Chapter 4
It does not take long at all to reach my building. The ride was short, but quiet. Neither of us spoke.
Before getting out, I try relieving some tension by telling him, “You know, if it wasn't for your sister making me wear these damn shoes,” I hold them up by the straps. “I could have walked home.”
“Yeah? Well, maybe I should thank her then... I get the feeling if you had other shoes, you may have snuck away from me early this morning.”
I don’t respond, I can't... because I know it is true.
Just before we go inside, he turns to me, “Thank you.”
I shake my head. Not wanting this; not wanting some cheesy goodbye. Knowing I am losing what was never mine to begin with.
I feel my heart break a little more.
It takes everything for me to keep from crying as he pulls me into his arms. I hold on to him, never wanting to let go; but all too soon he pulls back. “We had better get inside.”
I nod my head in agreement, afraid to speak. I take a deep breath, letting it out as I open the door to my apartment.
“Hey! There you guys are!” I hear Tyler shout from the kitchen.
“It's about damn time!” Kenzie hisses as she comes in, giving first me a hug, then Mychal.
He laughs. “See Sis? I told you. She is safe and sound.”
Kenzie rolls her eyes and punches Mychal in the arm. “You guys still should have called me last night I was worried! And you're an ass!” she says glaring at him.
I laugh as I try to think up some lame excuse to escape to my room.
Kenzie's voice draws me out of my thoughts, “Hey Piper, Mychal's clothes... not a good look for you.” She raises her eyebrows as she looks back and forth between the two of us.
Shit!
“Relax.” Mychal tells her with his own eye roll... man, they are so much alike.
“What?” I intercede, looking down at the way I am currently dressed. I really do look ridiculous. “Did you expect me to sleep in the dress and five pounds of makeup you forced me to wear yesterday??”
She doesn’t seem convinced but goes with it... for now. “You have a point.”
She is still suspiciously eying Mychal, who is giving nothing away. I get the feeling he has no intention of letting anyone know... ever. I am just his dirty little secret... another notch in his bedpost.
Oh, God! How many notches are there in that bedpost?
I feel like the walls are closing in on me; I am unable to breathe.
I try for nonchalance, “Um, speaking of my clothes... I'm going to go put on some of my own.” I turn to Mychal giving him an all too quick hug before whispering, “Thanks again.”
When I look up at him, I think I see the concern on his face before he quickly masks it.
I turn, leaving the room without looking at anyone else. I can't. I need to get to the confines of my bedroom. The one place I hope to shut down my feelings... or at least let them out without having everyone witness my meltdown.
This is ridiculous! Why can't I help feeling this way!?
I fight my need to run.
Once I reach my room, I feel some semblance of relief. I close myself in, locking the door. I sigh as I rest my head against it. Hoping to hear what is being said in the other room, knowing it should not matter. I have got to get my anxiety under control.
Setting my phone on my nightstand, I decide to take another shower. Hoping to let my thoughts wash away.
The water is so hot; it stings my skin before it soothes me. I let the water flow over me as I try to clear my mind; there seem to be an infinite amount of thoughts that just keep battling, wagering a war inside my head.
Once the water turns cold, I turn it off. Wrapping my towel around me, I grab for my toothbrush. I brush my teeth, then comb out my hair.
My menial tasks are not helping.
Once I’m dressed, I look over to see my phone flashing at me. I check it to see two missed calls; one from my dad and one from Mychal. There is also a text.
Mychal: Are you sure you're okay?
Not wanting to return his call right now, I send him a quick text in return.
Me: Yeah, I'm fine. Just have a headache. Sorry I rushed off.
His response is instant.
Mychal: Headache... that's a classic line LOL can I call you later?
Me: Sure.
I decide to go ahead and call my dad. Between our two schedules, we do not have the opportunity to talk much. I miss my dad; I have always been a daddy's girl. We could never spend tons of time together, however. Once my mom left, he started working all the time to make sure I had everything I needed. I have never faulted him for that or wanted him to feel bad. I just hated being the obligation that made him work so hard. His work schedule is the reason I began to spend so much time at Kenzie's house.
He answers after just a couple rings.
“Piper, hey kiddo. How are you?”
“Hi, Dad. I'm doing pretty good. Sorry I missed your call. How are you?”
“I'm good. I called to see if you might want to have dinner with your old man later?”
“Of course! I've missed you, Dad.”
“I've missed you, too. So, how does pizza sound?”
“Pizza sounds perfect!”
“Ok, how about I pick it up and meet you back at home around 6:00 or so?”
“I'll be there. I love you, Dad.”
“Love you too, kid. Later.”
That is how our phone calls always go; short and to the point. I realize an evening with my dad is just what I need. Looking at the clock on my phone, it reads 4:18. I sigh, relief washing over me that in less than two hours I will be back home, at my dad's. It is always great to go back home.
Dad's house is only a few minutes away, no need to leave too soon. I spend time in my room trying to read... keyword trying.
Normally, I can always escape my thoughts through the pages of CK Marie's Stories of Fate series or JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series... but not today. Today, my mind has managed to insert Mychal into Cherished Fate to become Brytney's hunky replacement at work while she goes on maternity leave!
What the fuck is wrong with me? Seriously!? With a groan of frustration, I slam my book shut and venture out to the kitchen for a drink.
I grab a bottle of water from the fridge. When I close the door Kenzie is there, scaring the shit out of me. “Jesus, Kenzie! Don't sneak up on me like that! Are you trying to kill me!?”
“What's going on with you and Mychal?” She demands ignoring me.
“Wait... what? What are you talking about?” I try to play it off.
“You know what I'm talking about! Something is different... and you have been acting weird since you've been home.”
Kenzie knows me, I've never been able to lie to her; but I try anyway. “I'm not acting weird. Nothing is going on.” Remembering their phone conversation from earlier I continue, “We hung out, talked... it got late. He offered for me to crash there and said he'd give me a ride home today. He told me I should call you, but I didn't want to interrupt... whatever you and Tyler may be doing. Why are you being a bitch?”
She knows. I can see it all over her face. But it's obvious Mychal did not want her to know so I will not back down.
“Fine, Piper! Whatever! I'm not stupid!” She turns, stalking off to the living room. She hesitates before turning around, “We are going out tonight if you want to join us.” She sounds disappointed, but I can tell she is trying to not be mad at me.
“I told dad I’d meet him at his house for pizza. Maybe next time.”
“Fine.” Is all she says as she turns her back to me, and I decide it is time for me to go.