Intertwined Hearts Series (4 book collection): (Intertwined Hearts, An Exceptional Twist, Tangled Paths & Grafted Vines)

by Kimi Flores

  Her eyes lit up with excitement. “That’s perfect for you, Bri. I would love to share anything I’ve learned with you. Have you told Josh about it?”

  “Are you kidding?” I chuckled. “When I told him about it this morning, he was thrilled. He said as much as he likes having me around, he also wants me to do what makes me happy.” I quickly swept an ant off my jeans.

  “He’s a great guy, Bri. I’m so glad you gave him another chance.”

  “Me too.” I felt warm just thinking about how much my life had changed. “As a matter of fact,” I gave a silly grimace, “we’re moving in together.”

  Shaking her head, she gave a knowing smile. “I had a feeling. Stefen asked me about it the other day. He assumed I already knew.”

  I laughed. “Well, don’t feel like I was holding back. We just decided this morning.”

  “Oh, so Dani doesn’t know yet?” She frowned and I knew exactly why.

  “No, and I feel so bad. I know how lonely she gets, and I’m worried about her.” I swiped another ant off my leg. Those little suckers are never alone.

  Biting the inside of her cheek, Leah’s concern showed on her face. “She’s been working a lot lately. I can’t even get a second with her nowadays.”

  “Yeah between us, I think she feels like a third wheel. You may need to talk to Stefen about letting you two have some alone time. I’m gonna have to keep that in mind too.”

  “I remember that feeling.” She sighed. “I was a little lonely when Abby married Caleb. Dani still lived with my mom in Alhambra at the time, so I was kinda stuck out here by myself. Until your brother weaseled his way into my life that is.” Leah snickered.

  I offered her snarky comment. “Yeah, and you’ve hated every minute of it, haven’t you?”

  “We’ve had our moments for sure. But getting back to Dani. You and I should tag team spending time with her and do a girls’ night out soon or something.” Slapping her thighs, she pointed out, “I wish her and Zachary would get together, but I won’t hold my breath. He seems closed off when it comes to relationships. Stefen and I have seen him turn down beautiful women left and right.”

  “Yeah. I have too, come to think of it.” I tilted my head. “You’d think by the way they look at each other, they would’ve at least gone on a date. I’m sure she would if he asked, but I wonder what his deal is.”

  “I dunno.” She shrugged. “He and I are friends, but he doesn’t share a lot of personal things.”

  “Too bad. I told her she doesn’t need a guy to make her happy, but I hope she finds a good one soon. She’s gone out with some real losers.”

  “Really?” Leah looked sad. “She doesn’t tell me a lot about her dating life anymore. I’ve wondered.”

  “Yeah, she sells herself short. We really do need to spend more time with her.”

  She stood up, brushing off the back of her pants. “I agree. Okay for now, let’s go see what our men are up to. I’m sure they’re gossiping about something.” She grinned teasingly. “I’m convinced that men are way worse than women.”

  “I agree. Especially my brother. He has to know what everyone is up to. But I guess that’s part of his charm.” I stood up, jokingly begging her, “Please don’t tell me about the rest of his appeal.”

  Leah and I may be friends, but there were certain things I did not need to know.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Moving On

  Josh

  I knew my parents would be overjoyed by my news, but for some reason, I was really nervous as I called them. I’d never brought a girl home for them to meet before.

  “It’s about time ya called me, son.” My mother’s Tennessee drawl sang through the earpiece of my phone. “When do I get to meet this hot girl your brother’s been ravin’ about?”

  Thanks a lot Brad.

  I stretched out on the couch, getting comfortable. “That’s actually why I’m callin’.”

  Oh great, I’m already talking like her.

  “Are you guys free on Saturday?” I asked. “Alison and Paul wanted to come by your house and show you guys the wedding pictures, since you were conveniently on your European vacation and couldn’t make it.” I snickered. My mother knew how to take a joke.

  Her whimsical tone proved me right. “It’s not my fault your daddy is a tightwad and wouldn’t exchange our tickets.” There was a slight pause, then, “Yes, you are a tightwad,” I knew she was speaking to my dad. “Give me a sec. I’m talkin’ to Joshua on the phone. No, you can talk to him on your own time.”

  I imagined her swatting the air at my father to make him go away. I loved their relationship. They’d always been strong and loving, and taught me well. I hoped that one day, Bri and I would still be going strong and as happy as them.

  “Oh, your daddy is too much. He wants me to ask ya to call him later.” She huffed. “Okay, so tell me, when are ya bringin’ this girl over?”

  “Like I was saying, Alison and Paul wanted to come show you pictures from the wedding, so I thought that would be a good time to have you meet Bri. Both Alison and Paul are friends of hers from college, and I think it would put her at ease, when she sees someone else there who she knows.”

  “Well, we ain’t scary people, ya know,” she complained.

  I had to make sure I cleared the air without sharing any of Bri’s secrets. “I know, but she’s had a rough time. Her mother just passed away—”

  “Oh, I am so sorry to hear that.” Her voice was somber.

  “Yeah well, they didn't exactly have a good relationship, and she’s coping well enough, but I don’t wanna freak her out since our family dynamic is so different.”

  “So are ya askin’ me not to curse in front of her? I can do that.”

  Chuckling, I admitted, “Uh, no. Nothing like that. She’ll give you a run for your money when it comes to that.”

  “Ooo, I like her already.” She snorted.

  “I’m sure you will.”

  “From what Bradley says, she’s quite a looker.”

  “Yes, she is. But she’s so much more than that.” I pictured her beautiful face, long sexy legs, and perfect lips. Also her adorable quirks and her amazing spirit. “Bri is—oh man, I don’t know how to describe her. She’s just so—”

  Gasping with a smile in her tone, she asked, “Joshua Ryan Tucker, are you in love with this girl?”

  “Yeah mom, I am.” There was no denying it, especially to my mother. She could spot a lie a mile away.

  Must be a mom thing.

  “Well damn, I never thought I’d see the day. You best be bringing this girl over before you go makin’ any big decisions about her.” That was a warning, and I knew it.

  I assured her, “She’s not ready for anything like that yet. I was lucky enough to talk her into moving in with me.” Oh shit, I hadn’t said that part yet.

  “Excuse me? You’re livin’ together and you’re just now telling me about her? I’m liable to bend you over my knee and swat your ass for not bringing her sooner.” Although her words were harsh, her playful tone remained.

  I backpedaled, attempting to save myself. “Well, it all kinda happened quickly, and she hasn’t technically moved in yet. We only decided last week.”

  “Mmhmm, and I imagine you been celebratin’ ever since so you couldn’t pick up the phone and call your Mama.”

  And then some. I smiled to myself.

  “I can hear that smile over the phone, Joshua,” she teased. “Alright, let’s do Saturday. Daddy and I’ll be waitin’, and I’ll try not to think about how you been celebratin’.”

  Unable to hide my amusement, I busted up. “Okay, see ya then, mom.”

  I ended the call, placing my cell on the coffee table when Bri’s scowl at the top of the stairs called my attention. “What’s up, babe?”

  Marching down with something white in her hand, she held it up for me to see. “This is how you’re supposed to have the toilet paper facing.” In a patronizing manner, she demonstrated pulling do
wn on the front of the sheets. “Not like this.” She flipped it around so the sheets were pulled from under the roll.

  “Ooookaaaay. Does it really matter?” I got up from the couch, wondering why she was so mad.

  Huffing, she yelled out. “Yes it matters, dammit. Every time I put a new roll on, you flip the damn thing around. Are you trying to drive me fucking insane?”

  I’d heard her curse plenty of times, but she didn’t normally drop F-bombs unless she was really pissed.

  I frowned at her. It was toilet paper. What was the big deal?

  Totally confused, I rubbed my chin. “You do realize it’s just toilet paper, right?”

  Stomping her foot, she barked back, “There is a proper way of putting the bathroom tissue on the roll. Every time I do, you go and change it, so it rolls incorrectly. Why do you have to make things more difficult for me?”

  Then it hit me. Is this another thing her mother drilled into her head? There had been a few other times she got upset out of nowhere over what I considered unimportant things and so far had all been somehow connected to her mother.

  There were other more serious triggers. One day, I’d playfully pulled on her hair and she freaked out. When I’d learned that her mom used to pull her hair and dig her nails in Bri’s scalp I was shocked. After calming her down, I walked to the garage and lost it myself, throwing shit everywhere. It was still beyond me how anyone could treat their child that way.

  I knew she wasn’t going to heal overnight, and she’d probably struggle with some of this shit for the rest of her life. No matter how irritating it got, I had to keep this in mind when she flipped out over things I thought were senseless, because they meant something to her. The good thing was she quickly recognized what was going on when I pointed it out.

  I reached for her hand, speaking gently. “Listen, we’re going to have our differences, and it’ll take some time before everything meshes but,” I squeezed our joined hands, “I know this stems from something else. I can see it in your eyes. The Bri I love doesn’t get so upset over toilet paper. Curtains, maybe, but not toilet paper.” When she slumped a little, I asked, “Wanna talk about it?”

  Glancing down, she exhaled a long breath. “You’re right. It does. I’m sorry.”

  Sighing, I took the roll out of her hand and threw it on the couch, pulling her into a hug.

  She didn’t fight it, nestling her cheek on my chest. “I don’t know. I guess it’s just one of those things my mom pounded into my head. But I need to let it go. I don’t want to be anything like her. Not even the way she hangs her toilet paper.”

  “Bri, whether you’re trying to do everything opposite her, or following what she told you to do, you need to stop. It’s time you concentrate on finding what you want. What makes you happy.”

  Gently moving her body away, I cupped her face, looking deep in her eyes. “I couldn’t give a rat’s ass how the damn toilet paper hangs. I’ll just follow your lead,” I teased her tenderly. “What I won’t stand for is watching you continue to beat yourself up, trying to be who you think everyone else wants you to be. Just be you, the woman I love, pink curtains and all.”

  She snickered against my chest. “Don’t say things you don’t mean, Josh Tucker. Or I will have pink curtains in this living room so fast, you won’t know what hit you.”

  Shit. I’d created a monster.

  ⁂

  Bri

  Dani was filling a box on my bed, tossing in perfume and jewelry from the top of my dresser. “I totally get it, and I’d leave you too if my gorgeous boyfriend asked me to move in with him. But between Catalina, Chicago, you staying at Josh’s, and me working, I’ve missed having you around.”

  One of my arms was full of clothes when I ran my free hand down her arm. “Just because I’m moving out doesn’t mean we won’t see each other. You’re still my best friend. I need to do this. I’m finally living my life for me and not trying to please my mother.”

  A chill ran down my arms at the realization of that statement.

  Wow, I never thought I’d say that.

  She pulled me down to the edge of the bed, setting the pile of clothes in her lap. “I know and I really am happy for you. I want you to move on with your life. I’ve just never been on my own before.” My heart broke, seeing the loneliness in her eyes. “This is the first place I’ve ever lived without my mother, and now I’ll be here by myself.” Before I could say anything, she added, “I’m not saying any of this to make you feel guilty. It’ll be a great opportunity to see who I am too, it’ll just be—difficult at first. Promise me we’ll see each other all the time.”

  “Of course we will.” I gave her a reassuring smile. “Just tell me when you’re free, and you do still have Leah a few miles away, you know. I’m sure she must be getting sick of my brother by now,” I teased. “She’ll probably be busting down your door for some girl time if you don’t invite her over here.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I don’t think they’ll ever get tired of each other. We need to somehow convince them to start popping out some babies for us to take care of though.”

  “I know, right?” I felt my face light up at the thought. “Josh and I got to babysit Madison and Max the other day, but I want more. Plus, can you imagine how gorgeous their kids will be?”

  She smirked. “Yep, just like their aunties.”

  I laughed. Maybe she will be okay on her own.

  ⁂

  Josh

  I walked up to the condo’s open front door, spotting Dani on the couch. I figured she’d be upset about Bri moving out, but seeing her sitting there with her face buried in her hands made me feel like shit.

  I was well aware of the fact that, if one friend was miserable, the other would also be. I stepped inside and sat beside her on the velvety purple couch. Startled, she jerked to the side. Her red puffy eyes narrowed in on my face, but it looked as though she was trying to focus on me, not give me a dirty look.

  “Hey, Josh.” She sniffed. “Bri’s in the bathroom. She’ll be ready in a minute.”

  “You okay?” I leaned forward, my elbows resting on my thighs.

  She let out a sad sigh. “I’ll be fine. I’m just going to miss having Bri around.”

  “You know you’re welcome at our place anytime, right?” I hoped she felt my sincerity.

  “Yeah, that’s what you guys say now, but once all is said and done, people go on with their lives. You guys have each other now. You don’t need a third wheel.”

  “Dani, I’m serious.” I set my hand on top of hers, lightly squeezing. “As a matter of fact, we have a full apartment above the garage, you’re welcome to. It’s completely functioning. You wouldn’t have to pay rent and you’d be close to Bri.” I hadn’t thought about this before but it would be a perfect solution since Bri was going to miss Dani as much as Dani will miss her.

  Sniffing, she brought a tissue to her eyes. “Thanks Josh, but I really need to let her move on. She’s had such a shitty life, and she deserves to be alone with you.”

  Cocking an eye with my head tilted, I asked, “You’re kidding, right? Bri needs all of us. Her problem wasn’t with you.”

  With a trembling chin, she said, “Thanks for saying that. I feel like everyone’s moving on, and I’m stuck alone. First Leah, then my mother, and now Bri.”

  Standing, I pulled her up into a hug as she began to quietly cry. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Bri at the hall entryway, a questioning look on her face. I slowly shook my head, trying not to alert Dani. I wanted the opportunity to console her.

  Smoothing her hair down, I reassured her, “Dani, nobody’s leaving you. We’re all here. Don’t ever feel like you’re alone.”

  “I’m sorry.” she cried, “I’m just emotional right now. I thought we’d live together a lot longer than this. But I need to learn how to stand on my own two feet. I’m okay now.” She pulled away, wiping her tears. “Really. Who knows, maybe I’ll get a little dog to keep me company. Plus,” she placed
a forced smile on her lips, “How am I ever going to find my own Prince Charming if I’m living through you guys? Maybe I don’t want you cramping my style.” She teased.

  In an attempt to keep the mood light, I said, “Well, I definitely don’t want to cramp anyone’s style but I do need pointers from you on how to live peacefully with my messy girlfriend.”

  The first genuine grin I’d seen on her face today broke free. “Well, as long as you get coffee in her early enough every day, you’ll do just fine. You might want a flashlight for those late night bathroom runs though. Chances are, she’ll have at least one shoe in the way.”

  “Hey, are you guys making fun of me?” Bri faked irritation.

  “Never, dear.” I grinned. “We wouldn’t do that.”

  Dani giggled. “Yeah, you’re on the right road with that bullcrap line. You don’t need my help at all.” Reaching over, she gave Bri a hug, then turned toward the hall. “I’m going to get ready for work. Call me later, ‘kay?”

  “I will.” We watched Dani make her way down the hall, sniffing as she entered her bedroom.

  Closing up the box on the coffee table, I raised my eyebrows. “This reminds me, what ever happened to the shit shoes?”

  “Dani got them cleaned for me when we were in Catalina. They’re in one of these containers.” She pointed to the remaining boxes on the counter.

  Frowning, I decided it was time to put my foot down. “Babe, I’ve let a lot of things go, but shoes that have been shit in are not coming in the house.” It amazed me how messy Bri was. I never would’ve guessed I’d be the neat freak in the relationship.

  “No way,” she argued, squaring her shoulders. “I got them in Paris. They’re designer.”

  A challenging grin slid up my face. “If I have to get rid of my curtains, you have to get rid of those shit shoes.”

  Crossing her arms, she retorted, “Fine. They’re gone then.”