Deceptions (The Mystical Encounter Series Book 2) (22 page)

My breath caught as the words became stuck in my throat. The last person I’d ever expect was standing on my doorstep.

~25~

Acceptance

Time stopped as I stood motionless. My heart pounded in my chest, reminding me I was indeed alive, just petrified. Was he really here? I blinked a few times, but he didn’t disappear. I imagined this scenario earlier, except in my imagination, Barry wasn’t scowling.

“Nick? You’re on a first name basis now?” he asked.

My mouth parted. That snapped me out of my funk. Barry hadn’t talked to me in well over a month, and that was his opening line?

“Does it matter?”

Barry ran his right hand through his hair, before settling it behind his neck. “No. Yes. Maybe…‌I don’t know,” he said, shoving both hands under his arms.

“Barry, why are you here?” I asked warily.

My breathing stopped as his stare bore into me, completely immobilizing me.

In a clipped fashion he asked, “Why was Nicholas Canter here again?”

I groaned. “Why do you care? You haven’t said one word to me for over a month. Hell, you won’t even look at me. So why do you care who comes over? Am I supposed to just sit in my house all by myself? Is that what you want? Would that make you happy?”

I stood there with my hands on my hips as I tossed out questions. But when I was through, the fight within him deflated in front of my eyes. Instantly, I felt horrible for being so harsh, but he pushed me to my breaking point. This turmoil had brewed inside me for weeks. Piling up. Without proper closure, I never had a chance to say my part. He just walked away and quit talking.

His hardened expression softened as his eyelids drooped. Clearly defeated, my heart turned to mush, and I wanted to console him. That need had never been so strong, and it took all my will power to keep from crossing the barrier between us.

“Heather, look, I’m…” He glanced away for a few seconds as if he was trying to collect his thoughts. When his gaze landed back on mine, he continued, “Can I come in? We need to talk.”

For the second time tonight, I anxiously stepped back to let a boy enter my home.
When did my life become so complicated?

Barry made his way into the living room with me trailing close behind. As we rounded the corner, his body stiffened before pausing mid–stride. I followed his eyes and noticed the leftover pizza and plates. First impressions made it seem like I had a cozy night with Nick planned, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although I enjoyed his company, it wasn’t how I intended to spend my evening, and I did nothing wrong. But noticing Barry’s clenched jaw working back and forth, the guilt sprung forward‌—‌regardless of whether it was right or not.

I nibbled on my bottom lip. “I’ll clear this out of our way, first.”

Barry remained quiet as I gathered the empty plates and cups. While placing them on top of the pizza box, I had a strong desire to apologize before I reminded myself that my actions didn’t warrant an apology. I didn’t need to apologize for having a friend over, and I wouldn’t.

Ever.

But I could make it easier for Barry by getting rid of the evidence and not flaunting it in his face.

When I came back into the living room, Barry was sitting on the couch‌—‌thankfully on the opposite side from where Nick had sat. Not wanting to put distance between us like I had with Nick, I sat on the other end of the couch. I leaned against the armrest and drew my legs underneath me so I was sitting crossed–legged. I wanted direct vision‌—‌a clear shot. There wasn’t any way I would miss his expressions.

As he brought his eyes back toward mine, he clenched his lower jaw. His mandible was getting such a workout tonight, I almost felt sorry for it.
Can you feel sorry for a body part?
It was exceedingly obvious that whatever he wanted to say worried him. I swallowed in anticipation, not sure why I cared. I mean, how many times can a guy break your heart?

He remained sitting there silent, so I did the same. Afraid if I talked, it would interrupt whatever internal struggle he was having with himself, and I didn’t want to take the chance that he might give up and go home. The longer we sat, the more the silence weighed on my chest.

As I waited anxiously in anticipation to what he would say, the annoying ticking of the clock became louder with each passing second.

At last, he seemed to snap out of his funk. Tilting his head toward me, his eyes softened as a silent plea of help clouded over them. “Heather, I don’t even know where to begin.”

“Why don’t you just start at the beginning?”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. While slowly exhaling, he reopened them, staring directly at me. “I owe you an apology.”

Well, that was unexpected
. I shook my head to disagree.

He raised his hands, stopping me. “No, Heather, I do. It wasn’t fair of me to treat you like that. You deserved better. But I felt so deceived, and I didn’t know how to deal with it.”

I cringed because that was what I had feared the most. Deception was the hardest thing for any couple to overcome. It made people no longer trust each other, and once that trust was gone, the bond between them started to diminish too. That sickening sensation swarmed my stomach as I questioned the strength of his love for me. If the last month was any sign, reconciliation seemed void.

“After the feds arrested Mom, I just wanted to get away from everything and everybody‌—‌including you. When I walked away, and you told me you loved me, my first thought was finally, you admitted it. That made me happy, but…” He paused as he inhaled deeply. “ I couldn’t process it. I needed to get away. I wanted to blame you, but I knew it wasn’t your fault. I tried hating you, but I couldn’t.” A single tear ran down my cheek, but I let it fall. Captivated by his admission, I remained quiet as he forged ahead.

“Heather, this past month has been hell for me. I was lost without you. The crap with my mother, that’s nothing compared to losing you. God…‌”

Pain flitted across his face. Again I had to restrain from grabbing ahold of him. My heart was thumping so fast in my chest, the echo drowned out that stupid clock. What was he trying to tell me? That he still loved me? That he had never stopped?

He ran his hands along his face before giving me an intense stare that took my last breath. “When I saw you talking to Nick, I almost lost it. It kills me watching other guys stare at you as if they had a chance. And that guy at the river‌—‌I wanted to punch him for touching you.” With a humorless laugh, he grunted, “It’s no wonder I was so quick to punch Micha.”

“Barry, that guy at the river was only helping me up because I slipped. It meant nothing. And Micha, well, he threw the first punch.”

“I saw the way he stared at you, he wanted to do more than help, believe me. Micha, he’s just a jerk. I don’t think he’ll be a problem anymore.” His face grew serious. “Am I too late? Have you already fallen out of love with me?”

After forcing a swallow, I took a sharp intake of air and leaned toward him naturally. What I needed to say had to be said perfectly, or I’d risk losing him forever.

“The funny thing about love is: you can’t control it. There isn’t a shut–off valve to your heart. Our time apart should have sealed the gaping hole you left, but it didn’t. Instead, my feelings deepened for you while leaving that wound wide open.”

A tender smile spread across his face as he released the breath he held. “I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah, me too,” I said tenderly.

“Come here,” he demanded with his arms spread open.

I slid across the couch until I reached Barry. He immediately wrapped his arms around me, and the security I’d craved came rushing forward. I leaned my head into his chest and squeezed back. He tightened his grip around me and planted a kiss on the top of my head.

“I’m so sorry for messing up prom,” he whispered, his voice dripping with remorse.

“It’s only a dance,” I said. Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better evening than cuddling in his arms.

“A very important dance.”

I leaned back and held his gaze. “We have next year.”

The half–grin I’d missed so much appeared. “We have next year,” he agreed while drawing me into his embrace and giving me a long overdue kiss.

~26~

Consternation

Mom was in the kitchen the next morning sipping coffee when I entered. “Did you have a good time with Tanner last night?” I asked my tone too cheery for this time of the morning.

She placed her coffee cup on the table. “Yes, I did. He took me back to his house where he had a wonderful meal cooked for me. Turns out he’s good at more things than just investigating,” she answered, smiling.

“Mother, please,” I scolded playfully.

“What…?” She shook her head. “Oh, no, I just meant he knows his way around the kitchen.”

Judging by how red her cheeks became, I should feel sorry for embarrassing her. Instead, I laughed while pouring myself a cup of joe.

“So what did you end up doing last night? You’re awfully happy today,” she asked, redirecting the topic.

I sat down at the table across from her, and shrugged. “Nothing much. I had a visitor.”
Or two
.

Her eyebrow arched. “Are you going to tell me who or leave me hanging?”

A mischievous smile spread across my face. “About an hour after you left, Nicholas showed up.” I had to bite my lower lip to keep from laughing at her surprised reaction.

“And this made you happy?”

“Well, yeah.”
It led to better things
.

“Do you like this Nicholas?” she asked, but didn’t give me time to respond. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to get involved with him now.”

I couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Mom, I don’t like Nicholas. Not like
that
anyway. He’s a great guy, cute and all, but please.”

Cocking her head to the side, she wrinkled her nose slightly. “Then what’s made that sparkle reappear in your eye?”

Sparkle?
What sparkle? Barry’s had been burned–out for some time so it makes sense. I guess. “After Nick left, I had a visit from Barry.” An understanding smile settled in her eyes. “I think Nick made him jealous. Anyway, we talked things over and we’re at least back on speaking terms.”

“Good. One step at a time, baby girl.” She patted my hand.

“That’s what I intend to do.”

~~~~~

“Hey, beautiful,” Barry said when I greeted him at my door.

I smiled. I’d missed the easiness of being around him so much.

“Hey, come on in. I just have a few more things to prepare.”

The night before, Barry had decided to take me to Frontier Park for a picnic and a hike. I thought it would be nice to spend the day together without any interruptions, so I immediately agreed. He made a rule, though: we could bring our cellphones, but we had to leave them in the car.

He walked into the house, and his head automatically lowered toward me. His hesitation caused my gaze to shift and connect with his. The seriousness displayed in his eyes was unfathomable, and my stomach clenched, not knowing how to interpret it.

A moment passed before he whispered, “God, I missed you.”

The distance closed between us, connecting our lips in a magical reunion. That, right there, was what I had missed the most. The banging of pans from the kitchen alerted us that we weren’t alone in the house. With a slight groan, Barry pulled away. I peered up at him as he grinned.

“I’m afraid to see your mom.”

“Don’t be. She adores you,” I said.

His lips tightened, signifying his uncertainty. His nervousness was unwarranted because Mom completely understood. “Even though I hurt her only daughter?” he asked incredulously.

“In this situation, you’re given a pass. Next time though…‌” I tried to sound threatening.

While drawing me back in, he wrapped his arms around saying, “There won’t be a next time. Ever.”

Ever?
I liked the sound of that. Unable to stop smiling, I nodded in response. That warranted a smile from him before landing a soft kiss on my forehead.

“Let’s grab our supplies and get going.” I was more than ready to leave. Spending the entire day together was Barry’s best suggestion to date.

I laced my fingers through his as we walked toward the kitchen. Upon entering, Mom glanced at our joined hands before greeting Barry with a warm, tender smile. A tiny bit of tension I carried diminished with that greeting. The way she adored Barry, I knew she wouldn’t be mad at him. Barry’s body relaxed, mimicking the same effect. We let go of each other’s hands while I walked to grab the picnic supplies.

Barry cleared his throat. “Ms. Reiner, I feel as if I owe you an apology, too. My actions have not been admirable.”

“Barry, it’s all right. You’ve had so much to deal with, it’s understandable.”

“Yes, but…‌”

“No, stop right there. You’re a good person, Barry, and there’s no reason to keep rehashing old news. You’re still healing and it will take some time. But the last things you need to worry about is my thoughts. Okay?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Now, where are you guys planning to go?”

We filled Mom in on our plans for the day while we worked together gathering our food. Barry slowed our progress with his impersonation of some television cook. With a laugh, I smiled, taking in his appearance. I couldn’t believe how easily it was to step back into our banter.

Just as I finished placing the last snack into the basket, Barry came up beside me with a mischievous grin. Before I could move away from him, he drew me into a bear hug. I wasn’t sure if he would try tickling me or not, but the doorbell rang, interrupting his hold on me.

“I’ll get it,” I hollered, laughing as I sprinted away from his grasp.

I was still laughing when I opened the door, but the laughter died on my lips as I stared into a familiar pair of dark espresso–colored eyes. I couldn’t breathe. Everything around me disappeared while I tried to make sense of who was standing in front of me.

I whispered, “Dad?”

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