Lost in Time (Forever and Always #20)

by E. L. Todd

  “Of course. How else would I get through the ordeal? You’re the only person who keeps me sane, who actually makes me feel good about myself.”

  I liked the sound of that. “I’m sure I could manage the trip.”

  “Thanks.” She rested her head on my shoulder. “I really need you, Flynn. Plus, you just came back and I’m not ready to be away from you so soon.”

  I loved how clingy she was. She was just as obsessed with me as I was with her. The equal affection made the relationship undeniable and strong. “I don’t want to be without you either. And I’m definitely tired of using my hand.”

  She rolled her eyes and laughed. “So perverted.”

  “It’s the truth—even though it was a lot of fun.” I rubbed my nose against hers.

  She blushed. “I feel like a whore sometimes.”

  “You are a whore.”

  “Well, thanks for being so subtle about it.”

  I chuckled then planted a kiss on her cheek. “You’re ready to introduce me to your parents?”

  “Definitely.”

  “They met Kyle?”

  “Unfortunately,” she said with a sigh.

  “Do they know he cheated on you?”

  The silence hung in the air. She squeezed my arm. “Yes.” Her voice came out weak.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” I whispered.

  “Nothing. They know what he did.” She was being short, closing off from me.

  “Hazel?” I pressed.

  “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Baby, it’s me.”

  “I just…let’s not talk about it.”

  What was her secret? What was she hiding from me? She seemed emotional so I decided not to press it. “Okay.”

  “We’ll leave on Saturday.”

  “Sounds good.”

  She sighed while she closed her eyes. “You worked everything out with Cade?”

  “Yeah. I’m going to try to get him a spot on the show.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me about the two of you?”

  “I wanted Cade to talk to you first. He earned it.”

  I rested my chin on her head. “I’m glad he’s changed. Honestly, I never thought he would.”

  “Sometimes we have to lose everything before we find ourselves.”

  “Are you a fortune cookie?” I mocked.

  She hit my thigh. “Shut up. That was all me.”

  “It sounds cheap and overused.”

  “Coming from an award-winning writer. Not everyone is good with words.”

  I chuckled. “Leave the cheesy lines to me.”

  “You don’t have cheesy lines. You’re only move is being cocky.”

  “But you love it when I’m cocky.”

  She rolled her eyes then left the bed, heading to the shower. “I’m going to get ready for the day. Otherwise, it will pass me by before I can get a glimpse.”

  “I need a shower too.” I jumped up and followed her.

  “Nope.” She held a finger up to me. “I know what you’re up to, Flynn.”

  I smirked. “I just want to save water.”

  “You just want to get your dick wet.”

  “You caught me.” I gave her my best smolder. “And I want to get soaked in you.”

  She rolled her eyes and walked into the shower.

  I knew she was being playful, because when I stepped behind her she didn’t scold me. She washed her body and massaged her scalp with her fingers. I came behind her and felt my cock get hard on her ass, like usual. I rubbed my dick between her cheeks while I massaged her back. She carried on like she didn’t notice me.

  I suddenly longed to hold her, to feel her slight frame against my chest. When I thought about how much her parents put her down, it made me want to scream at both of them. They had the most amazing daughter in the world. Why couldn’t they just accept her? Because she was the coolest person I knew. How could they not see it too?

  A few days later, we rented a car and took a road trip to Boston. It was a short trip, about three hours, and it wasn’t long enough to fly. After you accounted the time to board and take off, it added up to the same amount of time.

  “I’m surprised Sean didn’t let us use his personal jet,” I said while I drove into Massachusetts.

  She rolled her eyes. “They are rich but I don’t think they have a jet.”

  “Maybe he just hasn’t told you.”

  “I’m sure Scarlet would have mentioned it, probably while she screamed at him for buying something so expensive.”

  “Nah,” I said. “He’s a smart guy. He’s probably gotten better at hiding things from his wife.”

  She laughed. “I can’t imagine Sean hiding anything from her. That guy is wrapped tight around her finger.”

  “I’m wrapped tight around your finger.” I winked at her.

  She rolled her eyes.

  “I am,” I said. “I’ve never been so pussy-whipped.”

  “Can you just say you’re in love? It sounds more romantic.”

  “I am…but I’m also pussy-whipped.”

  She looked out the window and ignored me.

  When we got into town, the GPS guided us to their neighborhood near a high school. It was quiet and peaceful, lush and green. It was a much quieter scene compared to the big city. “It’s nice here.”

  “You’ve never been?”

  “No. Did you grow up here?”

  “Yep. Go Red Soxs.”

  I smirked. “I’m surprise you even know their name.” She wasn’t into sports.

  “Well, it was because baseball was pretty much force-fed to me.”

  I laughed. “At least your parents didn’t let you go to New York without knowing a thing or two about the real world.”

  “Guess not.” Her tone suddenly changed. I couldn’t read it.

  I pulled onto the street then parked in front of the house. It was a medium sized home with a small yard. The grass was lush green and there was a solemn tree in the front. “You grew up here?”

  “Yep.” She stared at the house, no emotion on her face.

  I gave her a moment of silence before I got out. The driveway and street were packed with cars. Obviously, everyone was already inside. We were almost an hour late because we got lost despite the navigation system. Hazel hadn’t made the trip very often so couldn’t remember the way based on memory.

  She pressed her head to the glass and sighed.

  I knew this was hard for her so I didn’t press her.

  “Let’s get this over with.” She shoved the door open and got out.

  After I got out and came around, I grabbed her hand and held it firmly. I would be the support she needed to get through this. While I wanted her parents to like me, I wasn’t against telling them off if they deserved it. I knew Hazel was loyal to me. If they didn’t like me, she wouldn’t blink an eye.

  We walked inside without knocking. Relatives and people were gathered inside the living room and kitchen. Shouts of laughter rang up, and people chattered, their voices echoing. Everyone had a glass in their hand; wine, beer, or soda. No one caught my attention. They all seemed pretty ordinary.

  One man stood in the corner talking to an older woman. Judging his blonde hair and green eyes, I assumed this was her brother. I didn’t know his name because Hazel never shared it with me. Before I could ask, someone noticed us.

  “Hazel?” A middle age woman with brown hair came to her and hugged her. “Hello, dear. I haven’t seen you in ages.”

  “Hey, Aunt Martha.” She hugged her back then stepped away. “It has been a long time.”

  “How’s the big city?” She seemed genuinely interested.

  “Great. It’s always nice to get Chinese food at three in the morning.” Hazel kept the mood light even though she was dreading this moment.

  She laughed. “Well, you can’t beat that, can you?” She eyed me behind her. “And who’s this eye candy?”

  I smi
led then shook her hand. “Flynn—her boyfriend.”

  “Oooh.” She nodded her head in approval. “You brought home a man?”

  “Yep,” Hazel said.

  “He’s cute. I like him.”

  Hazel blushed. “He’s pretty great.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” I said politely.

  “Have you said hello to your mother?” she asked.

  Hazel’s cheerfulness disappeared. “No, not yet.”

  “She’s excited to see you.”

  “I’m sure she is,” Hazel said bitterly.

  Aunt Martha patted her shoulder then walked away.

  Hazel sighed.

  “She didn’t seem that bad.”

  “She’s not,” Hazel said. “She’s the coolest person in the family, but ironically, most people don’t like her. They say she’s too liberal and speaks her mind way too much.”

  “Your family sounds like a bunch of boring snobs.”

  She laughed. “You hit the nail right on the head.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the kitchen.

  In a circle of people stood a thin blonde. Judging her blonde hair and bright eyes, I knew she was Hazel’s mom. She had a similar build, lean and long, and her wrists and legs were just as petite. When she saw Hazel, her attention was immediately directed toward her. “Speaking of the devil, here’s my daughter.”

  The group of people turned their gaze toward her, staring at her.

  Was this her family? Because they were acting like she was a wild animal with rabies.

  “She lives in New York,” her mother said with obvious disdain. “The city of the homeless and disease.”

  “And artists, musicians, and writers, along with models, actors, and painters,” Hazel shot back. “The metropolitan capital of the world.”

  Her mother laughed it off. “Such a vocal girl, she is.” She gave her a hug and Hazel hardly returned the affection. “How are you, dear? Was the drive okay?”

  “It was fine.” Hazel’s lips were pursed together.

  Her mother kept her hand on her shoulder. “She went to school to be a dancer, so she’s been goofing off for a few years. But I’m sure she’ll find something serious soon.”

  I hated her mother. That was all I needed to hear. “I’m Flynn.” I extended my hand to her. “Hazel’s boyfriend.”

  Her eyes widened. “You brought a man home? You didn’t even tell me he was coming.”

  Hazel moved from her reach. “I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”

  “It’s not…I just wasn’t prepared.” She finally shook my hand. “Felicia.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Not really.

  She studied me for a long time, her eyes lingering on my face. I felt the burn of her gaze even after it was gone. “Flynn?”

  “That’s correct.”

  “He’s cute, Hazel.”

  “I know.” Hazel blushed slightly.

  Then her mother’s eyes moved down to my tattoo. “Bit of a bad boy, are we?”

  I smiled it off. “It’s the only one I got.”

  “A scorpion…interesting choice.”

  “My first play was called The Scorpion and the Stinger.”

  “Play?” she asked.

  “I’m a playwright. I’ve won several Tonys for my work.” I knew now wasn’t the time to be humble.

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. You seem successful.”

  “My father is Tate Robbins. You may be familiar with his work.”

  “I am.” She was even more impressed. “Hazel, this one is a catch. Don’t screw it up like you did with Kyle.”

  What the fuck did she say?

  Hazel averted her gaze and looked at the ground.

  My anger was growing and I was barely holding on to my self-control. I wanted to snap. “Excuse me?”

  She laughed then patted Hazel on the shoulder. “My daughter has a natural way of driving men away. She’s very good at it.”

  “I don’t think she was the problem,” I said with a clenched jaw.

  Hazel looked at me then shook her head slightly, telling me to back off.

  That was impossible.

  “Where’s my husband?” Felicia said as she peered over the crowd. “Ah, there he is. Mark, come here.”

  A tall man with dirty blonde hair came to his wife. When he saw Hazel, he embraced her. “Hey, kiddo. How was the drive?”

  “Fine,” she said.

  “Look,” Felicia said. “She has a boyfriend. And he’s rich.”

  I never said that. But I guess I’m not surprised that’s all she heard. I shook his hand. “Hello, sir. My name is Flynn.”

  “It’s good to meet you.” He had a firm shake. “So, what do you do for a living?”

  “He’s awriter,” Felicia said excitedly. “He’s the son of Tate Robbins.”

  “Wow.” Her father’s eyes were wide. “That’s incredible.”

  Now I wish I hadn’t mentioned it. “I didn’t catch your name, sir.”

  “Mark,” he answered.

  I nodded.

  “How did the two of you meet?” Felicia asked.

  I decided to take the lead on this one. “She was a dancer in my production. She was the best dancer in the group, and I was smitten with her the moment I laid eyes on her. Her moves are flawless, her stances perfect.”

  “Interesting,” her mother said.

  Hazel stood still, keeping to herself.

  Felicia turned to her husband. “This one is a catch, even better than Kyle. She better not screw it up by pulling her usual crap.”

  Did they think Hazel couldn’t hear them?

  Hazel didn’t look at them, her face directed at the ground.

  Her mother turned to her, more on her mind. “Your brother just passed the bar.”

  “I know,” Hazel said quietly. “You texted me that already.”

  “But isn’t it incredible? He worked hard for years and now he has a good job with security. You know, you should think about being a paralegal or something.”

  “I like dancing.” Hazel’s voice was automatic. I could tell she said it a hundred times.

  “Yes, but that’s a hobby,” Felicia said. “You need something that will keep men around, not make them drop like flies.”

  Who the fuck was this bitch? No one should talk to their daughter that way. No wonder why Hazel had the lowest self-esteem I’d ever come across. “The men who leave her life are jerks who don’t appreciate a real and strong woman when they see one. She’s intimidating because she’s so talented and smart. And a man who can’t handle a strong woman isn’t a strong man himself. They drop like flies because they are pathetic, unworthy of your daughter. I can assure you it’s not the other way around.” The words flew out of my mouth quicker than I could stop them.

  Her parents stared at me, silent.

  Hazel gave me a small smile.

  “I came here today to meet her family and get to know you better, but standing here listening to you speak to your daughter like that is not what I had in mind. If you insult her and disrespect her like this, then you shouldn’t even have the privilege of knowing her.”

  Felicia recoiled like I just slapped her. “If you’re trying to make a good impression, young man, you’re doing a pitiful job at it.”

  “I don’t care what you think. If I respected you, I might. But anyone who speaks to my girl like that isn’t going to get away with it. I don’t care if you’re her parents.”

  “Don’t tell us how to raise our child,” Mark snapped.

  “I’m not telling you how to raise her,” I snapped back. “She’s already an adult. Now treat her with respect. She takes care of herself and has done so for years. She doesn’t need your approval or your help. Now treat her like a human being, not some piece of trash.”

  Her mother’s eyes were burning red. “How dare you speak to us like that, in our own home?”

  “I can say the same about Hazel.”

  Her mother turned to her. “Th
is is the trash you bring into our house? He’s disrespectful and rude. Why can’t you land a real man that will stick around? Not garbage?”

  Who talks to their kid like that?

  “Mom, knock it off!” Her brother came to our gathering, looking irritated. “Anytime Hazel is here all you do is pick on her and strip away her foundation. Just back off.”

  Now Felicia looked like she’d been slapped again. “You’re welcome for the party, ungrateful son.”

  He shook his head slightly, grinding his teeth together. “Tonight is supposed to be about my success, not your interpretation of Hazel’s failures. She’s a dancer. So what? She likes what she does and she obviously makes a living doing it. Why do you care? Just let it go and move on. When someone pursues their true interest, it benefits society as a whole. Pushing someone where they don’t belong just causes more problems. Accept her for who she is.”

  Mark didn’t seem pleased either. “Don’t but into our conversation.”

  “Stop being a jerk to my sister.”

  Hazel stared at him with fond eyes.

  I loved her brother. This guy was awesome.

  He walked to Hazel then put his arm around her. “Thanks for coming. I know you hate being here.”

  She smiled then hugged him. “Congratulations, Peter.”

  “Thanks,” he said. “But of course, my parties are always about you.”

  “Sorry about that,” she said with a laugh.

  “So, who’s this guy that I already approve of?” He extended his hand.

  I shook it with a smile on my face. “Flynn.”

  “Cool. I like you.”

  I chuckled. “I like you too.”

  “Now join me and my friends in the living room.” He gave his parents a dark look. “You won’t be bothered there.”

  “Okay,” Hazel said.

  Thank god one of her family members was good.

  “Beer?” Peter handed me one.

  “Thanks.” I twisted off the top and took a drink.

  We came to his group of friends. A lot of them knew Hazel and said hi to her. After everyone introduced themselves, I tried to remember their names but it was pointless. There was too many of them.

  “Sorry about mom,” Peter said. “I admit it’s nice being the older and more successful one because they don’t bother me, but I really hate seeing the way they treat you.”

  “Thanks,” she said. “But they’ll always be that way.”