by Rose Croft
No response.
No fucking response.
“Goddammit!” I punched my side door putting a dent in the chrome, ignoring the sharp pain in my fist. The physical pain made me feel alive. This pain was easier to handle than the emotional shit going on in my head and heart. I stared down at my knuckles that were now cracked with blood seeping over the skin. What the fuck did you expect? You broke her trust.
Roman
“Taylor. It’s so good to see you, sweetheart.” My father wrapped his arm around her petite shoulders and kissed her cheek. He held out his hand to me dripping with a smarmy grin. “Son.” I knew this was all an act since in public we always portrayed the epitome of a loving family. I shook his hand firmly while he patted my shoulder with his other.
“Come join us for drinks outside. Taylor, your parents are already here.”
As if we didn’t know it since there was a group of men dressed in black suits scattered around the house. Mr. Shields’ security. Ever since he started his campaign for Lieutenant Governor, he’d had his own crew of bodyguards who scoped out every venue and event he attended. Including my father’s home, apparently.
I nudged Taylor along about to make a beeline to my mom’s room. “She’s not in there, Roman.” I drew up hearing my father’s voice and spun around as uneasiness settled in. He flashed a fake sigh of relief. “She decided to join us. Virginia’s out back talking to our guests.”
It’d been some time since my mother had joined Robert when he entertained which hadn’t been often as of late. I knew she’d battled bouts of depression over the years although she always tried to see a silver lining. “So she’s doing better?” I asked casually although my soul soared with hope while I carefully kept my excitement in check. An old habit I’d learned at a young age.
“Yes. Whatever adjustment the doctor did to her medication is working. She still has bad days, but she’s starting to get out more. Anna takes her on walks every morning. Sometimes in the late afternoon as well when it’s not too hot.” It’d been awhile since we’d had civil words and spoke like a semi-normal family. Perhaps because we had people positioned all around the premises as though we were protecting the president. The men in black had probably heard more secrets than anyone on the planet. Pop motioned his head in the direction of the glass doors that led out back. “Come on.”
I ran my palms over my black tailored jacket and straightened my tie following him out. There was a small crowd of people peppered around decorated tables strategically placed around the lit pool, while other’s mingled by the industrial-sized fire pit and decked-out outdoor kitchen. Servers walked around with trays of appetizers and champagne in a constant flurry. Always keep the guests regaled, huh, Dad? I thought wryly remembering how many caterers in the past he’d fired or expressed disappointment in whom he thought did subpar work. It was amazing he could find anyone to host his parties anymore. Much less he was probably lucky no one had poisoned him yet. Maybe he needed his own security team to fend off people he’d pissed off in the past.
I saw my mother among the small circle including Taylor’s parents, Antoni, and Taylor. Mom looked better than she had in months. Her dark hair was pulled up elegantly, and she wore a rose-colored dress. Her brown eyes sparkled as she spoke to Mrs. Shields. She glanced at me, and her polite smile turned into a toothy grin as she held out her arms. “Roman,” she breathed.
I closed the distance between us harboring a sense of joy I hadn’t felt in a long time whenever I was home. “Mamá.” I carefully bent down and embraced her feeling that familiarity of security and inhaling the scent of lavender. This was what home felt like to me.
“Mi hijo.” She kissed my cheek, and I knew I’d have the remnants of her red lipstick on my skin, but I didn’t care. She was up and about and smiling. How I loved to see her happy. She deserved to always find eternal joy. She was the light that flickered amidst the indifferent darkness cultivated a la Pops. She leaned back as she studied my face. “I’ve missed you and am so proud of you. You’re having a great season.”
I nodded as my lips curled up. Mom had always followed my career and called me before games wishing me good luck. She knew my dream long before anybody else and had encouraged me despite my father saying it was just a distraction because the family business was my and Antoni’s destiny. Virginia Martinez told me long ago to pursue my dreams and not let anyone stop me. My father included. “You look beautiful, Ma.”
“She certainly does,” my father chimed in placing a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know what I did to deserve this lady.” His supposed show of affection was about as natural as one of my offensive linemen trying to dance ballet. He tilted his head and raised his eyes as though I’d already created a party foul. “Roman, say hello to the guest of honor and your future Lieutenant Governor and father-in-law.”
I ignored the delusional thought of Taylor and I marrying and turned politely, smiling at Taylor’s parents. “Richard, it’s good to see you again.” We shook hands exchanging pleasantries. “Sonya, you look stunning.” I gave his wife a hug.
“You’ve been treating our daughter right? I don’t want to have to get out that shotgun.” Richard chuckled in his good-ole-boy way. He was a big guy with thinning hair and beady eyes, but could talk shop and bullshit like no other. He had a Texan twang and always told workingman stories as if he were just some poor country boy who pulled himself up by the bootstraps and became successful, which wasn’t exactly true. His family had been one of the first to discover oil in West Texas during the oil boom, and it’d carried over several generations. By the way, his generation never hurt for money. He also attended private schools all of his young life and graduated with a law degree from Yale just like his father and grandfather, so the “I’m just a blue-collar guy” shtick didn’t fly if you knew his background.
Regardless, he knew how to carry a conversation and was charming. Sonya was sweet, but quiet—the perfect devoted politician’s wife. She was a mainstay on Richard’s arm giving him her undying support. Taylor told me she never felt a real connection with her mom and dad because they were always traveling while she was left most of the time with a nanny. She’d tried to have real conversations with her mother when she was in high school because she knew her sexual orientation, but her mom never wanted to talk about it. Taylor didn’t flat out come out of the closet, but had mentioned scenarios. What ifs? Sonya Shields was like an ostrich hiding her head in the sand because she just didn’t want to talk about it.
I put my hand at Taylor’s back giving her my support, while she tensed. “I am treating her right, sir.” I knew she hated being here as much as I. We both hated this charade. Not to mention, I was trying to keep it together since I hadn’t heard back from Theodora today. Didn’t know where she was. If I could just get through tonight and move on. If I could just make her understand.
My dad snapped his finger at one of the staff with a champagne tray, signaling for them to serve everyone around us. I should’ve been skeptical then. I should’ve been skeptical about the whole fucking evening.
Five minutes later, we all had fresh glasses of champagne flutes in our hands. I heard the tinkling of glass and my father called out, “Can I have your attention, please?”
Everyone turned as he smiled thriving with all eyes on him. “I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight in support of Richard Shields.” He held up his glass to his friend as the crowd followed. “Here’s to a prosperous future, friend.” Everyone applauded and toasted. When the noise died down, my father crooked his fingers at Taylor and I, while I shook my head knowing he was trying to manipulate the situation. His lips moved over the mic. “Come on over here. Don’t be shy.”
Taylor and I both looked like we would rather go out like Romeo and Juliet at this point. Drink the fucking poison before hearing Dad’s toxic, sham announcement that was sure to come. Either way, we both walked like zombies over to him. Let him have his glory moment and be the main attraction. He fu
ll-on smiled like the sleaze ball he was nodding his head like a creep, like the meme from Anger Management.
As we stood beside him, his eyes moved from side to side like a puppet. He leaned into the microphone. “Not only are we celebrating Richard’s campaign as our future Lieutenant Governor.” Taylor and I both arrived next to him at the same time, knowing our death sentence. “My son, Roman—”
“Sir, we have a situation,” one of the security suits warned softly behind him causing my father to pause and place his hand over the mic. The stern man leaned in and whispered something in his ear. My father’s mouth turned down as he narrowed his eyes at me. Something wasn’t right. Dad never lost his composure in public. It was very subtle, and if you didn’t know him well, you wouldn’t suspect it. However, I knew. He’d let his veneer crack before quickly gluing it back in place.
He forced a smile and lifted the microphone close. “Everyone, please excuse me. I have an urgent business call I must take. Please enjoy the champagne and appetizers.” He eyed Taylor’s father pleasantly. “Richard would you like to say a few words.” He held out the microphone to his friend, giving him an amicable pat on the back and sauntered off toward the house.
Taylor’s father engaged the crowd with his easy-going storytelling. The party went on as usual, while my mind raced wondering what was going on with my father. I spotted the man who spoke to Dad standing by the patio doors, so I made my way over. I held out my hand to him. “I’m Roman Martinez. Wanted to make sure the situation was under control.”
The man nodded with a wry smile. “Yeah. I thought it was just some unstable person trying to crash the party, since she wasn’t on the list. However, Mr. Martinez said she was cleared. Said she was a dear family friend.”
“Good to know,” I said. Unstable person? She? Again, I had a nagging feeling something wasn’t right. If Dad allowed one of his mistresses in here to fuck in the middle of this bullshit soiree, I would call his ass out. He didn’t have cherished family friends who were women. More like jilted lovers. Could’ve been someone who was holding information over his head, threatening to come out with an affair. Could’ve been someone wanting compensation from my father…
“Shit,” I breathed out and stalked inside straight to Dad’s office. A real piece of work, you are. This was my way out of his inane vendetta against Theodora and her mother. I was gonna bust his ass for the shady shit he did and get him off my back. I stood in front of the grand mahogany door that was closed; my hand lingered on the handle.
“You’ve managed to interrupt a very important party. You have five minutes to tell me why you’re here,” my father spoke in a bored tone beyond the door.
“I’m certain what I have will be more important to you than your party, and you will give me your undivided attention whether you want to or not.” At the sound of her voice, I clenched the knob trying to get a grip on my emotions. She was here. She was confronting him. Never show fear. Keep your cards close to your chest.
Theodora
I stood strong with fire in my veins squaring off with the intimidating Robert Martinez. I was fueled by emotion and only had some half-baked plan as I drove to his estate hoping he’d be home. Little did I know he was hosting some extravagant dinner party. Not that I cared either way.
“Did you come here to make idle threats?” he asked.
“I think you know why I’m here, so why don’t we cut to the chase.” I grasped the strap of my backpack tighter.
He walked over to a mini bar with no immediacy and selected an amber-filled snifter and poured the liquid into two glasses. With drinks in hand, he ambled casually over to me and motioned at one of the leather seats in front of me. “Sit.”
He held out a glass, while I stood my ground unmoving, causing him to chuckle. “Your defiance and move to play hero is quite charming, but this game will get old very quickly.” His humor fled at the drop of a hat, and he stressed with annoyance laced in his voice, “Sit down, Theodora, and talk.”
I didn’t move, and I saw anger flash in his dark eyes thinking he would physically make me. He forced the drink in my hand, and I heard the creak of the door behind me. I twisted my head as Roman passed through with a poker face giving nothing away. His dad quirked his mouth. “Hello, son. Look who crashed the party.”
“And you were going to keep this from me, Father?” Roman strode casually closer until he stood beside me. He tsked. “Keeping her all to yourself. Where are your manners?”
His tone was light, but his face was as cool as granite.
“She came here to see me.”
“Is that so? Why are you here, Theodora?” He kept his level tone, and I saw his hand move behind me to gently yank my ponytail causing me to give my full attention. “Are you back to negotiate another ‘scholarship’ out of my dad?” His palm scraped over my bare shoulder, lingering behind my neck before he dragged me down, my butt hitting the leather cushion.
My eyes narrowed as I thought about the messages he’d left earlier today telling me I was in danger, and he was the only one who could help me. What he’d said when I caught him on the phone with his father. What kind of game was he playing? He was clearly on his father’s side. He was clearly a liar. “I’m doing exactly what you couldn’t.” I schooled my features and checked my nails in boredom. “I have all the information you were so desperate to find.” I ran my eyes over both Martinez men. “And I will never ask for a single dime from you.”
“Ever?” Roman raised a brow. He studied me with a detachment that scared me. How could he call and leave frantic messages? How could he lie and tell me how much he needed me? How could he bulldoze into my life and then disengage? How could he offer his help with my mom’s situation knowing what happened in the past? He said he’d let the past go. “Never ever?”
“Don’t,” I warned. “I did not try to blackmail you. I had no part in that.”
“Ah, but your mother did.” Something flashed in his eyes, a warning. “What is it you want?”
I leveled my gaze on Mr. Martinez. “I want to hear your father’s side of the story.”
For such a formidable, uncaring man, I saw redness flush his tanned, chiseled-to-perfection cheeks. He straightened his tie with one hand. “And to what story are you referring?”
Play dumb, old man, but we both know what I’m talking about. Roman shifted his eyes between both of us in impatience. I laughed harshly. “Tell me the story about how you seduced my mother.” I felt the tightening of knuckles behind my neck as Roman clenched the leather seat.
“I have no idea what you mean,” Roman’s dad responded with unease.
“Well, I have years of written words with dates explaining in detail what happened between you two.” I patted my bag where I’d stashed the journal. “I can read it to you, but I might not be able to control my nausea.”
“Is it true?” Roman croaked behind me. He didn’t sound so indifferent now. He sounded shocked, clueless of the situation. “Did you fuck Rhonda, too?” The crassness of his comment made me sick. She was only one of many. Was that all it was? Was that all I was to Roman as well? Like father like son?
“She came on to me,” his father said. “It was one time. A grave mistake.”
The way he threw it out like it was a one-time ordeal ignited me to no end. “She loved you! You pursued her. Seduced her. Broke down her defenses. Told her you loved her. It wasn’t a one-time mistake. It lasted for years. You led her on and then she found out she was carrying your child.”
“Fuck,” Roman muttered behind me.
His father shook his head solemnly. “Who would believe her story? Her mother is in a rehab facility recovering from drug addiction. Not to mention, she threatened my family and blackmailed us. She used you too, Theodora, to get back at me for whatever wrongs she thought I committed. It takes two to tango. She’s at fault as much as me.” He strolled over to the bureau slamming his glass down as he grabbed a bottle.
I popped up and slapped my hand on the
table. “You tried to end her life!”
He paused mid pour. “I did no such thing.”
“You did because she was going to tell your wife. You were scared and going to lose everything.”
“You know nothing, little girl.”
I opened my mouth to respond because there was so much more to say, but I gasped as Roman grabbed my backpack and rummaged through it, pulling out the notebook. I shot out of the chair spinning around. “No!” My fingers dug into his wrist trying to wrench it from him. “Give it back, now.”
He easily yanked it out of reach as his intense eyes burned into mine, and his chest expanded with each breath. I could see the unsung pain he tried so hard to bury with his stiff upper lip. This was killing him, too. The knowledge that my mother and his father had an affair.
“Good work, son. Give me the notebook.” His father wheeled his finger in rapid motion anxious to have the book in his hands.
However, Roman wasn’t in any hurry to hand it over.
There was a sharp knock on the door before Taylor’s dad barged in with Antoni and Taylor trailing behind him. “Uh, Bob? Are we gonna serve dinner soon? I’m on a tight schedule, and by now guests should’ve been seated so we can start the auction. You know I have an early flight to El Paso tomorrow morning.” The man was obviously so self-centered that he didn’t have any idea he’d walked in on a shit show. “We’re just waiting on your blessing.”
I glanced behind me as Roman’s father adjusted his tie and held up a hand. “Yes. I’m coming. Go ahead.” Mr. Shields was already headed out with Taylor giving one last glance as she followed her dad. Roman’s father rounded his desk with composure in check and Antoni approached. His dad reached for the evidence, but Roman drew his arm back. Robert scowled. “Roman come with me.” He snapped his fingers at Antoni. “Stay here and don’t let her leave.” He spoke as though I wasn’t here, and would be obedient and know my place.
