Fragile Love

by Mack Black

  "Get dressed. I'm going to go and see who that is," I said. I’d barely pulled my t-shirt on before I yanked the door open.

  A frown covered my face. "What did he do?" It took everything in me not to yell. Anytime Vanessa cried, it made me want to kill the person who made her.

  "He..." She gulped and looked down at the floor, not able to finish her sentence. Tears rolled down her face as I lifted it to make her look at me. What I saw didn’t help stave off the anger.

  She looked a wreck, which made me want to get her inside before the neighbors came out to see what happened, so I wrapped an arm around her and guided her in.

  Her brown hair fell lifeless against her shoulders, and parts of it were wet, probably from her tears. It clung to her neck and shoulders, so I reached out and pushed it away from her skin. She was warm, almost feverish, but what hit me hardest was her smell, like someone poured an entire bottle of whiskey on her.

  "You're drunk, aren't you?" I asked, holding her back to get a good look at her eyes. "I thought you didn't do this anymore. I thought having kids made you see you can't drown your problems in drugs and alcohol anymore. I mean you have the occasional glass of wine, but you never overdo it like this anymore."

  Her green eyes looked lifeless and cold, and the red around them made it seem like she’d been crying for days.

  "Tell me what happened before I freak the fuck out and go kick his ass. I've never seen you like this before."

  Bella came out of my room then, noticing the scene and the tension in the air. She laid a hand on my shoulder and I instantly felt calmer.

  Nessa took a deep, steadying breath. She pulled further away from me and sat on the couch, but still didn't say a word. Her head fell into her hands and her body shook as she cried harder.

  "Vanessa." There was caution in my tone, and I hoped she understood it. I really didn’t want to do something stupid, like track Jace down and run him over with my car. "Tell me what happened."

  "James, give her a second to breathe. She looks like she hasn't taken a proper breath in hours." Bella squeezed my shoulder and narrowed her eyes at me. Then she went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water that she handed to my sister.

  "Thanks Bells," Nessa said.

  Bells? What the hell?

  Bella’s eyes widened and she raised an eyebrow at me, my sister’s nickname surprising her just as much as me.

  "I don't know who I am anymore," Vanessa said after several moments.

  "You're Vanessa Keller, a strong woman who owns her own company. You're the role model for girls all around you. You're brave and fearless and so damn beautiful," Bella said, smiling at her. "You're independent and when you want something you just reach out and take it. I wish I could be more like you."

  I'd say I was impressed, but damn I was blown away. Bella was unstoppable. My chest burned with pride.

  "But you barely even know me." Nessa frowned.

  "But she is right. Everything she said was true. That's exactly who you are," I added.

  "You don't get it James!" she yelled. "I don't know who I am without Jace! It's always been me and Jace. Vanessa and Jace: the power couple. Vanessa and Jace: the famous duo. Vanessa and Jace: a love story to trump all love stories. Who am I without him?"

  Why is she quoting news headlines from six years ago?

  When she broke down sobbing, I could only stare at her, wondering if I’d heard her correctly. Bella kept glancing at me and then back at my sister, as if telling me to just say something already. I was in a tailspin of thoughts, trying to figure out how she could ever be without him. My mind kept going to the worst-case scenario. He had to be dead or something. Nothing else made sense.

  "Without Jace. Oh God. Did he die?" I don't even know where that came from or why I said it out loud.

  With those words, my sister cried even harder, making me think maybe this was worst-case scenario. Maybe a car accident. Or a robbery gone wrong. Or maybe he even fell off the roof.

  "I came home from a job tonight and found him in the kitchen kissing my assistant," she cried, choking on every word.

  With wide eyes, I glanced at Bella. Then my fists tightened at my sides. "I'm sorry, did you just say…" I couldn't even say it aloud because it was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever heard.

  Jace would never cheat on Vanessa. She couldn’t have seen it right. He just wouldn’t do that.

  "Jace was kissing my assistant," she said, her words clearer than before. She wiped at her face, over and over, as if determined not to cry anymore. It wouldn’t do any good, though. I had a feeling she couldn’t stop crying no matter what she did.

  "I'm gonna kill him," I said, laughing like a maniac. "I'm gonna fucking kill him."

  "I don't even know what to do anymore. I haven't been happy for a while now. I couldn't even talk to him. I couldn't ask questions. I was in shock, so I just walked out and went straight to the bar. I tossed back drink after damn drink until I felt numb and somehow—somehow, I made it here. I think I just need to lay down for a little while. The room is spinning." She fell over like a limp, dead fish.

  I paced the floor in front of her. I had to calm down before I made any rash decisions, like shooting him with paintballs in the face until he begged me to stop.

  "James, just take a deep breath and let's talk this out," Bella said, knowing me well enough to know I was about to blow. Vanessa’s soft snores hit my ears, so I picked her up and carried her to my bed, putting a trash can beside her just in case.

  After that, I joined Bella in the living room again, sitting beside her on the couch. I was still in shock. Complete and utter shock.

  "I'm trying to comprehend this. Jace cheated on Vanessa. It's absurd. He didn't. There's no way. If they can't make it, what's the fucking point to love?" My voice was so calm it scared me.

  I had always wanted what they had, that kind of love, but if he would throw it all away for some other woman, then it was never love to begin with.

  A loud bang startled us both, and more bangs followed the first.

  "Open up James!" Jace shouted through the door. "I know she’s in there. Her car is in the parking lot. I'm not leaving until you open up!"

  I looked at Bella, wondering if I should open the door. Right now, I really wanted to so I could punch him in the face, and since I had the element of surprise, I might actually land one.

  She shook her head, pointing to the door. "Don't fucking punch him."

  I raised my brows at her.

  She scoffed. "What? I can see it in your eyes. I've known you for six fucking years. I know you."

  I frowned as I climbed to my feet and lumbered to the door. Leaving the chain attached, I opened the door a crack.

  "Vanessa doesn't want to see you right now," I backed up when I saw the look in his eyes. He was ready to kill me to get to her.

  "Dammit James! Just open the door. That’s my wife in there, and I swear if you don’t let me in, I will knock the damned door down."

  Jace didn’t make idle threats, and he’d never played games when it came to my sister—only their own games. I wouldn’t take the chance, though, so I opened the door and let him in.

  The minute he came in, he scanned the room. His gaze fell on me with an intensity that scared me. He made me feel like he might grab me and choke me until I produced her.

  "Where is she?" He growled, and he had to look insane to Bella, who didn’t know him as well as me.

  "She's asleep in my room. She was pretty trashed when she got here. She told me some things," I said, sitting down on the couch and crossing my legs. "Let's have a chat." I patted the seat next to me.

  He ignored me and headed straight for my room, pulled the door open and disappeared behind it. I hopped to my feet with every intention of following, but Bella grabbed my wrist and stopped me.

  "Just leave them," she said. "They need to do this on their own."

  I hated it, but she was right.

  "What are you doing here? Can't
you tell I left because I didn't want to talk to you?" Vanessa hissed. A loud crash followed.

  The sound made me curl my fingers into my palms so hard my nails dug into my skin. If he hurt her, I would kill him. Somehow, I stayed in my seat. It had a large part to do with Bella. She laid a hand over my lap, releasing my fist to lace her fingers between mine. My body relaxed further as I took a deep breath.

  "You didn't even give me a chance to explain." At least he didn't sound like he wanted to murder her like he had with us. His voice was so much calmer, gentler.

  "Explain how your tongue was down the throat of my freaking assistant? How are you gonna explain that one Jace? What? Did you accidentally trip and land on her mouth?"

  I couldn’t help it, I laughed. Leave it to Ness to find humor in a situation like this. Meanwhile, nervous energy made me jumpy. I sure hoped my neighbors didn’t call the cops.

  "For starters, my tongue was never down her throat. My tongue never even touched her. Seriously Less? You think I'm stupid enough to say I fell on her mouth?" Anger fueled his words again, and it made me wish I was anywhere but here. Being here and hearing this made me want to punch him that much more.

  Vanessa released a hollow laugh. It brought me back to a time before Jace—a time when Vanessa was ready to give up.

  "Why did you do it Jace?" she finally said after several seconds of silence.

  I was on the edge of my seat, ready to jump up any minute, ready to charge straight at him and knock him to the floor.

  "I didn't kiss her. I swear I didn't." His voice was pleading, begging, counting on her to believe him.

  "So, you're saying I was hallucinating?" she asked, her tone incredulous.

  "No. What you saw was her coming onto me. It shocked me. Then you came through the door the second it happened. I hadn’t even had a chance to push her away. I swear I didn't want to kiss her. You’re the only one I want to kiss. Forever."

  I rolled my eyes, hoping Ness wouldn’t fall for his crap. When I glanced at Bella, she wore a goofy grin. She’d bought it, clearly. How could girls buy that garbage? I thought only idiots like me did that.

  "That's a real convenient story, but I know what I saw." Vanessa sighed. "Please just leave."

  "I'm not leaving without my wife," Jace said. "I'll never, ever leave you behind. We're a team, damn it. I didn't leave you back then, and I'm not going to start now. We've made it through so much shit, Less. That skanky bitch isn't going to be what ends it all."

  "Yes, you are leaving.” A pause and then, “The kids. Where the hell are the kids?" Nessa came out of the bedroom in a panic.

  "They’re with Elise. I would never leave our kids. Why do you think it took me so long to come after you?"

  Bella and I watched them outside the bedroom door like they were a movie. If only we had some popcorn. I had no idea whose side I was on anymore, but I didn’t want to believe my brother would throw everything he’d worked so hard to keep away for a cheap thrill.

  "Oh, I figured you were enjoying your happy little bliss with Carla." She shoved at his chest. "With me gone, you wouldn’t have to sneak around. You could have her.” She paused and narrowed her eyes. “I expected you to run after me, and when you didn’t, it hurt. It hurt worse than catching you kissing another woman."

  Her fists hit him, one after another, and she didn’t let up. He didn’t move an inch, only stood there taking it all. She screamed obscenities at him, and still he stood still, letting her.

  "Fuck you and your stupid fucking hair. Why do you gotta be so damn desirable? Why do women insist on throwing themselves at you? Why do you let them? Huh? Fuck you, Jace Keller!" Vanessa screamed as she continued to punch him.

  After several moments of her screaming about how much he wanted someone else, he lost it.

  "Damn it Vanessa!" he yelled. "I don't fucking want Carla. I want you.” His voice changed, and I could hear the sincerity in it. “I've always wanted you! I know my mother fucked you up, but at some point, you have to move on and stop acting like this. I can’t continue to watch you self-destruct. I love you way too much for that."

  He grabbed her wrists and yanked her to his chest, holding her against him. She fought him at first, but then gave up and went limp, letting the tears fall again.

  "You have a nice way of showing it," she mumbled, jerking away from him, but he wouldn’t let her go.

  "Please Less, just come home with me and we can discuss this in private." He glanced at us. Jace didn’t like anyone analyzing his life, and he didn’t like public displays such as this. He never had.

  "No. You need to leave. James, tell him to leave."

  I got to my feet, holding on to Bella’s hand so I wouldn’t lose my tempter and making her stand with me. "Jace, she wants you to leave man," I said, somehow keeping my voice calm even though inside I was freaking out.

  "I'm not leaving without her."

  "Okay you're not leaving and she's not leaving. So, how about you come to the couch so we can sort all this out. Okay?" Bella said, giving them both a stern look.

  Both of their shoulders slumped as they walked to the couch across from Bella and me and sat down.

  "Okay. Vanessa goes first.” Bella turned to her, giving her undivided attention. “Let's hear your side."

  "I had to work a little late on a job. Carla called me about some paperwork, so I told her to drop it off at the house and I'd sign them when I got home. I expected her to drop them and go, but when I walked in the back door, they were locked in a passionate embrace at the kitchen counter, kissing." She seemed to be sober now, but also emotionless.

  "Okay, and how did that make you feel?" Bella said.

  What is this? Psych 101?

  "Like shit. How would you feel if you walked in on your husband cheating?" she said, her tone dry. Then, she turned to Jace, “I know I’ve been a handful lately, but I didn’t deserve that.”

  "I would feel like shit too. In fact, I've been there. It's a long story, but sometimes things aren't always what they seem. Even when you're one-hundred-percent sure you’re right, there's an explanation saying you aren't." She paused, looking at my sister with soft eyes.

  "Jace, let's hear your side," Bella said, turning to Jace.

  "I was texting my wife and telling her that dinner was almost ready when the doorbell rang. I walked away from the stove to answer the door and it was Carla. I told her Vanessa wasn't home. She said she knew, that she was just dropping off some papers. So, I told her okay and walked back to the kitchen to finish dinner. I expected her to lay the papers down somewhere and leave, but when I turned back around she was right there. Before I realized what was happening, her lips were on mine and Vanessa was walking through the door. I swear, I don't even think Carla is attractive or anything."

  I wasn't sure if I should buy it or not, but this was Jace and Vanessa we were talking about. They were America’s favorite sweethearts. At one time, they’d been famous for their love story.

  "Okay, so this might be off topic, but when the hell did you get an assistant?" I asked.

  "She had too many jobs coming in at once, so she had to hire a few people," Jace said, a prideful look glowing from his face.

  "That’s awesome."

  "Jace, what do you feel?" Bella asked.

  "I feel like she should believe me. I've never, ever cheated on her and I never will. She is the love of my life. I fought through so much shit to be with her. Why the hell would I kiss some skank and ruin it all?" He turned towards my sister and his eyes softened. "Less, I love you. Only you. It's always been you. Even before we met I was waiting for this. From the moment I first laid eyes on your beautiful face, I felt at home. I would never ever ruin what we have for Carla, or any other woman. There's no one else in this world who could ever take your place."

  "Vanessa, he sounds pretty sincere. I know we don't know each other that well, but from what I've seen, he loves you," Bella said, reaching out to squeeze Vanessa's hand.

  "I know," Van
essa replied in a whisper.

  "Girls in this country are real skitches," Bella said, looking to me.

  Jace raised his eyebrows and I shrugged.

  "A skanky bitch. Isn't that the proper term you girls use around here?" Her forehead scrunched as she angled her head.

  Vanessa chuckled under her breath.

  "Never heard that before," Jace said. "But yeah. Carla is definitely a skanky bitch."

  "Less I swear on everything we have, have ever had, and ever will have, that you are it for me. I didn't kiss her back. Not even a little bit," Jace said. "You are my rock and right now I need you more than ever. My mom. Everything. I need you and you need me so please just come home with me."

  "I know Jace. I believe you," Vanessa said. "I just saw you kissing and I lost it. I love you so much—so much I was ready to kill her."

  He leaned in and kissed her, then held her close as he sighed in relief. “Can we please go home now?”

  She nodded and turned to me. "Thanks James. I'm sorry I brought all this drama on you."

  I stood and followed them to the door. "I love you Ness." I gave her a tight squeeze. "Bring me your drama anytime you need to. That's what big brothers are for."

  When Jace took a few steps forward, leaving Nessa behind, I leaned down into her ear. “You’ll be okay?”

  "Yeah.”

  Then they were gone. "When did you become a psychologist?" I laughed turning back to Bella.

  "I'm not. I just settled a lot of crap between friends back in Venice." She nuzzled into my neck.

  My arms came around her, locking at her waist. "I love you for that."

  "So, frozen pizza and video games?" Bella asked, already moving towards the kitchen like she knew my answer.

  When she threw the pizza on the pan, I beamed as she added some extra cheese, a dash of pepperonis, and onion, just the way I liked it. I loved how she knew me so well.

  "You know, one day I'm gonna take you back home with me. When you try their pizza, you’ll change your mind about this stuff right here." Her lip curled with distaste.

  I couldn't help but laugh. "I can't wait little flower."