Chapter Eleven

 

Lenny

 

 

“I always thought you were an idiot for taking the deal and going to LA. These papers only serve to prove I was right.” Lisa sang smugly as she flipped through the stack of papers outlining the lawsuit.

I groaned sinking back into the cushions of the couch. She had been going on for hours, rubbing in my past mistakes. If I didn’t love Lisa like a sister, I would have strangled her. But she was right. It was my fault. I only hoped she could help me get out of it.

“We get it, I’m a colossal moron. Now tell me, can you help a brother out or not?” I plead, conceding to her victory over me.

“Well, that depends. On your album Trapt. Was the song Blissed about me?” She asked haughtily.

“What?” I intoned. My memory rushing through the Rolodex of lyrics in my mind.

It only took a moment for the lyrics came forth. I played them through my mind, as a small smile spread across my lips. The song was about a man missing his best friend.

“Lisa, how many best friends do I have?” I offered giving her my best winning smile.

“You didn’t even write that song.” She huffed folding her arms across her chest. She shot me a menacing glare.

“But does it make it any less true? I’d have dedicated it to you if they had let me.” My hands spread wide, my brow rose in mock seriousness.  

“Fine.” She sighed in defeat. “But you have to promise to give me more nieces and nephews.” She bargained.

“Deal, you just have to talk to their mother about that.” I rebutted.

“Fine.”

That one word was anything but. Makayla and I were on shaky legs as it was. I would give her all the babies she desired without qualms. The question of the hour was did she even want them? Did she want me?

Sure we had declared our love for one another but I still had self-doubt. Did she want me for the long run? Forever?

“Okay, down to business.” Lisa’s stern voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“Did Angela live with you full time?” I didn’t miss the sneer in her voice when Angela’s name rolled off her tongue. I smirked in response.

“No, she didn’t live with me at all. She just showed up when she wanted to.”

“Did you ever invite her to live with you or suggest that you should live together?”

“No.” I spit the word out not liking the thought of Angela living with me, let alone by my choosing.

Lisa smirked, enjoying my discomfort, her fingers typing vigorously at the screen of her tablet.

“By chance, does Angela own her own place?” The question caught me off guard. I paused to think.

“Yeah, she owns a place in Malibu. One in the Hamptons, and a loft in New York.” I listed off the places I remember her bragging about while she tried to coerce me into a sexual relationship with her. She had prattled off her possessions as though their monetary value would somehow make her more desirable. It had the reverse effect.

“Where did she stay when you were away for work?” Lisa asked continuing her assault on the screen clutched in her paws.

“I don’t know.” I never kept up with Angela’s schedule. It never concerned me. Any day away from the vile woman was considered a win, a happy day.

“How often did Angela stay at your apartment with you?” I didn’t miss the way Lisa froze in place, her eyes peering over the small black screen in her hands to watch me. Waiting to hear my answer. I had nothing to hide. 

“She didn’t.” I shrugged appearing aloof.

“She didn’t?” Apparently, my answer required further explanation.

“My contract was to date her on paper, not in reality. If Angela was at the apartment when I was ready to go to bed I would leave. I wouldn’t stay under the same roof as her. I didn’t trust her.” I sat quietly allowing my words to sink in.

Lisa’s face was blank of emotion, if we were playing poker she would have won. The slight tightening at the corners of her eyes was the only visible movement. The small tales letting me know she heard everything I wasn’t saying.

“Is there anyone who can back up your side of the story?” I didn’t miss the challenge on her face. Lisa may have been my best friend but she was also Makayla’s and she would always put Makayla first. It was the reason I loved Lisa so much. We would both lay down our lives for our girl.

“I had cameras installed in the apartment before I moved in. The footage is all stored off-site at a secured facility. I’ll provide you with the contact information and sign the release allowing you full rights.”  Lisa’s head dropped down as she pounded furiously on the screen. I felt sure any moment her finger would go right through the glass.

“Why did you feel the need to have your house wired?” Lisa looked up. Our eyes met. Without saying a word I said it all. Lisa read me like a book. She understood. I didn’t trust Angela as far as I could throw her.

“Alright. I’ll get all the paperwork drawn up and sent to the opposing counsel. I feel like we have an airtight case. As your attorney, I would advise you to not have any contact with Angela Howard. All contact is to be directed solely through me. If for any reason she is to contact you, you are to give her my direct number and nothing more. Is that understood?”  Lisa stood gathering her things in her satchel.

“Yes, ma’am.” I mock saluted shooting her an arrogant smirk.

“As your friend, I also suggest you tighten up things at home.” My brows furrowed in confusion. “Take care of Makayla and Avery. Convince them you’re here to stay.” She gave me a pointed look, a long red nail shoved in my direction.

“How do you know I’m home for good?” I asked, needing to know how she was so sure of herself when even I was unsure if my foundation was secure.

“Because, if you even think about leaving them I will cut you from navel to nasal, chop off your balls and shove them down your throat. I’ll make it look like an accident, too.” She winked. The devil winked at me.  I had never felt so thoroughly threatened.

“But what if it’s Makayla that doesn’t want me?” There, I had said it. The words that sat thick at the back of my throat threatening to choke the life out of me. They spewed from my lips, spilling out onto the floor at Lisa’s feet.

Lisa walked toward me. Her steps calculated. She continued forward until we were a hair’s breadth apart. Tilting her head back to stare me in the eyes, her steely gaze locked on mine.

“Makayla isn’t going anywhere. She has waited for you for four years. She would continue to wait until her last dying breath. If you as much as think about breaking her heart I will kill you, best friend or not.” I snapped, wrapping Lisa into my arms I held onto her. Lisa startled but quickly relaxed into my embrace.

“I love her more than anything. I’m not going anywhere.” I promised, whispering the words into Lisa’s long auburn hair.

“I know you do. That’s why I’m going to help you kick Angela’s ass all over the map. Nobody messes with my family.” She promised, clinging to me.

It felt good to hug my best friend. I hadn’t seen much of Lisa over the past four years. We had talked often through text but texting didn’t hold a flame to how it felt to being in the same room as one another. I missed her hugs. Lisa seriously gave the best hugs. Avery was so lucky to have Lisa in her life. We all were.

“Don’t forget, Mak and I have girl’s night on Thursdays but Tuesdays are going back to beer and pizza. You’re not getting out of it.” Lisa threatened as she pulled away.

“I can’t wait.” I meant it. I missed my family, being home. I couldn’t wait to start over. There was so much I missed being in LA I didn’t want to miss anymore.

I walked Lisa to the door. She promised to let me know as soon as she heard anything. Makayla had taken Avery to the park to play allowing Lisa and I the privacy needed to discuss the case. I couldn’t wait for her to get back so I could give her the good news. Lisa said she could beat the case and I believed her. She hadn’t lost a case yet.