by Jordan Ford
The motorcycle I’ve been working on is ready to go. All that’s left is to tell my brothers I’m leaving.
Trey will be pissed.
Riley will be disappointed, but that’s not a big change. The guy’s been moody since moving up here. It’s obviously bringing back memories from his childhood. The cabin belongs to his uncle. We have no idea what happened to the guy. Riley hasn’t returned to the middle of freaking nowhere since his parents died.
His uncle’s body is probably somewhere in the forest. He was a hermit and no doubt died in a hunting accident or something, but there was no one around to look for him.
People are looking for us, though.
Riley figured out how to get us online through some private, untraceable VPN, IP, something-or-other. I don’t know what it’s called. When he starts talking in technical terms, I tune out.
We’ve been tracking the news. Looks like the search for us is simmering down.
So it’s time for me to go.
I haven’t been more than three miles from the house since getting here.
Riley’s been lucky enough to head into town. It was a risk we discussed for two whole days before finally relenting. We needed supplies.
Out of the three of us, Riley looked the most different with his stubble. He’s usually so young and clean-cut, but the blond chin fluff really changes him. Ana cut his hair, then brushed back his floppy bangs. He slipped on a pair of old glasses we found in his Uncle Rafe’s room. It was enough.
His first trip down to Legacy was the longest ninety minutes of my life. Trey and I paced trenches in the snow waiting for him to return.
When I heard the sound of the old car grinding up the hill, I started running. Riley was gunning it up the steep slope with a grin on his face.
Success.
He’s always been the man who can get us what we need, and yet again, he delivered.
We celebrated with chips and beer for dinner. It was pretty triumphant.
Since then, Riley (aka Ryan Jones) has wrapped a solid backstory around himself and so far, no one has visited the cabin or bothered to check him out. Weird for such a small town. From what I’ve read in books and seen in movies, small towns like Legacy are notorious for knowing each other’s business.
Maybe Legacy is different…or maybe we’re just unaware of eyes in the hills.
I swallow, doubts tickling the back of my throat.
But then Trey’s door clicks open. I glance back as he struts out of the room with this goofy smile on his face. He’s had the rush. Lucky bastard.
I’ve got to get out of here.
Trey spots my expression and frowns. “What’s up, man?”
Stepping onto the porch, he slides the door shut behind him and crosses his arms. That’s his battle-ready pose.
I don’t know what the hell my face is doing, but it obviously isn’t hiding much.
With a heavy sigh, I lean against the railing and get it over with. “I gotta leave, man. I can’t do it anymore.”
Trey’s dark eyebrows dip. “Do what?”
“Be here in this little love nest, in the middle of frickin’ nowhere.”
Trey’s head jolts back, his eyebrows popping high. “Where the hell is this coming from?”
“Oh come on. You’re just too wrapped up with Ana to notice anything. Riley’s miserable.” I throw my arms wide. “And I’m going out of my mind! I can’t keep hiding up here with you guys.”
“It’s not safe yet,” Trey grits out. “They’re still looking for us. We’ve got to lay low.”
“They’ve stopped the search.”
“They haven’t closed the case yet! And the police aren’t our only threat, you know that!”
I huff—a loud disgusted one. “This isn’t my problem.”
“What!”
I shake my head, turning my back on his instant wrath. He looks like a wolf ready to attack. I’m not afraid; I’m just annoyed this isn’t easier. “She’s not my girlfriend. Why should I have to stay and protect her?”
“Because we’re family!” Trey grabs my shoulder and spins me around. “We’re all she’s got right now. If her father or uncle figure out she’s alive…” His voice cuts off and he has to swallow to keep going. “If they find her, she’s dead. Do you get that?”
“Yeah, I get it. And I don’t want anything bad to happen to her, but when we came up here to hide, I figured it would be a few weeks. It’s been two months, Trey.” I hold up my fingers, my voice now booming. “Two months! We should be finishing high school, applying to colleges right now. We had a plan!”
“Yeah, and that plan changed. Fate brought—”
“Oh, would you shut up about fate.” I spit out the last word, hoping to cut off his standard speech about how life doesn’t make sense but there’s no such thing as a coincidence.
An icy tension slices between us. Trey’s nostrils flare while my eyes narrow into thin slits.
A car rumbles up the hill behind me and I spin to see Riley pull up next to the motorcycle. He jumps out, about to give his standard smile before unloading the trunk, but it disappears before it can even form.
“What’s wrong with you guys?”
“Kade wants to split,” Trey growls, thumping down the stairs and going to unload the car.
Riley doesn’t move. He just keeps staring at me, a mixture of hurt and confusion.
I close my eyes with a sigh. “Don’t look at me that way, man.”
His boots crunch through the snow and when I open my eyes again, he’s standing just beneath me. Whipping off his glasses, he drills me with a firm look. “How do you want me to look at you?”
“I want you to understand where I’m coming from. There’s nothing to do here except wait and hide.”
“There’s plenty to do here,” Trey retorts. “If you’d only help out.”
“I do help out!” I’m hollering again and I don’t care. “I’ve fixed up this place, I’ve worked my butt off for you guys, and I deserve…” I huff. “I’ve got to get off these mountains, find me some girls and go have a little fun. Come on, Ry, tell me you don’t want that too.”
He just shrugs.
Jerk.
“It’s not safe yet. Ana’s uncle was acquitted two weeks ago. He’ll be fired up.” A look of disgust washes over his expression.
He’s still pissed Ana never testified.
Trey didn’t want her to, and she was really unsure which way to play it. She wants justice but she’s scared. Getting shot like that…
Riley and them argued for hours over it. In the end Trey won. Because Trey always wins.
But not this time.
Thumping back up the stairs with two bags of groceries, he curls his lip at me before opening the door and stepping inside. I spot Ana hovering in the kitchen. I catch her eye and know she’s heard everything I’ve said.
Her lips lift into a small smile.
If anyone’s going to let me go, it’s her. She feels guilty enough that we’re hiding out because of her family.
I appeal to her with a slight eyebrow raise and she helps me out.
Touching Trey’s arm, I can only just hear her say, “He should go.”
“No.” Trey spins, obviously shocked. “It’s too dangerous, baby.” He touches her cheek. Anyone can see how much he loves her, and I feel bad for a second.
It’s not like I want to put Ana’s life in danger.
I just…
Shaking my head, I cross my arms and sigh as Riley walks past me with the last of the groceries.
I follow him inside, steeling myself against giving in.
“If he doesn’t want to be here, he shouldn’t have to stay.” Ana points in my direction, then glances over her shoulder.
I give her a grateful smile, but that only ignites Trey.
He steps in front of her, creating a barrier between us, and crosses his arms again. “I won’t let you put her life at risk.”
“Would you stop?” Ana shoves him o
ut of the way. He looks offended but she eases his expression with a gentle brush down his arm. “You’re not his father. He can do what he wants.”
I step forward, hope softening my voice. “I’ll be careful. I promise. I’ll dye my hair, change my name. If I do get caught I won’t say a word about any of you.”
“And what if you get dead?” Riley chokes.
I roll my eyes. “That’s not going to happen. No one gives a shit about me. It’s her they want.”
Trey lets out a disgusted scoff. “They can get to her through you!”
“It’s not like I’m planning on going somewhere they can find me! I just need to get off this mountain and live for a while. I need to kiss a girl, get drunk, have sex. I want a good time! And no offense, but this”—I point my fingers around the cabin—“is not a good time.”
My rant is followed by an awkward silence.
Riley purses his lips and looks to the floor.
Ana rubs her hand under her chin, then rests her head on Trey’s shoulder. His arms are crossed and he’s staring laser beams at me.
“We’re family.” His voice is deep and husky. “We protect each other, and you going off to get laid puts us all in danger. Stop being such a selfish prick.”
His words sting, dredging up memories I’ve spent my teenage life avoiding. They hurt, wound; they are a lump of freaking charcoal in my chest.
I hide my anger with an exaggerated shrug. “Hey, it’s what I’m best at. Work with your strengths, right?” I swallow, then point at Ana. “And she’s not my family. I don’t owe her anything.”
Trey’s eyebrows dip a little deeper. “You’re my brother.”
“No, Trey, I’m actually not. Officially, I’m an only child, and this right here is just three guys and a girl playing pretend.”
The sentiment is a brutal one, and Trey doesn’t buy it.
“You don’t mean that.”
I have to mean it. Whether it’s true or not, I have to.
I can’t stay in this cabin anymore.
“I do, man,” I croak, keeping me eyes on the floor. “I can’t…” I shake my head and walk from the room.
The only sound is my boots on wood as I leave to pack my stuff.
I half expect Trey to follow me, to argue some more.
But he doesn’t.
And it just confirms what I already know—I’m not the kind of guy you fight to keep.
Which makes me the kind of guy who has to walk away.
#3:
Life Stinks
Julienne
I usually love food. Mom and I have been growing a vegetable garden in our backyard since before I can remember. She’s taught me how to plant, tend and harvest, how to pick the best produce at the markets, and how to make everything from blueberry jam to pot roast to sushi to apple pie.
Cooking is my favorite thing to do, which is why I went into the food industry. Yes, I’m only waitressing, but if dreams do exist, I’ll own some kind of food business one day. Maybe a little café, or a bed and breakfast for tourists.
One day.
But not today.
Because the smells wafting out of the kitchen are making my stomach roil with nausea. Clamping my lips together, I weave through the tables, willing myself not to throw up as I lay down a platter of spare ribs. The man with round cheeks and a chin dimple eyes the food, then thanks me with a bright smile.
I nod, then practically run to the bathroom. My hands are shaking as I lock the door. I only just manage to slap the toilet lid up in time before I’m emptying my lunch into the bowl.
When I’m done, I slump to the floor, resting my head against the wall and trying not to cry. Tears are blinding me, but I can’t let them fall.
I’m so tired.
I just want to curl into a ball and fall asleep until this is over.
Nine months. That’s how long a pregnancy is. I don’t know how far along I am. I need to figure it out. I should probably go to a doctor, but I haven’t had the guts yet. I still haven’t told anyone. I’m not sure how I’m even going to get the words out of my mouth.
My chin trembles as I press my lips together. Squeezing my eyes shut, I tap my head against the cold, tiled wall.
“Stupid, stupid girl,” I murmur.
“Hey, Jules?” Frank calls into the back area. “Dammit! You’re not in the bathroom again, are you?”
I sigh and push myself off the floor. Flushing the toilet, I wash my hands and head out to face my boss.
He crosses his beefy arms over his chest and glares down at me. “What’s wrong with you? Are you sick or something?”
I look at his potbelly, wondering how many months it’ll take for me to look like that. The thought makes me shudder.
“No, I’m okay.” My voice is so small compared to his. I dip my head and brush past him before he has a chance to drill me further.
“Order up!” Charlie calls behind me. I spin and get a whiff of corn dog mingled with pepperoni pizza. I clamp my teeth together and grab the two plates. Charlie winks at me and all I can offer is a tight, closed-mouth smile. I spin into the restaurant and walk quickly, hoping to get the plates out of my hands as fast as possible.
The end of the night can’t come fast enough.
*****
It’s finally ten o’clock. I’m exhausted.
“Go home and get some sleep.” Sonia waves her fingers at me. “You look ready to fall over.”
“It’s okay,” I murmur.
She plants her hand on the table I’m clearing and gets in my face. “Seriously. Just go. I can finish up here.”
I give her a grateful smile. She rubs my arm in that motherly way of hers and I head for the door, grabbing my bag along the way. Home is less than a mile from the diner. I usually enjoy the walk. It gives me time to put my armor on. It’s always best to be battle-ready when I walk through the front door; I never know what mood Dad will be in.
My shoulders slump. I hope he’s in neutral. I don’t have the energy to put up with his scathing remarks tonight. I just want to go home and sleep.
Pausing on the street, I look down the road. The idea of having to walk even ten yards is tiring.
“Hey, Jules.” A deep voice makes my body snap tight.
Even though he’s said it softly, in that sweet, coaxing way of his, tension winds my muscles into instant knots.
I slowly pivot to face him, managing a weak smile. “Hey, Tony.”
He’s leaning against the hood of his car, looking too sexy for his own good. I wonder how long he’s been waiting for me.
“What are you doing here?”
His smile is sweet tonight…the way it was the first time we met. I don’t want it to soften me, but it does. Because I’m tired. Because I want someone to take care of me.
He pushes off the car and walks over. As soon as he’s close enough, he takes the bag off my shoulder and gently holds my hand. “I thought we could hang out for a bit.”
I close my eyes, knowing exactly what that means.
“I miss you,” he murmurs, kissing the inside of my wrist.
Damn, if that doesn’t feel good. It’s so sweet. So tender.
It makes it easy to forget that his father’s a racist pig. That only two weeks ago, I was listening to a breakup speech.
The way Tony says my name when he whispers, “Come on, Jules.”
The look in his eyes…
It tugs at my weak resolve. If it’s a toss-up between going home to Dad or making out with my ex-boyfriend, it’s not a hard decision.
If he’s missing me, maybe I can convince him to defy his father. Maybe I can tell him my dreams of running away together, starting over somewhere new and safe.
I brush my hand over my stomach and let him tug me to his car. He opens the door for me, his wink playful and sweet.
Sliding into the passenger seat, I buckle in and tell the nerves devouring my stomach to calm the hell down. The only reason he doesn’t want to be with me is because of hi
s dad. I get that. I’m scared of my father too.
But he misses me.
Which means he cares about me.
I swallow, desperately hoping I'm right.
The engine rumbles to life and I grip the bag he’s just placed in my lap. His tender smile makes my lips twitch. I want to cry right now. I want to lean my head on his shoulder and lay all my problems bare. I want him to tell me it’ll be all right and he’ll look after me.
My insides quiver as we head to a lookout. He has about four around the city that are his favorites. I’ve been to all of them. Glancing over my shoulder, I look into the backseat. In the time we’ve been together, I’ve given him everything in that backseat.
Will he expect me to do it again tonight?
Probably.
Will I?
I don’t know.
Part of me wants to. It feels good. It’ll make us both happy.
But then the aftermath will hit. He’ll tell me he loves hanging out with me and he’s sorry we can’t be together. I’ll try to convince him otherwise, but he won’t budge and I’ll be dropped home, two blocks away from my house so I can walk, alone and miserable, hating his father for being such a racist.
As soon as we reach the lookout, Antonio cuts the engine and turns to smile at me. We haven’t said much on the way up. Antonio’s never been one for talking. I used to find his quiet mystery appealing.
His fingers are soft as he tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. He’s always loved my hair. It’s dark and long, just like my mom’s. He runs his fingers through it, rubbing the strands between his thumb and forefinger.
Leaning across the hand brake, he cups the back of my head and pulls me into a kiss. I open my mouth to him, knowing what he likes. His tongue wraps around mine, his fingers digging into the back of my head, silently warning me not to pull back.
I place my hand on his shoulder. It’d be so easy to give him everything he wants right now. I’m too tired for a fight.
He moans and reaches for my breast. His fingers are hard and hungry. That’s nothing unusual, but tonight it hurts. It hurt a little last time too, but I know why now and it changes everything.
I gasp and flinch away from him.
“What?” He pulls back and frowns. “You not into it tonight?”
