Take Me Now (11 page)
“What the hell are you doing in here?”
I drop the receiver as my jaw falls open. All I can do is stare at the man standing before me.
The movie is finally over and my cheeks are aflame. Lauren made a spectacle of the two of us. I don’t know how I’m going to face anyone in this town again. We must’ve looked like two teenagers who couldn’t keep their hands off each other. She did everything she could possibly get away with in public, short of taking off my clothes. I heard her uncle cough next to her several times but she ignored him. A lot of business owners from the Chamber of Commerce were sitting in our row and I heard a few of the whispered remarks about our conduct that passed between them. Lauren may be bulletproof thanks to her family’s influence in the community, but I’m not. She probably damaged my reputation beyond repair.
But in this instance, I could care less about all of that. I turn around, frantically trying to find Ivy, but she’s nowhere to be seen. I have no idea how much she witnessed of this farce, but if she’s not here, she must have bolted, and I can’t say that I blame her. It must have been an excruciating performance to have to watch. I could kick myself for going along with it. There had to be a better solution than giving in to Lauren’s demands. I just didn’t have the time to think. I gave in to the pressure.
“Are you ready to grab a drink at the bar?” The theater is emptying out but I still cringe when she plays with my hair. All I want to do is go home and take a shower. I feel dirty both inside and out, and for a landscaper, that’s saying something.
“I think I’m going to call it a night. I have an early day tomorrow.” I fake a smile, hoping she’ll take the hint.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Our evening isn’t over. Not by a long shot.” She shimmies out of her seat, waiting expectantly for me to follow.
“Lauren, I don’t know. Haven’t you had enough?” She’s asking too much and she knows it. Ivy isn’t here anymore. There’s no one to put on a show for. The masquerade is over.
“I can never have enough of you, and the sooner you realize that, the better.” The corporate, no-holds-barred side of her takes over. She’s used to intimidating men. She does it for a living.
“That wasn’t the deal. You got what you wanted—humiliating me in front of the entire town and making me look like a two-timing jerk in Ivy’s eyes.” I get to my feet and make her take a step back as I tower over her. She’s nothing but a little minx in a tight skirt and high heels. Her approach might work in the boardroom but she’s worked me over for the better part of two hours and I felt absolutely nothing.
“Lauren, we’re going to need you and Eric out front for a few more photo ops.” It’s one of the reporters from the
Gazette
encouraging his boss to move things along with her psychotic plan. She probably told him to come get us if we lingered too long.
“See, Eric? We’re needed. Come along.” She slips her arm through mine, tugging me up the aisle. Since we have an audience, I can’t very well run out the back door. I groan audibly as we join the reporter at the top.
“Don’t worry, man. You’ll be out of here soon.” He gives me a knowing wink like I can’t wait to get Lauren alone somewhere. He couldn’t be further from the truth.
We emerge into the lobby and Will comes storming up to us…without Ivy. “Can I speak to you in private for a minute?” He doesn’t even bother to acknowledge my presence. His full attention is on Lauren.
“Of course.” Lauren makes an attempt at being polite but fails miserably, her voice cutting through Will like a knife. Turning to me, she continues, “Don’t even think about going anywhere.”
Not caring about her intent to make good on her threat, I head for the door when someone steps into my path to stop me. I look up, ready to go off on whoever it is, but I’m shocked when I see that it’s Lauren’s stepbrother, Ryan.
“Ivy left about a half hour into the movie. I don’t know where she went. Will went out searching for her at your place but couldn’t find her. I’m worried, man. What if something’s happened to her?” Ryan’s anxiety gets the better of him as he tells me things his stepsister probably doesn’t want me to hear. I have to get more information from him while I can. I may not get another opportunity or have him in such a vulnerable position.
“Why didn’t you follow her? Wasn’t that your job?” I’m making assumptions. Let’s see if he backs them up.
“Yeah, but I had to hit the head. I swear I was only gone two minutes and she vanished. It’s so dark out there. The valets saw her turn up the road leading to the garden center. But she’s not there, either.” Starting to hyperventilate, Ryan’s stops pacing and slams his fist against the wall. People are starting to notice his strange behavior. I better lure him outside.
“C’mon, let’s get some air and figure this out. She couldn’t have gone far.” From the way he’s taking me into his confidence, he must think I’m in on the whole thing with Lauren. Otherwise, I don’t think he’d be so forthcoming with his emotions. I always took him to be sort of a surly, despondent kid. I’ve never seen him so worked up like this. But he is one of Ivy’s oldest friends. He has to have some redeeming quality. It’s clear that he’s worried about her. Ryan’s the first member of this evil trifecta who genuinely seems to care about Ivy and that makes me want to give him the benefit of the doubt. He can’t be that bad, right?
“I don’t know. Lauren didn’t want me to leave the building.” He rakes his fingers through his hair distractedly. He’s on the fence about what to do. It’s time for me to cast the deciding vote.
“Yeah, but she’s going to kill you when she finds out Ivy’s missing.” I lay it on the line and he takes the bait.
“You’re right. Let’s go.” The hell with procrastination, he makes an abrupt turn and is already out the door. I have to sprint to catch up to him.
“We’ll take my truck. I know these roads like the back of my hand. If Ivy’s out here, we’ll find her.” I have to maintain control of the situation. There’s no way I’m riding shotgun with some teenager. His shoulders droop, making it clear he’s not pleased with my suggestion, grumbling something under his breath as we get in.
“So what’s the deal between you and Ivy, man? Are you just playing with her or what? Because a guy like you can’t be serious about someone like her.” We’re not even in the truck five seconds and Ryan’s already on the attack. He obviously feels threatened by me, but it’s a loaded question and I’m not sure how to answer it. If I ever intend to make a break from Lauren, this might be the place to start.
“Ivy’s special, but you already know that. She’s someone who means a lot to me. If Lauren doesn’t it like it, that’s her problem.” I look both ways before driving onto Main Street. Once we’re clear of the theater, I breathe a sigh of relief like I’ve been released from my imprisonment.
“So are you dating Lauren or something? She was all over you in there. It’s kind of hard to believe that Ivy’s so important to you.” Looking at him out of the corner of my eye, I can see him glaring at my profile. I think he wanted to get me out here alone. This has all the makings of a conversation that’s about to go terribly wrong.
“It’s not like that. Lauren was going to hurt Ivy if I didn’t go along with her tonight.” My defense sounds hollow even to me.
“So you just had to suffer through it, huh? It’s hard letting a woman who’s young, rich, and successful suck on your face. You’re full of shit, man. You know that?” He’s right but it doesn’t make me feel good to admit it. If he has Ivy’s ear, there’s no way he’s going to be in my corner when she comes crying on his shoulder.
If
she comes crying since he’s not exactly in her good graces right now either.
“Well then, so are you. She crawled down an embankment to get away from you after you told her about your little peep show. It really shook her up, finding out her friend is such a pervert.” We’re approaching the garden center but I blow right by it. My gut is telling me if she’s anywhere, she’s at my house.
“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. That was something private between Ivy and me. You wouldn’t understand. You don’t know her like I do. She just needs some time to get used to the idea. That’s all.” Ryan is seething, but under the surface he’s not too sure of himself. My remarks must have thrown him off balance. He actually thought Ivy enjoyed hearing his confession, like she’s into his sick, twisted crap? It makes me want to get out of the truck and punch his lights out for even thinking of her like that. Where does he get off?
“You drove up here with her. Did she even talk to you? Because Monday night, it seemed like she was through with you.” I rub my hostility in his face. If this is turning into a pissing match, he doesn’t know who he’s dealing with, the little punk.
“We did way more than talk. In fact, I have her panties right here in my pocket.” He dangles them in front of me before slinging them over the rearview mirror like some kind of trophy. He has to be kidding me. They’re probably just some random pair he bought himself. Ivy would never fool around with him.
“Nice try, asshole. Sorry if I’m not buying it.” The house is in darkness. My stomach drops. Ivy’s not here.
“You don’t think I have what it takes? You think she’s only into guys like you…or Will?” He laughs as I bring the truck to a halt. “Her cherry lip gloss sure tasted good. I can just imagine how she tastes down there. Maybe I’ll find out when I drive her home.” He’s just about to open the car door when I let loose and hit him on the side of the jaw. The momentum sends him sprawling out of the truck and onto the driveway. Getting out, I intend to finish what I’ve started.
He’s already on his feet as he rams me against the bumper. I easily have him by a good fifty pounds but he’s wiry. He kicks my legs out from under me and I drop to the ground. Sitting on my back, he grabs me by the hair, slamming my face into the dirt. My vision blurs as I hear the crack of my forehead hitting the earth. He flips me over and hurls back with his fist clenched. I block it and struggle to get him off me. His full weight is on my chest and it’s hard to breathe. He’s pinning me beneath him, giving himself the advantage. If I can only get to my feet, I’ll give him the proper beating he deserves. I’m not surprised he fights dirty—so does his stepsister.
“She likes it rough too, you know. I had fun holding her wrists above her head while making her scream.” I have no idea if Ryan’s telling the truth but something inside me snaps. I grab him by the shirt and pitch him off me. He’s quick though, because before I have a chance to regain my footing, he charges into me from behind. My stomach connects with the front grill of the truck, knocking the wind out of me. He uses my moment of weakness to bash my head against the hood.
And that’s when I black out.
“I can ask you the same question. I know for a fact that Eric doesn’t have any employees on his payroll. So whoever you are, you better get out of here before I call the cops.” Spying a pair of garden shears, I hoist them like a weapon, daring him to come any closer.
“Are you the girl from the paper? Laurie…Laurel…?” Despite the danger I’m in, anger surges through me at being mistaken for my evil employer.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not Lauren.” I put as much venom as I can muster into my retort.
“Well hold up there, miss. I mean no disrespect. It’s just that you’re all dressed up and Eric was supposed to be doing something with some hoity-toity from the
Gazette
tonight. At least, that’s what I read. We don’t often talk about his private life. Most of the time, we don’t even talk at all.” My heart contracts when I see how it hurts the man to make such an admission. Whoever he is, he seems to care about Eric. It makes me want to lower my guard and find out his identity.
“I’m Ivy.” I put down the shears and extend my hand in greeting. “I’m no hoity-toity. I’m just pretending to be.”
It’s then that Shep comes hustling out of the office before sitting at the man’s feet. Okay, now I’m confused. My puzzled expression gives the man cause to chuckle and I scrunch my brow in consternation. I may be a little slow on the uptake, but he doesn’t have to laugh at me.
“You’re a little dynamo, aren’t you?” He scrutinizes me with begrudging admiration as Shep’s tail begins to wag. “What, did you walk all the way out here in the dark?”
“And why do you suppose that?” Sure, it’s the second time I’ve found myself stranded at the garden center, but I’m not completely incapable of making a rational decision.
“From the looks of it, your shoes started out black, but with that heavy coating of dust they’re now a lovely shade of gray.” He chuckles again, jiggling the suspenders that are holding up his pants.
“Hey now, watch it, mister. There’s no need to go insulting me. I came in here because Eric’s a friend…an acquaintance…a colleague of mine. I’m an intern at the
Gazette
and I was doing a story on him. I needed to use a phone and the door was open. I didn’t think he’d mind.” I don’t have to tell this mysterious stranger that I’m actually running away from Eric. There’s no reason to complicate things. Shep comes over and licks my hand, causing the man to raise an eyebrow.
“I guess your story rings true if Shep knows you. He doesn’t take to many people. He usually tries to run them off the property. Right, boy?” He pats his leg and Shep returns to his side.
“It seems Shep’s pretty taken with you as well.” I’m itching to ask the man who he is, but for some reason I don’t want to give him the satisfaction.
“He better be. I’m his grandpa.” He strokes the top of Shep’s head as the dog closes his eyes in a state of complete relaxation.
“What?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“Maybe I should rephrase what I’m trying to say. I’m Eric’s father.” He dips his head and my cheeks redden. I threatened him with a sharp object in his son’s place of business. He must think I’m a lunatic.
“Sir, I’m so sorry…” I bumble through an attempt at an apology.
“Frank. Call me, Frank. And no need to apologize. I shouldn’t leave the front door open when I’m in the back doing the books. I deserve to be burst in on. It’s just that I’m not here that often and old habits die hard. I never lock the doors at home probably because I don’t have anything worth stealing.” He sways back on his heels like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
“It’s nice to meet you. I guess we’re both members of an exclusive club, having both been inside Eric’s house.” The minute the words leave my mouth I want nothing more than to take them back. I can’t believe how presumptuous that sounds—like I’ve bedded Eric and I’m damn proud of it.
“Not many get that privilege. I’m glad to hear he’s opening up a bit more. This shutting himself off from everyone just wasn’t working for him.” Frank removes his glasses and wipes the lenses with a handkerchief from his pocket.
“I don’t mean to imply anything by what I said. In fact, I think the Lauren you were referring to earlier is fast on the way to joining our ranks.” I can’t hide my disappointment, even from his father. The image of Eric kissing Lauren is still too fresh in my mind.
“I’d hate to see that happen. I think he’s already made a significant breakthrough with you. No need to go spreading himself around.” He shakes his head before sliding his glasses back on.
“My thoughts exactly, but I guess we don’t know him as well as we think.” Huffing, I stroll over to the window and glance out at the stars. I’d make a wish. Too bad it won’t come true.
“Don’t lump me in that category just yet, young lady. Eric’s been down on his luck for quite a while. He’s still learning what it’s like to be on the upside of things again. But if there’s one thing I do know, it’s that his heart is true.” His pride in his son is evident, no matter how misplaced.
“Well what do you make of him kissing one girl while making plans with another to spend the night? That sounds like one conflicted heart to me.” My statements are bold but I’m able to utter them because my back is turned. Yet I still catch Frank’s reaction in the glass even though he can’t see my face.
“I’d say that doesn’t sound like my son. Maybe you don’t have all the facts.” He rubs his brow. My words are distressing him. I should just shut up and deal instead of dragging him into it.
“Yeah, maybe.” I’m noncommittal at best.
“Listen, dear. I know my son will go to great lengths to save the ones he loves. I assume you’re familiar with what happened to Cassidy. He tried to move heaven and earth to keep her with him, and when he failed, I thought he’d never come back to us. But little by little, he started turning things around. He finished the house. He reopened the garden center. He got Shep. If he’s given you any reason to place your faith in him, don’t be so quick to remove it.” With every aspect of my being, I want to believe what he’s saying, but I don’t know if I can. What excuse can Eric possibly have for making out with Lauren? And his father would definitely place Eric’s best interests ahead of mine. Is he just trying to soothe my jangled nerves to cover for his son? I need a break from all of this. I have to get away.
“Do you mind if I use your phone to call for a ride home?” I spin around, and he seems sad that his advice had such little effect on me.
“Be my guest, Ivy. If you’ll excuse me, I have to return to sorting out the accounts. But I’ll be in the back if you need me.” He appears defeated as he strolls away with Shep padding along behind him.
“Jeez, don’t make me feel like the bad guy because your son turned out to be such an asshole,” I mutter under the clicking of my heels as I stomp behind the counter. Dialing Sophie’s number, I intend to make this quick.
“Hello?” Ut oh, she sounds like she’s half asleep. But she picked up, so that’s a good sign.
“Sophie, it’s Ivy. Listen. I’m stranded up at Riverside Gardens. I know it’s a lot to ask, but do you think you can come get me?” If she turns me down…no, I won’t even go there.
“Ivy, I have a full schedule of guided tours at the museum tomorrow starting at nine o’clock. What the heck are you doing there anyway?” Her thoughts are becoming more coherent as she shakes off her drowsiness.
“It’s a long story. One I’d rather not get into over the phone. Can you give me a lift or what?” She’s a tough cookie and sometimes responds better to a firm hand rather than a light touch.
“All right. But I’d really like to kill you right now.” I hear the creaking of her bed frame as she tosses back the covers.
“Trust me, I get it. You can kill me once you get me safely back to the dorm. I promise.” We were never super close during all of the semesters we shared together but she’s turning out to be a better friend than I expected. Who knew a drinking buddy like Sophie would be the one to come to my rescue?
“I’ll sharpen my knife.” She deadpans before giggling on the other end. “I’ll see you in about a half hour, okay?”
“Do you know where to go?” She doesn’t strike me as the type at being good at directions.
“Yeah, the guy with the dead fiancée’s place, right?” Her question is meant to be off-the-cuff but it still knocks me for a loop. I hate how Eric is referred to around here, his one tragic moment in the spotlight forever tainting his existence.
“That’s the one.” I’m too tired to set the record straight. And besides, after the way he behaved tonight, I’m none too eager to defend Eric against the labels people stick on him. Let him fight his own battles when it comes to his public image. I’m through.
“Hang tight, chickadee. I’ll be there in two shakes of a dog’s tail,” she barks into the receiver.
“You better,” I urge before hanging up.
I stare out the window again, picturing how this night could have turned out differently. I could be in Eric’s featherbed right now. Instead, I’m forced to look at a sign proclaiming a half-off sale on manure. Yeah, life certainly sucks.
I nearly scream when I feel something cold and wet moving against my hand. Peering down, I’m relieved that it’s just Shep’s nose, no doubt searching for a treat. “I haven’t got anything for you, boy. I’m all tapped out.” He whines at my side before raising his paw to my hip in supplication. What’s Shep doing here anyway? Shouldn’t he be up at the house? The garden center’s closed and Eric never leaves him here alone. Frank must have gone up to fetch him in order to spend some quality time with his ‘grand-dog.’
Shep circles next to the door, a surefire indication that he has to go out. I don’t think Frank will mind if I let him loose to relieve himself. Opening the front door, I watch Shep scamper out, but he doesn’t stay in the parking area. Instead, he takes off howling, charging up the grassy hill in the direction of Eric’s house.
