“Thank you for that,” I say. “I’m so relieved they didn’t have to find a replacement for me over the summer.”
“I’ll be happy to do it anytime. In fact, Piper and I liked it so much, we’re going to keep volunteering. And she’s been in contact with Mason’s people over at the Giants organization to see if they’ll sponsor a fundraiser.”
“Why would she do that for me? We don’t even know each other all that well.”
“She’s not doing it for you, Mallory.”
The way Charlie looks at me makes me understand that maybe Piper has some deep dark secrets in her past, too. I’m beginning to think one way or another, we all do.
Charlie spends the next three hours going through all the rooms with me. I end up keeping most of the furniture with the exception of the master bedroom. I want our bed to be ours and only ours. The people who lived here have good taste. Modern-contemporary. I think it suits us.
“I can’t believe we’ll be neighbors,” I tell Charlie. “You know, I’ll babysit whenever you and Ethan need a break. I love kids. And Eli is adorable.”
“Thanks,” she says. “I might just take you up on that. Have you and Chad talked about kids yet?”
I shake my head, not wanting to reveal we’d talked about my teen pregnancy. “Not really. But I know he loves kids. He’s always holding babies of people he works with, and he can’t say enough about his nephew.”
“What about you?” Charlie asks. “Do you want them?”
I think about her question. “Oh, yes,” I say. “But until earlier this year, I never thought I’d have to even consider that possibility. I’d sworn off men.” I look down at my ring and twist it around on my finger. “And now here I am, engaged and moving in with Chad. I’m twenty-four years old, so I have plenty of time. But I guess when I really think about it, I would like to be a young mom like you. Maybe it’s because I lost my mother when I was seventeen and I would just want as much time with my kids as possible. So the earlier I have them . . . But I think Chad will probably want to wait because of his hectic schedule.”
“I think you will make a great mom, Mallory. No matter when you decide to have kids.”
“Thank you. I certainly have you as a role model.”
Charlie hugs me before we part ways. Then she goes back up to the penthouse, and I go down to return the key before going home to Kyle’s.
The walk back is about four blocks. Along the way, I realize that despite my earlier concerns, living in the city may just be the best place for us. New York is crowded and busy. People are always in a hurry and they rarely look at you much less make eye contact. It really is the best place to be anonymous, and that’s exactly what Chad needs.
As I wait for the elevator in Kyle’s building, a lady from the front desk walks over to me with a package. “You’re Kyle Stone’s houseguest, yes?”
“That’s right,” I tell her.
“Would you be so kind as to take this up? It’s marked perishable and I’d hate for it to go bad.”
“Of course.” I take the package from her noticing it’s been addressed to: The Stone Residence.
I text Kyle along the way.
Me: You got a package marked perishable. Do I need to just put it in the refrigerator, or is there anything else you need me to do?
He texts me back a few minutes later.
Kyle: I didn’t order anything, but my mom is always sending me stuff. Go ahead and open it and do what you need to with it.
I get a knife and work my way through the heavy packing tape that surrounds all the edges of the package. Geesh, she must have used a whole roll of tape. As I slice through one side, a sickening smell escapes the box and I frown thinking whatever’s inside has long since spoiled. But when I open the top, I cringe at what I see.
There’s dried blood everywhere, and I’m not sure what kind of rodent is inside, but it might be a rat. Sadly, though, that’s not the most disturbing part. It’s the torn-up pictures of me scattered around the deceased creature that makes me gasp.
I check the label of the box and see it was mailed locally. Then I close it up tightly and try to decide what to do.
A half hour later, Ethan is examining the contents. After all, he’s a private investigator, so who better to call? “Jesus, there are some sickos in this world,” he says, using a pen to rifle through the package. “What did Chad say about this? Does he have any known stalkers?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t told him yet,” I admit.
He raises his eyebrows, giving me a stern look.
“I will,” I say. “But he has a lot going on this week. They have several days of re-shoots at the L.A. set. He needs his focus to be on that, not this. If he knew about this, I don’t know what he’d do.”
“He’d lose his shit, Mallory. That’s what.”
“Can I count on you to keep this quiet until he gets here on Friday?” I ask.
He looks down at the box and runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t like it. But I get why you don’t want to tell him.” He uses latex gloves to close the box and put it in a large plastic bag. “We’ll still have to get the police involved. Chad told me you had a similar delivery at the house last week. They could be related. And he’d have my head on a fucking stick if I didn’t make sure you were safe this week, so I won’t tell him—on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You don’t leave this apartment without someone with you. Me, Kyle, Julian, your dad. And if we’re not available, I’ll get someone from my agency to escort you.”
I shake my head. “I start work tomorrow, Ethan. I can’t miss the first week.”
“What time do you need to leave in the mornings?” he asks.
“Seven.”
“I’ll be here at six forty-five,” he says. “I like my coffee black. And if one of us can’t be there to get you home safely after, I’ll send someone from the office. You’ve met Levi, right?”
I nod. “Thank you, Ethan.”
I’m relieved he’s willing to keep a lid on this even though it means lying to his brother. I hate lying to Chad. It will mean no video chats with him this week. He’d be able to tell just by looking at me that I’m not telling him something.
Instead of dwelling on negative things for the rest of the day, I decide to use my pent-up energy for a better purpose. I start planning a party. A welcome home party, so to speak. I call Kendra to ask her if she can get me some phone numbers. Then I get started on the guest list. I’m amazed at how many people are willing to fly across the country just for a party.
Against my better judgment, I even invite his manager. I think it would be good for Paul to see that Chad and I are moving forward with our relationship. He’s an integral part of Chad’s career which means he’ll be in his life for a long time. I’m determined to win the guy over come hell or high water.
I send an email to Skylar to see if Mitchell’s can cater on short notice. I call the manager of our new building to see if he’ll allow me to have new bedroom furniture delivered on Thursday, the day before we move in. Then I text Mel and ask if she’s up for a shopping trip to West End this week. Fully chaperoned by Julian, of course. I laugh to myself thinking of how he’ll love that—furniture shopping with the girls.
By the time I go to bed, I’ve put the wheels in motion for the surprise party, excited to be doing something nice for him for a change. And I fall asleep wondering—desecrated rodents notwithstanding—how my life could possibly get any better.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chad
It’s been two weeks since I’ve held her. One since I’ve seen her gorgeous face. She didn’t want to video chat this week. She said it would make it all that much better when we saw each other today. And damn, my proverbial balls are bluer than a whale in the pacific. I can’t wait to get her alone.
She’s spent a better part of this week making all the arrangements at our new place. I was happy to have her make the choices as far
as decorating. It’s the least I could do after not consulting with her about the quick purchase. But I couldn’t care less how it looks; the only room I want to see is the bedroom.
I look at my watch. Four o’clock. I stare through the tinted windows of the back seat, eagerly waiting for her to emerge from the school. Every time the front door opens and someone walks out who isn’t her, I pout.
Cole laughs quietly in the front seat, amused by my childlike impatience. I’m glad he decided to come to New York with me. I know it’s not permanent; he’s a certified west-coaster. But he said he’d stay on until I could find a replacement. I’m hoping I won’t necessarily need one. Mallory got me thinking on our talks this week. She said it’s refreshing being somewhere she doesn’t get recognized. When she was in L.A. with me, she couldn’t even go into a grocery store without someone taking her picture. It’s different here, she said; everyone is anonymous. I intend to test that theory before I go hiring anyone new.
Five minutes go by and then I see her. She exits the school with Melissa and another teacher, and then I notice a familiar guy walking up to the three of them. I could swear he works for Ethan.
More teachers are spilling out of the building behind them, so to prevent causing a scene I ask Cole to fetch Mallory for me. I watch her eyes when she sees him. Her face lights up with excitement and her eyes scan the cars lining the curb in front of the school. I crack the window so she can see me. She squeals and runs to the car. I open the door for her and she pile-drives me into the back seat, planting a long-awaited kiss on me.
I laugh. “Are you going to greet me like this every time I pick you up?”
She pushes up on her elbows. “Will that be a problem, Mr. Stone?”
“I’m gonna go with no.” I bring her lips down on mine and kiss her once more.
She giggles. “I thought we were meeting at Kyle’s.”
“Couldn’t wait,” I mumble between kisses. When I come up for air, I ask, “Was that one of Ethan’s employees out there? Is he dating one of your co-workers or something?”
She shrugs, pulling me back to her. “Less talking. More kissing.”
She doesn’t have to ask me twice. Cole gives us another minute before getting back in the car. When he opens the door, Mallory quickly extricates herself from on top of me and sits over on her side of the back seat. I ask Cole to take us to our new place.
“Actually, Cole,” Mal says, “can you swing by Kyle’s first? I’d like to pick up my things.”
“Sure thing,” he says.
Damn. I’m going to have to wait that much longer to get her alone. On the way to Kyle’s place, Mallory sends a few quick texts and then relaxes back into her seat. Except she’s not exactly relaxed. I study her for a minute. Her body language is all wrong.
“What?” she asks, turning to look at me.
I look into her eyes. “Something’s not right.”
She shifts uncomfortably. “What do you mean?”
“You.” I motion my hand up and down her body. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing,” she says, trying to make her face look all innocent.
I give her my best you’re-full-of-shit stare.
“What? Nothing,” she insists.
“Mallory, how long have I known you?”
She shrugs. “Eighteen years, on and off.”
“I’ve been able to read you since we were kids. Now spill.”
She rolls her eyes, looking guilty. I can tell she’s battling with herself over what to say to me, and quite frankly it’s starting to make me a little scared. “Fine,” she says, blowing out a deep sigh. “But don’t tell me I’m the one who ruined the surprise, Nosey Nellie.”
“Surprise?” My eyebrows shoot up. “What surprise?”
“I may have invited a few friends over to welcome you to your new home.”
My face cracks open with a smile. “You planned a surprise party?” I ask.
She nods. “Well, not so much surprise anymore.”
“Shit, Mal.” I take her hand. “Sorry I ruined it. I promise to act surprised. Is that why you wanted to go by Kyle’s first, to stall?”
“We’re not supposed to show up at our new place until after six,” she says. “I was going to take you back to Kyle’s and, um . . . distract you.”
I laugh. “Distract me, huh?”
“Yeah. But now that you know about the party, I really need to take a shower and get ready. I didn’t think this through very well. I’ve got kid germs galore on me and I’d like to straighten my hair and—”
I bury my face in her neck, licking her throat and stopping her train of thought. “I vote for distraction,” I whisper in her ear.
She moans silently. “I promise you all the distraction you can handle later. Maybe we can even sneak in a quickie at the party. But I really need a shower. One of my students was pretty sick today.”
“Okay, fine,” I pout. I realize she’s probably put a lot of effort into this party and the least I can do is let her look her best for it. “But I’m going to hold you to both. All the distraction I can handle and a quickie.”
~ ~ ~
I’m not sure how one woman could have pulled it all off, but she did. Mallory somehow managed to make this place ours in a matter of a week. She told me she sweet-talked the manager into letting her have the keys so she could get started putting her touch on it. She even outfitted our master bedroom with brand new furniture. She gave everyone a quick tour when we got here. When we got to the bedroom, I was sure to hold her back and tell her exactly how I planned to break in our new bed.
“So you planned a party, went shopping for bedroom furniture, and got our new house in order—all during the very first week of school.” I shake my head in awe. “I’m marrying Superwoman.”
She laughs. “I prefer Wonder Woman, actually.”
The only people who couldn’t make it are my parents. With the exception of the Defcon crew who were at our engagement party, everyone else who was there is here tonight. Even Megan. Her parents moved her to Boston a few weeks ago so she could start at MIT. Mal sent her a train ticket and Ethan and Charlie graciously agreed to house her for the weekend. Smart girl, my fiancée. We wouldn’t want anyone around to hear me make her scream my name later.
The women are all fawning over baby pictures. Skylar and Baylor, two of the three Mitchell sisters, both had little girls in May. They gave birth to cousins who are only two days apart. Mallory told me all about them this summer. She’s going to make a great mom, I know it. We probably should’ve had a conversation about kids before getting engaged. I know what she went through at sixteen. And I know she wants kids someday. I just hope we’re on the same page about it.
The doorbell rings and I look around the room, confused. Everyone I know is here. I open the front door and see my manager on the other side. “Hi, Paul.” I look behind me. “Uh, sorry. I didn’t know you were in town. My fiancée threw me this surprise housewarming party.”
He rolls his eyes. I’m assuming at the word fiancée. “I know,” he says. “She invited me.”
I look over my shoulder at Mal, but she’s busy with the women. “She did?”
What that woman will do for me never ceases to amaze me. She hates Paul. She knows Paul hates her. But she’s trying to forge an amicable relationship between them. Damn, I love her.
“Don’t look so surprised,” he says. “I can be a decent guy sometimes.”
I hear heels click on the tile in the common hallway and stick my head out the door. “Oh, hell no.” I push Paul out the door and shut it behind me so we’re standing outside in the hall. “What the fuck, Paul?”
Heather and Lila walk up to us. “Sorry,” Heather says. “I got stuck signing autographs in the elevator. Can you believe I got propositioned again? By a fan, no less. When will they understand things never work out between actors and regular people?”
I find myself shaking my head at how uncanny the similarity is between Heathe
r and Mallory. Of course, their physical appearance is where the similarity ends. And I’m certain now that’s what drew me to Heather in the first place. But the two women couldn’t be more different in personality. I swear to God if I were to Google ‘bitch,’ Heather’s picture would show up under it. I sure as hell knew how to pick ‘em back then.
I give Paul a look of death. “Why would you bring her here?”
Paul shrugs like he has no idea I hate the pretentious she-devil standing next to him.
Then I greet Lila, who is an old friend of mine from Malibu whom I dated briefly before Heather. “Hey, Lila. Nice to see you.”
Lila pulls me in for a hug. “Oh my gosh, Thad, it’s been so long. I hear you’re engaged. Congratulations! And you’re moving to New York? How exciting. I can’t wait to meet your fiancée.”
I always liked Lila. I should never have broken up with her for Heather. But Lila wasn’t into drugs and Heather and I were. And my priorities were all fucked up back then. She was and still seems to be a great girl. “I’m glad you could come,” I tell her.
I turn my attention to Heather. “Surely there is something better you can find to do with your time than hang out with my fiancée and I in our new home,” I say, with no uncertain meaning.
“Oh, come on, Thad. We happened to be in town and Paul invited us,” she says. “He’s Lila’s manager now, too.”
“Really?” I’m a little surprised at that, but also happy for Lila. Paul is a highly sought-after man in the entertainment business.
“That’s right,” he says. “I’m going to shoot her straight to the top, just like I did you.”
Paul likes to take credit for everything. Well, not everything. He takes credit for successes. Failures will land you right out on your ass in his book.
Stone Promises (A Stone Brothers Novel) Page 29
