Just Right: A Something Just Ain't Right Novella

by Sheena Binkley

  Now, Hales and I were getting ready for a surprise that Kyle had given for his family. I’m not sure what this was about, but I was curious to know. Of course Hayley was anxious to find out. She was ready to go as she was putting on her shoes.

  “Wow, I’m ready before you? That’s unusual.” She mentioned.

  I laughed. “You just want to be nosy, that’s why you’re ready.”

  “So, hopefully it’s something good. We need a happy occasion right now.”

  “What if it’s Kyle and Demetria’s wedding?”

  She shrugged. “We all know that she’s a victim in her family’s recent scheme, so it’s a possibility.”

  “But you still don’t like her for what she did.”

  Hayley sighed. “Honestly, it is what it is. If that’s who Kyle wants to be with, then just let him. I think the recent event was a remainder to us that life is too short to be sweating over the small stuff.”

  “Isn’t that what I was trying to say all along?”

  She smirked and I smiled. “It’s not just that, but in a way, I guess I could relate to what she’s going through. She was manipulated by her parents who I know can be hard to swallow.”

  “It is. Now her dad is dead and her mother is rotting away in prison. She admitted to the bank robberies and even gave up her accomplices. She even admitted that she had someone manipulate the video that Kyle received.”

  “Were you surprised about that?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, I was. She was doing all of that talking when she was here, but as soon as she was placed in the interrogation room, she changed her tune.”

  “I’m sure to get a plea deal,”

  “You know it. I don’t know what type of deal she’ll get, but it won’t be a light one.”

  Hayley sighed. “Now that this is over, I just want to focus on us and MJ and just be happy. Is that too much to ask?”

  I shook my head. “Not at all. That’s why I hope these restraining orders will stick.”

  “Let’s hope so.”

  I watched her as she smoothed down her dress. Kyle told us to dress semi-causal, so my guess is that we’re going to a wedding. Despite the issues him and Demetria had, I’m actually happy the two were trying to work things out.

  “Do you ever wonder how our lives would be like if we weren’t caught up in our family drama?”

  Hayley sighed. “I think about that every single day. This might sound crazy, but I wouldn’t trade anything that has happened.”

  I gave her a crazed look and she smiled. “I wouldn’t change anything because it made us stronger as a couple as well as individually. There were a lot of things that I didn’t know about myself that I have learned during that time. There were a lot that I’d learned about you as well.”

  She came over to me and put her arms around me. “That’s why I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything. Even though we had our tough times, we had some good ones too.”

  “We really did. That’s why I love you. You’re willing to do so much for me, just like I would for you.”

  I kissed her and she smiled. “Now, let’s switch up the subject a bit. Do you feel that way about me being a cop?”

  She looked at me and sighed.

  “We never really talked about how you really felt. You were supportive, but I know you didn’t want me to be one.”

  Hayley sat down on the bed and patted the spot beside her for me to sit. I looked at her and she smiled.

  “Honestly, when you first told me you were going to the force, I was terrified. Even though you’re a badass, being a cop is entirely different. I knew every time you put on that badge, I would worry about your safety. I would wonder if you’d come home to MJ and me. So many thoughts were going through my mind that I didn’t know how to control them. I didn’t want to think the worst, but my mind couldn’t control my true feelings.”

  “Hales, why you never told me this?”

  “Because I knew this is something you wanted to do. Even though I don’t like it, I will stand by you.”

  I rubbed the back of my neck as she put me into her arms. “Baby, I will love you regardless of what you do. Besides, you’re good at your job, so I’m not going to stand in the way of that. Just know that I pray for you every time you walk out of that door to come home to your family every single day.”

  I gently took her hands and kissed them. “Thank you. Just know that I’m glad that you support me. I really appreciate that.”

  She nodded and I kissed her cheek. “But we better go. Kyle wants us there exactly at eight.”

  We went to MJ’s room as he was sitting down, which I was surprised about. We packed up what we needed and headed to Kyle’s surprise. Once we pulled into the destination, I realized it was the venue in which he and Demetria were getting married. We noticed majority of our friends and family were already there, including Kyle’s mom. I went over to her and gave her a hug.

  “Do you know what this is about?” I asked her.

  “I wish I knew.”

  Hayley was with her mother, Tamara, and the kids as Lamar came to me. He motioned me to follow him. Once we walked inside the clubhouse, I saw Kyle in a tux, standing near the mirror. He turned to look at us and smiled.

  “I knew it! You’re getting married.” I said.

  “Well, yes and no. We’re actually having a commitment ceremony. With everything that has happened, Demetria and I realized that maybe we don’t know each other as well as we thought. That’s why we’re going to take our time and get to know each other. Maybe in a year or two, we will actually take that step and get married.”

  “What’s the point of the suit, then?” Lamar asked.

  “Because there’s a non-refundable deposit on this venue, they gave us a week to use it.”

  “Okay, got it,” I said and smiled. “Even though there’s no wedding, it’s pretty cool that you’re doing this.”

  Kyle smiled. “How’s everything with you?”

  I shrugged. “It’s cool. Now that Travis and Melinda are in prison, Hayley and I should be able to live a normal life.”

  “What about with your dad, Lamar? I heard he was involved in the latest scheme.”

  Lamar sighed. “He’s no longer a factor in my life. I’m tired of his lying, cheating, and scheming. The company is officially mines now, and there’s nothing he can say about it.”

  “Which you still never said how you got the money for it,” I said.

  “I already told you it was a loan from a friend. Can you just leave it as that?”

  I held up my hands in defeat. “Fine, I won’t ask anymore.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Are you two finished now? We have a ceremony to attend.” Kyle said. He gave us a pat on our backs before going to the door. I stared at Lamar, who sighed before walking out.

  I stayed behind, thinking whether Lamar has got himself in some type of trouble. Even with the issue with Hayley, Lamar always had my back. He’s like a brother to me, so of course I’m going to worry. Regardless, I’ll be there for him, just like he has been for me.

  Hayley

  I watched the crowd, wondering if this was a wedding that Kyle surprised us with. A part of me wished it was, but the other side still wonder if Demetria is hiding anything else.

  Tamara and I were talking when Demetria approached us. “Can I talk to you two alone, please?”

  We nodded as we followed her to the clubhouse. We walked in and saw Morgan walking out.

  “Where’s MJ?” he asked.

  “With my mom. Demetria wanted to talk, so I’ll see you outside.”

  He nodded as I caught up with her and Tamara. Demetria gave a bright smile.

  “Thanks for wanting to talk with me. I know things have been pretty rocky lately.”

  “Rocky isn’t even the word.” I said.

  She gave a tiny smile and sighed. “First off, this isn’t a wedding. Kyle and I are doing a commitment ceremony. We didn’t want the venue to go to waste. That
and we wanted to continue getting to know each other before we take that step.”

  “That’s understandable,” Tamara said.

  “I wanted to talk to you both about what happened. I know you probably think I can’t be trusted or that I’m probably not good enough for Kyle…”

  “We never said that.” I stated.

  “You didn’t say it, but you were thinking it. I can tell how you look at me that you never liked me or that I shouldn’t be with Kyle. I admit, I have made some mistakes, but my love for him is not one of them. I would do anything for him; even if I have to lie.”

  “Which got you into trouble. We all had to lie to protect our loved ones, but you almost put people’s lives in danger. If you would have told us sooner about your mother’s plan, then we could have done something to stop it.” I stressed.

  “I was protecting Kyle, and to a certain extent, you all. I know how much you all have been through with the McFarlane’s and even my family. I was trying to spare you all with the latest issue involving them.”

  “But your plan backfired.”

  “You will never see the good side of me. You will always see me as the girl who lies and schemes. Sometimes I have to wonder about your relationship with Kyle. Do you really see him as a brother, or do you want something more?”

  I sneered at her comment. She gave me a smug grin and shook her head. “This back and forth between us is not doing us any good. Hayley, I’m tired of the constant bickering between us. Whether you like it or not, I will be a part of Kyle’s life. He loves me and I love him. I will do whatever it takes for the two of us to regain the trust that we once had. I just wish that you would accept that.”

  I sighed. “Demetria, I never had a problem with you, it’s just that every time there’s an issue you’re right in the middle of it. It makes me wonder how genuine you really are. I will always be grateful for what you have done for me, so don’t think I never was. If you didn’t do what you did, I don’t know where I would be right now.”

  “So can we squash whatever issue we have with each other and move on?”

  I glanced at Tamara who shrugged. I looked at Demetria and nodded. “I guess I have been acting like a jealous girlfriend, huh?”

  Demetria gave me a knowing glance and I laughed. “I hope you didn’t take things the wrong way, but I go hard for the people that I love. We all have been through a lot in the past three years, so you can’t help but to have that guard dog mentality majority of the time.”

  Demetria nodded. “I completely understand. I know I haven’t been easy to get along with, though. For that, I apologize.”

  I nodded. “I apologize, too. I know how it feels to be screwed by your own family. It hurts.”

  Demetria sighed. “It truly does.”

  “Let’s just call it even, then.”

  She came to me and gave me a hug. I wasn’t expecting that, but at least we were making amends.

  Tamara smiled. “Now that you two are friends, let’s get you ready for your ceremony!” she said to Demetria. She smiled as Tamara started to fix Demetria’s hair. I glanced at Tamara, who didn’t look like herself. Normally, she’s full of energy, but now, she seemed as if she was putting up a front. Maybe she’s just stressed out about her job and what was going on with everyone. Whatever it is, I hope she’s okay.

  Morgan

  After getting both Kyle and Demetria ready, they proceeded with the ceremony. It was nice as the two expressed their commitment to each other as well as help each other work through their issues. I think this was a good idea for any couple to do. Maybe Hales and I should do this as well.

  Once the ceremony ended, everyone ventured throughout the garden, mingling and having fun. I was near the bar about to grab a beer when I noticed Bryce was staring at me. I glanced at him, wondering why he was even here; he doesn’t know Kyle.

  Maybe he knows Demetria. I thought while taking a sip. I was about to ignore him when I saw him walking over to me. We have never interacted with each other, so I’m not sure why he would want to talk to me. I guess I’m about to find out.

  “Hi, you’re Morgan, Lamar’s brother-in-law, right?”

  I gave him an intense stare and he held up his hands. “Whoa, I’m not trying to start anything.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “Because of how you’re staring at me.”

  “May I ask why are you here? I know you don’t know my cousin, unless you know Demetria.”

  Bryce nodded. “We went to high school together, but we barely talked. My brother was the one who invited me. We’re going to a family function afterwards and this was on the way there.”

  I continued to stare at him, wondering why he was telling me this.

  “You’re probably wondering who my brother is, huh?”

  “I guess, but why are you talking to me?”

  “Well, I guess you should know why I’m standing here. Just relay this message to Lamar. Tell him I know what he’s doing, and believe me, if it gets out, not only will the company be in jeopardy, but also his life.”

  He gave a bright smile. As he tried to walk away, I grabbed his shoulder and he turned around.

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean? And why are you telling me this?”

  Bryce gave me a smug look as he about to get into my face. I shoved him, making some guests nearby turn their attention to us.

  “Because I know you have suspicions about him. I could tell how you were looking at him during the ceremony.”

  “Aren’t you observant?”

  “I can read anyone, including you. You probably will find out what he’s doing and will probably try and stop him; but it’ll be too late. Just know that when that time comes, I will be standing in the wings to take the company from him.”

  “What is Lamar possibly doing to destroy his life?”

  “You’re a cop, right? Dig in that cop mind of yours and figure it out.”

  Bryce smiled again and turned around. He turned back around to stare at me.

  “And one more thing… maybe you need to keep an eye on Lamar’s girl too.”

  I gave him another intense stare as he turned around and walked away.

  “What the hell was that about?” I asked as I looked ahead. I could go and confront Lamar about this, but I didn’t want to do that here. I thought I was done with all of the bullshit that happened, but it looks like I’m heading into another damn situation.

  I will ask Lamar soon, but right now, I’m going to let it go.

  Hayley

  I have to admit, the ceremony was absolutely beautiful. Kyle and Demetria didn’t get married, but the commitment vows they made to each other showed how much they cared about each other. It was truly breathtaking.

  Now the ceremony was over and the partying began. All I wanted to do was go home, crawl into my bed, and go to sleep. These past few days have been exhausting, but I’ll put on a smile and enjoy the time with my family and friends. I don’t want anyone sensing that anything was wrong.

  Once Morgan did request the restraining orders, we also quickly placed a more efficient alarm inside of the house. That was something I wanted to do immediately. One of the great features of the alarm is that we get to check on the house while we’re away on our phone. I pulled it out from my purse to see if anything unusual was happening. I checked all the rooms, seeing everything was normal, which gave me a sigh of relief.

  “Checking on the house?”

  I turned around to see Morgan staring at me. I smiled, “Yeah, you can’t be too careful.”

  He nodded. “I know. I just checked on it a second ago.”

  “I guess we both needed to be sure.”

  “After the experiences we had, we should have had installed cameras sooner. I guess I thought just a regular alarm and my gun was enough.”

  “Nowadays, we have to have all types of precautions. But those days are over and we’re more proactive, right?”

  “Of course, but there wa
s something that just happened a second ago.”

  I gave him a curious glance. “What?”

  “I wasn’t going to say anything, but Bryce is here.”

  “Why? He doesn’t know Kyle or Demetria.”

  “Technically, he does know Demetria. They went to school together, but how he said it, they weren’t exactly fond of each other. Anyway, he said his brother invited him.”

  “So what’s the issue?”

  “He passed a message along to me about Lamar, saying he knows what he is up to. Not only that, but he said to keep an eye on Tamara.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” I asked.

  “I don’t know.”

  I sighed, which made Morgan concerned. “What’s going on?”

  “I have noticed Tam’s been out of it, especially today. She seemed as if she was trying to put up a front, but I know something is wrong. I wanted to ask, but I didn’t.”

  “Do you think it’s a connection with what Bryce said, or you think he was just fucking with me?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  We looked over and seen Tamara and Lamar slow dancing on the makeshift dance floor.

  “Let’s just keep our suspicions to ourselves for now. Too much has been going on. Let’s just give Kyle and Demetria their moment.” Morgan said.

  I agreed. There was no point in asking questions and causing a scene. That’ll just ruin the ceremony.

  “Of course there will be another day.”

  I nodded. “Of course.”

  “How’s your mom doing?” Morgan asked.

  I looked at her as she was dancing with Ophelia and MJ. She was laughing as MJ was trying to grab her leg.

  “She’s doing okay. I know she’s faking it now.”