He clasped my face and pulled me into a kiss, and I didn’t stop him. He said what was between us all along. Truly, I did love him, but as a friend. I wished I felt differently about him. It would make our lives easier if we could be together. The kiss was good, but there was no spark. No passion.
“You bitch. How could you? How could both of you?” Nora wailed.
Jorge broke away from me and grabbed a hold of her and she pushed him away. What a mess.
“I’m sorry,” Jorge said to the both of us. “I should.…” He glanced at me torn.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. We should sleep it off.”
“He’s coming home with me,” Nora sobbed. “You’d better come home with me, Jorge. You told me you and Piper were only friends.”
“We are best friends, and nothing is going on between us. I’m sorry. I’m coming back with you,” Jorge assured then kissed and comforted her. “I’ll take you to the airport tomorrow, Piper.”
I held out my hand for a cab. Luckily, one stopped and without a glance back I quickly got in and rode back to the dorms. My mind raced over all that had occurred. I didn’t know what to do. My phone buzzed, and I took it out. Jorge? I wasn’t ready for us to talk yet. So I waited until the light went on with the voicemail message. I played it. It wasn’t Jorge.
“Hello, Piper. Cole here again. I had another look at my message, and you didn’t reply so I will try again. Seren wants you to come. So let’s talk. Call me back.”
I could tell from his tone he didn’t want me to call back. I made a note to call Seren and thank her for the invitation, but I wasn’t going. I couldn’t go and see Brody and whatever way he was going to be a part of their relationship. Selfish, but I couldn’t help it. I still had feelings for him. As for Cole, there was no way in hell I would talk to him. My phone buzzed again. This time with a text message. Insistent much? The message wasn’t from Cole, but from Matt.
Now that you’re safely away, I can now say what I was thinking as I sat with you on the porch tonight. You are beautiful and smart. I’m really happy that I will get a chance to get to know you better.
I furrowed my brows. Never going to happen. I didn’t delete the message though.
I got back to the dorms and over to the room. After changing into sweats, I went about packing, wondering how I was going to keep my friendship with Jorge. I couldn’t lose him. I was leaving, and I wasn’t sure I would return. We would need to work it out somehow.
As I set aside a t-shirt and jeans for tomorrow’s morning flight, one of the photos of me with my parents slipped out. I lifted it to put it back in. Thankful I hadn’t left it behind at Royce’s. But then an idea came to mind.
Make it happen.
I not only had a solution to affording the rest of my semester. I could stay on campus if everything were to work out. I went to my phone and typed out a message to Brody, but then I quickly erased it. I couldn’t ask him. Besides, he wouldn’t. I found Doc’s number and sent the text message to him instead.
I need to sell my father’s 1940’s Knucklehead bike. Do you think you could help me?
Chapter Six
Piper
I CHECKED MY watch for the third time in the last five minutes. Jorge still hadn’t returned from Nora’s last night. I now had just enough time left to call a cab and get to the airport for my flight. I chewed my lip. I hadn’t been looking forward to our conversation about last night, but I never thought he would avoid talking about it altogether before I left. I put on my backpack and grabbed my trolley bag.
“Here, let me help you,” Eric said.
My mouth dropped open. “You speak!”
He let out a high pitched chuckle that sounded so funny that it had me joining in. We left the room and had just about made it down to the sidewalk when Jorge came running up. He looked every bit as hungover as I imagined, complete with a pair of bloodshot eyes and crazy, bed head.
“Thanks, man,” he said taking the suitcase from Eric leaving his arms free for the hug I was ready to give him.
“Thanks for letting me stay,” I said.
“Anytime,” Eric replied. He hugged me back and gave a wave to Jorge before leaving us.
“Sorry, I’m late,” he said quietly.
I glanced at him. “I understand.”
“Do you? I don’t,” he murmured.
I opened my mouth to say something, but he moved on with my bag toward the parking lot and his car. I followed after him. Once he put my suitcase in the trunk and got in, I steered the conversation to the elephant crowding the space between us. “So we kissed each other.”
“I kissed you,” Jorge said and backed out of the space.
“No. I kissed you back,” I admitted. “Though maybe you don’t remember my part because you were drunk.”
“I remember kissing you. I wasn’t that drunk,” he said in a quiet tone and we were quiet again.
“Jorge, I love you too, very much. You’re my best—”
“Friend,” he cut me off. “And that’s what I will always be,” he said turning onto the highway. “I’m not bitter about it. You’re my best friend too. I would be lost without you.”
“I would be too. I do wish it was different. Maybe it’s because we share so much history.” I pushed my hair back from my face.
“Maybe I should have said something before, but now I doubt that would have changed anything. You don’t see me the way Nora sees me.” He cleared his throat.
“You like her a lot?” I turned my head and saw he was struggling. “She’s crazy about you.”
“That’s the thing. We were having fun, but then she started acting like she was my girlfriend. She started introducing me around like that. I like her and all, but I don’t see her as long-term relationship material. Everything comes too easy for her. She never fought for anything,” he said.
I folded my arms. “So you make her fight me for you?”
“It wasn’t that simple,” he said glancing at me as he continued to drive down the street. “I have always thought the two of us would wind up together in the end. I mean we both decided to put our grades and career goals first. I didn’t want to be like my dad, and I thought you didn’t want to be like your mom.” There was undisguised sarcasm in his tone that had me tensing next to him. “Obviously, I was wrong.”
“I’m nothing like my mother.”
“You may not want to be, but you are.”
“Where do you get that idea? I’m not looking for a rich old jerk to cling to,” I snapped.
“No, the earlier version of your mom; you are her, through and through. A mysterious, charming biker came your way, just like Wheeler, and you were ready to throw everything away to cling on to him. I loved my godfather, Wheeler, but you’re too blind to see the similarities between him and Brody, and you and your mother. I’d heard her tell my mother how much she missed photography.”
“My dad didn’t stop her from her career. If my mom wants to blame her choices, it was having me that changed her, not my dad. Anyway, how did you kissing and loving me get turned around to an attack on me for loving someone else?” I snapped.
“So you attack me for loving and caring about you?” he snipped back. “My efforts were pointless. Always were. When it all comes down to it, you work hard but choke at the end. He drops you like you’re nothing and what do you do? You ask to go off with my dad?! Before you try to deny it, I heard you! You want to be fucked senseless by whatever biker comes through the club for a few years until one of them chooses you! Oh wait. I forgot your other plan. You, forgetting to take your birth control pills. You think being pregnant may….”
“You better not dare finish that.” Tears poured out of my eyes as every word uttered by Jorge slashed into my heart. “I’ve worked my ass off the last month for school. I’m even getting ready to sell my father’s bike to keep going to college. I’m hardly choking. Going away with your father was an escape, I admit that, but I didn’t even think about staying at the
club. In regards to Brody—he didn’t want to ruin my goals, but he had many other things going on. As far as trapping him—”
“I didn’t say that—”
“Because I stopped you before you did! I don’t need to trap a man to stay with me. Thank you.”
“Wait. Fuck. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it the way that came out. I’m upset,” he slowed to pull over. “We should talk this out.”
I was done talking to him at this point. Too much had been said and all I wanted to do was be away from him. “No. I need to get to the airport now. You did mean every word.”
“I’m sorry. It all came out wrong. I didn’t mean it. I don’t know why I said all that. I’m sorry. I was upset you wanted to leave me and the life you built for someone you just met.”
“I wasn’t leaving my life behind. I was adding to it, at least I thought I was. It didn’t work out that way.”
“Alright. I didn’t understand. I said that because I care and I love you.” He took the exit for the airport.
“I love you back, just not the way you want me to.” I wiped my face. Although I wanted to get our friendship back on track, he’d gone where I never thought he would, bringing up my parents and equating me with my mother for loving someone that didn’t fit into the plan. Plans change. People change. I’ve changed.
My gaze focused on the sign for short term parking ahead. There was no way I wanted him to come in with me. Before he changed lanes for the turnoff, I groused. “You can just drop me off in front.”
“Nope. You’re mad, and I don’t want you going away hating me. I deserve your hatred, but I hope, in time, you can forgive me,” he said lowering the window. He took a ticket.
I blew out a breath. “I’d never hate you. I may have said that in anger, but I don’t hate you.”
“I’d understand if you did, but I’m glad you don’t.” He parked, and we got out and walked in. He waited with me through my check-in and up to the gate. “If you need a place to stay, you come back and stay with me. I’m still your best friend. I still care about you, and I’m here if you need me.”
I didn’t know how we would get past what happened, but he was still my friend, even if he hurt me. He was good and there for me. “Thank you for everything.”
“Always,” Jorge said. “Do you think you will be able to sell the bike? I know how much that means to you.”
I was only able to nod. A lump, forming in my throat. I had been willing to give it to Brody just weeks before, to go on the trip, but he didn’t take me up on the offer. Now I wondered if I would really have been able to do it. My dad would have understood. He had wanted me to graduate from college. He’d be mad if I passed up my opportunity and I believed in my heart he would have sold it for me if he were still alive. I didn’t have to speak though. Jorge pulled me into a hug, and I hugged him back, putting in all the feeling I had, into what I hoped would salvage our friendship.
“No matter what, call me when you land. Please. You still have a place with me,” he repeated. He brushed his soft lips against my cheek.
“I will call. Thank you,” I assured.
I went to the security line that led to the departure gates. After taking off my shoes and putting my laptop and phone through the search, I went to the gate to board my flight. I sat down and took out my phone to send a message to Aunt Luna. What I found waiting there for me was a message from Brody.
My heart skipped a beat. Was he reaching out to me because he still wanted me?
You’re not selling your dad’s bike.
I curled my lips. He doesn’t say anything about their wedding, but could take the time to send a message ordering me around? Unbelievable. I sent a quick reply back.
I am selling it. I’m sorry Doc got in touch with you.
Why did Doc contact Brody anyway? He saw how upset I was at the hospital. I sighed. Then again, I didn’t tell him not to. I looked at my phone and found a message from Fiona answering everything.
Doc asked Brody for help because he has garages and custom bike shops. I told him he should have asked you, but he’s a stubborn man. I’m sorry. If you need to talk, you can call me. I miss your sweet face. Seren’s planning the wedding. Have you got your email yet about the bridesmaid’s dresses?
Tears once again welled up in my eyes. I wrote back.
It’s fine. I do; however, need to sell the bike. If Doc can’t help, I understand. I’ll find another way. I’m boarding my flight to Aunt Luna’s Tree Farm in California. I’ll be in touch soon. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make the wedding.
The stewardess came out and called our flight. I turned off my phone and boarded. I was off to California.
*
WHEN THE PLANE finally landed in San Jose, I was one of the first in line from the coach seats to get off. The farm was located about ten miles from the big city, Los Gatos. It wasn’t just a Christmas tree farm; Aunt Luna also sold her trees for landscapes, buildings, and homes. Although I loved Boston, and I enjoyed living in Raleigh, North Carolina, for the first years after my parent’s divorce, Aunt Luna’s farm was truly home.
Growing up, I didn’t appreciate it much because it was in the middle of nowhere. But now, I longed for the open space and expanse of trees. One of my many favorite memories was of Jorge and I, as kids, running through a maze of evergreen, eucalyptuses, and redwoods deep into the forest. We never had to worry because Aunt Luna always sent out her trusty and friendly golden retriever, Padma to find us. I sighed. I longed for the easiness that used to be my life before it got turned upside down. I missed Padma. I missed my Aunt Luna. I missed my dad.
I rushed through to arrivals and was so relieved to find Luna there, waiting for me. She let out an enthusiastic cry when she spotted me. Her waist length, wavy hair swinging as she rushed over to give me a hug. My heart panged as I gazed at her. She looked so much like my father. His same square-shaped face and twinkling green eyes. She was wearing a tie-dyed dress with patch pockets and a pashmina scarf around her neck from her Esty Anima Clothing series. She stood taller than me by an inch at five-eight. She had a permanent tan from being outdoors working on the farm and new greenhouse nursery. And from the Rowe side of the gene pool, she was thin with small chest and hips.
“Goddess, do you get more and more beautiful every time I see you?” Luna said holding me at arm’s length. “Your energy is chaotic. I’ll help you rebalance.”
I smiled. “Sounds great.”
She tilted her head. “No fussing?”
“Nope.” Aunt Luna was a massage therapist, acupuncturist, reiki master, and a host of other things. Truthfully, I didn’t care if she wanted to shake a rattle over me for a few weeks. I was away from green peppers and thousands of dishes. I needed the break. Besides, I always felt a little better after one of her treatments.
She squeezed my arms again and took my hand like I was still little, and went to collect my bag as we made our way out to her…Prius? My brows raised.
“Carbon print. No more poisoning the planet,” she declared.
“What did you do with your Volkswagen camper?” I asked once we were settled in the car.
“Oh, it’s in the garage with Wheeler’s bike…your bike,” she said.
I took a deep breath and didn’t say anything.
“So, let me tell you about this retreat in Santa Fe,” she said changing the subject. “It was the best retreat I have ever been to before. Well, it was until Rakesh told me I was an angry person. I’m not an angry person,” she said with bass in her tone. “He was the one married with children. He, of course, didn’t tell me this until after he initiated me into his being.”
“Sex?” I asked already knowing the answer.
“Yeah. Sex. I don’t have sex with married men. I told him that in the beginning. My rules. He said his marriage was a karmic marriage for this lifetime, and he was “auditioning” me to be his wife in the next lifetime but decided against me because my energy is too angry!”
“What an
asshole,” I said.
“Oh, well, I don’t want to call him that, but he is disingenuous and imbalanced. I should have known better. He was an Aries,” she said and smiled in pleasure at her assessment. “So what’s going on with you?” she asked then answered for me.
“You’re young and finding your path. Of course, you fell in love. You remember that chart I did for you a couple of years ago? Your soul mate has been searching for you. You must keep yourself open. And once your energy is balanced, he will be guided by your light. Mine is also on his way. Rakesh was a test, and now I’m right on the path. We will both have love again soon. We just need to be open. I may have met someone, but he had taken a vow of silence. He’s there another week, but after that.…”
I looked out of the window. I didn’t want to discuss my love life, heartbreak, or how someone beside Brody’s light could be guided to me. My stomach flipped at the thought of us both searching endlessly for someone to be with although I wanted Luna to find someone and be happy.
We took the route that led to the backwoods and drove until we were surrounded by trees. “Don’t you ever worry about being way out here?” I asked.
“Never. Our ancestors walk the land protecting us. It is Rowe land and can only be Rowe land. It has been for generations. We are farmers and growers, Piper. I tried to tell your father as much, but he fought against his nature. He only felt peace when he was here; I told him as much before he left the last time.”
I swallowed hard. I couldn’t speak, and silence hung between us until she spoke.
“He is here now. You will feel him. You’ll see,” Luna said with confidence.
We drove on until she turned off onto the graveled, tree-lined road that led to the house. Some of her workers were out there pruning and charting. I rolled down the window and took a deep breath of rosemary bushes and evergreen trees. The cool breeze of air crossed us. It was much cooler in the forest. We drove on until the house came into view. A wooden, brick farmhouse. A large metal sun hung at the peak of the roof. It was away from the small barn next to it that had been converted into her business and sales office. She moved the car along to the garage to park, and I spotted her camper van and my dad’s bike. My bike.
Piper Dreams: Make It Happen (Dream Series Book 2) Page 7
