Текст книги "Beautiful Misery"
Автор книги: Chandin Whitten
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Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 18 страниц)
22
Annie
“Annie, some guy is at the bar asking for you.” Barker leaned his head against the lockers. “He looks young but damn, girl. How many guys you got chasin’ your sexy little self? If you get tired fell free to toss one my way. Barker needs him a little boy toy. It has been way too long.”
Looking up from my purse I raised my eyebrow. “Please, stop. I don’t want details. And, I don’t have any one chasing me. Did he say what he wanted?”
“I didn’t ask. He asked for you and I came back here to get you.”
I quickly put my lip gloss on and tossed my pursed into the locker. I knew Gage wasn’t out there. He had left for New Orleans this morning. Barker knew all the guys in Jase’s band, and he knew better than to let me near Parker again after the incident a few months ago. “I’m ready. Let’s go see who this supposed Barker boy toy is.”
Laughing, Barker shook his head. “Sadly, I doubt that is the case.”
Following Barker out of the locker room and into the crowd he made his way to the bar, me close behind. There was too many people waiting at the bar to be sure who was waiting for me. Barker pointed to the end of the bar. He leaned into my ear and yelled, “That’s him. Green polo with the dark brown hair.”
All I could see was his back. “Ok. Thanks. I’ll see who it is and what they want.”
Walking to the opposite end of the bar I racked my brain trying to figure out who it was. Maybe it was a previous customer? Maybe he thought I was flirting with him? When I was close the younger guy that had been talking to the guy in green smiled and pointed at me. Green shirt guy turned, smirking. Dylan. Why was Dylan here and why was he asking for me? Oh God…did something happen to Gage?
“Is Gage okay?” I asked in place of hello. I walked around the bar, stopping in front of Dylan.
He nodded and bent over. Standing, he was holding a large vase filled with pink and purple tulips and orchids. “I guess my role as flower boy has been extended. My brother asked me to deliver these and to make sure you got this.” Dylan pulled a small jar filled with sand from his pocket and handed it to me.
“Oh. Thanks, Dylan. You didn’t have to bring them here though, you could have dropped them off at my house.” I took the jar and popped the lid off. Grabbing the small, rolled up paper from the sand, I opened it.
Annie,
Will you go to dinner, walk on the beach, and lay under the stars with me?
P.S. This is when you smile and say yes.
~Gage
Staring at the note, I felt my smile taking over. I looked up at Dylan. “Your brother really does know how to woo the ladies, doesn’t he?”
“Never really seen him do this before. I don’t know if he has gotten a girl, besides Jenna, flowers before.”
“Not even Cobie?” I asked, a little in disbelief.
Dylan dropped his head and shook it. “Their relationship was complicated. But, no I don’t think so. He really likes you. If you’re not in this, then tell him no. Don’t say yes to be nice. Just be honest. Don’t wait this out and play with him. He has been through enough. Don’t hurt him.”
For only being eighteen years old and still in high school the kid was smart. “I do like him, Dylan. Maybe too much.”
He gave me a small smile and said, “I know what its like to like someone too much. Difference is, you have Gage. My brother isn’t going anywhere.”
“How did you get to be so wise?”
“It’s my old age. The day I turned eighteen…it was like a whole new world.” Dylan shut his eyes and tilted his head. “Oh the memories of being wild and seventeen. The good ol’ days.”
Laughing, I picked up my flowers and turned to walk away. “Goodbye Dylan.”
“Bye, Annie.”
Barker lifted his brows when I walked passed with my goodies. I just shook my head and continued my trek to the locker room. Once my flowers were stored safely and my message in a bottle was in my locker, I pulled my phone out to text Gage.
Me: Yes.
I slid my phone into my back pocket and walked back to the bar, to a very anxious Barker.
“So, who was it?”
“That was Dylan. He is Gage’s little brother.”
Barker took a step back. “Shit. Little brother is hitting on you?”
Laughing, I shook my head. “No. No, not like that. Gage asked him to bring my flowers and this sweet little note asking me on a date. That’s all.”
Barker looked relieved. “Thank God. To be honest, these last three months you have seemed so much happier. I was hoping you weren’t about to screw that up.”
Putting my hands on my hips, I scoffed, “I am happy. Thank you very much. And, no, I don’t plan on fucking it up.”
I tried to turn but Barker grabbed my shoulder. “Annie, you know I didn’t mean it like that. I just want to see my favorite girl win in the end and be happy. Have the perfect life she and he son deserve.”
Sighing, I gave him a quick hug. “I know. Thank you for being you.”
“Anytime. You know I’m always hear to listen. Us gay guys make the best listeners.” Barker winked before walking away to help the long line of customers.
I felt my ass vibrate. Jumping a little at the sudden movement, I slid my phone out of my back pocket.
Gage: You won’t regret it. C U Saturday at 2. Have a good night. :-*
Did he really just send me a kiss through a text? Looking around, as if anyone could see the text, I smiled.
Me: Can’t wait. :-*
I put my phone back in my pocket and went to help Barker support the alcoholics and vacationers in getting drunk. With a permanent smile on my face.
Gage
Pulling Londyn’s pants up I hugged her close to me. “Bye baby. Daddy loves you. I will see you tomorrow. Be good for Uncle Dylan.” I kissed Londyn’s cheek and sat her on the floor. She crawled toward the giant pile of stuffed animals on the floor.
“Where are you taking Annie?” Dylan asked from his spot on the couch.
“I hired security to close off the stadium and I’m giving her a private tour. Dinner at Fresh, then I thought we could drive out of the city a little bit and go to the beach.”
Dylan batted his lashes and laughed. “Look at you be all romantical.”
I threw Londyn’s shitty diaper at him. He caught it and sat it on the end table. “Maybe you should take a few lessons and Mac would give you the time of day.”
My brother flipped me off before sliding off the couch and onto the floor. “Londyn tell your daddy to be nice to Uncle D. He’s a meanie head, huh?”
Londyn looked from Dylan to me. She gave a loud belly laugh and clapped her hands. Dylan scooped her into his arms and she squealed. He really surprised me when it came to Londyn. I didn’t expect him to want to spend time with her. He was almost nineteen. A normal teenage boy didn’t want to spend time with a baby. A part of me thought he was doing it to show Mac he was growing up.
“Okay, I’m out. Mom said you could call her anytime if you need help.”
Dylan spoke with a baby voice, “We don’t need Gran, do we? Uncle D can handle a little baby.”
“Bye Londyn. Love you, princess.” I waved to her as I walked out and into the sunshine. Hitting the car fob to unlock my doors I looked at my brand spankin’ new black Flacon Motorsports F7. She was pretty.
Sliding into the drivers seat I revved the engine. I loved that sound. The sound of raw horsepower. I felt like Mario Andretti. I sped all the way to Annie’s house. Jase was backing out as I pulled in.
He lifted his chin as he drove passed me. I parked and walked to her front door, knocking.
“It’s open.”
Opening the door I called out, “You know, that’s not very safe. I could have been some murderer looking for my next victim. You should always see who is at your door before telling them it’s open.”
Annie came walking down the stairs, putting her earrings in. She looked beautiful. Even though it was late October the weather was nice. It was around eighty and sunny. She had on a light pink cotton dress that stopped at her knees and strappy sandles.
“Yes, because typically murderers always use manners and knock before entering their victims home. Thank you for the warning.” She stopped at the bottom step and smiled.
“You’re such a smartass.”
She nodded. “I know. So, where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“I hate surprises.”
“I know. That’s why I love them. Gets you all hot and bothered. Easier to take advantage of you that way.”
Annie huffed. She grabbed her purse off of the kitchen bar and stomped to the front door. I never moved. She yanked the door open and turned back to me. “You comin’ or am I going to have to go on this date all by myself?”
“That wouldn’t be much of a date, now would it?” I smirked. Strutting across her living room I walked passed her and onto the small front porch.
She locked her door and turned on her heel. Her mouth dropped open. “What is that?” She lifted a shaky hand and pointed to my car.
“That would be my new car.”
“That is not a car. That is sex with a steering wheel and motor. You don’t take that to soccer practice or the grocery store.” Her voice was shaky, breathy. I liked it.
“Actually this is the first place I have driven it. Just got her yesterday. I figured a beautiful woman needed a beautiful car to ride around in.”
She lifted one eyebrow and pinned my with her stare. “Oh you are good. You are so good, Mr. Tucker.”
“Funny you should say that. I think you have told me that once or twice before. But, always in a different context.” Yep, I was being cocky. I couldn’t help that all my blood flow was now in my dick. My dick was talking for me. “You ready to take a ride in my sex on wheels, as you called it?”
Her cheeks turned a little red. “If it’s anything like you then I can’t wait.”
Fuckin’ tease.
“You’re taking me on a tour of the stadium?” Annie asked, sounding somewhat uniterested.
“Yes. But it’s not just any tour. This is the Gage Tucker Tour.”
“What makes your tour so special?”
“You’ll see.” I grabbed her hand and led her through the gate. I showed her every inch of the stadium.
She was trying hard to act interested. She was standing in the middle of the locker room. Her face twisted in disgust. “What in the hell is that smell?”
I laughed. “Sweaty men.”
“Don’t y’all believe in showers and air fresheners?”
“We have a cleaning service that comes daily. I guess you just can’t kill the smell of pure male.”
“Maybe you should try some bleach. I think I’m going to vomit if we stay in here much longer.” Annie was covering her cute, wrinkled up nose.
“Fine. Come on. I have one last place to show you before we leave.”
“I hope like hell it smells better than this malodorous male stinch.”
Rolling my eyes I held onto her elbow and led us out of the locker room. “It will smell like air. So you can stop holding your breath now.”
“Can you blame me? It smelled like a urinal looks in there. I don’t care where you take me next as long as it has fresh air.” Annie glances up at me. Her blue eyes sparkling.
When we got to the field I pointed to the fifty yard line. “There.”
Annie’s eyes followed my hand. She covered her mouth with one hand and laced the fingers of her other hand with mine. Walking to the middle of the field, there was a large blanket spread out with a basket in the middle. Lining the blanket was pink and yellow rose petals. It was exactly how I wanted it.
We sat on the blanket and I pulled the basket close to us, opening the lid. I pulled out the bottle of chamagne and two flutes. Pouring us both a glass I handed her one. “To unforgetable first dates.”
She tapped my glass and smiled before taking a sip of the sweet liquid. “That smell will definitely be unforgettable. But, so far I’m having a good time.”
I reached back into the basket and pulled out a plate with strawberries, grapes, and cheese. “Would the Madame care for a delectable berry or a slice of cheese?”
Annie laughed and plucked a strawberry off the plate. “Thank you, good sir.” Instead of taking a bite of the strawberry herself she held it up to my lips.
I slowly licked my bottom lip and took a small bite. Her sudden increase in breathing didn’t get passed me. “My turn.” I grabbed a plump grape off the plate and brushed it over her lips. Just when she cracked her mouth open, I popped it into my mouth.
“Not fair!” Annie joked and shoved my shoulder.
“Okay, okay. Here.” I grabbed another grape and rubbed it on her lips. She shook her head. “Come on. I’ll play nice.” I stuck my bottom lip out.
She slightly opened her mouth and I slipped the grape in, letting my thumb graze over her bottom lip. Her eyes fluttered shut. I leaned into her and let my lips linger on hers. She tasted like perfection.
Laying her back on the blanket, I shoved my fingers into her hair. This felt right. Everything felt right with her. I let one hand wander down her body and under her dress. I slipped under her panties. She was wet. I leaned up on my knees and unbuttoned my jeans. Sliding them and my boxers down I let my throbbing cock rub against her wetness. I felt her thighs tighten against me. In one fluid motion I was inside of her. Fuck. This felt better than right. This felt like home.
I wanted to tell her I loved her. I wanted to tell her I wanted to spend the rest of my life tangled up with her. I wouldn’t, though. I was too fuckin’ scared.
I wasn’t Gage Motha Fuckin’ Tucker. I was Gage Cowardly Ass Tucker.
23
Annie
I was pissed. I couldn’t believe Gage! That fucker actually mentioned me in his interview after I told him not to. I was going to kill him. Opening my car door I got out, slamming it shut.
Stomping across the practice field parking lot, I walked up the steps. Flinging the door open, I made my way down the hallway toward the locker room. Those men were about to get the surprise of a lifetime.
Coming to the locker room door I didn’t bother knocking. I shoved the door open and stepped in. They had Metallica blaring through the speakers. Glancing around I saw men in towels, men in boxers, men in nothing, then my eyes landed on Gage. He was leaning against a locker, his arms crossed at his chest, talking to Trent.
Huffing, I made a b-line straight for him. I could hear all the men hooting and hollering, but I paid them no attention. One guy even called out, “Watch out Tucker. Your woman is hot.” I’m not sure if he meant piss off hot or the way I looked hot, I didn’t care. I was on a mission. I had no plans of stopping until Gage was dead or bowing down calling me queen.
Gage turned his head to see what all the fuss was about. When his eyes met with mine I could see that damn smirk set in place. Not taking his eyes off me he said something to Trent. Trent turned to wink at me. He laughed and patted Gage’s shoulder before walking away.
I stopped just in front of Gage and glared. “How dare you! I told you not to mention me. Then to call me your lady luck. You made me sound like a total slut.”
“Well, what the fuck are you? We both know fucking is what we do best.” Gage caught me off guard and kissed me.
What did I come in here for?Oh yeah, for making me sound like a whore.
Putting my hands on his chest I pushed him back. Raising on my tippy toes so I was eye to eye with Gage I said, “You know a guy like you should wear a damn warning.” Grabbing his t-shirt I fisted it and shoved him back a little.
Gage grabbed my arm and yanked me through a door and around the corner. Pressing me up against the wall, he placed his hands beside my head and dropped his head so his lips were brushing my ear. “Baby turning you on is just too damn fun. I may be a bad influence sweetheart, but fuck, I’m fun.”
“Gage we are in the locker room. Your team is on the other side of this very thin wall.”
Raising an eyebrow, Gage dropped his voice even lower and breathed into my ear, “I don’t give a fuck. I want you up against the wall. I’m about to do very dirty things to you. Let them hear you. I want them to know you’re mine.”
Sucking in a breath, my eyes widened. “Is there ever a time you don’t want it?”
Gage’s gorgeous face formed into a wide grin. “With you, never. I could fuck you all day long and still not get enough.”
Gage never took his eyes from mine as he leaned over and pushed in the lock on the door. Hearing the click of the lock, I watched as Gage’s eyes turned to a stormy blue. The same way they always did when he was turned on. Which seemed a constant with him. Pressing his body to mine Gage ran his hand from my shoulder down my arm and to my hip. He slipped his hand under the waistband of my skirt and into my panties.
“For someone who is so worried about people on the other side of the wall, you sure are wet.” Gage crooned as he slid a finger into my hot, wet center.
Letting my head fall back, I gripped onto Gage’s broad shoulders as he used his fingers to tease me.
Pulling his hand from my skirt he placed his arm around my waist, lifting me off the ground so I could wrap my legs around him. He pushed my skirt up and shoved my panties to the side. Using one hand he lowered his gym shorts and boxers, letting his large, throbbing erection free.
“You want it, baby?” Gage asked in a deep, throaty growl.
“Just shut up and fuck me.” I retorted.
Gage gave me a smug smile before slamming his cock into me.
“Ahh!” I cried out at the force and that amazing stretched feeling I got.
“I want them to know you’re mine. I don’t want them thinking I’m trying to kill you.”
I shut my eyes and bit down on my lip as Gage kept up with the quick pace.
“Fuck you. I can’t help the sounds that come outta my mouth when I have your dick sliding in and outta me. I have no control on what you do to me.”
Gage licked his lips and drug his teeth across his bottom lip. “I love what I do to you. Getting you all worked up and seeing that look on your face. That look is for me, no one else. I don’t share, Annie. You got that?”
I nodded and reached between us, my fingertips grazing the top if his dick. “I don’t share either. This. Is. Mine.” I brought my hand back to rest on Gage’s shoulder. As he picked up the pace, our breathing became choppy and labored. “Oh, God. You feel so good.” I gritted out between breaths.
I could feel the intense burning building in my lower stomach. I felt a thin sheen of sweat covering my body as Gage pushed into me and ground his hips. Dragging my nails down his back, Gage growled, “Fuck, Annie.”
Hearing my name fall from his mouth was my undoing. Clinging to Gage I cried out. I wasn’t even sure what I said but I’m sure it wasn’t even in English.
Gage pulled out before slowly sliding back in. “Annie, this thing between us…I don’t want to fuckin’ lose it. I know I’m a selfish prick of an asshole who doesn’t deserve you. Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment, but I can’t fuckin’ leave this, leave us. I want more than this. I want more than sex with you. I want you.”
Your Call by Secondhand Serenade came through the speakers. I would never forget this song. When words fail, music speaks. So true.
Gage lowered his forehead to mine and softly kissed me, slowly intensifying the kiss. Slipping my tongue into his mouth I explored, tasting him. He grabbed the back of my head and kissed me with passion, with desire.
I felt his dick stiffen before his whole body went rigid. He moaned into my mouth as he emptied himself inside of me, jerking involuntarily.
Releasing my mouth Gage rested his forehead on the wall next to my head and slowly slid out of me. Lowering my legs down his body until I was standing, I placed my hands on either side of his face. I pulled his head to me so he was looking me in the eyes. I said, “The things you make me feel, make me think are scary. I want to be happy and I want you. But, we both have a lot of trust issues. It’s not just us we are talking about. We have kids we have to consider. I don’t want Gabe getting attached to you then shit with us falling apart. Gabe and Londyn need stability.”
Gage started to talk and I held my hand up, lightly covering his mouth.
“That being said, I can see a future with you. As long as you understand this is me and you, no one else. I want to be with you. I want to be yours.”
Gage crushed his mouth to mine. “Annie, I want so bad to tell you how I feel but I want it to be perfect. You deserve perfect.”
“With you, I have perfect. I am willing to wait. I will always wait for you. I am crazy about you.”
You know that moment? That moment when everything is perfect. Too perfect. Where life is bliss and you’re just waiting for everything to come crashing down. You just know when it happens it’s going to be like an EF-5 tornado crashing through your life. You try to prepare yourself, but nothing can prepare you for life. Then…it happens. It makes that tornado you thought it would be look like a windy day. It’s worse. So much worse. You want to curl up in a ball and forget the world. Too afraid to brave the storm.
That’s what I’m doing. Preparing. My life is bliss. Lay under the clouds and count the stars bliss. Too perfect. And, I know its coming. My life isn’t this good, this easy. Now I wait and pray that the tornado sirens go off before the storm hits.
But, they never go off in time, do they?
Gage
“You sure you want to do this?” Trent looked up from the floor where he was playing with Londyn.
“Yes. I can’t change much about her past, but I can help fix the wounds. That night in the hotel when she told me about her mom and sister…she sounded so hurt.”
Trent rolled onto his back and Londyn climbed onto his stomach. Holding her middle he lifted her up and into the air. “I don’t know man. What if she doesn’t want this? Maybe she doesn’t want to know her mom or the life her sister got and she was denied. I just think you should talk to her first before jumping into something so personal.”
“I think I’m in love with her.”
Trent nearly dropped my daughter. Recovering, Trent put Londyn on the floor. “It’s almost Christmas. Why don’t you wait until after the holidays? Then you two can talk about this.”
“I want to invite them over for Christmas. Everyone is coming to my house and I wanted her real family to be there. She deserves to have a family.”
“I don’t know man. I still think I would talk to her first. At least mention it before shit blows up in your face.”
“Thanks for the support, bro. Keep an eye on Londyn. I have a call to make.”
Trent grunted as I got up and made my way down the hall to my office. Sitting at my desk I picked up the business card. Mr. Aaron Halt, Private Investigator.
Dialing his number I waited for an answer. “Hello, this is Aaron Halt.”
“Hi. My name is Gage Tucker. I was calling to hopefully get some help from you.” I was fidgeting with my watch. My nerves getting the best of me. Maybe Trent was right.
“What is it that I can help you with, Mr. Tucker?”
“My girlfriend. Well, really it’s her family. My girlfriend was in and out of foster care. Her sister was adopted when they were little. I wanted to try and find her mom and sister in time for the holidays. Surprise my girlfriend.”
“Of course. That is something I can definitely help with. I just need a little more information. What is your girlfriend’s name?”
“Annie Nicole Holland.”
“Her date of birth?”
“July twenty first, nineteen ninety.”
“Was she born in Alabama?”
“That I know of, yes.”
“What is her mother’s name?”
“Vicky. I’m assuming her last name is Holland as well.”
“OK. And her sisters name?”
“Heather. I know she is two years younger than Annie. She was adopted around the time she was six. Other than that, I don’t know anything else.”
“This is a good starting point, Mr. Tucker. I will start my research and keep in touch as things progress. Hopefully I can have them reunited in time for the holidays.”
“Thank you, Mr. Halt.”
We hung up and I let out a deep breath. That was easier than I thought. Now all I had to do was wait.
Two weeks passed before Mr. Halt called me back.
“Mr. Tucker, Mr. Halt here. I have some good news. I found your girlfriends mom and sister. They actually have been in contact with each other the past few years. Heather lives about an hour outside of Fairhope and Vicky lives in Pensacola. I have a number for both woman if you would like.”
Scrambling around to find a pen and paper I jotted down the numbers he rattled off. “Thank you so much, Mr. Halt. I will have your check in the mail tomorrow morning.”
“It was my pleasure, Mr. Tucker. Good luck.”
I hung up my phone and sat it on my desk. The numbers on the paper were staring at me. Taunting me. Leaning back in my office chair I rubbed my palms over my eyes. Should I do this? Fuck it. I came this far. No going back now.
“Hello?” A quiet female voice answered.
Clearing my throat, I said, “Um. Hi. I was looking for Heather.”
“This is her. Who’s calling?”
“My name is Gage Tucker. My girlfriend is your sister, Annie.”
“My…my sister? I haven’t seen her since I was six. How did you find me?”
“I had a little help. I was wondering if you would maybe want to meet.” My voice full of hope.
“Um. Yeah. I think so.” She sounded unsure.
“We could meet somewhere public if it makes you feel better. I was also going to contact your mom and see if she would meet with me.”
“I can call her. When would you like to meet?” She sounded a little more at ease.
“I live in Fairhope. Would you want to meet at Passions on Saturday at one?” I knew Annie would have Gabe and most likely meet her friends on the beach since it was supposed to be nice. No chance of her seeing us. Sneaking behind her back felt wrong and had a small knot forming in my stomach, but I pushed it back. In the end, seeing her face when she met her mom and sister would be worth it.
“Yeah. That should work. I will call my mom and make sure that is okay with her.”
“Can I ask you something first?”
She paused for a moment before saying, “Sure.”
“Is your mom better? You know, clean.”
“Yes. Five years now.”
A little relief. “Ok. Thank you. So, I will plan on Saturday. If something changes you can call me at this number and let me know.”
“Thank you, Gage.”
Ilooked at my watch for the umpteenth time since sitting down in the small diner. Five minutes until one. I was getting nervous. My legs were bouncing and my palms were sweaty.
I glanced at the door. There was a younger woman, around twenty walking in with an older woman, around forty. They spoke to the hostess and she pointed in my direction. I took a drink of water and stood.
“Gage?” Heather asked.
I stuck my hand out to her. “Yes. You must be Heather.”
“It’s so nice to meet you.” She put her hand on her mom’s arm. “This is my mom, Vicky.”
Heather was the total opposite of Annie. She had light blonde hair and golden brown eyes. Vicky looked a lot like Annie. Same dark brown hair and blue yes. But Vicky looked tired. The years of drug abuse showing. “Hi, Vicky. Gage Tucker. So nice to meet you. Please, take a seat and we can talk.” I pulled out the chair next to me for Vicky. She patted my hand and smiled sweetly.
“Gage, I can’t thank you enough for this.” Vicky sat beside me.
Heather was sitting across from me. She looked as nervous I was. “What made you decided to look for us?”
I wasn’t sure if I should say, but I wanted them to know about Annie. What she has struggled through and came out on top. I ran my finger over my lips. “She hasn’t had it easy. She bounced around foster homes growing up. When she was seventeen she got pregnant by the guy she thought she would married. Before her son, Gabe was born he was killed in a car wreck. She raised her son by herself for five years. She has done an amazing job. She has worked her ass off to get where she is. I’m proud of her. The one thing she can’t work for…her family. She deserves her family. If I can give her that, then I will.”
Heather’s eyes were filled with tears. Vicky was staring at the tablecloth. I didn’t mean to make her feel like shit, but she needed to hear the truth.
“Sounds like she is very lucky to have found you.” Vicky spoke through her tears.
Shaking my head I said with confidence, “No. I am the lucky one. She came into my life when I needed her most. I can never repay her enough for what she has done for my daughter and me. If you two were open to the idea, I wanted to invite you to my house on Christmas. You can spend Christmas as a family.”
“I would love nothing more than reuniting with my daughter. There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by that I don’t think about her. I have wanted to find her for so long. I was too afraid though. The last thing she ever said to me was ‘I hate you’. I hear those words replay in my mind all the time. I was afraid of what I would find if I found her. If she would resent me. So, in my head I created this fantasy life for her. She was married to a millionaire and they had the typical two point five kids with a summer home on the beach. She was happy and better off without me.”
Heather reached across the table. “Mom. She will forgive you, I did. You’re sober now. You’re healthy. You’re in control of your life.”
“She is happy, Vicky. I just think there is a huge hole where her family should be. I want to fill her holes and make her complete.”
“You’re in love with her.” Vicky stated.
Chewing on my bottom lip, I nodded. “Yes ma’am I am.”
She had tears running down her face. “If you two would excuse me.” She got up in a rush and went in the direction of the bathroom.
Heather wiped under her eyes. “I haven’t seen my sister in almost fifteen years. Seeing that she has someone so in love with her that he goes out of his way to find her family makes me happy.”
She put both her arms around me and hugged me. “Thank you for making my sister happy.”
I liked Heather. I barely knew her, but I liked her. I wrapped one arm around her and said, “You don’t have to thank me. She is the one that makes me happy. She makes me whole.”
Annie
I was sitting on the couch when Gage got back to his house.
“Annie. I thought you had to work tonight?” Gage looked shocked to see me. His voice was calm, though.
“Who was she?” I blurted out.
He tossed his keys onto the entry table and walked over to me. “Who was who?”
“Gage, don’t you dare play fucking stupid with me. I saw you. I saw her. Your hands were all over each other.” He had the audacity to stand in front of me looking clueless. “The girl from Passion, Gage. Who the hell was she?”
