Rewriting Yesterday

by Wright, Candice

  I whip round to Ryan, who has his arms up in a placating gesture.

  “I went to see about a placement for Conner at the centre. I know we delayed it whilst we were looking into opening something similar of our own, but Conner needs somewhere now.”

  I just keep glaring at him, because although what he says is true, he could have just phoned.

  “Fine. I was curious, as well,” he admits. “Nothing happened. We just talked a little and I gave her a lift.”

  “For fuck's sake. What happened to waiting?” Sneaky little shit. No wonder Sam’s pissed.

  He runs his hands through his hair, exasperation clear on his face.

  “I’m sorry, okay? I fucked up, I know. I’m not going to start anything with her, at least not until we get the results of the check, but then all bets are off. I like her, so it’s going to have to be something pretty shitty in her history for me to back down.”

  I look at him closely, knowing that if he feels a fraction of the way I do then this could get messy.

  “Fine. I won’t ask either of you to steer clear when it’s obvious we all like her, but let’s keep it platonic for now. Afterwards, well, may the best man win.”

  “Fine,” Ryan reluctantly agrees.

  “Fine,” nods Sam.

  “So, what’s the centre like?” I must admit, I’m curious.

  “It looks great. They offer a wide range of facilities, and I think it would be a great fit for Conner. I’m just waiting for a call back after the doctor assesses his medical history to see if the centre would be the right place for the kind of rehabilitation he needs.”

  “Fair enough. Until we have ourselves sorted out, it might prove to be a short-term solution worth pursuing. Did you meet the guy running the place or speak to anyone other than Frankie? I’m interested in what they are like, their skillset and experience.”

  “Yeah, about that… Frankie’s the boss.” He winces slightly, likely knowing how I’m about to react.

  “What?” How the fuck do I not know this? I turn to glare at Sam. “How the hell did that not come up in your background check?”

  I watch as he pulls the file he brought over yesterday off the coffee table.

  “Are your eyes painted on? It says right here in the fucking file that the centre is registered to Francesca Taylor." He glares at me and throws the folder back onto the table as I continue to scowl at him. “Don’t look at me like that. I did the research. It's not my fault you two couldn’t get past Frankie’s photo to read any more."

  “True story, bro,” Ryan chimes in.

  “Shut up, Ryan,” I growl.

  I run my hands through my hair in frustration. I like to be in control, a skill that was fine-tuned over the years of being enlisted, so not having any fucking idea about what’s going on now is driving me insane. It also doesn’t sit well with me that our pipe dream of opening a centre has now gone up in smoke. This is the kind of place I would be overqualified to run, so why wouldn’t my father leave it to me than risk having Frankie run it into the ground from inexperience? I dread to think what role she has been playing with all her sheltered experience.

  “This is important, especially if you are considering sending Conner there. Check her and the centre out. Make sure no corners are being cut, okay?”

  I look at them both, needing them to understand where I’m coming from.

  “Look, I like her when in principle I should hate her. God knows hating her would make things so much easier, but I have to know what’s going on before any of us go there. You both know about my mother. She is a master manipulator, sweet as sugar to your face whilst shoving a knife between your shoulder blades. My dad’s gone. Maybe I should have forgiven him, I don’t know. It’s too late now, anyway. Whatever my feelings are, I refuse to let his life’s work and legacy get left to someone who conned him. So that’s what I need, to know if she is on the level or if she is playing us… and if she played him.”

  “And if you don’t like what I find?” Sam asks but his eyes tell me he knows exactly what I will do.

  “Then I will destroy her.”

  * * *

  SAM

  Heading inside after finishing my morning run, I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and head towards the shower. I usually run at the crack of dawn, but after spending the evening drinking with Ryan and Caleb, it took me longer to drag my ass out of bed than normal. Gone are the days of rolling in at four and still being able to get up at six, hangover free. Add in today’s soaring temperature thanks to this bizarre heatwave we have been having, and I’m feeling wiped out.

  My phone rings from my bedside table so I snag it without checking the caller ID and toe off my running shoes at the same time.

  “Hello. Is Sam available, please?” The voice is familiar, so I pull my phone away from my ear and check my screen, but I don’t recognise the number.

  “Speaking.”

  “Hi. I don’t know if you remember me. It's Frankie. We met the other day… well, twice now, actually.”

  I chuckle at how flustered she is. I would bet anything she was blushing on the other end of the phone.

  “Of course I remember you. How could I forget? Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, sorry.” She coughs and starts over. “I’ve spoken to Jacob, and he wants to know if it’s possible for him to spend some time paintballing before his birthday, so he can see if he is comfortable. That way, if it’s too much, we can just leave without it ruining his party. I called the outdoor arena and the guy there gave me your number and said you might be able to do something after hours when there are no crowds.”

  I try to focus on what she is saying instead of the breathy tone of her voice that has my cock standing to attention. “Sure, I could do that. I could even spend time teaching him about gun safety, how to take it apart and reassemble it if he wants to, so that he feels more in control.”

  “I will leave that up to Jacob, whatever he is comfortable with. Thank you for this. It means a lot.”

  I put the phone on speaker so that I can pull my t-shirt over my head and kick off my jeans. My cock is rock-hard just from listening to her speak. I slip my boxers down my legs and sit on the edge of the bed, picking the phone back up to hear her speak. I find myself slowly stroking myself, imagining her here beside me.

  “Not a problem. If you guys are free, I could probably set you up with as session this evening.”

  I grip harder and stroke faster.

  “That would be awesome. I will run it by Jacob and text you back, if that’s okay.”

  “No problem. You have my number now so if you have any more questions, just call me.”

  My strokes speed up, my toes curling into the rug at my feet.

  “Thank you, Sam. That’s super sweet. Jacob is an awesome kid. Thanks for making this easy on him.”

  “No worries. See you, Frankie.”

  “Bye, Sam.”

  Fuck me. Frankie, saying my name in that soft, sexy voice of hers is enough to send me over the edge, coating my stomach with my release.

  I’m such a fucking creeper.

  I throw my phone onto the bed and snap my t-shirt from the floor to clean myself up. One cold shower later and I’m feeling slightly more human. I dress in my standard get-up of jeans, t-shirt, work boots and leather jacket before grabbing my wallet, keys and bike helmet. There is nothing better than riding when the weather is like this. I send a message to Ryan to meet me a Caleb’s and one to Caleb, letting him know that we are on our way.

  * * *

  “So, let me get this straight. She phoned you for help? Seems a little convenient to me. How did she get your number anyway?”

  Of course, Caleb is pissed that Frankie phoned me, but then Caleb is pissed at the world lately.

  “She called the outdoor arena and Ryder gave her my number, so yes, this time at least, it is a coincidence. Now are you going to help me out setting up later or are you going to stay home and be a little bitch? I figured it can
’t hurt to get to know her a bit and subtly question her.”

  I glance at Ryan and give him the look. No words are needed for what I’m implying. Even Ryan knows he is usually about as subtle as a sledgehammer.

  “If everything is some elaborate ruse, then she is going to let something slip out eventually, especially with how flustered she gets around the three of us.”

  I can see Caleb pondering my words and finding the merit in them.

  “So, make nice and flirt a little, keep her off balance and see if she drops her mask? That might actually work,” he says, rubbing his hands together. I fight the urge to laugh at how he resembles an evil cartoon character when he does that.

  “Guys, I hate to be the voice of reason here, because let’s be honest, the situation must be truly fucked up already if I’m the voice of reason, but what if she isn’t wearing a mask? I like this girl and I don’t want to ruin this whole thing before it starts. If we don’t tread carefully and she turns out to be innocent of any wrongdoing, this could all blow up in our faces.”

  We both look to Caleb. At the end of the day, all this is for him.

  “I have to know, guys. It's eating me alive, so it’s a risk I need to take. If it’s too much for either of you, then step away. I won’t think any less of you. All I ask is that you stay away from Frankie until I’ve finished digging.”

  I can’t help scowling at him. As if we would let him do this on his own.

  “Fuck you, dipshit. You are our brother. You’ve always had our backs. Now we’ve got yours,” I tell him something he should damn well know already.

  “Yeah, dude. Bros before hoes.”

  “For fuck's sake, Ryan.” I sigh. “How you ever get laid is beyond me.”

  “Hey, the ladies love Ryan. Also, I have a massive dick.”

  “More like you are a massive dick,” Caleb replies before standing and walking over to the window.

  I tune out Ryan as he ruminates about the size of his package and focus on Caleb as he stares out the window, his shoulders hunched, head pressed against the glass. Regret and guilt are heavy burdens to carry, and where his father is concerned, Caleb has them in abundance. I know the exact moment he makes his decision, as his shoulders straighten and he turns to show me his game face.

  “Text her and tell her to be there for seven.”

  Chapter Eight

  FRANKIE

  Decked out in black jeans, black walking boots and black hoody, I look over and smile at Jacob's matching outfit. We look like we are about to do a spot of breaking and entering as opposed to shoot paint at each other.

  He is fidgeting in the passenger seat beside me with, I’m guessing, a mixture of excitement and nerves. After talking to him earlier, he was eager to get here but smart enough to know that this could turn out to be a trigger for him. Sometimes we just don’t know what will set us off until we have experienced it. We pull into the carpark and park next to a huge cherry red motorcycle. I know nothing about bikes, but it sure looks pretty. I turn to Jacob before getting out.

  “You ready?” Honestly, if he decides that he can’t do this, I’m taking him home, no questions asked. This is all about him and figuring out what he is comfortable with.

  “I’m good. Nervous but not scared, if that makes sense.”

  “Alrighty then. Let’s go, kiddo.”

  He smiles at me before I spot Sam through the window, heading our way. By the time we jump out and lock up, Sam is right in front of me. I have to tip my head right back to catch his eyes because of how tall he is.

  “Hi, Sam. Thanks again for doing this.” I walk over to Jacob, who is standing next to the passenger side door, and introduce them.

  “Sam, this is Jacob, Jacob this is Sam, the guy who has set this all up for you tonight.”

  “Hi. Thanks for this. It’s a pain, I know. Sorry—”

  “Not a problem," Sam cuts him off. "I actually like it better like this. Smaller teams, easier to hide. I’m not a huge fan of crowds so this works out well for me.”

  He gestures towards the building at the edge of the carpark and turns to head towards it, leaving us to trail after him. Once we get inside, I’m surprised to see both Caleb and Ryan in camouflage clothing, loading themselves up with paint-filled pellets.

  Whilst Sam chats to Jacob, Ryan spots me and signals for me to come over. I glance over at Jacob, who is looking at the different guns on the wall before pointing to one for Sam to get down. He seems happy for the moment, so I head over to Ryan and Caleb. When I get there, before I even have chance to speak, Ryan stands and throws his arm around my shoulder before kissing me on the cheek.

  Holy shit. I can feel my face turning pink, so I turn my head, hoping to avoid him, when my eyes clash with Caleb’s.

  “Frankie,” he says in his gruff voice before standing and planting a kiss on the other cheek.

  “Breathe,” Ryan whispers in my ear. I didn’t even realise I was holding my breath. I inhale sharply, hoping to pull myself together before I embarrass myself further, but seriously, what is with all the freaking kissing, all of a sudden?

  “Hi,” I manage to croak out.

  Smooth Frankie, really smooth.

  “What are you guys doing here?”

  I peer up through my lashes at Ryan, who sucks in his own breath before answering.

  “We wanted to help Sam set up and figured it would be fun for the five of us to play a match together.”

  I think about that for a second. It's sweet that they would do that. I’m sure they all have busy lives. Wait. Five?

  “Five? I wasn’t really planning on playing. Besides, won't it make the teams uneven?”

  “Not if you are the prize,” Ryan purrs in my ear.

  Caleb takes my hand and tugs me away from Ryan, who is on the receiving end of one of Caleb’s death glares.

  “What Casanova over there is trying to say is that we can split into two teams of two. Our objective is to rescue the hostage, which is you. However, to make it harder, we want you to hide from us, evade us for as long as possible. Think you can handle it?”

  I turn and look over towards Jacob and Sam, and find them both watching me, but it's Jacob I’m focused on. We manage to have a silent conversation, with me asking him if he is okay with this and him nodding yes, then him looking at me as if to say, think you can outsmart them? This has me raising one eyebrow and offering him a smug grin. Jacob’s response is a blinding smile, which just gives me more incentive to kick ass. The sad fact is that if there is one thing, given our history, it's that both Jacob and I have mastered the art of hiding.

  “How about a bet?” Ryan asks, rubbing his hands together like he has already won. “First team to find you wins,” Ryan tells me. “If we can’t find you, you win. If team A wins, which is Caleb and me, then then we get to take you on a date.” Caleb jolts at that but doesn’t say anything.

  “What about if we win?” Jacob asks.

  Sam answers with, “If we win, we get to spend the day lounging by your pool while Frankie cooks us a meal of our choice and waits on us hand and foot."

  “Oh, yeah! Frankie’s a great cook… but then I get that every night so I’m going to tag on that I get a week off chores with the exception being my room.”

  This makes the three men laugh while I throw Jacob a mock scowl. Let’s be honest, he knows that I’m going to win.

  “Okay, gentlemen, that’s fine, but if I win, I want Ryan, Caleb and Sam to take part in the charity bachelor-bachelorette auction for the children’s centre, and Jacob, you have to do all the dishes for a week.”

  This causes Jacob to groan, making the men laugh again. That boy really hates cleaning, but then show me a teenager who doesn’t. I’m sure he will cheer up when he remembers that we have a dishwasher, the goofball. The guys don’t seem bothered about being in the auction, but I suspect that’s because they don’t think I’m going to win. Well, you know what they say, pride comes before a fall, so bring it on, boys.

  �
�Okay, then, that’s a deal,” replies Ryan.

  “Let’s get suited up. Frankie, I need to run over the safety rules with you. Caleb and Ryan, can you show Jacob where to get his suit and goggles, and then we can get out there.”

  I walk over to Sam, who leads us through the back door and out to the edge of a wooded area, listening intently while he runs through the safety precautions with me.

  “Okay, that’s it. You ready?" Sam asks, a small smile playing at the edge of his lips.

  I nod my head in response and wait for the others to gather round. Jacob hands me a camo suit and some goggles, which I slip on as Sam runs over the rules again to make sure everyone is on the same page.

  “Right, that’s it. The game will last an hour, or until Frankie is found. If nobody can find Frankie within that timeframe, she wins. Frankie?” I turn to face Sam as he continues to talk. “You have a five-minute head start. Ready? Go.”

  I sprint into the woods, and as soon as I’m out of their sight, I go left and double back on myself. I wait until I hear a whistle to mark that the five minutes are up and then head back through the treeline and into the main building again.

  I chuckle to myself. Happy hunting, boys.

  Chapter Nine

  RYAN

  I hear Sam blow the whistle signalling the end of the match and flop down on my back. Jesus, nobody plays paintball like a bunch of ex-army men. A shadow appears above me, so I open my eyes to find Caleb standing over me, offering me a hand. I grab it, groaning as he pulls me up. Damn, I need to start running more. A rustling behind us has us turning to face Sam and Jacob. There is no sign of Frankie. I can’t help but smile; guess we shouldn’t have underestimated her.

  “Looks like Frankie won,” I say, getting a grunt from Sam in response. I look at Jacob, who only has a couple more paint splashes on him then the rest of us. “Dude, you are fast as fuck. I mean, we’ve had training but you’re a natural.”