Forever Reckless

by Brittany Butler

  I smile, taking in the compliment. “So it is true,” I hear a female say.

  Rachel is standing in the lobby, arms crossed; eyes zoomed in on the rock on my finger. She laughs without humor, and walks closer. “Yancy, I need to get my things. Where is William?”

  “He’s in a meeting. I know where everything is, I’ll help you.” He stands, but she holds out a hand.

  “That won’t be necessary.” Her eyes cast to mine. “I’ll wait.”

  “Suit yourself,” Yancy says, rolling his eyes.

  “Are you really pregnant?” She laughs.

  “Rachel,” William says, walking to Yancys desk.

  “William,” she says, grinning. “It’s so good to see you. I need to get my things, will you help me?”

  “No, I’m too busy today. Yancy, do you mind?” He says without looking at her.

  “Not at all,” he replies.

  Yancy’s smile is too wide, he smugly glances to Rachel. Her lips are pressed into a hard line. They walk from the front desk and disappear into the back. William shoves his hands into his pocket, and walks to me.

  “She knows about this,” I say, pointing to my finger and my stomach.

  The corners of his mouth curve up. “Good… I’m sorry about that.”

  “Its fine, seriously, I’m not mad.”

  He grins and wraps his arm around me. “Maturity looks good on you,” he says, pressing his lips to my hair. “But jealousy is pretty hot.”

  I laugh and push my hands against his chest. He grabs my wrist and pulls me back to me, but someone clears their throat. I look over to find Rachel is standing next to Yancy, who is grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

  “Good luck,” she says as she leaves.

  “Ugh! What were you thinking?” Yancy ask as his face twist into disgust.

  “Be nice,” I say.

  Yancy looks from me to William, cocking an eyebrow. “I don’t know,” William says. “She’s acting weird.”

  “That’s it, I’m leaving,” I say.

  “I’m kidding. Come to lunch with me?” He catches my wrist and smiles.

  “Okay, but only because I have nothing else to do,” I say. Hiding my smile, I catch my bottom lip in my teeth.

  “Go on! He only has an hour,” Yancy says without glancing from his phone. I laugh as he pulls my hand, leading me to the elevator.

  ⇟

  “Where are we?” I ask again, peeking through the car window.

  “You’ll see,” William tells me again. The sights streak by in a flash, the night sky has captured my vision. Unable to see, I slump into the seat and give up.

  I squint, focusing on a sign as the car slows. “East Quogue?”

  “Yeah,” he says, turning down a road.

  “Are we going to your parents?”

  “No, I wanted to show you something,” he says.

  The houses along the bay span several stories in the air; their manicured lawns are primed to perfection. As we drive the houses become smaller, yet still impressive. The ocean peeks through fences. The car slows to a stop in front of a park.

  “What do ya think?” He steps from the car, pointing to the park that sits in front of the water.

  “I think it’s a park that’s two hours from Manhattan,” I say.

  “Nothing slips past you,” he deadpans. “The neighborhood.”

  “Expensive. I mean, does Gatsby live here?”

  “It’s not as much as you think,” he adds, smiling.

  “I’m guessing you didn’t drive me out here to show me the neighborhood. What is this?” I narrow my eyes.

  He shrugs. “I like it. I always drive around when I’m going to my parents.”

  I look around, a vacant jogging track winds around the park, houses sit silently on large plots of land. I admit there’s more room than Manhattan.

  “You wanna move to the suburbs?” I tease.

  “Only with you,” he says.

  “What about work? We’re two hours from the office.”

  “We can keep the apartment and use it when we need it,” he shrugs. “You don’t have to come in, ya know?” He smiles.

  “Who will listen to Yancy’s drama?”

  He laughs, “So, what do you say?”

  I chew anxiously on my lip. I hid my face, covering the thrill the new adventure gives me. “Okay.”

  He squeezes me in a hug. As we walk back to the car I groan. “Seriously, you could’ve showed me pictures… We have a two hour drive because you wanted to prove a point?” I say.

  He shakes his head, smiling. As we drive from the neighborhood I can’t help not to smile. This is the place I’ll call home, where we’ll raise our child.

  Chapter Nineteen

  I power my computer off and pace the lounge. I walk over to the floor to ceiling windows and gaze out at the city. The summer rolled around and my sickness subsided. I check the time and look down the hallway again. In thirty short minutes, I’m finding out if I’m having a boy or girl.

  Finally, William pads down the hallway, pulling his blazer on. I grab my purse behind my desk and wave to Yancy. My temporary position turned out to be what I wanted to do. When William asked me I immediately accepted. Yancy hasn’t replaced Audrey, but he does feel the void. I send Audrey and my mom a text as we leave the office.

  “My money is still on a boy,” William says.

  “You’re about to lose some money because I don’t make boys.”

  “I’m losing money either way. Once we find out, your shopping will be out of control,” he grins.

  New York’s crisp, cool, summer wind hits me as we step from the building. My doctor’s office is conveniently close to the office. He grabs my hand, leading me down the busy sidewalk.

  My four month mark hit and my stomach started to swell. My initial reaction was panic, although I knew it would happen the tears still flowed. When the fluttering movements accompanied my expanding body, I welcomed the weight gain and unflattering figure. In that moment it was real to me, I was growing a life inside of me. Not just a life, a piece of William and me blended together into perfection.

  He holds the door open for me. Grinning, I walk past him into the office. The waiting lounge is sparse, with only two others here. I sign in and take a seat beside him.

  “Foxe,” a nurse opens the door and calls out. We stand and follow her.

  “Chase would sound a lot better,” he mutters.

  “The doctor will be here shortly,” the nurse says and leaves the room.

  I hop on the patient chair, the paper crinkles with my movement. William sits in the chair beside me. “This is it,” he says.

  The door opens and Dr. Byers steps in. Her long brown hair is straightened and falls down her back. She smiles and greets us. “Are you two ready to find out what you’re having?” She asks.

  She walks to my side, powering on a screen. The cool jelly makes me cringe as she slides the device over my belly. She calls things out and mentions that they look good, but I can’t wrap my head around that. I’m too anxious.

  She smiles, “Congratulations, you’re having a girl!”

  William groans. “Are you sure?” I look to him and find a smile spreading across his face.

  “Told you!”

  My phone vibrates with a text. I look, and glance again. Audrey and Kellen are standing in Vegas, sporting rings on their fingers.

  I call and she answers on the second ring. “Audrey! You’re married!”

  “I know,” she laughs. William stares at me, eyes wide.

  “Congratulations! So, I have news.”

  “We’re having a girl! And William proposed!” Weeks ago, but I leave that out.

  “Oh my god, Liv, send me a picture of the ring!” She squeals.

  After we leave the doctor, I drag him to every shop I can find. His reluctance fades after I pick up the first dress. The fluffy pink dress, lined with lace, is my first purchase. I gather accessories, and promise I won’t buy anything else.


  I drag into the office the following day. Yancy strides to me, hands outstretched with a coffee. “You’re fabulous,” I tell him.

  “So, I have a surprise!” He adjusts his black rimmed glasses on his nose. He clasps his hands together, smiling. “Come with me.”

  He drags me into a vacant office. My mom, Audrey, and girls from the office are scattered around the room. A two tier, pink cake is nuzzled between gifts. Audrey walks over and pulls me into a hug.

  “Surprise,” she says.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask her, smiling.

  “He called.” She points to Yancy.

  “He’s pretty fabulous, right?”

  She nods. “He makes me look bad. I didn’t even think of a baby shower!”

  “And that’s why I’m here.” Yancy steps up. “You’re requested at the presents.”

  I look over his shoulder, my mom is standing anxiously. “Everyone can take a seat. She’s going to start with presents,” Yancy announces.

  “Your mom has somewhere to be,” he explains.

  My chair is wrapped in tulle with a neat bow tied in the back. I take my seat and welcome each gift handed my way. Two gifts in, I’ve asked what each gift is and its purpose. Finally, I get to clothes. Audrey has a basket full of fluffy dresses and a small locket.

  “Thanks everyone,” I smile.

  “I invite you to stay for cake,” Yancy says.

  My mom is the first to stand and make her way to me. Her smile is sincere, but tight. She’s clutching her phone by her side as she wraps me in a hug.

  “I love you, Olivia. I’ll visit later this week.”

  “Is something wrong?” I ask.

  She shakes her head and leaves the room. I look to Audrey but she shrugs her shoulders. I can’t shake the nagging feeling that my dad has something to do with it. In time it will come out, I push all concerns away and join my friends.

  Chapter Twenty

  I slide in the doors of the apartment complex. My hair sticks to my damp neck from the August heat. At this pace, I’ll never make it to December.

  "Ms. Foxe." The deep voice greets me. Martin is waiting in the elevator for me. His head glistens with sweat, his handkerchief glides over his forehead.

  “Hi Martin." His face lights up with a warm smile. He presses the button as the elevator door closes.

  "Been shopping?" He chuckles.

  "Yeah, my pants are fitting small," I say, frowning.

  "You'll get there. You sound like my wife with our first baby." He offers a smile. "You and your mom have big plans today?"

  "No?"

  "She came in with Mr. Chase about an hour ago," he says, shaking his watch to read the face.

  Oh, great.

  I wish him a good day as I leave the elevator. Our floor houses two apartments. The other apartment is empty, the rare privacy is embraced. I push open the door, tossing my items on the nearest table. Voices flow from the living room, drawing me in. My mom is positioned on the couch, turned toward William. He sits in a chair retelling a story while she holds on to his every word.

  He spots me, grinning, he stands. "There she is."

  "Hi mom, you're just in time for the show. I'm burning my jeans and Audi. They no longer agree with my lifestyle."

  "Olivia," she laughs. "You still have four months. You haven't entered the fun stage."

  “My hips are getting wider by the second. Is this normal?”

  "Yes sweetheart, that's normal." She stands, circling her arms around me. "I must be going. Good luck," she tells William before leaving.

  "Are you dating my mother?" I ask.

  "No. But I suspect if I asked, she wouldn't say no." I smack him as he chuckles.

  "What was she doing here?"

  "She dropped something off for me." His face lights with enthusiasm. "I knew I wouldn't have time to get it and be home before you arrived."

  "What is it?" I ask. He reaches in his pocket, his hand returns fisted. He clasps his hand around mine, dropping something inside. "A key?" I ask and he nods his head, grinning.

  "Babe, I already have a key to your place," I laugh.

  He laughs at me and I scowl, not enjoying being left out of their secret. "Your mom and I have been talking..." He says.

  "Oh! This should be good!"

  "Here me out." He holds up his hands, feigning innocence. "We both agree more space and privacy are a big deal right now. The city isn't a place to raise a child."

  "What did you do?" I gasp, holding my hands over my mouth.

  "I didn't sell the apartment, if that's what you're thinking."

  "Okay. So what does this mean?" I hold up the key.

  "I bought a house on the island. In the neighborhood we looked at," he smiles. "It’s nowhere near our parent’s houses."

  I laugh, "The last thing we need is their constant advice."

  "So, what do you think?" He shoves his fist in his pockets, looking down at me hesitantly.

  "I wouldn't know. I haven't seen the house," I tease him.

  "I had some help," he says, grinning.

  “It’s perfect. Sight unseen, I love it." I peck him on the mouth. His hands snake around my waist, peppering kisses on my neck. "Stop it," I giggle. "I want to see this house!"

  “Don’t be impatient. We have forever.”

  Epilogue

  “Need some help?” Audrey asks when she walks in the kitchen.

  “Nope, go join the party,” I tell her.

  “Is your dad coming today?” She asks.

  She sits on a stool and leans in. My dad doesn’t leave the city a lot. His bachelor life isn’t what he expected it to be. He signed a short lease in a Manhattan apartment, hoping the separation won’t be permanent. I look to my mom’s glowing face as she laughs with her friend, Dave. I hope it is permanent.

  I shrug my shoulders and continue to arrange the food. The princess cake is centered in the middle, with food and utensils filling the space around it. The white kitchen is open to the family room, allowing us to see my family.

  Little footsteps pad against the floor; I see blonde curls moving in my direction. I crouch down and pop out when she’s close.

  “Boo!” I say. Avery claps her hands, revealing her chubby cheek, dimpled, smile.

  I scoop her up. “Happy birthday baby girl,” I coo.

  “My turn!” Audrey walks over, hands outstretch, and Avery goes willingly.

  “Just have a child already,” I laugh.

  “Yeah, Audrey, just have a child already,” Kellen walks up and slings his arm over her shoulders. Avery reaches to him; she’s not immune to his charm.

  “And who’s going to help me raise the child?” She points at him, eyebrow arched.

  “I’m not gone that much.” He shrugs his shoulders. I laugh, knowing Audrey won’t make it until he retires. He pops a chip into his mouth. “So, how’s married life treatin’ ya?” He asks.

  “The same as the last time you asked,” I smile.

  William walks in and walks over to grab Avery from Kellen. He comes to my side, wraps his free arm around my middle, and kisses me.

  “Come on princess, present time,” he says. She giggles, showing her two front teeth.

  “See,” Kellen says, pointing to us. “That could be us, but you’re playin,’” he laughs.

  “New rule, when you grow up, we can have a child.” Audrey tries to keep her face even as the rest of us laugh.

  “Do you miss them?” William eyes me as they walk into the family room.

  “Of course, but I love being here. With you two,” I say.

  He nuzzles his face into my neck, but Avery pushes me back. I laugh, stepping away from her daddy. My mom calls us as she lights the candle on her cake. Our family sings to Avery. Today we celebrate her first year of life, our marriage, our home, with promise of more to come.

  Acknowledgments:

  A special thank you to Avery! The little boy that deals with me going to school and writing all the time inst
ead of playing. A big thank you to my mom, I couldn’t do this without you. Shealee, thank you for not putting a restraining order on me or blocking my number, your constant positive feedback and encouragement keeps me going. And Hope, you’re becoming my go-to girl for opinions. Thank you to everyone that helps with editing and getting the word out. And a huge thanks to everyone in my hometown. I never imagined I could receive so much help! You all blow my mind. And thank you to readers everywhere.

  Hazed is coming in 2016.

  We’ve heard the tales of the pretty side of love, now let's explore the unpredictably, ugly side.

  After Taylor Thompson receives an acceptance letter to a university an hour away, she can taste freedom. Her life is controlled by a small town and a strict father. When Taylor finds a local bar that’s hiring a waitress she applies and gets the position. However, one bartender leaves her questioning the acceptance of her new job.

  Hayze Clark, the bartender that keeps the customers coming back. His dark eyes pierce through your soul, drawing you near. The tattoos bellowing down his arms and the scar that lines his left eyebrow keep you at a safe distance; His carefree attitude lures Taylor into friendship. She's excited to have found the perfect distraction, and possible romance to pull herself from her misery.

  The closer she gets, the more secrets are revealed, lies are told, and tears are shed. The relationship falters and Taylor is left unsure if she's willing to pick up the pieces of this broken guy.

  Forever Careless

  Audrey and Kellen’s story

  Audrey Henson is a typical good girl. She just wants to finish her senior year in college and move back to New York to run her father’s company. With the help of her best friend, and roommate, Olivia, she finds herself thrown into a world that she wants no part of. When she meets Kellen Reeves, one of Major League Baseball’s top pitchers, at a party the last thing that she expects is to run into him again. Her first instinct is to run far in the opposite direction. Will Kellen bring life into Audrey’s last year of college or will be the downfall of everything she’s worked so hard for?