Bad Boy: You Are Not Alone

by Kelli Walker

  I walked quietly out of Tina’s room before I shut the door behind me, and when I turned around I came face to face with Bernie.

  “Are you hungry, Mr. Kevin?” he asked.

  “I suppose I need to eat, yeah,” I said.

  “Miss Maddie is already at the table. Come come. The food’s gonna get cold,” he said.

  “Is mother hen joining us for dinner?” I asked.

  “Not to my knowledge. I have not heard from her or seen her all day,” he said.

  “Do you think we should try to call her?” I asked.

  “If there is one thing I have learned about Mrs. Theresa in all the years I have worked for her, it is never to call her while she is out. If she is gone for a couple of days, this would not be the first time her guilt has gotten the best of her.”

  “Guilt?” I asked.

  “Oh, there is much you kids don’t know about her. But, those are stories for another day. Sit and eat. We don’t need anymore unhealthy people sinking in their emotions around this place,” he said.

  I sat down at the table across from Maddie just before a plate of food was placed in front of me. It smelled delicious, but my mind was swirling with that Bernie had just told me.

  Guilt?

  Stories?

  What didn’t we know about Tina’s mother?

  Was something wrong with her?

  Was she sick, too?

  “Eat,” Bernie commanded.

  So, I picked up my fork and began to eat even as my head swirled with the events of the day.

  Holy hell, I couldn’t wait for everyone else to get into town.

  Chapter 38

  Kevin

  “Kevin!”

  “Hey!”

  “You look like shit, dude.”

  “How’s Tina?”

  I wrapped my arms around all of them as they poured off the private jet and onto the tarmac. I had a car booked to get all of us back to the hotel, but I was dreading the conversation that would actually have to take place.

  The conversation where they would want to be filled in on what was going on.

  “Kevin, are you still alright with me staying in your room?” Maddie asked.

  “Yeah. I’m gonna pack up my stuff and get over to the house this afternoon, so it’s all yours,” I said.

  “Tina finally come to her senses and want you there?” Brit asked.

  “No, but I think it’s gonna be better if I’m there. A lot has gone down and I’m gonna need access to Michael’s office and library,” I said.

  “Why?” Spencer asked. “What happened?”

  “For starters, her father left her his business,” I said.

  “Holy shit, the entire thing?” Brady asked.

  “She knows nothing about law,” Brit said.

  “What are you trying to pull, Kev?” Spencer asked.

  “You guys know Tina enough to know that when she snaps out of this emotional funk and gets through the funeral, she’s going to do everything in her power to run both her business and her father’s. Then, she’ll realize she can’t do it, so she’ll drop her business or push it all off onto Maddie and dedicate herself to her father’s business because she feels she owes it to them,” I said.

  “Sure. Whatever you say. What are you pulling?” Spencer asked again.

  “God, it’s good to see you, baby,” Maddie said.

  “It’s good to see you, too. I missed you,” Spencer said before he kissed Maddie’s forehead.

  “I don’t wanna talk about it until I can get it all figured out. But, the end result is hopefully leaving the company in her name while someone else runs it,” I said

  “Good luck,” Brady said.

  “I’m gonna need it,” I said, sighing.

  The five of us rode to the hotel and we all went to our respective rooms. Everyone was getting checked in while I started packing my things, but the only thing I could focus on where the phone calls I still had to make. I was vetting every single lawyer that rented out floors in the building Michael’s business owned. I was hoping to find one who had been in the business long enough and who had a business background whom I could convince Tina to entrust the company with. I didn’t want her to hand it over, but it wasn’t uncommon for a family member who had inherited a business to appoint someone more knowledgeable to run things in their place.

  There were some things Tina could help with. Things like numbers and rent and books and taxes. But, there were many things she wasn't knowledgeable on, and I needed to find someone who would pair with her well.

  Preferably someone who was already in the building.

  “So! Can’t handle the mom, huh?” Brit asked as I rounded the corner. Everyone was talking in the hallway before they went to their respective rooms, and I still had to tell them the rest of what had happened.

  “She’s a doozy, that’s for sure. She most definitely didn’t like the outfit I strolled on in with when we first got here,” Maddie said.

  “It showed off all your best assets,” Spencer said, grinning. “Which meant she hated it.”

  “She’s been a very interesting character while we’ve been here,” I said.

  “What else has happened?” Brady asked.

  “She’s pawned all the funeral planning off on Tina. Or, she did, until we found her laughing and giggling with her friends at a luncheon place while Tina was supposed to be going to the florist and caterer.”

  “Whoa, she was what?” Brit asked.

  “Apparently, she hadn’t even told her friends Michael had died yet,” I said.

  “But, his obituary would’ve already been in the papers, right?” Spencer asked.

  “She didn’t do one. And now, it’s two days before the wedding and no one’s seen her since Tina blew up at her before she went to go see the caterer,” I said.

  “Wait, Tina or Theresa went to the caterer?” Brit asked.

  “Tina blew up and Theresa said not to worry about the caterer,” I said.

  “Then, Tina took off. Caught a cab, fell asleep in the back of the thing, and was riding around town all damn day while Kevin and I tried to find her,” Maddie said.

  “Did the first horseman of the apocalypse appear in the sky? Because I feel like that’s what’s coming next,” Brit said.

  “I’m honestly worried about where her mother is. I get that she’s cold-hearted and really judgmental, but the woman just lost her husband of forty-two years. She literally isn’t informing anyone of his death, which could mean she isn’t willing to cope with the loss of him,” I said.

  “Kevin’s become a professional psychologist while we’ve been here,” Maddie said.

  “Is Tina at the house at least?” Brady asked.

  “Yeah. She hasn’t come out of her room since she fell asleep in the back of the cab, but she’s there,” I said. “I’m headed over there with my stuff now.”

  “Can I come with you?” Spencer asked.

  “I’m sure Maddie’s missed you,” I said.

  “No, no, no. It’s fine. Spencer’s been worried about her the whole flight,” Brit said.

  “I’ll wait for you here, sweetheart,” Maddie said, kissing his cheek.

  “Come on, Kevin. Let’s get back to her,” Spencer said.

  “Is there anything we can do from here?” Brady asked. “Any funeral arrangements you aren’t sure are being taken care of or anything?”

  “I honestly have no fucking idea. But, there is something you could do for me. You familiar with where Michael’s business is?” I asked.

  “Yeah. That massive ominous building on the outskirts of the city,” he said.

  “Could you go there and see if anyone will let you into Michael’s office? There are a few lawyers in the building I can’t get on their office phones, and I was hoping he’d have their personal numbers somewhere on his desk,” I said.

  “I can do that. Anything else?” he asked.

  “Brit, I’m gonna need you on standby with some of your tough love. Aft
er Tina gets through the funeral, she’s gonna turn her sights onto her father’s business to try and keep herself occupied. I’m gonna try to have all my pieces fitted into the holes they need to be in, but it’s still gonna take some rough language to convince her that my avenue’s the best,” I said.

  “And what’s your avenue?” she asked.

  “Her taking care of the books and renting spaces and taxes while one of the lawyers in the building helps run the legal side of things so she doesn’t have to move back into town to run her father’s business.”

  “Yep. That sounds like a good plan,” Brit said, nodding. “I’ll be on standby.”

  “Alright. Spencer, you ready to go?” I asked.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be. How do you feel about me trying to get her out of the house?” he asked.

  “Good luck,” I said, chuckling.

  We got to Tina’s childhood home and I realized her mother’s car still wasn’t there. I couldn’t help the worry that was bubbling in my stomach, but so long as no one else was panicking I tried not to as well. I walked Spencer up to Tina’s room and opened her door to let him in, and the moment she heard his voice she whipped her head around.

  “There’s my pretty girl,” Spencer said.

  “Hey there, Spence. When did you get in?” she asked.

  “A few hours ago,” he said as he went to go sit beside her. “Listen, I was thinking. How do you feel about going on a little walk?”

  “I’m not really feeling up to it. I’m pretty tired,” she said.

  “Have you eaten?” he asked.

  “I think so,” she said.

  “The mere fact that you have to think on it means you haven’t. So, let’s go take a walk around town. I’ll take you somewhere nice,” he said.

  “I’m not going anywhere, Spencer. I’m needed here,” she said.

  “For who?” he asked.

  I saw Tina wince and at the very second I wanted to step in. He was pushing her in a way I thought was unnecessary, but he held his hand up to me the moment I took a step forward.

  “Tina, look at me,” he said.

  I watched Tina slowly pan her gaze over to him, her red eyes taking in his stern face as his hand slowly lowered to her back.

  “I’m gonna take you for a walk and we’re gonna find a place to eat,” he said.

  “No,” Tina said.

  “Yes, we are. And do you wanna know why?” he asked.

  “No,” Tina said.

  “Tough, because I’m gonna tell you anyway. We’re gonna go on a walk and get a bite to eat because you’re alive, Tina. You’re alive to create memories and laugh. To live and to love.”

  “That’s not fair, Spence,” she said, sniffling. “That’s not fair and you know it.”

  “Tina, what isn’t fair is thinking for one second that your father would want you to be this way. What isn’t fair is taking the one thing he probably wishes he could still have and squandering it because you somehow think you’re paying homage to him and the life he chose to live.”

  “Shut up, Spencer,” Tina hissed.

  “I think that’s enough,” I said.

  “I’m not asking you not to grieve, and I’m not asking you to take the effort to clean yourself up. All I’m asking is for you to get out into the city your father loved and create memories in his honor. Create memories and find your love for a city that captivated him. That’s how you can pay homage to him. Not locking yourself away from it, but enjoying the offerings it afforded your father.”

  “Why?” Tina whispered.

  “Because your father would not want you to live your life the way you’re currently living it. He wouldn’t want you to spend your time in his favorite city sitting in your room crying. You’re his little girl, and you always will be. But, now it’s time to go out and breathe in a little bit of the air he stepped out to breathe whenever things got too tough. Just like they are right now.”

  “Spencer, I don’t know if I can-”

  “I’m only asking for an hour of your time. That’s it. Just one,” Spencer said.

  In that very moment, I realized why Spencer wanted to come. Spencer didn’t talk much about his family-- he had a very strained relationship with both his mother and his father-- but he did know what it felt like to lose a parent. Spencer had lost his mentor a few years back-- the man who not only taught him everything he knew about the publishing business, but also taught him some valuable life lessons. He buried that man just like anyone else would bury their own parental figure.

  Spencer was the only one who really understood the pain Tina was going through, and I hadn’t even stopped to consider that.

  “Okay,” Tina whispered.

  “Alright. Now, go splash some water in your face and get into some comfortable clothes. I’ll wait downstairs for you,” he said.

  “Alright,” she said, nodding.

  Spencer stood up from the bed and watched Tina slump into her bathroom before he turned towards me. I was absolutely stunned at the way he had coaxed Tina out of her funk and convinced her to go outside, and I nodded my thanks to him before I started for her father’s office.

  I had some phone calls I still needed to make, and the vibrating of my phone told me Brady had found the numbers I needed.

  Chapter 39

  Tina

  I had no idea where my mother was. It was the day before the funeral, I was stuck next to the phone fielding last-minute phone calls for funeral plans, and she was nowhere to be found. Bernie was now starting to worry-- which never happened in this household-- and every time I tried to step away from the phone it would ring again.

  “Can we unplug that damn thing!?” I asked.

  “Would you like me to take the calls, Miss Tina?” Bernie asked.

  “Yes. Just confirm whatever they’re saying on the other end. I’ve gotta go track down my mother,” I said.

  “Have you tried her cell phone?” Bernie asked as the phone rang.

  “I’m about to go try it now. That’s gonna be the caterer. Make sure there aren’t any peanuts in anything. Spencer has an allergy,” I said.

  “Anything else?” Bernie asked.

  “Two separate dozen long-stemmed white and yellows roses.”

  “Got it, Miss. Now, go find that mother of yours,” he said.

  “Do you have any idea where she might be?” Kevin asked.

  “There’s only one place she could he if she’s safe. My family has a cabin up north. We don’t use it much, it was mostly for my father to retreat if home became too much. You know, living with the constant fighting that was me and Mom.”

  “I can only imagine,” Kevin said. “You know where it is?”

  “By heart. But, it’s gonna take us a couple hours to get up there. You don’t have to go if-”

  “You’re not going alone. Come on, we can pick up food on the way there,” he said.

  My hands trembled in my lap as the city gave way to nature. The sun was blanketing everything in a painted hue of yellow. The trees were alive and breathing, soaking in the sun while breathing out the beauty of their existence. The busy strip malls gave way to rolling hills and pastures. It was a side of New York I rarely ever saw, and I soon remembered why I adored the few trips I had taken to the cabin.

  I saw a doe and her children standing on the side of the highway as we blazed by. The leaves were blowing in the crisp wind as Kevin fled down the highway, and I leaned my head against the window and sighed. The earth seemed so alive. The hills seemed to sing and the trees looked as if they were breathing. The animals were chattering with one another and birds were flying overhead in droves.

  This was my father’s favorite drive to make, and he always took the long way so we could relish it.

  I’d made this trip three times with my father when I was growing up, and each time was uniquely different. The first, however, will always be the fondest to me. My mom and I had gotten into a massive argument about a boy I was dating when I was fourteen. She w
anted me to come clean about having sex with him after she caught us kissing, and my father told me to pack my things. It was the only time I’d ever witnessed my father calling her a ‘terrible mother’, and I could remember the fiery look in her eye as if it had happened just yesterday.

  My mother was never really the same after that fight, I don’t think.

  It was fall and the air was cool. The leaves were changing and the highway was lined with the likes of reds and yellows and browns. The leaves crunched underneath the tires of the car as we rode up to the cabin, and we spent the entity of my spring break sitting by the fire, reading, and talking about the boy I was dating.

  I never did have the guts to ask him why he called mom a ‘terrible mother’, though.

  “You okay over there, Tina? Any turns I should be making?” Kevin asked.

  “Not for another twenty or so miles. Just stay on this highway.”

  It was an easy drive, but an easy drive meant I had time to think. Time to think about how the earth seemed to continue turning even though my world had come to a screeching halt. Time to think about the life the earth was breathing while my father was cooling in a morgue. Time to think about what the hell I was going to do with my father’s company.

  I’d have to train Maddie to keep running mine so I could move back home and take it over. At least for now.

  I kept directing Kevin towards the cabin and was instantly filled with relief when I saw my mother’s car in the driveway. For the massive home I grew up in, the log cabin really wasn’t that impressive. It was an average sized home-- three bedrooms and two baths with a half bath. We didn’t really upkeep the grass seeing as it sat back off the main road a couple miles, and the dense foliage kept the sun off the home for the most part. When you take into account what my parents could’ve afforded, it struck people as odd that my father would own something so secretive and quaint.