Anthony cordially speaks to her, asks how she’s doing. She smiles sadly and nods. She comes over to me and gives me a hug. We step back, and I move a loose lock of hair out of her face. I haven’t seen Lauren in a while. She has no bruises on her face this time. Really, that means nothing. I’m sure she has welts on parts I can’t see, thanks to her sorry ass husband. I hate Nick. That’s a bad way to feel about anyone, but he doesn’t leave me much of a choice.
“Three tickets to wherever you want to go,” I whisper to her. “Just say the word.”
“Lauren, come out here,” Nick remarks from the entrance.
Just the sound of his voice makes her jump. Instantly, the kids are up and out in the hallway with their dad. Lauren isn’t far behind. Nick turns to leave, but Anthony calls to him.
“How have you been?” he asks Nick.
“Don’t say nothing to me, man. Don’t say nothing.”
“You still hanging onto that old crap, huh?”
“Yeah, because I know how you are. You haven’t and will never change.” Nick approaches Anthony and puts his index finger right into his chest. “You keep your distance from me and my family. You got it?”
“Yeah,” Anthony answers.
“Nowhere near my wife or my children.”
“I heard you, man. I heard you.”
Nick walks out, taking long strides almost like he’s running. That man can hold grudges for years, and that’s what he’s doing now. Anthony went out with Lauren one time, a long, long time ago. As a matter of fact, Lauren knew Anthony before she met Nick, and Anthony introduced the two to each other eleven or twelve years ago. Lauren fell in love with Nick, loved him since the moment she laid eyes on him, but Nick, dumbass, swears up and down to this day that Anthony wants her and she wants him and they’ve slept together. I say, in my humble opinion, that Nick is crazy and delusional. For as long as I’ve known Lauren, she has never betrayed Nick. NEVER. She loves him to the atom of her core. Nick has a ridiculous mindset, and I don’t know why Lauren tries so hard to please him. If I could get her out of that marriage, I would, but all I can do is pray that Nick doesn’t end up killing Lauren one day.
Anthony huffs out his frustration and turns to look at his mother’s urn. I go to the entrance and wait as he gives her due respect.
I can hear Nick and Lauren whisper arguing in the lobby. He better not hit her, not while we’re in the same building, or I’m going to jump Nick’s ass. All of us are going to be arrested when I get finished.
“I’m ready,” Anthony suddenly says as he walks by me.
When he reaches the lobby, he keeps going right out the door. Nick and Lauren don’t even look in his direction.
I go to Lauren and give her a hug. It’s not very often I see her. Nick has her nailed down, controlled, and in fear of her life. Every night when I speak to her, I try to tell her that she’s strong and that she can survive without him. She doesn’t believe me. But one day-and I can’t wait-I believe she will see how true my statement is and she will leave his ass. I’ll be there to get her out of that house and marriage, come hell, high water, and/or death.
I give Nick the once over, wishing he’d just drop dead, and I walk out.
Back in the car, Anthony has a smile on his face. It isn’t a happy one. I can feel the anger emitting off of him like heat from the sun. I don’t say a word, but I know where to take him to help him cool off.
Chapter Four
We stop at Anthony’s favorite barbeque spot, and we grab a table near the window with a view of Abercorn Street. Anthony is still steaming over his unsuccessful outreach to his brother. Whether he knows it or not, I think he’s better off without him.
“Food hasn’t changed much in the last eleven years,” I remark. “Dry rub pretty damn good.”
Anthony looks up at me and laughs. I think that’s all he can do at this point.
“What’s going on with you?” I ask, resting my chin in my hand.
“My brother. He’s crazy. He’s always thinking that Lauren sleeps with every guy she meets. Well, not every guy, but he really believes I’ve slept with her. She has never been attracted to me like that, and the same goes for me.” He shrugs in utter confusion. “I don’t get it.”
“You do get it. You just said it. Nick is crazy.”
“Gia, we’re brothers. He shouldn’t even think that about me.”
“Have you tried to convince him otherwise?”
“Yeah, I’ve tried. You know what, I think something else is going on with him, and he ain’t trying to tell me. He’s hiding something.”
“What is it that he could be hiding?”
“I don’t know,” Anthony says.
“Anthony, I personally think there’s nothing going on with your brother. He sees you as a good looking man, who can get any woman you want, and he’s probably afraid that you’ll take his wife away from him. If I was Lauren, and thank God I am not, I would leave him for you in a hot split second.”
“For real?”
“Yeah, I’m for real. And to be honest, those eleven or twelve years ago when she had to choose between you and Nick, I would have picked you ten times out of ten, every day of the week.”
“I’d disappoint you, Gia.”
“You could never disappointment me, Anthony. By the way, what is it about him that drew her?”
“Gia, you don’t remember?”
“No, I wasn’t there to witness those two fall in love. I only heard little tidbits from Lauren.”
“I had a lot of girlfriends, and she didn’t want to be another one.”
“If you were my man back then, I wouldn’t have been another one, either.”
“You would have been the only one,” he adds with a cute smile.
I point at him to confirm his answer.
“Nick was a great guy to her in those days,” Anthony explains. “She didn’t need me breaking her heart all the time.”
“Well, his sorry ass ain’t so great now. He puts his hands on her. His kids are afraid of him. She would have been better off with you.”
“I guess. I don’t know.”
“I hate to admit this. And I know it’s contrary from what I’ve been saying, but I’m glad you two aren’t a couple.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’d probably still be with her, and you wouldn’t be here with me right now.”
“Yes, I would. Without a doubt, I would, and we’d be the same old friends.”
The same old friends? He’s not catching my meaning, but that’s okay. I won’t push this conversation further into something that might turn into instant heartbreak. I have to take my time with Anthony, feel him out, and see where his mind is at. Just blatantly professing my feelings might backfire in my face.
“So, are you going to stay away from Nick and his family, or are you going to try and make a connection again?”
“He doesn’t want me around. I’m staying away.”
“Probably a good idea,” I respond.
Our orders are taken and arrives at our table after a short wait. We mix our conversation with the best tasting ribs, fries, and beer in Savannah, Georgia. We go on to talk about what he’s done with his life so far in Austin, what I’ve done with mine, and any new rumors around Rincon and Savannah. I keep my secrets close. He tells all, or it seems like it, and I tell him what rumors I can remember, which isn’t much. Honestly, I’ve kept out of the public eye and away from extended family members on purpose.
After lunch, we set off for Skidaway Island. Anthony doesn’t know that I live there. He’s going to be shocked when he sees where we end up. He’s going to wonder and ask how I got a house in one of the most expensive neighborhoods within fifty miles of Savannah, Georgia. I already have in mind what I’m going to tell him, and it won’t be the truth.
Chapter Five
The moment I stop at the gate that leads to Tudor Estates, Anthony is looking at me with complete confusion. I know what he’s thinki
ng. We must be in the wrong place, or we’re going to see someone both of us know.
“I live here,” I reveal.
“You live in Tudor Estates, Gia? For real?”
“For real.”
I make the first right onto Privilege Place and turn into my circular driveway on the left. My house is a one story Tudor home, setting on top of a small rise. According to my real estate agent-her exact words-the front yard has lush St. Augustine grass with fairy-tale themed flowerbed landscaping that follows the upper curve edges around the lawn. There’s a weeping cherry tree in the center that blocks the view to the front door from the street and two golden chair trees at each end of the driveway. Honestly, I didn’t care if the house looked like shit with mud in the front yard. I just wanted it because it was in an exclusive, gated neighborhood and miles away from snooping cousins, aunts, and uncles. Anthony is in awe of it. I think the house is cute and sort of fits me.
“What have you been doing to get a place like this?”
“I have a successful business,” I reply.
“What kind?”
Ignoring his question, I press the button on my key ring fob to open the back lift door. I’m finding it difficult to outright lie to Anthony, even though I have it planned out what I’m going to say to him when he asks questions like that.
“Let’s get your stuff inside,” I remark.
He forgets the question, which is the purpose of me telling him to get his luggage. I grab his overnight satchel, and he grabs the heavier two pieces.
As we’re going to the front door, I hear someone saying excuse me in a high pitched voice. Both of us turn to see a woman in a very pink shirt, crop white pants, and one inch flip-flop heels, trotting towards us. She’s all dolled up. Hair curled, make-up pristine, fingernails and toenails painted bright pink to match her shirt. I have no idea who she is.
“Hello,” she says breathlessly. She shakes my hand. “My name is Joslyn Montgomery. Whew, I’m tired from that little run.” She fans her face with manicured hands.
“My name is Gia Briggs. This is Anthony Moran.”
“I thought this gentleman was your husband.”
“No,” Anthony quickly answers.
Joslyn looks at him with confusion and say, “Okay, well, that’s interesting. Anyway, I live two houses up at 7 Privilege Place. I came by to welcome you two to the neighborhood.”
“Thank you,” I reply.
“I stopped by earlier, as well. I knocked, but your music was very loud.” She starts snorting and neighing, or maybe, she’s laughing.
I’m actually horrified, and I have to fix my face so she won’t think I’m being rude.
“You had a guest?” she asks, out of nowhere.
Shit, she saw JD when he left earlier. I give Anthony the keys to unlock the door. He happily walks away, and she tries to follow him.
I step right in front of her and asks, “What is it that you need, Joslyn?”
She glances over my shoulder at Anthony but returns her attention to me when she sees she’s not going to have an audience with him. She gives up and says to me, “Have you read the official doctrine for this community, the Bylaws of Tudor Estates? It’s quite clear on the noise level.”
“No, but I’ll read up on it,” I remark. “Is that it?”
“Ah, no,” she chuckles. “Um, there’s a meeting in about an hour at the clubhouse. We have it every Tuesday at six in the evening. This time we’ve called it the Summer Shorts Affair, and you must wear shorts and a regular t-shirt to the meeting, of course.”
She can’t be for real. “The Summer Shorts Affair?”
“Oh, yes, we try to have themes every time to make it fun for all the ladies. So, Gia, will I be seeing you there?”
“Sure,” I answer with instant regret.
“Don’t forget to dress in shorts, dear. Okay, good to meet you and the boyfriend, I supposed that’s what you call him. Tootles!” She waves fluttery fingers at me and click-clack back down the driveway.
Maybe, I’m paranoid, but I could have sworn that bitch was trying to get me in trouble with Anthony. Nope, I’m not paranoid. She was. Any other place and time, I would have handled her properly, and she’d been picking her narrow ass up off the ground for meddling in my business. But no, I can’t react like I normally would. Again, according to my real estate agent, I am a Lady of Privilege, and I must act as such in this prestigious neighborhood. But! But! Joslyn Montgomery better watch herself and mind her own. I don’t know that bitch, and she doesn’t know me. I will be showing a whole new side to being a Lady of Privilege if she keeps on.
“She’s nosy,” Anthony points out as he stands on the porch. His luggage is just inside the entrance.
“Very.”
“Is that a new friend of yours? I don’t ever remember you hanging out with women like that? She looks like a housewife instead of a party girl, like you.”
“I just met her when you did. You saw when I introduced us,” I reply closing the door. “Let’s forget about her, please, and get your stuff to your room.”
“Where’s your furniture?” he asks, glancing into the living room while following me down the hallway to the guestrooms.
“I’ve only picked out the bedroom furniture for two rooms. I haven’t decided on anything else yet.”
I swing open the door to his new place in the world. Anthony takes in the simple but elegant setting. There’s a four post bed with nightstands on both sides, a dresser, and a desk with a brand new laptop and a view to the front yard. The vaulted ceilings have flood lights that shine toward the separate sitting area.
“What do you think?” I ask.
“This is nice, Gia.” He places the suitcases on the bed.
“Thanks.”
“Tudor Estates, huh,” he says while going to the front window. He pulls back the curtain to get a view of the neighbor’s house across the street. “We used to dream of moving into a neighborhood like this.”
“It’s no dream. This is as real as it gets.”
“For you, it is.” He lets go of the curtain and turns to face me. “You never answered my question.”
I know what he’s about to say, and I glance at my watch. “We can talk later. Actually, I want to see what that meeting is about. While I’m away, make yourself at home. There’s food in the fridge if you’re still hungry. Plenty of alcohol to drink.”
“Why are you avoiding the question, Gia?”
“I’m not, okay? I’ll tell you later.”
“Alright. Oh, one thing before you go, where are the towels? I want to take a shower.”
“You have your own bathroom over there.” I point to the right. “There are brand new towels, face rags, soap, shaving cream, aftershave-your favorite. Everything you need.”
“Sounds like you was prepared for me to stay.”
He’s right, but I won’t admit it. I shakily remark, “That stuff was mostly for my dad.” I hate lying to Anthony. I hate it.
He nods, believing me…I guess. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. And my mom, too. I was told you did a great job looking out for her.”
“You’re welcome.” I give him a friendly hug, but I make sure that we have full-on contact, without the kiss. I love the way he feels. Firm and sculpted upper body, not too big or bulky. I’m not letting this man leave me again. As soon as I think that, Anthony backs out of my arms, and I’m disappointed again.
“When I get back, we can sit by the pool, reminisce about old times.”
“And talk about present times,” he adds.
I smile and wave quickly. I close the door and stride down the hallway to the other side of the house directly to my room. I lock my door once I’m inside and rush into my walk-in closet. There’s a door inside that opens up to a security room. It’s only big enough for the chair and the five-foot long table. Monitors are mounted on the wall above it. I have cameras in every room of this house, except the bathrooms, and this is where I can view and liste
n. I even have cameras in JD’s apartment. Since I pay his rent and other costs of living, I feel it’s my right to watch what he does. Every move he makes, the systems starts filming and alerts me on my cell phone. To be real honest, I’m just making sure he isn’t breaking any of my cardinal rules and fucking bitches in there. He must keep all hookers, strippers, hoochies, skanks, and ex-girlfriends out of my apartment. He’s been good so far. I’m real surprised, but I guess what makes JD behave is the fact that he knows I’ll cut his ass off and throw him out in the street. It’s hard for a male stripper to find full-time decent work, and he’ll be real hard up without my assistance.
I turn up the volume to the screen that shows the guestroom where Anthony is and watch as the real man of my dreams start to undress. He has taken off his shirt and is sitting on the bed, reading messages on his cell phone. I wish he would read them aloud. The sound on my system is crystal clear, and I would be able to hear him. I might have to try and steal a look at his phone eventually. I have to know who he’s texting and what’s being written. Anthony stands up and put the phone to his ear. The sound is so good on my monitoring system, I can hear the ringing.
“Hello,” he says almost at a whisper. “Hannah, don’t hang up. Ha-” He looks down at his cell phone, cursing with a jerk of his head. She must have hung up on him.
That’s good. I want her to keep treating him like shit. Anthony will stay with me as long as she’s shutting him out. I’ll have to find out exactly what is the state of his relationship with his wife. If it’s over, I have an easy chance of snagging him. If there’s hope between the two, I’ll have to work harder.
Anthony tosses the cell phone on the bed, and he takes off his pants and underwear. I hold my breath. This will be the first time I’ve seen him completely naked. His chest is wide. His stomach is flat, and he has love handles. Hips are dark with tiny stretch marks. Pubic area has a full show of black curly hair, and his limp dick is thick. His legs are firm, a little bit muscular.
Gia (Women of Privilege Book 1) Page 2
