“Really, Maxwell? Do you want to start this way? Who do you have with you?” she asks.
“This is Darcy. She’s my personal assistant.”
“What happen to that other hot little number you had? Oh yes, she became an adult. I guess she probably got on with her life.”
I snicker and look away. It was pretty funny.
“OK, Kendra. I hope now that you got your childish remark out of the way, we can have a talk about what matters, our daughter.”
“I’m right here. You can speak to me directly,” I say, holding up my hand.
“Well, how is school?”
“It’s good. Not as challenging as I’m used to, but I’m still learning.”
“Friends?” he asks.
“Not sure at the moment. I did have some, but I’m sure Paul already told you that,” I say snippily.
“I told her, Max. It was time,” my mother says. He ignores her comment, and I imagine it’s because he doesn’t want to talk about his deceit. He flips my hair with his hand.
“Interesting colors, Leeza. If I didn’t know better, I’d think this whole look is to spite me.”
I plop down on the sofa. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
“Leeza, do not disrespect me.”
I roll my eyes. Do we really need to talk about respect here?
“Mr. Lane, the Japan headquarters is on the line for you,” one of the males from the study says.
“I have to take this. Don’t go anywhere,” Maxwell says to me before leaving the room to take a call. Darcy follows him. It will take a few hours to get through a conversation that should only take ten minutes.
He finally returns and asks Mom if he can speak to me alone. We walk around the backyard, and I admire the fall leaves.
“I’m going to get right to it, Leeza. I’d like you to come back to LA with me and finish your senior year. Now that the world knows your whereabouts, I’m more concerned about your safety.”
“Are you sure that’s your biggest worry?” I ask.
“Although you don’t believe it, I love you very much and worry about you every day. We used to be close. You were my little girl.”
“You shattered what I thought of you when you cheated.”
“Everyone makes mistakes, Leeza. I know I’ve made them, and I’m sorry I hurt you and your mother. I’ve apologized many times, but I can’t change the past. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“I don’t know.”
“Hiding here in Colorado is no way to deal with it.”
“It’s been working fine for me.”
“Oh, really? Is that why you’ve still felt like the outcast here?”
“I was finally fitting in somewhere, but then they found out who I am. I don’t know where things stand now, but what I do know is that I don’t fit into the mold you made for me. I won’t go back to that, and Mom said you wouldn’t force me.”
“I won’t force you, but it doesn’t mean I won’t try to convince you. This boy you like, this Brandon, he’s not good enough for you, Leeza.”
“How do you know?”
“I know everything about him. He makes poor grades, and he’ll never play more than college football. Although his parents are successful, they don’t come from a well-known family.”
“You didn’t, either. Brandon is kind and smart, and there’s a reason his grades aren’t great, but it shouldn’t matter, anyway. What matters is that he’s good to me and makes me happy.”
“He’s not accustomed to this lifestyle. He’ll feel inferior, and the media will eat him alive. Then you’ll be left brokenhearted. You should end up with someone like Judge Hartford’s son.”
I spin around on my father. Of all people, I can’t believe he’s bringing up Joseph Hartford.
“Your good friend the judge, who’s weaseled you out of every crime you’ve committed, has a narcissist for a son. When I was only fifteen, Joseph took my virginity and dumped me, but not before telling all of the lacrosse players about it first. Is that the kind of guy you want me with?”
“Joseph would do no such thing. I’ve watched that boy grow up.”
I point my finger at Maxwell’s chest.
“Are you saying you don’t believe me?” I ask, stunned by what my father has said.
“Leeza, I’m only saying it’s hard to believe—”
“Don’t. Don’t say another word. We’re finished!”
I storm back to the house and go to my room. I throw on a hooded sweatshirt and grab sunglasses and my keys before I slip out a side door.
I get into Martha’s car and drive as quickly as possible to the gate. I have to get through them before someone realizes I’m gone.
The guard waves me through, and the paparazzi start surrounding the car. I hurry away as they try to get into their vehicles. They follow me, but Paul had shown me a road I could take nearby to lose them. It works, and I’m on my way, feeling oddly free but alone at the same time.
I’d like to think Maxwell would be more concerned by the fact I lost my virginity at fifteen rather than whether his precious Joseph did anything wrong. I’ll never be good enough for my father since I refuse to be like him and the phony people he associates with.
Faith can Move Mountains
Brandon
I’m extremely relieved when I leave the doctor’s office. She too believes I’m dyslexic and is making an appointment for me to meet with a specialist. They also gave me paperwork to give to my school.
It’s a little embarrassing, but if I’m dyslexic and the help will allow me to make better grades and continue to play football, then I’m taking advantage of it. Tests are where I struggle the most, so the teachers will be giving me exams verbally.
It’ll be strange but worth it if it works. I owe so much to Leah, and like I thought, she really is my lucky charm. Now, I have to convince her of that. I text her several times but never hear back.
When all of this chaos went down a couple of days ago, Paul insisted on exchanging cell phone numbers with me in case of an emergency.
I almost called him last night when I couldn’t reach Leah but I didn’t, and she finally texted back, but I have a feeling I need to call. I really don’t want to speak to him, but she won’t answer me. I’m terrified her father has the power to convince her to leave Boulder.
“Paul, this is Brandon Jennings.”
“Is Leah with you?” he asks anxiously.
“No, I was hoping you could put me in touch with her.”
“She was upset and took off in the Camry about a half hour ago. Do you have any idea where she might be?”
“No, and she would’ve been here by now. I’ll check with her friends to see if they’ve heard from her and call you back.” I immediately dial Parker.
“It’s Brandon. Have you spoken to Leah?”
“No, but I’ve been texting her all day. I’m worried about her, and Sierra and the guys want to speak to her, too.”
“She’s missing. She left her house upset, and no one knows where she is. Do you have any ideas? And your friends need to leave her alone. They’ve hurt her enough,” I add angrily.
“Chill, bro. They want to apologize.”
It hits me all at once. “I think I know where she is. I bet she went back to Flagstaff Mountain. I took her there, and it’s somewhere she knows the paparazzi wouldn’t look for her. I’ve gotta go.”
I hang up on Parker and jump in the jeep but not before telling Tyler to call me if she shows up at our house.
“Paul, I have an idea where she might be, but please let me go alone. If you come, the reporters will follow you, and they’ll definitely be able to corner her there. I promise I’ll get her back safely. I think she’s at Flagstaff Mountain.”
He sighs. “OK, but let me know right away.”
It’s already dark as I make my way up the winding hill. I’m worried about her being out here alone. After what feels like forever, I arrive at where we’d parked before and find her car. Than
k God.
I don’t see any other vehicles or people in the area. I jump out and begin searching. She’s on a boulder, staring out toward the city lights below. It’s freezing, and she’s only wearing a sweatshirt. Her knees her pulled up to her chest, and her arms are wrapped tightly around her legs.
“Leah!” She jumps and turns her head. Once she sees me coming toward her, she climbs off the rock. I grab her by the arms and pull her into a hug.
“I’ve been worried sick. How could you risk your life coming out here alone at night?”
“I’m sorry.” Her arms circle my waist, and she buries her head against my chest. I stroke her hair like always as she cries softly. It breaks my heart to know hers is hurting.
“Come on. Let’s sit in the Camry. It’ll be warmer than the jeep.” I walk her over to it and we get in.
“What happened?” I ask after taking her hands into mine. I’m sideways, trying to get as close to her as possible.
“I had a fight with Maxwell. He’ll only ever love me on his terms. Everything is wrong, and I had to get away.”
“Why, Leah? Why do you have to get away from me? It hurts.”
She looks over, wiping tears from her eyes.
“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid we have too many obstacles between us. I’m scared of getting hurt, and I’m scared that who I am will somehow hurt you. I mean, you were almost kicked off the team because of me.”
“I told you that we’ll get through things together. Don’t you see that we handled that together? I helped you out when the paparazzi were at school acting crazy, and you helped out by getting me back on the team.” I cup her face and turn it until our mouths are only inches apart.
“We’re a team, baby. Please don’t shut me out.” My lips are on hers, desperate to feel and taste her. Her mouth opens, letting me in, and like every other time, it’s not enough. I pull on her until she catches on and climbs over, straddling my lap.
I have hold of her face, probing her mouth with my greedy tongue while she tugs on my hair. Every stroke to her sultry mouth is a flick to the match that sets a fire between us. It spreads every time my skin touches hers.
I can’t take it and move my hands up under the front of her shirt to her waist, my thumbs rubbing circles on her stomach. Dammit. I have to stop, so I pull my lips away and rest my head against hers.
“Leah, I’ve never wanted to put my hand in the fire like I want to now. You’re like a dangerous flame that I can’t stop staring at and getting lost in.”
“You’re too perfect to be real, Bran.” She rubs the back of my neck with her fingers, and I want to kiss her again.
“I’m not perfect, Leah, but I’m real. I won’t ever lie to you, and I’ll do whatever you need so you don’t get hurt. I’m sorry, but I forgot to text Paul. I told him I’d let him know if I found you. He sounded really worried.”
She climbs back over the seat, and I pull my phone out to text. I tell Paul that I found her, that she’s safe, and to please let me get her home. I sense his apprehension but he agrees.
I see lights coming up behind us and watch as people get out of a car. At first I’m a little panicked when I notice several males, but then I see Parker.
“Looks like all your friends came to see that you’re OK.” We both get out of the car, and Leah can hardly get her door shut before Sierra is yanking her into a hug. The headlights from their car is giving off the only light.
“Leah, I was so scared when I heard you were missing. I’m sorry I ever doubted you. You’ve been nothing but kind and generous to me. Please forgive me,” Sierra says, releasing her tight hold on Leah.
“Of course I forgive you.”
“Hey, man,” Gabe says to me while his hands are shoved in the pockets of his jeans.
I nod. “Hey.”
Troy and Jarred give me a nod, and I can see that they’re uncomfortable. Parker grabs Leah next.
“Fancy pants, don’t you ever do this to us again. I’ve been trying to get hold of you all day.” He gives her a loud kiss on the cheek, and I really wish he’d cut that shit out. Gay or not, I want to be the only guy kissing her.
“I’m sorry, Parker. It’s been a rough few days, but I’ll let you come raid my closet soon, OK?”
“OK, I guess that’s fair for putting me through all this cray cray.”
Gabe runs his hand through his hair.
“We’re sorry, Leah, for everything.”
“So, you’ll still be friends with me?” she asks.
“Yeah, as long as you don’t start wearing cashmere and shit,” Jarred says, chuckling. “Nah, we’ll still be friends with you then, too.”
Leah runs over and gives each of them hugs. I guess if I want a girlfriend this sweet, I’m going to have share her affection a little.
“It’s flippin’ cold up here,” Sierra says. “Why don’t we go grab something to eat?”
“I’d love to, but Mr. Lane is in town. Can we go tomorrow evening? But I need to warn you. You will likely have your picture in a Hollywood magazine if you choose to go out in public with me.”
“Well, that’ll be a first and a last,” Troy says.
Leah shrugs. “Hey, you might get a fan club.”
“Yeah, Tyler’s already made about a thousand more Facebook friends, all of which are female. He’s pretty thrilled to be on the news and internet,” I say.
Everyone chuckles before we say our goodbyes. I tell Leah that I’m following her home. She doesn’t even have a phone, so there’s no way I’m letting her out of my sight. We get to her house, and the paparazzi are there waiting.
Daddy’s Seal of Approval
Brandon
“Well, I guess you’re meeting Maxwell Lane. I hope you’re prepared since he’ll probably be an ass,” Leah says.
Paul opens the front door and gives her a stern look.
“Are you trying to get me fired?” he asks with an aggressive whisper.
“Sorry, Paul,” she says guiltily before I follow her into the great room.
I spot her dad immediately, recognizing him from television and magazine photos. Wearing khakis and a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up his forearms, he’s on the phone with a computer in his lap.
I’m sure it’s the latest one of his creations. There are a few other people in the room wearing suits. One male is on a phone, a lady is flipping through some documents, and another male is on a laptop.
Mr. Lane eyes us before he hangs up his phone.
“We need some privacy please,” he says, causing the room to empty in a minute at most. Does that mean I need to leave?
He walks over, staring at Leah the entire time. He looks pissed. “Don’t ever do that again. You’ve had us very worried. If you’re upset with me, then we’ll discuss it.
“You’re almost an adult, so don’t storm off like a child, and you need to go upstairs to see your mother. She’s been crying, so let her know you’re OK.”
As she’s about to leave, he hugs her. Leah marches away without even a backward glance, and I can’t believe she’s leaving me here alone.
“I’m Maxwell,” he says, reaching his hand out for me to shake.
“I’m Brandon, sir. It’s nice to meet you.” I give him the firmest hand shake I can.
“Have a seat, Brandon.” He ushers me toward a chair before he sits back on the sofa. He picks up a glass tumbler in front of him and takes a drink. I’m guessing it’s liquor. It looks like the same amber color I see in my mom’s glasses.
Martha enters the room. “Excuse me, sir. I wanted to see if you need another drink or if Brandon would like something.”
Mr. Lane glances to me.
“Um, I’ll take a water please,” I say. My throat is dry from this intimidating man whose daughter I love to touch.
“I want to thank you for finding Leah.” He leans back, stretching his arm out across the top of the sofa, drink in the other hand. Then he stares at me … and stares at me. Thankfully, Martha brings my
water.
“Leeza really likes you, and I believe she’s determined to stay in Boulder. Take good care of my baby girl, and don’t hurt her.”
He says this pointedly, a threatening look being sent and received across the room. “If you treat her good and keep her safe, I’ll see that you don’t pay a penny for your education.”
“That’s generous of you, sir, but I’m determined to get a football scholarship.”
He smiles at me. “Well, then I’ll cover graduate school, but I guess we have some time before that. A lot could change by then.”
“I have no intentions of hurting Leah, I mean, Leeza, and I’ll keep her as safe as I possibly can.”
“Then we should get along just fine. I leave in an hour, so I’d appreciate it if once you speak to Leeza, you could give us some time alone.”
“Of course, sir.” There are only a few moments of awkward silence before Leah enters the room. I stand immediately.
“Would you walk me out?” I ask her. I’m trying to show the man I can at least follow directions since he obviously thinks I’m not smart enough for his daughter. I guess it could’ve gone worse, and he did in a roundabout way give us his blessing. For now, anyway.
Leah
Brandon asks me to walk him out, and neither he nor Maxwell is giving anything away about what they’ve discussed.
We walk through the spacious foyer to the door. I want to go out on the porch with him, but I’m sure the cameramen have their long zoom lenses ready.
“Is everything OK?” I ask, searching his face for answers.
“Yes. He wants some time alone with you before he leaves.”
“Was he rude to you?”
“No. He said he knows you’re staying here, and he told me to take care of you. He also thanked me for bringing you back.”
My eyes widen. That was better than I expected.
“It’s odd you were worried about my parents accepting you. I think I have bigger worries here,” he says.
“Yeah, I guess so, but all that matters is how much I like you. Listen, thanks for not giving up on me. I was just overwhelmed by all of this.”
My Lucky Charm Page 13
