Текст книги "Provoked"
Автор книги: S. Donahue
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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 9 страниц)
CHAPTER 24
Hailey
THIS GIRL NEEDS to go somewhere. I don’t know who she thinks she is, coming into my place of business and acting like an animal. I’m sure Parker and Chase set this whole thing up. I plan to call Chase and tell him off, too. He and Megan can live happily ever after for all I care. I’m so angry.
“Why don’t you leave and take your trash with you,” I say to Parker as he stands there with a blank expression on his face.
Before I know it, Parker’s hands are on my face, and he kisses me. Shocked, I kiss him back. The feel of his lips to mine does something to me, but at the moment, I’m not really sure what it is. It is definitely different than when Chase and I kissed at his house. I am conflicted. Reality sets in, and I push him away. He stands there, staring at me for a brief second.
“Parker, get out.”
“Hailey, you can't deny it,” he whispers.
“Get over yourself,” I snap. He is right I can’t deny that the kiss was great, but I'll never admit that.
Megan interrupts, “It's all so touching. Really it is, but I know the truth. You can't fool me. I'll have my eyes on you, hoe.”
“What did you just call me?” I take two steps forward.
“You heard me,” she says, not stepping down.
Parker gets between us. “We're leaving. Come on, Megan… now! Hailey, I'll call you,” he yells, dragging Megan out the door.
“Don't bother,” I shout back. I am fuming. Why do I always get put in unfortunate situations?
I walk into my office and slam the door. I am in kill mode—not literally, but I'm close. I dial Chase’s number. There's no answer. I dial three times. I don't even care. I'm sure he's nearby, laughing with the others. It wouldn't be the first time I've been laughed at. Finally he picks up the phone.
“Hailey, is that you?”
“Yes, you have some nerve, sending your girlfriend and your so-called best friend to my place of business to make an ass out of me. One wants to call me home-wrecker... the nerve. She's the cheating bitch,” I yell into the phone. “Then the other one, he has the balls to kiss me in front of everyone. What does he think, he's gonna get me in bed?”
“He kissed you?” Chase asks.
“Yes! Don't act like you're not involved in this. I'm the laughing stock.”
“Hailey, you're wrong. I'm in California on the road. I don't know anything about what happened.” He sounds upset and concerned, but I could give two shits right now.
“Well, I am livid right now.”
“I'll call you back when I get to my hotel room. I'm going to get to the bottom of what's going on.”
“I don't care, actually. I just want you all out of my life,” I snap into the phone.
“Hailey, it will be okay. I'm going to figure it out,” Chase promises before hanging up.
“I gotta go, Chase. Stay away from me,” I warn, but he has already disconnected the call.
CHAPTER 25
Parker
I DRAG MEGAN out of the office by her arm.
“What is your problem?” she asks, prying herself out of my grip.
“Are you trying to ruin this for me?”
“I wanted to confront the bitch.”
“There's nothing to confront. I told you about her for your own sanity. You're acting like a crazy lunatic. Now Chase is going to be pissed, because Hailey is probably going to call him. Why would you show up here like this?” I ask, continuing to give her hell.
“I want Chase back, and I don't want anyone else standing in my way.”
“Well, the way you’re acting, he's not going to take you back. Remember, you cheated on him. Now I'm going to have to explain all this shit to him.
“Can you tell him I'm sorry? He won't answer my calls.”
Like I really want to do anything for her right now. She may have ruined all chances I have with Hailey.
“Just go home. I'm going to talk to him. I'll catch you later.”
We take the elevator down in silence. I need to get away from her and go my separate way to my car. I have nothing further to say to her. This whole situation just pushed Hailey back to Chase…
***
It was May 2005, and I’d climbed the ladder to get a pair of the new Nike Air Maxes that we’d just gotten in stock. As I fumbled through the boxes, I noticed someone standing at the bottom of the ladder. I’d always gotten freaked out when I was all the way up high and someone was right below me. I grabbed the box I’d been looking for and made my way down.
“Hi, Parker.”
“Hi, Mr. McCormick. Can I help you with something?”
Mr. McCormick was Hailey's dad. He was a regular at the sporting goods store since he coached several different sporting teams. He also used to be assistant coach for the boys’ lacrosse team at my school.
“I want to talk to you about the other day, when I was in the store.”
“Did someone not help you? I can let my manager know.” He looked upset. I knew he was going to bring up Hailey.
“Actually, it's about my daughter Hailey. I noticed you two were arguing or something, and she looked really upset. I think you’re a really nice guy. I would hope that you weren't bothering or upsetting my girl.”
“Mr. McCormick, it was a misunderstanding. I'm sorry Hailey was upset. She's a great person.”
“I hope you mean that. She wouldn't hurt a soul.”
“I do. I'll apologize to her.”
“No, don't let her know that I talked to you. Just don't let it happen again.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
Mr. McCormick meant business. That was one dude I didn't want to mess around with.
I probably shouldn’t have been so hard on Hailey the other day. Oh well, I'll just say hi and bye next time I see her.
***
I feel like I’ve let her down again. I need to talk to Chase and let him know how I feel about the situation.
My phone rings while I drive away. It’s Chase. I normally don't answer—it's against the law—but I put my phone on speaker.
“What’s up, bro?” I say into the speaker.
“Dude, seriously, you kissed her? Why? I like her. A lot.”
“I know you're probably upset, but I told you I was going to contact her. You told me the name of her business.”
“I know. I just don't want you to hurt her. And what in the world is Megan doing, going up there like a mad woman? Hailey called me screaming, saying that Megan is the home-wrecker and how dare she call her that since she's the one who’s the cheater. As we ended the conversation, she said she never wants to see any of us again.”
Chase’s words hurt me. “Damn shit! I really like her and want to hang out with her more,” I say, hoping he doesn't get more upset. “Can you call Megan before she starts boiling rabbits?”
“I don't know if I want to be with Megan. I was thinking about calling Hailey, but you kissing her changes things big time.”
“In what way? I like her. You could care less.”
“I do care. I like her, too,” he says with an attitude.
“Well, this is a problem. So, what are you saying? May the best man win?” I ask.
“I guess Hailey should decide who she wants, but right now it's neither of us,” Chase reminds me.
Chase and I have never run into this situation before. We have never wanted the same woman. I hope this doesn't cause a rift in our friendship. I can already feel the tension.
CHAPTER 26
Chase
I DON'T KNOW if I'm going to fight with my best friend over a woman, even though I was interested in her first and then he came in and made a move. Hailey and I had something, but there's just so much going on with me right now, I don't really want to involve her with my situation. The problem is that she came along again at the wrong time in my life. But then again, when is there actually a right time? Also, there's Megan... I think I'll always love her, but is that enough to forgive her?
As I lie here alone in my hotel room watching the hockey game, I realize that tough decisions need to be made. I dial Megan's number.
“Hello,” she says groggily.
“It’s me. We need to talk.”
“Chase, it's midnight.”
“I couldn't sleep. I'm coming home tomorrow. We need to talk. I'll pick you up when I leave the airport. My plane arrives at three.”
“Okay, I'll be ready. And Chase... I miss you.”
I pause. “Me, too,” I say to avoid any unnecessary prolonged conversations.
I hang up the phone. I check my Facebook page to pass the time but end up falling asleep.
A few hours later, I wake to the music from Sports Center blaring on my television. It's six a.m. My flight leaves at nine.
I shower then rush around and pack my belongings. I have to get to the airport early to check in and head home to my future.
CHAPTER 27
Hailey
I OPEN THE SLIDING glass door to my balcony then sit in the chair with my coffee and iPad. I have a gazillion Facebook messages to check on my publisher page. I'm not even going to get into them right now. I have a friend request and a message from Parker. I don't even know if I should accept him. I'm still upset over what happened yesterday. I was taken aback by his kiss, but I can't stop thinking about it. His profile picture is kind of cute, too. He has on sunglasses and a Hawaiian lei without a shirt, and he's holding up a beer. I’m not going to deny that he is extremely hot. I hit confirm friend, even though I am still unsure. I hope I'm not going to regret this. I open the message; I actually have butterflies in my stomach, which is strange.
It reads:
Hi, Hailey. I'm really sorry about yesterday. I was going to call you, but I was afraid you would hang up on me, so I decided to message you on here instead. I would say that I'm sorry about kissing you, but I'm not. I would actually do it again, if you would let me. Say, maybe, tonight? Do you want to go to dinner with me? If not, I understand. Hope to hear from you soon… P
Is he for real? How do I even respond to this…?
***
It was June 2005, and I heard my name called. A sensation of relief came over me as I walked up to the stage to receive my high school diploma. I shook the principal’s hand and returned to my seat. My last task was to walk the final procession with Chase as my partner—since our last names were close, I got stuck with him.
When we got in line the first time around, no words were spoken between us. Once everyone had their diplomas, Pomp and Circumstance started to play, and I nearly ran out the door as I waited impatiently for our turn. We met in the middle aisle and walked directly out the gym doors. I looked for my parents because I just wanted to leave. Leave that place, those people, and never return again. I saw my mom, dad, grandparents, and younger brother waving me over from a distance. I walked up to them, and they all kissed and congratulated me. We took a few pictures, but I tried to get out of that part, as usual. I hated taking pictures. My confidence level wasn’t exactly high, and I thought I looked gigantic in every picture.
Then, all of a sudden, my dad said, “Oh, there's Parker from the store.”
“Lovely,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“You still didn't make up?” he asked.
“What? Why would we?”
“Well, I talked to him.”
I thought I was going deaf, because I was sure I hadn’t just heard my dad say that he’d talked to Parker about me.
“What?” I needed to hear that again.
“I thought he was your boyfriend and that he upset you.”
“Are you crazy? He is not my boyfriend. Look at me. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a whale and he's an asshole. We just don't go together.”
“I'm sorry, sweetheart. I just thought he was, because of how upset you were.”
“No, Dad. I can't wait to never see these people again.”
“Hailey, that's not the attitude to have.”
“You have no idea,” I mumbled and tried to turn away from the madness.
“Just take a picture with him,” my dad insisted.
“Dad, no! Stop it! Everyone will stare.”
“He's a nice kid. I wouldn't mind having him for a son-in-law one day.”
My dad had clearly lost his mind. “There's no chance in hell of that happening… ever.”
“Watch your mouth,” he said as he waved Parker over.
I wanted to die completely.
“Parker, son, come here.” He patted him on the back and shook his hand. “Congratulations.”
I was thinking, He's not your son and he never will be.
“Why don't you and Hailey take a picture together?” he suggested, pushing me towards Parker because I refused to move.
“I'm sure Parker has better things to do,” I said, addressing my father as I gave him a “let’s go” look.
“It’s okay, Hailey. We can take a picture.” Parker put his arm around me.
Oh, the awkwardness. Wait until I get my father in the car.
I had a fake smile in the picture because I was definitely not happy.
After he snapped the photo, I said, “Well, we better get going because we have lunch reservations.”
My dad thanked Parker for the picture and we left. I knew I was being rude, but he deserved it.
“Bye, Parker... For good,” I said under my breath. I got in the backseat and left behind all the horrific memories of my high school years…
***
Well, I know my dad would be happy if I said yes to Parker’s dinner proposal.
The worst thing about Facebook: Parker now knows that I saw his message. I'm forced to respond. I type the words and shock myself: I'll go out to dinner with you.
He responds right away from his mobile phone.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes, of course.” Why would he think I would lie?
“I'll pick you up.”
“I'll meet you. Where would you like to go?” I am definitely driving my car just in case it doesn’t work out and I have to drive myself home. It is usually parked in the garage. I don’t usually drive many places in New York, but I need to have a car for when I have meetings outside of New York.
“We can go to Chez Rodolfo. You sure you don't want me to pick you up?”
“I'm sure. I'll meet you there. Eight o'clock, okay?”
“Perfect.”
I'm not sure why I accepted, but I think his kiss had a lot to do with it. I'll see where it goes. Obviously my date with Chase went nowhere, so the same could happen with Parker.
CHAPTER 28
Parker
I'M FLOORED that Hailey actually accepted my invite to dinner. I wish she would have let me pick her up, but this is a start. For some reason, with Hailey I want to go out of my norm. Taking women to dinner is rare for me. I usually meet them at a bar, take them home, sleep with them, and then it’s over. With Hailey, it's different. I feel different. I want to know everything about her. I'm not sure what the attraction is, but I need to find out.
I arrive at the restaurant at 7:45 p.m. and check in with the hostess. There's a nice crowd tonight.
“I'll just wait at the bar for my date to arrive,” I say to her.
I hear my name being called from across the bar and hope it's not someone from my past. Not tonight. I look over and it's my cousins Trenton and Pat, along with their women. What a relief. I wave to them.
“What can I get for you?” the bartender asks.
“I'll take a Heineken and a white wine for my date. She'll be here any minute. I'm just going to talk to those people right over there for a minute.” I point to Trenton and Pat.
“Sure. I'll bring your drinks right over,” the bartender says.
I stroll around the circular bar. With life happening around us, I don't get to see my cousins as much as I used to. Trenton is a famous actor turned mechanic, but he is still in show business. He hosts a popular celebrity dance show on television. He just recently got engaged to a woman named Lauren. His brother Pat and I were very close growing up. Pat works in the stock market and is married to his high school sweetheart, Kristen.
“Trent, Pat, what's going on? Long time no see.” I kiss the ladies hello.
“Yes, I know. What are you doing here by yourself?” Trenton asks me.
“I have a date. She's meeting me here.”
“Oh, nice. Why don't you join us?” Kristen asks invitingly.
“I'll talk to her and see what she says. She doesn't really trust me,” I say, laughing.
“Do you blame her?” Pat asks, jokingly. “You have a reputation with the ladies.”
“I know. I know. I think I see her at the door. Let me go meet her,” I say as I start to walk away.
I think I am just going to keep it to me and her. I don't want Trent or Pat to say anything about me and scare her away.
I walk towards the hostess stand where Hailey has arrived. She looks beautiful in a gray sweater dress that hugs her body, and sexy-ass black heels.
“Hi, Hailey.” I reach over to kiss her cheek. “I ordered you a drink at the bar. We can sit there or go right to our table.”
“We can just sit at our table,” she says, smiling.
“Sounds great. I'll get our drinks.”
The hostess seats Hailey, and I head to the bar, tipping the bartender before I join her.
“I'm happy you showed up.”
“Me, too. Sorry I was late—I ran into traffic,” she apologizes.
“It's okay. You're here, and you look amazing.”
“Thanks,” she says, blushing as she sips her wine and looks around. She seems nervous.
“Are you okay?”
“I'm great.”
“Awesome.” I grab her hand and place mine over hers. “I'm very attracted to you. I think you know that by now.”
“I figured that after your kiss,” she says, smiling.
“No. I mean I really am attracted to you. How would you react if I told you what I would like to do with your body?”
CHAPTER 29
Chase
THIS DAY HAS BEEN a bunch of shit. My plane was wildly delayed when I got to Chicago for my layover. There was a storm, so no planes could fly out until it cleared up.
I called Megan to let her know about the delay and she was understanding. She said she had a few things to talk to me about, as well. I'm so unsure about Megan—I don't trust her, but we need to meet so we can have this talk.
I can't get Hailey out of my mind. I thought about some things on my flight to Chicago. I also spoke with P when I was stuck in the airport. He said that he has a date with Hailey tonight. Even though he's my best friend, it doesn't sit well with me. I feel like he's just trying to get in her pants. She's a conquest for him, since she wouldn't give him the time of day. I also think he's using Megan against me as a distraction to move in on Hailey.
I need to talk to her. She will tell me the truth. I know I should just move on and not care about anything, but I do care about Hailey. I always have. It has been almost two months since the reunion, and this is not what I pictured for us. It’s funny what you start to see when you actually open your eyes.
I knock on the door. Megan opens up and tears start to fall.
“I want answers, Meg,” I say, looking her dead in the face.
“Come on in,” she says, opening the door wider.
“Start talking. Don’t leave anything out.”
“Have a seat. You're going to need it.”
CHAPTER 30
Hailey
I THINK MY MOUTH is hanging open. Why is he talking about my body? I don't want to hear this. I mean we're supposed to be having dinner, and he asks how I would react if he told me what he would do to my body... I'm stunned.
“I think maybe we should change the subject,” I say.
“You just look so hot, you have me acting crazy.”
“Why don't you just think about what you want to eat?”
“Not helping,” he says with a smirk on his face.
“Perv,” I mumble.
“I'm sorry,” he says.
There's silence between us. The waitress comes over to take our order. I ask for grilled chicken and a side salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Parker orders a steak. When the waitress leaves, I try to change the subject.
“What is it that you do for a living?”
“I own a bar.”
“Oh, that's nice.” I guess that's where he gets his pick of women.
“Yeah, it's a lot of work, but I have managers who run it. I also own an ice cream shop.”
“That’ interesting… You don't look like an ice cream shop owner.”
“Yeah, I get that a lot.”
His phone starts to ring. He excuses himself, saying he has to answer it, but takes the call at the table. I can only hear his side of the conversation.
“What's the matter? I'm having dinner. I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here for an hour or so. Okay?”
Then he hangs up the phone.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, that was Chase. He's back from California. He sounds like he's in a bad mood. I don't know what his deal is anymore. He's been acting crazy.”
“Oh,” is all I say. I think, I don't want to know about Chase.
I hope he has a great life with Megan, as much as it brings out a jealous streak in me. I feel like I'm back in high school, watching him in the gym with Carrie.
“Maybe he's just stressed. Who knows?” I couldn’t care less what he does right now.
“Yeah, I don't know. He knows where I'm at.”
“He knows you're with me?”
“Oh yeah, he's okay with it,” he says casually.
“Great.”
A sadness comes over me as I respond. I ask myself mentally for a sign, and the song “Waterfalls” by TLC comes on the restaurant sound system.
I need this date to end. I just want to go home.
