“Don’t, baby,” she pushed her palm to rest where her fingers had been exploring on his jaw, “We can’t change the past.”
His hand found the back of hers and pressed it against his skin, sliding it to touch it to his lips. “I know,” he breathed, massaging her flesh, then shifting to place his mouth over hers.
The kiss electric, it sent sparks of excitement through her, and she broke the connection briefly before parting her lips and taking him in while pushing the full front of herself against him. Lost in the moment, she became distantly aware of the knock on the door frame as it interrupted her thoughts, forcing a wedge into her clouded mind.
“Guys,” Brian’s voice sounded irritated, “Dinner’s ready,” he repeated for the third time. His eyes met hers for an instant, and he shook his head in disgust before turning his back and making his way back down the stairs.
Enrique chuckled, “Sorry, baby girl; I’m sures you’d rather he hadn’t seen that,” and he released her reluctantly.
Tori ran her hands over her clothing, smoothing it and her nerves simultaneously, “It's ok. Only a kiss after all.” But she grinned, the thrill of being close to him overwhelming her for a moment. I wonder if he knows that Michael doesn’t care about… us. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his once more for another quick taste, sighing when she pulled back to lead the way.
Arriving in the kitchen, Tori noticed that Brandon had joined them and was giving Enrique a hard stare when he followed her into the room. “Oh, my,” she laughed. “I forgot that he stayed here for a bit and that you guys had met.”
“Yes, we’ve met,” Brandon spoke in a begrudging tone. “I guess you two were closer than we realized.”
“Just friends,” Tori intervened before Enrique could reveal any details into their relationship. Reaching to reclaim her mate’s hand, “I guess you met my husband, Michael,” her voice softened as she announced him. She forced a smile through the twinge of guilt, wondering how many of them had guessed what she and Enrique had been doing upstairs.
His attention diverted, the house manager gave him a nod; “Yes, we’ve all been introduced.” His eyes briefly flicking between the two men, he let the subject drop as Tori was a grown woman, and capable of making her own decisions.
Serving plates of steaks and steamed vegetables, Tori felt overjoyed to see that they had remembered her diet. Taking a seat next to Sharon, the two women chitchatted about how things were going, until they were interrupted by a knock on the door and Jonathon let himself in.
Seeing the young man brought Tori another wave of memories, including the first trip to the AA meeting and the talks that the two of them had shared as she made her recovery. Standing from her seat, she welcomed him with a warm hug, and he seemed eager to hear about what currently went on in her life. Finally, he would be able to meet her family and new friends, and she happily introduced them, proud of who they were and how much they meant to her.
The group remained at the table, enjoying beverages and conversation after the meal, until the doorbell rang at the front of the house. Moving to the living area, they caught the door as they made their way down the hall, and Tori let loose with a loud squeal, pouncing on the girl who stood in the doorframe and screaming, “Oh my God, you came!”
A little surprised by her reaction, Lindsey recognized the show of emotion as undoubtedly the greatest she had ever seen from her. The tall young woman could easily be called one of her best friends, and she replied with a loud giggle, “Of course I came, silly. Did you really think I would miss it?”
Clinging to the petite blond and trying to avoid injuring her in her excitement, Tori presented her to the group, “Guys, this is Lins. She is absolutely my best female friend ever.”
Michael grinned broadly as he offered his hand, finding it amusing that his bride still categorized her friendships as male and female, knowing that the male version outnumbered the female by a landslide. Pushing the thought aside, he moved with the rest, who spread out in the large living area and broke up into smaller units of conversation.
The pair of girls climbed into the window seat on the front wall, where Tori eagerly plied her young friend with questions, and discovered that she had begun taking some college courses the previous fall. “Classes start back next week, and I’m looking forward to getting back into the routine,” Lins shared as the two girls began to chatter.
“Is it hard?” Tori pressed her, still unsure about how education worked in a classroom setting.
“Naw, not really,” her friend shook her golden waves, noticing that Brian had become quite fascinated with their exchange, “It’s time-consuming more like.” Tilting her head and placing her hand along her face to hide her lips, she indicated the guy who stared her down, “He’s your brother, right?”
“Yeah,” Tori giggled. “He has a thing for short blond girls. Plus, he’s a bit over protective of me, I think,” she gave him a grin as she spoke, noticing that the girl flushed at the situation. “Don’t worry, he’s pretty harmless.”
“That’s good,” her friend teased. “I’m avoiding those kinds of entanglements for the time being. I want to finish school and really be sure of who I am before I take that kind of step.” She grinned, her green eyes sparkling, “I’m not sure things would have worked out this way for me… you know… if you hadn’t been here.”
Tori shrugged, giving herself a minute to formulate her response, “I sometimes think the same thing about you. I learned so much from you about myself. Things I couldn’t see before.” Reaching over, she hugged the girl to her, blinking rapidly to avoid having her tears revealed. “Thanks for coming tonight.”
By 11:00 pm, the two had had their fill, for the time being at least, and were ready to say their goodbyes. As the group exited the house, Brian seemed to have a small brainstorm, “Hey, sis; let’s take Lins back to the hotel with us. That way, you guys can spend a few more hours catching up,” and he gave the pretty blonde a wink as he made the suggestion.
Tori’s jaw dropped slightly before she huffed, “That won’t be necessary. Maybe she and I can meet for lunch before we’re finished here, and she gave me her number, so we’ll definitely keep in touch at any rate.”
Hurrying the guys into the car, she hugged Sharon and Lins one last time, and joined them, sliding into the seat between Michael and Enrique while licking her upper lip anxiously. Brian could see that her mood had waned, and clenched his jaw in disgust.
“Why couldn’t we bring her? She’s cute,” he demanded stiffly.
Shifting in her seat, Tori internally struggled with making her reply. She knew she didn’t want to divulge too much of the girl’s past. However, she needed to make it clear she wanted her brother to stay away from the girl. Rolling her eyes, she tried to keep it simple, “She’s special, Danny. Like me. She had a really hard life, and she’s doing well… she doesn’t need to get involved with… us…” her voice trailed away, allowing the final word to hang in the air.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” he demanded curtly. “You make it sound like we’re bad people or we would hurt her or somethin’. Or are you scared she would do something to me?” he eyed her suspiciously. “Did she say anything about me?”
“No, she didn’t, Danny. I don’t think it would be a good idea, that’s all,” she clenched her hands together nervously. “I know she’s your type, but she really had a bad childhood. So bad, if she and I were in a contest for whose was worse, I’m not sure that I would win.”
Her brother rolled his tongue, “And that matters… why?”
Tori ground her teeth, seeing that being diplomatic wasn’t getting her anywhere, “Look, Danny, if you want to make me say it, then it matters because you’re not good at relationships, and I want you to leave my friend alone. She don’t need that shit.”
Brian’s eyes darted between his sister and the two men who flanked her, “I’m not good at relationships? When you’re upstairs playing tonsil hockey with your boy
friend while your husband’s back is turned?”
Tori’s features froze in horror, having their private moment made public, in the middle of a fight no less. Her brow furrowed, she tossed her long curls; “That’s not what happened.”
Brian released a loud howl of laughter, “What the fuck do you mean ‘that’s not what happened’?” he mocked her tone. “I know what I saw! What I’ve been seeing,” his face contorted in anger.
“Enrique and I are just friends!” she interrupted, instantly regretting the outburst. She knew she protested too hard to be convincing, especially since she had, in fact, been kissing him.
“Just friends?” Brian scoffed. “Everyone sees the way you two are together; you can’t deny that you’re fucking him. And your old man lets it go on like it’s no big deal,” he tossed a thumb at the man on her right.
“Hey! I think this is getting a little personal,” Michael cut in.
Brian sneered, “I’m only speaking the truth here, and if that’s the way you guys wanna live, I’m great with that.” He pointed his finger at his sister, “But don’t you go trashing me and my life because you don’t think I’m ‘good at relationships.’ You ain’t any better.”
Tori didn’t respond, pissed beyond words. Who the hell does he think he is? She had denied that she and Enrique were lovers, but what would it matter? The point had gotten lost in the argument, and in the end, all she wanted was to protect her young friend from getting involved when it would prove fruitless in the end.
Sitting in silence, the group made it to the hotel and went their separate ways. Slamming the door to their room, Michael reached out and caught his wife’s arm, “So, what did I miss upstairs?”
Tori stood staring at him, mouth hanging wide open in shock. He didn’t back down, and it took her a minute to close it to respond, “Nothing. We were talking about old times, and he kissed me, right when Brian showed up to call us for dinner.”
Michael’s gaze dropped to watch her lips move as she spoke, his mind racing. He had told her he didn’t care, and felt disgusted by his cross-examination. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he blew noisily out through his nostrils, “I warned you people were going to notice.”
“I’m not sleeping with him!” her eyes flashed. “I swear to you, not since he’s been here!”
He turned his back on her, moving to the window and placing his arm over his head as he peered out through the glass. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have asked. I told you I didn’t care, and I meant it. If you need him to be happy,” he paused, his voice dropping, “If you need those things that he is willing to do for you…”
Tori’s gut wrenched, her pulse bulging in her throat, “You don’t believe me.”
“I don’t need to believe you. That’s not the point. The point is, I shouldn’t have asked.” Turning enough to look at her, he could see the dazed expression on her face. “I’m sorry the evening ended on a bad note. I know you were really excited to see your friends.”
“DON’T CHANGE THE SUBJECT,” she bellowed. “We’re not finished with this conversation! I want you to understand. I want you to believe me.”
Michael blinked at her, thoughts swirling, nice move, asshole. What’re you gonna do now, call her a liar to her face? Dropping his arm, he reached for her, “Come here, love. I never said I don’t believe you. I said it doesn’t matter.”
“It does fucking matter!” she punched him in the chest, stepping back out of his grasp. “What is it that you want, Michael? You want me to choose him?” She could feel the angry tears building.
“Not at all,” he breathed a deep sigh, folding his arms behind his back. “I want you. All I have ever wanted… is you. I can’t make it any plainer than that.”
“Yeah, well, you got a funny way of showing it!” Tori spun around and yanked the door open, slamming it behind her. Wiping the streams from her cheeks, she stomped down the hall and entered the elevator. Pausing only for an instant, she punched the button, headed for the bar.
Angry All the Time
Son of a bitch, no wonder I’m fucking angry all the time. Taking a seat on a leather-covered stool, she waved at the barkeep, “I need a double shot of vodka.”
“Yes ma’am,” he replied crisply, fetching a glass and placing it in front her with a thud. Watching him pour, she could feel her mouth fill with saliva.
“On second thought, leave the bottle,” she requested, anger still dripping from her voice, and he smiled, placing it next to the glass before he walked away.
Tori reached over, lifting the container to inspect the label. Setting it back on the bar, she released a heavy sigh, deep lines creasing her forehead. Pushing the glass back, she crossed her arms to rest her chin on them, staring at the liquid fire. I don’t understand men one damn bit.
Almost immediately she realized that wasn’t true. I do know how to get them to take off their clothes, generally speaking. She grinned to herself, imagining how easy it was to do, in fact. And I know what to do after that. Reaching over, she extended her index finger, allowing it to trace the rim of the glass. Why am I fighting it? Why don’t I simply have them both?
I could, you know, she rationalized with herself, neither of them seems too concerned about sharing. The only one who cares is me… Tori continued to allow her thoughts to turn, toying with her drink until her lids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep.
Awakened with a start, Tori opened her eyes. Sitting up straight, she rubbed her arms, which were stiff from the awkward position. “What time is it?” she asked the bartender, who stood in front of her, scowling.
“Time for you to leave, that’s what time it is. You’ve been here for hours, and it’s time to close up,” he grabbed the shot and tossed it into the sink behind him. Lifting the bottle, he returned it to the shelf.
Tori stared at him, sliding off the stool, “Sorry,” she mocked him with her tone, not really sure why he spoke to her so rudely. “Put the bottle and drink on my tab.” Turning away, she groggily made it to the elevator and leaned against the wall while she waited for the shiny doors to part and let her inside.
Stumbling down the hall, she arrived back at her room a few minutes later. She didn’t bother with the light, stripping down and climbing into the bed naked. Exhausted from the day filled with ups and downs, she dropped off to sleep almost immediately, not the least bit worried if the man next to her actually knew she had come back or not.
Tori awakened at 9:00 am the following morning, Michael’s hand gripping her shoulder to shake her, “Hey,” he said loudly, “Time to get up.”
Covering her face with her arm to hold out the glare, she tumbled out of the sheets to comply, not surprised by the angry clip of his words, “We have another photo shoot this morning don’t we.”
“Yeah, and we’re late,” he tossed clothes on the bed for her. “I tried to let you sleep in, but Mark called, and they’re waiting for us downstairs. Impatiently, I might add.”
“You mean the guys beat me awake?” she grimaced as she shoved her legs into the jeans before pulling them off. “I need a shower. They will have to wait.”
“Then hurry. I’ll go down and stall them,” he offered, his eyes roaming up and down her naked curves.
Tori made her way into the bathroom, hearing the door close as she reached for the faucet. Washing her hair and body, she stepped out of the tub and threw on the clothes, smearing her makeup on her face and painting her eyes. Giving herself a once over in the full-length mirror, she frowned, wishing she could call in sick for the day.
A few minutes later, she joined the group of anxious men in the restaurant, taking her place at the table. “Hey guys,” she managed weakly.
“Hey yourself,” Cody tossed out bitterly. “Where the fuck have you been? We’re fucking late, so hurry your ass up.”
A plate of eggs and bacon was placed in front of her, which had been ordered for her to try and speed things along. Crinkling her nose as her stomach lurched, she shoved at the meal.
“I’m not hungry. But I’ll take some coffee,” she muttered, and the waitress placed a cup of the black liquid before her.
Tori sipped the dark shot of caffeine while noticing that Michael and Enrique were each giving the other an angry glare. She briefly considered what the two of them were pissed off about, but didn’t bother to ask.
As soon as the container was empty, Collin jumped up from his seat, “That’s it, let’s go.”
“Jesus Christ, calm the fuck down! You act like no one has ever been late before!” she snapped, placing the cup on the table with a loud bang. Standing, she followed the rest of her bandmates to the car and slid into her usual spot since they had arrived in LA, with Enrique seated on her left and Michael on her right.
She frowned the entire ride, noticing that everyone seemed to be in a foul mood. Finally, when she couldn’t take anymore, she tried to defend herself, “Ok, I’m sorry I was late. I was tired and needed some sleep,” she stretched and gave a yawn for effect.
“This was important,” her brother glared at her. “You know; we do our share of fucking around, but when it comes to business… you don’t mess with that.” His accusing eyes flicked between the two men, wondering which of them responsible for her exhaustion.
The group arrived at the studio a short while later, where the other bands from their upcoming tour were waiting for the photo shoot. Being introduced, Tori managed to shake hands with most of them, and they were put into their positions for the spread of shots. More than once, she gave wide, exaggerated yawns, and the photographer kept reminding her from time to time to focus or to smile, as she had a difficult time doing either.
Taking a break a few hours in, Mark pulled the girl to the side, “I thought you had sworn off alcohol,” he demanded through clenched teeth.
Taken aback, Tori stammered, “I did!”
“Then why were you in the bar last night with a bottle of vodka, and why are you hung over this morning?”
A New Life Series - Finisher Set Page 46
