"I knew you had it in you,” Aliah said, as if nothing had just happened. “But I thought you said it was over.”
"We agreed that there is no future for us as a couple, but as single, consenting adults, we couldn't resist."
"Ha! I cannot believe you! No wonder why you two were all googly eyed Monday morning. So now you've got him under your spell and here I am barely hanging on with Hunter.” She shook her head, her thoughts rolling around in her head for only seconds before she blurted them out. “He's still kickin' it with you. Unbelievable."
"Trust me, it was a one-time thing," I said.
"Yeah, I'm sure you'll have no problem resisting him next time," she said sarcastically.
"I said I won't and I won't. If I ever plan to land myself another man, then Edwin can't be looming in my bedroom."
"Ain’t that the truth. It's bad enough you have to tell your new guy that you live with another man. Oh, by the way, Eddie boy, he's my ex stud muffin."
Aliah hit the nail on the head. My dates had immediately red flagged me whenever I explained my living situation to them, and rightfully so. Now if I can only stick to my one rule – no sleeping with Edwin – then I’m sure that the right guy will see past it. Spencer did.
"What are you thinking about?" Aliah asked, breaking me from my dangerous thoughts.
"Actually, I was thinking how funny it is that every time I imagine finding a new man, Spencer pops back into my head."
"Do you really want to go there again?" Aliah blasted me.
What was that all about? "What? When it was good, it was real good."
"Yeah, I've heard that before. Too bad it was mostly not so good."
"Take it easy. I didn't mean I was gonna go crawling back to him. But he's a good guy."
"Oh, really? He was real good when he packed his bags and moved on without ever turning back."
"Trust me when I say this: I won’t be wasting my valuable baby making years on my own leftovers. I left Edwin because he didn't fit my timeline. So why would I go back to another dead end?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Back up a minute. What's this about babies and why did you leave Edwin?"
Had I been that unclear? Aliah and I had been drifting apart over the past few months, but it was hard to believe I hadn’t slipped that into one of our conversations. "I told Edwin that I want to have babies soon and, if that didn't fit his plans then I couldn't waste any more time with him."
"Wow. I knew you were serious, but bam! I actually feel a little sorry for the guy.”
Slightly angered, "That's not to mention that he hasn't put a ring on it," I added, making a point.
"Aren't you Ms. Demanding? You've been together for what, a few months, and you already expect a ring?"
"No I don't expect a ring, but I do expect the prospect of a ring and some babies in my not so distant future," I snapped. "Ally, don't you realize how old I am? I ain't getting any younger, and I want to actually be able to chase after my kids; you know, keep up with them."
Aliah swerved off of the road and slammed on her brakes. "You have got to be kidding me right now. You're 24 years old!"
“Exactly. I'm not 18 anymore, and I'll be 30 before you know it. I don't care what you think, because I want kids and nothing's going to change that."
"It's no wonder Eddie was so stunned. I can’t believe you wouldn’t throw him a bone."
"Don't put it all on me. He knew how I felt about this. We've talked about it a million times before. I can't believe you're siding with him," I snapped, my voice getting louder as I finished my sentence. “He shouldn't have gotten back with me if he couldn't handle it.”
"Don't you yell at me. This is all you," Aliah retorted.
My face was turning into a ball of fire and I'm sure smoke was coming from my ears. "Suddenly I'm not feeling like going out with you. Take me home," I demanded.
"Come on Abby, I'm not siding with Edwin. You know I'm your girl. I'm just saying that I understand why he might have been a little distraught."
She still sounded like she was on his side. "I'm not going out with you," I pouted.
She ignored my reaction and continued to rant in Edwin's favour. "He's a reasonable guy, but I bet he's thinking you're an evil succubus who's trying to steal his life away. And, I mean, can you blame him?"
I gasped with fury, as she pulled back out onto the street. And if she weren't driving, I would have rung her neck. “What's your point?"
"The poor guy just got done school and can finally relax and live a little and you wanna wife him up already."
"I cannot believe I am hearing this from your lips; what with the way you’ve latched on to Maddie’s baby daddy."
"Leave Hunter out of this."
Ha ha, I think not. "No, he's fair game. While we’re on the topic of poor guys, why don't you tell me how Hunter explained his way out of that one?"
"We weren't exactly in an exclusive relationship when he slept with Maddison."
"Oh, well when you put it that way, it's fine then," I remarked sarcastically.
“Stop.”
"So he can hold your hand by day and screw other girls by night, is that it?" I paused, letting the harsh truth of the matter sink in.
“You’re a bitch,” Aliah said, staring straight ahead.
I glared out the window at the lampposts speeding past us, but she wasn’t taking me home. I scowled at my own reflection, a miserable bitch staring back at me. Why did I have to tear down Aliah too? I was being unfair, when she had done nothing to me. Suddenly I felt terribly guilty for turning on her, but I couldn't bring myself to apologize. Silence hung light in the air as the car slowed down.
"You're lucky I know how to handle your bull shit, you know," Aliah said, glancing at me briefly. "I half expected this, but you're not getting away with it. You're stuck with me tonight." The light turned green and she stepped on the gas, swerving around the slow traffic.
A few more moments of silence passed, as I reflected on my rudeness and rummaged up some compassion. “I’m sorry for being such a bitch.”
"Okay, so ignorance may be my new best friend. And yes, I may be dating a man whore, but it's still fun to play. Big deal, you and Edwin didn't work out. Close that chapter and move on to the next already.” She flashed a glance at me that barked its own order. “We're going out and you're gonna like it," she commanded.
"If you say so."
“You better flip that frown around. I’ve got to get my old Abby back before we walk into that restaurant.”
“Ally. What’s going on?”
“You’ll be fine. You’re ready for this." She turned into the parking lot across the road from Riley's Pub, a local bar and grill that we frequented in the summer months.
"Ready for what Ally?" I asked, hesitant and weary.
"You'll see. Maybe if you didn't lay into me, I would've told you. Now you’ll just have to wait and see for yourself."
"Ally," I growled.
"So I may have invited a few old friends out for dinner. Promise not to freak out."
I rubbed my forehead as the anxiety set it. The red returned to my cheeks. I absolutely hated the sound of that, but I had to suck it up. What was the worst that could happen: I might have a good time? "I'm gonna trust you on this one. I can't believe I'm saying this."
"It's about damn time. Come on, they're waiting for us."
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
~
ALIAH WALKED BY MY side, grinning from ear to ear. What had her so giddy? She was up to something. The street was packed with traffic. So when the cars came to a halt to wait for the nearby stop light, we made a run between the bumper to bumper vehicles. A young gentleman saw us coming and waited, holding the wooden double doors open for us. His girlfriend rolled her eyes at him, none too pleased.
It was wing night, which was always a good excuse for people to come to the bar. For that reason, it was crawling with locals. Two couples and a group of six stood ahead of us waiting for a table. After
scanning over the bar area, I flashed my eyes at Aliah.
"Don't worry. I got reservations."
"So do I," I said sarcastically.
Aliah kept smiling at me, waiting for my reaction… for something. It made me more and more anxious by the minute. "Why don't we get a drink at the bar first," she suggested, avoiding my narrowed eyes.
Without waiting for an answer, she dragged me through the bustling crowd to the bar. I was tempted to turn away the drink, but I decided to give Aliah a break tonight. Any time away from Edwin had to be better than being cooped up in the house with him.
"So where are they?" I asked. My eyes anxiously skimmed across the room hoping to find a familiar face.
"Drink first," she insisted.
My growing unease stirred my stomach, as the cute bartender mixed my drink. The entire time, Aliah fought to wipe the smirk off her face. I took a sip of my drink. It tasted strong, but fruity. I took another gulp, as Aliah paid the bartender and left him a good tip.
"So, are you gonna tell me who's doing dinner with us or what?"
She took a sip from her sour drink and flashed me a devious smile. The death threat I issued with my eyes must have been enough because she answered me by nodding toward a private table at the opposite end of the room. My eyes flashed over the booths and stopped at the one with two guys sitting across from each other. Squinting didn’t help much, the booth was so dimly lit. I couldn’t make out who it was.
Carefully studying the man facing my direction, I stared long and hard, until he glanced up and his sparkling eyes met mine. My head jolted back and I slouched a bit to hide behind the nearest person.
"Aliah, I am going to kill you. That better not be who I think it is."
"It is!" she cheered. Aliah stared back at the booth, giving me the impression that he wasn’t looking anymore.
Hesitant, I peeked over my shoulder to take another look. The instant my eyes adjusted to the lighting, he looked up again and caught my sneaky glance. "Oh shit, he saw me!"
I turned away quickly, then slowly looked back to see if he was still looking. He was, and so was his friend. I smiled softly, my cheeks raging red. Spencer stood up from the bench seat and waved for us to come over.
Aliah's mouth was forced into a perma-grin. "Go on," Aliah said, shoving me in his direction.
I mumbled profanities, but Aliah couldn't hear me over the upbeat music and the sociable crowd. "Tell me this isn't a double date,” I pleaded. “You've got a boyfriend and I’ve been single for all of one week. Eddie would have your head if he knew about this."
"Take it easy. It’s not a date. We’re just out as friends. I owed him one."
“You know what Edwin thinks about that,” I said.
As we reached the table, Spencer made direct eye contact with me again. The lights glimmered in his icy eyes and he smiled, his lips mysterious and sexy. He stood up again to greet us, and flagged a hand at his friend.
"Abigail, you might remember Dex. You've met before," Spencer said, his English accent as sexy as ever.
"Of course I do. How are you?"
Dark and handsome, Dexter reached out his hand for a shake and then pulled me in for a hug, knocking me to my knees on the bench seat. "I'm great. How've you been?" he asked, planting a kiss on my cheek with his pale pink lips.
"Honestly, I've had better days,” I admitted, “but I'll try not to be too much of a downer." I dropped my rear onto the seat next to him, trying to act calm and casual. It was difficult under Spencer’s penetrating stare.
"I wasn’t expecting company. What a pleasant surprise,” Aliah said, devouring Dex’s shiny dark hair and soft blue eyes. “Abigail, aren't you gonna introduce me?” She remained at my side, her facial expressions quickly changing from sweet to perturbed.
"What, you haven't met? Didn't you set this up?" I asked her.
She bent over and whispered in my ear. "No. He really is a pleasant surprise."
I rolled my eyes and smiled at Dexter, who was watching me intently. "Dexter Allbright meet Aliah Brooklin."
"It's Dr. Dexter Allbright now," he gloated.
"Oh, that's right. You were just finishing your last exam at med school when we last saw each other. Where are you working now?"
"I've actually been at the Regional Health Centre for the last year. I specialize in urgent care in the emerg."
"Do you mind?" Aliah interrupted, clearing her throat.
I looked back to her and she was still standing at my side. Her eyes were darting at me to move out of her way. I doubt it was the smartest move for me, especially with seductive Spencer undressing me with his eyes, but I gave in anyway. I flashed a glance at Spencer, who raised his eye brows and smugly shrugged his shoulders at me.
"Ugh," I whined, as I slid out of the booth to let Aliah in.
"You don't have to worry Abby. I won't try anything," Spencer said, the words just rolling off of his sexy tongue.
I hesitantly sat next to him. He reached his arm over the seat behind me and leaned in close, startling my nerves.
"Okay I lied. I may try something, but you're free to do as you like," he whispered in my ear, tickling my eardrums with his smooth, sexy voice.
It didn't matter what he was saying because his charming accent was already seducing me. "You can try to chase me, but it's pointless," I teased with a whisper, trying to be cool about it.
Aliah was intently listening to one of Dexter's hospital horror stories, absorbed in his blue eyes and soft spiked hair. As I peered over my shoulder, a cheery waitress appeared at the end of the table with a mysterious drink for me.
"What’s this?" I asked Spencer.
"I may have ordered you a drink. It's your favourite," he replied.
"No, it used to be my favourite," I corrected.
"I can return it if you don't like it."
"I'll have it," Aliah hollered across the table, reaching for my drink.
I put my hand firmly on the glass and gave Aliah an evil eye. "Thank you for the drink. It may not be my favourite anymore, but I still like it a lot." Another raging blush heated my cheeks.
Spencer smirked, hearing exactly what he wanted to hear. "So you're saying I have a chance?"
I shoved him playfully and played the ignorant. "So if Aliah's never met Dexter, then how did you set this whole thing up?"
"That was all Spencer," Aliah boomed.
I looked into his eyes to read what he was thinking, but came up empty.
"What? Don't look at me. It's your friend over there who doesn't know how to obey the law."
"Aliah?" I glared at her, waiting for an answer.
"He may have caught me driving a little faster than I should have been, on my way home from work tonight,” she said. She batted her eyelashes at him and he chuckled. "He didn't have to pull me over, but he had ulterior motives. See, no ticket."
I looked over to Dexter who was listening attentively. "Don't they call that unlawful coercion or something like that?" I asked him.
"Certainly bad judgment," Dexter said, smirking.
"It's actually called police discretion,” Spencer asserted. “In other words: what I say goes. Lucky for Aliah I'm a flexible guy."
I broke out laughing. "Listen to you," I said, smiling.
"Oh but I am," he insisted, smooth and charming.
"Since when were you a flexible guy?" I asked, arching an eyebrow.
Dexter laughed at him. "She's got you there."
"Wait one minute,” Spencer hollered at Dexter. “I changed our plans in a flash tonight, didn’t I?” Then he turned his accent on me. “I’d say that's a perfect example of my new found flexibility."
"Oh, so you weren't talking like flexibility in the bedroom then," Aliah teased.
Dexter snickered and I scowled at Ally for moving the conversation to the bedroom. Though Spencer did have mad skill in that department, it was the last thing I wanted to think of now. Lucky for Aliah, the waitress interrupted my cruel plotting against her, when she
placed the bread and salads on our table.
"The soup will be right up sir," she said, her smiling eyes lustily locked on Spencer.
I sensed Spencer flagging his arm behind me, even though my drink was far from empty. Textbook Spencer: trying to get me drunk so I’d loosen up. Not this time. One more drink and I was done.
As I suspected, when Spencer's soup arrived so did another fruity drink. It went down smooth, just like the next mysterious drink that arrived when I finished off my meal. It tasted like heaven. I couldn’t turn it away.
"What’s in these anyway?" I asked, slurping out of my straw to drink up the last drop. I was starting to feel a little woozy; then a lot woozy.
"It's rum,” Spencer said. “And he wasn't going easy on the shots."
"My brain’s on fire," I said, rubbing my temples. "If it’s possible, I feel even worse than I did before.”
"Well, it’s been fun, but I think this is where I call it a night," Dexter said. “I've got an early morning ahead of me."
“Yeah, I’m gonna bounce too,” Aliah said, standing with Dexter.
"Aliah, would you mind taking him home?" Spencer asked. “I’ll take care of this one.”
“For sure. Let’s go,” Aliah said to Dexter, totally ignoring me.
"Oh, no you don’t. This is all a part of your elaborate plan,” I babbled incoherently, pointing a wobbly finger, eyes narrowed at Spencer. “But it's not going to work!” Dizzily, I stood from my seat and staggered after Aliah.
Spencer grabbed my arm to catch me from falling. "She's drunk," he announced, as if everyone in the vicinity hadn’t already noticed. He helped me toward the door.
I stuck out my bottom lip in a pout. Transforming my eyes into a scowl, I turned them on Aliah, who got stopped up at the doorway. “You did this,” I said to her.
"You know what?" Aliah said pointing a finger at me. "Screw you. Let's go Doc." Aliah spun away from me and slammed through the double doors. Dexter saluted us as he followed behind her.
"I have no idea what just happened here, but I'm glad that it did," Spencer said.
Twisted Page 28
