by Lanee Lane
"I missed you too."
He leaned his forehead against mine and looked into my eyes.
"We're pathetic."
I laughed.
"Yep, I think we are."
I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward my little dining room.
"I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise, huh? What kind of surprise?"
“This,” I said standing in the opening of my dining room. The table was set with my best dishes. They were just some pretty plates I found at Target, but they matched. I had two large candles in the center of the table and then small tea candles scattered across the table.
Reed wrapped his strong arms around me.
“This is awesome, Pen.”
His lips lightly touched my ear as he spoke sending a chill through my body. I allowed my head to rest back on him.
“I thought you may be hungry after a long day of work. You never got to eat the last time you were here.”
"I got to eat plenty.” He winked down at me, “I am hungry, but not just for food."
He nibbled at my ear and neck making my pulse race.
"You need to eat your dinner first mister and if you clean your plate, maybe you can have dessert."
"Um, sounds delightful."
We enjoyed our meal. Talking about a little of everything. At the end of the meal, I decided it was time to bring up me having lunch with Abby. I thought he wouldn't mind, but I still wanted to run it by him. Abby was in a fragile situation with her road to recovery and I didn't want to overstep my bounds.
"So you know I wanted to talk to you."
"Yeah, I remember. What did you want to talk about?"
"How about we take our drinks and talk on my patio?"
We were both indulging in a glass of wine. Reed was sticking to one small glass because he had to drive home. I was on my second, and last, because I had to work in the morning. The last thing I needed was a hangover.
Reed settled into a seat and motioned for me to sit on his lap. Alec had never been openly affectionate. Sitting on his lap would have never happened. He would’ve been more inclined to make a comment about my weight or the size of my butt. I tried to push those thoughts out of my mind and remember that Reed was nothing like him. I wanted to experience what a real relationship was like when the other person actually cared about you.
I moved over to him and slowly sat down. I kept my feet on the ground trying to keep some of my weight distributed off of him. Reed took his arm and snaked it under my legs and turned me so that my legs were laying across his.
"Sweetheart, I don't like to brag, but I'm about 230 pounds of muscle. You can't hurt me. I want to be able to hold you."
It was like he read my mind and crushed my doubts all in the same second. I loved the way he made me feel. The way he was breaking down my insecurities.
"So now that we're comfortable go ahead and talk."
"I wanted to see about me taking Abby out for lunch. I thought if we got to know each other better she may feel more comfortable around me. Right now it seems like she doesn't want me around. I wanted to run the idea by you first to get your thoughts."
"I don't think that she doesn't you around. I think that this is all just new to her. It may take her time to adjust to treatment and being clean. Her whole world has been turned upside down. She'll come around, but I think that lunch would be a great idea. It may help her to know she has a friend that isn't me or Uncle Dwight."
I waited a few minutes before I answered debating what to say. Should I point out how Abby acted around me? I decided to let things go for now.
"Okay, can you give me her phone number so I can set it up? If you wouldn't mind could you give her a heads up that I'll be contacting her?"
"Of course, babe."
I hoped Reed was right about Abby. I wasn't so sure about her wanting me around. Lunch would be a perfect way to feel her out. I'd already been through a bad relationship. I wanted to be with Reed, but if Abby was going to be a constant interference, I didn't think I'd be able to put up with it. I said a silent prayer that this would be the start of something good and not the end of the best thing that ever happened to me.
Reed
It was after eleven when I got home from Pennys. . I felt a little off after our talk. I was happy that she wanted to reach out to Abby. I was feeling uneasy about the fact that she felt like Abby didn't want her around. I had noticed that Abby was acting a little odd around Penny, but I figured it was just because she didn't know her well yet. It had always been her and I. We were the one person each other could depend on. Until she left.
I closed my eyes and laid my head against the seat of my car. I didn't want to think about that. She was back, and she was getting help. I felt confident that things with Penny and Abby would get better. They had to. I loved my sister, and I loved Penny. My head shot up from the seat and I jerked back forgetting that I still had my seatbelt on. Did I just say I loved her? Did I love her? I'd never said those words to a woman or about a woman.
It was late, and I didn't want to delve too far into my emotions. I unbuckled my seatbelt and hopped out of the car. I saw lights on inside the house so I knew Abby was either up or fell asleep with the lights on. I tried to be quiet as I entered the house just in case. I sat my gym bag by the door not feeling like unloading it.
In the living room, I saw Abby lying on the couch sleeping with the T.V. illuminating her face. She looked so much like the little girl that used to climb into my bed when she was scared after our parents died. I couldn't understand how things got so bad with her. She knew that I would always be there if she needed me, but I guessed I wasn't enough. I wasn't enough to take her mind off of losing our parents. She ran to drugs and the streets. Logically I knew that wasn't my fault, but I felt partly responsible.
I kneeled down beside the couch and slightly nudge her shoulder. She didn't stir at first so I nudged her a little more and said her name softly. Her eyes opened into small slits before closing again. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands and opened them fully.
"Hey," she said. Her voice raspy from sleep.
"Hey, why don't you head on to bed?"
"I was trying to wait up for you, but I guess I must’ve fallen asleep."
"You didn't have to wait up for me Abs. I went to see Penelope after work."
She didn't say anything so I pressed on.
"How was your day?"
She sat up pulling her knees into her chest.
"It was good. I went to my group session. After that Uncle Dwight took me to for pizza. He offered me to stay with him, but I wanted to come home."
"I'm glad you at least got to spend some time with him. I try to go over there a few times a week, but I know he gets lonely."
We sat and watched the T.V. for a few minutes. I wasn't paying much attention to what was on. It was one of those housewives shows. The women were arguing about something. I stared at the screen, but my mind was on Penny.
"Abs, when I went to Penelope's house tonight she wanted me to talk to you about something."
She didn't bother looking from the screen to reply.
"Huh, what?"
"She wanted to have lunch with you one day."
This managed to get her attention away from the T.V.
"Why?" Her tone was apprehensive.
"She wants to get to know you better. She thought going to lunch together would give you guys a chance to talk."
"Are you going to be there?"
"No, it'd be just you girls. Like a girl's day."
"Why can't you come too?"
"I'm not a girl in case you hadn't noticed. Also, I think it would be good for you and Pen to spend some time together one-on-one."
I debated on whether to elaborate further. I didn't want to create an issue out of nothing, but I did want my sister to know that she could be more open to Penny.
"Abs, you've been coming off a bit standoffish with Penny. I assume it has something to d
o with you not knowing her well. I think this would be good for you two. This will give you another person in your corner while you are recovering. I'm sure it would be nice to have someone that may want to watch these trashy T.V. shows you like with." I gestured to the T.V.
Abby crossed her arms over her chest.
"I don't need anyone beside you and Uncle Dwight. It's not like you guys are married or even living together. I don't see a need to bond with her. I can act more cordial when she is around if you want, I guess. I didn't realize I was doing anything wrong."
I ran my hand through my hair and it drug it down my face. It was late, and I didn't feel like arguing with my sister at the moment.
"I'm not saying you did anything wrong. I just want you to get along with my girlfriend. No, we don't live together and we aren't married, but this is the first woman I've been serious about in years. I don't see her going anywhere anytime soon. It would make my life easier if you got along."
Abby rolled her eyes toward the ceiling.
"Fine, I'll have lunch with her."
I reached across the couch and crushed her in a bear hug.
Abby squealed. "Reed, let me go you goof."
I released her, but not before I gave her a noogie like I did when we were kids.
"Thank you, sis. This means a lot to me."
"Yeah, yeah.
We said our goodnights, and I went up to my room. I took off my shirt and shorts leaving me in my boxer briefs. I’d taken a shower before I left work leaving me just needing to brush my teeth before I slide under the covers. I pulled my phone out and typed a text to Penny.
Me: Hey love, I talked to Abby, and she's in for lunch. I want to buy lunch for you two so let me know when you plan on going. I hope you have sweet dreams. I know I'll be having dreams filled with you.
Busted
I woke up to a text message from Reed. I kept reading it over and over focusing on one word, love. He didn't say he loved me. I was sure it was just a term of endearment. I still couldn't get my heart to stop feeling like it was going to beat right out of my chest.
The rest of the message was letting me know that Abby was up for lunch and he was thinking about me. Goodness knew I was always thinking about him. I was either daydreaming about him or dreaming about him in my sleep.
I was happy that Abby agreed to lunch. I was also nervous about asking her. I decided I would call her after I got off of work. That would give me time to prepare what I would say. I knew it seemed silly to be so worried about asking someone to lunch, but Abby seemed to have that effect on me.
***
When I called Abby to set up the lunch date, she sounded cordial. We decided on Sunday brunch at one of the new spots downtown. Today was the day we were supposed to be meeting and my nerves were in full effect.
I'd offered to pick Abby up, but she assured me she could get a ride to the restaurant. Reed had to work, so I knew it wouldn't be him. I thought maybe their uncle would drop her off. I had almost decided to invite Noel as a kind of buffer but decided against it. It was best Abby and I address any possible issues alone.
A hostess greeted me when I entered the restaurant. I'd made reservations since it was a new place.
"The other half of your party is already seated. Follow me right this way."
We weaved our way through the busy dining room. Abby was seated at a booth that was by a big picture window facing the street. She had her head down typing something on her phone when we approached.
"Hi, Abby."
She startled and looked up.
"Oh, hi."
Okay, that did not go how I’d hoped.
I slid into the booth across from her. She still hadn't put her phone down. I grabbed the menu in front of me and started to look through the options.
When I couldn't take the silence anymore I asked, "Do you know what you're getting?"
"Yep," she didn't bother looking up at me to answer.
I gripped my menu tighter trying to keep my anger in check. I knew that stooping to her level wouldn't help the situation. Our waitress came by and took our orders. I was excited to try this place before I got there, but had lost my appetite after seeing that Abby wasn’t going to make this easy.
I clasped my hands together on top of the table. Abby still sat tapping away on her phone.
"Abby, how have you been?"
"Fine."
"Are you getting settled into Reed's place ok?"
This made her look up. The look on her face wasn't warm or friendly.
"I'm settled in just fine. Reed and I are great roommates."
"That's really great," I offered her a smile.
She didn't return it. I was at a loss as to what to say or do next. I didn't think that asking about her treatment would be a good idea. I decided to stick to something light.
"Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do for fun?"
"There's the obvious one, but I had to give that one up. Other than that not really."
I could see that this was going nowhere fast.
"I know that must be hard for you. I think it's brave what you're doing."
Abby let out a huff mixed with a laugh.
"I don't know how brave it is."
Our food arrived, and we ate in an awkward silence. I had to force myself to take bites. I didn't really register if the food was good or not. I was too busy thinking that it would all be over soon. Abby's phone rang, and she answered it without excusing herself. She spoke quickly to the person on the other line.
That was the final straw for me. If she wasn't going to like me anyway I had nothing to lose by laying it all out on the table. When she hung up her call, I went for it.
“Abby, I know you don't like me. I don't have any idea why. I assume it has something to do with your brother. I could be wrong, but I don't recall doing anything to you personally. I want you to know that I'm not a threat. I don't want to take your brother from you. I not only can't, but don't want to replace you in his life. I care about your brother very much and I know he loves you very much. I would never want to come between that. I'm here to offer you friendship if you want it. I'm also asking that you show me the same respect I offer you. If you don't want to be friends, that's fine, but I'm a human being and I deserve respect just as much as you do."
Abby looked at me for what seemed like forever. I couldn't read her expression. I didn't break eye contact with her. I wasn't backing down. I got the sense that she wasn't used to people that challenged her. Finally, her eyes flickered to the window and back.
"You're right."
I was? I stayed quiet waiting for her to elaborate.
"The only constant I've ever had in life is Reed. I've always been his number one priority. I don't want you or anyone coming between us."
"Abby, that is not my intention. I understand how important your relationship with Reed is. I would never do anything to try to interfere. I'd like to build a friendship with you if you're open to it. I'm not your enemy."
Abby played with the rim of her glass. She was staring into it like it had the answer to all her problems. I took in what was going on outside while I waited for her to collect her thoughts.
"I don't trust many people. I guess if Reed trusts you then I can try."
"That's all I can ask for."
Albeit small, I felt like I had a mini break through with Abby. I hoped that with time she would see that I was not a threat. At least she said she’d try. That was a start. I wanted Reed to be happy, and I knew that having his sister back in his life made him happy.
I paid for our meals with the money Reed had given me the night before, and then we walked to the door together. I wanted to give her a hug but figured I may be pushing my luck too soon. She assured me she had a ride that would be there to pick her up any minute. We waved goodbye, and I headed to my car. I felt like we made a tiny bit of progress today.
I sat my purse on the hood of my car and sifted through it looking for my keys. They were n
owhere to be found. I remembered sitting them on the table at the restaurant. I stuff the content back in my purse and went back in the direction I came.
On my way back down the street, I glanced down an alley. What I saw made my stomach drop. I hurried across and then peaked my head around the corner. Abby was standing with her back mostly to me. She was with a man. He looked like he hadn't eaten or slept in goodness knew how long. His hair was a greasy, matted mess.
Abby pulled a wad of money out of her pocket and handed it to the man. He handed her a small bag in return. Abby opened the bag and placed some of the content on the back of her hand. She brought her hand to her face.
I pulled back from the alley. I'd seen enough to know what Abby was up to. What the hell was I going to do? I had to tell Reed. So much for progress.
Heartache
I paced back and forth across my living room floor. My nerves had been shot since seeing Abby. I didn't want to waste time telling Reed. The more time that elapsed the further Abby could fall back into drugs. That was if she ever stopped to begin with.
"Why Lord, why me? Why did I have to witness this?" I asked my questions out loud to no one.
I'd called Reed to ask if he could meet me at the park by his job when he got off. I had thirty minutes until he got off. I walked circles around my living room. Sitting down wasn’t possible.
I debated calling Noel for advice, but I didn't want to air Reed's family business out. Noel was my best friend, and I told her everything, but Reed was my boyfriend. That was a line of trust that I did not want to lose with him.
My eyes flicked to the digital clock on top of my T.V. Every time I looked it seemed like only a minute had gone by. I couldn't take it anymore and grabbed my car keys. I'd wait for him in the lobby of the gym.
***
When I entered the gym Reed was at the front desk talking with some of his coworkers. I waved and headed to the small cafe area and sat at one of the tables. Seconds after I’d sat down Reed stood beside my table.
"Hey baby," He leaned down and kissed me lightly on the lips. "I thought we were meeting at the park."
