by JL Paul
“Hello?” the voice said.
“Kendra?” I cried. “This is Aubrey Quinn. Do you remember me?”
“Of course,” she said slowly. “Are you okay?”
The tears flowed hard and fast. “I hate to do this but is there any way you could come get me?”
After I gave her the edited version of my predicament, she told me to sit tight – she’d be right here. Closing my eyes, I rested my head on the steering wheel, inhaling and exhaling slowly, trying to fight off the hysteria looming ever so close.
“You are an idiot!” I screamed. “You should have known better than to trust Samantha!”
The tears returned in full force and streamed down my face. I didn’t bother wiping them away. My stomach rolled again and I fumbled with the door handle, practically falling out of the car. I ran to the other side and emptied my stomach in the gutter. Once I finished, I sat on the curb, letting self-pity to wash over me. What a pathetic excuse for a human being I was. I swiped at the never ending flow of tears as I watched cars pass. I prayed no one but Kendra would stop because I was in no condition to fight off any unfriendly advances.
Finally I heard a car stop behind mine and Kendra’s worried voice call out my name. I held on to the fender of my car as I walked around the front.
“Oh geez, Aubrey! Are you okay?” Kendra asked as she took me by the shoulders. I winced in pain at her contact.
“What happened?” A deeper voice asked. Looking up, I found a man standing behind Kendra.
“I told you, Kevin,” Kendra said, exasperated. “Stop being a cop for five seconds, huh?”
He laughed. “Get her home, Kendra. Don’t let her drive.”
She kissed his cheek and he left us alone. Smiling weakly, she helped me into the car, avoiding the mess I’d made on the side of the road. Once she was buckled in the driver’s seat, she smiled again. “Kevin is my older brother. He’s also a cop.”
I groaned. “I didn’t drive far. I knew I couldn’t.”
“Don’t worry,” she reassured me. “I know that and so does he. He’s grateful you stopped when you did.” She took a deep breath. “I was babysitting for him and his wife when you called. They'd just arrived to pick up the baby. It was perfect timing.”
“I can’t thank you enough,” I muttered, the words not seeming to convey the gratitude in my heart. “What a mess.”
“Wait until I get you to my house and get you cleaned up then we can talk.”
I nodded in the dark and let her concentrate on the road. When we finally stopped, she helped me into the house and to a guest bathroom. She set out a towel and started the shower. “I’ll get you some clothes.”
“I have a bag in my car,” I suddenly remembered. “I’ll get it.”
“Get in the shower. I’ll get your bag.”
The warm water loosened my tense muscles and eased the pain in my sore shoulders. I stood under the spray, letting the water run over my face. Finally, I shut off the taps and stepped out of the shower. After drying off, I wrapped the towel around my body as Kendra knocked on the door. When I opened it, she held out my bag with a smile. The smile quickly fell as she gasped.
“What happened to your shoulders?” she demanded, pushing me back into the bathroom and in front of the mirror. Purple bruises in the vague form of fingers decorated my skin. My head, though not spinning as much as it had been, tried to wrap around the vision in the mirror.
“Gary, I think,” I mumbled, shuddering as I remembered his thin lips on mine. “He kissed me and got mad when I told him to stop.”
I was drunk but that didn't stop me from noticing Kendra’s shiver. I wondered briefly about it.
“That bastard,” she seethed. “Wait until Jess hears about this.”
I shook my head and nearly fell. “No, it’s okay. It won’t matter.”
“Get dressed,” she said softly. “I made coffee. We can talk.”
When I agreed, she left me to dress. I slipped on my clean clothes and draped my towel over the edge of the tub. I found her in a cozy living room with a huge fireplace taking up one wall. Photos of her and Troy and what I assumed were members of their family sat in frames on the mantle. A huge mass of white nearly tackled me before I could sit.
“Spanky!” Kendra called. The dog’s head dropped as it turned to sit at her feet. She smiled at me again. “She’s a good dog. Too friendly sometimes.”
I sat next to Kendra and stroked the dog’s soft fur. I was rewarded with a huge kiss that made a laugh bubble in my throat. “I love dogs.”
“What happened, Aubrey?” Kendra asked. I could see the concern and curiosity raging in her eyes. “Jess said you don’t drink. And then you call me, drunk, with bruises on your body. Did someone…hurt you…in some way?”
I took the cup of coffee she offered, sipping at it slowly. When I set the cup on the table, I told her every sad detail from my evening. When I reached Gary’s part in my little drama, her eyes burned pure fire as her fists clenched in her lap.
“We should call Kevin,” she said.
I shook my woozy head. “I’d rather forget the whole mess.”
She watched me carefully, waiting for what, I didn’t know. Finally she nodded as she stood. “Do you need to call anyone? You’re welcome to stay here tonight.”
“If it’s not too much trouble,” I said, my voice horribly weak. I couldn’t imagine going home in the shape I was in, although I was feeling much better.
“Of course not,” she said.
She showed me to a beautiful guest room which I was sure I’d rave over if I wasn’t suffering an aching head and a wounded ego. When she left me, I slipped into the bed, drawing the blankets to my chin. I thankfully closed my eyes and welcomed the exhaustion that relieved me from a disastrous night.
***
I found Kendra in the sunny kitchen the next morning, carrying on a one sided conversation with the huge mass of dog parked in the middle of the floor.
“Good morning,” she smiled. After she washed her hands in the sink, she fetched a package of bagels and a tub of cream cheese from the refrigerator. “I hope bagels are okay with you. Troy’s housekeeper, Hildy, is on vacation and I’m not much of a cook.”
“That’s fine,” I said, not very particular. My stomach wasn’t exactly back to its normal, happy self and I figured bread with a light spattering of cream cheese wouldn’t hurt. I realized I should probably head for home but Kendra’s company was comforting in a way Gwen’s used to be. I didn’t want to leave.
The bagels popped out of the toaster and as we ate, Kendra chattered excitedly, obviously trying to keep my mind off the previous evening.
“Jess is pitching today. Are you going to watch the game?”
“Probably,” I muttered, picking at the bagel. I took a sip of coffee and studied Kendra over the rim of my mug. “How did you and Troy become engaged?”
She laughed as her eyes drifted away. “I met him because of Spanky. Oh, he annoyed the hell out of me at first but I had issues and he had issues and we sort of came together, helping each other out. He was the first man I trusted besides my brother and I couldn’t help but fall in love with him.”
“Is it hard for you two to be apart during the season?” My mind was set to record her answer so I could play it back to Jess.
“Not really. I go with him on road trips when I can. But I work at the shelter and he understands how important it is to me.” She giggled as her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. “Sometimes it sort of spices things up when he’s been away for awhile.”
I nodded, especially remembering that little tidbit of information. I was anxious to throw that in Jess’s face.
She cocked her head as her lips turned down. “Is there a problem with you and Jess?”
I barked out a bitter laugh. “There is no me and Jess.” Sighing, I pushed my half eaten bagel away. “There was in high school but that was it.”
“Hmm,” she said thoughtfully. “The way he talks about
you I thought you two were an item. I mean, every time I’m around him he’s saying stuff about you and mooning over you. Hell, I don’t think he’s even looked at another girl since you sang the Anthem.” Her lips spread into an evil grin. “Maybe you two aren’t a couple now but trust me girly, Jess ain’t letting you go any time soon.” She patted me on the head as if I was one of her beloved pets. “Hey, how about you hang out with me today? We can ride the horses and then come back in for the game?”
I nodded, still gaping at her comments.
Chapter Eight
I returned home Saturday evening, fretting over the day’s game. Jess had only lasted until the fifth inning. After he'd walked the leadoff batter and the next two hitters, Lou Harding had jaunted to the mound and relieved him of the ball. Kendra and I had exchanged worried glances but neither of us formed the words we both were thinking.
I had questioned Kendra about Jess’s shoulder but she could only shake her head helplessly at me.
“He’s never said a word,” she assured me. But the concern in her eyes had mirrored mine and it was a minor relief that I wasn’t the only one worried.
“How was your party?” my mother asked in a cheerful voice.
“Samantha is evil,” I muttered as I stalked toward the stairs.
“Samantha Roper? That nice girl?” Reaching out, she took hold of my arm, smoothly preventing my escape. “Did you argue with her?”
“She’s not a nice girl, Mother. She’s an evil, conniving wench.” I shook my arm loose and charged up the stairs two at a time. Slamming my door shut, I flopped on the bed. I snatched the remote for my television off the night stand and flipped through the stations until I found a sports channel. I watched faithfully with bated breath in hopes that some news on Jess would flash across the screen. I had no idea what I was waiting for, exactly, but I guess I thought I wanted one of the announcers to say that he was okay.
When nothing happened, I groaned as I turned off the television. Locating my phone, I scrolled through my contacts. Only Jess could tell me how he felt and I’d be willing to bet my entire savings account he’d lie through his teeth.
But I hoped maybe I could tell if he was in pain by the tone of his voice. I dialed his number and waited impatiently for him to answer. Of course he never did so I left him a casual voice mail and asked him to please call me.
After filling the tub, I soaked leisurely, my shoulders still a little sore. I kept my phone within easy reach but Jess never called back. I puttered around my bedroom, cleaning out the closet and sorting through my clothes until it grew late enough for bed. My heart ached as I tossed and turned, fighting tears of disappointment.
***
Kendra called the next morning, inviting me over for lunch. I gladly accepted and informed my mother where I was going. She scrunched her nose in confusion, trying to place Kendra’s name but I let her ponder while I ran gleefully to my car.
Kendra seemed as happy to see me as I was to get away from my mother. We sat outside, enjoying the pleasant summer weather, Spanky lounging at our feet. She poured us each a glass of iced tea and I relaxed in the chaise, admiring the horses grazing in the paddock.
“I talked to Troy this morning,” she began and a bubble of panic hovered in my throat. “Jess flew home last night.”
“What?” I asked, shooting out of my chair so quickly I nearly dumped my iced tea all over my t-shirt. “Why?”
She placed an arm on mine and stared directly in my eyes. “Don’t panic. Troy said it wasn’t serious. Jess’s shoulder has been bugging him so the team sent him home to see his doctor. The one who performed his surgery.”
I nodded but my mind was a mile away focusing on Jess and the pain I’d seen etched around his eyes. What an idiot I was for not confronting him sooner. Not that I could have convinced him to do anything but I would have tried. I would have used every skill and tool at my disposal to make him seek medical attention. I’d have even used my body.
The heat rushed to my cheeks at that thought. I turned away from Kendra, hoping she wouldn’t notice.
“I should go see him,” I muttered, convincing myself as well as her.
“You should,” she said, surprising me. I thought for sure she’d tell me to give him time. “Troy said he was supposed to have some x-rays and tests done this morning so he should be home now.”
Nodding, I set my glass on the table. “Thanks, Kendra.”
She gave me a quick hug. “Good luck.”
***
“What the hell are you doing here?” Jess groaned when he opened the door. He pushed the screen and allowed me entrance. “I swear I’m going to kick Troy’s ass.”
He continued grumbling under his breath as he led me to the living room. He sat down on the sofa, throwing his right arm over the back. I sat cautiously on the edge, studying his face for any signs of pain. And I found them, carefully concealed near his eyes.
“I was worried, Jess,” I whispered. He rolled his eyes and ducked his head. I placed a tentative hand on his thigh. “How bad is it?”
“I don’t know anything yet, Aubrey. I had the tests done today and I’ll see the doctor tomorrow.” His lips curled. “It’s nothing, really. Lou’s just all in a huff because I haven’t been performing up to standard lately.”
“But you’re in pain,” I said, quiet as a mouse. “I can tell.”
“I’m not in pain,” he said, jumping to his feet. “I’m fine.”
“Why do you always have to play tough guy?” I demanded, standing in front of him. Anger erupted inside my body and spewed out of my mouth. “Why can’t you just admit that you hurt, huh? Maybe someone can help you before it gets too bad!”
He laughed sardonically. “Like you?”
I froze, taken aback. “Maybe. I’m no doctor but…”
He leaned forward, his handsome face wrenched into a sarcastic mask. “But what? You think you can sing away my pain? Gonna call your mother and ask her to help? What in the hell do you think you can do, Aubrey?”
I couldn’t stop the hot tears from spilling out of my eyes. Yes, he was right but still, couldn’t he at least accept whatever I had to offer?
“You don’t need to suffer alone,” I said in a shaky, soft voice.
He took a deep breath but didn’t move away from me. His eyes narrowed but his jaw relaxed.
“What happened to you Friday night?” His voice was cool but I could see the anger in his smoky eyes.
“Don’t change the subject,” I snapped. “We’re talking about you.”
“And there’s nothing more to talk about until I see the doctor,” he said. “So tell me what happened Friday night.”
“Nothing,” I said, twisting my body away from him. His firm hand grabbed my shoulder and a shot of pain bolted down my arm. Wincing, I ducked my shoulder out of his clutch. “Let go.”
His brow furrowed as he grabbed my shoulder again. The bruises were still tender to the touch and even though I steeled myself, I still flinched.
“What’s wrong with you? You been pitching, too?”
I rolled my eyes at him, carefully removing his hand. “Leave me alone.”
“Kendra told me you got drunk. Did some guy try something with you?” He was reasonably calm until I turned my guilty eyes from his face. He took my chin and lifted it, eyes blazing. “Who?”
“Just a guy from the show tried to kiss me, that’s all,” I stammered. “I stopped him and I left.”
Clenching his jaw, he yanked my t-shirt off my shoulder. His breath left him in a rush along with a string of curses.
“I will kill him,” he said in a low tone. I tried to take a step back but he still had a strong hold on my chin. “Did he hurt you anywhere else?”
“No, Jess, please,” I begged. My tears were now running down my face and over his hand. He released me but the rage still burned in his eyes. “Don’t do anything. You’ll hurt your shoulder or get in trouble.”
He ran his thumbs under my eyes and kissed
the corner of my mouth. “Not a chance in hell, sweetheart. He’ll pay and he’ll learn to keep his hands off of you.”
I trembled visibly and he eased me gently into his arms. My ear pressed against his chest and I counted the beats of his heart until I managed to get my emotions under control. He dropped a quick kiss on the top of my head before edging me back. His voice was soft, almost tender.
“I’ll be fine, Aubrey. It’s just a little tightness in the shoulder. I’m thinking I’ll have to do a round of physical therapy. I doubt I’ll make my next start but I shouldn’t be out longer than that.”
I managed a weak smile, grateful that he’d been honest. Leaning in, he kissed me, slowly at first, but the pent up tension building in my body burst and before I knew what was happening, I was pressed firmly against him while my hands shot under his thin shirt and roamed his back. He groaned in my mouth but didn’t break the kiss. Instead, he deepened it. Desire jolted painfully down my thighs and I didn’t care that he didn’t want a relationship. I didn’t care that I was inexperienced. I didn’t care what my mother would think. I wanted him. I would take whatever part of him he was willing to give.
I found the hem of his shirt and swept it up his body and over his head. Our lips parted for a moment, long enough for him to speak.
“Think about what you’re doing, Aubrey,” he warned, but his eyes were dark and hungry – exactly what I imagined mine to look like. I forced his mouth to mine and continued to convince him best I could. His hands, which had been sitting dormant on my hips, awoke and moved slowly up my sides. He cupped my face and ripped his mouth from mine. “Aubrey, this isn’t necessary.”
“I know,” I said, chest heaving. “This is something I want to do – not something my mother wants me to do or you want me to do or Gwen wants me to do.”
