Always the One, page 24
part #1 of Always and Forever Series
“Someone’s ready to conquer the world today. PS. I know, and I’m freaking the eff out, too!” She comes up beside me, her slightly taller frame gives her the ability to wrap her arm around my neck. Pulling my head in and resting it against hers, she waves her hand in front of us like a picture show.
“I can see our name in lights now. CC Chic Boutique. Can’t you?”
“Yes, yes, I can, we made it this far together, didn’t we?” She lets go of me and walks around to the front of the counter.
“Yeah, we did, bug. Me and you—bitches until the end.” I accept her dorky fist bump.
“You know, when you call us ‘bitches’ it sets feminism back like a hundred years, you know that right?” I ask jokingly, I love giving Lana a hard time.
“No, because I’m the queen of feminism. I don’t need a man for anything, didn’t you know that?” I shrug my shoulders and huff out a small laugh. She doesn’t qualify as a feminist, she’s just scared and uses that as an excuse. She needs Kings and she knows it, but I digress.
“When’s Evan getting here?” she questions. I look at the corner of the computer screen to the side of me, checking the time.
“Any minute now, he wanted to talk before we opened and before customers came in. I’m guessing it’s to sign the papers.” I squeal, so excited to get this ball rolling, dreams are waiting to be made into reality.
“Do you think the Portland store will do as well as this one?” Lana asks, gazing around the room.
Good question.
“I think so, I mean we had no idea this one was gonna take off like it did. We barely had a penny to our names when we opened it. Now look at us.” I gesture to the large space around us, the one she’s admiring.
“True, God I love that you’re the smart, levelheaded one. My whacked-out brain is asking too many what ifs.”
“That’s what I’m here for chicka-poo! You’re the boobs and I’m the brain,” I joke, shooting her a wink. I hear footsteps sounding from the back of the store and hurry to finish the cash count. I’m closing the till when I hear Lana’s surprised voice, while she moves to meet him.
“Oh my God! Evan, what happened to your face?” I slam the back of Lana’s parting head with a hard glare. Geez, you can’t just ask people what’s wrong with their face, that’s a tad rude.
I hurry to meet them in the back to see what all the fuss is about. Almost instantly, before I’m even to where they’re standing, I see his black eyes and bandaged nose. He looks like shit. Even without having any medical training, I can tell his nose is broken.
“Evan! Are you okay?” I rush to him once I see how bad it is from afar. I get close enough to touch his face but I refrain, unsure if it would hurt.
“Oh this, yeah, totally. I learned your boyfriend doesn’t like it when I call you ‘beautiful’ though. Trey sure does love you.”
What did he just say? Why would he say that about Trey? We’re talking about his broken nose.
“I’m sorry?”
He puts his hands up, signaling surrender.
“I didn’t mean to say anything offensive, I just meant that your boyfriend showed up and warned me to back off and then he attacked me. I really didn’t mean to be intrusive or make you uncomfortable. Just thought you should know I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Did I just enter the twilight zone? He can’t be serious. Can he? Trey was with me last night, how would he have had time to go and get into an altercation with Evan? Not only that, Trey has no reason to hit him or start a fight. Lastly, I think to myself, why is he reading my messages? Does he not trust me?
I’m paralyzed into place from both embarrassment and pure disappointment, how could he do this to me? Looking between Evan and Lana—back and forth like a crazy person—I attempt to find the words that can make this whole situation disappear, or make me disappear, that would be even better.
Shock hits hard, a roaring pain rips through my chest, causing my fist to clench up in anger, I remember something about last night. He didn’t answer my text after five, that’s when he went silent for a few hours. That’s when he must have gone, this explains last night. What I thought was a moment between lovers, a connection undeniable, was just him pissing on me like a dog, lying to me.
“Evan, I’m sorry, but is this a joke or are you completely serious?” I’m saying a silent prayer in my head that this isn’t true and he and Trey are in on this joke together.
Please, God, let this be some cruel joke that I’ll yell at Trey for later.
“I’m too mature for jokes of this degree. Don’t you think?”
The way he says that seems angry. I mean he has every right to be, but this is my boyfriend, my best friend for thirteen years, excuse me if I need to second-guess it. What do you say to something like this? Hey, sorry my boyfriend is jealous and broke your nose for no reason, we still on for the deal? The room is closing in on me, and I need to find a way out before I drown in my own embarrassment.
“Evan, I’m so sorry. I really don’t know what to say. I need to go. Lana, you got the store?” She nods, understanding my need to run. I know that was a piss-poor sorry, but it’s the best I could do without breaking down and losing all professional boundaries with Evan.
Grabbing my purse on my way out, I dig through it and pull out my phone. My hands are shaking; I’m so angry—so hurt by his actions. I’m was so close to closing this deal, and I just watched the bomb attached to it ignite and detonate in front of me. Hopefully, they’ll be able to find me in the ashes.
I dial Trey’s number, angry and ready to snap, he answers on the second ring, his voice filling my car. I lose my cool, calm, and collective self and release the hotheaded beast.
“Hey, baby.”
Don’t ‘baby’ me.
“Trey! What possessed you to attack Evan? Please enlighten me.” I’m so mad I could flip a fucking car and She-Hulk on his ass. This is my dream and he’s ruining it.
“Don’t worry about it. See, that bitch can’t keep his mouth shut.”
How is acting so nonchalant like this no big fucking deal?
“What’s wrong with you? Don’t you understand what you’re doing to my future? You’re destroying it! This is my one shot.”
“Shayla, we can talk about this when you get home. Then after you’re done yelling at me, I’ll make it up to you. By the way, he deserved it, and if anyone’s ruining your dream it’s that fuckhead. He shouldn’t fuck with what’s mine.”
Oh my God, that’s what happened last night; I knew I was right back there. He wanted to mark his territory and keep me sated enough in hopes I’ll forgive him. Well, I have some bad news—it didn’t work.
“That’s why you were acting like that last night. You thought making love to me like that would keep me from exploding. You marked me, like a fucking dog. That’s so fucking wrong, Trey!”
“Oh is it? Because you seemed to like me fucking your brains out last night, there weren’t any complaints. Regardless of the threat he tried to cause.” His comment burns me, stings so freaking hot, I choke on my emotions, tears building in my eyes.
“Why are you talking to me like this? Apparently, feeling hurt and embarrassed isn’t a concern to you. I thought we agreed he wasn’t a threat to us.” I hear a thundering sound in the background, and I know it’s his fist hitting something.
“Shay, you are so blind and naïve sometimes! Did you not read the text he sent you, when we were in Park City? When we were fresh off the fuck wagon? He called you beautiful, told you not to miss him.” The way he is talking about our sex life is so crude. Draining any sort of passion from it. I’m so damn hurt and feel I’m speaking to a stranger.
“Sorry that he said I was beautiful, I didn’t pay attention to it because it doesn’t affect me. And don’t talk about our sex life in such a careless manner. Because, unlike you, our love life means that I love you. Giving my body to you and no one else.” God, he’s being such a prick right now.
“Doesn’t affect you? You’re my fucking woman, I’m the only man who gets rights to you—to touch you, to fucking call you beautiful.”
“Goddamn it, Trey! I’m not a piece of property! The only right you have to me is my heart! That’s yours, but obviously, you don’t seem to care about that. Because you’re about to lose it!” I throw my car into reverse and shoot out of the parking lot, making my way to the freeway. I need to get away, I need to see my dad. He’s the only person and it’s the only place I can go to where Trey won’t find me right away.
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean? I’m going to lose it?” His anger is resolving, losing its edge, he sounds scared and damn it, he should be.
“I need some time apart, some space.”
“Space from what?” There are loud movements and the sound of keys coming from the other end, and all I can think is good luck getting to me before I hit Portland.
“From you!” I yell, accelerating once I hit the on-ramp to the freeway.
“Baby, you need to stop and think about this. You’re not leaving me, you promised, Shayla!” His voice cracks and I hear the first sign of tears in his voice.
“Trey…” I lower my voice and wipe the tears now streaming down my face. This is crushing me. But how much more can I do to prove to him no one will ever take his place?
“I need some time, I’ll call you later.”
“Baby! You can’t do this. I love you! I’m sorry, but don’t fucking leave us hanging like this,” he shouts, grasping at strings, trying to keep me on the call longer. Because the second I hang up this phone, he knows I won’t answer until I’m ready, and that’s if I’m ever ready. I may not forgive this one.
“Trey, I didn’t do anything, you did this all on your own. I love you and whether it be Evan or any other guy, I chose you. I gave you my everything, my first love, my first kiss, my first time. If you can’t accept that for all it’s worth then you’re going to push me out, all by yourself.” Not letting him get a word in, for fear he may reel me back into his clutches, I end the call. I grab my phone from the seat beside me and turn it off. I need this time to think.
The gods are trying to torture me, that has to explain the constant love songs coming on the radio during my drive. One after the other. I hit skip over and over again. Eventually, giving up and listening to silence. The clouds are dark with the promise of Seattle downpour. It makes me want to bundle up in a warm blanket…with Trey. My chest feels heavy; I already miss him and fear what might actually happen to us. He crossed a line; I need him to understand how serious this is. Owning more boutiques is a dream, one that’s not only mine but Lana’s, too. So not only would he crush this for me, but for her as well.
I can’t help but fear losing him, too. This isn’t fair, I’m mad while at the same time, I’m sad. How can I feel two polar opposite emotions at the same time? Because that’s what love does to you. It holds the reins to your heart and shows no mercy.
I pull up the gravel driveway leading up to my dad’s twentieth century-styled home. The sight of the white brick and red door remind me of home, the warmth I need when I’m sad. The attic windows are parallel to each other, forming the look of tiny houses. The green grass is freshly mowed due to my dad’s constant need to stay busy or he may just go insane. He’s always been a busybody, with lots of projects and things going on to keep him distracted. It really hit him hard when the divorce happened.
This is the new home I’ve come to love since leaving Utah. Another thing I love about my dad, he’s nosey, and my tires on the gravel alerted him of my presence. He smiles when he sees my Audi. My first gift to myself when our boutique hit it big a couple of months ago. She’s an expensive lady, but she’s my diva.
My dad’s contagious smile comes into view when he hits the bottom stair of his wooden porch. “Princess! You didn’t tell me you were coming. What brings you here?”
“Daddy, I’m a grown woman, you don’t have to call me princess anymore.” He smiles and waves his hand dismissively. Isn’t it an oxymoron—since I’m grown and call him Daddy like a child still? He loves it though.
“Please, you will always be my one and only little princess, so deal with it.” He pulls me into a bear hug, his cologne reminds me of my childhood, and almost instantaneously, my tears come back with a vengeance, pouring down my swollen face.
I hate this.
“Daddy…” He pulls back and cradles my face.
“Princess, what’s wrong?”
I guess I have no other option but to tell him about Trey now.
“I’m in love, and he’s both my happiness and my vice.”
“Oh boy. My little girl’s first love. Let’s go inside and have something to eat. Have you eaten lunch yet?”
Shaking my head, I reply, “I don’t think I can even stomach it.”
“Good news, princess. Heartbreak is never too painful for some alcohol.” I’m a blubbering mess, but that made me laugh.
“I’ll need an entire bottle.”
“Good, I have a whole bottle of your favorite rum. Stocked and ready just for you. Come on.” Leading me into the house, I lock my car and we make our way inside.
Once we both have a glass filled with rum, we settle in the front room. I remember decorating this room for him. I was almost sure the gold and black theme would be changed drastically after I left his house that day, but it hasn’t changed a bit, not even a little. I smile at the knowledge of this.
“You’ve been busy, I take it. Same with your brother. I haven’t seen or heard from you guys in weeks.” The guilt hits me, I’ve been so caught up in work and Trey that I’ve neglected my daughterly duties—my dad gets lonely easily.
“I’m sorry, Daddy, I’ve just been so caught up in work and this new relationship.”
“Stop there, you don’t need to explain, but you do need to tell me who this boy is.” My palms start to itch, from nerves, his excited smile soon to waiver, I’m sure. I put my drink down. Sitting up straight, I relieve the itch by rubbing my open palms against my jean-clad thighs. Here we go. Please love him, Daddy, because I love him too much to let go.
“So, you know…well, you’ve met…I mean you’re familiar with… I’m sorry.” This is harder to swallow than I thought.
“It’s okay, baby girl, tell me. I’m here to listen.”
“I’m dating Trey, Kingston’s best friend and mine, growing up.” My rushed answer squeezing out of my throat is followed by silence, eerie silence. Everyone else reacted pretty much the same, they all assumed it was only a matter of time until we got together, I hope that’s my dad’s theory.
“That foul-mouthed little deviant?” He looks at me with a renewed intention, like he wants me to answer him, but not really.
“Dad—”
Cutting me off, he continues, “The man who came here every damn day? The one who stopped you from dating that druggie back in high school? The man who showed up when you were stood up at prom? The only man who was able to get you out of your room and laugh after the divorce. That guy?”
I’m not sure where he’s going with this or what his questions are meaning, but I’m confused to what the hell is going on.
“Are those rhetorical questions? I’m confused.” Keeping myself busy, I take a swig of my rum the sweetness burning down my throat.
“No, I’m just confused as to why you hid this from me since Trey is a fine young gentleman, and he’s been a part of our family for how long? Besides, your mom hates him so even more reason for me to love him.” He winks at me. Relief floods every pore of my body, he scared me there for a minute.
“So, tell me why you’re so upset?” The house phone rings, interrupting my response. I watch my dad head toward the phone in the kitchen, sitting silently as I wait for his return. I hear his soothing voice answering to the person on the other line.
“Kings, calm down, she’s here. No. Yes. Okay, let me grab her.”
Oh crap. I should’ve told Kings where I was going. Crap. Crap. Crap.
“Shayla. Your brother’s on the phone.” His expression is that of humor and fear. Fear for me, of course. My brother is my protector, and he doesn’t like it when I take off like this. I have a habit of running away from bad situations. Thanks to my mother. It gets aggravating at times being the youngest—his only little sister—he can be pretty overwhelming sometimes.
“Hel—”
“What in the actual fuck is wrong with you? Taking off and not answering my calls! I couldn’t find you because your Find My iPhone is off! What the fuck are you doing in Portland?” I know he knows about Trey, that’s the reason he called, I mean how else would he know I took off.
“I needed to get away from Trey for a minute, he really messed up, Kings.” My voice is so low I’m surprised he can hear me. I recoil into my shell, I hate when my brother yells at me. He never gets mad at me unless I mess up bad, and right now my vulnerability is at an all-time high. I need my brother to not yell at me, but instead to comfort me. My low voice tells him how upset I am, causing him to take it down ten notches.
“Baby…sis, I’m sorry, okay?” Kingston’s voice is calm this time around, coercing me back out of my shell.
“It’s okay.” I accept his apology.
“You’re my best friend and little sister, it’s my job to protect you and take care of you. If you take off, cutting off all communication, I freak the fuck out.” I know he does, believe me, he doesn’t need to provide another warning.
“I talked to him, Shayla, he’s fucking destroyed. I’ve never seen him this out of sorts. You need to call him.”
“No! He needs to know that Evan is nothing to me and just because he sent an innocent text doesn’t mean he’s trying to bang me.” My dad’s eyes bulge out of his head, his mouth agape. I mouth a quick “sorry” and continue with Kings. My poor dad didn’t need to hear that.
