Chapter 18
Mary
I knock on Kelsey’s door and wring my fingers together, waiting for her to answer.
“Who is it?” she yells.
“It’s me. Mary.”
The locks click and the door opens; she looks confused to see me. “Hi.”
“Hi. Umm . . .” I’m no good at this. “Brandon has a late shift tonight. I was thinking about going to a club and wanted to know if you want to go with me.” I want to do things. Experience stuff. I’d never go by myself, and since Char just had a baby, I know she won’t want to go. Kelsey is the only other person my age I know, so if she doesn’t agree, I’ll find something else.
“Oh.” Her confusion turns to happiness and she smiles. “Yeah. That would be fun. I could use a night out.”
“Really?” I ask, genuinely surprised. I expected a brush-off. This is only the second time I’ve seen her since I moved in.
After I got my tattoo and the conversation Brandon and I had in the bathroom a couple of weeks ago, I’ve felt freer than I have in years. He’s taken me to do a couple of the things on my mental list of stuff I missed out on in my twenties. We went to an outdoor movie theater and stayed up all night after. I joined his gym and took a kickboxing class, rode the subway to downtown and went shopping. And yesterday, I enrolled in college. I don’t have a major, but I’m taking an Intro to College course, just to see if it’s something I’d want to pursue.
I have a lot of money saved up and instead of keeping it hidden in socks, Brandon made me deposit it. I use that money to buy clothes, but he refuses to let me pay for food or bills. I order food and have it delivered before he gets home sometimes so I can pay for it. When shopping, I always make sure to pick something up for him, whether it’s a candy bar or a new outfit. I need to feel like I’m doing something for him.
“Yeah, really. I think it’ll be fun.”
“Awesome. Do you want to grab a bite to eat first?”
“That sounds great. I’ll finish what I’m working on and take a shower. I’ll come over at say, seven?”
I was thinking dinner at like five. But I’ll trust she knows more than me about these things. “Sure. See you then.”
I step out of the shower and run a brush through my hair. I’m not a very girly girl, so I redo my ponytail with the exception of teasing it a bit on top. I bought a new outfit the other day when I went shopping, and I eagerly rip the tags off my new items. The skinny black pants are skintight and have a bit of a sparkle to them. I purchased a pair of thigh-high gray boots and a deep purple tank top and sweater set. The tank has sequins on it and dresses up the outfit.
I apply some smoky eyeshadow and mascara, along with a little blush and lip-gloss, thankful I remembered Elizabeth’s lessons. Kelsey should be here in about ten minutes, so I call Brandon before I leave.
“Hey, babe.”
“Hi. I just wanted to say goodnight before I went out.”
“You sure you’re comfortable doing this?” The concern in his voice makes my heart flutter. He wants me to make friends and have fun but is worried something bad will happen. Frankly, I am too. But I need to do this. If girls who are twenty-one can go to a club, certainly I can as well. I told him the name of the club just to be on the safe side, too.
“Yes. I’m sure.”
“Call me if you need anything. I’m working that case, but I think it should be wrapped up tonight.”
“Okay. Stay safe.”
He laughs. “Babe, I’ve got seventeen more files to go through. Unless you’re worried about me getting a paper cut, fear not. You’re the one who needs to be safe. A hot piece of ass like you.” He curses under his breath. “I should be there; assholes are gonna be all over you.”
“Pshh. No way. I’ll stick out like a sore thumb, the old lady who can’t dance.”
“What are you wearing?”
“Black pants and a purple shirt.”
“Tight pants?”
“Yes.”
“Shoes?”
“Boots. Gray ones.”
“Short or tall?”
I finger the top, just above my knee. “Tall. Past my knee.”
He sucks in a breath and I laugh. “What are you wearing?”
He chuckles this time. “You saw me this morning. I haven’t changed.”
“Mmm. Yes.” I moan thinking about how hot he is in his work clothes. A knock at the door shakes me from my thoughts. “I’ve gotta go. Kelsey’s here.”
“Okay. Call me if you need anything. Love you.”
“I will. Love you, too.”
I open the door and motion for her to come in. “Sorry about that.” I grab my coat.
“Dang. You look hot. Brandon’s letting you go out in this?”
“Letting me?”
She raises her eyebrows. “You know what I mean.”
“He’s at work, so he hasn’t seen it.” I look down and tug at the fabric. “Don’t you think he’ll like it?”
“Oh, honey.” She laughs. “He’s going to like it . . . probably too much.”
I follow her out and we catch a cab to downtown. The area looks familiar to me, but I don’t remember where everything is. I’m so absorbed in taking in my surroundings that I don’t notice when the cab stops. Kelsey has to tug on my arm to get my attention.
“We’re here.”
“Sorry.”
“I thought we could go to a pizza place. Split a deep dish? We’ll need the sustenance.”
“That sounds great.”
After we’re seated in the fifties-style diner, I ask her if she grew up in Chicago.
“Yup. Did you?”
“Yeah. I’ve never lived anywhere else.”
“You guys grew up near here?”
I nod and take a sip of my water. “We did.”
“He’s a great guy.”
My hackles rise, and I sit up straighter in my seat. “I know.”
She takes in my defensive posture and laughs. “You really don’t need to worry about that with me. I have my own drama. I don’t need or want another man in my life.”
“I’m sorry.” I take a deep breath and wait until the waiter brings our pizza before finishing. “I don’t know what Brandon has told you about me.”
“Nothing. Just that you guys grew up together. Now you’re his woman.” She ends in a deep voice, mocking him.
I laugh and take a bite of my pizza. “Damn, this is good.”
“I know, right?”
Thankfully, the rest of the meal goes smoothly. I feel like an idiot for getting so defensive, but at the same time, I just got him back. If I need to fight for him, I will.
“You ready to get your dance on?” Kelsey asks me as we walk in the crowded club with our arms linked together.
“I don’t know about that.” I haven’t danced since my senior year in high school at the prom. With Brandon. Twelve years ago.
“How about some liquid courage?”
“Yes!”
* * *
“Hands off, asshole.” I push another drunk guy away and roll my eyes.
Kelsey laughs and circles around me on the dance floor. “Aww. You’re gonna make the poor kid cry.”
“Seriously. Is this how all clubs are? Loud music and drunk guys who think they can grab whatever T and A they feel like?”
“Pretty much.”
“Maybe I really am too old for this.”
I start to walk away, but she grabs my hand. “No. Stay. Forget about the idiots. Dance and have fun. Ignore them.”
Aside from the unwanted attention, I’m having a blast with Kelsey. My feet are sore from dancing so much, but who knew I liked dancing? The club is dark except for the flashing colored lights. Pop music blares through the speakers, and I even recognize a country song or two mixed in.
“Okay!” I yell over the thumping bass and raise my arms, rolling my hips to the beat.
Bodies grind and the DJ mixes on a balcony. Booths line the circular club and the entire center is opened for dancing. The floor changes colors, from red to purple, to pink and back again. I get lost in the sights and sounds, an unfamiliar feeling, not being attuned to every single thing going on around me. Another four songs play before she grabs my arm and drags me off the dance floor. “I’m thirsty.”
“Me, too.”
We both order water from the bar and sit at our table.
“Are you having fun?” Kelsey asks me.
“I am. But honestly, I don’t think it’s something I want to do all the time.”
She laughs. “It’s not really my thing, either.”
“What is your thing?” I lean back in the chair and wait for her answer.
Aside from just having fun with a girlfriend, I really am enjoying getting to know her. She’s a free spirit; she should have grown up in the seventies. Even her long, straight brown hair, bell-bottom jeans, and off-the-shoulder peasant top fit the description.
“Art.”
“Your thing is art?”
“Yup. I paint, sculpt, and even dabble in photography.”
I take another sip of water. “What do you do for work?”
“Art.” She laughs. “I have an online store. Plus, I sell to some galleries around town.”
“That’s cool. I’ll have to look at your stuff.”
“Really?” She sits up and looks surprised.
“Of course.”
Her head bobs and she grins. “Wanna dance some more?”
I let out an exaggerated breath and roll my eyes. “Fine. Only because you’re forcing me.”
I’m not too familiar with pop music. I’ve always liked country. But that doesn’t stop me from singing along. Most of these songs repeat the same five words over and over anyway. I can’t even tell how many more songs have played, and they begin to blend. Sweat coats my body, a flush covers Kelsey’s cheeks, and her hair is damp. We look a mess, but we’re having fun. God, I’m having so much fun.
A pair of arms wraps around me from behind, and Kelsey’s eyes widen.
“Hands off.” I repeat the phrase for the seventy-fifth time tonight.
When said hands only get tighter, I grab at them to no avail.
“Your man let you outta the house like this?”
My body melts at the familiar gravelly voice in my ear.
“He wasn’t home when I left. Do you think he’ll like it?”
He grunts and raises my arms, and I interlock my fingers behind his head, forcing my chest to stick out.
“I think he’d approve.” His fingers trail down the inside of my bare arms and cause chills to form in their wake. I removed the sweater as soon as we walked into the stuffy club. “But I also think he’d be a little pissed off knowing all these fuckers’ eyes have been on you all night.”
His palms rest flat on the front of my hipbones, and he pulls me into him. His hard length sits right on my back end, and I shamelessly grind against him, remembering how good it felt when he touched me there.
Brandon’s responding growl spurs me on even more, and I turn in his arms and lean up to kiss him.
He rests his forehead against mine, panting. “I need to be inside you.”
I nod. “Take me home.”
He grips my hips and presses me against him one more time. “Fuck,” he growls and starts to walk away.
“Wait! Kelsey.”
She’s still in the same spot and I tug on her arm. “Ready to go? Brandon’ll take us.”
“No. You go. I’m fine. I’ll catch a cab.”
“Come with us, Kelsey,” Brandon tells her. “It’s not safe to be riding around at one in the morning by yourself.”
Her dancing halts for a minute and she puts her hands on her hips. “I’m fine. Won’t be the first time I’ve taken a cab home. Seriously, go.” She pushes both of us away, but Brandon doesn’t budge.
He shakes his head. “I don’t like leaving you here alone.”
“I’m fine! Go!” she yells over the music.
“Call me if you have any problems. In fact, text me when you get home. Otherwise, I’ll be worried something happened.”
“Okay, Dad.” She turns around and fades into the crowd.
Before tonight, getting to really know her, I would be defensive about their relationship. But Brandon has always had that protective streak in him and I’m glad a young woman who lives alone has someone to look out for her.
I trail behind him as he makes a path for us to get off the crowded dance floor. I point him in the direction of our table and grab my coat. “I need to use the bathroom.”
He nods and leads the way again. I step inside and have to squint at the bright lights. Once they’re adjusted, I freshen up and open the door to some blond chick trying to hit on him. Figures. I don’t ever worry about him being unfaithful; it’s not something that’s ever crossed my mind with him. He’s not even looking at her. When he sees me, he pushes off the wall, takes my hand, and leads me out a side door.
As soon as we get in the fresh air, he walks with me around the corner and slams me against the cold brick wall, his hand supporting my head. It’s March in Chicago, so it’s cold. But with how hot he makes me, it feels like I’m in the middle of a desert.
“You look fuckin’ hot, babe.” He lifts me by my butt, and my legs wrap around him. “One day I’m gonna take you in nothing but these boots.”
His hand fists my hair and the other goes under my shirt. His fingers push away the fabric and pinch my nipple.
I pull back and try to catch my breath. “I’ve never been fucked against a building.” That’d be something to add to my list.
He growls and sets me down then looks around. His breath fogs in the cool air, and he shakes his head. “Not here. I’ll fuck you against the wall at home but not out here.” He begins to pull me away, but a scream makes us freeze.
“Let go of me, asshole!” We both whisper, “Kelsey,” at the same time and begin to run in the direction of her voice.
“Get behind me, Mary.” I do as he says and grip the back of his leather jacket as he stealthily moves us toward the commotion.
“Bitch. Where’s my fucking money?”
“I told you I don’t have it,” she pleads. “Let me go; you’re hurting me.”
We round the corner, and I peek around Brandon but wish I hadn’t. The moon shines brightly, so we have a great view. The man raises his arm and swings it down, punching Kelsey in the temple. Her body falls and her head hits the pavement, the red that splatters from her an eerie contrast to the white snow.
Everything goes in slow motion. Brandon reaches down and pulls out a gun, his voice more commanding than I’ve ever heard, shouting at the man. The man, lifting his arm and pointing a gun at Brandon. The arms that hold me tight and make me feel safe push me back so hard I fall into the snow, and Brandon lands on top of me. I pinch my eyes together, and then hear a single gunshot.