Surrendering

by Ahren Sanders

  Dinner was excellent. Each table had equally animated conversations and I was trying hard to keep up. David told stories of his children growing up. They interrupted many times to object to any wrong-doings being mentioned. I looked at Robbie several times throughout the stories and he smiled back at me every time. We silently agreed; this was a great idea.

  When dessert was being served, Will took the opportunity to talk to me directly about this weekend.

  “RJ, I need to know your schedule for the next few days as soon as possible. I also need to know what classes you have on Monday and where they’re located. I’ll be shadowing your every move but I’ll be unnoticeable. I would prefer it if you laid low. I don’t want to have to fight any crowds. Everyone you hang out with will have to be checked out.”

  The mood in the room suddenly changes and shifts to silence as everyone looks at anyone but me.

  “Will, you can’t be serious. Declan’s band is playing tomorrow night and it’s a special show. I promised I’d be at the bar. I’d like to go shopping at some point and my birthday is Saturday!”

  The room continues to stay quiet, but he doesn’t care. To him, I’m protection detail. “Sorry, Raven, no club tomorrow night, too much exposure. I’m sure Finn and Robbie will back me up on this. I can’t keep you one-hundred percent safe in a large crowd like that. As for shopping, we can’t go to a big mall, but I’d be willing to go to a few smaller shops where we can blend in.”

  At the word ‘we’, Declan stills beside me. He doesn’t like the term being used on anyone but him as a ‘we’.

  Declan takes our plates and motions to Will with a nod of his head. “Let’s go to the kitchen and talk about this.”

  Will gets up and looks around at all the stunned faces because no one has muttered a word. He has no idea how jealous Declan is. David clears his throat to break the ice. “Robbie, son, never been a fan of anything but baked turkey, but you have changed me forever.”

  “So glad you enjoyed it.”

  Just like that, the room lights up again and things return to normal. David gathers some plates and heads to the kitchen. “Raven, we have a small tradition in our house. Let me bring out a variety of desserts and everyone can have their choice. Since you are the host, you get the first pick.”

  I smile at David. “You sure are a charmer, but I’ll give you a hint, I LOVE chocolate.”

  “So noted.” He walks to the kitchen.

  A few minutes later, all the guys walk out. They have a huge grin on their faces.

  “Looks like you are going to the bar tomorrow night, RJ. As for shopping, we’ll see.” Will tells me.

  David brings me the most beautiful piece of chocolate pie I’ve ever seen. It’s layered with whipped cream and hazelnuts. The topping has marshmallows, graham crackers crumbs, and melted chocolate sauce. I sigh at the sight and savor every bite. I have my fork midway to my mouth when Declan stops my hand.

  “You have to stop eating like that.” He says in my ear.

  “Like what?”

  “The way you’re devouring that pie is a huge turn-on. The way you’re licking your fork, the sucking, the groaning, it reminds me of something else.”

  My cheeks grow warm and I look around to make sure no one heard him. Everyone is still wrapped up in their own discussions. I look back at Declan and think about what he said. I wink at him and he smiles back.

  After the kitchen is cleaned, David announces his plans to go back home. He doesn’t want to be anywhere near Nashville on Black Friday. I really can’t blame him. He says his goodbyes to everyone. Before he leaves, he embraces me in a big hug and whispers in my ear, “Now I see what all the fuss is about. You really are a spectacular young woman. You take care of yourself. I’ll see you again soon.”

  I hug him back tightly. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  When Declan comes back in from walking his dad out, the guys decide to play poker. I sit at the table with the girls to gossip. We toast to a successful dinner and catch up on all that has been going on. Ella’s overloaded schedule at school has allowed her to get into the Nursing program next semester. She is beyond excited.

  Abbi is thinking about doing an externship next semester at a museum downtown. At first she wasn’t sure she could handle a full school load, volunteering, and an externship, but her teachers agreed that the time in the museum would count towards extra credit. She has a week to decide, but is pretty sure she will take the opportunity.

  I don’t have too much to share since all my time is spent with Declan and school, but I tell them about traveling with Sayge over the next few weeks. The girls decide they are going to Atlanta with us.

  “Oh my gosh, Rave, I almost forgot. What do you want to do for your birthday Saturday night?” Abbi asks loudly. I learned from Declan that she loves birthdays.

  “Well, I’m not sure. We haven’t really talked about it.” I look back to the groups of guys who are concentrating on the game. “Declan, do we have plans on Saturday night?”

  He doesn’t even look at me when he answers, “No, babe, Sayge’s got a show. I figured you would go out to dinner with Robbie and your friends and meet me there.”

  Well, that’s disappointing. He didn’t mention having to play both nights. I look at Robbie expectantly and he’s gone pale. He looks at Declan like he’s going to hit him.

  “Seriously? You don’t have plans for my baby sister on her birthday? I’ve already got plans, you asshole, and I can’t break them. Not to mention my parents aren’t here either. I thought her fucking pussy whipped boyfriend would have planned something!”

  I hear the gasp behind me from the girls and the room gets extremely intense. Then Will decides to throw in his two cents.

  “I agreed to one night at the fucking bar, not two. No way am I putting up with that.”

  Declan glares at Will. He turns to me and I see the regret in his face.

  “Raven, I’m sorry. I expected you to meet me at the bar before all this happened. I’ll call TJ at The Steamroom tomorrow and see if we can cancel, or at least cut the show short.”

  Finn starts howling from the floor. He lays back and I see his chest rise and fall with laughter. “Are you fucking kidding me? For the two motherfuckers that love her the most, you both left her hanging on her birthday?” He points to Robbie and Declan. “No need to worry. Tripp, Will, and I will take her out to celebrate. We can find somewhere low-key and get her liquored up. She’ll be taken care of.” Declan tenses up and I feel the need to break in.

  “Hey, guys, it’s okay. I’ll call all the girls. Maybe we can plan an impromptu NNN. It’s been weeks since we all talked and Abbi and Ella can join in if they want. Dec, please don’t mess up your show for this. We can celebrate on Sunday.”

  All eyes are on me. Will’s eyes glimmer and a huge smile breaks out across his face.

  “That’s what I’m talking about! Finally, I get in on Naughty Nightie Night! I knew this job wouldn’t suck.”

  Oops, I hadn’t thought of that. The whole living room erupts in protest.

  “Not fucking fair! I have been waiting for years.”- Jimi

  “You’re a lucky son of a bitch.”- Robbie

  “I’m coming in as your backup.”- Gabe

  “Me too and I’ll even strap that night.”- Finn

  “No fucking way that is going to happen!” Declan practically roars. The whole room goes silent except for Ella giggling behind me.

  “What if I do this? I reserve the backroom for only us and Raven’s friends. You already know all of them and I’ll tell the guys in the band that for one night, no outsiders. The room will be stocked. The only reason she would have to leave would be if she had to use the bathroom. You can watch out for her and she can celebrate with everyone as normal. Will that work for you, Will?”

  I know he’s upset, but no need to be rude. “Timeout! It’s not a big deal! I’ll be happy right here, Declan. Just come back here when you’re finished. Don’t make any special ar
rangements.”

  Will ignores and me and answers Declan directly, “Yeah, that’ll work. Just make sure no unknowns get into the room.”

  Declan assures him it’ll be safe and they resume their game. I turn to see the girls smiling like this isn’t the most awkward situation ever.

  “Are you fucking kidding me? No way. Jimi, you’re a cheat! I want a repeat.” Gabe tosses his hands in the air calling bluff on Jimi. “There’s a highly improbable chance you have a hit up that hand.”

  “Sorry, man, the cards love me tonight. Looks like you can go sit with the girls and watch the big boys play.” Jimi smiles and fist pumps Robbie.

  Gabe gets a sly grin on his face. “Oh yeah, I’ll go sit with the girls. Hey, ladies, why don’t we go watch a movie and snuggle.” He shimmies over to us seductively.

  I play along. I wink at the girls and add, “That sounds fun, but we need to go to my room because the TV in here is stuck on sports. I think we’ll all fit on my bed.” I jump up a little too enthusiastically and turn to see Declan glaring at me and Jimi turning several shades of red. Yep, Gabe got to them.

  We all get up to go, but Declan calls over the couch, “You know you’re talking about my sisters and my girl right? I know there are at least two firearms in this house right now that I can get to if you even try to make a move.”

  “The way I see it, big guy, you should probably try to lose so I don’t have too much alone time with them. I can be quite persuasive.” Gabe throws back jokingly.

  I laugh and break in, “Gabe, pick a movie and we’ll set up a pallet on the floor. Will, I’ll get you some pillows and a blanket as well. The couch is comfortable.”

  “Thanks, Baby Girl.”

  We all retreat and I get ready for bed. I finish in the bathroom and go into my room; Declan is sitting on my bed waiting for me.

  “Did you get knocked out?”

  “No, Gabe’s playing this hand for me. I needed to talk to you. I’m so sorry about the weekend. I swear I’ll make it up to you next weekend in Atlanta. Maybe I can get us a room at the Ritz Carlton.”

  “Declan, stop it. No one knew this was going to happen and I bet my dad is just being over-the-top. You’re not getting us a room at the Ritz because I want to stay with the whole crew and your sisters are coming. I like the plan for Saturday night and I only have one regret about the whole thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  I crawl over my bed to him and straddle his lap. “Since Will has to hang the whole weekend, we won’t have a lot of privacy Saturday after the show. I had hoped we could go back to your place and spend the entire Sunday alone and in bed.”

  “Sparkle, you can’t talk to me like that when I have to go back into the living room with those guys. The images in my mind are X-rated. And I can promise you, we’ll get that chance soon. We can drag out your birthday until I feel you have fully been given everything you want.”

  “Umm, I like that idea. This weekend with you and the band. Next weekend, Atlanta. Then the following weekend, we can conclude the celebration.”

  He leans down and kisses me deep. I roll over pulling him on top of me. I want him to come to bed and let Gabe finish his game. Before I can say anything, my door flies open.

  “Are you kidding me? That’s twice in one day. Can’t you two refrain for a couple of hours?” Abbi interrupts us.

  “Abbi, the door was closed. You could have knocked. But to answer your question, yes, we have refrained for the last several hours.” I laugh at her as Declan moves off me.

  The bulge in his pants is obvious and I give him a look to let him know. He curses under his breath and goes to my bathroom.

  “You invited us for a movie so we came. How did I know my brother was in here? Last I knew, he was playing poker. So here we are. Where’s Gabe?”

  “Gabe’s sitting in for Declan for a sec. He wanted to come back here and apologize about Saturday night. The rest was just my good fortune.”

  They crawl up on my bed and Declan walks out of the bathroom.

  “Babe, obviously we’re staying here tonight. I’ll be back later.” He kisses my cheek.

  “I hope you win.”

  “Knowing you are fifteen feet away in bed gives me incentive either way.”

  A few minutes later, Gabe comes in and starts The Hangover. We can hear the constant cheers and groans coming from the living room, but I still fall asleep in the middle of the movie.

  Chapter 30

  Birthday Weekend

  I’m actually pretty impressed with myself. I’m ready to go with five minutes to spare even though our shopping had taken longer than planned. Abbi decided we needed new outfits for the show tonight since we’d probably see a lot of people home for the holidays; she wants to look ‘hot’. I have the impression she wants to impress a certain someone, but she doesn’t want anyone to know.

  Will was a good sport with all the shopping at first, but by the fourth store, he demanded we ‘find our shit’ and head back. Lucky for him, I had already found the perfect top and Abbi had found the shoes she was searching for.

  We stopped for a late lunch/early dinner and then headed home to get ready for The Steamroom.

  Declan had left around noon to go home and head to the bar early. They were expecting full capacity tonight and he wanted to make sure we had a reserved table and backdoor access to the band room. He wanted us there by 7:45 to avoid the crowds. I heard him tell Will that he was going to ask Mark to watch our table as well.

  Since there was a good chance I’d be meeting some of the Collins’ old friends and my birthday hit at midnight, I wanted to dress up. I choose a pair of black skinny jeans with my knee-high boots and an emerald green wrap around with three-quarters length sleeves. The shirt is the exact color of Declan’s eyes; it cuts low, but has a hidden snap right above the breast line to keep it closed. My hair is falling in long loose curls down my back. I spray on my Marc Jacobs oh Lola and head to meet the group.

  “Whoa Nelly! You look HAWT!” Ella screams when I get to the kitchen. She’s pouring us each a drink.

  “You too! I love that dress!” She’s wearing a navy blue jersey knit dress with nude peek toe pumps.

  Abbi walks in and I whistle. “Smokin’ hot. You look incredible. Jimi’s going to go crazy.” She’s in a black dress with red strappy heels. Her hair is pulled back with a few loose strands framing her face.

  “You really think so? Wait, why do you think I dressed up for Jimi?”

  “Oh come on, Abbi. You two aren’t fooling anyone. It’s obvious that you two are dancing around each other. He looks at you the same way you look at him. I think this is a good thing.”

  “You really think so? We’ve been talking a lot lately and he doesn’t seem the playboy I thought he was.”

  “It only takes one girl, sis. Look at Declan with Raven. He did a complete one-eighty when he met her and I’m pretty sure she’ll be our sister one day.” Ella adds.

  “That’s true. I guess I’m going to see if Jimi’s ready to step up, or if he still wants to keep playing games.”

  I totally ignore the ‘sister’ comment from Ella. “Abbi, you’re gorgeous, smart, fun, and an incredible friend. Jimi has taken notice and I think the games end tonight.”

  We raise our glasses in cheers as Will enters.

  “Well, hello ladies, aren’t you all visions of beauty? I’m one lucky bastard.” He looks at us all but winks toward Ella.

  Ella turns pink at his compliment. Yep, I need to conduct some matchmaking among my friends tonight. Jimi and Will need a little push in the right direction.

  I offer Will a Cosmo, but he declines since he’s working, which is great because he can be our designated driver.

  All our phones ding at once with text notifications.

  Declan: I’m sending this message to all of you- someone call me back ASAP!!!!

  Abbi decides to call him back and she puts him on speaker when he answers.

  “Where are you?” He ba
rks into the phone.

  “What the hell, Dec? We’re at the house having a martini. By the way, you’re on speakerphone.”

  “Thank fuck I caught you. We have a huge problem. Blake’s a fucking moron and messed up his guitar. It’s a long story, but I need one of y’all to go into my house and get my extra one. Abbi, you know which one it is in my office. I can’t leave and you three have a key to my place. Then I need you to get here soon because he still needs to warm up.”

  “K, we’ll finish here and be there soon.”

  “Throw ‘em back and get moving. I’ll buy you a fucking round once you get here.” He hangs up.

  “Okay, ladies, you heard the man; suck ‘em down and let’s go.”

  We grab our bags, set the alarm, and head out. I purposely put Ella in the front seat and tell her to give the directions to Declan’s house to Will. When we pull up, Abbi jumps out to get the guitar and I make an excuse about having to go to the bathroom. I want to leave them alone for a few minutes.

  When we get to the front door, Abbi fumbles with the door for several minutes. I step in and take her keys. “Jesus, Abbi, did one Cosmo get you drunk?”

  I turn the lock and push the door open a little too forcefully because it slams back into the wall. Abbi starts giggling behind me, “Let’s not tell Declan I put a dent in his wall.”

  “Okay, RJ, but I have a feeling he’ll figure it out.” When I find the light switch and flip it up, the whole room erupts.

  “SURPRISE!”

  I’m in complete shock. A few flashes go off around me. The room is filled with all my friends. I hold onto the doorframe to steady myself. Kendall, Charlie, and Harper get to me first, engulfing me in a group hug. I’m quickly led into the room where I’m greeted with a bear hug from Robbie and kisses on the cheek from all the other guys. I finally find my voice when I see Declan across the room. He’s leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest and smiling at me.