by D. A. Young
“Maybe,” Sidra teased, still examining her friend’s shoe game. “If you can answer one question for me?”
“What do you want to know?” Noelle asked curiously, as she rubbed her round stomach. Sidra pointed at her feet.
“What are thooooose?!?!” She asked jokingly and burst into laughter. Noelle smacked her arm good-naturedly.
“These are called Wellies, and I have them in six colors,” she stated proudly. “Laugh now, but when you are growing another person inside of your body, it’s all about comfort. Jack bought me a pair after we struggled to take my Celine boots off last month. I about divorced him when he said that we would have to cut it off my foot!” She nodded her head in affirmed outrage at Sidra’s gasp of horror.
“I know right?! I don’t even know why he insists on wanting to be surprised by the baby’s sex. It’s definitely a boy, with all the trouble he’s giving me! I have insane heartburn, my feet are beyond swollen, and I get the worst brain farts! Just last week I forgot Ruby’s name twice and left my phone in the fridge like ten times!”
“And to make up for the things you’re going through, your wonderfully-attentive husband dotes on you, gives great body massages, and spoils your ass silly. Oh wait, he was already doing those things before you got pregnant,” Sidra said dryly.
“Oooooh, looks like somebody added an extra scoop of sarcasm to their Wheaties this morning!” Noelle cooed with a silly grin. “Let’s get this stuff in the trunk, so we can bounce!” Sidra just smiled, knowing everything she said was true. If ever there was a man insanely in love with his wife, it would be her ex-boss, Jack Sullivan. Once the most sought after bachelor in New York City, he was now a devoted family man to Noelle and their precious daughter, Ruby. They’d relocated to Whiskey Row, and he’d done a complete 360, trading the three piece suits and wing tips for denim, plaids, flannels, and boots. The short, black hair and clean-shaven jaw were replaced with shoulder-length curls and a full-blown beard that made him even more attractive, which was something Sidra didn’t think could be possible.
As Sidra loaded her suitcases into the trunk, she looked around again at all the icy, winter white surrounding them. “I still can’t believe you moved down here. You really like it, huh?”
Noelle laughed. “It may sound crazy, but I really do. I love everything about Whiskey Row. Some things catch me a little off guard. For example, New Yorkers are blunt and straightforward, saying exactly what they mean. Southerners are a little different. They are so full of charm, that you don’t even know when you’ve been insulted, because they add ‘bless your heart’ to everything.” Sidra let out a peal of laughter as Noelle continued on. “Or that the phrase ‘the other day’ could be referencing something that happened a year ago! What’s really cute is how Ruby is picking up a southern accent, which means I’ll never be able to deny her anything, just like her daddy!”
“That’s too funny. How is my precious girl?” Sidra asked excitedly. “I can’t wait to see her and give her a big hug and kiss! Will she be up by the time we get to the house?”
“She’s great! We’ve been practicing letters, numbers, and words with her. Ruby started out running instead of walking, so Jack is freaking out chasing her down. He’s so scared she’s going to hurt herself,” Noelle laughed, shaking her head in amusement. “If he had his way, he’d just wrap her in bubble wrap and call it a day. With everyone coming to stay at the house, her sleeping pattern has been thrown off, which makes her a little cranky. Jack has been trying to get up with her, but as soon as we open the door, either Vivienne or Ian is there already.”
“So, exactly who is staying at the house?” Sidra asked noncommittally as she put her bags in the trunk. Be cool.
“You and Avery now. Vivi is moving to the guesthouse today. Ian is going to stay with Kat and Alexei. Oh, and Casey will be staying in his Airstream trailer on property. He drove down this morning. We’re actually on our way to Miramar Resort to help with setting everything up for the ball. Then we’ll head to the house,” Noelle said casually. “Jeez, how much stuff did you bring with you, woman?”
“Why?” Sidra asked sharply, causing Noelle to look at her in surprise. “I mean, why isn’t Casey staying with Darby? That’s where he usually stays right?”
“Yes, that’s true,” Noelle said slowly as she closed the trunk. “But he drove down in his trailer so he could stay on property and be closer to Ruby.” There was a pause before she continued, “I hope this isn’t going to be a problem, Sid. The two of you should be able to act like mature adults, if not for everyone’s sanity, then for Ruby’s sake.”
“No, there won’t be a problem,” Sidra assured her with a bright smile. Fucking great. He’d struck first. This action, she knew, was done to corner her and let her know she had nowhere to go. But like Houdini, she was a master of escape and would soon counter his move with one of her own. Thinking of a master plan…
They both got in the car and were soon on their way back to Whiskey Row. Noelle had thoughtfully picked up a Starbucks beverage for Sidra. She took a sip of the sweet warm latte. “Mmmmm. I love their Caramel Brulee! It’s the reason Christmas time is so wonderful.”
“Ummm…you do know that Jesus is the reason for the season, don’t you?” Noelle asked suspiciously, keeping one eye on the road and the other on Sidra. “Despite your scandalous ways, that have me thinking you should drink holy water regularly instead of Evian, you were brought up in church just like we were.”
“Yes, I do know Jesus is the reason for the season, thank you very much!” Sidra scowled at Noelle. “I’m just saying that it’s treats like these that are nice little bonuses to get you through the holiday. Oh, and wine. Now that is something I wish Evian had in those water dispenser machines. By the way, did my packages come?”
“Yeah, wino, all twenty-five boxes. Did you leave anything at the department stores?” Noelle teased. “Between you, Vivienne, and Avery, Jack is insisting we need a bigger tree. He’s planning on moving the old one to the Americana Traditions building. Personally, I think he just didn’t like the artificial tree I ordered. Avery is so excited about being here surrounded by all the fresh pine. You know how much she loves Christmas. Matter of fact, even though the ball takes place on New Year’s Eve, she insisted that it still be done in a Christmassy theme, and the guys went along with it.”
“It was pretty kick ass of the guys to hire your company. What’d you have to do to get that cushy job, Noelle?” Sidra joked in a voice heavy with innuendo. “Sleep with the boss?”
She patted her round belly and laughed. “What can I say? I’m ruthless and cutthroat like that. It was a hard job for sure, but someone had to do it.”
“Oh, you poor thing,” Sidra said, giving her shoulder a pat. Mock sympathy oozed from her voice. “I can only imagine what it was like for you. Having to get into bed with that big, strapping, handsome fella of yours and have the most amazing sex of your life. How brave you were to take one for the team.”
They high-fived each other and laughed. “You know Avery said something like that too. I guess dirty minds think alike. Not to change the subject, but how’s your sexy boss?”
“Dominick is good. It’s so weird to me when people refer to him like that. I just don’t see him in that way. Maybe when we first met, I thought he was really good-looking, but now we’re so comfortable with each other, that it’s not even like that. The tabloids make it seem like we’re an on- and off-again couple who just can’t quit each other, but pinky- swear we aren’t. I’ve been staying in his guest bedroom for the past few weeks, because he’s getting ready to release a new album, and we’ve been working on tracks in his home studio. He thinks I’ve got a flair for laying tracks,” Sidra gushed. To know that one of the most talented singers in the music industry trusted her talent enough to want to utilize it, was insane to her.
“You go, girl!” Noelle took one hand of the wheel to fist bump her. “Don’t knock your talents. I could easily see you surpassing David
Guetta and Calvin Harris. Avery and I have been blasting your mixtape on our morning walks. Did you have a chance to look at what I sent you?”
“Giiiirrrlll, I did and couldn’t believe what I was looking at! When we see her, let’s just feel her out. How’s she doing?” Sidra asked, giving Noelle a concerned look. “I’ve been so busy trying to tie up loose ends to get here, that I haven’t really had time to talk to her.”
“I attempted to ask, but she shut me down,” Noelle shrugged helplessly. “She just keeps saying ‘I’m okay’. You know Ave, she’ll keep that smile on her face until she can’t anymore. I never dreamed that she would call off her engagement. You know how she is about her family’s tradition and all.”
Sidra rolled her eyes and sighed with irritation. “What fucking tradition?! So her mom and sisters met people and married before they were twenty-five. That’s not a tradition, that’s a damn coincidence! Avery should be thanking her lucky stars that she’s not going to be stuck with Pierce for the rest of her life! You know I thought about sending her a card? One that said something like, ‘Wise choice on breaking up with a guy, whose big dick was in his character instead of between his legs.’, but I couldn’t find one that expressive.”
Noelle shrieked with laughter and clutched one hand to her swollen belly. “Shut up! You’re going to make me pee in my pants! Please tell me you didn’t have a card made. It would be just the kind of crazy ass thing you would do.”
Sidra placed her hand to her chest with a mock hurt expression. “That hurts, Noelle. I can’t believe you think I’m capable of something like that.”
Noelle gave a sigh of relief. “Oh thank goodness. I couldn’t even stand the drama right now-”
“I had shirts made instead!” Sidra interrupted with devilish glee, lifting up her poncho to proudly show Noelle her white tee shirt. Sure as shit, in bold, black letters was the quote printed across the front. “I had one made for all of us!”
There was a moment of shocked silence before Noelle spoke.
“You’re going to hell,” she declared with finality. “I mean straight there, with no detours.”
“Sorry, no can do. Satan still has that pesky restraining order against me,” Sidra replied cheerfully, then proceeded to whistle ‘A Holly Jolly Christmas’.
Chapter Three
“It’s official,” Guiles Keetoowah-Marquez, or Guy, as his friends called him, announced seriously to the group as he came to a shivering halt. Casey and Darby Sullivan, along with Holton Brammer, also stopped walking to look at him expectantly, exhaling puffs of cold air as they waited. “My balls are now ice cubes.”
The guys rolled their eyes as he insisted, “I’m serious guys! What the hell are we doin’ out here? It’s freezin’! We should be at Hooligans, watching some college games! I can’t even believe that we’re doin’ this! And for a female no less!”
Casey gave him a knowing look. “Are you saying she ain’t worth it, Pippy?”
“Yeah, what exactly are you sayin’?” Darby asked as he attempted to blow heat into his hands. Holt was silent as ever, as he too waited for an answer.
Guy exhaled a big sigh, as if he were trying to find patience. “Remember when we were in the fifth grade and we were all feelin’ the girl with the pretty lips? What was her name?”
“Carly,” they said in unison, grinning with fond memories of the girl whose lips and smile had them all doing “rock, paper, scissors”, to see who could walk her home.
“Yep! That was her name. Or how about the girl with the developed body in sixth grade?” Guy prompted them.
“Tenille,” they said, grinning even wider, and Guy nodded his head vigorously.
“Yeah, that was her alright. Also, let’s not forget about Jenny with the bouncy curls in middle school…” Guy trailed off, looking at each of them, waiting for them to catch on to his point.
“What in tarnation are you goin’ on about, Pip?” Darby asked his friend patiently. “We ain’t got all day to be standin’ around in the snow, and now my balls are ice cubes.”
“Yer taking too long,” Casey said impatiently, making a show of checking his watch.
“Paint could dry faster, G,” Holt agreed solemnly.
Huffing and puffing Guy replied, “Fine. My point is, every single one of ‘em gals mentioned, came along and had us wrapped around each of their little fingers. We were fightin’ amongst ourselves and always tryin’ to be where they were. It wasn’t until Alexei came along and explained the “Bros before Those” code that we calmed down. Remember we made a pact never to fight over or follow after a girl blindly again?” he asked earnestly. “Ever since he schooled us, we been straight, not giving in to these females and their wiles, am I right?”
Casey’s eyes slid away for a second as he thought about Sidra the Elusive. Darby rubbed his chin, thinking about Avery and her sweet smile. Holt shoved his hands deep into his coat pockets with a pensive frown, as the vision of the sexy, little dynamo, otherwise known as Katerina Romankov, popped into his mind.
“Helloooo? Fellas, are you with me on this? Can I get an Amen?” Guy asked impatiently, surveying their faces suspiciously.
“Amen,” the trio echoed unconvincingly and Guy nodded his head in approval.
“Then why are we…” his outraged voice rising, as he pointed to each of them, and then himself. “Grown-ass men with busy careers, dropping everything to once again follow blindly after a girl, in this cold ass weather?!”
He pointed ahead of them, and they turned to look ahead, before looking at each other, then back at him as if he were slow as molasses.
“Because it’s her,” Holt said simply, and the others nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, I mean could you really look her in the eye and deny her anything?” Casey asked in disbelief. His tone indicated that if Guy could, then he would be the most heartless of bastards.
“I am triple daring you to look her in the eye and say no to anything she wants,” Darby challenged his friend. “If you can do that, I’ll run butt-naked down Main Street in this freezing weather.”
Guy looked ahead again, and all righteous indignation left him as he squinted forward. Awwww man. Who was he kidding? There was no way he could stare into her beautiful face, with those big gorgeous eyes and tell her no. The way they lit up when she smiled that wonderful smile, he’d rather punch himself in the balls than to be the one to wipe it off of her face. He gave a big sigh, then an infectious grin. “Y’all are right. Onward we march.”
“Damn right we are, Rapunzel,” Casey said, jokingly referring to Guy’s waist-length black hair, blowing gently in the wind. Extremely proud of his Indian ancestry, he’d been growing it out since they were kids and cared for it religiously.
“Whatever, ‘D.C.’s Sexiest Bachelor’,” Guy tossed back at him, enjoying the red staining Casey’s cheeks. “Four years running, right?”
Darby and Holt laughed at their shit-talking, as they continued to walk. Finally, they caught up to the subject of their discussion, looking cute as a button bundled up in a red one-piece, snow jumper. When she saw the group of men, her long lashes fluttered prettily (something her Aunt Sidra swore she did on purpose), and she smiled beatifically as she pointed to the rows of different trees, joyously yelling out, “Twwweeeee!”
And just like that, the hearts of said grown-ass men with busy careers collectively melted over Ruby Aileen Sullivan, who was snuggled up in her daddy’s big, overprotective arms. Under a year old, she was too precious, with a riot of long, black curls, gray eyes, and bow-shaped lips.
“Hey there, honey pie,” Darby said with a wink and tweaked her nose. She attempted to grab his finger and bite it.
“How’s my favorite girl, punkin’?” Casey asked, rubbing her back gently, and Ruby turned to blow raspberries in his direction.
“Look at my little älskling,” Holt said, referring to her as sweetheart in the Swedish language. “Are you enjoying yourself, little one?”
“Greetings
, Uwoduhi,” Guy said solemnly, as he humbly bowed in front of Ruby. The Cherokee endearment for princess was the title he’d bestowed upon her since birth.
“Hi to you guys too,” Jack said dryly. He looked at Alexei and Ian, who had been waiting with him, in amazement. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so thoroughly ignored in my life. This must be what Noelle means when she says people only speak to her belly and not her face right now.”
The group of men burst into laughter, which startled Ruby at first, but then she started squealing and laughing too, as she shouted, “Dadadada! Twwwweeee!”
Jack kissed his beloved daughter’s head. “Okay, baby. We were just waiting for your uncles to get here. Now we can start looking for Christmas trees.”
Casey clasped hands with Jack, and they leaned into each other carefully, so as not to squeeze Ruby.
“Good to see you, Jack,” he greeted warmly, feeling the sense of rightness, now that he was with his family.
“Likewise, Case. How was the drive down?” Jack asked. “I wasn’t expecting you until late this evenin’. Noelle is going to be so excited to see you.”
Yesterday Jack mentioned to Casey that he, Ruby, Ian, and Lex were going to take a drive out to McClusky’s Tree Farm to get another tree for the house. Casey told Darby, who mentioned it to Holt and Guy. Still affronted that Noelle tried to buy an artificial tree, they all agreed that picking out the perfect, real tree for Miss Ruby, took precedence over anything else they had going on.
