Unsocial (48 page)

“Everything,” I whisper.

I feel her lips move against mine as she smiles. "Good
because I'm in this 100%, and there’s no stopping the fall.”

“Go ahead and fall, Brooke. I’ll always be here to catch you.”

That thought doesn't scare me nearly as much as it should.

Brooke

Monday morning my alarm drags me from erotic dreams of Dylan.
Leaving our hotel suite was so hard, but as the afternoon grew late we knew our
brief time was coming to the end. After dinner from room service, he finally
walked me to the underground parking garage to my car. Now it’s time for a new
work week, and I don’t know if I’m ready just yet.  I would love just to
snuggle back under my warm covers and get lost back in my dreams, but instead,
I sit up and turn my clock and stretch before pushing back the covers.

When I got back Saturday evening, Alex and I opened a bottle of
wine and spent the evening watching movies and chatting about work. It was
great and long overdue, but my conscience was screaming at me the entire time. 
I had just spent a better portion of my weekend in a hotel with my new gorgeous
boyfriend, and I couldn't even tell my best friend about it, and sometimes
keeping the secret is difficult. His texts on Sunday helped soothe the
uneasiness of lying to her because reading his words remind me that what we
have is much deeper than a secret fling.

During my shower, I think again of the conversation about Dylan’s
mother and what he went through at such a young age. I don’t know a single
adult that could have handled something like that.  I never knew my parents, so
I don’t think losing them would be as painful.

My grandma raising me was all I ever knew. Occasionally it was
obvious that my home life wasn't typical, like father-daughter dances or when
my friends’ mom's brought treats to the holiday parties at school, but my
grandma always came through and usually ended up being the life of the party
and with the best tasting food.

I also wonder about Dylan's relationship with his father. It’s
been clear since I met Dylan that his relationship with his father was strained,
and I wonder if it goes back to the death of his mother. I didn't want to push
it because we have time for that. I smile as I apply lip gloss in the mirror.
We
have time. I love that
.

I’m anxious to see Dylan again tomorrow. I know we’re going to
have to be careful around the kids because they’re smart.  Luke is my biggest
worry because he wouldn't hesitate to call us out if he thought something was
going on. The very first meeting he called me out on my attraction to Dylan,
and although he is a good kid at heart he’s still a moody teenage boy with some
anger issues.

Monday flies by since I don’t get a second to breathe.  It was one
thing after another, and when I finally got home at ten, I’m exhausted and end
up climbing straight into bed. The only thing better than my warm sheets would
be if Dylan were there to wrap me up.

Tuesday is a little slower than Monday, but then isn’t that how
every workweek goes? That’s why Mondays are a bitch. After meeting with a few
clients I’m left with ample time to catch up on paperwork, and this will allow
me time, so I don’t have to rush at Dylan’s tonight. So on the drive to his house,
I’m riding high on my good mood.

After pulling into the drive, I rush to the front door, and it has
absolutely nothing to do with the Kansas winter weather. I’m plenty comfortable
in my jeans and long-sleeve tee with my heavy coat in the freezing air.  This
is all about wanting to see my boyfriend after missing him for two very long
days. How cheesy is that? But I can’t help it. Though it’s risky, I’m
anticipating any stolen touches or kisses that we’ll share, and if I know Dylan
like I’ve come to know Dylan, those perks will happen.

As soon as I reach the door it opens and Cassie’s excited face is
there to greet me.  "Brooke! You’re here, I am so glad to see you, I’ve
got soo much to tell you!"

I smile, "Hi, honey. Slow down. How are you?"

She hugs me tightly, "Right now I’m so excited.
  I can’t wait to tell you my news. I've missed you. You've been
way too busy."

Dylan is standing behind her, "Cass, why don't you let her
come in first. It's cold out there."

She giggles and steps back so I can walk in. Dylan reaches up to
slip my coat off my shoulders letting his hands linger after giving them a firm
squeeze before sliding it slowly down my arm. He looks way too proud of himself
when I shiver and bite my lip in response to his touch. He’s such a tease. No
problem, I too can play him. I hold his gaze briefly while I lick the exact
spot on my lower lip which I just abused, and I’m equally happy with myself
when he draws in a sharp breath before slowly releasing it. Dylan 1. Brooke 1.
Games of Seduction is now my favorite.

Beside us Cassie is gushing, and it takes me a moment to clue into
what she’s saying. "So I got an "A" on a huge Algebra test, and
my art teacher is displaying my latest project in the art case by the office.
Aaaand….I met a new guy.” Behind me, Dylan groans. I know this isn’t something
he’s ready to face again. “It’s okay, you guys. He’s in my class, so he’s not
older than me by much.” Her smile is so happy and bright, who can resist, so I
smile back encouragingly.
Can’t wait to hear more about this.
“I was
going to send you a text, but I knew you would be here today.”

 “Well an A and the art project sounds awesome.  I need to hear
more about the new boy before I can say anything about that. But it sounds like
you’re rocking high school.”

She grins wide, "I love it, love it, love it!" Dylan
shakes his head, with a flabbergasted smile on his face.

We all head into the living room, and Gabby gives me a tight hug.
"Brooke, you're here!"

I hug her back smiling down at her.  I begin to realize that these
kids are feeling the change of not seeing each other every week, just like I
am.  It makes me hope that Dylan and I will work out, and when Dylan is granted
final guardianship I can be more involved in their everyday lives. I greet
Michael and Luke before taking my seat on the floor next to Toby and Gabby.
Dylan grabs the space next to Luke on the sectional putting him directly in my
line of vision. I am going to have to dig deep to resist staring at his hard
chest and abdomen while he lounges deep and comfortable with one long leg
crossed over the other.

Once we’re all comfortable everyone jumps in at once trying to
talk all over each other. All except Luke, who is more quiet and brooding than
he has been in recent weeks. May need to get to the bottom of that.

"Anything new Luke?"

He folds his arms across his chest. It’s his signature move when
he shuts down and doesn't want to talk. When he ignores my question Dylan gives
him a frustrated look and nudges him, so I try a different question,
"Everything good at school?"

Luke glares at Dylan and sighs angrily. Then in his best sarcastic
voice, "Everything is peachy. Look, I know these guys are bummed that you
aren’t here every single week, but honestly nothing changes, so I don't get why
we have to meet even this much."

Great
. Luke seems to be worked
up way past his usual asshole attitude. I know I need to be patient with him.
There is obviously something that is bothering him badly enough to be this
rude, and I need to figure out what that is and help him get over it. He runs hot
and cold so much that every meeting with him is like a crap shoot. "Luke,
do you want to talk privately?"

He laughs in a way that can only mean, ‘are you stupid’ and says,
“No, I don’t.  I want to leave. I got a date tonight.”

"On a school night?"

“Yes, on a school night. On whatever damn night I want to have a
date, Brooke.” I return the pissed off glare he’s giving me letting him know I
don’t appreciate his attitude. When he sees that I’m not backing down he
slightly deflates. This is one kid I can’t show any weakness around.

Dylan sits up straighter, "You said you were going to study."

Luke rolls his eyes and turns toward Dylan, "Please, like you
don't know what that’s code for. You invented the ‘study’ excuse."

Dylan looks angry. As often as these two butt heads I wonder if
they’ll ever be able to work through their issues. The problem is that they’re
too much alike. I look over at Luke knowing I need to diffuse the tension, and
the only way I can do that is let this go. "I'm here if you want to talk
Luke. I don’t have anything else for today, so don’t let me keep you from
plans.”

He jumps up wasting no time in heading for the door.  "Great.
I'm out of here." Dylan stands up to follow him, no doubt wanting the last
word. I don't hear any raised voices, so I’m assuming it’s somewhat peaceful.

Gabby climbs on my lap, "Are you gonna stay for dinner?"

I nod. "Of course, I am.  I’ve missed you guys."

Happy with my answer she hugs me, “Yay!”

Dylan returns from his talk with Luke, "Okay guys, do your
homework so I can talk to Brooke, and then I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

Gabby looks at me, "Brooke, will you come for dinner Saturday
too?"

"What's the occasion, sweetie?"

"It's my mommy's birthday."

I catch Dylan's eye, and by the look on his face, he’s clearly
forgotten. Then I see Cassie’s grin has changed to a slight frown. I turn back
to Gabby, "It is? Are you guys having a party?”

She nods happily. "Yes, mommy loved birthdays, so we have
to!"

I smile at her. I'm happy she can talk to me about this, and not
be sad. She seems to be getting past the trauma finally as well as healing from
the grief. She’s a true testament that with enough love and care children can
rebound from tragedy. "Of course, I will,” I promise her.

Dylan nods his head toward her and smiles affectionately.
"We’ll talk about this at dinner and make plans. Right now Brooke and I
need to get dinner going.”

The kids retreat leaving Dylan and me to head for the kitchen.  As
soon as it’s clear he kisses me softly but quickly on the lips. I want more as
soon as it ends.

He whispers softly, "I've missed you."

I bite my lip simply because I know it drives him crazy. “I've
missed you too."

He gazes hungrily at my mouth for a few beats longer before
looking back to my eyes. “Dammit, I want you right fucking now. He lowers his
voice and asks, "You busy later?"

"Unfortunately. I have a case I need to see about closing
out, and I need to be up early to drive to Lawrence.”

He nods, "Hmm, so no time to sneak in my window."

I laugh, "Not tonight, but you can always ask me to on
Saturday.”

His face turns solemn, "I can't believe I forgot Sylvia’s
birthday. She never forgot mine. Even when I wasn't around for three years, I
still got a package in the mail from her for my birthday."

I start gathering ingredients to help make dinner. “A lot has
happened this year with huge changes. Besides, it sounds like Gabby has it
covered.”

"Yeah, I can't believe she didn't mention it until now. But I
guess it's better than the day before."

I season pork chops to get ready for the skillet. The first one I
put in drops a little causing hot grease to splatter on my wrist. “Ow, that
burns.” Dylan rushes over and pulls me to the sink to run cold water over it.

"You okay, babe?"

"I’m fine. From all the scars you think I would know by now
how to avoid that.”

His body being so close to mine distracts me from the burn on my
wrist. Now I feel intoxicated by his scent, and goose bumps have broken out
from his touch. Before I do or say something that’s going to get us in trouble,
I reluctantly pull away and go back to preparing dinner.

"Are you and Luke okay?"

"Yeah, he's been a pain in the ass this past couple of days,
but I can’t get him to talk to me."

"I bet it's because of mom's birthday."

Dylan and I both turn at the sound of Cassie’s voice behind us. He
widens the distance between us and looks at her thoughtfully. "What do you
mean?"

She moves towards the cabinets and pulls down plates. "It was
going to be her 40th birthday this year, and we were talking about throwing her
a huge surprise party. It was actually Luke’s idea.”

That’s it.
I turn the pork
chops and think for a moment.  Luke obviously wanted this birthday to be
special for his mom.  So far he’s been the only one to act so unaffected, but
he’s keeping his grief tucked firmly inside. I know he’s never going work
through his anger until he lets some of it out. I can’t address it head on, but
I think I can subtly help him heal. "Then him being more angry than normal
makes sense. I had a feeling there was something big going on."

She nods, "Yeah, I wish he would just learn to talk about his
feelings instead of being a jerk all the time."

"It’s harder for some to express their feelings than it is
for others." I give Dylan a knowing look, and he smiles at me.

"How about we throw a party for Sylvia. God knows she loved
them.” He suggests.

"Really? Can we have it at BB's? Mom loved it there."

Dylan nods, "Yeah we can. I'll call tonight and reserve the
party room."