”

  “That’s why I’ve got the shawl on. See?”

  “Yeah, that looks nice. But won’t you get hot and take the shawl off?”

  “Oh for the love, Ike. I’m going to a dental banquet with my father. It’s hardly a meat market.”

  Ike nodded as he took in my words before his eyes grazed back to his book.

  “Have fun,” he said. “But not too much.”

  I rolled my eyes and grabbed my purse before heading out the door. Climbing into my car, I wondered what kind of trouble Ike thought I could get into at a dentistry banquet. I shook my head and started the car. I was determined to be pleasant for my father’s sake, and so I pushed Ike’s irritating behavior to the back of my mind.

  I drove to my father’s house and pulled into the driveway. I saw him standing on the porch waiting for me with his hands in his pockets. He stood with his shoulders hunched over a bit now. As a teenager, I’d thought the world of him. I thought he was the best and strongest man alive. But some things happened that made me view him differently, and when Mom died , it rocked his world.

  He never stood quite as tall after that night.

  I stepped out of the car and smiled at him, but his eyes were across the road. I turned around and looked at my brother’s house and saw a strange car parked in the driveway. It was black and polished, with tinted windows and chrome accents. It was a very expensive car; one I knew didn’t belong to Hollis.

  I always thought it was weird that my brother had bought the house across the street. But after Mom died, I was glad he had. He was there to check in on Dad a few times a week, and it gave Dad some family nearby if he ever decided to reach out to one of us. He never did, but the option was there.

  “Nice car,” my father said.

  “Do you know whose it is?” I asked.

  “Grant’s back,” he said plainly.

  I felt my world tilt as his words permeated my mind. He said it so calmly, like that horrible day all those years ago had never happened. Like he hadn’t thrown Grant out of our home to fend for himself after treating him like total garbage.

  I took a deep breath and tried to act like my father’s words had not affected me.

  I tried to look like I hadn’t thought about Grant nearly every damn day since he’d walked out of our lives. I tried to look like I hadn’t wondered endlessly where he’d gone, what he’d been doing, and if he’d ever thought about me. I tried, and I failed miserably.

  My father narrowed his eyes at me slightly, and I shrugged my shoulders.

  “Well, are you ready to go?” I asked, wanting to get as far away from my brother’s house as possible.

  The entire evening was an exercise in restraint. My father insisted that he drive, and I resisted the urge to ask the questions swirling around on the tip of my tongue. But the biggest question of all was one I knew would strike up an argument between us.

  I still harbored some resentment toward my father for kicking Grant out all those years ago after falsely accusing him of being involved with me. Tonight was not the night to bring it all up.

  It didn’t stop me from thinking about it though. “You look great tonight,” my father said, breaking my reverie.

  “Thanks, Daddy.”

  “You and Ike getting along okay?”

  “We are. He’s at my apartment while his gets fumigated.”

  “He’s staying in the guest bedroom, right?” he asked.

  “Daddy.”

  “Sweetheart, you’re my little girl.”

  “No, I’m not. I’m twenty-six years old, and I live my own life.”

  I avoided my father’s gaze as we continued to dance to the music.

  “I know you don’t get along with Ike.”

  “No, I don’t,” my father said.

  “But he is a nice guy.”

  “Nice, but not good.”

  “Is there a difference?” I asked.

  “There is, sweetheart. A nice guy puts on a front. A good guy doesn’t have to,” he said.

  “And what would Ike be putting on a front about?”

  “He’s too controlling. The way he talks to you, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

  “It’s not unlike how you used to talk to people when you got angry,” I said.

  “And I try to watch my tone and not allow it to get out of control anymore.”

  “All I’m saying is everyone has their faults. Ike has good qualities too.”

  “Hmm. How come I’ve never seen them?” he asked. “You have to stop fighting me on this. Ike’s a good man. We’ve been together a long time.”

  “Doesn’t mean he’s right for you.”

  I wanted to throw Grant in his face, but I bit down on my tongue. He had a lot of nerve disparaging Ike like that. I’d had a ‘good’ man in my life. I’d had what I wanted right there underneath the roof of our home, and he tossed him out like he meant nothing. And for what? He thought Grant and I were somehow fooling around behind his back. So to try and control me, he threw Grant out. If he wanted to talk about someone trying to control me, he should look in a goddamn mirror.

  I wouldn’t let myself go off at him. His actions left much to be desired, but he was still my father. That and the fact that he was now living alone since my mother’s passing made me feel for him more than ever.

  “I think I need to use the restroom,” I said.

  I pushed my way into the bathroom and took out my phone. I went and sat down in a stall and furiously typed a text to Jane.

  Grant’s back. He’s at my brother’s. I just found out.

  I sent the text off and waited for her response.

  Perfect timing. Dump Ike, jump Grant.

  I sighed as I shook my head at the text.

  I’m not dumping my boyfriend of eight years for a guy who’s forgotten about me.

  I jammed my finger into the “send” button as I stood. Then, my phone vibrated in my hand.

  This is your chance. Don’t waste it.

  I rolled my eyes as I shoved out of the stall. I should’ve known what Jane would say. Despite being the one to push me toward Ike in the first damn place, she’d come to dislike him quite a bit over the past couple years. At first, she’d made jokes about his possessive behavior, then she started telling me to leave him.

  It wasn’t that I didn’t see what she, or my father for that matter, saw. I just knew Ike better than they did. I knew how he could be when we were alone together. And I was supposed to throw what we had away for a chance at a guy I had no shot with?

  She was a terrible influence. But I loved her all the same.

  I placed my ph
one back into my pocket and felt my body relax. I splashed some water on my face before reapplying the little bit of makeup I’d managed to put on, then I rolled my shoulders back.

  I still had two hours of this banquet I needed to stick out.

  And I needed to do it with poise.

  CHAPTER 4

  GRANT

  “What the fuck?”

  “Surprise,” I said.

  “What the fuck!”

  “Is that all you can say?” I asked.

  “Get the hell in here,” Hollis said.

  He pulled me into his house, his eyes bugging and filled with shock. He threw his arms around me and clapped my back, and I did the same. I’d missed my best friend. I’d missed talking with him over the years. The last time I’d been by was for Laura’s funeral. I’d stayed long enough to say goodbye to Laura, hugged Hollis while he broke down, then left.

  Without even saying hello to anyone else.

  It hurt to be back in this place. Glen had done way more damage than even I was willing to admit. My father kicked me out because he didn’t have a spine, but Glen kicked me out because he didn’t trust me. After everything I did to try and prove myself, he still thought I’d take advantage of his daughter.

  It had pissed me off, and I harbored that anger for a very long time.

  “I haven’t seen your ass since the funeral,” Hollis said.

  “This isn’t an area I choose to frequent,” I said.

  “And for good fucking reason. Get in here and get a damn beer.”

  “Sounds like a good thing to me,” I said.

  “It’s fucking good to see you. Emails don’t cut it nowadays.”

  “It’s what I got with a company to run,” I said.

  “How’s that shit going anyway?”

  “Construction is what it is. It’s been good to me, but the company’s in a bit of a shakeup.”

  “How so?”

  “Wish I could talk about it. But I’m really in town to try and forget about it.”

  “You got somewhere to stay?” he asked.

  “Not yet. The trip was impromptu.”

  “Then crash here. I mean, I know my dad’s across the road and shit, but he hasn’t been the same since Mom died.”

  “Why the hell are you living across from your dad anyway?” I asked.

  “Glutton for punishment I guess,” he said.

  I knew that Hollis and his dad had had a huge blowout after Glen had kicked me out. Their relationship had never been the same because of it, but Glen was still his father. I had always admired Hollis’ commitment to family.

  “So you gonna crash or what?” he asked.

  “Depends. How much beer you got on hand?” I asked.

  “As much as you need,” he said, popping the top off of a bottle and handing it to me. I chuckled as I took a sip of my beer. If Hollis found out the truth about why I was here, it was going to be a problem. I was glad Hollis had offered for me to crash at his place because I figured my visit wasn’t going to end well. And I would need to mitigate the anger and hostility as much as possible, which I couldn't do from a damn hotel room. I tipped the beer up to my lips and focused on Hollis as I ran the plan through my mind.

  Fuck. I really hoped he wouldn't be pissed at me after all was said and done.

  “So, living across from your dad. Did you buy this place right after Laura died?” I asked.

  “Nope. Couple years after. I bought the place because of a string of emails.”

  “Emails.”

  “Yep. From people in the community. They were worried about Dad. Said he was being a recluse and slacking in his business. Sitting in restaurants and staring off. I moved back to keep an eye on him. Which is good, because I’m keeping an eye on Ike, too.”

  “And Ike is?”

  “Oh, shit. Yeah. Ike’s Theresa’s bullshit boyfriend. He’s an asshole, that one.”

  There we go. That was what I needed to focus on. I remembered him from Laura’s funeral, but I couldn’t let Hollis know I already knew who this Ike guy was.

  “You don’t like the guy or something?” I asked.

  “I don’t. He’s nice enough when he’s around other people, but I know it’s all an act. He was a nerdy little shit in high school, but the past couple of years, he really thinks he’s hot stuff. I see the way he treats my sister when he thinks no one is looking, and it’s all I can do not to beat the shit out of him on the front lawn.”

  “Does he put his hands on her?” I asked. I felt my blood boiling at the mere idea of someone putting their hands on Theresa .

  “You think he’d still be breathing if he did?” Hollis asked.

  I nodded in understanding. “Have you told her how you feel about this guy?” I tried.

  “I did, and she didn’t take it well. She—”

  My brow ticked with confusion as Hollis gathered his words.

  “She went through a real rebellious phase. Her senior year was rough, and then it ran smack dab into Mom dying. I brought it up to her, and it made her even angrier, and we didn’t talk for a while. That’s why I took a job on the other end of the state. Until I started getting those damn emails.”

  “So you came back to look out for your father and started looking out for Theresa.”

  “Yep. She’d be pissed if she found out, though. So I told her I moved back to look out for Dad and seek out better opportunities at the department.”

  I shook my head and chuckled. “I still can’t believe you’re a cop, dude. After all the shit you and I did growing up?”

  Hollis laughed too. “I know, right? After Mom died, I figured I should get my shit together. I actually love being a cop.”

  “Glad to hear it, man. I sure wouldn’t want to be on the other end of your baton though,” I laughed. “So, what do you suppose to do about this douchebag Ike?”

  “That fucker makes one wrong move again, and I’ll slap him in some damn cuffs so fast he won’t know what’s happening.”

  I nodded and took another swig of my beer. “Well, speaking of Theresa, what is she doing these days?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

  “Ah, she’s Dad’s receptionist.”

  “She’s what?” I asked.

  “I know, right? I keep telling her to branch out and get another damn job. The girl went to school and got a fucking business degree, and she’s hunched over a computer scheduling people’s teeth cleanings for the old man.”

  “I always wondered what she was going to be when she grew up. You said a business degree?” I asked.

  “Oh yeah. Was hell-bent on starting her own online thing or whatever. But Mom died, and she studied hard to graduate early. Dad offered her the job, so she took it. She said it was to pay off her student loans, but I think that was just an excuse because she was afraid she’d fail at what she really wanted to do. I don’t think it’s healthy for either of them.”

  I thought back to the anonymous email I’d gotten that had brought me back. If Hollis knew someone had sent me that email, he’d be livid that I was in town to watch his sister, too. He had always been protective of her, but it seemed like he had only gotten more so over the years.

  I could still see those words in the email.

  Theresa needs you. She’s in trouble. Please come home and help her.

  “Why isn’t it healthy for them?” I asked.

  “He’s clung to her a lot ever since Mom died. Like tonight. She’s Dad’s ‘plus one’ for some banquet. They’ll dance and eat and drink, and he’ll say it’s a father-daughter night, but I think it’s because he doesn’t want to go by himself and he’s trying to ward off any interest from other available women.”

  “That’s fucked up.”

  “It is, and I know Theresa knows it, but I can’t get her to draw that boundary. I think she feels guilty because she and my parents were barely talking when Mom died. It’s like she thinks this is her penance. But she’s got nothing to feel guilty about,” Hollis said.

  I
thought again to the email. Maybe it wasn’t all about Ike. Maybe this person knew that Theresa needed saving from herself too.

  “Why do you think she stays with this Ike guy?” I asked.

  Hollis shrugged his broad shoulders. “Beats the shit out of me man. Maybe because it’s just easier because they’ve been together so long. I can’t think of any other reason she’d put up with that asshole.”

  “And to think Glen thought I was the bad seed,” I muttered.

  “You know he eventually told me he threw you out because he thought you were fucking Theresa?”

  “Are you fucking serious?” I asked, incredulous. “There’s no way in hell I would have ever done that!”

  “That’s what I fucking said!” Hollis agreed.

  “What the fuck made him think that?” I asked.

  “According to Mom, he heard Jane and Theresa giggling over you one night or some shit. Said my sister was talking about kissing you. She had a teenage fucking crush, and my dad lost his shit over it.”

  For some reason, the thought of Theresa fantasizing about kissing me even all those years ago, made goosebumps prickle my skin. She’d been an awkward kid, but there had still been something about her; something that told me she’d been a knockout when she grew up.

  I shook my head and let out a sigh. “Well, I did fine for myself. No reason to worry about me now,” I said.

  “Yeah, that car out there tells me you’re doing just fine.”

  “Don’t like it parked next to your Ford Focus?” I asked with a grin.

  “It makes my dick look very small, yes. Want another beer?”

  “Gladly. And I’ll buy the next case.”

  “And you’ll get the fancy shit, too, you rich bitch!”

  I chuckled and tossed my empty bottle to Hollis. I turned my head and looked across the road just in time to see a car pull up. I cocked my body and slung my arm over the couch, watching as a curvy leg stepped out of the car, followed by a beautiful head of curly brown hair, thick thighs, and a chest that made me salivate.