Chapter Nine

 

 

“For fuck’s sake, are you kidding?” I stare at Mason pouting.

“No. I want cupcakes. I have ten days and I can cheat for seven of them. The last three I’ll be enjoying my short honeymoon and working off the calories.” He’s dead serious. Sitting here, pleading with me to bake cupcakes.

“Do we have pans here for this?” I shake my head. Breck and Mason arrived an hour ago, we’re waiting for Saylor and Emberlee to arrive and he’ll be kicked to the curb. My parents have packed eighty percent of the house, preparing it for sale. Guess I don’t have a choice but to move.

I mentioned Prague to my parents and they scoffed. My dad forbade it and I lit a cigarette while pacing his prized patio with the thousand dollar grill. I may have flicked my ashes over it for spite but I’ll never tell him it wasn’t an accident. I don’t know why I got so worked up— he can’t stop me from going. It isn’t like I’m twelve.

I’ll mention it to the girls tonight and get their take. I sure as hell won’t be moving back in with my parents. “Here they are.” Breck calls from the kitchen as she lifts the pans over her head.

I go to make Mason’s cupcakes while they snuggle on the couch— the things I do for friendship. As I put the tin in the oven, Breck comes in. “You okay?”

“Great.” I lie. She shakes her head and laughs at me. “I’m doing shitty. I had to force myself to avert my eyes when I got here last night. I couldn’t bear to see his house empty. I won’t go to my parents because I have to drive by his parents’ house to get there. I’m terrified to leave this here because what if we run into him while we celebrate this weekend. Then I feel like a bitch because it’s like y’all have joint custody of us. Me on odd days and him on even. I know sometime I’m gonna have to be in the same room with him. He’s got to think it’s odd I’m avoiding him.”

“He does.” She admits. “We were able to avoid conflict because his parents were taking him to visit family this weekend but next weekend is the wedding. You’ve got to get it together.”

“I’ll try.” I look at her and know how important this day is to her. “I will. No trying. Shit, I shouldn’t have told my mom to give me three days to quit smoking. I’ll need them next weekend.”

She rolls her eyes. “So, Saturday is your last day smoking.”

“At noon. Per my mom.” Fuck, wrong time to quit. “If the timer beeps grab the cupcakes. I’m gonna go smoke. Maybe if I build up enough stock of nicotine in my system I won’t be a basket case next weekend.”

“Okay. And I can’t have my maid of honor smoking.” I freeze.

“Oh, God. He’s the best man, isn’t he?” I’m a selfish asshole. “And yes. I’d be honored. I love you.”

“Love you. And yes, he’s the best man.” She grins and I wanna smack her. Instead I’m gonna go smoke.

 

 

“Holy shit, what did you feed these kids while I was gone?” We’re sitting here and I can’t believe how much the girls have grown. Julie looks to be five, and she’s pouting because her Unca Mace got kicked to the curb and she couldn’t go with him. Kinsley and Darby are side by side, talking and playing and I swear they grew six inches.

“It’s gonna suck, all of us being in different states.” Lee Lee sighs.

“What?” I sit up.

“Brody got a job offer with the Yankees as assistant trainer. So, we’re moving.” Saylor looks to the girls and sighs.

“I may be in another country.” I decide to dive in.

“Huh? You drunk?” Saylor glares at me.

“No. Pasta offered me a spot whenever I want. I think I may take it.” But I’ll be alone. Lukas and Eva aren’t there.

“I thought you were thinking of staying with me and Mason.” Breck whines.

“Holy fuck.” Saylor glances to Julie and seems to be safe. “We’ll be the only ones here.”

“Caden.” I remind her and everyone shuts up. I’m missing something but I don’t have the nerve to ask. They act like there’s something they can’t tell me and it clicks. “Excuse me.” I go to my room and sink to the bed.

He’s got a girlfriend and they don’t know how to tell me. There’s no fucking way I can stay here and see that. God, do they have a witness protection program for broken hearts? This for sure earned me another day of sainthood. I go to my jewelry box— I need a quick peek. My ring is gone. I place it in the same spot every time I take it off and it isn’t there. I scream and Emberlee runs in. “What’s wrong?”

“My ring is gone.” I’m hyperventilating and she leads me to sit down.

“Maybe your mom packed it for safe keeping. We’ll call them in the morning. It’s late.” She rubs my back but I can’t breathe.

“I need to call her now.” I’m irrational but I have to have that ring.

“I’ll call her.” I watch her dial, hear her speak but it’s all noise. My eyes are fixed, staring at my jewelry box. She ends the call and snaps to get my attention. “She has it. Said if you need her to she’ll drive it over.”

I sigh in relief. “No. I’m okay now that I know where it is.”

“Okay.” She looks at me. “And please don’t go back to Prague. You can come to New York, move between Breck and my place. Open a gallery. Just don’t go to another country. I missed you.”

“Missed you, too. I can’t promise but I’ll consider it.” I gather my courage. “How is he?”

“Lost.” Is the only response I get as she leaves me by myself in my room. After I calm down I go join them. I’m present in body but absent in mind. I kiss Breck goodnight and promise myself I’ll be one hundred percent with her the rest of our time together.

Her and Mason went through hell and clawed their way back together. She deserves more than what I’m giving as her friend.

Fake it til’ you make it.

 

 

I was relaxed. I’d been plucked, rubbed, pampered all day. I slam the phone down and scream. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. Who does that? Brian Michaels, that’s who.” I’m sputtering, sure my make-up is ruined, but I’m livid.

“What the hell, Aves?” Deacon laughs as he drains his beer.

“That was my sperm donor.” I seethe. “The contract I signed for my space in Nashville has to be handled by Sunday or I’m liable to pay for two years. He’s booked me a ticket, leaving tomorrow to handle it.”

“That’s why you don’t do shit in secret.” Mason winks at me.

“Are you shitting me? That’s the shit you’re gonna spew? Shall we rewind— ” I’m opening a can of worms but I couldn’t stop myself if I tried. The thought of being in that city, the one he made so many of my dreams happen— the memories are crushing me. “Secrets. Oh, Saylor and her fucking issues she kept a secret. Or let’s not forget Emberlee sabotaging shit with Adriane. Deacon gonna give up ball. Lee Lee’s sneaking around with Brody and hiding what he meant to her. Or her daddy issues. Then we had Mason— was he doing drugs in front of us? No— another secret.” I can’t stop ticking the transgressions off and I know I’m wrong. Like really wrong. “And Brecklynn hiding her love to save herself. But I’m the one you’re gonna fucking mention keeping secrets. I did this shit for y’all. If you knew, none of you would deal with your shit and would have hounded the fuck outta me and Caden.” I’m panting, feeling an ache in my chest because I decimated all of them with my hateful vitriol.

“You done?” Mason tilts his head.

“I think.” I admit.

“Apologize.”

I meet each of their gazes. I’m shocked at the understanding I see. “I’m sorry.”

“Breck, grab the computer. Book all of your flights to Nashville. Bachelorette party has been moved there for one night.” He tosses her his credit card and winks at me. “See, simple.”

“Hell yes, they have a Coyote Ugly in Nashville.” Saylor is bouncing up and down, using Deacon’s leg as a racehorse, making his face look pained

“Shortstop, you need to quit playing ride the pony against my thigh or we’re gonna disappear for a bit.” She rolls her eyes.

“For keeping the girls and giving me this night, I’ll forego sleep and you can fuck me silly tonight.” She kisses his neck and stands. “Ten minutes to pack then we’re hitting the bar.”

She’s like a drill sergeant but I have to sit down. My world is spinning and I’m helpless to stop it. “You good?” Deacon has taken residence by my side and Mason flanks the opposite side.

“No. I can’t go back there.” I whisper. “I can’t. Why is my dad being a dick?” I refuse to allow the tears to fall.

“He isn’t being a dick, Aves. It’s called growing up.” Mason adds.

“Growing up? Who pays your bills?” I question.

“I think my agent.” He has the fortitude to look sheepish.

“Yeah.” I smile.

“Saylor pays mine.” Deacon adds. “But I did sire two kids. I’m grown up.”

“Yeah.” I lean my head against his shoulder. “And you stayed. You’re a great dad. Wanna give my dad some pointers?” I half-kid.

“Aves.” Deacon kisses my temple.

“I know. I’m not mad at him. In his defense, he said he’d been sending me the correspondence while I was in Prague and I ignored it. Anything to do with home and him I didn’t want to face.” A lone tear betrays me and courses down my cheek. “I can go to Nashville by myself, no reason to bust up the plans for this weekend.”

“Nah. Breck deserves everything and she travels and adjusts her schedule to be there for me— let me do this.” Mason kisses my cheek.

“Okay.” I give in to his plea.

“But for the love of all that’s holy— watch Emberlee like a hawk.” Brody pleads. He knows she’ll be our ringleader in all chaos.

“Dude, does this job pay?” I tease.

“I don’t think there is a loan amount to cover the expense.” He admits.

“Shut up— you get paid in anal.” Mason pouts.

“Adler, shut the fuck up about anal— you’re with my sister.” Brody glares.

“Not in that way. Y’all are assholes.” We can’t help but laugh and relax. I get up to pack and ready myself for a night that will include tequila shots and bad choices.

 

 

“I’m starved.” We’re arriving at the hotel and I could eat the ass out of an elephant. But don’t Google that. It isn’t pretty.

“Let’s head downtown, eat, and get partying.” Brecklynn sets her suitcase down on the bed. I take the other bed and Saylor and Lee Lee open the adjoining door to claim their sleeping spots.

“Sounds good. We’ll change and leave in ten.” Changing consists of showering, fixing hair, smearing some make-up across faces, trying nine hundred and thirty-three outfits before wearing the first one they had. I’ve eaten three packs of Oreos from the mini bar, a candy bar and was heading to the vending machine to find something else when Emberlee finally announces she’s ready.

I decided to wear my hair down in a mess of wild curls and allowed Saylor to pick out a flimsy cream top and paired it with my best black bra. Tight jeans, cute boots— that was all the effort I could muster. “Fuck, you look hot, Aves.”

I roll my eyes. “Thanks, Lee Lee. But Breck is the bride. Let’s compliment her.”

Lee Lee runs back to her room and comes back with a tub of shit. I laugh as she withdraws a sash and tiara for Breck. “Holy shit.” Breck giggles. “Are those penis straws?” She reaches for them and Saylor snorts.

“We’re all sucking dicks tonight. I can’t wait to torment Deacon with this shit.” She takes her phone and I’m sure updates her social media status. Three . . . Two . . . One . . . ring. “Hey babe.” She tries for sultry. “What? Oh really? The only dick I’m sucking is yours? I’m afraid you’re mistaken. The one I have in my hand, caressing the pink shaft and leading it to my lips says otherwise.” She hangs up and I fall to the bed in laughter.

In unison, Emberlee and Brecklynn’s phones ring and I look at Saylor to see her smirk. It hits me in the chest like a freight train— my phone doesn’t ring with someone going caveman on my ass. I can hear the one-sided conversations and I grab Brecklynn’s phone to intervene so the asses don’t crash our party. “It’s Aves. Don’t get the next flight – Lee Lee brought penis straws. I know it’s close to the same thing for Breck with the straw adding a few inches but relax. She isn’t trading you in for someone who is at least average. Love you. Bye.” I end her call and raise my eyebrows at Lee Lee to do the same.

Those guys will play telephone and get it handled. “Come on. I’m hungry.”

 

 

“Oh, here’s Tootsies. I want to go there.” Brecklynn claps and you can’t help but get drawn into the atmosphere in downtown. It’s electric— amazing music, a diverse population of people, all wearing smiles and enjoying the night.

“Let’s go.” I laugh at the tiara and sash Emberlee insisted she wear. It’s gonna be a magnet to every douchecanoe in the vicinity. It’s wall-to-wall bodies and you have to turn sideways to get through the crowd but I get us to the bar. Saylor is staring at anyone and Emberlee is flirting with everyone. She’s so in love with Brody but has to convince herself she’s still got it. It’s all harmless so I know I’ll have some entertainment. Resigning to the fact I’ll be having a liquid dinner, I’m thankful I stuffed my face with Oreo’s.

One drink.

Two drinks.

Three drinks deep and we’re feeling it. Somehow we’ve planted our asses in the space directly in front of the bar and this bartender isn’t skimping with pouring vodka. “I need a cigarette.” I announce.

Saylor fumbles in her purse and pushes a stick of gum in my hand. “Here.”

I stare at the piece of gum, replay what I verbalized and look to her. Biting my lip I try to tone down my attitude but Alcohol Avery has come to play. “Uh, Shortstop, where in the hell did you translate what I said into handing me this? I’m going outside for a smoke and no amount of Doublemint and your snooty looks is gonna change that. Hold my drink and don’t let anyone roofie it.” I turn and make my way through the crowd to go outside and smoke.

I people watch, listen to the music flowing down the street and enjoy my fix-it-all stick. Fuck . . . I was supposed to be done today at noon. I look to the five left in the pack and inhale my last drag. Walking to a guy a few feet in front of me, I smile, hand him my cigarettes and go back inside . . . to get a piece of fucking gum.

Five or six guys surround my friends and everyone is laughing but they’re a bit too close for comfort. Slipping in next to Saylor I dig in her purse for gum and ignore her knowing smirk. “Shut it.”

“Who do we have here?” Rico Suave with gray hair sidles up to me. Lee Lee’s eyes widen and Breck gasps. I’m friendly. I’m nice. I’m just particular regarding my fucking personal space and grandpa here is crossing boundaries as he brushes against me.

“Nobody.” I don’t try to give off the air of friendliness. But dipshit takes it as a challenge and steps closer. If that’s possible.

“Uh,” Saylor tries to intervene but is ignored. Motherfucker takes his hand and runs it up my back, reaches my neck and fists a handful of hair in his hand.

“Wild. I love it.” He tugs and I snap.

“Get your hands off me.” My tone low but lethal.

He chuckles. Fucking giggles like a bitch. “What do you do for a living? Your friends said you were a porn star.” I’m gonna kill them— after I get McFuckstick’s hands off me. Fucking Brecklynn has taken her phone and is recording this. Good, I may need evidence for a self-defense case. I’m gonna catch a charge but I’m making it worthwhile.

“I’m a contract killer. Right now, I’m thinking I’m gonna take one for mankind and work without a contract. Get your fucking hands off me.” I take the heel of my shoe, dig it into his calf and yank my leg up— catching him in the balls with my knee and removing a layer of skin with my boot.

His friends grab him and apologize but I’m done. I slam my drink and look to the Three Stooges. “Drink. Time to find another place to play.” We leave through the back door and end up in an alley but it isn’t unsafe. All the bars down this street empty here.

“That was epic.” Brecklynn is high on love.

“Holy shit, Aves. My little bad ass.” I’m sure that heifer is the one who gave him my occupation.

“Did you tell him I was friends with Jenna Jameson, too?” I bite. I’m trying hard to be mad but it’s too damn funny. Or it’s the vodka. Either way, that was fun and I feel carefree.

Definitely the vodka.

“Deacon, the vodka is flowing, Aves just kicked some guy’s ass and I think we are gonna end up needing bail money.” I take the phone from Saylor and hear Deacon’s string of curses.

“Stop, DD. We aren’t getting arrested,” yet, I add in my head, “but she’s correct in the vodka flowing. I promise we’re being safe and having fun.” I calm him down with the finesse I’ve learned my entire life and hand the phone back to Saylor.

“That girl is gonna kill him one day.” I laugh to Lee Lee.

“Where are we going?” Brecklynn asks and pulls a flask from her purse.

“Coyote Ugly.” Saylor begs, in a volume way too loud for the close proximity we’re sharing.

“This way, Shortstop.” I tug her hand and we walk the short way to the famous bar and my favorite movie. What provokes me to start ordering doubles, I haven’t a clue. It may have been watching the little guy drinking Pabst beer and who was adorable in his glasses and hipster look. His friends decided to treat him and as the gorgeous bartender ripped his boxers, wrote dirty messages across his stomach with lipstick, bent his head back to pour alcohol down his throat, and did a body shot— it all got me hyped up. I was shouting, dancing, drinking and my girls and I had a blast.

We stumble to another bar— me sans bra— and finish the night with another drink. “I’m drunk.” I broadcast to no one in particular.

“Not too drunk if you can speak without slurring.” A sexy baritone breathes in my ear. I spin and am damn near knocked on my ass by his beauty. Blond, blue eyes, tan— All American hunk. “Can I buy you a drink?” Shit, I’m not dead. This guy is hot as hell.

I scan to check where the rest of my crew is and I can see we are going down fast. “No thanks.” I decide to forego the last half of my drink and we damn near crawl outside. In the fresh air, the alcohol hits me and I’m scared for the first time tonight. I try to work my phone and get us an Uber but can’t see the screen through the blurring. Emberlee has popped a squat by the curb, Brecklynn is spinning in circles and Saylor is leaning against the wall next to me. “Shit.” I mutter.

Two police officers appear in front of us and this pipes Saylor up. “Oh, I don’t have any singles.” She runs her finger down one’s chest and I know her predication from earlier is coming true— we’re going to the clink clink. The pokey. Lock up.

“I’m so sorry.” I say— in my mind— because what spews from my mouth isn’t that. Judging by the look the cop shoots me I made no sense.

“Here’s a cab.” He guides us to a van of some sorts. I check to make sure there aren’t any signs offering free candy before I crawl in.

“Wait, we have those two idiots as well.” Mr. Nice Officer helps Lee Lee and Brecklynn into the backseat and nine minutes later we’re in our bed, room spinning, taking turns puking.