Enforcer

by Ryleigh Rhodes

  I tensed, turning my head away from him. Panic seized my chest, putting my hands to his chest, I pushed. Pushing up onto his hands and knees he still hovered over me. He stayed there for a while. This was the second time my body betrayed me. Part of me wished I didn't react to Clay this way. The other part...

  "I'm going to take a shower." His tone wasn't angry, maybe a little disappointed, but not angry.

  I grabbed his hand before he moved away. Should I try to explain my hesitation?

  "Clay ... " I wanted to explain, at least apologize, but couldn't find the words.

  "Just breathe. I'm not mad, it's okay," he whispered, and continued on, "We're taking things slow. Don't worry about it." Clay smiled, kissed my hand, then slipped out of bed. I felt like a tease.

  Chapter Four

  Sarah and I stood near the back of the onlookers. Similar to every other military funeral we've attended, Sergeant Porter's was also closed casket. Light snow fell as the twenty-one gun salute rang out. The gravesite cleared quickly due to the late afternoon service and frigid weather.

  "Can we catch a ride to the wake with you?" Davis asked, as he approached with Thomas next to him. Davis stood at six-foot-five inches, and towered over Sarah's five-foot-four frame. Thomas wasn't far behind Davis at six-foot-four inches.

  "Yeah. The bar is a few blocks from the hotel. No need for cab fare later." They cautiously avoided the sticking snow, and made their way towards the rental car.

  "Did anyone happen to notice the hockey players?" Thomas asked. That would somehow come back to me, I knew it would.

  "Were there NHL players?" Sarah inquired giddily.

  "Yeah, at least four," Thomas replied. Sarah unlocked the car and we all settled in. Sarah started the car before speaking, "Speaking of hockey players. Kristen told me something's going on with you and Clay. So what's the deal?" I'd purposefully withheld that information from Wilson, call me selfish.

  Of course they'd try to gang up on me! "We've made out a few times." I shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. Maybe I liked living in denial, sue me.

  "Glad you're finally starting to date," Davis muttered, and fixed the GPS unit on the dash.

  "Did Clay have them come to check in on you?" Sarah asked, as she turned to check for traffic. In my mind, it wouldn't be the end of the world if he did.

  "Babe, I have no idea if Clay even knows them," I admitted. "Which one of you is taking my shots?"

  "You still don't drink liquor because of C.B.?" Thomas bluntly inquired.

  Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot. Just Breathe.

  "Thomas!" Davis and Sarah chastised in unison.

  "No, I don't ... Did anyone else notice Hodges? I can't believe he showed up." Please take the bait! Talk of C.B. or Sawyer would make this day even worse.

  "Don't take any drinks from him. He was accused of date rape," Thomas offered the information. Great now I had to stay vigilant over our drinks.

  "He does have the sleaze vibe," Sarah quickly agreed. "Back to the subject at hand, before Claire changed it."

  "OH MY GOD! ARE WE THERE, YET?" I exclaimed. I did not haul my twins and myself across the country to be everyone's entertainment. Sarcasm, insults, and basic shenanigans are the foundation of our friendship. I knew her ribbing was meant with love, still didn't mean I wasn't annoyed by it, but this is not the time.

  "Leave her alone, Wilson," Davis sternly commanded.

  ######

  I paced myself fairly well, six beers in six hours. Sadly, Sarah was cozy in a corner booth with one of the NHL players. Hodges had made several rounds offering shots. Staying by Davis was the safest bet, I decided. Thomas and Davis were several rounds into a friendly game of pool.

  "Maybe you should go check on Wilson," Thomas suggested as he measured the angle of a ball.

  "I've long learned my lesson about playing big sister. Last I checked she and Q were back together though." Leaning against Davis' shoulder, I sipped my beer. Davis wrapped his arm around my waist and smiled as someone snapped a picture with their phone.

  Sure Clay will love to see that on Facebook.

  "We should compare our scars sometime Adams," Davis prodded. We had to be approaching The Twilight Zone. Davis hitting on me. Gross.

  "Definitely not! You've seen more than most people considering you were there and all," I retorted, finishing my beer.

  "I was unconscious after it happened. I only saw bandages on you in the hospital," Davis replied.

  "Which, again, is more than most people. I think I will go check on Wilson," I responded, heading towards the corner booth. Sarah giggled obnoxiously as I approached.

  "Hate to break up the party, but I need to borrow Ms. Wilson for a moment," I said, with a coy smile and a wink.

  "Adams, this is Brady," Sarah introduced, as she scooted out of the booth.

  "Nice to meet you, Brady. We'll be back in a few." I linked arms with Sarah, as we headed towards the bathroom.

  "What's going on?" Sarah asked with a hint of worry. I waited until we were inside the restroom before answering.

  "Davis is wasted. Hodges is making rounds still," I said, closing the stall door behind me, quickly taking care of business.

  "Are they bothering you?" Sarah inquired as she checked her make up in the mirror.

  "Davis asked to compare scars. Hodges keeps stopping by trying to get me to take a shot with him." Opening the stall, I went to the sink. Washing my hands, while, Sarah grumbled and took her turn to pee.

  "Forget Davis. Sit in the back with me," Sarah offered, as she exited the bathroom stall and washed her hands.

  "You know I don't care what you do, but I'd prefer not to sit there and watch you suck face with ... what's his name. Q's my friend too," I grumbled. Sarah sighed, before linking arms with me and heading towards the bar.

  "Let's get another beer, before you completely kill my buzz. Looks like there's company in the corner booth now," Sarah mentioned before glancing back. Finding the bartender, she ordered two Guinness'.

  We all agreed to only drink Porter's favorites: Guinness, and shots of Jack Daniels. Which left me drinking Guinness all night. I'm not complaining, I like Guinness. Since what happened with C.B., I don't drink hard liquor anymore. I know. It's a little overkill, but before C.B. turned into a total asshole, he was special. For me, it's the best way to honor his memory.

  I looked over to the pool tables, finding Davis and Thomas still occupied. Sarah handed me a beer, and we headed for the booth. Brady stood allowing Sarah to sit.

  "Sarah, this is my agent, Craig. And teammate Colin," Brady politely introduced. God, he was laying it on thick, trying to impress her, little did he know she was a sure thing. Sarah plastered on a dazzling smile, gently shaking their hands.

  "This is my friend Claire," Sarah casually mentioned. Craig stood, allowing me access to the booth. I could feel Brady's eyes undressing me. What a perv.

  "Craig and I know each other actually." After a brief hug, I slid into the booth next to Colin. His face held several scars, but it didn't detract from his confidence. If I wasn't interested in Clay, I might be tempted to flirt. God, it's been so long since I've even flirted.

  "I thought you said her name was Adams? How does she know Craig?" Brady questioned Sarah. Craig stayed standing, looking ready to bolt.

  "My maiden name is Adams. Craig and I have mutual friends. Did Jack call you asking to check-in?" It wouldn't surprise me, he'd want an un-official update on Kristen.

  Craig had a peculiar, uncomfortable look across his face. It was obvious he did not like being a babysitter. I couldn't blame him, I wouldn't want to babysit professional athletes either. I'm sure it is just as bad as babysitting Marines. At least Marines provided entertainment value.

  "He did. I've got an early meeting tomorrow. You're in capable hands here. Please tell Kristen I said 'hello', and goodnight," Craig said. I nodded in agreement, then sipped my drink as Craig swiftly left the bar.

  Sarah laughed. "Since he left so quickly I wonder if
Clay called him, and not Jack," she jested. I shrugged, drinking more beer.

  "It doesn't really matter," I said, before snacking on a pretzel. Jack's wife and kid, his whole heart basically, made the trip with me, it makes sense that he wanted someone to check in on them. Sarah started pushing Brady. A look of disbelief crossed his face before she knocked him out of the booth.

  "Thomas is about to beat Hodges," Sarah warned, finally making it past Brady. She took off at a run towards the pool tables. Shit. Shit. Shit! I closely followed, stopping in front of Davis.

  Brady and Colin managed to catch up. Hodges could use an attitude adjustment in the form of a beating, but the police station is the last place I wanted to visit. I wouldn't miss the bail money, if I had to bail someone out, but that process is long and tedious, usually with crap coffee.

  Someone might wonder why a doctor like me knows something about bailing people out of jail. Shit happens. And, well, it was Pohl's fault. I'll leave it at that.

  I planted myself as a barrier between Davis and Hodges. Sarah, and a bohemian looking woman, talked Thomas down. Thomas eventually calmed down, wrapping his arm around the bohemian goddess.

  "The hotel has a bar ... let's go there," I offer, hoping the group would accept. Hodges wanted to cause trouble, which wasn't anything new. But, I'm getting too old for this shit.

  "Let's go, Bitches!" Sarah agreed. Walking to the hotel, I hoped, would help everyone realize it was time to call it a night. I had my doubts though.

  ######

  Two hours and several drinks later the hotel bar was closing. Thomas had already departed with his goddess some time ago. Sarah and Brady were getting more acquainted by the minute. I knew Sarah's panties would be dropping later. Poor Q.

  "When is your flight, Adams?" Sarah asked, as she finished her drink. She should have been cut off a while ago. She'd blame her poor decisions on the alcohol like always.

  "Four hours, but I have to get the twins ready and get everything packed up," I said, as Davis stumbled back from the bathroom.

  "I told Davis he could crash in my room. We should probably go up since the bar is closing." Sarah latched onto Brady, and headed towards the elevators, leaving me and Colin to escort Davis upstairs.

  I barely managed to keep Davis from face planting on the floor. He seemed more interested in Sarah. Well, Sarah and Brady making out. This had to be the longest, most embarrassing elevator ride ever.

  The doors finally dinged open. Sarah and Brady swiftly exited and headed towards the room. Colin tries to help me maneuver a drunken, belligerent Davis down the hall.

  "Colin, grab the door," I said. Colin managed to grab it just before it closed. At least I wouldn't have to drag Davis through the kids adjoining room. I was able to get Davis through the door, before he stumbled, collapsing on the bed.

  Walking to the table, I sat in the chair with my back to the wall. Unless, I trust everyone in a room, putting a wall to my back is a habit. Colin sat on the couch, watching me. I fought the urge to squirm under his scrutiny.

  "If you want to head out and get ready for your flight, I don't mind staying here. I won't let anything happen to your friend," Colin offered.

  "Sarah can handle herself. I'm staying in case Davis wakes up confused. The last thing I need is to come back here as a witness in a court case." So much for a shower before the flight. Colin clearly wasn't leaving his teammate, and I refused to leave until Sarah's romp was finished. All I wanted to do was call Clay. Where the hell did that come from? Clay didn't want to hear about my shitty day.

  "You think a drunk guy can kick my ass?" Colin laughed.

  I stifled a chuckle, and grinned. He had no idea. Absolutely, no idea. Davis still struggled with PTSD. With demons of that sort, a simple nightmare can have you up and swinging. Lord knows I popped Sawyer a few times by accident before I got a handle on it. "I've known Davis for quite a while. Served in Iraq with him. I know what he's capable of, and yes, he could, and would, kick your ass. That's why I'm staying, at least until your buddy gets his rocks off, and both of you leave."

  Kristen tapped on the adjoining door, and I open it. Kristen smiled at Colin, then her face turned into a frown as she noticed Davis passed out on the bed. All I can say is, shit happens. He's lucky he made it to the bed at all, because I would have left him on the floor otherwise.

  "Hi, Colin, how are you?" Kristen cheerily asked, with her smile back in place. Craig treats his clients like family. I just didn't realize how busy Craig really is.

  "Pretty good. Waiting on Brady. How's Jack and Matt?" Colin inquired

  "Good. Matt's asleep next door, with Claire's twins. Where is Brady exactly?"

  I cleared my throat. "He's in the bathroom, screwing Sarah," I admitted, knowing it would not go over well.

  "What the hell! What about Q?" Kristen angrily questioned. I shrugged.

  "Honestly, it's not the first time this has happened. I try to stay out of it. If he asks me, Sarah knows I won't lie for her," I answered. It was tempting to belt out Blame it on the Alcohol by Jamie Foxx ad T-Pain. Kristen rarely appreciated my humor.

  "Whatever. I've got everything under control over there." I could tell by the scowl on her face, she wasn't going to forget it.

  "I'll come over when I'm done babysitting. I'd like to shower before we leave, but that might not happen," I babbled.

  "He has twenty minutes before I knock on the door and drag his ass out of here. We have practice tomorrow. Practice is more important than pussy," Colin declared. Kristen nodded, quickly returning to the kids, shutting the door behind her. Colin mumbled an apology.

  "No worries. It would take a lot more than saying 'pussy' to offend me," I assure him. "Does Brady do this often?" He nodded. "So does she, but not as often as she use to."

  "I'm curious, feel free not to answer, but, you have Craig and Jack, checking on you. Who's your husband Claire?" he asked. It was almost refreshing. Most people avoided the subject, I had to give him credit for directness.

  "He was killed in action, Afghanistan. I was thirty-six weeks pregnant. Kristen and I met when we were both pregnant. She was there when I was notified of his death. We've been friends ever since." I offered a weak smile. The pain wasn't as sharp as it use to be, but sometimes it could sneak up on me. It did remind me that I have a great support system.

  "I'm sorry. I've known Jack and Clay for a while. They're good people. If you're ever ready to take off that ring, give me a call," Colin confessed. I looked over at him, surprised.

  What the hell? Three guys had come onto me in the last month. Was there an invisible sign on my forehead saying 'hit on me'? I'm nothing special, granted I keep up appearances. I worked out a lot to stay in shape, mostly because my body hurts less, which is a lesson I learned the hard way from physical therapy.

  I'm loaded with physical and emotional scars, and a single mother of twins. Sadly, I could open my own luggage store, I have so much baggage. Clay knew about some of it, but not all of it.

  "There is someone. It's new. Even if it doesn't work out, I have no desire to live on the east coast, too crowded for me. I am flattered, though," I commented, completely flattered, but not interested.

  Brady walked out of the bathroom half dressed. He had a nice body, but couldn't hold a candle to Clay. And Brady was dumber than a box of rocks, bringing him down on the hotness scale, or maybe he was too drunk to hold an intelligent conversation. Big if on the maybe. I heard the shower start before the bathroom door closed behind Brady.

  Colin turned to me, and said, "Pleasure meeting you, Claire. Sorry we had to meet under such circumstances. Have a safe trip home." Leaning down, he kissed my cheek. Colin exuded a sexy confidence, but I felt nothing towards him, no spark or chemistry.

  "Nice meeting you too. If you ever need an oncologist, Craig knows how to get in touch with me," I said, watching the two of them leave.

  Deciding to avoid Sarah, I slipped into the adjoined room to shower and pack for the flight.

&n
bsp; Chapter Five

  I managed to unpack three suitcases and start laundry before the first wave of sickness hit. At least I didn't get sick on the plane, or in the car on the way home. My head and stomach hurt, and I couldn't stop shivering. I was curled up in bed, wanting to die.

  I heard a knock, and Clay entered before I could say "come in." Placing his bag on the floor, he sat next to me on the bed, brushing the hair off my face.

  "You okay?" Clay anxiously questioned. I knew I look bad. This wasn't the first time Clay had witnessed me being under the weather. But, it was the first time I felt like death warmed over in front of him.

  "No," I groaned. "I have a stomach bug. I know Kristen thinks I'm hung-over, but I had a fever earlier." My voice was weak. I pushed the covers aside. Clay brushed his hand across my flushed cheek.