Chapter 4

I waited a few days before I left for Dad’s. I avoided people as much as possible – and with quite a bit of stealth. I always had something to do so I had an excuse not to hang out and I always answered my phone, making sure to speak personally to people so it didn't seem like I was avoiding everyone.

Maybe I had a future as a spy.

I left Thursday while Morgan was at work, knowing that she intended to drive to her own folks’ place that night and return Friday in time to see the boys play. Her folks only lived about forty-five minutes away but I had a little over two hours to drive. I put the top down and relaxed as the wind whipped my hair and the sun beat down on my head. A burden lifted from my shoulders and for the first time since Friday night, I felt good.

My father lived in an exclusive beach community in a small Indiana town right on the shores of Lake Michigan. You had to have at least a six figure salary to afford a home in my neighborhood and better than that to live right on the beach. My daddy did quite well.

I parked in the drive and hopped out of the car without even opening the door. I knew Daddy was probably at work but I was certain Steffi was lurking about somewhere.

I greeted Tilda, Daddy’s loyal housekeeper, as I entered the house. I kissed her cheek as she squeezed me tightly, informing me that Steffi was on the beach. I thanked her before breezing through the house, kicking off my shoes when I reached the deck that overlooked the lake. I bounded down the steps and to the sand, wincing slightly at the how hot it was.

I spotted Steffi immediately in her modest navy blue bikini. She was sitting in a beach chair, sunglasses shielding her eyes, reading a book. That was the number one reason why I loved Steffi so much more than I could ever imagine loving Stepmother Number One – Steffi didn’t care what others thought of her and had no problem sitting on the beach reading a book. And not some new fad diet book or gossip stories – she read the classics. She loved Dickens and Austen and had an extensive library in which she often let me browse.

I plopped in the sand next to her, startling her from her page. “Bailey!” she gasped. “I thought you weren’t coming home until Saturday!”

I shrugged as a grin spread across my face. “I was bored.”

She draped an arm around my shoulder and hugged me. “Good. I’m bored, too. Want to do something?”

I laughed. That was reason number two why I loved her – she was fun and not in the ‘I’m much younger than your father so let’s you and I be best buddies’ way. She was fun because she was mature for her age but not so mature that she couldn’t cut loose once in awhile. She honestly loved my father – not just his money – and he was crazy about her. And we genuinely liked each other – not pretended for my father’s sake.

“Yeah, let’s hit the mall,” I said with a smile. “I need some new clothes or something.”

“Well, let’s go,” she said as she got up and wiped the sand from her legs. I helped her gather her things and carried them to the house. She rinsed off in the beach shower then dashed inside to change. I chatted with Tilda to get all the latest gossip while I waited.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Steffi announced fifteen minutes later. She was beautiful – long, blonde hair, slim figure, soft skin, and pretty eyes. She was taller than me by a few inches but never wore heels.

We took my car and hit our favorite stores immediately. She chattered on about what Daddy was doing and about a wedding they had to attend. She described all the stuffy people that would probably be there and chastised me gently for not going so she had someone to dance with. By the time we hit the shoe stores, she’d run out of gossip.

“Bailey, tell me what’s going on,” she said softly as she tried on a pair of sandals. “I know that’s why you’re here.”

“Nothing is wrong,” I insisted.

“Don’t lie,” she said. “I know better. Usually you’re chatting right along with me, telling me what Irelyn and Lucas are up to or telling me about Spencer. You’re far too quiet.”

Sighing, I dropped the shoes I had tried on back into the box. “I’m not seeing Spencer anymore,” I said. “I broke it off with him - for good this time. I just didn’t like him that way.”

“Well,” she said, looking at me fully with a slight frown. “There’s nothing wrong with that. You’ve been upfront and honest with him the whole time. Is he upset?”

“No,” I said. “He doesn’t seem to be.”

“Does that bug you?” she asked.

“Hm,” I pondered. “Maybe it does. But that’s crazy – I don’t want Spencer to be hurt.”

“Of course you don’t,” she said as she draped an arm around my shoulders. “But us women, well, we like our egos stroked every once in awhile and a boy mourning over us is a huge boost.”

I nodded vaguely.

“It’s not Spencer that’s got you all upset,” she said as she leaned back to study me. “You’re in love, aren’t you?”

Snorting, I turned my head. She laughed and squeezed my shoulders.

“How can you tell?” I finally asked.

“Because you look miserable. Most of the people I know who fall in love for the first time look that way because they don’t know what to do next or they’re afraid their beloved doesn’t feel the same. Which one are you?”

“You are far too perceptive for your own good,” I muttered as I picked up the shoe box and placed it back on the shelf.

“And you’re far too evasive,” she countered. “Just tell me what happened, Bailey.”

Damn tears formed in my eyes. Damn tears that hadn’t really fallen since I was five and my mother died.

“Not here,” I said, shaking my head.

Taking me by my hand as if I was a child, she led me out of the store. We wound up at the food court where she parked me at a table and disappeared. I took that opportunity to compose myself and by the time she returned, I had myself under control.

She slipped me a soda and smiled softly. “Tell me.”

I started out slowly, telling her my revelation by the pool but I was like a snowball rolling down a hill by the time I got to what happened Friday night and then Saturday in the men’s room.

She remained quiet and thoughtful until I finished. She handed me a tissue and I looked at it questionably until I touched my moist cheek.

“Damn. I’m turning into a crybag,” I muttered.

“No, you’re not,” Steffi said. She patted my hand. “You’re in a mess, I’ll agree. I don’t know what to tell you, for once.”

I barked out a laugh. Steffi always had an opinion. “Not much you can say. I just need to get over Collin and get on with my life.”

“I don’t know, Bailey,” she said. “He must like you somewhat if he was willing to sleep with you.” I flashed her a pointed look and she rolled her eyes. “I know some men will sleep with just about anyone but the way you’ve described these boys in the past – I just don’t think Collin would take you to bed like that since you dated his cousin and you are one of his friends.”

I shrugged. “Of course he would take me to bed,” I scoffed. “We were both liquored up and I was all over him.”

“And you love him,” she commiserated.

“I don’t know,” I said. “Maybe I don’t. Maybe I just think I do.”

She shook her head sadly. “I don’t think so. But you are in a rotten place. Your best friend loves him and he’s your ex’s cousin. Yes, I know you and Spencer weren’t serious but still – it’s a tough situation. And then you say Collin likes some other girl?” She snickered then smiled apologetically. “Sorry, but this is worse than the trashy talk shows those snobby broads from your father’s country club watch.”

I snorted then laughed. She was right. I could see us all on a talk show stage, professing our love to each other and each one of us leaving in a crying fit. It was downright pathetic.

“Well, I don’t want to dwell on it. Let’s just hang out for a few days, huh?”

“Sure,” Steffi said. “How about if we hit the spa tomorrow? Massages, facials, manicures….sound good?”

“Excellent,” I smiled.

***

Daddy was over the moon to see me and showered me with affection. He ordered an elaborate spread from my favorite Italian restaurant and had it delivered. We sat around the table eating until we were stuffed.

The conversation was light and fun and for once, all the crap from Dalefield was gone. I was grateful I’d decided to come home for awhile – it was exactly what I'd needed.

“So, pumpkin,” Daddy said as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “What are you doing this summer? Anything interesting?”

“No. Just hanging out with friends. But they all have jobs – even Morgan – and I get bored.”

“Maybe you should get a job,” Steffi suggested with a shrug. “Something part-time to give you something to do.”

“I’ve thought about it,” I admitted. “I’ve even considered coming back home for the summer.”

“Now why would you do that?” Daddy asked.

“You don’t want me home?” I demanded.

“Of course I do,” he said with a fond smile. “But I’m really proud that my girl is out on her own.”

“Not really,” I corrected. “You’re paying all my bills.”

“Yes, and I’ll continue to do so until you finish college. I don’t want you worrying about anything but school.”

I shot Steffi a quick look and she smiled.

“A part-time summer job wouldn’t hurt her, Grant,” Steffi said. “She could give it up when school started again. Let her get a taste of the working world.”

After studying me for several minutes, Daddy finally nodded. “Okay, pumpkin, if that’s what you want. But, if you’d rather come home, you have that option, too.”

“Thanks, Daddy,” I said. Home never sounded better.

***

I managed to forget all about my friends and the mess I’d made as I gave in to massage therapists and facial experts and relaxed. It was wonderful to be pampered and when we left hours later, I was totally loose.

It wasn’t until my phone rang while I was out on the deck with Steffi, enjoying a bottle of wine while we waited for Daddy to get home, that I thought of everything again. I glanced at my ID and groaned.

“Hey, Irelyn,” I said. “What’s up?”

“Where are you?” she demanded. I could hear the din of a crowd in the background and glanced at my watch. She had to be at Rusty’s.

“I’m at my dad’s house,” I said. “Chilling out with the stepmom.”

Grinning, Steffi refilled my glass.

“You didn’t tell us you were leaving early,” Irelyn whined.

“Didn’t know I had to,” I said with a laugh. “Sorry – I guess I should have told someone, huh?”

“Yeah,” she said a little impatiently. “We were worried about you.”

“No need,” I said as I sipped my wine. “I’m just here recharging the batteries and reconnecting with the parental units.” Steffi chortled, hand pressed to her mouth. I winked. “Hey, why don’t you give me the name of the place where this shindig is going to be next Saturday? I’ll look up directions and shoot over there if I’m still hanging around here.”

“Okay,” Irelyn said and gave me the name. “You don’t think you’ll be back this week?”

I heard Lucas and Collin talking in the background and my heart nearly stopped. Morgan giggled at whatever they said and I wondered if Irelyn was speaking the truth – apparently the show went on without me.

“I’m not sure,” I said as I chased away my self-pitying thoughts. Did I really think they wouldn’t play this Friday because I ran off with my tail between my legs? Did I think they’d drop what they were doing and come get me? If I did, I was more pathetic than Dustin thinking he’d win Irelyn from Lucas. “Depends. I haven’t really spent a lot of time here since Christmas. I’ll let you know.”

“Okay,” Irelyn said. “Hey, Luke is getting ready to go on stage so I won’t be able to hear you but I want to tell you something.”

“Shoot.”

“If something is going on, please, please talk to me. I swear I won’t say a word to anyone – not even Lucas.”

“Thanks but I’m fine. Go enjoy the show and tell everyone I said hey.”

I hung up quickly before she could make me feel guiltier or worse – more pathetic.

***

I decided to stick around for awhile – my reasoning being that the more time I spent away from Collin the better my chances of getting over him. Besides, he needed to deal with what we’d done and move on without me being a constant reminder.

It wasn’t until Wednesday night that any of my old high school friends called. I couldn’t really be too pissed – I hadn’t called them either.

“Bailey! It’s Kora. What are you doing tonight?” Kora Zimmerman cooed into the phone.

“Nothing special,” I mused as I floated on the tiny raft in our pool. “Why?”

“Daddy just told me that your father told him you were in town. And I’m throwing an awesome beach party tonight for my boyfriend’s birthday. You remember, Todd, right?”

“Sure,” I said. “I remember him. Anyone good coming to this party?”

She laughed bitterly. “Oh, a couple of our mutual friends and a few other people that might interest you.”

“My curiosity is aroused,” I said with a grin. “Who?”

“Veronica Lindgren.”

My skin crawled as bile crept up my throat. Veronica was the bane of my existence and I longed for the chance to smash her face in the sand.

“Party starts at six,” Kora said.

“I’ll be there,” I smirked.

***

I dressed rather modestly that night. I wore a one piece white bathing suit, bikini cut with a low neckline that emphasized my generous curves and hinted at nice breasts. I pulled a simple pink skirt and white tank over it and slipped my feet into flip flops before I drove to Kora’s house.

The music was blasting and people were already on the beach, hitting a volley ball over a net and consuming alcohol from the many coolers on the deck. Kora rushed over and hugged me, exclaiming how pretty I looked. I smirked and asked for a drink.

I drew loads of male attention that day as I splashed in the water and played volleyball with my old friends. It was just what my bruised ego needed and by the time it grew dark enough to light a bonfire, I had my fair share of admirers vying for my attention.

“Oh, look,” a droll voice said from somewhere behind me. “The slut has returned.”

Chuckling, I turned slowly. Veronica Lindgren stood amidst a group of her friends with a knowing grin on her heavily painted face.

“And the pathetic, spiteful bitch has arrived. That really sucks – the party was going so well,” I said with a sarcastic smile plastered on my face.

Veronica gestured at several of the males gathered around. “How many of them have you screwed tonight, Bailey?”

“Why?” I asked, folding my arms over my chest. “Jealous? Wish just one of them would do you?”

She sputtered a little as her neck turned red. “I wouldn’t waste my time.”

I snorted. “You mean they wouldn’t waste their time. None of them want to sleep with a butt-ugly wretched loser like you.”

Kora eased beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“She’s right,” Kora said.

“You’re both nothing but a couple of whores,” Veronica continued. “You know the only reason why guys date you is because they know they’ll get lucky.”

“Maybe,” I said as I finished my drink. “But I’m honest about it. If I want someone then I tell them – I don’t play coy like you. I know what I want and I go out and get it.”

But that wasn’t entirely right, was it? I wanted Collin and yet I ran away.

But you had a reason my conscience tried to tell me. And it was right. I'd had to leave because he didn’t want me and he felt bad about what had happened. And I really didn’t need to go through the entire list of reasons why I fled from my friends like a coward. I had other things to deal with at that very moment.

“Just stay away from me, Bailey Foxworth, and stay away from my boyfriend,” Veronica ordered.

I laughed. “Why? Afraid I’ll steal him from you? Where is he? Let me see if he’s doable and maybe I’ll give him a shot.”

Standing on my toes, I glanced around the crowd, totally pissing off Veronica. She fisted her hands and jammed them on her hips as her entire face turned redder than a baboon’s backside.

“He’s not here so don’t even think about it,” she said, her eyes spitting nails and other sharp objects. “And he wouldn’t have anything to do with the likes of you.”

“Who is he?” I demanded. “Let’s just see if you’re right.”

“You are a whore,” she said. “You really would try to sleep with him, wouldn’t you?”

I shrugged, a lazy smirk on my lips. “Depends – is he hot?”

Huffing, she spun away from me, allowing the crowd to swallow her. I wasn’t exactly proud of myself, but it was a shallow victory for me. Especially after what the little bitch had done to me in school. And I hoped she worried that I’d come after her boyfriend. I’d even ask around at the party to find out who he was. I wouldn’t mess with him – had no desire- but I’d let her think I would. Screw it – I wasn’t winning any popularity contests around here.

Guy Fargo, a boy I remembered from high school, wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pecked my cheek. “How tall are you, Bailey?”

I shrugged. “Five four – five four and a half. Why?”

He squeezed me. “I’ve always heard dynamite comes in small packages.”

“Please,” I scoffed as I rolled my eyes. “She had that coming and a lot more. So tell me, who is her boyfriend? I may have to give him a call.”

Guy laughed and slid his arm down mine to grab my hand. “I can think of a better man for you.”

“I bet you can,” I said, as I raised a brow. “But I’m really not interested right now.” Actually, my heart wasn’t into it – it was miles away back in Dalefield.

“Your loss, babe,” he said and kissed my cheek again. I smiled apologetically and wandered to the deck so I could replace my empty beer bottle with a full one.

I sat on the deck steps, watching the inebriated people try to dance and hook up and wondered if I was destined for this sort of life. If I didn’t want to go to school, I certainly didn’t have to go. I had a hefty trust fund that I’d be able to live off of once I turned twenty-five. Plus, Daddy always gave me what I wanted and had done so ever since my mother had died and he was forced to raise a little girl while running a successful chain of department stores.

There’d been nannies, of course, and Daddy tried to make it to the important things, but he'd always been so busy. That’s when he’d shell out the money or bring home presents to make up for all the time he spent away from me.

The first stepmother arrived on the scene just after I'd turned nine. She and I clashed like water and electricity. She'd only been interested in Daddy’s money and the ‘in-crowd’. She hadn't lasted very long. Nor did she get any money – thanks to the prenup agreement.

Steffi came when I was thirteen and immediately put me on guard. She was young and beautiful and I thought she was just another woman out for a sugar daddy.

But she hadn't been. She'd genuinely loved my father and had actually reminded him several times that he needed to let delegate some responsibility so he could spend time at home with his daughter. In six months’ time, we became a family. A real one.

My phone rang, dragging me out of my visit down memory lane. I flipped it open without a glance, thinking it was Steffi checking to make sure I was sober enough to drive home.

“Yeah?” I said as I watched Guy flirt with a girl I didn’t know.

“What are you doing, Bailey?” Collin asked. My heart stilled.

“Um, sitting on the beach, drinking a beer and watching some idiot try to pick up a girl who definitely isn’t interested. What are you doing?”

“You know what I mean,” he sighed. His breath hit the phone and sounded like a wind tunnel.

“No, I don’t think I do,” I said as my brow puckered. “I mean, I thought I did and I even told you what I was doing but apparently that wasn’t the right answer.”

“Bailey,” he groaned, his voice dripping with impatience. “Are you going to the party Saturday in Chicago?”

He’d obviously given up on his previous question yet I didn’t really have an answer to the current one. “I don’t know yet. Maybe.”

“You should,” he said quietly. “We’ll talk.”

“We’ll see,” I said sadly as I considered the beer in my hand. “Look, I have to go – the party is pretty lame and I’m tired. If I don’t see you Saturday, I’ll see you when you get back.”

“Fine,” he muttered. “Drive safe.” He hung up without another word.

I flipped my phone shut, jammed it in my pocket, and dumped out my beer. I definitely wasn't in a party mood any longer. I slipped quietly to my car and drove to Daddy’s.