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I was excited and worried all at the same time as I jumped out of the truck and traded places with Lincoln.
It felt so surreal as my hands naturally took a hold of the steering wheel.
“Alright, Sweetheart. What we're going to do first," Lincoln started as he leaned across me and tugged on the seat belt, "is buckle up.” He was so quick as he pulled it across my chest and latched into the buckle that I didn't have time to protest the I could've done it myself. "You never know what kind of drivers are on the road," he finished, his eyes intent on mine.
I sobered, glancing away in understanding. Raina and I weren't the only ones who suffered due to the crash. Lincoln was most likely affected second-hand as I had been.
I had to admit, the thought of learning how to drive never bothered me, but being here with Lincoln now made me nervous. Partly because I never associated what happened with my brother with learning to drive and partly because it was new to me.
My palms were sweaty, and my voice caught in my throat, but I listened to the rest of Lincoln's advice A short time later, I was able to drive in a straight line without slamming on the brakes. Too much. I think I ended up with a little more confidence about driving but was still a nervous wreck at the end. I was glad when he finally dubbed me a "Brake Master" and had me park.
"I know this wasn't easy for you," he told me gently as we sat on the tailgate of the truck still in the deserted parking lot. I tucked my head into the crook of his arm. "but you did pretty well for your first lesson."
"Thank you," I spoke softly, closing my eyes and trying to push back my feelings and the memories that this night brought up in me. "There was a time when I thought I'd never learn to drive because I didn't want to. I appreciate you taking it easy on me."
"Same here. I don't know what I would have done if you kept jerking the truck for much longer. I felt like a bobblehead."
"Hey!" I pulled back from the shelter of his arms to give him a whack in his chest just before his hand to caught mine. "You said I did okay." I pouted.
"You did," he reasoned, pulling me back to him. "You conquered the stop and go."
"Lincoln."
"Come on, time to get back." He patted my thigh before hopping off the tailgate. He turned to grab ahold of my hips and help me down, but he didn't let me go when my feet touch the ground.
He pushed back a stray piece of hair that teased my face and curled it around my ear before leaning in. "You know, every road leads somewhere. Yours led you here. To me. To my brothers. You were in our lives before, and we just missed you even though you were so close. We're not stupid enough to do it again. You're it for us." He edged in closer so that his lips were a hair's breadth away from mine. His voice then grew dark and profound. "And if you ever decide to run again, make no mistake, I'll find you and bring you back." My breath caught as I heard this. His eyes hardened, promising, "When a McGuire falls in love, real love, it's over. She's it for him. Don't run. Ever. Come to us. We'll work it out. Together. Always together. Ok, Sweetheart?"
I nodded.
"I need your words, Sweetness."
"Ok. I'll talk to you or your brothers if I have a problem. And I won’t run."
He kissed my mouth and whispered, "Good," against my lips. He gave me a few sweet kisses and then pulled back. "Time to go."
We both hopped into the truck and headed back home with Lincoln holding my hand the whole way. When he parked, I could see lights shining in my house letting me know that my parentals were back.
"Thank you," I said as shifted to study him. His blonde hair, which hadn't been cut in a while, barely reached the top of his ears. Two stray sections of hair fell on either side on his face just missing his eyes.
He turned to face me, grinning. "You're welcome. We'll do this again tomorrow, after SSK. I'll pick you up, and we'll work on street driving."
"Don't I need a driving permit for that?" I questioned thinking back to when some of the kids at school bragged about having it.
"No," he answered hoping out of the truck, and I followed suit. He was at my side before I could even shut the door, closing it himself and caging me in against it.
I couldn't help the smile that escaped. He seemed to have a thing about caging me in. He looked dangerous, his tropical eyes were hard and weary, and I couldn't help but worry. I dropped mine to his shirt and fiddled with the hem. Did he get another prank call? He hadn't had one since I received that text on my phone and it made me wonder who was behind it all. Maybe...
"Um, Sweetheart?"
My eyes jerked up to his, "Yeah?"
"I forgot to tell you; Tyler called me tonight before I picked you up. He wanted you to know that Tom and Sarah came home a little distant with each other. He's not sure why, but you might be walking on eggshells for a few days."
I swallowed, hard. That trip was for them to have fun. It was their anniversary, and they came back angry? Why? How was Brady when he was upset? Or Sarah for that matter? Did they drink? My heart plummeted to my stomach with anxiety. I didn't want to go home now.
Lincoln brushed back a lock of hair that made its way into my eyes before speaking, "Tell me what's going on in that sweet head of yours."
I glanced toward my house and wondered, "How bad?” Then I turned back to him. "Did he say?" I elaborated. "Are they arguing?"
He shook his head. "No, but"— he grimaced, looking away—"Tyler told me that Dad said they weren't arguing, but then my mom said they weren't talking either."
I glanced down toward his shirt and fiddled with a button. That was bad.
"Do you want to see if you can stay the night?"
"They won't let me," I shot out quickly trying to think what could be the cause of them fighting. The only thing I could think of was: what if Brady and Sarah argued about the guys and me?
"You could always sneak into my house for a change." I gave a pitiful sounding chuckle thinking he was just trying to lighten the mood, but I forgot, this was Lincoln. He tipped my chin up, and I saw the seriousness there. "I wasn't joking, Sweetheart. If they make you uncomfortable, I want you to hightail your ass on over into my bed. Got it?"
"Brady wouldn't hurt Sarah, or me," I reasoned, but I couldn't help the small kernel of doubt that seeped in. I had thought the same thing once with my own parents, and they proved me wrong. What made Brady and Sarah any different? So I agreed and took the slow walk toward my house. Lincoln kept watch until I was inside.
I had been excited to see HotShot, but was disappointed. My gray mood deflated even more with him not there to greet me, but the smell of cookies baking in the kitchen came in as a close second of a home-like feeling. I followed the scent into the kitchen to find Sarah there on the phone and a least a half dozen cookies spread across the counter.
I glanced toward the clock on the wall. It was late, nine at night to be exact. Why was she baking cookies and where was Brady? Did he find out who was sending messages to Linc’s and my phones?
"... honey, have you tried looking in between the couch cushions? Sometimes it slips down there," Sarah spoke to whoever it was on the phone then gave a sigh as she pulled out what seemed like her second batch of cookies.
"Aunt Annie, you know how to work a computer for those book reviews, why can't you figure out the—" She paused, huffing as she placed the cookie sheet on the stove and closed the oven.
Aunt Annie had apparently interrupted her.
"Yes, I know how you like to read," Sarah eased, "but the TV remote is just as sim—" She listen for a moment. "I give up, Auntie, check your cushions and then call Grant. He's closer than I am at the moment."
Even though Sarah seemed to have ended her conversation, she still didn't hang up. "Yes. Grant still lives in town... No. Tom and I moved remember? Yes. Call Grant. Uh-huh, Love you too. Bye, bye."
She put the phone down beside her, letting out a big sigh, and I made my move. I glided over to where she was transferring cookies from the cookie tray to some paper towels so they could cool and made my presence known by sneaking two cookies away. One popped into my mouth while the other one kept my hand warm.
"Faith!" she cried shocked, her eyes going wide. I guessed she wasn't paying attention at all. I grinned with the cookie sticking out. If this is what she did when she was mad, I'd contribute to her anger. Go cookies!
She was probably going to run extra hard tomorrow. Poor Sarah was a stress eater.
"When did you get back?" she asked with a hug then pulled away. “How was work?"
I laughed a little because this wasn't what I expected when I got home. "Work went well." I pointed out the growing pile of cookies and asked. "Bake sale?"
Sarah eased away as a mask drew across her face, and she proceeded to take the rest of the cookies off the sheet. "I bake to be happy."
"And you're not?"
Sarah turned to me with arms folded and eyebrows dipped. She was disappointed and concerned.
My conscience yelled at me 'Warning, Warning; this isn't going to be good' but I still stayed. How could I fix something if I didn't know what was wrong?
"No, I'm not necessarily happy right at this moment. Grab some glasses out of the cupboard," she directed as she gathered up a plate of cookies and put them on the table. I grabbed two glasses out of the cupboard and placed them on the table and waited, unsure where this was all going.
"Sit," she directed once again as she went to the fridge for the milk. I sat, grabbing another cookie, still clueless as to what awaited me. But I was sure by the time that plate of cookies was empty,- I would know everything. I just hoped it wasn't all that bad.
Sarah set the milk down on the table before sitting down herself. I was cautious. I didn't know what to expect.
"So," Sarah hedged, grabbing a cookie of her own, "Tom and I had a little heart-to-heart when we were on our little get-a-away.” She paused briefly, still holding onto the cookie, before taking a deep breath. "I told Brady a few things on our trip, and he told me some as well. One of those topics was about..." she glanced toward me, setting her cookie on the table cloth before sitting back, "you and what I suspected. What Tom already seemed to know."
I tensed, understanding what was coming. "Faith, do you know what you're doing? With those boys? Are you sure this is the route you want to go? You have your whole life ahead of you, and you put yourself in a position where dating three brothers could become a big jealousy problem. I just can't see this going well. Tom seems to... disagree." I shut her out, dropping my gaze to the plate of cookies as my own thoughts ran through my mind.
I knew this wasn't going to be easy. That people would doubt, judge us. I sat back in my chair, disappointed that she wouldn't be happy for me. They were good boys. Good guys, I corrected myself. Maybe I was being a little selfish. Maybe it wasn't the normal, but they chose me. I didn't plan on coming here and falling in love. It just happened, I thought, trying to come up with reasons for why it could work. Of why it would work.
I came back to what Sarah was saying when she'd finished off with, "...You see what I'm getting at, Faith?"
I glanced back up from the table, even though I didn't hear everything she said, I understood that she didn't agree.
I reached over and grabbed a cookie for courage and popped it into my mouth, chewing thoughtfully, then washed it down with a glass of milk as she waited. I had to soothe Sarah. Quickly. When my milk was all done, I set my cup down and gave Sarah my attention.
"Umm, so it's a little late for that speech," I told her being honest, and her eyes widened, "but I understand where you're coming from and will take your worries into consideration."
I popped another cookie into my mouth, pretty proud of how direct I had been and glanced around while Sarah got over her shock. "Where's Brady anyways?"
She recovered quickly, closing her mouth and waving her hand dismissively. "H-he went over to talk to Bobby McGuire about this whole thing. I'm sure those boys are reluctant to say much, just like you, but both of us parents just wanted to know what was going on between you four."
"So was Brady the one that suspected first or was it you?" I asked curiously.
Her mouth quirked up at one corner. "A little bit of both of us."
"What was the other thing you guys talked about?"
Her eyes cast downward as she pulled away. “That's for another time, honey."
Well, that was a one-eighty.
"Is it about not being able to have kids? Because if it is," I spoke up, eagerly pushing the subject. "You know, you could always adopt," I suggested, shyly.
Sarah gave me a tender smile as she patted my hand and whispered. "There is always that. Would you," she asked cautiously, "would you ever want us to adopt you? Officially, I mean."
That was a hard question. One, for her to ask and two, for me to answer. I wasn't ready to give up my identity of who I was, even though my parents did what they did. At one point in time, they did love me. I remembered that much, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to give that up.
"Sarah, once I get married it doesn't matter what my last name is. Either way, you will always be a mother of my heart," I told her quietly.
"Oh, hun," she said, giving a soft smile, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, but I'm glad that you think—that you feel—I'm a mother to you. It makes all of this more worthwhile having you here. You deserve to be loved."
"Thank you, Sarah," I told her with another hug, then we left the emotional stuff behind and talked about my college classes before I turned in for the night. Overall, it was a good day.
The next morning, I glanced at my phone, smiling when rereading the texts from the three McGuire brothers the night before.
Kayden: Well, Sweetcheeks, that cat didn't stay in the bag for long.
Tyler: Doing ok, Baby?
Lincoln: Don't think, Sweetheart. Don't backtrack. Call me.
Daniels: Oh ye have little itty-bitty Faith? #Hacked
I had chuckled at my pun and waited to read what they came up with next.
Kayden: No, Faith got us. Get it?
Tyler: As long as you're willing.
Lincoln: We got Faith alright, and she isn't going anywhere. She’s stuck, ya hear?
Lincoln: S.T.U.C.K.
I chuckled as I whipped back my covers and got up. I guessed I was stuck, but you wouldn't hear me complain. I was perfectly satisfied being that way.
I quickly dressed and headed downstairs, anticipating Brady being in a bad mood. I still wasn't sure what the other thing he and Sarah talked about was, but I hoped that it wasn't anything too bad.
When I got down to the kitchen, Brady was in his usual spot eating breakfast. He glanced up, giving me knowing stare.
"I talked to Bobby McGuire last night," Brady stated, not even waiting until I sat at the table to address what was going on. His eyes studied me as he continued, "And his boys. So you're really going to take on the McGuire boys?"
He was curious as well as uneasy. I could tell by the hard edge of his voice and the relaxed demeanor he held. I pursed my lips and gave him a quick yes.
Brady's shoulders tensed when he spoke next. "I knew something was going on. The three of them seemed too attentive to you and possessive."
I sent a quick glance over to Sarah, hoping for reinforcements, because I wasn't sure if Brady was for the McGuire brothers being with me or not and I needed a woman on my side.
As if she sensed my stare, Sarah turned off the stove and headed our way with the fresh plate of pancakes. Setting them down on the table, she eased herself into a chair then gave a tentative smile toward Brady.
"Faith and I talked about this last night, just like I said we would.”
Brady's gaze shot to hers as his eyes became weary, almost pained, and then he gave a short nod.
"Plus," she went on, turning her gaze over to me, "Faith and I came to the conclusion that she is able to make her own choices, but she'll take our guidance into consideration."
As he speared the last piece of his pancake, Brady replied, "Good."
He wiped his mouth with his napkin and then stood up, pushing in his chair. "Well, I'm headed off. HotShot will be home tonight." I grunted, knowing that tidbit of information about HotShot was for me.
Brady went over to Sarah tipping her chin up for a brief kiss before straightening and turning his hard gaze over to me. "You tell me if they do anything that makes you uncomfortable or anything. I mean it, Faith."
My heart warmed. "I will."
"Good." Then he headed out. "See you girls tonight."
I heard the door shut before Sarah spoke, "Faith?"
I turned to toward her and worried as she still seemed down. "Yeah?" I couldn't help but feel upset that I couldn't fix anything. That I couldn't make anything better.
"About Tom, you know, he was my best friend before we ever dated," she started, giving me a reassuring smile. "Then we fell in love and got married. He would do anything for me. Anything that would make me happy, except if he feels it's going to hurt me in some way. Right now, we're just having a little disagreement, and it's not our first. So, I don't want you worrying, okay? He's not mad at you. Things will work out. It just takes time."
I opened my mouth to say something but then closed it before nodding. Finishing up my own breakfast, I took my dishes to the sink and turned to find Sarah there, handing out money like she'd done before. She raised an eyebrow when I hesitated, and I decided to take it. The last time she had threatened me with a yellow room, and I certainly didn't want that. I grabbed my bag by the front door and called out my goodbyes as I hurried out and across our neighborhood street toward the McGuire's house.
I knew it was a bit early for Tyler when I walked inside his home without even knocking. I found him in the entryway in mid-reach, grabbing his keys with his backpack hanging off his shoulder. He glanced up, surprised to see me.
"Baby?" He smiled, his eyes lighting up realizing it was me. "What are you doing here so early? I was just about to head across the street to get you."
I shrugged, walking into his arms, circling my own around his waist. "I was ready early. Decided to come on over."
"It's nice. I like you coming over to me," he reasoned as he leaned down for a brief kiss.
He sighed, pulling back before he swatted my thigh. "We could do this all day, but we need to get going." I slapped his side as he let go before following him out to his Jeep. I loved my morning already.
College was very much the same as it was any day. Minus my shadow. Tucker seemed to have given me a break.
Mr. White’s class was the same as always while Mrs. Shambles gave a lecture on personality disorders and I seemed to breeze right through it. And then I was off to humanities, but before I got there, I bumped into Van, Tucker's brother.
Well, to say I bumped into him was really an overstatement. It was more like I'd seen him across the hall looking at me, or rather past me. I had briefly twisted around, trying to pinpoint what held his attention, but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. When I’d turned back around I found Van gone.
It was kind of unusual.
I knew Van taught here, but it never occurred to me how close his lecture hall was to Humanities. I shook my head, dismissing whatever notion I was entertaining and proceeded on to my lecture.
When lunch came around, and all of us had arrived at the diner, we quickly headed inside, hoping our spot wasn't taken. It wasn't, and we immediately claimed it. I glanced out the big picture window as we settled and couldn’t help but peer over at the antique store. Tucker's car and a few other were there, but it was the one motorcycle that had me worried.
Was the biker gang there? Did something happen?
I was itching to go over there, but with one glance at my friends, I knew that they wouldn't let me.
In fact, hadn’t I just agreed with Lincoln last night that it wasn't in my best interest to continue to work there? That it would free up some time. Did I actually want to quit the antique store? It probably was a good idea, but I was uncomfortable giving my two weeks notice on the same day I was supposed to be getting my first check. It probably wasn't good form.
But on another note, I did like SSK better. It made me feel like I was doing something good. That I was fulfilling some higher purpose and need.
I also had that brief thought that maybe I could look into the process of adoption for Brady and Sarah. I wasn't sure if SSK kids were adoptable or if there was another location where kids stayed at for that, but I guessed I'd find out. If I was brave enough, I could always bring the subject up with Mr. White.
As all of us sat in our regular booth and ordered, I couldn't help my anxiety with all the thoughts and concerns that plagued me.
I excused myself from the table, needing a moment. I headed into the restroom, but Raina and Wendy followed.
Inside, Wendy went toward a mirror checking her makeup.
"So," Wendy asked, eyeing Raina through the mirror. "How was your first night in the new house?"
Raina's face flushed a little as a slow smile crept upon her lips. "It was... nice," she answered shyly, which wasn't her at all.
"Really?" The ever so vigilant interrogator, Wendy, questioned slyly. "So, did you guys 'christen' every room in your new house?"
I had to laugh when Raina's face went from blushed to flushed then red as a ripe tomato. "You just can't ask somebody something like that!"
"I'm taking that as a yes," Wendy confirmed with a grin, dismissing Raina's outrage.
I snorted, chiming in, "I can't believe you want to know that, Wendy, considering Kane's your brother."
Wendy rolled her eyes and gave me a glance. "Us girls, we have to stick together. And I need to know that my girls are being well taken care of," she said teasingly.
"What are you? My pimp?" Raina shot back, then someone flushed a toilet, and we froze. My eyes went wide as I swung my gaze to the occupied stall, unsure what to do. Whoever was in there heard our whole conversation. Even though the conversation wasn't a private one, we still thought we were alone.
An old lady came out, ignoring us as she made her way over to Wendy and me by the sink. We moved. making room so she could wash her hands, and I glanced toward my friends, unsure of what to do. Did we move? Did we wait? Or what?
Wendy shrugged and went to move, but the lady spoke. "Stop."
Wendy listened, glancing to the two of us. I shrugged, kind of weirded out, but curious too. I looked back toward the woman and took notice of her.
She was wearing a pair of shiny red flats along with black, clean tailored trousers and a red blouse. Pearls lay across her wrinkled neck. Her delicately aged features were covered with makeup that gave her a youthful look. Her hair was salt and peppered and pinned up in a twist. She was a classy grandma. The lady grabbed the paper towels on the wall and turned our way.
"A little suggestion for you three," she stated, eyeing us individually. "One, sex is natural between two willing partners no matter where the deed is done. Two, a woman for a pimp is always the way to go. Good day, girls."
My mouth dropped open as I watched her throw the paper towels into the trash and head out of the bathroom.
I spun back toward Raina and Wendy, who looked equally as shocked, and we busted up laughing.
"Oh. My. Word!" Raina cried, hugging her stomach. "I was totally not expecting that!"
I pushed Wendy away as my body shook with laughter. "She was talking to you."
"Whatever!" she cried, her eyes bright. She pointed over to Raina. "That it was all for her!"
"Wha- no," Raina insisted adamantly as her eyes shined. "It was for my pimp. Big Mama Wendy."
Wendy's eyes went wide with mock horror. "Oh no, you didn't," she retorted with sass.
"Mama Wendy's campaign: Love or Lust, either way, it's all natural." Grinning, I joined in.
Wendy had turned on the faucet to one of the sinks and flicked water my way.
"Hey.”
"Don't worry, it's water. It's Natural."
I shook my head, chuckling. "Whatever, but it was still funny."
I headed into a stall while the two of them teased each other and placed my bag on the back of the stall door. I went to turn, but my phone beeped. I debated on whether I should ignore it, but finally I turned back to my bag, twisting my lips and pulling my phone out.
Checking it, I sucked in a breath and my hands shook. My phone slipped out of my hand as if it had burned me. It was that number again.
"Daniels?"
My palms grew moist as my heart hammered in my chest. How could I have been so happy a moment ago and suddenly feel like this? Bending down as I shook, I picked my phone up before I saw Wendy's shoes just outside my stall door. "Sweetie?"
I swallowed hard, standing up and clamping the phone into my hand, unsure of what I should do. "Uh, yeah. It's... just give me a minute okay?"
I didn't wait for their answer as I clicked the button that would open up the message. I closed my eyes for a brief moment, taking in a deep breath and letting it out before I looked.
Unknown Text: 9-29-2012
Again, I felt like the world had shifted out from underneath me. My hand slapped across my mouth as hot tears gathered in the corner of my eyes. My chest and heart hurt.
Instead of a picture like it had been the last time, it was a calendar date. A date that I could never forget. An anniversary. Two days from today, but from years ago. The same year—the same night—my parents had died.
Staring at the numbers, my chest heaved as I tried to keep my emotions in check. I needed to tell Brady and the guys. I opened the stall door to find Raina and Wendy standing, waiting. I was greeted by concerned faces, and rightfully so.
"Daniels, what is it? What wrong?” Raina worried, putting a hand on my elbow as Wendy slid my phone from my fingertips. I kept my head down, thinking.
I didn’t want to wait for the messages anymore. “Daniels?” I finally glanced up to meet Raina’s worried gaze.
I could fight back.
“What is it, Wendy?” Raina asked, glancing toward her.
“It’s a date.” Glancing over to where Wendy was holding my phone, I clenched my hands.
“I won’t be a victim anymore,” I told them. “I won’t let this person attack me. I don’t have to take it.”
I looked from the phone to Wendy and held her concerned stare. “I don’t have to be idle. We could do our own investigating.”
Wendy nodded, slowly passing to phone to Raina. “We could.” Raina glanced at the message, confused. “What does this mean to you, Daniels? 9-29-2012?”
My shoulders tensed as I glance from one to the other. “It’s... it’s that day.” I swallowed hard and pushed out the rest. “The day my parents died.”
Raina gave me my phone back then wrapped me into a hug. “I’m sorry, Daniels. I didn’t realize. So close...” she whispered trailing off. I stood stiffly in her arms until she squeezed and let go. “We need to tell the guys.”
I agreed.
Raina kept ahold of my hand and reached for Wendy’s, giving us each a motherly look that made me want to roll my eyes. This wasn’t Raina. “Let's all agree that we’re not going to do anything stupid.”
Yep. There goes the eyes roll. “Sure... Mom.”
She wiggled the hand that she was holding and gave me a stern stare. “I'm serious. This could be dangerous. We just need to be smart when we look around. My brothers will want to help too.”
Wendy seemed eager as her mouth set in a thin line of determination, and her eyes held strength that I desperately needed. “I’m so in. What kind of Pimp Mama would I be if I let you guys go it alone?”
“Jeez, Wendy. Already staking a claim?”
Her face softened as she gave a wink my way. “Claim and Info. Next? The world.” I let the tightness in my chest ease as I chuckled. Wendy was outrageous.
The three of us headed out of the restroom and toward the guys who were joking around at the booth. Even though they all turned when they saw us coming, it was Lincoln who realized something was off first. His eyes searched my face, and he frowned.
I gave him a tentative smile, drawing confidence from my friends as I nodded his way, handing over my phone. He stared at me before taking it with his jaw firmly set and opened my messages.
“What is it?” Tyler asked standing up and tugging me to him. “What wrong?”
“Another message,” Wendy supplied.
We would figure this out. Whoever was behind it. We'd have to, because I couldn't continue living this way.
“Shit.”
Lincoln did have a way with words. He passed my phone to Kayden, who verbalize the same sentiment.
The situation was shit. The person who was doing this was definitely a piece of shit. And all of us together, we’d find person responsible for it. Because shit always had a way of coming out, and when it did, we’d be there to flush it on down.
This shit just got real.