An Exceptional Twist

by Kimi Flores

  Catching her breath, Leah did her best to refocus. “So…you have military in your family. It makes even more sense you’d want to help your friend out.”

  “Thanks for understanding, babe.”

  Pulling her head back, she thought it was so bizarre to hear him call her that. He'd thrown her for a loop the first time he said it at the café, but now he said it all the time.

  Ben shifted to sit up, leaned against the wall, and ran his hands up his face and through his blonde hair. The change in positions caused the sheet to drop just a bit south, exposing his lower abdomen.

  Is he wearing any clothes?

  She didn't know if she should look away, tell him to cover himself, or wait and see how far that sheet would slip.

  When he caught her expression, he pulled the sheet off and snickered. “I have pajama bottoms on. I'm not some perv, video chatting while I’m naked.” Lifting one eyebrow, he added, “Unless you're into that sort of thing.”

  Oh, shit. Did he just say that?

  The breath she'd just taken got caught in her throat as her eyes grew and her face turned crimson.

  He definitely caught her reaction, “Oh shit, I'm sorry. I'm so worn out and not watching what's coming out of my mouth.”

  “That's okay. You just threw me for a second.” Was it okay?

  The one reason she liked being with him was because things were moving slow—very slow. She wasn't ready to start talking about sexy things with him, especially since she didn’t really have those feelings for him anymore. She’d definitely lusted after him when they were younger. And, yes, he was extremely gorgeous. But her feelings and emotions were, quite honestly, still tied to Stefen. Her whole heart would have to be in it for her to go down any road that led to sex.

  “I should get going. I need to catch some more sleep before heading in today.” He leaned up, stretching his arms above his head

  Getting ready to sign off, she placed her hand on top of the laptop and looked at the keyboard. “I'll talk to you later, then. Have a good rest.”

  He smiled briefly. “I'll text you when I get a break tonight. Bye, babe.”

  And there was that awkward nickname again. Was it time for her to say the same back to him, even though she didn't feel it yet?

  No. Leah wanted to be honest and only declare things she meant. With a simple, 'bye', she closed her laptop.

  She walked into her bedroom and took a look around.

  Well, shoot. What am I going to do now?

  All her stuff was almost packed, and the shop was already covered. Melissa was grateful to have the extra hours. She’d been living at her dad’s house with her young son, trying to get her own place.

  It was then that Leah realized something. Moving in front of her homemade framed ‘bucket list’, she ran her fingers over the slip of paper that mentioned mentoring a single mom. She’d unconsciously been guiding Melissa—who fit that exact description—how to run a business.

  With a little self-pleased grin, she decided to call Stefen and see if he wanted to go catch a movie. No need to waste the day. The latest action movie was playing in one of the older theaters, and she hadn’t had a chance to see it yet.

  As she picked up her phone and pressed send, her eyes roamed onto another slip of flower-pressed paper. She’d amended this one after she and Stefen had their fall out.

  Concentrating on the strip, Leah had forgotten the phone was even ringing.

  She was thrown for a loop by the way Stefen answered. “I’m so glad you called,” he whispered. “I need your help with something.”

  That was weird. She phoned him to make plans and the first thing out of his mouth was to ask for a favor?

  He went on in a hushed tone. “Abby hasn't been feeling great, and she's had to deal with me on top of it, so I really want her and Caleb to have a break. I made reservations for them to stay at the Escalona Spa and Resort this weekend. Madison’s grandparents said they could keep her all three days, and Caleb’s on board, but I need you to help me convince Abby. She worries way too much about me, and I’m sure she isn't going to want to leave me alone. I know you already have plans, but can you tell her a little fib? Say you’re staying here while they’re gone?” He rushed to say, “You don't actually have to, but I’m positive she won't say yes unless she thinks someone else will be here with me.”

  What a coinkydink. “Abby knows when I’m lying, but you’re in luck. My plans were just cancelled.”

  A loud sigh of relief came from Stefen.

  Ignoring him, she continued, “It’s a fantastic idea. I’d love to help. Talk to her today, and when she calls me, like I’m sure she will, I'll confirm everything.”

  “Perfect. Thanks, talk to you later.”

  She ended the call, even more pleased with herself when she remembered—Oh, dang it! I forgot to ask him about the movie.

  Oh well, sounds like we’ve got the whole weekend.

  Early Friday evening, Leah ran into Caleb loading up the car in front of his house. Turning off her ignition, she got out, and he greeted her with unending appreciation.

  “Thank you so much for doing this, Leah. Abby needs some time off from everything. That woman doesn’t take any time for herself. She hovers around Stefen like the helicopter moms that bug the crap out of her at school.” Sounding exasperated, he grumbled, “I can only imagine how much she’s going to push her limits once the baby’s here.”

  “I'm sure she’s not the only one that overdoes it.” Leah gave him a knowing look, then assured him, “Don't even give it a second thought. Hanging out at your little shack is not the worst thing I could think of.” She glanced around. “Where’s Abby? You guys should get going, shouldn’t you?”

  Abby appeared at the front entryway, looking as adorable as ever, wearing her first maternity dress that showed off her new tiny baby bump. Taking a peek at Caleb, Leah was filled with emotions. This man lived and breathed for her best friend.

  The love and awe on his face was overwhelming. With his sight fixed on his wife, Caleb asked, “Have you ever seen a more beautiful woman? She takes my breath away every time I look at her. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve her, but I’m never letting her go.”

  Abby approached her husband, caught in his enchantment, then kissed him as though Leah wasn’t even there.

  Feeling a bit awkward, Leah stepped back until she ran into a warm body.

  Twirling around, she searched for words, until Stefen laughed, “Yay, my sitter’s here.” He winked at her. “Can you believe she wouldn't leave until she saw you drive up?”

  Abby gave him the stink eye before greeting Leah and reinforcing, “You promise me that you aren’t going to leave him alone, right?”

  Leah placed her hand on her hip. “Sheesh, Abby. I told you I’d stay. My plans were cancelled, so apparently I have nothing better to do than hang out with this guy.” She flicked her wrist toward Stefen.

  “Okay, but call if you need anything.” Frazzled, Abby leaned in and kissed Leah’s cheek before Caleb hurried her into the car.

  Looks like he’s ready to get their party started.

  Caleb slid into the driver’s seat, then rolled down his window. “Play nice, children, and behave.” Smirking, he closed the window before driving away.

  Stefen’s voice was apprehensive. “Okay, they’re gone. You don't have to stay. I'll be fine.” Running his hand through his hair, he plastered on a fake smile.

  When will he realize that I see right through him?

  She patted his chest. “Nice try, but I don't think so. I hope you weren't looking forward to a weekend alone. I promised Abby, and I never break my promises. You’re stuck with me.” She pulled her bag out of the trunk of the van and headed toward the house.

  Always the gentleman, Stefen grabbed her case with the wrong arm, causing him to flinch when the strap hit his shoulder. “Shit!” he blurted, frustrated. “I can’t even carry a fucking bag anymore.”

  Taking the case back, Leah tend
erly cupped her hand onto his shoulder. “It’s okay. All in due time. You’re healing. Take advantage now because there are no free passes later.” She winked and encouraged him to head inside with her.

  “Lucky me,” he grumbled, smiling as he looked at the ground. “So what’s on the agenda for the evening?”

  “Honestly, I don't have anything planned, but I’d love to go to the movies sometime, if you’re up for it.”

  “I’ve spent so much time at the office the past few years. I don’t normally get to see movies in the theater, so that sounds good to me. It’s a date.” Catching what he said, Stefen corrected himself, “Well, you know what I mean. Do you wanna grab some theater food for dinner tonight?” Playfulness filled his eyes.

  Leah grimaced. “Rubber hot dogs, greasy popcorn, and chips with canned nacho cheese? Sure, why not?” She laughed, pointing her finger at him. “But you promised me last time, my treat.”

  A smug smile appeared on her mouth as she walked ahead of him.

  Huffing, Stefen agreed, “Fine, but are we going to do that every time we go out?”

  “Probably,” she said lightly. “But don’t worry. I have a great memory. I can keep track.” Glancing up the stairs, she wondered, “Am I staying in the same room as last time?”

  “Abby said you can either stay in that room or in theirs, since she’s redecorating the one downstairs.”

  Puckering her lips, she shook her head quickly. “I don't think I could sleep in Abby and Caleb's love nest. I'll pick the one next to yours.”

  Stefen folded in, half-laughing, “At least you don't have to hear the happy newlyweds.”

  “Ahhh...” She covered her ears. “La la la la la, I don't need to hear that, either.” Keeping her ears plugged, she strutted up the stairs to go change.

  He laughed, shaking his head as he headed in the opposite direction.

  “That was by far one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. It was unbelievable!” The excitement vibrating off of Leah was contagious as they entered the house.

  Closing the door behind them, he directed her toward the couch. “I have to agree. There are only a handful of movies I enjoy that have sequels, but I can’t wait for the next one. We should go when it comes out.” He practically froze once the words were out.

  Wow, how desperate am I? That flick doesn’t come out until next summer, and I’m already trying to get Leah to commit the date to me.

  Unbuckling the strap of her shoes, she took her platinum-colored heels off. Stefen was a shoe man, for sure. He loved that she wore high-heels when they went out, even paired with jeans and a simple blouse like she’d done tonight. She had impeccable taste in footwear.

  “I would love to.” She smiled. “I don’t have a lot of movie going friends. Abby prefers to read or watch an older movie at home.”

  “Really? Caleb and I used to go to the movies all the time. Before he married Rene, that is.” He took a chance and patted his lap for her to put her feet there.

  Without hesitation, she brought her legs up onto the couch and placed her feet in his hands. “I keep forgetting you were around through that whole thing.”

  He began to rub her surprisingly soft heels. “Yeah, I was the one that told him he couldn’t get her in the first place.” Shaking his head, he figured he’d let her in on his account of what happened. “Caleb and I were quite the team back then. Total bastards. We tried to sleep our way through the entire female population on our college campus.

  “As a challenge, we’d actually pick each other’s next lay, selecting the more unattainable girls. Rene was the last girl I got to pick for Caleb. It took a lot of schmoozing, but not only did he get the girl, but she changed him,” he paused for dramatic effect, “and then he married her. Several years later, she had Madison.”

  He gulped, his eyes going red. “When she died from cervical cancer a year later, I didn’t think Caleb would survive. Watching him go through absolute desolation and knowing Madison would grow up without a mother was one of the most horrific experiences I’ve ever gone through. You really have no idea what a godsend Abby was.”

  He continued to rub the sole of her foot, even though she’d tensed for a moment as he spoke. Their friendship was extremely important to him, and he didn’t want to hold anything back from her.

  Leah bit the inside of her cheek. “Abby told me, but hearing you say it just breaks my heart even more. You were there. You saw everything. Watching people we’re close to in so much pain is worse than knowing someone you love is gone.” She looked down at her lap and ran her palm along her thigh. “I watched my mother lose her husband, but I was so withdrawn into my own pain, it wasn’t until later when I realized how awful it was for her.”

  “I’m sorry.” Stefen and his father didn’t have the tightest bond, but he couldn’t imagine the loss he’d feel when his dad passed away someday. To have it happen when she was so young was unimaginable.

  Laying down further on the couch, she looked up at the ceiling. “It was a long time ago. Dani was affected the most. But as a result, I think we’ve all grown. We appreciate every moment now.”

  Once again, Leah caught him off-guard. She could be so wise sometimes. That was rare for someone her age. He was blessed to have her in his life, and would never forget that fact.

  Although they were having a serious conversation, the slightest moan slipped out of Leah’s mouth as Stefen continued to massage her soft feet.

  Suddenly, her eyes widened before she pulled her feet away, and he knew—they’d better get off of this couch, or he was going to take their ‘friendship’ to another level.

  He couldn’t go back there. He’d ruin everything.

  Stretching his arms above his head, he lied, “Well I’m beat. Do you mind if I head up?”

  Her eyes darted all around the room as she faked a yawn. “Sure. I’m tired, too.”

  No wonder she wouldn’t lie to Abby. She was terrible at it.

  Good to know.

  Gathering her toiletries and sleepwear, Leah started to open the bathroom door when she heard the shower turn on.

  Oh, man. Stefen didn’t lock the door.

  A moment sooner, and she could’ve gotten an eyeful. Not that she would’ve minded. He had an amazing body, even after these weeks away from his workouts. He was one of those guys that would always look amazing.

  She backed up into the bedroom and quietly closed the door. Ben, she reminded herself. Safe Ben.

  Then a thought hit her as she turned to lean against the closed door.

  Why did she think Ben was so safe? Because he wasn’t around, and it was just nice to say that she was with someone? In all honesty, she wasn’t feeling any real connection to him, no matter how hard she tried.

  Those thoughts would have to wait until later. Right now, all she wanted to do was take a shower.

  Walking into Caleb and Abby's bathroom, she tried not to think about what Stefen had said earlier about the sounds he heard coming from their room. After her shower, she went through her nightly routine, slipping on pajama shorts and a tank top. She brushed her teeth, then headed to her room.

  Passing by Stefen’s closed door, she heard, “Good night, Leah. Sweet dreams.”

  With you in the next room, I’m sure my dreams will be very sweet. “You, too.”

  She was suddenly remembering why Abby didn’t want to leave him alone. Apparently, he’d started having nightmares again this past week, after he’d talked to his father about the case.

  She knocked on his door.

  “Come in,” he said quietly.

  The door pushed open, and she took in the sight of him lying in bed, no shirt and his hands behind his head. The scar that had been so red and angry before was beginning to heal nicely. But she knew he was self-conscious about it, so she diverted her eyes back to his face.

  “Let me know if you need anything. No matter what time.” She shifted the clothes draped over her arm.

  He visibly shut down. “Thanks, I will.
Good night again.” He pulled the sheet up to cover his shoulder.

  She could tell he didn’t want her to worry. It was difficult, seeing him so self-conscious. He had no control over this. It was nothing to be ashamed of.

  “Good night.” She closed the door and put her hand over her pounding heart. No matter what he thought, he could still set her skin on fire. There was so much more depth to him now. It wasn’t just about his looks.

  But was it about that before?

  Too much to think about right now.

  Swallowing hard, she made her way to bed and crawled under the covers. After hours of tossing and turning, thinking about Stefen and the fact that he was sleeping in the next bedroom, she finally settled into bed. Allowing herself to fantasize about a future she dreamed would be possible. Because she wanted Stefen, and it would never work.

  He was a different now, but she was afraid of ruining their close friendship. She loved him and could no longer imagine him not being here.

  No. Dating wasn’t worth it. She could lose him forever.

  Unsure of what the future held, she finally drifted off.

  Jarred out of her sleep, Leah heard Stefen yelling. She ran through the adjoining bathroom straight into his room.

  He was shouting, “Leave her alone! She has nothing to do with this!” Then the loudest shout of all, “Noooooo!” He was still asleep, but he sounded so desperate and lost as he thrashed around in bed.

  She held her hand to her heart, feeling it pounding under her palm. Her heart broke for him.

  What do I do?

  Stepping closer, she reached down and caressed his sweat-streaked face carefully between his movements. She attempted to wake him as he continued to scream, tossing and turning around the bed before he took a swing, nearly punching her in the face.

  She jumped back, realizing she’d have to approach this differently. Scared shitless, she stood at the foot of the bed as he swung his arms in the air.

  Finally, she shouted, “Stefen, it’s me Leah! You’re having a nightmare!”