Like Ashes We Scatter
Page 10
Biting her bottom lip, she inhaled deeply. “Yes…I’m cool with that.”
Chapter Nineteen
Nearly seven in the morning, and Bishop had prepared freshly squeezed orange juice, cut an entire watermelon and cooked a plate of bacon prior to his mother’s return from yoga. When she entered, he greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Oh. Sweet boy. I thought you’d still be sleeping. It’s raining out.”
“Nope. I made us breakfast. Healthy stuff.”
Whisking her into the kitchen, twirling her in the doorway to nineties music, Bishop pulled out a barstool and seated his mother at the granite bar. “Coffee…black, watermelon, turkey bacon and O.J.”
Seemingly surprised, his mother smiled curiously while she unfolded her napkin. “Bish…I’m thankful for your generosity this morning. Have you been meddling in your father’s marijuana reserves?”
“No, Mom. I haven’t touched Dad’s stash. I’m just in a good mood.”
“Oh. How did your run go last night?”
“Gorgeously. Stepped on a massive-ass thorn, ate some of the hottest shit I’ve ever tasted in my life, and then ate half a cake in the park with Alex.”
“Oh? I didn’t hear much about running in that statement.”
“Nah. The thorn ended our cardio early.”
“You’re limping. Let me look at your—”
“Relax, Mom. Eat. Alex got me taken care of last night and I bandaged it up this morning. Let’s eat and go shopping or just, I dunno, hang out.”
“Really? We’re hanging out today? Well okay. I’m liking this Alex girl more by the minute.”
“Me too.”
Breakfast out of the way, Bishop and his mother cleaned the kitchen and then made their way to the outlet mall. A few hours of shopping had them conversing and laughing. Minus a few details, Bishop gave his mom an overview of his unofficial date with Alex over frozen yogurt. She seemed pleased with this new ‘friendship’…until the topic of relocation was revisited.
“Bishop, are you excited to be going back home? I know your father seems more excited each time I speak with him.”
Sitting outside in metal chairs in the comfortably warm sun, Bishop paused with a mouth full of frozen yogurt. “Um, I was actually thinking about applying here.”
“Applying where?”
“Med school. Right here. It’s a good program and I think with your and Dad’s history I’d have an advantage—”
“What? Because of this girl? Bishop, that’s irrational—”
“Huh? Nah, Mom. I’m just applying to medical school.”
“We had a plan.”
“I know, Mom. If and when I go back I need to make sure it’s for the right reasons. I want to make sure I’m not running.”
“And I want to make sure you’re staying for the right reasons too. If you stay.”
As if his mother had reached across the small table and open-hand slapped him, Bishop felt squashed and defeated by his mother’s comments. His throat tightened as his vision began to blur.
“Bish…sweet boy, are you okay? Are you upset, Son?”
His nerves felt raw and exposed—emotionally taxed and worn. “I want something to look forward to, Mom. My application looks really strong—”
“You’ve been working on it?”
“Yeah.” A single tear escaped his eye.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I’m here to help you, Bish.”
“I didn’t want to upset you.”
“Bishop…beautiful boy. If you’re set on going to medical school here, then I’m going to support that choice. I need you to be open with me and trust that I’m going to support you.”
“So you’ll stay here too?”
The question silenced the conversion for an entire five seconds.
“We’ll need to speak with your father, Bishop, but if you get in to medical school here I’m sure he’ll be set on keeping the house here. We’ll talk about it, okay?” Her hand rested atop of his. “Please, no tears, baby boy. It destroys me to see you upset.”
“’K. Love you.”
“I love you too. And I am so proud of you. I know you’ll make a fine physician, no matter where you study.”
“Thanks.”
“Let’s finish up and go swim, what do you say?”
“Sounds great, Mom.”
Chapter Twenty
“Wow. You look different in jeans.” His face studied her figure as she approached shyly.
“Different in a good way, or…”
“Definitely.”
“So, this steakhouse is a little, um.” The outside of the building boasted sun-bleached bricks and haggard benches.
“It’s rough on the eyes but great on the palate.”
“And on the digestive tract?” Alex continued to scan the brick building as concern mounted. Evening settling, she understood she’d dine practically anywhere as long as she was in his company.
“I haven’t had any complications to date. It’s just really good food.”
“Okay. Let’s eat steak.”
“Let’s.”
The orange shag carpet appeared to be original and in poor condition. The booths were older and worn and the staff were comfortably aged as well. As soon as the elderly waitress saw Bishop she smiled and rushed to him, hobbling as if her hip were bothering her. She embraced him briefly, touching his face as they pulled apart.
“You okay, young man?”
“Never better, Harriot.”
“And who is this beauty you’ve got with you?”
Stepping closer, Alex presented her hand to shake. “I’m Alex.”
“What a looker, Bishop. I’m gonna set you two in the back corner.”
Shuffled to a shabby corner booth, semi-secluded with soft lighting, Alex sat across from Bishop. She couldn’t pry her eyes off of his face, yet it seemed he was suffering the same inconvenience.
“So, Alex, I’m honestly surprised you’re single. There has to be a catch. I’m missing something here.”
“Oh definitely. I’m clearly disturbed.”
“Clearly.”
“I…swerve to hit puppies, and push bikers down…and…”
“I knew it. But seriously.”
“Nah. I told you. I’ve been so wrapped up with family stuff and school. I just haven’t had time.”
“So, would you have time now?” The question was coupled with a curious smile as Bishop flagged Harriot to the table.
“It depends. It’d have to be the right guy.”
“Oh.”
“What about you, Bishop? You’re ridiculously good-looking, charming, where’s your trophy girl?”
“Ha! I’m actually a crazy magnet. Hey, Harriot, how long have you known me?”
The woman scanned the both Alex and Bishop before touching her chin and looking toward the dingy ceiling tiles. “Well, you all started coming in here when you was just, damn boy. You was just a little shit.”
“You think I’m a good guy?” Bishop sat back in the booth, looking up to Harriot with a wide grin.
“Honey child, I’d be doing this girl a disservice if I let her leave here thinking you was just a good guy. One of the sweetest boys I know and smart as hell too. You’re one of the good ones, Bishop.”
“Why thank you, Harriot.”
“You kids eatin’ steak tonight? I know you are, Bishop.”
“Yeah. We’ll order in a second.” As Harriot walked away, Bishop smiled once more at Alex.
“She’s sweet, Bishop.”
“And honest.”
“I’m sure she is. I like you. We’ll just have to see where it goes, Bishop.”
“To the park?”
“Huh?” She didn’t have to pretend, she had no clue what he was talking about.
“Can we go to the park after this? Just walk around.”
“Um…sure.”
Meals consumed and small talk had, Alex and Bishop left the steakhouse for the park. Walking
casually toward a bench, Alex took note of how quiet and desolate the area appeared. There were no joggers or dog-walkers.
“Truth or dare?” Bishop took her hand as he asked.
The word, truth, had her scrambling to say dare faster than she could analyze the potential consequences of her actions. “D…dare.”
“Really? I don’t see you as entirely reserved, but definitely one to self-preserve.”
“Huh? What the hell are you going to dare me to do?” She squeezed his hand as they continued walking.
“I dare you to promise me something.”
The odd request had Alex writhing inside, unsure as to what this sacred promise might be. “Okay. What?”
“Give me a legitimate chance.”
“Huh?” She pulled back on his hand as she stopped.
“I’ve got a lot going on right now. But I think you’d like me if you gave me a chance.”
His genuine tone and concerning glance couldn’t quell the confusion coursing in Alex. “I’m…I don’t understand. I am giving you a chance. That’s what this is, isn’t it?”
The air was thick and heavy with random scents—roses, cedar, grass and the approaching rains all hung in the atmosphere.
“I just…I like you, Alex. I like being around you. I’m just working through some shit right now.”
Almost instantly Alex found herself moving to him. “We all are, Bishop. We’re all part of this crazy thing called life. And that shit’s only perfect on Instagram and Facebook. We’ve all got shit we’re working through.”
He said nothing, only looked to her.
“I promise, Bishop.”
His hands rested on either side of her waist as he pulled her into him, trying to kiss her.
“Hold up, sir. Truth or dare?” Her soft words graced the side of his cheek as her lips inched their way to his.
“Truth.”
Truth…trust…nothing can be accomplished without it. “Nope, dare. Is your mom home?” Her breath became his as their mouths met.
The air around them ignited each nerve traveling down her spine, erecting each hair on either arm as they kissed slowly. There was no rigidity to their embrace. It was a comfortable collision of euphoria.
“Nah…she’s…she’s out with a friend.” His words escaped between their lips as she finally pulled away slightly.
“I need a swimming lesson.”
“Really?” His face displayed an obvious look of bewilderment. “I thought you’d be opposed to—”
“So you’re backing out of a dare? Okay, Mr. Holloway. I see how it is—”
“No ma’am. Bishop Holloway never backs down. Let’s go. You’ll be Chad le Clos in no time under my tutelage.”
“Who?”
“Chad…South African swimmer…Olympic Gold Medalist.”
“Oh. Well you’ve got your work cut out for you. Let’s go.”
Chapter
Twenty-One
His room was nothing extravagant, yet Alex gazed upon his walls and shelves as though she were in the home of some celebrity. Wide-eyed and smiling, she asked curiously about his knick-knacks and pictures of his family. Thankfully, she seemed to overlook the pictures of him and Nathan.
Other than their intrusion, the house was silent, occasional clocks ticking from different areas of the home. The tour of the house left Alex silent until they reached Bishop’s room.
“This is amazing. So many memories all neatly displayed.”
“It’s okay. Just a place to sleep.”
She turned to him from his wall of awards and high school honors. “You grew up in here. There’s so much history of you all right here…and you’ve let me in.”
Taking in her comment, Bishop couldn’t help but imagine her waking up with him in his room. “I’m ready for new history, Alex.”
“New…new history?”
“Yeah. I’m ready to start something new. Something happy.” He watched her walk cautiously to him, sporting a half-cocked smile.
“Okay.” She leaned closer, her breath on the side of his face had his blood coursing. “Race you to the pool.” And with that she darted from the room and out the door.
“Alex, the pool is this way.” Bishop remained in his doorway as she ran by again down the hall and to the stairs. Slowly he followed her in the dark house through the kitchen and to the patio.
At the poolside, they stood motionless momentarily, just staring at the still water and all the lights reflecting on it.
“Look at that. No bathing suit.” Alex shrugged as she turned to him.
Instantly he removed his t-shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Kicking his loafers off, he inhaled and took his jeans off too. His gaze was heavy on hers as he watched her examining his trunk and the rest of his body as he stood in nothing but boxer-shorts.
“Nice.” She smiled as her gaze finally met his.
“Could be better. My six-pack is now a four-pack.”
“I prefer four…you’re perfect.” She stepped closer, her warm hands on either side of his waist had his heartrate accelerating as she kissed him.
“Your turn, Milady.” And then he was falling sideways into the water.
Completely submerged, he smiled knowing he should have anticipated the action—Alex shoved him in prior to her disrobing.
As he surfaced and wiped his eyes, he was pleased to find her removing her jeans. He remained silent as she removed her top as well. She was perfect. Her olive skin in the moonlight contrasted against her long brown hair. Her eyes were the bluest he’d seen in the ambiance of the pool’s water and the natural light outdoors. Her tone physique and beautifully-crafted face left Bishop at a loss for words as she cautiously made her way to the water, touching it shyly with her toe.
“What dude? You’re staring.” She smiled as she pushed her hair behind her left ear.
“Um…your underwear don’t match. Blue panties and white bra.”
“And your underwear have SpongeBob on them so…”
“Because it’s the best day ever!”
“Oh my god. You and Tyson should have been brothers.”
Instantly she was looking at him, something serious rather than playful, as if she regretted saying what she’d said. Bishop thought more of her own reaction to the comment than the comment itself.
“Maybe I’ll get to meet him sometime. He sounds like a solid guy.”
Alex’s expression changed as her gaze bounced about the water. Rather than diving in, she sat poolside, a look similar to despair on her face as her feet went into the water.
“Alex, what’s the matter? Too soon? Not like I was saying I wanted to meet him tomorrow or anything—”
“I think I should go, Bishop.”
Her statement had him moving toward her. “What? No. Why would you leave? We can put our clothes on. What’s wrong?”
“I just…It’s all fucked. I’ve fucked everything up and I don’t know how to fix it. So I think I should just walk away before I get too deep.”
“Too deep? You haven’t even gotten in yet. You’re still chillin’ on the side. How could you have messed it up?” Looking to her, he looked up to her as she continued to sit near the water. He smiled as he kissed her knee. “If you wanna go you can. But I really want you to stay.”
“Truth or dare, Bishop?”
The fierce look of intensity had Bishop wondering what the hell was going on in her pretty head.
“Truth, Alex.”
“Could you…could you forgive someone for a mistake. Could…could you forgive somebody for making a huge mistake if they never meant to hurt you?”
With this, Bishop was at a loss for words. There’s nothing. She’s done nothing. Seeing her so distraught had Bishop wanting to change the scene all together. “You. You stole my Snickers off of my dresser, didn’t you? I forgive you but you’re getting dunked.” He grabbed her arm, pulling him into the water with him.
“Bishop!” She emerged. He was glad to see her smiling.
“I need to tell you something, Bishop.”
“Then tell me.” Wrapping his arms around her, holding her close, he pressed his lips to hers prior to any chance at a proclamation. The tension in her body eased as she worked her way into his kiss. He felt her hands exploring his back and shoulders. The heated moment continued as the two embraced in the cool water.
“I need….I need to text Tyson.” Gently, she pushed away and hoisted herself from the pool. “Come sit over here with me.” She motioned to the patio furniture as she fished for her phone in her jeans.
“Yeah. I think it’d be good if I stay in here just for a bit.” Bishop smiled sarcastically, his gaze pointing southward to his waistline.
“Oh. Gotcha.”
He watched her text something on her phone and was disheartened by her sudden mood change. “Alex. I could…I would.”
“Would what?” She didn’t look to him as she continued texting.
“I would forgive someone for whatever mistake. Especially if she was hilarious, intelligent, beautiful and soaking wet in my backyard.”
He watched her place her phone down as she turned to him, smiling.
“What the heck is going on here?” Constance and Monica appeared through the backdoor. “Who are you, young lady?”
“Mom!” Bishop emerged from the pool, covering his crotch and looking for a towel.
“Bishop, I didn’t see you there, Son.”
“I’m so sorry. I’m Alex.” As Alex presented her hand, Bishop was relieved to find his mother smiling and accepting the handshake, regardless the awkward circumstances.
“I’m assuming Bishop talked you into a late night swim despite your lack of swimwear?”
“Yes ma’am.” Alex appeared nervous as she stood in front of the two older women.
“Bishop, what is your excuse? You have at least four pairs of high quality trunks, yet you’re out here in your underwear like a hoodlum?”