An Exceptional Twist

by Kimi Flores

He desperately hoped Leah would keep it to herself until he was safely back in Chicago. He didn't feel like dealing with Caleb’s rage. His cousin had already given him the third degree about the time he’d spent with her, and their day with Madison and the shopping.

  “Please let me know if you need anything,” Abby said softly. “Love you too, sweetie. Bye.”

  As Abby got off the phone, a pajama pant, t-shirt-clad Caleb came out of nowhere, stepped up behind her, and kissed the side of her neck. Audibly hearing her breath catch before she moaned, Stefen wondered if they both forgot he was there.

  “Good morning, love,” Caleb growled into her messy hair.

  Yeah, I don’t need to watch this.

  As he got up to leave, Caleb asked his bride, “You okay?”

  Spinning around to face him, Abby wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. “Yeah, but I’m worried about Leah. She doesn’t sound good. It's so weird. She never gets sick. I feel like she’s hiding something.”

  She hasn’t told her yet. Thank god!

  Stefen stayed put, pretending to be a fly on the wall as he drank his strong coffee.

  Caleb smoothed her hair down, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “What did she say?” He glanced at Stefen and nodded, finally acknowledging he was in the room.

  Pursing her lips, she looked up endearingly at her husband. “It's not so much what she said. It’s more like I can tell she’s been crying. She seems upset about something.” Curiously, she turned to Stefen, tilting her head to the side as she frowned. “Did anything happen while we were gone?”

  Caleb snapped his head in Stefen’s direct so fast that he got a mouthful of Abby’s hair. Blowing the stands out of his mouth, he narrowed his eyes at Stefen.

  Stefen’s mouth went dry as a lump formed in his throat. Time to put on a show. I do this in court all the time.

  Shaking his head, he denied knowing anything. “Not that I’m aware of. She showed me around town, we hung out a couple of times, and we took Madison to the aquarium.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “That was about it. She’s been working, maybe something happened there.” He leaned back into the bar stool, clasping his hands behind his head as if he was completely innocent.

  Normally, he was pretty proud of himself when he delivered such a believable tale. But this lie made him feel like shit. The hollow feeling in his stomach was proof of that.

  Caleb's face softened, addressing Abby again. “Maybe you should go visit her. Take her something to eat.” Moving a few stray stands away from her face, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

  Abby frowned. “She keeps trying to blow me off, but I think I will anyway. She's got to be hungry by now. Why don't you go wake my Maddie girl? We'll eat breakfast, then I'll go drop off some food for Leah.”

  “Sounds good,” Caleb said, again gazing adoringly into Abby’s eyes, then kissed her on the tip of her nose. They shared another affectionate moment as Stefen looked on.

  Feeling a giant pit of jealousy rising up inside of him, he spun around on the chair, turning his back on the happy couple. The sudden feeling stunned him. He’d never wanted this before, why now?

  As Caleb headed for the stairs to wake up Madison, Abby went back to cooking, and Stefen sat there in a mood. He wondered if he would ever have what they had.

  Then it pissed him off that he was even thinking like this. Nope. Don’t go there. I refuse to end up miserable like my parents.

  There was just too much to lose.

  Finally able to peel herself out of bed, Leah decided it was time for a shower. It had been a couple of days, and she couldn't stand the icky feeling any longer.

  She spoke to Abby on the phone earlier. It broke her heart to lie. They always spent the Fourth of July together, and it was killing her that she couldn't this year. It was for the best, though.

  She could never be around Stefen again without losing it. All the pretense would be thrown out the window. She didn’t have to hide for too long. He was scheduled to leave tomorrow night, and she was confident that once he was out of the picture, she could pull herself together.

  Balls of tissue covered the floor around her feet when she stepped out of her bed. “Eww, que osco.” I'll pick those up after I get out of the shower.

  Before she could even turn the water on, she heard a light knock at the front door. “Oh no.” Leah ran over and peeked through the peep hole. “No, no, no, no, no...” She shook her hands up and down, pacing in the tiny square of her entryway. Closing her eyes, she forced a cough and opened the door just wide enough to poke her head out.

  “Abby,” she said, faking surprised. Lucky for her, her voice was still hoarse from crying. “What are you doing here? I don't want to get you sick.” She coughed again for good measure, wincing because her throat was also soar.

  Abby was studying her. “You look like crap.” She pushed through the door and walked past her into the kitchen, dropping a bag on the island. “I know you said not to come, but I'm worried.” She fisted her hips, a slightly accusatory look on her face. “You’re never sick, and you certainly never ask me to stay away.” She reached to give her a hug, then quickly pulled away. “Uh, when was the last time you showered?”

  “I was about to when you knocked.” Leah ran her hand through her tangled hair.

  “Why don't you go get cleaned up, and I'll set some food out for you? I’m sure you’re starving by now.”

  The loud growl that came from her stomach confirmed Abby’s suspicions. It was the first time Leah realized that she hadn’t eaten anything since she and Stefen had dinner.

  Without answering, Leah concentrated on getting into the bathroom before Abby could speculate. Once the door closed behind her, she slid to the ground. Burying her head between her bent knees, she wondered how to get Abby to leave. Abby had shown up just to make sure she was okay, which made Leah feel like crap for deceiving her.

  She stepped into the shower and turned the hot water on. Steam filled the room, clearing her congestion. Oh my gosh, this feels so good. How could her muscles feel so sore when all she did the last couple of days was lie in bed and cry?

  Finishing up, she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel, twisting one around her head. She felt much better and suddenly realized she’d need to work even harder pretending to be sick. Strolling into her bedroom to get some clothes, Leah noticed all of tissues previously on the floor were no longer there. She also saw that her bed was made and the sheets were a different color. She sagged with relief against her dresser. Abby was the best, always knowing what she truly needed. If Leah doubted her decision before, remembering how special Abby was to her, solidified her determination. She refused to put her in the middle of Stefen's bullshit.

  After getting dressed, she grabbed a throw blanket off of her bed and crawled onto the couch. “Thanks for picking up my snot rags and making my bed, chica. I hope you washed your hands really good after.” Leah scrunched her nose, thinking about how gross they must have been.

  Waving her off, Abby raised her eyebrows, as she came over to the couch with a tray full of food and set it on the coffee table. “I did, don't worry about me.”

  Disappearing into the kitchen again, Abby returned with an ice cold glass of Leah’s favorite cola. There were certain times in a girl’s life when soda was the cure all, and this was one of those occasions.

  Reaching for the soda in Abby’s hand, Leah smiled from ear to ear. “I would ask you to marry me if you didn't just marry Caleb. I love you.”

  Abby sat back on the couch, her beautiful blue eyes peering suspiciously at Leah. “Okay, so cut the crap. I’m here to give you a skita.”

  Flustered, Leah almost shot cola out of her nose. They’d started calling each other on their shit years ago, agreeing to always be honest and offer ‘Swift Kicks in the Ass’ or S.K.I.T.A.S. as they called them.

  Abby tipped her head, eyes serious. “Level with me. I know there’s more to this than you being sick. Not only do I feel it,
but I saw mascara all over your pillows when I changed the sheets.”

  Trying not to look guilty, she shoved some food in her mouth, avoiding eye contact. After swallowing, she finally answered, “I was feeling miserable and cried myself to sleep last night. I was achy, and I couldn't get out of bed to take something for it.” She placed the back of her hand on her forehead, then her palms on her cheeks. “I think I had a fever, too. I'm not used to being sick. I’m kind of a big baby.” She took a huge bite of her Kung Poa noodles, relieved that her vegetarian friend added chicken.

  Abby peered into her puffy eyes. “I don't buy it. But for whatever reason, you don't want to tell me, so I'll wait until you’re ready. Oh, and by the way,” she flicked an open condom wrapper onto Leah’s lap, “I found this tangled up with some panties in your sheets.”

  Leah nearly choked on her mouthful of food. The sobs started up again. How do I even have any more tears left? Sucking in some air, she started to cough, then grabbed a paper towel from the tray to spit the food in.

  Abby patted her back. “Oh, honey, that isn't pretty. Come here.” She pulled her into a hug and held tight. “Why won’t you tell me?”

  “I’m sorry,” Leah wept, “I just feel like crap. I wanna finish eating and go back to bed. My body is so sore, and I can't think right now.” Inhaling a real sniff this time, Leah pulled away to grab some tissue. “It’s not what you think. I swear we’ll talk about it soon. I’m not ready yet.”

  Abby’s sagging shoulders broke Leah’s heart. “I'm going to miss you at the party today, but I'm glad I got to see you for a little bit, at least.” She patted Leah’s arm and got up to leave. “I love you. You know that, right? I’d do anything for you. Let me know when you’re ready to talk.”

  Trying her damndest to control her quivering bottom lip, Leah replied, “Thanks. Love you too.”

  Abby opened the door, turned the lock, then closed it behind her.

  “I'm the worst friend ever, ugh!” Leah shouted into her pillow and shed a few more tears before falling asleep on the couch.

  Caleb's annual Fourth of July Bar-B-Que was in full swing. All of his and Abby's family, along with their friends, were present—minus one. No matter how selfish it was, Stefen really wanted to see how Leah was doing before he left.

  Abby had been acting weird since returning from Leah’s, and he was wondering what Leah told her. Everything had him on edge, waiting for the shitstorm to blow up.

  Rather than socializing with people he didn’t know, Stefen offered to do all of the grilling. One of Abby's coworker’s hung around, tossing suggestive comments his way. She’d flirted with him at the wedding, too, but he wasn't interested.

  Very slowly, she slipped her number into the back pocket of his cargo shorts before strolling away to have a conversation with someone else that might actually give a damn. There was only one woman’s hands he wanted right now, and she currently thought he was the scum of the earth.

  He had to agree.

  Abby left Caleb’s side to momentarily join Stefen. “I see you have a fan.” She glowered at him, her back facing Caleb’s inquisitive stare.

  He shrugged. “Not my type.”

  Narrowing her eyes, Abby said. “Interesting, I thought Sofie was every man's type.”

  He shook his head. “Not mine.” The meat hissed in front of them, giving him something else to focus on.

  Clasping her hands in front of her, Abby probed, “And what, pray tell, is your type, Stefen?”

  “Where are you going with this, Abby?” Shit, what did she and Leah talk about?

  Abby pursed her lips, raising an all-knowing eyebrow. “As you know, I came from my best friend’s house a few hours ago. Her eyes were swollen like she'd been crying for a week.” A sharp pain of remorse penetrated his chest. “You wouldn’t happen to know why my closest friend is so upset now, would you?” With her arms folded across her chest, Abby shifted from side to side.

  “Why, did she say anything?” Hoping that she hadn’t, he only had to stick it out one more day, then she could smear his name all through town if she wanted.

  He took a swig of his beer, avoiding Abby’s smug stare. “No, she’s sticking with the sham that she’s sick, but I know it's something, or rather, someone. Found a little evidence left behind.”

  He froze. Oh shit. What did I leave there? He was sure he took everything. He kept a straight face. “She didn’t mention any guys to me.”

  Her eyebrows raised. “I never said it was a guy, Stefen.”

  “Oh, I just assumed.” He had to come up with something quick, or he was screwed. “You know, when we went to the farmer's market right after you left, she said something about being lonely now that you’re married. Maybe she’s just upset about it.”

  Abby looked at him, aghast as her eyes glossed over.

  Biggest prick of the year award goes to Stefen Hunter.

  She fisted her hands by her sides. “That was a low blow and you know it.”

  Ashamed, he looked down at the grass. “I’m sorry Abby. That was uncalled for.” He tried to repair what he’d done. “Maybe she is having guy troubles, and she’s afraid to tell you because you’re so happy.” He tested how that would be received. “It’s possible she fell for the wrong guy.” Yeah. Me. “One that is a total ass and isn’t worthy of her anyway.” Again—me. “A jerk too egotistical to put his own selfish desires aside to give her what she deserves.”

  Shut the hell up, Stefen!

  Her voice softened as a smartass smirk appeared. “That’s awfully specific…Stefen.”

  He cleared his throat and tried to salvage what was left of this conversation. “Leah is very special. She’ll find someone.” He added softly, “I know it.” He wondered what facial expression he made because Abby looked at him like she truly understood.

  “Yeah, maybe she’s already met him and they need to work out their differences first.” Abby eyed him.

  Shit. The last thing he needed was her mentioning this to Caleb. Or worse—to Leah.

  He looked down at his feet again before peeking up at her. “I don't know about that.” He hoped that worked but didn't think it did.

  “Whatever you say.” She started to turn, but added, “Oh, and Stefen, you might be good at a lot of things, but blowing smoke up my ass isn’t one of them. Caleb told me all about your bull, and I’m not a fool.”

  Acknowledging her words, he nodded. Abby was a good friend, a good girl. Caleb was a lucky guy. He watched her walk away, into her husband's waiting arms. She kissed Caleb, then looked back at Stefen like she held the power to annihilate him.

  He swallowed hard, flipping over the last of the steaks. Tomorrow, he would leave all this drama behind.

  Stefen sat at the small cafe table, sipping his coffee. Periodically peering out the window beside him, he hoped to catch a glimpse of Leah. The tiny fifties-style diner sat directly across the street from her flower shop, Sassy Stems.

  “Can I get ‘cha anything else, sweetheart?” The older female waitress with a beehive hairdo had flirted with him from the moment he sat down. He had a feeling this was her normal hairstyle, not one she wore for her job alone.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  Strutting away, she mumbled, “That you are.”

  Movement from the other side of the street caught his eye. Leah was carrying a large container of purple flowers out of her door. She fussed around with them, placing the bucket on the stand that sat outside her store.

  Checking the clock on his phone, he noted that her shop didn’t open for another thirty minutes. Mesmerized by her beauty, he watched as she darted inside and came back with a few more flower displays. She put one down, lifted the other to her nose and inhaled. No matter how stalker-like it seemed, he could sit here, studying her from afar, all damn day.

  As though she sensed him, Leah turned her head quickly in his direction, looking suspiciously around. On instinct, he ducked behind the wall next to him.

  “She can’t see
you, honey.” Florence, as her nametag proudly displayed, reached across the two-person table and tapped the window with her pen. “Smoked glass.”

  Sheepishly, he replied, “Was I that obvious?”

  She slid her pen above her ear, leaning on one leg. “You’ve got good taste. She’s a cute girl. Really nice, too. Comes in here every so often but seems to work a lot, like me.”

  “Yeah.” He picked up his cup of coffee and shook his head. “I messed up big time with her.”

  Why did I just share that with a stranger?

  “No one is beyond redemption,” Florence said with complete conviction. “And she seems like the forgiving type.” She poured more coffee into his cup, filling it to the rim.

  “If only it were that easy.” Not sure what else to do, he took another sip of his now full mug and glanced out once more. Leah was gone.

  “Love is simple. People make it complicated.”

  Whipping his head in her direction, he set the record straight, “I think you have the wrong idea. Nobody’s talking about love here.” That word really bothered him. People threw it around so casually. He didn’t love Leah. He had feelings for her, yes, but it wasn’t love.

  “If you say so.” She placed the check on the table, eyeing him before she walked away.

  She watches too many chick flicks. He shook his head, annoyed, and sighed as his gaze returned to her shop. Yep, I’ve become a damn stalker.

  Taking his last swig, he tossed some bills on the table to cover the tip and went up to the cash register to pay. An even older woman, who smelled like cigarettes, took the bill and his cash. Showing off her yellow smoke-stained teeth, she smiled, wishing him a good day. He tried not to shiver from being so grossed out.

  Uttering a quick ‘thank you’, he dashed out.

  As he stood on the sidewalk, facing her store, Stefen contemplated going through with this or leaving. He just wanted to be near her one more time. Was that selfish? Maybe so, but he found himself crossing the street anyway.

  Passing the flower displays on his way, he couldn’t help but breath in the floral aroma. It smelled just like her. That scent would forever remind him of Leah.