Sins of the Father (California Dreaming Book 2)

by Stacey Johnston

  Three and a half hours later, and we are home. Our arms full of boutique bags, our feet in pain. Who knew that Sophie was that much of a shopaholic, she could out-shop anyone. I have no idea where she gets her energy from because I was exhausted mid-way through, and she was only just getting started. We are all supposed to be heading to the Valentine’s home in Solana Beach next week. I was excited at first, who wouldn’t be. It’s a whole week of sun, surf and half-naked boys.

  Now, though, with everything that has happened with Stephen, I am not so sure. From what Anthony was telling us last night, it’s about an hour’s drive to where Ben and the others now live. The plan is to cruise past and grab them when we land. They are about fifteen minutes from the airport, so it makes sense to pick them up on the way. They will be spending the weekend with us. Sophie has been driving me insane with her excessive chatter about it. That was the main reason for our shopping excursion today. She needed new – everything…

  During the course of the afternoon, we managed to look through every clothing store, no matter how big or small. We ended up trying on anything, and everything and I walked out of that mall with everything a girl could possibly want, and need. I have never spent that much money on myself, like, ever. When I think about it, I have never really cared whether I was fashionable or not. I just wore what I liked, or felt comfortable in.

  The only thing that bothered me was the niggling feeling of being watched. For a brief moment, while we were waiting for the bus, I thought I saw the same man from yesterday. It was out of the corner of my eye and when I turned around completely, there wasn’t anyone there. I turned back as our bus pulled up, not thinking anymore of it. It wasn’t until we got to the mall that I sensed something was off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. To be honest it made me a little paranoid at times, constantly looking around, trying to find something. The whole time we were there, I had the same gut feeling, as I did waiting for the bus, that I was being watched. For the life of me, I can’t understand why anyone would be watching me. Maybe my mind is just scattered with what’s going on with Stephen.

  After our girly night, last night, Sarah and Ant thought it would be nice to take all of us out for dinner tonight. They had some news they wanted to share and assumed it would be better to do over a meal. If you ask me, I think they were hoping to avoid a scene if the news isn’t good. What do I know, though? My whole life has turned out to be a huge, big, fat lie, only proving that I’m probably not a very good judge of character. Straightening my new sundress with my hands, I admire my reflection in the mirror. Twirling around I watch as the material sashays with the movement. It is a bit more revealing than I usually like, but I love how it accentuates my shape.

  “Are you ready?” asks Sean.

  Swinging back around quickly, I notice him leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, watching me. There is a blush creeping up my neck, toward my face, from the embarrassment I now find myself suffering. How long has he been standing there? Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I move away from the mirror toward him.

  “How long have you been there?” I stammer, stumbling with my words.

  His persistent gaze makes me uncomfortable, there is desire burning in his eyes as he takes in the full length of my body. Apart from Stephen, I have never had anyone pay that much attention to my body, well not that I have noticed anyway. This isn’t something I can relate to at all.

  “Long enough,” he finally counters, slowly, dragging his eyes back to mine. “Mom and Dad are waiting, are you ready to go?”

  OMG, what is wrong with his voice, it has become huskier. There is a low, deep sound to it now, which is making it hoarse and rough. Maybe I wasn’t imagining things earlier. Could it be possible?

  I need to speak to Sophie. I am way out of my depths here. Maybe she can offer me some advice. “Yes, just let me grab my bag.” I offer as I grab my new little carry bag Soph talked me into buying today. I think she just got sick of me carrying around my phone, and purse everywhere we went. I thought that by the time I reached the door, Sean would have already moved, but he stayed put, waiting for me to move first. Squeezing past him, I make my way into the hallway, with him following behind me. Having him react like this, is making me self-conscious again, questioning whether this dress was the right choice. The sudden wolf-whistle coming from the living room startles me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

  “Oh My God Sheri, you look hot!”

  Jesus, I could throttle that girl! Her timing, as per usual is impeccable. As if I wasn’t already self-doubting myself, and feeling embarrassed by Sean’s behavior, she goes and throws out a comment like that.

  “It is not that special, let’s go,” I spit.

  Words are eluding me today, and being placed in situations I’m not used to is making it worse. Brushing past her, I rush toward the front door, following her parents toward the elevator. Let’s hope I can get through this evening without any more little moments like that. I will speak to Soph when we come back, or maybe I can give Tatum and Sumner a call tomorrow.

  Since everything blew up with my parents, Sophie, and I have not had much of a chance to spend any real quality time with either of them. I have missed hanging around them. They were my best friends prior to meeting the Valentines and I don’t want to lose the closeness that I have with each of them. Tatum though, omg - that boy has a knack for pushing Ben’s buttons, and not in a good way either. His excessive flirting with Sophie only fuels Ben’s rage. I don’t know what he is trying to accomplish, but he definitely has a death wish, that’s for sure. You have got to love him, though, his playfulness is contagious and if anyone could help me, it was him. Being conflicted over one boy is bad enough for me, but to have mixed feelings over two, well that is going to require some serious help. I’m definitely out of my league, time to call in the experts…. Of sorts.

  There was a look of unease once we reached the restaurant on the faces of both Sean, and Sophie. We had chosen to walk tonight, going to an Italian place just down from our apartment. I must admit, I never knew this place existed. It has a quaint, old-fashioned feel to it. The Old Italian man who greeted us made you relax the moment you walked through the door. He had a warm, inviting nature about him. Neither Sean, nor Soph, had any idea what their parents were about to announce, nor did either of them think it would be good. To make matters worse, their father’s friend Hawke has also joined us.

  I cannot figure that one out, but he seems to spend a lot of time with Soph’s family. I know him and Ant both work together, but it is like there is something more. That their work is not the only thing tying them together. I found his presence creepy to begin with, although now, I barely notice him. If he is here tonight, then the news cannot be good. Taking our seats, I find that Sean has planted himself straight across from me, my sandals touching the tips of his boots under the table. Moving them quickly I snap my head around toward Sophie to avoid his gaze. The last thing I need is for a blush like the one earlier to overtake my face. I also do not want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he is affecting me.

  A clink of a glass draws our attention to the head of the table, where Anthony has his raised.

  “Okay, because we know how the minds on the pair of you work, your mother and I are going to announce our news straight away.”

  Lowering his glass, all eyes are now on him in anticipation.

  “Sophie you are edging closer to 18, and Sean is now working within the CBI with myself and Hawke. Because of these developments, your mother and I have discussed you both venturing out on your own”

  Did he just say what I thought he did, or am I imagining it?

  “Your mother and I are looking at moving away,” he continues. “We are planning to move down to Hawke’s cabin near the coast of Costa Rica.”

  There is still nothing but silence from Sophie and Sean; they are speechless. If the situation were not serious, it would be funny. For a man so protective just a short time ago
, this declaration could be deemed as a ludicrous move. A sane man would have to wonder what his motives are, or what has changed his mind so quickly.

  “I can see the cogs churning in your heads right now.” Sarah interrupts.

  She has been quiet up until now. Rising from her seat, she moves to stand behind her husband. Resting her hands on his shoulders, she directs her attention back toward her children.

  “Your father and I have decided that life is too short to waste, and we want to make the most of the time we have left, together. He has retired from the CBI as of this morning.”

  Can honestly say, I did not see that coming.

  Placing a hand over one of his wife’s, Anthony takes over. “We will be moving all three of you to Solana Beach where your uncles can watch over you if need be. After the close call with your mother, it has made me re-evaluate what is important.”

  Still nothing from Sean and Sophie. This has to be the quietest I have ever seen them.

  “Well, what are your thoughts? Hawke is going to base himself with us but has arranged for Sean to be partnered with him, within the agency. He will travel back and forth as the need arises”

  There is so much tension right now; you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. The looks of disbelief on Sean’s and Soph’s face is hilarious, forcing a giggle to escape my mouth. They all turn to look at me, and I lose it completely. I am laughing so hard tears are streaming down my face.

  “What is so funny Sheri?” a confused Sophie finally mumbles.

  “The looks on your faces,” I reply, my chest heaving, my breathing labored. “You both look like your parents have been swapped with robots. The disbelief on your faces is hilarious”

  “Rubbish, I am just in shock.” She declares, snapping out of her bewilderment. “I never thought I would see the day when dad let us take control of our own lives.”

  I can see where she is coming from with that comment, as Anthony was extremely over protective of his family up until recently. Maybe Sarah’s brush with death really did make him re-evaluate his priorities.

  “We can discuss the details further at home, I am famished. Let’s eat and not allow this magnificent food go to waste.” Sarah tells us all, sitting back down next to Anthony.

  When the shock of their announcement subsided, the steady flow of conversation that normally populated our meals steadily increased. By the time the evening ended, our excitement became evident, as plans were made for our move. It had me, both excited, and hesitant, but extremely grateful that I have been included.

  When I voiced my concerns during our meal, I was reassured that all plans included the three of us. That I was a part of the family now, and every decision they made included me as well.

  Well… that was if I wanted to be included… which of course I did.

  There was an overwhelming flood of emotions flowing through me at the thought. I have never felt so wanted.

  It wasn’t hard to notice Sean staring at me over the course of the evening, or how he was deliberately touching my foot with his every opportunity he got. There was yearning in his eyes, a look that I recognize well, as it is the same look Stephen has when we are together. He has me at a loss; I don’t know what to do. I should be discouraging him - but feeling wanted – if that is what this is, gives me a warm feeling in the pit of my stomach.

  Pity the one I really want refuses to treat me the same way. So much confusion swirling around in my brain, confusion, and conflict, that cannot be dispersed that easily.

  Chapter Four

  Stephen

  Avoiding the guys, and their accusing eyes, I found myself once again back home again. My mother is busy unpacking our living room, the music from her radio playing in the background. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, my belief that Sheri would be better off without me, stands.

  Whether I believe it or not myself doesn’t matter. The only problem with that choice is it hurts like a bitch!

  Throwing myself on the lounge chair, I sit and listen to the music. Between my mom’s singing and the song itself, I should be able to drown out my thoughts. The tune is catchy, even for a love song.

  It has a country feel to it, telling a story about needing someone, wondering if the other person is thinking of them. I find myself being able to relate to these lyrics, more than I would like to. Relating to wanting to pick up the phone, because I cannot fight the temptation of speaking to Sherlyn anymore. So many parts of this song that I can apply to what I am feeling right now. I will need to find out who sings it. It may become a new personal favorite of mine. Even though I have tried not too, I have spent the better part of the day wondering what she is doing. I need to find a distraction, something, or someone to erase her from my thoughts.

  Much to our resistance, we are starting back at Laguna Beach high school tomorrow, to finish our final term as seniors. It seems pointless to me, and more fucking hassle than it would be worth. I heard my mother speaking to someone prior to us leaving organizing the transfer. She was having all my records forwarded across so that there was nothing delaying my start. To make matters worse, she has been on my case about colleges, but I still have not decided what I plan to do next year. At this point, it is expected that the choice would already be made and applications sent off. I haven’t done any of that, because I don’t know if college is for me. It won’t stop my parents from harassing me, though.

  On my way home earlier, I caught sight of a cute blonde-haired girl that lives three houses down. She looks vaguely familiar, maybe we knew each other before I was forced to move.

  Maybe, I could use her as a distraction….

  She was out front washing a car in her yard. I nearly tripped over my own feet staring at her. This is what I missed about living here, the chicks wearing next to nothing. This one was wearing some strapless top that barely covered her tits. Now you can understand why I was falling over my fucking self!

  Makes you wish you were sitting in the front seat of that car. Watching as her breasts rub up, and down the glass pane of the window every time she raised her arms.

  Now, that is one hell of a wet dream.

  Pity her top was not white, that would have been a remarkable sight. The shorts she was wearing got no complaints from me either. She had on these old, cut-off, faded denim things. It would not surprise me if she just cut up an old pair of jeans, they were that badly frayed. She had her blonde hair loosely tied on the top of her head, while she was dancing along to whatever music was coming through her headphones. She paid absolutely no attention to me watching her as I passed, which is a good thing, being I nearly face planted the fucking pavement. I should pay her a visit later, and better acquaint myself with that delicious body of hers.

  Just the thought of her on her knees in front of me with my hands fisted in her hair, my cock halfway down her throat, has me rock-fucking-solid right now. I had better re-adjust myself before my mother turns around, and catches sight of it. Yep, that may just, be the distraction I am looking for. Something to take my thoughts away from Sheri.

  “Stephen, wake up.”

  A slight shove and my mother’s voice wakes me. Curled up on the lounge chair I threw myself into earlier, my neck needs cracking and I have a killer fucking migraine. I wonder how long I have been here.

  “Come on son, your dad will be home soon, you should probably freshen up before we eat.”

  Her voice is quiet, soft, much like it used to be when I was younger, when she was trying to bribe me into doing something. Not responding I rise, kiss her cheek, and head upstairs. A shower sounds like a great fucking idea right now. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice the sadness on my mother’s face. I do not know what she has to be sad about… she got what she wanted.

  Stepping into my bathroom, I peel off my hot sweaty clothes, ditching them into the clothing basket. I couldn’t escape the vision of Sheri in my dreams; even there, she clouds them.

  Jumping into the shower, I make it as hot as I possibly can. Leanin
g forward, one hand resting on the wall in front of me, I allow my head to sit under the hot water. It streams over my face, and down my body, scorching me. Closing my eyes, I envision my dream girl, and the damage I have now caused. She will be angry with me, hating what I have done to her. I didn’t even take the time to consider how it would affect her, especially considering everything else she has been through of late.

  Standing tall, I grip my hair in-between my fingers and pull. How the fuck could I inflict more pain on her, I really am a selfish bastard. The guys were right. I have to fix this; I have to make it right.

  I have been sitting on the edge of my bed for the last hour fighting with myself over whether, or not I should message my girl. I want to give in and admit that I have feelings for her. That is the only conclusion I can come to. What I have been feeling since we left is nothing I have felt before, even during my time with Rochelle.

  After my shower, I joined my parents for dinner. I tried to make small talk, but my thoughts continued to drift toward Sheri. My parents either didn’t notice or chose to ignore it, because they never said a word. I have to admit, that I’m fucking happy about that. I cannot explain what is happening to me - to myself, without trying to explain it to them.

  Regardless of all that, I’m now trying to find the courage to contact her. Staring at my phone is not making it happen any quicker. All I want to do is apologize, and make things right, but the question is, will she accept it? I cannot blame her, though; it was a dick move on my part. Maybe I should text Sophie first…. She would abuse the fuck out of me, but once she said her piece, she would help me. Gotta love that chick, feisty as fuck. No wonder Ben is pussy whipped. Twirling the phone in my hand, I turn it back toward me, unlocking it. I need to just do this, and get it finished.