Tangled Paths

by Kimi Flores

  “I can hear that smile over the phone, Joshua,” she teased. “Alright, let’s do Saturday. Daddy and I’ll be waitin’, and I’ll try not to think about how you been celebratin’.”

  Unable to hide his amusement, Josh busted up. “Okay, see ya then, mom.”

  He ended the call, placing his cell on the coffee table when Bri’s scowl at the top of the stairs called his attention. “What’s up, babe?”

  Marching down with something white in her hand, she held it up for him to see. “This is how you’re supposed to have the toilet paper facing.” In a patronizing manner, she demonstrated pulling down on the front of the sheets. “Not like this.” She flipped it around so the sheets were pulled from under the roll.

  “Ooookaaaay. Does it really matter?” He got up from the couch, wondering why she was so mad.

  Huffing, she yelled out. “Yes it matters, dammit. Every time I put a new roll on, you flip the damn thing. Are you trying to drive me fucking insane?”

  Josh had heard her curse plenty of times, but she didn’t normally drop F-bombs unless she was really pissed.

  He frowned at her. It was toilet paper. What was the big deal?

  Totally confused, he rubbed his chin. “You do realize it’s just toilet paper, right?”

  Stomping her foot, she barked back, “There is a proper way of putting the bathroom tissue on the roll. Every time I do, you go and change it, so it rolls incorrectly. Why do you have to make things more difficult for me?”

  Then it hit him. Is this another thing her mother drilled into her head? There had been a few other times she got upset out of nowhere over what he considered unimportant things and so far had all been somehow connected to her mother.

  There were other more serious triggers. One day, he’d playfully pulled on her hair and she freaked out. When he’d learned that her mom used to pull her hair and dig her nails in Bri’s scalp he was shocked. After calming her down, he walked to the garage and lost it himself, throwing shit everywhere. It was still beyond him how anyone could treat the woman he loved that way.

  He knew she wasn’t going to heal overnight, and she’d probably struggle with some of this shit for the rest of her life. No matter how irritating it got, he had to keep this in mind when she flipped out over things he thought were senseless, because they meant something to her. The good thing was that she quickly recognized what was going on when he pointed it out.

  He reached for her hand, speaking gently. “Listen, we’re going to have our differences, and it’ll take some time before everything meshes but,” he squeezed their joined hands, “I know this stems from something else. I can see it in your eyes. The Bri I love doesn’t get so upset over toilet paper. Curtains, maybe, but not toilet paper.” When she slumped a little, he asked, “Wanna talk about it?”

  Glancing down, she exhaled a long breath. “You’re right. It does. I’m sorry.”

  Sighing, he took the toilet paper out of her hand and threw it on the couch, pulling her into a hug.

  She didn’t fight it, nestling her cheek on his chest. “I don’t know. I guess it’s just one of those things my mom pounded into my head. But I need to let it go. I don’t want to be anything like her. Not even the way she hangs her toilet paper.”

  “Bri, whether you’re trying to do everything opposite her, or following what she told you to do, you need to stop. It’s time you concentrate on finding what you want. What makes you happy.”

  Gently moving her body away, he cupped her face, looking deep in her eyes. “I couldn’t give a rat’s ass how the damn toilet paper hangs. I’ll just follow your lead,” he teased her tenderly. “What I won’t stand for is watching you continue to beat yourself up, trying to be who you think everyone else wants you to be. Just be you, the woman I love, pink curtains and all.”

  She snickered against his chest. “Don’t say things you don’t mean, Josh Tucker. Or I will have pink curtains in this living room so fast, you won’t know what hit you.”

  Shit. He’d created a monster.

  Dani was filling a box on Bri’s bed, tossing in perfume and jewelry from the top of her dresser. “I totally get it, and I’d leave you too if my hot boyfriend asked me to move in with him. But between Catalina, Chicago, you staying at Josh’s, and me working, I’ve missed having you around.”

  One of her arms was full of clothes when Bri ran her free hand down Dani’s arm. “Just because I’m moving out doesn’t mean we won’t see each other. You’re still my best friend. I need to do this. I’m finally living my life for me and not trying to please my mother.”

  A chill ran down Bri’s arms at the realization of that statement.

  Wow, I never thought I’d say that.

  Dani pulled Bri down to the edge of the bed, setting the pile of clothes in her lap. “I know that and I really am happy for you. I want you to move on with your life. I’ve just never been on my own before.” Bri’s heart broke, seeing the loneliness in Dani’s eyes. “This is the first place I’ve ever lived without my mother, and now I’ll be here by myself.” Before Bri could say anything, Dani added, “I’m not saying any of this to make you feel guilty. It’ll be a great opportunity to see who I am too, it’ll just be…difficult at first. Promise me we’ll see each other all the time.”

  “Of course we will.” Bri gave her a reassuring smile. “Just tell me when you’re free, and you do still have Leah a few miles away, you know. I’m sure she must be getting sick of my brother by now,” she teased. “She’ll probably be busting down your door for some girl time if you don’t invite her over here.”

  Dani rolled her eyes. “I don’t think they’ll ever get tired of each other. We need to somehow convince them to start popping out some babies for us to take care of though.”

  “I know, right?” Bri felt her face light up at the thought. “Josh and I got to babysit Madison and Max the other day, but I want more. Plus, can you imagine how gorgeous their kids will be?”

  Dani smirked. “Yep, just like their aunties.”

  Bri laughed. Maybe she will be okay on her own.

  Josh walked up to the condo’s open front door, spotting Dani on the couch. He figured she’d be upset about Bri moving out, but seeing her sitting there with her face buried in her hands made him feel like shit.

  He was well aware of the fact that, if one friend was miserable, the other would also be. He stepped inside and sat beside her on the velvety purple couch. Startled, she jerked to the side. Her red puffy eyes narrowed in on his face, but it looked as though she was trying to focus on him, not give him a dirty look.

  “Hey, Josh.” She sniffed. “Bri’s in the bathroom. She’ll be ready in a minute.”

  “You okay?” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his thighs.

  She let out a sad sigh. “I’ll be fine. I’m just going to miss having Bri around.”

  “You know you’re welcome at our place anytime, right?” He hoped she felt his sincerity.

  “Yeah, that’s what you guys say now, but once all is said and done, people go on with their lives. You guys have each other now. You don’t need a third wheel.”

  “Dani, I’m serious.” He set his hand on top of hers, lightly squeezing. “As a matter of fact, we have a full apartment above the garage, you’re welcome to. It’s completely functioning. You wouldn’t have to pay rent and you’d be close to Bri.” He hadn’t thought about this before but it would be a perfect solution since Bri was going to miss Dani as much as Dani will miss her.

  Sniffing, she brought a tissue to her eyes. “Thanks Josh, but I really need to let Bri move on. She’s had such a shitty life, and she deserves to be alone with you.”

  Cocking an eye with his head tilted to the side, Josh asked, “You’re kidding, right? Bri needs all of us. Her problem wasn’t with you.”

  With a trembling chin, Dani said, “Thanks for saying that. I feel like everyone’s moving on, and I’m stuck alone. First Leah, then my mother, and now Bri.”

  Standing, he pulled
her up into a hug as she began to quietly cry. From the corner of his eye, Josh spotted Bri at the hall entryway, a questioning look on her face. He slowly shook his head, trying not to alert Dani. He wanted the opportunity to console her.

  Smoothing her hair down, he reassured her, “Dani, nobody’s leaving you. We’re all here. Don’t ever feel like you’re alone.”

  “I’m sorry.” she cried, “I’m just emotional right now. I thought Bri and I would live together a lot longer than this. But I need to learn how to stand on my own two feet. I’m okay now.” She pulled away, wiping her tears. “Really. Who knows, maybe I’ll get a little dog to keep me company. Plus,” she placed a forced smile on her lips, “How am I ever going to find my own Prince Charming if I’m living through you guys? Maybe I don’t want you cramping my style.” She teased.

  In an attempt to keep the mood light, Josh said, “Well, I definitely don’t want to cramp anyone’s style but I do need pointers from you on how to live peacefully with my messy girlfriend.”

  The first genuine grin he’d seen on her face today broke free. “Well, as long as you get coffee in her early enough every day, you’ll do just fine. You might want a flashlight for those late night bathroom runs though. Chances are, she’ll have at least one shoe in the way.”

  “Hey, are you guys making fun of me?” Bri faked irritation.

  “Never, dear.” Josh grinned. “We wouldn’t do that.”

  Dani giggled. “Yeah, you’re on the right road with that bullcrap line. You don’t need my help at all.” Reaching over, she gave Bri a hug, then turned toward the hall. “I’m going to get ready for work. Call me later, kay?”

  “I will.” They watched Dani make her way down the hall, sniffing as she entered her bedroom.

  Closing up the box on the coffee table, Josh raised his eyebrows. “This reminds me, what ever happened to the shit shoes?”

  “Dani got them cleaned for me when we were in Catalina. They’re in one of these containers.” She pointed to the remaining boxes on the counter.

  Frowning, Josh decided it was time to put his foot down. “Babe, I’ve let a lot of things go, but shoes that have been shit in are not coming in the house.” It amazed him how messy Bri was. He never would’ve guessed he’d be the neat freak in the relationship.

  “No way,” she argued, squaring her shoulders. “They’re designer.”

  A challenging grin slid up his face. “If I have to get rid of my curtains, you have to get rid of those shit shoes.”

  Crossing her arms, she retorted, “Fine. They’re gone then.”

  He picked up the box then cocked his eyebrow at her. “And don’t even try to fool me, I saw what they look like.”

  She snapped her fingers, “Dammit.”

  Oh so she WAS going to try and fool me, huh. Looks like I need to keep a closer eye on her than I thought. Sounds like fun to me.

  Bri’s leg bounced up and down as Josh drove her convertible up his parents’ driveway to their Brentwood, California home. The red brick, white framing, and black shutters on the facade reminded her of several homes she’d seen in Tennessee when she’d visited.

  As soon as he turned the engine off, Josh placed his hand on top of her knee. “Babe, stop being so nervous. They’re gonna love you.”

  The kiss he planted on her cheek did little to calm her nerves.

  “Easy for you to say. The only parents I’ve ever met didn’t like me very much.” She worried her bottom lip.

  “I have a hard time believing that.” He said confidently. “I’m sure it was your imagination.”

  She shook her head quickly, back and forth. “Nope. They were all in my mother’s circle and didn’t think I was good enough for their sons.”

  He leaned back in his seat. “Oh, you mean like that dipshit that left you out in the forest with the bike?”

  Her lips puckered as she put her head down. “Yeah. He was one of them.”

  “Bri, that’s a totally different world. Most people don’t fit there, and I’m glad you didn’t because I sure as hell don’t want to.” Trailing his knuckles under her jaw, he used his index finger to guide her chin up until she was looking at his warm, loving eyes. “You fit perfectly in my world, and my parents are a big part of that. The only thing you have to do to make them happy is to make me happy. You already do that.” His comforting words helped to build up the confidence she needed. Josh loved her and that’s really all that mattered.

  He peered through the passenger window, smiling. “And if we don’t get inside right now, my mom is likely to come busting down the stairs to get us.”

  Bri turned her head, catching a glimpse of the curvy blonde-haired older woman, beaming as she stood at the top of the stairs and waving with all she had.

  “Is that her?”

  Josh was giving his mother a loving look, and it made Bri feel confused yet hopeful.

  I never looked at my mother that way.

  “Yep, that’s my mama.” He said with pride. “Come on before she flies over here.” He opened his door, rounded the front, and opened her door.

  Bri took his hand as he led her out, and she held her skirt with the other, careful not to flash his mom. Leaning against his chest, she asked, “Did I hear a slight twang?”

  He started cracking up. “Probably. Just you wait. You’ll have one before we leave too.”

  What? Bri held onto his arm as she watched his mom bounce with excitement.

  “Joshua Ryan, you get that girl up here right now, or I’m liable to come hoppin’ down these stairs after you two.” Mrs. Tucker waved them over.

  Oh, that’s what he meant.

  Josh shook his head, snickering. His arms snaked around Bri’s waist, then he pulled her to a stop with her back to the porch. “Watch this,” he whispered.

  “Watch what?” She looked out toward the street, thinking someone else was driving up, but she didn’t see anything.

  “Just wait. Give her a sec.” His breath tickled the skin on her shoulder.

  I’d rather stay right here with you. She felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled.

  Bri took in a sharp breath when she felt a tug and she was unexpectedly spinning—directly into his mother’s arms. “Oh darlin’, I hope you don’t mind. I’m a hugger. All us southerners are.”

  “Maryanne, would you please get off that girl,” a deep masculine voice came from the top of the stairs. “You’re gonna scare her off before she even makes it in the door.”

  His mom pulled away, swatting at the air behind her. Peeking over Mrs. Tucker’s shoulder, Bri saw a very handsome older man, with a mustache and bushy eyebrows, standing at the front door, wearing an apron. Unlike Josh’s mother, he didn’t have an accent.

  “Oh, you hush, Wayne. It’s not every day a mama gets to meet the only girl her son has fallen in love with.” His mom’s nose and eyes crinkled, pride beaming off of her.

  Bri looked down at the ground shyly as a grin spread across her lips. Her heart was filling with inexplicable emotions. For the first time in her life, she was overwhelmed with pure happiness.

  He told his mom he loves me.

  “Look at that beautiful glow you’ve got. I suspect you feel the same way about my boy here?” His mom wrapped her arm around Josh, patting his chest with her free hand.

  Unable to hide her smile, Bri nodded blissfully.

  Kissing the top of his mother’s head, he begged, “Mom, please stop embarrassing her.” But there was a smile behind his words.

  “Oh you hush too. A beautiful girl like this is used to being fussed over.” She hooked her arm through Bri’s, leading her up the stairs. “If she isn’t, then shame on you.”

  Bri glanced over her shoulder, watching Josh rock back on his heels. He darted his eyes at the sky, feigning innocence. When his gaze returned to her, she stuck her tongue out.

  They made their way up the stairs where Josh’s father greeted her, offering his hand to welcome her. “It’s very nice to meet you, Bri. I’ve heard a
lot about you from Bradley.”

  Bradley? Why not Josh? A cold chill ran down her back as her insecurities started to resurface.

  Stop, Bri. Not everything means something.

  Mrs. Tucker swept her away as the men followed. “Come on out back. Everyone’s waitin’.”

  Everyone? Bri gulped.

  They walked through the open foyer, to the dining room, then stepped out of the opened French doors and into the outdoor family room.

  Bri took in the space. Although everything was nicely decorated, it was also comfortable, not a museum where you weren’t allowed to touch anything. “Wow, this is a beautiful home, Mrs. Tucker.”