Subtle Reminders

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Subtle Reminders Page 32

by D. J. Pierson


  “Joey…” She was conflicted.

  “It’s okay, B,” I reassured her. She bit her lip. I ran my thumb over it, relieving the tension. “Let’s just say, for argument’s sake, even if you decided tomorrow you didn’t want me anymore, I wouldn’t regret this. I am who I am because I fell in love with you and was lucky enough you fell for me, too.” Bringing her in close to me, she loosened up.

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.”

  The following forty-eight hours were filled with moments of disbelief. I lost count of how many times she called me a crazy bastard. She’d also randomly lift the sleeve of my t-shirt, checking to see if the gauze was still there. It grew on her and, eventually, it stopped being the topic of discussion. What I liked most was when we were alone, she’d run her finger over every inch of the ink, leading to some of our greatest moments together.

  “It’s perfect,” she whispered, smiling.

  “It belongs there, just like you belong here.” Taking her hand in mine, I held it against my heart.

  “You still want me?” A sadness clouded her face.

  “Always.” My thumb stroked her cheek. “Can’t you see? Without you, I’m not me.”

  “Joey…”

  “If you want me to leave, you have to speak up.”

  She dampened those lips with the tongue that drove me wild. “Please, don’t go. Please, don’t ever go.”

  Taking her beautiful face in my hands, I spoke gently, but firmly. “I’m here, B. Just tell me what you want.” She smothered me in a kiss that virtually made all seven years of loneliness worth every single second. I countered by delicately laying her down on the bed, exploring her entire body as if for the first time, not coming up for air until sometime into the wee hours of the morning. It wasn’t enough, though. Truthfully, eternity with her would never be enough. As the sun began to rise, I woke her, showing her all over again just how much I loved everything about her and always would.

  Sometimes, dreams actually came true. The tricky thing about them was there were always consequences attached. Good and bad, but consequences just the same. What you took away from the dream turned it into either a fairy-tale or a nightmare.

  To say I was shocked to see Joey standing in my doorway would be an understatement. Once he ordered me up the stairs, I assumed that would be the last I saw of him until walking down the aisle the next afternoon. The lone tear that escaped had absolutely nothing to do with sadness. When he followed right behind me, it was exactly what I needed.

  Waking up to Joey Sullivan’s lips on my neck was a fairly decent reminder of how we spent the last six hours. I should’ve been drowning in guilt, not feeling the happiest and most satisfied I had in a really long time. There was no ignoring the tension that had been building between us. With our history, its presence was probably unavoidable.

  “Mornin’, Buttercup,” he murmured in my ear. I rolled onto my back, staring up into his eyes.

  If only every day began like this. “Good morning.” He was propped on his elbow, but leaned down to kiss me. “What time is it?”

  “Early as shit.” The sun was up, but it hadn’t been for very long.

  “Why are you awake?”

  “You didn’t just hear Lex singing at the top of her lungs?” He shook his head, chuckling. “I think she’s a little excited.”

  “I bet she is,” I smiled, moving closer and cuddling against his chest. We stayed like that¸ but not nearly long enough. Thinking of the shit storm we created, I sighed. “We can’t screw up her day, Joey.”

  “We won’t.” He squeezed me tighter. “Are you okay?”

  I looked at him, confused. “What do you mean?”

  “Last night wasn’t what I expected, but I’m not sorry it happened.”

  “I’m not sorry, either,” I whispered.

  He let out a relieved breath. “Good. I was worried you’d regret it.” I lifted my head from the pillow, kissing him. “So, today…” I tensed, unsure about where he was going. “We should just keep things as planned and we’ll figure everything else out tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” I agreed. There really wasn’t much to figure out, though. Did he think we’d get back together? I’d never be able to tell him about our angel, and I couldn’t live my life holding onto such a big secret. Besides, four hours and over two hundred miles separated us. A relationship wouldn’t work. Not anymore.

  Someone’s fist nearly put a hole through my door. “Let’s go!” Vince hollered. “Breakfast will be ready in ten. Hurry up or you’re not getting any!”

  “Why the hell is he here?” I groaned. “I’m jumping in the shower before my sister does. She steals all the hot water.”

  Joey didn’t let go when I pushed the blankets back. He reached up and caressed my face. “Only because I love Vince and Lex as much as I do will I tolerate Aidan today. However, you are not leaving with him tonight. Do you understand?” I nodded. “That’s not good enough, B. I need to hear you say it.”

  “I get it, Joey. I won’t leave with him.” The day would definitely be interesting.

  After a long, steamy shower, I took the time to blow dry my hair. By the time I made it downstairs, everybody was pretty much done eating. Prancing into the kitchen, I ran up behind Lex seated at the table and gave her a hug. “The big day is finally here!”

  “Yeah. That’s why you’re in such a good mood,” Vince sarcastically mumbled. Joey smacked him on the back of the head. “What the fuck was that for?”

  “You know,” he warned.

  “How are your feet?” I tested her, sticking my tongue out at my soon-to-be brother-in-law. “Are they chilly? The second he pulls out of the driveway, we can take off. I’ll have you out of the state before he makes it to his mom’s house.”

  “Don’t think for one second I won’t handcuff your skinny little ass to the rafters in the basement,” Vince threatened me.

  “I’ll leave her a key, just in case,” Joey countered, taking the last bite of his pancakes, which were Lex’s favorite breakfast food. My poor dad was probably petrified she’d never be home for a meal again.

  “Some best friend you are, fucker.”

  “That’s me.” Joey slapped Vince’s shoulder, then stood, carrying his plate to the sink. He came over and wrapped me in a gigantic hug, leaving a trail of soft pecks across my cheek to my lips as if we were completely alone. “Hungry?”

  “I am.” Having him as close as he was felt nice. I wasn’t bothered by the audience, either.

  “I’ll cook it for her, Sully,” my dad cheerfully announced. Maybe he wasn’t as sad about Lex getting married as I thought.

  “Finish eating, Rich. I got this.” Joey released the secure grip he held on my waist to hold out the chair he had been sitting in. I took it and leaned to the side to rest my head on Vince’s arm.

  “Your pretty eyes won’t work on me, witch,” he declared. When I batted them, he grinned. “All right. Maybe a little.” He kissed my head. “You taught Lex that trick, didn’t you?” I shrugged.

  The front door opened and the pitter-patter of tiny feet came rumbling down the hall. “Aunt Lex! Uncle Vince! We’re getting married!” Tori excitedly declared, entering the kitchen.

  Vince dropped his fork and stood up to scoop her into his arms. “We are? Is that today?” he teased his niece.

  “Yes, silly! Let’s get ready!”

  “Mommy has my dress! I’m going to look beautiful!” Vanessa added.

  “You sure are,” Lex said, lifting the sweet girl onto her lap. “You both are.”

  “Hi, Uncle Joe,” they called when they saw him.

  “Hey! What’s this nonsense about going to look beautiful? You girls are beautiful every single day.” They giggled, blushing. However, his comment burned me deeply. Joey was destined to be a father. He deserved it.

  “Where’s Mommy?” Lex asked.

  “Getting our stuff. She told us to come in so it would be easier.”

  My mom laughed
. “I’ll go see if I can help.”

  “Here you go, Buttercup,” Joey said, setting a plate in front of me.

  “Why do you call her that? It’s not her name,” Vanessa asked.

  “It’s a nickname I gave her a long time ago. Way before you were even born, munchkin.”

  “Can we call her that, too?”

  “Nope.”

  “Why not, Uncle Joe?” Tori joined in.

  “Only I’m allowed. It’s the law.”

  “He knows, Vanessa,” Tori informed her sister. “He’s a policeman.” We all laughed at their cuteness.

  “Are you hungry?” I interrupted, afraid they’d start arguing. “Uncle Joe makes some really delicious pancakes.”

  “Daddy made us eggs. My belly is filled,” Tori said.

  “Good thing.” Lex released Vanessa. “We have a busy day planned.”

  My mom returned with Roni a short time later. “Hey, big brother.”

  Vince looked at her. “Hi, sis. Why didn’t you text me? I would’ve came out to give you a hand.”

  “Amusing the girls for five minutes was more helpful than you could ever imagine,” she sighed. “I’m just grateful Brian’s mom offered to keep Liam until church.” Roni pulled out a chair and sat. “What are you doing here, anyway? Isn’t Mom looking for you?”

  “Not yet.” He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. “But she will be soon.”

  “Let me do these dishes really quick and we’ll head out,” Joey cut in. Vince’s face fell. “What?”

  “Oh, stop it, you big baby! She’ll be there.” I had to say it. His expression was pathetic.

  “You’re afraid Lex isn’t going to show?” Roni threw her head back, laughing. “Give me a break, Vin. She’s already put in her time. She deserves a party simply for tolerating you this long.”

  “Thanks, sis. That was…sweet of you.”

  “Just keeping it real.”

  “Mommy, Uncle Joe called Aunt Lex’s sister Buttercup, but he won’t let me,” Vanessa tattled, pouting.

  Roni tried to hide her smirk, consoling her daughter. “Well, that’s because it’s his special name for her. Remember how Daddy sometimes says I’m his angel?”

  “Yeah.”

  “It’s the same thing. Do you think Daddy would be very happy if someone else called me that?”

  “No.” She considered what her mother had just said. “Does that mean you’re married?” Thankfully, the question was directed at Joey.

  “No, we’re not married,” he told her.

  “If you gave her a special name, you must really love her like Daddy loves Mommy.” Joey smirked at the child’s wisdom. “And when two people really love each other, they are supposed to get married and have babies. Right, Uncle Vince?”

  “That sounds about right.” Vince shifted nervously. My sister once told me how he wasn’t ready to have kids, seriously despising when anyone asked him about it. “I think Aunt Lex has a present for you, girls. Should we go see if we can find them?”

  “Yay!” they cheered.

  “I’ll come with you,” Lex volunteered.

  Roni and my mom followed. Dad banished us from the kitchen so he could clean in peace and quiet. Not wanting to argue with him, Joey took hold of my hand, leading me toward the living room. We walked to where the girls sat in the middle of the floor, impatiently waiting to open their gifts, and plopped on the couch. He left no space between us, relaxing his arm over my leg and resting his chin on my shoulder. Apparently, he was as interested as Vanessa and Tori.

  Lex and Vince set a large package wrapped in princess paper and a bright purple bow before each of the girls. They were so excited, they could barely keep still.

  “Can we open it now?” Vanessa pleaded.

  “Sure.” My sister looked quite eager herself.

  They wasted no time tearing the paper to shreds. Underneath the beautiful wrapping was a wooden treasure box. Both were painted a light shade of lilac, the color of our dresses, and had the girls’ names outlined in rhinestones. There was a collective gasp as they took in Lex’s creativity. When the girls went to lift the top, they realized the boxes were sealed with a silver, sparkly lock.

  “How does it open?” Tori wondered, trying to figure it out.

  Vince produced keys hanging by violet ribbons. One had a “V” engraved into it, and the other had a “T”. Mesmerized, the girls slipped the keys into the locks and turned. They shared a quick glance at the sound of it releasing, then concentrated on their own box. Inside was a doll wearing a fancy purple dress, a necklace and a pair of earrings for the girls to wear at the wedding, and a nightgown and glittery slippers. They were both completely in awe, sorting through the treasures. Lex and Roni reveled in their excitement.

  Fully expecting my heart to ache, I felt nothing but happiness as I witnessed the precious moment. Situations such as that were ones I usually tended to avoid due to the pain they caused, but this particular time was different. When I was about to pass it off as simply being overjoyed at it being my little sister’s wedding day, Joey kissed my cheek. It was because of him. Joey always made everything better.

  “We should probably get going,” Vince mumbled as if the world were ending.

  “I’m sure your mom will be calling soon,” Lex sympathetically responded.

  “Let’s move, Lyons,” Joey jumped in. “I’ll see you soon, Buttercup.”

  “Okay,” I said, secretly wishing they’d stay. We walked the guys as far as the door, Vince grumbled a little longer, then they were off.

  Watching them push and shove each other as they jogged to their cars, Lex looped her arm through mine. “What are you doing, Brie?” I knew she was referring to Joey.

  “I have no idea,” I whispered sadly.

  “Maybe you should take a step back. Let your head clear.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Wouldn’t it be better if I just got ready here?” Vince whined as they stood at the front door. Swallowing back vomit was tougher than it should’ve been. BC bit her lip, trying not to laugh. Barb and Roni were still in the living room with the girls. They were the lucky ones.

  “Of course, but your mom and dad are really looking forward to spending a couple hours with their son before he gets married,” Lex said. At least she had some sense.

  “Fine,” he mumbled, resigned.

  “There’s nothing to worry about, babe. Before you know it, I’ll be your wife and you’ll be stuck with me forever.”

  “I can’t wait.” When he kissed her again, I had enough.

  “All right, Lyons. You have two choices. We either leave right now, or I’m going to throw up all over you.” BC chuckled.

  “Why did I ask you to be my best man?”

  “Because I’m fucking awesome. Now let’s go.” I separated the two lovebirds, dragging Vince by the arm. Looking over my shoulder, I winked at BC. “Be careful walking down the aisle. I wouldn’t want you to trip over your own feet when you see how hot I am standing up there.”

  “Shut up!” she groaned, rolling those beautiful brown eyes. Why were we leaving?

  “So is this what sleeping with Brielle does to you?” Vince remarked when we crossed the walkway and were out of the girls’ hearing. I punched his bicep, and he swung back, missing me. “For real, though… Thanks. I don’t give a shit what you two were doing. Since you kept Brie tied up, Lex let me stay and I didn’t have to spend the night alone. Wait? You didn’t actually tie her up, did you?”

  I pushed the asshole into the side of his car. “What does it matter? You got what you wanted.”

  He laughed and shook his head, letting it slide without comment. “I’m going to stop at my house to shower. You coming?”

  “I’ll meet you at your parents’. I need to swing by and grab Maddie. She’s hanging out with my dad today.”

  “Just ask Jack to drive her over. He doesn’t work today.” I hoped it was a quiet weekend in our township because Pop made sure a bunch of us were
off the schedule for the wedding.

  “I could, but then I wouldn’t get to see her.”

  “Spoiled dog,” he jokingly grumbled. “See ya.”

  When I pulled up and Maddie saw me getting out of the truck, she nearly broke down the storm door. Jack peered through the window, checking to see what had the crazy puppy so wound up. He barely put pressure on the handle when she charged out the door, plowing into me.

  “How’s my baby girl?” I lowered to a knee, allowing her to saturate my face in slobbery kisses. The sun caught the stones from her collar at just the right angle and they brightly shined. BC was infiltrating back into my life. Everywhere I turned, she was there. “Come on, Maddie.” I rose to my feet and jogged toward the woods behind our place. We both had energy to burn.

  Halfway into our typical run through the winding paths, my phone vibrated. I slowed to retrieve it, but when I saw her name, I paused, smiling. Maddie was a good twenty feet ahead of me before she noticed and stopped, turning to look at me.

  BC: Getting my hair done. Thinking about the first time you came to watch one of my games.

  Me: What about it?

  BC: How hard it was to concentrate knowing you were there.

  Me: I have that effect on women :)

  BC: Arrogant bastard.

  Me: What brought that on?

  BC: Trying to figure out how I’m supposed to make it through today.

  Me: It’ll be fine.

  I didn’t know why I told her that because the same thought had been killing me.

  BC: How can you be so sure?

  Me: You’ll have me.

  BC: Why are you so good to me?

  Me: I’ll remind you later ;)

  That was the plan. As soon as she sent Aidan back to Connecticut, she’d quickly remember how much I loved her. I’d never let her forget it again.

  Putting my phone back in my pocket, Maddie and I resumed our run. Fortunately, she didn’t get too dirty, managing to stay out of the creek that passed under a small, man-made bridge on the trail. Most of the time, I couldn’t keep her out of the water. The second she spotted it, she seemed to stop listening to every command I threw at her and dove in. I swore she had a sixth sense for detecting anything wet and muddy. It must’ve been my lucky day because there wasn’t time for me to give her a bath.

 

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