Rewriting the Rules

by S. Moose

  “Will’s on it, so don’t worry. I won’t need your help.”

  “Don’t be like that, Charlotte.” She eyes me again and before she answers, I lean down to kiss her forehead. “Let me know if you need anything.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Sleep well.” I kiss her again, shake Will’s hand and walk out of the hospital room.

  The next morning I’m on a flight to Michigan. My dad called me from Spain and told me that Mom’s terribly sick and needs me to come home. Dropping everything and booking the earliest flight out I find myself worried about her, and Charlotte. I think about the last time we talked and what I said to her. It’s the truth. I can’t give her what she needs. I can’t give her the love and tenderness that she wants. The fairy tale in her head is something I’ll never be able to give her.

  The best thing I need to do is forget about how I feel about her and let her go without any hesitations. We can be friends and I’ll love her from far away. She’ll get married and have her happily ever after. Everything’s going to work out the way it should.

  Landing without any issues I catch a taxi and tell my mom I’ll be home soon. I text Charlotte too so she’s not worried.

  Charlotte: I’m glad you made it and hope she’s okay.

  Me: She’ll be fine. Dad’s in a major merger and can’t come home. She needs me and hopefully I’ll be what she needs.

  Charlotte: You will be. I’ll have Will check on your house so don’t worry about anything.

  Me: Thanks . . . So how are you feeling?

  Charlotte: Better. Home and comfortable. Hated the hospital. =/

  Me: I know. Glad you’re home. I’ll text you guys when I’m back home.

  Charlotte: Sounds good . . . Send her our love.

  Me: Will do.

  I keep the conversation simple and to the point. I’m glad she’s okay and has people around her.

  The taxi cab drops me off and I look at my house. My parents live in a gated community with twenty-four-hour security and cameras. The area is nice and there’s little to no problems. The people living here are rich and not your comfortable rich. Our neighbors are high end CEO’s, surgeons, lawyers, judges, and stock brokers. I remember loving the neighborhood with the weekend parties, especially during Christmas. Everyone got together and decorated the streets to make it look like a Winter Wonderland.

  It was Charlotte’s favorite time of the year. She’d be dressed in a beautiful red dress with her hair in soft curls and makeup done up. Her and her mom matched in the same dress while Will and his dad wore tuxedos. My parents threw a Christmas party ever year, and every year I was mesmerized by her innocence and beauty. She never knew how beautiful she was or how much I desired her.

  Walking inside, I rush upstairs to Mom’s room. Opening the French doors, I see the smile on her face when she puts down her book and takes off her glasses.

  “Oh, honey,” she says and opens her arms out to me. Sitting next to her, I welcome her hug. “You didn’t have to come. I have so many people coming over and checking on me. Don’t you have a lot of work?”

  “You’re my mom, of course I’m going to come home and take care of you. Can I get you anything?”

  “No I’m okay. Gloria and Frank made me chili. It’s in the fridge so go have some.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” I kiss her forehead and walk downstairs to relax in the living room. I text my dad and let him know everything’s okay. He said the merger was successful and he’s on his way home.

  Not finding anything to watch on TV, I login to Facebook and see Reed’s status.

  My girl got into an accident last night. If I find out who messed with her, that fucker will have to deal with me. Can’t wait to see her and take care of her.

  “Mother fucker,” I mutter and toss my phone to the side. I have to figure out my issues and either let her go or fight for her.

  The next day I head to the gym and put in my ear buds. Running gets my mind off things and for the past twelve hours all I’ve been doing is sulking and thinking which leads to me getting pissed off.

  I hop off the treadmill and punch the punching bag. I let out all my aggression and push myself to exhaustion. I’m miserable.

  With each punch I hear Charlotte’s words and the cold tone of her voice. I see Will’s disgusted expression when we talk about his litter sister and Sal’s hungry eyes when he sees Charlotte. Or how Reed feels when he touches her. I hate knowing I’m the reason why she’s upset. It’s eating away at me that with her I’m strong and without her I’m weak. For being a man who has control over things I’m fucking failing at this part of my life.

  Since Charlotte came back, my goal has been to keep her away, but also make sure no one else tastes her. She’s mine, even if she’s not mine. With one final punch I collapse on my knees and hang my head low. All this time I’ve been protecting myself and not giving a shit about Charlotte and what she’s feeling. I never asked her why she left and never looked back. I know part of it was because she didn’t want to disappoint Will, but I never let her explain. I’ve been assuming the worst when it really could be a simple misunderstanding.

  Now what the hell am I going to do?

  Chapter 21

  Charlotte

  “Are you sure I can’t get you anything else?”

  I look at Reed and hate myself for not liking him the way he likes me. He’s been spending time with me before and after work since I was released from the hospital. It’s been three days and I’m annoyed. I don’t have the heart to tell him to leave me alone or to give me space.

  “I’m fine, Reed. Thanks for the past few days. I appreciate it.”

  “No worries,” he gives me a kiss and looks at his watch. “I’ll grab us dinner and be back, okay?”

  “Sure thing.” He gives me another kiss and walks out of my bedroom. Letting out a groan, I lie down and put a pillow over my face, screaming out my frustration. The pillow suddenly lifts off my face and I see my smiling big brother. “What?”

  “So I’m guessing your boyfriend’s bothering you?”

  “More like annoying me. He’s overly sweet and too perfect, so what the hell is wrong with me?”

  “Maybe you’re not ready to date. Have you talked to Shawn?” I give him a look and my annoyance hits another level. “What?”

  “Will,” I start to say. “Shawn and I are done. He needs time to get over me and I’m giving that to him. We’re over. O-V-E-R.”

  “I still don’t understand, though. You seemed happy.”

  “I’m good at hiding my feelings.”

  He cocks his brow and takes my hand. “Did you not want to be with him?” I shrug. “So why did you start?”

  “Because you wanted me to get to know him and you thought it would be a good match. I don’t know. I felt like you were pushing me to be with Shawn and I just did.”

  “I don’t get it, Charlotte.”

  “Disappointing you is the last thing I want to do,” I explain. “You gave up your life for me and I didn’t want to do something stupid.”

  As I’m saying all of this to Will he sits next to me and listens. It feels good telling him what I’m feeling. He seems to understand until I get too comfortable.

  “Why has Troy always been off limits?”

  Will quickly gets up and stares at me. “He’s my best friend and I never want to hear you ask that question again.”

  “Why, though? What’s wrong with him?”

  “You don’t know him like I do. You think he’s a good guy, and yeah, he is because he’s my best friend, but he doesn’t have a good track record with women. I’ve seen him hurt them and he has no emotions when he does it. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

  I let his words sink in and let it go. I get Will’s reservations and anger towards the idea of me liking Troy. It’s not like it matters or anything. I wanted to understand more about why he gets so mad about the idea and now I get it.

  Will gives me a kiss on the top of my head a
nd leaves my bedroom. I get text messages from my friends asking me if I’m okay or if I need anything. I smile with each message and wait to hear from Troy again. He had to leave quickly to stay with his mom while his dad’s out of town.

  Reed comes back with food and I give him a smile. He spends a few hours with me in my room. We watch a movie and I see how tired he’s getting.

  “You don’t have to stay, Reed.”

  He looks at the time and slowly gets up. “It’s getting late. I just wanted to be sure you’re okay.”

  “I’m fine. No worries,” I smile. “Thanks for everything.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow morning with a muffin.” He leans down to kiss me and says goodnight. I watch him leave and lie down with my phone. Troy still hasn’t texted and I shouldn’t be upset.

  But I am.

  With a sigh I slowly get out of bed and walk downstairs to sit outside by the pool. There’s no way I can stay in my room and sleep. Thinking about Troy is annoying me. He’s not thinking about me and I should forget about him. Like he told me, we’re friends and that’s it.

  Thankfully the night goes fast and soon it’s the morning, with the lights streaming into my bedroom and greeting me to get out of bed. I turn over and see a note on a brown bag. Reaching over, I look at the note and roll my eyes.

  “Ugh,” I groan and close my eyes.

  “Why, good morning to you too, sugar.” I smile when I hear Jane’s voice.

  “Morning.” I sit up and reach my arms out so I can hold Avery. “Oh hello, pretty girl. You’re so cute in your yellow dress. Did Mommy dress you?”

  “Actually, Carter did.” Avery claps her hands and smiles. “Yes, sweetie, he did a good job.”

  For the next few hours we relax outside and in the pool. It’s so nice outside and I’m enjoying every minute. I have to go back to work tomorrow and I’m dreading it. Aubree’s keeping me updated and tells me things are going okay and not to worry.

  “Did you hear from the cops yet?”

  “No. Last I heard they’re looking at the cameras and there’s been no activity on my credit cards. I cancelled all of the cards and am waiting for my new ones.”

  “Ugh, that sucks. I’m so sorry this happened to you.”

  It sucks that someone felt the need to rob and hurt me. Who the fuck does that shit to a hard working person? It’s bullshit. Whoever did this to me I hope they get what they deserve. I’m thankful nothing major happened. Honestly it sucks that my things were stolen, but I’m alive and only have a few bruises. He didn’t kidnap me or do anything worse. I’m okay and I’m safe. Everything he stole is replaceable.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah. Just thinking about that night.”

  “Don’t do that to yourself. You’re okay and it’ll be fine. The cops will catch his ass and he’ll get what he deserves.”

  “Hope so.”

  We play with Avery in the pool a little longer before she gets cranky and starts crying. Will rushes out and scoops her in his arms.

  “Oh Avery,” he coos and it causes us to laugh. Seeing a baby in Will’s arms is cute. “Let’s go inside and take a nap, huh?” He gives us a wink and heads inside.

  “Looks like she’s pretty popular.”

  Jane nods. “She loves the attention from the guys and the guys are so sweet to her.”

  “Thanks again for coming over. It means a lot.”

  “Of course! I like spending time with you, and Avery loves you.”

  “I love her too.”

  I hear the doorbell ring and Jane gets up to see who’s at the door. When she comes back with an Edible Arrangement delivery, flowers, and balloons. I roll my eyes and can’t believe Reed’s sending me another arrangement.

  “These are nice,” Jane says and hands me a strawberry. Taking the card, she reads it and looks at me. “Troy?” She coughs and I hand her a glass of water so she doesn’t die.

  “Troy?” I snatch the note from her hand and start smiling like a school girl.

  “Wow.”

  “Uh, yeah,” she screeches, and covers her mouth. “Did you know that when Andrea had to have her appendix out he didn’t go to the hospital until she was released, and then nothing. Zip. Nadda. Not even a flower!”

  “So?” I roll my eyes and pretend not to care, even though I’m internally cheering. Beat that, Andrea!

  “Mm hm,” she nods and continues to eat my fruit.

  Damn you, Troy. Damn you.

  Reed texts me a few times asking to come over again to hang out. When he was here last time it just felt weird. I know I should give him another chance and try again with him.

  Me: I’m not in the mood to be honest. I’ll text you tomorrow, k?

  Reed: What’s wrong?

  Me: Just tired . . . Talk later.

  Reed: Ok. Well I’m here for you.

  Feeling bad for ditching Reed after everything he’s done for me since the accident I decide to meet him for a drink and see where we’re headed.

  When I get to Dragonfly, I notice Reed at the bar and he smiles when he sees me.

  “Hi, sweetpea.”

  “Hey.” I look at the bartender. “Dirty martini, please.”

  “Sure thing.”

  I look around the lounge, it’s nice in here. Might be my new favorite place depending on how they make the drink. There are people scattered all over, and there are three TVs, one in each corner, playing whatever game is on, and people are enjoying themselves. It’s not a dance kind of bar, but more of the relaxation and mingle type.

  “Here’s your drink.” I turn around and smile at Reed. “How was your day?”

  “Good.” I talk about my day at the spa and how thoughtful I thought the gift was. He smiled as I talked and it’s nice to have someone listen. Maybe Jessica and Aubree are right and I have to give this another chance.

  “You sound like you have everything all lined up. I like seeing a strong woman in charge,” he leans in and whispers, “in all things she does.”

  As sexy as that sounds, it doesn’t cause any aches or needs. I don’t want to pounce him in the bar and ravage his body. In all honesty I want to cringe and say bye.

  I sigh. “I’m sorry, this isn’t working.”

  He sighs too. “Oh, thank God. I think the same”

  We both burst out laughing and when we finally come to, I see him smiling. “Really?”

  He nods and takes my hand. “You remind me of my sister. I call her sweetpea and she makes the same face as you do.” This makes me laugh again. “I’d love to be your friend, though. I have fun with you.”

  “I’d like that.” I clink my glass with his beer and we take our drinks to the corner and sit down on the sofa. “I’m so relieved that we both feel the same way.”

  “I know. I felt bad. I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re so hot, but it wasn’t there.”

  “I totally agree. When you kissed me I thought, wow this kiss is amazing, but there was no spark.”

  “Agreed. But, damn I sure wish there was something because I think we’d be pretty good together.”

  Slapping him on the wrist causes Reed to laugh and for some reason it makes me smile too.

  After leaving Dragonfly I head home and crash on my bed. Staying out until two in the morning isn’t what I needed to do tonight. Not ready to go to bed yet, I head back downstairs to grab a bottle of wine. It’s too nice outside to not be relaxing or in the hot tub. Rushing back up to my room, I change into my bikini, and then head outside with a bottle of wine in one hand and a glass in the other.

  Stepping into the hot tub, I pour myself a very full glass of wine and indulge in the semi-dry taste of Pinot Grigio. The taste is smooth and intoxicating. I love drinking wine and savoring each sip. Unlike a shot, which is fast, wine is delicate and takes time to slowly drink.

  My phone buzzes and I smile when I see Jessica’s name.

  Jessica: Update!

  Me: Relax! We’re going to be friends and I’m okay with it . . . He�
�s sweet, but not for me.

  Jessica: Whoa that’s crazy. You’re both hot, though.

  Me: And?

  Jessica: I guess as long as you’re okay. Talk to me, what’s going on in that head of yours?

  Me: I think I want a boyfriend or someone who’ll really take my mind off Troy. That’s all I want . . . It’s hard to be rejected so many times. A girl can only take so much, ya know? So maybe I’m doing things drastically by signing up for an online dating account, but I’m new to town and I’m single so it makes sense.

  Jessica: Just be careful . . . I hear you I really do. I love you, girl keep your head up . . . K?

  Me: K. Go to bed, we’ll talk tomorrow!

  Jessica: Love you X

  Me: Love you O

  I take comfort knowing I have my best friend to lean on if things truly hit rock bottom. I’m holding onto that and hope I don’t have to endure anymore pain.

  The next week goes by quick and I’m back to work. The cops found the asshole that hurt me and is being charged along with attempted murder of his daughter. Special guy. Luckily, I don’t have to testify or face him. He was caught in my car, buying food with my card. Will got me a new car and all of my credit cards have been reissued to me. I can move on from that night and focus on work and myself again.

  Since that night, Will gave me a spray bottle of mace and I’m working on boxing moves to protect myself. I’ll never allow someone to hurt me like that and touch me or my property ever again. If I sit around and dwell about it, asking myself if I did something different, I’ll drive myself crazy and live in fear.

  Leaving work a few minutes early, I get in my car and feel my phone buzz. Groaning, I pray it’s not work.

  Troy: Come over.

  Me: Why?

  Troy: I’d like to see you. See how you’re doing.