“You are so welcome. I needed another vacation. So, tell me about Molly,” I say, lying back down beside her. I listened to her tell me the horrible things Molly had said to her. Maybe talking her into coming here wasn’t the best idea.
“Knock knock, can I come in?” Brody asks, peeking in the door. “I thought I could take you two girls to lunch. Are you hungry?”
“I am starving. What about you Callie?” I ask.
“Sure, just give me a few minutes to shower,” she says, crawling out of the bed and heading to the bathroom. Brody comes into the room and sits down on the bed beside me.
“Is she leaving?” he asks.
“Yes, that was my plan. I have a room rented for at least a week, maybe a month. She is going to stay with me,” I say confused. I thought we had discussed this already.
“I mean is she going back to Florida?” he asks.
“Oh. no. I think I talked her out of it. What is Molly’s deal? If you can’t calm that girl down, Callie will not stay here,” I say hoping he understands.
“I know. I probably would have been on the first plane out of here if I was her. Thank you for coming. You two are really close, I guess,” he says.
“She is like a sister to me. Pretty much all the family I have left,” I say.
“What happened to you family?” he asks. I hate when people ask this. The only person that knows exactly what happened is Callie. I was so glad to finally find someone who understood what it was like to lose everything.
“My parents were killed in a car accident when I was fourteen,” I say really not wanting to relive it today.
“I’m sorry. I guess you and Callie do have a lot in common. Do you have any brothers or sisters?” he asks. This is the other thing I never talk about.
“I have a sister. We aren’t close anymore. She took care of me after my parents died. She was like a mother to me. She was amazing and I really thought she was my hero,” I say not wanting to talk about this and start crying. I really don’t want to come across as a big cry baby about this.
“What happened to her? You said was,” he says, looking over at me.
“It’s complicated. I don’t really like to talk about it. She’s not dead if that’s what you’re thinking. We just aren’t very close anymore,” I say hoping that will be enough to change the subject. “I saw her a month or so ago for the first time in six years. Like I said, we aren’t close anymore.”
“I am definitely starting to understand complicated and I can assure you I know all about complicated sisters. We actually went almost two years a few years back without seeing Molly. She would call every once in a while, but would refuse to see any of us, even my parents,” he says, shaking his head.
“Okay, I’m ready,” Callie says, coming back into the bedroom. “What’s going on in here?” she says, eyeing both of us on the bed.
“Oh you know, just talking about crazy sisters,” I say knowing she would never say anything about what she knows in front of anyone.
“I hope I’m not included in that,” she says smiling at Brody.
“I don’t know. You are not forgiven for sneaking around with my best friend behind my back yet,” Brody says teasing her.
“Sorry about that. I just didn’t want you all to get mad at him and blame him if I went running,” Callie says.
“You could have at least told me,” Brody says. “I’m really good at keeping secrets.”
“Ash told me you knew, so I don’t know why the two of you didn’t tell me you already knew, it probably would have made everything easier,” she says back to him. “I think Jaxon knows too.”
“I think everyone probably knows,” Brody says, standing up.
“Who is Jaxon?” I ask, trying to get back in this conversation. I already know who he is. I remember that picture very well.
“My brother,” Brody says, walking out of the room.
“He’s off limits too,” Callie says, following Brody out of the room. I don’t know why they are all off limits. I’m going to have to find something to do in this boring town, I don’t know why she gets a hot one and I don’t.
“Fine, you can at least get me food. I’m starving here,” I say, smiling back at her.
Brody
Leighton has been here two weeks already. I have no idea when she plans on going home. I just know I am not ready to see her go. I know Callie told her to stay away from me, but I’m not sure why she gets to decide that. I have spent just about every night with her, Callie and Ash and I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun. Ash called earlier to inform me he was getting a night with just Callie tonight and asked if I could keep Leighton company. I acted like I didn’t want to, but honestly I don’t remember the last time I was so excited and nervous about something. I decided not to call her and ask. I’m actually scared she would tell me to stay away because that’s what Callie wants. So instead, I’m just going to show up at her hotel so she can’t turn me down. I honestly don’t remember ever being turned down either. Maybe that’s why I can’t stop thinking about this girl. They say you always want what you can’t have.
I started out thinking she was just some dumb flirty blonde, but the more I’m around her; I’m realizing she is pretending to be. I’m not sure why, we don’t talk about personal stuff, but I would really like to know what’s going on in her little head.
So now here I am. Showing up at her hotel with take out like a stalker. I really hope she doesn’t slam the door in my face. I take a deep breath and knock on her door.
“I don’t need anything,” she says, opening the door, wearing very short shorts and a very thin tank top. Maybe I should have called.
“I was hoping you would have dinner with me,” I say, holding the bags up.
“Oh, okay. I wasn’t expecting company. Let me go put some clothes on really quick,” she says, looking down at what she’s wearing. Here goes nothing.
“That’s fine, but I don’t mind that outfit,” I say, watching her shocked expression turn into a smile.
“I think I’ll change, I’ll be right back. You can put the food on the table,” she says, before grabbing clothes and heading into the bathroom. How can a girl have so many clothes? They are literally on every surface in this room. Can we say high maintenance? Maybe my first assumption was correct. This girl is going to drive me crazy.
“Did Callie send you over here?” she asks, coming back into the room.
“No, actually Ash sent me over here. I’m not really sure why, but it didn’t take a lot of convincing,” I say.
“Thanks, but if you have something else to do, I’ll be fine. I know you have been with us every night for the last two weeks. You could probably use a break from me,” she says, looking down.
“I don’t mind your company,” I say, getting the food ready. She nods and smiles at me before sitting down.
“Tell me about Ash. Is he really good enough for her?” she asks, breaking the silence.
“He really is a great guy. He hasn’t had the easiest life. I am really actually very glad they have each other,” I say, handing her food to her. “What about you? Don’t you have some amazing guy waiting at home for you?” I ask hoping she says no.
“Once upon a time I did, but now I realize a happily ever after probably isn’t in the cards for me,” she says, looking very sad. I have often thought that myself. I hope we are both wrong, but it’s not looking that way.
We eat in complete silence for a few minutes. I really wish she would tell me more about herself. Every time I ask her, she completely shuts down and changes the subject. I have been a cop long enough to know this girl is definitely hiding something.
“What about you? No amazing lady that can’t get enough of you?” she asks, breaking the silence.
“No. No amazing lady. I have definitely had my share of crazy ones though,” I say, laughing. Maybe if I tell her about my crazy personal life, she will open up and tell me more about herself. “I actually had to change my
cell number and move to get one to leave me alone.”
“You are kidding,” she says, laughing out loud. I’m not sure I have ever heard her laugh before, but right now in this moment, I know I never want to hear her stop laughing.
“Nope, I’m not kidding. She was insane. I thought she was amazing at first, but then she opened her mouth and never closed it. She had to be the most annoying, clingy, smothering woman I have ever met,” I say hoping I am hiding the fact that I actually thought at one point I would spend the rest of my life with her. “Don’t tell anybody, but I actually had to get a restraining order to get her to leave me alone.”
“That is hilarious. A cop had to get a restraining order on a girl,” she says. “Why did you start dating her to start with? Let me guess, she was hot and you only started dating her for her body,” she says, smiling at me.
“That’s not true. She may have been a little on the good looking side, but she definitely went crazy,” I say. “She would call at least five times a day and I would see her driving by all the time. She definitely had way too much time on her hands.”
“That’s hilarious,” she says, laughing again. “What happened to her?”
“I have no idea. I got my tail out of town and never looked back. I just hope I never see her again. She was really scary,” I say, listening to her laugh again. I’m trying to think of something else really funny to say to make her laugh again when my phone starts ringing.
“Hello,” I answer not recognizing the number.
“Mr. Taylor, this is Lucas Smith from Smith Realty. I saw in some notes here at the office you were interested in a certain house that has just become available. If you are still interested, I can meet you anytime to look at it,” he says. I have wanted this house since I was a kid. I had almost forgotten about telling them to call me if that house becomes available. I actually put in for a transfer about six months ago, but never heard back from them. Maybe it’s time I buy my own place.
“I would love to look at it. Just let me know when would be a good time. I have to work tomorrow, but I should be back tomorrow night,” I say, looking at the confused expression on Leighton’s face. I wink back at her and I think I actually see her blush. I didn’t think anything could embarrass this one.
“Tomorrow night would be good or if you’re free right now, I can show it to you tonight. I’m not sure how long this one will be available,” he says. I know he’s right. Everyone in town has been waiting on this house to become available.
“I can meet you in about fifteen minutes,” I say still staring at Leighton. She is definitely not looking as excited about this now. Maybe she wants me to stay a while.
“Sounds great, I’ll see you then,” he says, before hanging up.
“Do you want to go somewhere with me?” I ask Leighton, watching both surprise and excitement across her face.
Leighton
I have officially been in town for a month. I am really dreading going back to Florida in a few days. The past two weeks have been insane. Brody bought a house and I have been busy helping him decorate and buy furniture. I have also spent a ton of time with Callie, trying to convince her to stay. I can’t believe she would even consider leaving Ash, but she seems to be confused about it all. I promised her I would come visit every chance I get, but I secretly want to move here. No one has suggested it, so I know it will never happen. I have spent a ton of time with Brody this month. Nothing has happened, except a ton of flirting, but I am realizing what an amazing man he really is. I am going to definitely miss not having him around.
Callie wanted to just hang out at Ash’s tonight, so that’s what we are doing now. We have all been talking and laughing and having a great time.
“I can’t believe it’s already midnight. We should probably head out,” Callie says pulling me out of my getting depressed state.
“Why don’t we all spend one last night here? We can watch one of your girl movies you brought over. You two can sleep in my bed and I’ll take the couch,” Brody says, looking at both of us. I definitely like this idea.
“A slumber party, that would be so much fun. I’ll go pick the movie,” I say, heading to the living room before Callie can say no. Brody follows me into the room.
“I’m not sure this slumber party was a very good idea,” he says, coming up behind me putting his hands on my waist. I actually think I stop breathing. This is the most contact we have had and I really don’t want him to move.
“Why is it a bad idea?” I ask quietly.
“I’m not sure how much sleep I will get thinking about you being right down the hallway,” he says, before letting me go and watching Ash and Callie walk into the room. Where did that come from?
I finally choose a movie and try to watch it. I can’t stop thinking about what Brody just said to me and every time I look his way, he is just staring at me. After what feels like forever, the movie finally ends. I say my goodnights and head to bed to wait on Callie to join me. After she finally falls asleep and what feels like another forever, I finally decide to take a chance and go into the living room. I don’t know what’s going on with Brody or if anything could ever happen with us, but I am so tired of being scared of ever letting anyone else in. I open the door quietly and walk down the hall. Brody is on the couch watching something on TV.
“Hey, what are you doing up?” he asks, sitting up on the couch.
“I couldn’t sleep,” I say, standing there looking like an idiot. I really should have come up with a plan first.
“Do you want to watch some TV?” he asks, patting the seat on the couch beside him.
“Sure,” I say walking over to him.
“There’s not much on at night,” he says, turning an old sitcom down. “So, you’re leaving in a couple of days.”
“Yeah, I am really going to miss having Callie around. You guys are really lucky to have her here,” I say, completely failing at trying not to cry.
“Hey, why are you crying?” he asks, putting his arm around me. I snuggle into him and pretend he actually wants me there and isn’t dreaming of someone else, like the crazy restraining order girl.
“I have had Callie with me for the past several years. She is practically the only family I have. I’m not sure I can make it without her around,” I say.
“She is pretty amazing. Didn’t you say you have a sister?” he asks. I guess we are going to have to have this conversation. I have never told anyone about my sister, only Callie. Something makes me want to tell Brody about her though.
“I do. I call her Manna,” I say. “I never could say her name when I was little. My parents died when I was fourteen. She was eighteen. She made sure they let me stay with her and she became my second mom. She was definitely my hero,” I say, taking a deep breath.
“What happened? Why do you not see her anymore?” he asks, rubbing my back.
“I dated this guy Josh forever. We started dating when I was fifteen and we stayed together until I went to college. We were going to two different colleges and I knew it wouldn’t work and we should probably break up. He said he loved me and we could get through anything….. I believed him. We talked almost every day after I left until Thanksgiving. I’ll never forget that last call. He said college wasn’t for him and he was going home. He stopped answering my calls after that. I figured I could see him when I went home for Christmas and we could get it all straightened out.”
“Did you see him?” Brody asks. I nod my head and try to make sure I’m not going to lose it before continuing.
“Yeah, I saw him. I didn’t have to look long. I found him at my house, married to my sister. Talk about getting a surprise. I left that day and had not seen my sister or him until a little over a month ago when my grandmother died and I had to be there.”
“Did you see him?” Brody asks, sitting up so he can see my face.
“I did. They are still married. I was actually shocked. He kept saying he needed to talk to me. I needed to know the truth. I didn’t
want to hear it though. So, like I said it’s complicated,” I say, leaning back on him. He just sits there quietly. I’m sure now he’s trying to figure out what’s wrong with me to make my boyfriend of four years suddenly decide to marry my sister. I try to figure it out every day.
“Well, I can assure you he’s the one who got the bad end of that deal. What kind of sister would do that? I’m sorry you had to go through that. I have two brothers and I can assure you it is a known thing that girls we are involved with or even like are definitely off limits to the rest of us,” he says, putting his arm back around me. “Definitely his loss,” he whispers in my ear. “So, you are really going home in a couple of days,” he says, quietly.
“I need to get back to school. It starts next week. I am so unprepared, but I am really glad I got to spend some of my summer here. It has definitely been very interesting,” I say realizing how much I truly am going to miss this place.
“You could get a job here and stay,” he says after a few minutes of silence.
“I’m pretty sure in a town this small that I can’t find a job by next week. In fact, I know I can’t. Callie has already tried. Lucky for her, she never has to work a day in her life if she doesn’t want to. I hope she doesn’t go too crazy being home all the time,” I say.
“Do you really think she’s staying?” he asks.
“I think so. There is no way she is leaving all of you guys. Do you really think tomorrow is going to go okay with Molly?” I ask.
“I hope so. We have all pretty much threatened Molly. She better listen. I’m glad Callie will have you there with her this time,” he says, rubbing my shoulder again. “You know what?” he suddenly asks. “I really don’t want to talk about Molly or Callie or anything else. I have a better idea,” he says, moving his hand up behind my neck so I will look up at him.
“What’s your idea?” I ask, hoping it’s the same one I have. You only live once, right?
Trusting You: The Switched Series book two Page 5
