Текст книги "Provoked"
Автор книги: S. Donahue
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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 9 страниц)
CHAPTER 19
Chase
I FEEL HORRIBLE. I don’t want Hailey to think I planned this, but let’s face it: the date didn’t go great.
I plop into the chair and grab my beer off of the table. “What is it with me and women?” I ask P as he sits engrossed in the game.
“Honestly?”
“No lie.” I slam the beer back down.
“You’re not over Megan. You cannot move forward until you get over her.”
“I was going to ask her to move in with me. I was going to propose to her. It’s not that easy.”
“Do you like Hailey?” he asks.
“She’s a really nice person, and she’s beautiful,” I respond, avoiding the question.
“What kind of answer is that?”
“I don’t know how I feel. Obviously she’s gone, so she doesn’t like me too much, either.” I am conflicted; that’s all I know at the moment.
“Maybe you’re just not compatible. Are you going to call her?”
Ahh, the million dollar question.
“I don’t think I’ll call her for another date. Maybe as a friend. I don’t know. What’s the point? She didn’t really seem interested in me. I have to talk with her. I think I wooed her just as a way to fight my Megan demons. It’s hard to get over Megan when she calls me every damn day. I mean I really can’t stand Megan, but I still think about the things we shared, the memories.”
“I can talk to Hailey for you,” P offers.
I look at him skeptically. “What’s your intention?” I ask.
“Nothing. I just figured you didn’t want to deal with it.”
“You’re lying. You can’t look at me. Do you like her?”
“She’s pretty,” he says, staring back at the television.
“What kind of answer is that?” I say, mocking him. “Wait—are you here for a reason?”
“Yeah, to watch basketball,” he says with a smirk.
“Liar… You are so shady.”
“Megan called me the other day.” P looks hesitant.
“She did? What did she say? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You’ve been so engrossed in trying to get Hailey that I didn’t want to get in the way of that.”
“I guess I have been.”
“Megan was crying. She said you’ve been ignoring her. She loves you. She’s sorry for what she did. She was feeling neglected by you and acted on it. She said lacrosse and your job are more important than her. I told her she needed to talk to you. She said you won’t answer her calls, so she took my advice and came here tonight, only to find Hailey’s car in your driveway.”
I run my hand through my hair. “Good. She deserves that. To feel what I felt when I found out about her and that guy,” I say angrily.
“She called me, hysterical, crying, and said she couldn’t handle seeing you with another woman. I told her I didn’t want to get involved, and she begged me to come here.”
“So you did?”
“Listen, you need to deal with this. Do you still love Megan?”
“Yep, of course I do. I just don’t want to look at her. I don’t trust her.”
“You need to talk to her instead of ignoring her and acting like this is going to go away on its own.”
“I feel betrayed by her.”
“I’m sure, but if she’s the one for you...”
I know P is being serious at the moment, even though he is usually messing around and joking. He is right. I can’t go on like this.
“I don’t know anything anymore,” I say, grabbing the remote to flip to Sports Center while a commercial plays.
“If you do take her back, you need to make time for her.”
“More than likely won’t happen. What are you, Dear Abby all of a sudden?” I joke.
“Whatever. Can I have Hailey’s number?”
“No. You’ll hurt her.” Like I should even be talking...
“I will not.”
“All I’m saying is that she owns McCormick Publishing Company.”
“That’s all I need to know,” P says smiling.
I sit back and drink my beer. I am at a confused point in my life, and it has to do with Megan. It’s not fair to bring others into the mess until I resolve my feelings for her.
Hailey didn’t seem interested, anyway. She was more interested in her phone. I’ll just let the alcohol flow until I’m numb and then deal with it tomorrow.
CHAPTER 20
Parker
CHASE HAS BEEN my best friend since we were born. Our parents are friends. We did everything together growing up. We played on the same t-ball teams, played video games together, celebrated each other’s birthdays. You name it, we did it. We were more like brothers. I would take a bullet for him. I give him advice and live my life through his. When he dated Carrie in high school, I told him numerous times to leave her. She wasn’t a nice person. He thought he was in love with her, so I supported his decision, even though I couldn’t stand her.
The same thing occurred with Megan. I know Megan fucked up and hurt him, but he kind of forced her to do what she did. His life is lacrosse, and it comes before everyone… even me.
When Megan called me and said someone was at the house, I was shocked, because we were supposed to watch the game together. I had a feeling it was Hailey who was over there when Megan described the car in Chase’s driveway. I could have left it alone and not gone to Chase’s house, but Megan was crying and begging me. I also went because it was an excuse to see Hailey. I think she is a cutie. Chase isn’t into her; he is just on the rebound from Megan.
When I walked into the house and saw Hailey get up from her chair and stand next to Chase, I felt some sort of attraction to her. I can’t describe it. I normally sleep with a woman once and then never call or have contact with her afterwards. I have never met anyone whom I have even remotely thought of dating. Chase and I are actually opposites in many ways. He, for one, likes to be in relationships, and it’s always with the wrong women.
When I went into the living room, Megan texted me to ask if Chase was there with a woman. I had to think quickly. I told her that he was being interviewed for a possible story in a sports magazine. I shouldn’t have lied, but I don’t want to be put in the middle.
I didn’t know what to say to Hailey when they entered the living room. The situation was so awkward. I waited a few minutes, then I kept it simple. I told her she looked great and that it was good to see her. That was the truth.
After Hailey left, I told Chase what had happened with Megan. I also told him in so many words that I was interested in Hailey. I don’t believe he wants to be with her. I could be totally wrong, but he definitely would have fought harder if he did. I feel like I am ready to pursue Hailey further and see where it goes. I know I have a bad rep, but hopefully I can change that around and make her see that I really am a good guy.
CHAPTER 21
Chase
PRIDE IS ONE OF MY downfalls in life. Being so heavily involved in sports makes you put your guard up. I learned to be tough and not to let anyone get the best of me.
It’s been a week since my date with Hailey and I didn’t call her. I feel awful. I actually never heard from her, either. I did a lot of thinking this week. I thought back to my conversation with P. Some things just don’t make sense to me. Why does he continue to talk to Megan? Why would he want to date Hailey ten minutes after our date ended, one that he broke up? He could have a relationship with anyone.
I really like Hailey, and I’m not sure why he was trying to convince me that I belong with Megan. I’m not going to lie: A part of me will always love Megan regardless of what happened between us. I haven’t called her, either. I was with her for a long time, but what Megan did to me made me hate her as a person. I don’t know if I can trust her ever again. I don’t think of Hailey as a rebound, but P made me think that’s what I am doing. When he said it, it did make some sense to me.
Tomorrow I leave for California for five days. I need to make some serious decisions in my life. I’ve been offered an opportunity to own my own pharmacy, to purchase a franchise. I don’t want to commit to anything because of lacrosse. I also didn’t tell anyone other than my parents—not even P. My parents are very supportive of my decisions, because they know I’ll do what’s right for me. In order to purchase the pharmacy, I will have to quit lacrosse, obviously. This trip could possibly be my last lacrosse trip.
***
There’s a big difference between my twenty-eight-year-old body and my eighteen-year-old body. I’ve had crazy practices and three games three days in a row. I’m battered and defeated. We lost this last game by three points. I have not been on top of my game lately.
I slam my locker shut as my teammate John shakes his head.
“Chase, come on. Don’t be so hard on yourself,” he says, patting me on the shoulder.
“I have to, man. It’s the only way I get through it. I’ve just had a lot on my mind these past few months.”
“Why don’t you come out with us tonight?” he asks. “We’re gonna hang out and get some beers.”
“I’ll think about it. I don’t know. I’m tired.” All of a sudden my phone starts buzzing like crazy. “Excuse me, John, I need to take this.”
Hailey is calling me, which is so weird because I haven’t heard from her. What is with the urgency to talk to me all of a sudden? I answer the phone.
“Hailey?” She is going off on me like a woman out for blood. “Calm down,” I say, but she continues to yell. “What the fuck are you talking about? I’m in California. I’ll call you back when I get to my hotel room.”
I hang up with her. Someone is going to have a lot of explaining to do.
CHAPTER 22
Hailey
I TAP MY FINGERS on my desk while I reading over a manuscript submission. It puzzles me. It sounds so familiar. The author writes under a pen name, “M. Dorman.” They didn’t send any other information along with it, just a phone number. I pull up the Facebook author page and there are no clues there, either. I will have to set up a meeting just to see who is behind the name.
I buzz Melanie into my office and she comes running.
“You rang?”
“Can you set up a meeting with this author? Here’s the phone number. Make it for two weeks from now—that’s when I can fit them in.”
“On it.”
“Thanks,” I say as she leaves my office.
A few minutes later, she buzzes my phone. “There’s a guy on line one looking for you. He says his name is Parker.”
“Interesting. Put him through.”
It’s been almost two weeks since my date with Chase. If I never see either one of them ever again, it won’t affect me at all.
“Hailey McCormick speaking,” I say, answering the phone as if I have no idea who is on the line.
“Hi, Hailey! It’s Parker.”
I roll my eyes. “What can I do for you, Parker? You have a best-selling novel for me?
“Nah, I just wanted to see if I can take you out to lunch today,” he says, laughing.
“I can’t. Maybe some other time. I’m really booked with meetings.”
“Look, I know you’re all about Chase. He’s a good guy and all, but so am I.”
This actually pisses me off.
“I’m actually not all about Chase. I’m not all about anyone but my job,” I snap back.
“Have dinner with me,” he pleads.
“No.”
“Then maybe just lunch?”
“What do you want, Parker?”
“Nothing. I just want to find out all about the great Hailey McCormick.”
“There’s nothing to know. What you see is what you get.”
“I’ll pick you up at one,” he insists.
“I have a meeting.” He just doesn’t get it or take no for an answer.
“Your secretary already told me you were open at one. I asked. I knew you would say no.”
“Damn her,” I say under my breath.
“See ya then,” he says and hangs up the phone.
I can’t even call him back—I don’t know his phone number. I’m not in the mood to deal with Parker, Chase’s friend. I am so conflicted about Chase. We may have had a shot at it, but who knows? After the date we had, that’s not really an option. If Chase was really interested, he would have called me.
Everyone has that one thing that they go to when they are upset, confused, or just out of sorts. Mine happens to be food. I have it under control, but there are times when it just defeats me. Today, I feel like eating a whole container of chocolate ice cream, but I have to ask myself is it really worth it? Do I want to gain weight again and relive that hellish nightmare that I went through? I may not have to deal with Carrie and company, but let’s face it—society as a whole is unaccepting to overweight people.
I remove thoughts of ice cream from my brain and think of Parker. He is not a good idea. Mr. Bad Boy, himself. I’m not sure why he is being persistent. Some things you just never forget…
***
It was May 2005. I walked into the sporting goods store with my dad. He needed to get equipment to coach my brother’s Little League team. While he stopped to look at bats, I wandered aimlessly through the store then focused intently on a pair of Adidas sneakers that I wanted.
I thought I heard someone say my name, but I ignored it. Then I heard it again. I saw Parker standing at the end of the sneaker aisle. I had no choice but to speak to him, because he worked there.
“Hi, Hailey,” he said, coming closer toward me.
I looked at him like he had twelve heads. Was he really talking to me? He was the second most popular guy at school, right behind his best friend, Chase.
“Oh, hi,” I said with confusion.
“Can I help you with something?” he asked.
“No thanks, I’m just looking.” I just wanted to end the conversation quickly.
“I work here, so if you need anything, just ask.”
“Thanks.”
He didn’t walk away… Great. That was me being sarcastic. He looked like he wanted to speak, but I opened my mouth first.
“Well, I better go find my dad.”
“Do you like Chase?” he blurted out.
“He’s a nice person if that’s what you mean.” Where was he going with this?
“I meant like him as in date him.”
“No. Where did that come from?”
“I just know about the encounters that you’ve had.”
“And…,” I said.
“He doesn’t have time for distractions. He loves Carrie. We also have a big game coming up. He doesn’t have time to go around being a hero.”
“What are you saying, Parker?” He was starting to piss me off big time.
“I think you should steer clear of Chase. You’re both different, and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
I folded my arms over my chest. “Now you care about me. I don't need your sympathy or Chase's, for that matter. I can take care of myself.”
“So you’re saying your tears are all an act?” he asked with an attitude.
I was on the verge of tears. He had the situation all wrong. Was Chase saying all these things about me? He had to be. Where else would Parker get this information?
“No, not at all.”
“I think you like Chase and want him to yourself, but it’s not going to work.”
I had had enough. I ran away from Parker and went out the door to get air. I had to keep telling myself that I would be out of school in four months.
My dad peeked his head out the door. “Are you okay? I was looking for you. I saw you pacing back and forth.”
“I'm good. I’m just waiting out here.”
“Was it that boy you were talking to? Did he say something? Do you want me to beat him up?”
“No, Dad. Pay for the stuff. You can't beat up every guy that bothers me.”
“Yes I can! I'm your father. Nobody hurts my daughter and makes her pace out here like a lunatic. Maybe you'll marry him one day,” he said, laughing.
“Ewwww, Dad.” I rolled my eyes and he went back in the store. I stood outside, calmed down, and tried to forget about yet another encounter I’d have to tell my therapist about when I got older…
***
“Hello? Did you hang up on me? Hello, I hear you breathing,” Parker says impatiently into the phone.
“I'm still here,” I respond, not interested in the conversation.
“I'll be there to pick you up. We can talk about you and Chase if you want.”
“There is no me and Chase. I'm a single independent woman, and I'm no longer seventeen. Do you have something legitimate to talk about?” After thinking back to our encounter, I felt annoyed.
“Yes, I do.”
“Fine. I'll give you five minutes at one o'clock.”
“You got it. I'll stop by. Maybe I can talk you into lunch.”
“No lunch. I'm busy.”
“We'll see how the five minutes goes,” he insists.
***
The air outside is frigid, but my office is nice and toasty. I start dozing off, reading a manuscript at my desk. It is very interesting, but I have been so tired lately. I’ve been staying up late at night, working. I need a cup of coffee to revive me. I call to the reception desk.
“Mel, is there any coffee made?”
“I'm not sure. I'll check.”
“It's okay, I may just go to Dunkin’ to get a cup.”
“You have someone coming at one o'clock, right?”
“I forgot about him. I'll be right back.”
I grab some money and put it in the pocket of my suit jacket then grab my phone. I don't go anywhere without it. I walk down the street in my winter gear. The threat of snow is in the air. I'm all about the snow. Thankfully I have the kind of job where I can work from my home if I get snowed in.
The line to the donut shop is out the door. I am going to wait patiently because I need my coffee. It’s like a drug. As I get closer to the counter, I stare at the donuts. I could probably take them all out in one sitting. I brush away that thought from my mind.
“One large coffee with cream and extra sugar.”
“You're sweet enough,” I hear someone say from the back of the line. I quickly turn around and see Parker standing in the back of the line. I grab my drug and head to the back.
“I stopped in to get us coffee for our meeting.”
“That was nice of you.”
“Since you already have yours, we can go,” he says.
“What about you?”
“I'm okay.”
I feel nervous. What could he possibly want with me? He clearly knows what happened with me and Chase. We walk in silence for a minute or so.
“Why won't you give me the time of day?” he asks.
“I'm just not interested. I have too much on my plate right now, and Chase is your friend.”
“Chase is in love with Megan whether he wants to admit it or not.”
“Well, that's his business. I could care less.”
“But I'm here.”
“Listen, I know what kind of guy you are,” I say, waving my hand.
“You have me all wrong.”
“Do I?” I raise my eyebrow in question.
“You do. I really like you.”
I don't know what to say to him. I don't want to get involved with anyone right now, and he won't take no for an answer.
“Well, since we had our little meeting, we don't have to meet upstairs,” I say, trying to give him a hint.
“You're not gonna let me walk you up?”
“Fine, but that's it. Then you go.”
He smirks. “You're feisty.”
“You’re thick-headed,” I quip back.
“That's okay. I'll break you.”
“I doubt it.”
My cell phone starts vibrating. It’s Melanie. “Where are you?” she whispers.
“On the elevator.”
“Hurry up and get up here. I can't say. You're going to be pissed.”
“Oh Lord, I'm almost there.”
What the hell is going on? Parker is with me so can't be about him. “Parker, maybe you should go. There's some business I have to tend to in my office.”
Not listening to me, he steps off the elevator.
Through the double glass doors, I see a woman throwing her arms in the air while she yells at Melanie.
“What in the world is going on in there?” I say out loud.
“Oh no,” he says out loud.
“What?”
“Let's go inside,” he says, ushering me through the door.
“You know her?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Great, after you.”
CHAPTER 23
Parker
AS I EXIT THE ELEVATOR, I see Megan through the double doors going off on the receptionist. She really has serious issues. Hailey has no idea at this point who she is. I enter the office first, but Megan heads straight for Hailey, who is behind me.
“You,” she says, pointing in Hailey’s direction. “You home-wrecker. You tried stealing my man. You better keep your grimy little hands to yourself,” she yells at the top of her lungs. She can be heard throughout the office, causing people to come out to see what is going on.
“Who the hell are you?” Hailey snaps back.
“I’m Chase’s fiancée, Megan, and I know all about you.”
“There’s nothing to know.”
“That’s what you think. I saw your car at his house, and I had someone run your license plate and got all of your info,” Megan confirmed, acting like a crazy-ass stalker. “I was debating about coming up here, but then I saw P getting out of his car before he disappeared. So! What is it? Are you fucking both of them?”
Hailey has a perplexed look on her face. I’m also confused, because I lied to Megan about Hailey. Why would she all of a sudden think Hailey wanted Chase? God only knows, but I have to intervene because this could get ugly.
“Meg, you have this all wrong… completely,” I say, trying to calm her.
“How am I wrong? I know what I see.”
“Hailey isn’t with me or Chase. We went to school with her. She’s just a friend. We met back up with her at the reunion.”
I don’t dare say that Chase thought he had found his mystery woman. She would flip the fuck out right here. I look at Hailey, trying to catch her eye, but she won’t look at me. I know she probably thinks I’m involved in this somehow. I really like her and have nothing to do with Megan’s craziness.
“Parker, just get out of here and take your trash with you,” Hailey says with an even tone.
“Hailey, you have it all wrong,” I plead.
Megan is about to go off because Hailey called her trash, and I need Hailey to know how wrong she is.
