Track 2: Rumor Has It
Gabe
I held Sophia in my arms as she fell asleep, like I did every night. This had become our routine for the past three years. She’d cradle her body into the crook of my arm, head cradled on my chest as I wrapped myself around her, securing her fragile body to mine. I’d rub the top of her head softly as her eyes finally closed, putting her in a sweet, blissful dream—unlike her reality.
I lived for her—night and day—I would’ve breathed for her too, if I could’ve. But the truth of the matter was—I couldn’t. I had to watch the life being sucked out of her daily, yet she smiled through it all. She’d be damned if she let her oxygen line keep her from smiling the biggest, warmest smile she could give.
That’s what I loved most about her. No matter how much pain she was in, she always smiled. Always.
It had been a long day; her stats were getting worse. Her face was pale and you could see the exhaustion in her every move. She had dark circles under her eyes, but she never complained. She was a fighter.
“You need to sleep,” I said, rubbing the top of head gently, where she used to have long, thick brown hair.
“I’m fine,” she insisted. “I like having you here.”
“I know.” I smiled genuinely back at her.
“Do you have to work tomorrow?”
She looked up at me with a hopeful expression in her eyes, knowing the answer was always yes.
“Yes, but you know I’ll be here before you go to bed.”
“Okay,” she said, defeated.
“Close your eyes,” I demanded.
“Fine.” She sighed.
I looked down and saw her lips form into a grin. Her eyes were closed, but she was fighting the sleep. She wanted to soak up as much time with me as she could before the fatigue and medication took over.
I rubbed her forehead slowly, her slight frame pressed tight against me. “Keep smiling, Sophia,” I whispered. It was something I said to her every night as her body relaxed into mine, finally surrendering to the exhaustion.
I loved Sophia’s smile, so warm and tender. So innocent. As long as she was smiling, she was breathing.
* * *
I roll up the sleeves of my blue, button-up shirt as I stand in front of the full-length mirror. I leave a couple of buttons undone, keeping a more casual look. Most days I’m stuck wearing suits and ties, so it’s a nice change from my business attire.
I grab the bags off my bed before heading down the stairs and placing them next to the banister. I packed more than enough, but the weeklong stay at Trace’s house is something I desperately need. Everything in my town still reminds me of her. Sophia. And although it’s been months, time hasn’t healed shit. It still hurts just as much as it did the day she stopped smiling. Her spirit left her body that day, abandoning me to my grief.
I shove my cell and keys into my pocket before grabbing my luggage and heading out the door. Trace’s house is only a forty-minute drive, but it doesn’t matter how far away it is because it won’t make the pain diminish. The memories haven’t faded. The way she clung to me like a security blanket is fresh in my mind. I could be a thousand miles away from Boston, and it would still feel like she was everywhere.
I haven’t seen Trace in months, mainly due to the fact that I hadn’t wanted to be around anyone and he was busy planning his wedding and remodeling their new home. He’s the kind of friend you stay in contact with long after college is done, so I’m at least excited about seeing him again.
I arrive at their house right on time. Trace had asked me to get there early, before dinner, so he could show me around the new man cave Natalee let him fix up in the basement.
Except the asshole isn’t even home yet. Natalee greets me at the door and tells me he went out on a beer run and to make myself at home until he returns.
She directs me to which room I’ll be staying in and soon busies herself in her office, saying she just needs to make a few quick phone calls. I mumble a thank you as I walk upstairs.
I’m in the middle of unpacking my suitcase when I hear the distinct sound of a shower. Knowing that Natalee was downstairs, I’m too curious to ignore it. I’m not sure what I’m expecting, but the overwhelming scent of plum and a girl singing aren’t one of them.
The bathroom is big enough to house a small orphanage. It’s ridiculous, really, but nice nonetheless. I notice a girl’s products on the countertop and a pink towel hanging on a hook. She’s completely oblivious to my presence as she bellows out a tune, giving herself over to the lyrics. She sounds gorgeous.
I find myself in quite an odd predicament. I look to the other side of the bathroom, where another door is. She must be staying in the room next to mine and apparently, we have a shared bathroom.
I’ve dated in the past, so I know what it’s like to share a bathroom with a chick. However, it’s been a long time, too long since I’ve experienced anything like that. It’s how I need it to be now. After my life shattered, I cut off any emotion I could to avoid feeling the pain of losing Sophia. Being numb and cold is the only way I’ve been able to continue with my life. Not being close to anyone means I can’t feel that kind of pain ever again.
I grab her toothbrush like it’s second nature. I soon realize I forgot my aftershave and make a mental note to ask Trace if he has any I can borrow.
Hearing her yelp the moment she spots me brings me an odd kind of joy. I assume she’s one of Natalee’s uppity friends, so I decide to mess with the girl.
Seeing her shocked, pissed-off facial expression makes it hard to resist teasing her. She’s yelling at me, screaming for me to leave. The moment my eyes land on her wet, smooth skin, I feel determined as ever to give this girl a hard time. She’s probably used to maids, high-priced china, and escorts driving her around. A little teasing will do her some good.
Watching her squirm as I peek into the shower makes my heart race. She reacts like any typical girl would—embarrassed and surprised. Kate has nothing to be insecure about. Before she shoves me away, I get a good look for myself. Sketchy, I know, but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t.
The moment she walks out naked and fearless, I find myself smirking and wondering if she tastes as good as she smells. Sweet plum. The way she yanks the towel out of my hand and struts out of the bathroom— completely naked—shot the blood right down the center of my body. Gone is the skittish girl. She’s testing me now—loud and proud.
I finish unpacking and head back downstairs. Trace and Natalee are in the kitchen, unpacking his bags of beer and alcohol.
“Coop!” he shouts as soon as he sees me. “You made it, man!” Most of my friends from college still call me that, but I wasn’t that guy anymore—the careless, impulsive one that had the world on a string.
I’ve already lost everything.
He strides toward me, clasping his hand in mine and slapping me on the back. His face is completely lit up and it’s evident how happy he is.
“Good seeing you, man.” I pat his back. “Nice pad you’ve got here.” I grin toward Natalee as she scowls at the word ‘pad’.
He backs up, looking around the kitchen in easy amusement. “Yeah…it’ll do, I suppose.” He rubs the light stubble on his chin, earning an elbow jab from Natalee.
Trace and I have been friends since our freshman year of college. He was one of those guys who always have it together—good grades, solid friends and family, great girl. There were times I was envious of the luck he always seems to have—first with finding Natalee, then keeping her. When I first met her, I knew they were meant for each other. It was obvious they had that connection.
Connection. Something I’ve never felt before. I dated. I tried the relationship thing, but it never worked out. It wasn’t because the girls weren’t good enough for me or that I was a manwhore; I just didn’t feel that connection. It wasn’t enough for me.
So after awhile, I gave up. I let girls in long enough to keep things casual and move along before anyone gets invested and complicates things.
“So, um…” I begin, tensing up as I think about the naked stranger I discovered upstairs. “Is there another houseguest I should be aware of?”
Natalee’s face drops as her eyes widen. “Oh shit!” She clasps both hands over her mouth. “I forgot to tell you. My cousin Kate is staying here this week, too.”
“Cousin?” I ask in surprise. Shit.
“Yes, she’s my maid of honor. Did you run into her?”
I laugh, shaking my head and rubbing the back of my neck. “Yeah, you could say that.”
“What did you do?” She points an accusing finger toward me, stepping closer.
I put my hands up in surrender, taking a step back from her scowl. “I didn’t do anything!”
“Gabriel Cooper…” Her voice goes low. “You are lying through your damn teeth.”
“Calling me by my full name—you must mean business,” I mock.
“Kate is my cousin and best friend. You better spill it. You have guilt written all over your cute face.” She crosses her arms, obviously not going to let this go anytime soon.
“You think I’m cute?” I grin at her, hoping to divert her attention from the subject.
“Focus, Gabe!” She snaps her fingers in my face.
“All right, fine. I walked in on her taking a shower…and might’ve seen her…naked.”
Her eyes widen as a shriek escapes her throat. “Oh my God!” She’s covering her mouth with both hands, but not out of anger—she’s trying to stop herself from having a laughing fit.
Kate
After trying to nap and being highly unsuccessful, I get dressed to meet Natalee downstairs for dinner. I was still addled from “meeting” Gabe and couldn’t sleep. My mind wandered to very wrong and inappropriate places as I committed his face and body to memory. If I hadn’t been so busy trying to cover myself up and yelling at him, I would’ve actually allowed myself to check him out. To say he isn’t bad-looking is the understatement of the century. Gabe—even his name sounds hot. He’s the very definition of a guy who’s well put together —perfectly groomed hair, sleek button-up shirt and dark, ripped jeans. His body looks fit, but it’s the face that does it— a mixture of boy and man. His features are delicate, but his jawline is strong. And the black studs he wears in both ears. His face is a walking, talking contradiction. And when I close my eyes, it’s his face that I see.
As soon as I enter the kitchen, I immediately notice him standing next to Trace and Natalee. I walk in unannounced and overhear their conversation, followed by Natalee’s burst of laughter.
“Oh my God, Katie Bear!” Her eyes light up as she tries to contain her laughter.
“He told you, I presume.” I deadpan.
“I’m so sorry!” She pushes back off the counter, walking toward me. “I forgot that teeny, tiny detail.” She beams a smile that’s begging me to forgive her.
“Apparently.” I snort, annoyed that Gabe is grinning from ear to ear behind her.
“Don’t be mad, Katie Bear. Gabe was just saying how sorry he was. He’s really sorry.” Silence fills the room. “Really sorry, aren’t you Gabe?” She spins around to pin him with a glare.
He fake coughs as he clears his throat. “Of course,” he says smoothly, but I see right through it.
“Good to know.” I walk closer, keeping eye contact with him. “Oh, Natalee, that reminds me—” I tilt my head to the side so Gabe gets a full view of me. “Gabe said he was looking for something.” I pretend to rack my brain as Natalee focuses on me. “Yeah, something like…hemorrhoid cream? And since you practically have a pharmacy, I figure who better to ask.” I cock a smile in Gabe’s direction. His smirk fades as his eyes widen with embarrassment.
He remains silent as Natalee reassures him it’s completely normal and that he shouldn’t worry. Gabe and I keep eye contact, no one willing to budge, as Natalee runs to grab the tube of medicine.
“Here, honey. This’ll make you feel better.” She hands him the cream, patting his hand sincerely. She winks once at him as she backs away.
“Thanks,” he grimaces. A fresh layer of sweat creeps over his forehead as his cheeks redden. Natalee and Trace excuse themselves for a moment, leaving Gabe and I alone in the kitchen.
“Is this you getting even with me?” He points to the tube, brows raised as if he’s impressed with my retaliation.
I shrug and grin. “Don’t think you’re off the hook,” I warn. “You saw me naked.” I cringe just thinking about it.
“And wet,” he adds, flashing his shit-eating smile again. Fucker.
“It’s burned into your brain, isn’t it?” I cross my arms, scowling at him.
“Like the Pledge of Allegiance.” He smirks unapologetically.
“Perfect.” I roll my eyes before turning on my heels and walking out.
Who the hell is this guy? I’ve never met someone so arrogant in my life. He’s the type of guy that offers no excuses for his behavior. He’s annoying and sexy, all at the same time. And he’s already getting under my skin.
Now that I’ve gotten to look at him, really look at him, he’s even hotter than I remembered. His hair is jet black, short, and trimmed in a military crew cut. His jaw is strong, but his dimples give him that boyish look. His eyes are green with a tint of brown to them. His body is sculpted—not in the “he works out endlessly” kind of way—more a natural kind of toned musculature. I imagine a washboard torso underneath his shirt. He stands around the same height as Trace, so at least six feet. If I’m going on looks alone, he’s definitely someone I’d want to help me cross some numbers off my bucket list. However, I’m sure his ego is too big and would get in the way.
The four of us gather around the dining room table as Franco finishes preparing our meal. I don’t have much of an appetite and my body is still fatigued since I didn’t get to take that nap earlier, but I don’t pass up the opportunity to be around him. I end up sitting across from Gabe while Natalee and Trace holding hands across the table and gaze into each other’s eyes. They are oblivious to the glare I’m giving Gabe.
His continuous staring is starting to make me blush. I’m trying to figure him out, but with his cocky smile and give-zero-shits attitude, all I conclude is that he’s probably a manwhore looking for his next conquest. But even if that is his end game that doesn’t mean I can’t play along for the ride.
I watch Gabe intently as we eat, twirling my fork around in the pasta on my plate. He’s eyeing me every chance he gets, making it impossible to read him in between the scowls and playful smirks.
I pull my lower lip in between my teeth as I continue watching him. It’s so sensual—watching him eating—such a simple and pleasurable act.
This trip is all about being spontaneous and having fun, I remind myself. My life’s destiny has been chosen and now it’s up to me to live like there’s no tomorrow…because there might not be. This can be my chance.
Have a one-night stand—bucket list number five. Perhaps I could alter it a bit—have a multiple-night stand with the guy sleeping next door to me.
I never really thought about having a one-night stand before, but things are different now. There’s no reason to worry about the future when you don’t have one.
I realize by now that I’m practically drooling at the thought of him in front of everyone. I clear my throat, needing to distract myself and erase the thoughts of him out of my head.
“So, Katie Bear, why don’t you tell Trace and Gabe about your recent…extracurricular activities?” she suggests, her voice filled with amusement.
“It’s not an extracurricular activity,” I correct her, scraping my fork on the plate when I realize I’ve already eaten everything as I was staring at Gabe.
“Um…” she begins, narrowing her brows. “You’re naked on a pole. I don’t know what else to call it.” I hear Gabe choke on his food before Natalee finishes speaking. I grin internally at the thought of him choking up over the words naked and pole.
“Okay, this I’ve got to hear,” Trace says.
I roll my eyes. “It’s an exercise class.” I glare at Natalee. “And I’m not naked. I’m in my workout clothes,” I clarify. “It’s pole dancing.” I see Gabe’s stunned expression out of the corner of my eye. His jaw drops as I mention the words pole and dancing. “It’s fun and gets you in shape,” I defend.
“Yeah…” Natalee’s voice lingers a moment. “That’s called stripping.” She laughs, clearly amused. About a month ago, she texted me saying she was coming to the city, but I had already been on my way to class. She’s been teasing me ever since.
“I don’t get paid!” I end up laughing with her. “And call it whatever you want. It helped me get this,” I say smugly, running a hand up and down my body. Natalee snorts and laughs again. I look across at Gabe, whose face is beet red, but his eyes are hazy as he follows my hand along my body.
“You sure stare a lot for someone who has already gotten the live show.” I glare at him, hoping to embarrass him.
I can feel Natalee and Trace’s eyes burning into the side of my face, clueless as to the thoughts whirling around in my head.
He doesn’t respond to my blunt comment.
Coward.
After dinner, Natalee steals me away for wedding stuff as the guys go off to doing their own thing. She has everything organized in a thick binder with pictures and hand-written notes.
“So what do you think?” she asks as I flip through the pages.
I nod my head and smile up at her. “It’s beautiful, Natalee. I’m really happy for you.” My eyes begin welling with tears as I think about how I’ll never have this. I quickly dismiss the thoughts before the floodgates open up. They can’t—or rather—I won’t let them. I promised myself I was done crying.
“You all right, Katie Bear?”
“Yeah, of course.” I wave a hand in her direction. “I’m just so happy and excited for you! You’re getting everything you ever dreamed of.” I wrap my arms around her, embracing her in a tight hug. “You’re very lucky,” I whisper.
She pulls back, looking directly into my eyes, staring at me for a moment before she said, “Don’t worry, Katherine. You’ll get this too someday.” She sounds so sincere and it nearly breaks my heart. She’s only called me by my actual name on rare occasions.
“I know,” I lie. I swallow and push the rest of my tears back.
Once we finish looking through her binder, we get right to work. She has table favors to finish making and after a half-hour of working, she recruits the boys for their help.
At first I was surprised she didn’t hire a wedding coordinator, but knowing Natalee as well as I do, I should’ve known she’d want to do everything on her own—giving it a more personal touch.
“So Gabe, how did you meet Trace?” I ask as we all sit on the floor, stuffing bags and mini-boxes.
“Coop and I were frat brothers,” Trace answers before Gabe gets a word in.
“Coop?” I raise a brow.
“Yeah, Gabe Cooper. But he was always Coop in college.”
“Ahh…college fraternity, huh?” I smirk, glancing at Gabe. “That explains a lot, actually.”
“What does that mean?” Gabe asks, looking offended.
“Just explains it.” I shrug, unapologetically.
“You should’ve met Gabe back in our college days, Kate! Man, he was a riot!” Trace laughs, oblivious to the death glare Gabe is giving him.
“Really?” I ask, amused and secretly loving how embarrassed Gabe looks. “Well, now I’m curious.” I keep my eyes on him as I continue busying my hands.
I only met Gabe a few hours prior, but I already have him pegged in my mind. Part good-guy, part bad-guy. And part of me was okay with that. More than okay, actually.
“Gabe was like a God. Senior year he jumped from the roof into the pool—biggest stunt ever in our house!” Trace cracks up as he tells the story. Apparently, it was some kind of dare, alcohol was involved, and he was trying to impress a girl.
“Wow. Thanks, man.” Gabe hides a smile as he pats him roughly on the shoulder. He stands up and says goodnight to all of us before heading upstairs. I’m more than ready to call it a night, too, my body feeling more beaten down than it has in days.
“Good night,” I say to both Natalee and Trace. “I’m exhausted. See you in the morning.” I smile at them, their happiness completely contagious.
“Night, Katie Bear! Love you!” Natalee calls out as my foot hits the first step.
“Love you, too.”
As I head up the stairs and back to my room, I can’t help but think about Gabe—who was only one door away. The way he clearly enjoyed getting a rise out of me the second we met; the way his eyes burned into mine as we sat across from each other; the way my mind kept wondering what he looked like naked.
After all, I was here to have fun.