An Exceptional Twist

by Kimi Flores

  Leah was proud of herself for not giving any importance to the flirting going on between Stefen and the two tramps during the last couple of vineyards. Well, as far as they knew, she wasn’t paying attention. But she sure as hell saw every touch and heard most innuendos. By the time they made it to the last winery, she was beyond done.

  After calling a cab to pick her up, she began to drink even heavier. If she was going out, it would be with a bang, and he’d sure as hell never forget it.

  The final straw came when she watched their slutty tour guide put her hand in Stefen’s back pocket and squeeze his ass. Which even he seemed put off by.

  The hussy was at her job, but the only thing she was working was Stefen.

  “Aren’t you going to punch that bitch out?” Leah heard the other blonde tramp say next to her. “She’s got her hands all over your man.”

  Leah downed the rest of her glass. “He’s not mine,” she said pointedly. “You would know. You were all over him, too. If you’re jealous, then you go punch that bitch out.” She threw a look of disgust in Stefen’s direction as he caught her glare. “I will, however, tell you exactly why I am not, and will never, be with him.”

  This chick thinks he’s god’s gift to woman. Well, she’s about to find out the truth.

  Raising her hands in his direction, Leah blurted loud enough for the room to hear, “Look at him. The only thing going for him is his body and his face. That can only take you so far before people realize what a self-centered son of a bitch you are.”

  Swaying, Leah narrowed her eyes at Stefen, who now sat up in full attention. “He lives off of his family’s money and wouldn’t even have a career if it wasn’t for his rich daddy. He’s a total womanizer, only interested in his next piece of ass, then he’ll throw you away like trash. Who knows what kind of diseases he has after stabbing his dipstick in every skank from here to Chicago. You want a piece of him, honey?” Leah looked back. The dazed woman stood behind her. “I bet if you took him out to the other side of that building over there, he’d willingly nail you both at the same time.”

  “That’s enough, Leah,” Stefen roared. Charging across the room, he took her by the arm.

  He doesn’t want me making a scene? I’ll show him a scene.

  She ripped away from him. “Get your damn hands off me, you asshole. You wanna hang out with these whores? Be my fucking guest. I’m out of here.” The alcohol had taken over, and she was not holding back.

  Subconsciously, she was well aware that she’d taken it too far but couldn’t bring herself to care. Feeling dizzy, she grabbed onto a nearby tree to steady herself. Leah heard the cab honking and turned to leave. Apparently, Stefen had other ideas.

  Grabbing ahold of her wrists, he pulled her back. “No way. You’re drunk.” He was fuming. The veins on his neck were actually popping out.

  She poked a hazy finger at them. At least, I think they are. Who knows since everything is beginning to spin.

  She tried to wriggle out of his grip, but he lifted her feet off the ground.

  He flipped her over his shoulder, and she pounded on his back, trying to fight him off. He had the nerve to slap her ass. “Stop it, Leah. You’re behaving like a fucking child.”

  His words sucked all the fight out. She had no power left in her. Defeated, she hung her head over his shoulder and thought how funny it would be if she managed to puke all over him.

  Before she could put that plan into action, she blacked out.

  How dare she treat me like that.

  Stefen was furious as they rode in the back of the taxi toward Santa Barbara. Why the hell would she make that scene in front of all of those damn people?

  Glancing down at Leah, who was passed out drunk on his lap, he became madder than hell. But not at her. He was mad at himself. After everything she’d just done, he still thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Any other girl would’ve been tossed in the back of the taxi and sent on her way.

  Just before the taxi was about to pull into the tour company’s parking lot, Stefen got a text from his sister as Leah began to snore.

  Bri: Made a few extra stops. Be there in about an hour.

  He found himself absentmindedly moving her hair out of her face as he text back using his free hand.

  Stefen: BOTH of you meet us at Caleb’s.

  Bri: Everything ok?

  Stefen: Nope. Everything is shit and Leah is drunk off her ass.

  She would kill him if she knew he’d texted that, not that he cared at this point.

  Bri: See you in a bit. Hope you’re not taking advantage of the situation, bro :P

  Stefen: Not a chance in hell.

  He paid the cab driver, then maneuvered them out of the taxi and into Caleb’s car. Turning on the ignition, he rolled the windows down in case she needed to throw up. Stefen chuckled, thinking, I wonder how precious Caleb would think she was if she puked in his car.

  The cool evening air felt good whipping him in the face. He still couldn’t believe Leah’s behavior. Although he was turned off by the other women’s flirting, Leah’s tirade was humiliating. Cutting and spiteful. Does she really think those shitty things about me? I thought we had something there.

  Arriving at the two-story home, he carried her into the downstairs guest bedroom, nearly tripping on Madison’s cat, Olivia, which catapulted him forward. He was forced to toss Leah on the bed with him in tow as he landed on top of her.

  Leah jolted awake. Sort of. She appeared to be in a dream as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

  She spoke softly, “Why can’t you be the guy I need, Stefen? That kiss was amazing.” Her eyes were still closed as a light snore came from her open mouth.

  He muttered back, “Why’d you have to be so damn uptight? We could’ve had a fantastic night together. You’ve completely screwed with my head and made me look like an asshole in front of a bunch of strangers.” It felt good to say that to her, knowing she would never remember.

  Standing up, he took a moment to look at her. Even in his anger, he was overcome by her beauty. Her soft hair fanned out underneath her head, and she looked like an angel with a peaceful look on her sleeping face.

  Grumbling, he slid her boots off, smiling at her silly socks. It reminded him of how the day started. Irritated that he still found her endearing, he reminded himself—this was why he didn’t do relationships. The anger, jealousy, misunderstandings, and the simple misery of being with that one person.

  Not worth the fucking hassle.

  Stefen was sitting in front of the TV when Bri and Leah’s sister came barreling through the front door. He couldn’t remember the sister’s name to save his life. Didn’t matter. He was done with all of this. The town, the stubborn girl, all the emotions wracking him, confusing him, and turning his whole damn life upside down.

  “Who pissed in your cheerios?” Bri asked when she entered the room. Stefen frowned but didn’t bother answering. Bri’s nose wrinkled. “That bad, huh?”

  He heard the pizza delivery guy at the door and stalked past the two women to pay for it. Tossing the boxes on to the kitchen’s island counter, he called out, “Come get some pizza if you’re hungry.”

  Both girls joined him at the breakfast bar, grabbing a slice each.

  “We’re starving. Thanks for thinking of us.” Bri kissed him on the cheek.

  He grunted, realizing he needed to snap the hell out of this. His sister was here to visit him until tomorrow, when she would be going home to Chicago before leaving for Europe. She would be gone again before he returned home later this week. With all of the traveling she did, Stefen didn’t know when he would see her next. He hated that she never stayed in one place for very long.

  “No problem.” He forced a smile. “I figured you’d be hungry.” Taking a slice, he bit a huge piece off, hoping neither would question him.

  The drunk from hell’s sister stood, hands on her large hips, giving him the stare down. “Where’s Leah?”r />
  Rolling his eyes, he motioned with his head toward the guest room.

  She stalked off, and Bri asked, “What the hell happened? I haven’t seen you this pissed off about a girl since…”

  “Don’t, Bri. Don’t say it.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin from the pizza place.

  Sitting back on the bar stool. Something dawned on Bri. “Oh my gosh. Leah’s gotten to you. Like really gotten under your skin. I freaking love her. You know that, right?” She beamed with excitement.

  “Bri, not now,” he growled. He’d had enough for one night. “I don’t need to hear what a terrific person she is, or how great she might be for me. She treated me like a piece of shit in front of a bunch of people today, and I’m done with her. Her sister can take her drunk ass home right now, for all I care.”

  Jumping up, Bri got in his face. “Stefen! That’s enough. I’m sorry she upset you, but that’s no reason for you to act like an ass. The girl’s passed out. She isn’t going anywhere tonight. I’ll watch over her.” Exhaling, Bri sat back in her chair.

  Just then, Leah came flying out of the bedroom with her sister in tow. Her face looked a little green as he realized she was rushing for the bathroom. She barely made it to the toilet before he heard her heaving.

  Stefen grabbed one of the pizza boxes and started for the stairs. “Good luck with that.” He smirked at Bri. “See you in the morning.”

  Leah’s head throbbed. The room she’d just woken up in was noisy, and the early morning light coming through the window was intense.

  Where am I?

  Opening her mascara-caked eyes, she tried to focus. If it wasn’t for the antique framed keys on the walls, she’d have no idea she was in Abby’s guest room. Turning to the source of that horrendous sound, she found her sister, Dani, asleep and snoring loudly.

  Groaning, she rubbed her temples as she realized she was sporting a horrific hangover. The noise coming out of her sister was unbearable.

  Lifting her head was the last thing she wanted to do, but it was vital that she get away from that head splitting sound. “Ouch,” she cried out as she sat up, feeling something pinch her waist. Digging in her pockets, she found her keys and cell phone. She placed her feet on the floor and rocked. It took two tries before she could stand. The room was spinning. Dragging her feet across the wooden floor, she looked for a bathroom.

  In the room next door, she found towels all over the tiled floor, and she was hit in the face with the over-powering smell of vomit, triggering her to stick her head in the bowl as she dry heaved.

  She had to get out of this room, now. Peering around the corner, she found the kitchen.

  First things first—she needed water.

  Taking a few sips, her stomach began to rumble. She decided to take it easy and only drink a bit at a time. Opening the back door, she shielded her eyes. It was even brighter back here than in the house. Nevertheless her lungs welcomed the clean air. She took deep breaths as she shuffled over to the poolside lounge chair, trying to remember what had happened.

  She and Stefen had gone wine tasting yesterday, and he flirted with those wenches until…

  Oh no!

  She shook her pounding head.

  I didn’t do that, did I?

  She pictured Stefen’s expression and tears of embarrassment ran out of her puffy eyes. She covered her face, ashamed as the pictures played out in her mind.

  Openly weeping, she nestled her face between her bent knees as she heard someone enter the other side of the yard.

  It was him. She just knew it.

  Turning slowly, she saw a sweat-covered, shirtless Stefen, stretching his calves, ear buds in his ears. He must’ve just come back from a run. Not even noticing her, he continued stretching. Finished, he strolled alongside the house and spotted her by the pool, only glancing at her long enough to glare.

  Her chest tightened, filled with regret. It was time for her to go home. She couldn't wait around for Dani to wake up, so she pulled out her phone and called the same cab company from yesterday. They gave her an estimated time of forty-five minutes. Hopefully they were wrong, or she might be tempted to walk to her car.

  Leah was just about to get up when the door to the house opened again. Stefen reappeared, this time in board shorts and carrying a towel. She vaguely recalled him telling her he always went for a swim after running.

  Placing his towel down on the opposite side of the pool, he dove in and completed a lap quicker than she would’ve been able to swim from one side to the other. He completed several laps before taking a breather at the far side of the pool.

  Pulling her knees to her chest, she tried to figure out what she was supposed to do. Clearing her dry throat, she finally spoke. “I'm sorry, Stefen.”

  No response. He kept his back turned to her.

  She cleared her throat again, raising her voice. “I said, I'm sorry, Stefen.”

  “I heard you,” he answered without turning around. “I think you need to go wake up your sister and leave.” He said emotionless.

  Her face crumpled. It’s even worse than I thought. He isn’t pissed. He just doesn’t care.

  Her heart shattered into a million pieces. Stefen was unwilling to forgive her.

  Listlessly, she got up, struggling to mask her tears as she gradually made it to the door. In spite of her efforts, a loud sob escaped her throat.

  Unable to face him, she stared directly at the door as she said, “I really am sorry. I let my emotions get the best of me and you were right. I did act childish. I just hope you can forgive me one day.”

  With that, she opened the door and headed straight to the front porch to wait for her taxi, shoeless and all.

  Dani practically busted down the door before Leah had a chance to open it. “Hermana, what the hell did you do to Stefen?”

  Dani stormed past her, tossing her keys onto the counter as she waited for an answer.

  Leah’s head pounded harder. “I screwed up, and he won’t forgive me.” Slipping back under the comfy covers on the couch, she waited for the lecture she was about to get.

  Popping her hip out and waving her hands wildly in the air, Dani began, “I barely had a chance to open my eyes and clean up your vomit before that pendejo told me to leave. Apparently, I’m guilty by association.” Dani glided into the kitchen, poured herself some coffee, and joined Leah under the covers.

  Steam floated away from the top of the coffee mug as she took a long sip. “I didn’t get the whole story from Bri, but caught that you basically called him a man-whoring jackass in front of a bunch of people. Sound about right?” Raising her eyebrows, Dani gave Leah an all-knowing look.

  Ashamed, Leah nodded as her bottom lip quivered slightly. “I was jealous,” she admitted bitterly. “I don’t know what came over me. I started drinking, then these cochinas were throwing themselves at him, and he made sure that I saw him enjoying it. I just…lost it.”

  “Well,” Dani took another sip of her coffee before placing it on the side table, “if you ask me, it sounds like he wanted to get you riled up, so it’s his own fault. Then again, he’s probably never dealt with an enraged Latina before.” Dani winked in an attempt to make Leah laugh.

  Lovingly patting Leah’s blanket-covered leg, Dani added some simple words of wisdom, while tapping her index finger on her lips. “Yes, you screwed up. But if Stefen won’t forgive you, it’s his loss.” She shrugged as if it were that simple.

  “Thanks for cleaning up my puke, Dani. I love you.”

  Pointing her finger at Leah, Dani grimaced. “Oh hell, no. You aren’t getting off that easy. That shit had egg in it. I’ll find a way for you to repay me, believe me.”

  That thought almost sent Leah running to the bathroom again. Though she found herself smiling at her sister’s goofy face. “I’m sure you will.”

  Abby and Caleb were returning from their honeymoon tomorrow, and Leah planned on filling their cupboards and fridge today. She knew the last thing they’d want to do was go gr
ocery shopping.

  She’d avoided dealing with the Stefen situation yesterday, but would have to see him if he was at the house. She sent him a text to warn him and wasn’t surprised that a return text never came.

  Standing on the front porch, she took in a deep breath, then knocked. Although Abby had given her a key, Leah was petrified of walking in on Stefen half-dressed like before, or worse.

  What if he has a girl in there? She hadn’t even considered that possibility until now.

  In a panic, she spun around to run back to her van. On the way, though, the handle to the paper grocery bag ripped, spilling all of its contents onto the driveway. She was frantically gathering the items when she heard the door squeaking open.

  “What are you doing here?” his voice was gruff and demanding.

  She squeezed her eyes closed, muttering a curse under her breath. Turning slowly, she thanked the freaking heavens that he was dressed. “I sent you a text this morning,” she softly answered.

  He scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. “I know. I deleted it.”

  What an ass. “I’m not here for you, Stefen, so don’t worry.” Done with his shitty attitude, she stood up straight, pushed her shoulders back, head up, and strutted toward the door, groceries in hand. “I’m here to help, and it has nothing to do with you, so if you’ll excuse me.”

  She pushed past him into the kitchen.

  He followed closely behind. “Well, maybe I don’t want you here.”

  Exhausted, she spouted out, “I don’t really care what you want. Like I said, I’m here for Abby, not you.” She put two of the bags on the floor since the countertop was messy with what looked like pancake batter.

  “What do you have to do for Abby?” If he wasn’t being such a jerk, his gruff voice might have actually sounded sexy.

  The nerve. Leah wondered if anyone ever stood up to this guy. Why won’t he just leave me alone? Nosy bastard.