by Mindy Carter
“I’ll be right back.” Kaleb shuts the door behind him.
I sit down in a nearby chair. Closing my eyes, I rub my fingertips in a circular motion on my temples. This day went from zero to crap in sixty seconds. I just want to take some aspirin and get out of this hell.
I hear the door open, and my eyes flutter open to spot Reese, the one person I need right now. She looks surprisingly chipper.
“Hi, hon’. Here you go.” Reese hands me a glass of water and an aspirin from my purse. I take it and throw the pill in my mouth, gulping a long swig of water and swallowing the pill.
“How did you know I needed the aspirin?”
“Best friend telepathy.” She smiles.
“Are you all right? I’m so sorry about earlier,” I apologize.
She looks at me with sympathy. “Ugh, just stop. It wasn’t your fault, okay?”
“I know, but I ruined a special moment for you.”
“Aimee, nothing could ever ruin this for me, not even my stupid, jealous brother.”
As we grow silent, I tilt my head back and close my eyes.
“He’s still in love with you. That’s why Liam is so upset. He didn’t mean what he said.”
I leave my eyes closed, and the tears I thought were gone start again.
“Aimee, I know there is no one else for you but Keegan. I see it. Everyone sees it. Liam see’s it. I think he knows you never gave your heart to him fully, but he’ll get over it. You two will go back to being friends again.”
She’s so optimistic when I know now, without a doubt, that will never happen. Liam will never be my friend again. Regardless, I open my eyes and look at her, nodding in agreement.
“Kaleb was supposed to grab my purse. It’s in Keegan’s room, next to his bed.”
“I’ll get it. Do you want me to find Keegan?”
I shake my head. She doesn’t question me, only turns around and walks out of the room.
My headache suddenly has gotten worse in the last few minutes. I feel like my head is in a vice grip. I close my eyes, praying for the aspirin to kick in.
I hear someone walk in, and my body stiffens at the strong perfume that assaults my nose. I leave my eyes closed, hoping she will notice me and walk right out the door.
“Poor, poor Aimee,” says her shrill voice.
Fuck, she’s not leaving.
I open my eyes, and the smile on her face tells me she’s definitely here for a while.
“Out with it, Gretchen. We both know you aren’t concerned about me.”
She laughs at me like I amuse her, the laugh reminding me of the wicked witch of the west from The Wizard of Oz. I hate that damn witch.
“Did you think I was going to let you take him away from me?”
This woman is mental.
“I assume you’re talking about Keegan, and let’s get something straight: you work for him; that’s all. I’m his girlfriend. He’s not yours.” I realize I’m yelling at her, but I have finally hit my limit for the evening.
“Stupid, stupid, clueless girl. You have no idea, do you?”
I stare at her blankly. “Well, please tell me what I have no idea about.”
“I had him; he was mine, and we were perfect together.” She says this in such a seductive way that all I can picture is them in bed together. “I see you still don’t quite understand.”
What is there to understand? She slept with him. She’s drawing this out to hurt me. She gets off on it.
“I understand perfectly. You had sex. You don’t have to spell it out.” I’m too sick for this right now.
She walks over to me now, and I don’t like being beneath this woman. I need to stand tall. I’m not going to let her tear me down.
“Yes, we had sex, a lot actually, in all kinds of places. But we were together for a very long time, all through college, actually, and for some time afterward. You see, when I met Keegan, I knew he was going places. With his talent and my brains, we were the perfect couple. The only thing was that he was so hung up on you.
“He got drunk one night and told me all about you, how he was in love with you, but he didn’t think he was good enough. He wanted to be worthy of you.
“When I met you, I thought, ‘This is the girl who had him tied up in knots?’ You are pathetic. You couldn’t even hold on to him. It was so easy for me; you made it so easy. I should be thanking you right now for being so stupid.”
I guess I didn’t get it.
I have no words right now. I feel like I’m having an out of body experience. There is no way this could be true. Keegan wouldn’t keep a relationship like this from me, especially working so closely with her.
“Shut the fuck up. You're lying.”
She smiles and moves in closer. “You wish, but no, he was all ready to run back to you and take you to your precious prom. How ridiculous that he would want to leave college just to take you to a stupid dance. So the night before he was going to go back to you, I made sure to get us nice and drunk, and you know what happened? We fucked all night long. He didn’t think of you once.”
She kept him from the promise he had made me when we were teenagers—that even though he was going to be away at college, he would come home to take me to my prom. I thought he wanted nothing to do with me, and that was why I never heard from him.
Now I’m going to be sick, but I should have seen this coming. She’s right about one thing, though—I am stupid for trusting him, for loving him.
“You must be proud of yourself for taking advantage of him when he was weak. You are the worst kind of woman, Gretchen. You think your shit doesn’t stink, but look at you. I feel sorry for you. Keegan will never love you. His heart is too pure.”
“Love? I don’t give a fuck about love, Aimee. This isn’t about love. I built this all with him.” She waves her hands around like she has some claim on everything that surrounds us. “He would be nothing without me.”
“Gretchen? What are you doing?”
I turn my head toward Keegan’s voice, seeing Reese right behind him.
“She’s telling me all about how you two fucked.”
Keegan rushes to me, looking me in the eyes. He tries to pull me to him, but I push him away. I don’t want him touching me, especially now. A look of panic spreads across his face.
“Keegan, you were going to make a huge mistake by having her move in with you. She’s a distraction, and I needed to put a stop to it. You are going to risk everything for her.”
“I don’t care, Gretchen. I told you Aimee isn’t negotiable.”
“Sweetheart, have I taught you nothing? Everything is negotiable for the right price. This girl thinks you’re that weak and sympathetic boy she fell in love with, but you’re not him, and I made sure of that, didn’t I?”
Keegan stands in front of me, blocking my view of Gretchen. “Aimee, look at me. I love you. I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you, but there is no one more important to me than you. It’s always been you. It will always be you.”
I almost cave because I love him so much.
“You didn’t come back to me because you were fucking her. You broke my heart, Keegan, and you’re doing it all over again, but this time, I know better. I know what you are capable of.” I walk away from him and this shit storm of a night, grabbing my purse from Reese who is standing as still as a statue.
“I’ll be all right. I just need to leave.” I give her a kiss on the cheek and walk out the door.
Once in the hallway, I back into the wall, starting to have trouble breathing, so I try calming myself down by taking a deep breath. I can hear Keegan yelling in the other room as my phone rings, and although I don’t want to answer, my gut tells me that I need to.
“Hello,” I answer, not recognizing the number.
“I’m looking for Aimee Brennan…”
“I’m her.”
“I’m a nurse at the Indiana Regional Medical Center. Your father was just brought in. He appears to have suffered a heart attack.”
No, this can’t be happening.
“Is he going to be okay?” I ask.
“The doctors are working on him now.”
I interrupt her. “I’m in New York City, but I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I disconnect the call.
“Aimee? What’s wrong? You’re as white as a ghost,” Kate asks as she walks out of the bathroom.
I’m trembling. I need to get ahold of myself so I can get to my dad.
“I just got a call. My dad had a heart attack, and he’s in the hospital.”
“Your dad is in the hospital?” Keegan picks that moment to appear.
I ignore him. He’s doesn’t get to save me this time.
“I’ve got to get to the airport,” I say to Kate.
She looks between Keegan and me.
When no one says anything, she speaks up, “I can take you. I have a car.”
“Thank you.” I try walking away, but Keegan grabs me.
“I’ll take you, Aimee.”
“No, Keegan, I don’t want you to,” I tell him, looking him in the eye.
“What’s going on?” Reese is now standing in the doorway.
“Kate is taking me to the airport. I need to get back home. My dad had a heart attack tonight.”
Reese comes in between Keegan and me. “Oh, my God, is he okay?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I have to get out of here.”
She nods. “Just be careful and call me when you get there.”
I start to leave.
“I’m coming with you.” Keegan follows.
I turn on my heels. “No, you’re not. I don’t want you to.” I’m not backing down. The only thing I care about right now is getting to my dad as soon as possible.
“Aimee, you’re upset,” he states.
“I’m not upset. I’m numb,” I tell him then sigh. “Keegan, what I don’t get is, after all this time, why is she working so close to you? You must have realized this would end badly.”
He lets out a long breath. “Aimee, it’s complicated.”
I’m so angry right now.
“I’m not his assistant; I’m his partner. I own half the firm,” Gretchen interrupts.
I look at Keegan to get my confirmation, and he drops his head. Now it all makes sense. Why am I so blind? Aimee is always the last to know. What am I doing standing here?
Kate grabs my arm, and we both rush down the hall. I wait at the elevator while she tells Henry she’s taking me to the airport.
My heart is beating out of my chest. All I care about is getting to my dad.
Please God, let him be all right. He’s all I have, the only man who hasn’t let me down.
“Aimee, are you leaving?” Liz approaches me.
“I’m sorry. I just got a call that my dad is in the hospital. I need to get back to Indiana.”
“Oh, no, where’s Keegan?” she asks, concerned.
“Kate is taking me to the airport,” I answer.
She doesn’t pry, only pulls me into a hug. “No matter what, I’m here. Call me when you get there.”
Kate chooses the perfect time to interrupt. “Let’s go,” she says, holding up her keys.
I push the button for the elevator, and thankfully, it opens right away. We both get on, yet right before the doors start to close, Keegan stops them with his foot.
“Aimee, I love you to the stars.”
I turn my head without looking at him, because if he sees my eyes, he will know there’s still a chance. However, I’m not sure we will get a third one.
The doors finally close, and the tears start to fall. As the elevator descends, I ask myself, How did everything fall apart so fast?
Epilogue
I told her I loved her to the stars, and she couldn’t even look at me. Why couldn’t she just look at me? Then she would see I wasn’t going to let her go. I promised her that I wouldn’t hurt her, and I did. I knew Gretchen was upset; I just didn’t think she would go as far as she did.
Our relationship has always been complicated. When she wanted to talk alone, I had no idea she would be so upset; therefore, I tried comforting her. I should have been honest with Aimee about my past with Gretchen, but getting her back was my main focus for so long I didn’t want to jeopardize it.
I know I’m an idiot, asshole, jerk. I can’t argue that.
Gretchen didn’t lie; she’s part owner of the firm. Kaleb and I didn’t have enough start up, so we needed an investor, and well, Gretchen’s family invested, but only if she was a silent partner. So we all agreed, but there was one stipulation: since she is majority owner with both Kaleb and I owning the other half, she can’t be bought out. We can only sell our majority to her. It wasn’t the best business decision, but at the time, we needed the capital, so here I am, standing in front of a closed elevator after my heart just left me.
I feel a hand on my shoulder.
“Keegan, you have to let her get to her dad. That’s what’s important right now.” I don’t turn around, but I can still feel my mom behind me.
“She loves you. Whatever happened, I’m sure it can be fixed.”
I’m not too sure she will ever forgive me, but I will die trying. I would give everything up for her. I have done all of this for her, and it doesn’t mean anything without her.
Can someone find their soul mate when they are seven years old? Aimee and I are legitimate proof that you can. Letting her go was the worst mistake I ever made, and I’m not giving up on her, not now, not tomorrow, not ten years from now. Not ever.
***
I don’t know what the big deal is. All I wanted to do is watch some wrestling on TV, but no, Kaleb wanted to watch some stupid game show. Now we are both grounded from the TV for fighting and destroying the remote. All I have to say is it wasn’t me.
Why can’t there be any cool kids on this street? I’m seriously going to die from boredom.
I move to the front window, looking across the street, and my heart suddenly stops. A girl my age with long, dark hair is stopped at the edge of a driveway. She looks lost and a little sad, wearing a pair of jean shorts and a purple T-shirt paired with black chucks, the same shoes I’m wearing. This has to be fate.
I can’t look away. She’s the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.
I sneak out the back of the house and peek around the corner, spying on her. Is she talking to herself? This girl definitely needs me. Whatever it is, I’m going to help her.
I make my way to the edge of our driveway and try to get her attention, but she doesn’t hear me. When I say hi a little louder, our eyes lock, and I can truly see her. I swear her eyes are sparkling.
Why is my heart beating fast? And why am I sweating? I’m going to be this girl’s best friend, you just wait and see.
I ask her what her name is, and when she speaks, the sweetest voice escapes her lips.
“Aimee,” she tells me.
I decide then and there that it is the most awesome name I have ever heard.
Aimee and Keegan’s story continues in book two of the Renovate Series
Coming early 2016
Acknowledgements
Writing this book has always been a dream of mine. I couldn’t have done it without the encouragement from my family and friends. Thank you to those who have offered me their kind words and support.
I would like to also thank some special people.
To my parents, who have supported me all of my life, especially my father who purchased my first library and who has been there for me in the good times and the bad.
To my best friend, Olivia, who has helped me every step of the way and allowed me to use her to bounce off ideas and keep me grounded through this whole process.
About Mindy A. Carter
Mindy has been in love with love for as long as she can remember. As a child, you could find Mindy engrossed in fairytale books and dreaming of her happily-ever-after. She was lucky enough to find her Prince Charming, and lives in Ohio with him and her
four precocious children.
Social Links:
Website: http://authormindycarter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMindyCarter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMindy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8389954.Mindy_A_Carter
Continue to read excerpt from Lucky: A Love Lane Short, #1 by: Olivia L. Thomas
Lucky: A Love Lane Short, #1
“Mmmmmm,” purrs deep from Henry’s throat as he takes a huge bite of his pizza and chews. “This is so good. I was starving.”
Taking a much smaller bite of my own slice as we sit on a carpet made of blankets in the living room, I just stare at Henry. I never thought watching a man eat could be so incredibly sexy, and such a huge turn on, but with Henry, it is. His eyes close with each bite as he revels in the taste, his lips pink and moist, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down with each swallow. The soft murmurs of pleasure coming from his throat cause an erratic beating in my chest. I want him to taste and savor me exactly as he is doing with that pizza.
“You certainly look like you’re enjoying that,” I say nervously, my cheeks flushed red with want. My body heating up with each passing minute as my iPhone shuffles to the next song. The raspy vocals and sensual lyrics of Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon begins to play, adding fuel to the already burning ache simmering low in my body.
Henry rests the pizza on his plate and looks pointedly at me with a wicked, knowing smile. In response, I timidly bring the bottle of beer to my lips and take a deep pull as Henry begins to chuckle. Like a contagion, I follow suit and begin to laugh, as well, not knowing what else to do in my nervous state.
A tiny trickle of cold beer spills from my mouth and drifts in a slow glide down my chin, cooling my heated skin. I bring my hand up to wipe away the amber liquid, which is quickly followed by peeking my tongue out of my mouth to capture the last of the malty flavor on my lips. It is then I notice Henry’s gaze has changed from jovial to something more serious. He assesses me with hungry eyes that I never would have known possible if I hadn’t seen it for myself.
