Because (Seven Year Itch #4) (15 page)

Chapter 23

“Guess what, kiddo?” I say to Aberdeen after she climbs in the car from school. I like picking her up sometimes instead of my mother. When we’re slow at work I skip my lunch break in order for this to happen.

It’s been almost a week since I asked her mother to accompany me. I’ve kept my distance, but it’s taking a toll on my sanity. I’ve been keeping a journal. I read somewhere it helps when dealing with feelings. Usually I doodle, but this past week I’ve written paragraphs. I want to look back on this one day and appreciate how it turns out.

“What?” She’s just as excited to hear what I have to tell her.

“Mommy is going to come to the wedding with us. I asked her last night.”

“Like a date?” She questions.

I shrug. “I told her it wasn’t. We’ll keep that a secret between you and me. I’m thinking we should get her flowers when we pick her up. Do you think she’d like that?”

She’s smiling ear to ear. “Yes. Are you going to tell her you love her? Do you think you can move back into the house?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Your mom is a tough one to crack. I’m going to take my time and prove how much she means to me; to us. How does that sound?”

“Good.”

“Perfect. Now, what would you like for dinner?”

“Potato chips.”

I cackle. “You can have chips as long as it’s accompanied by a vegetable and some meat. Do we have a deal?”

I look in the rearview mirror and watch her nod. Finally I have something to smile about too. Things are looking up. There’s a chance I’m going to get back into my wife’s good graces and I’m determined not to screw it up.

The next several days blow by. I’ve had to pick up my tuxedo and get everything done so I can take off that Friday to prepare. We’ve decided to keep the bachelor party low key and make it for both of them. Cara is a cool chick, but she draws the line at Atlantic City strippers. I can’t blame her. If I would have known back then what I know now I would have done so many things differently.

Since I’m in charge of the party it’s important I have all the details in order. I’ve arranged for two exotic dancers to show up at their apartment. According to the manager of the company, they’ll both be dressed as police officers. I’m going to sit the chairs side by side and take a thousand pictures as they both try to keep composure with mostly naked strangers dancing over them. It’s going to be a riot.

Once I’m finished picking up the decorations, I want to get a second opinion on what I’ve selected. It’s also a reason for me to stop by unannounced and see Shayla. Aberdeen won’t be home from school for another hour so I’m not interrupting them.

I knock on the door twice and wait for her to answer, even though I still have my house key.

I can tell from the look on her face that something is wrong. She opens the door, but doesn’t offer a simple greeting.

“Hey, I hope it’s okay I swung by. I need your opinion on something for the party tonight. You’re welcome to come over to the apartment for the festivities.”

“Festivities?” She asks without looking at me.

“Well, yeah. The co-ed bachelor/bachelorette shindig. There’s about thirty of us piling in Toby’s apartment tonight.”

“So you didn’t go to Atlantic City?”

“No. It would have caused too many fights. This way they both get to celebrate without breaking rules.”

“Like you know anything about that,” she spats out.

“What’s that supposed to mean? What did I do now?”

“It doesn’t matter.” I don’t know what’s going on, but as fast as she’s bitching she turns around and calms herself. “What did you want to show me?”

I sit the bag of décor on the kitchen table and start pulling out things. Of course, I’ve picked up straws with tits, pecker ice cube trays, and even a pin the tail on the pecker game. “So, did I do good?”

“You need dick straws. What about favors? Is there a female helping you with this stuff?”

“I volunteered. Cara’s sister got stuck in New York. She won’t be in until the morning of the wedding. It’s up to me to get it organized.”

Shayla rolls her eyes. “And you’re here because you want my opinion?”

“Please. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important to me.”

She sighs. “I guess since you asked nicely.” She puts her purse on her shoulder. “Come on. I need to be back in an hour for Ab.”

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this to you. The sex shop. Obviously!”

I don’t hesitate to follow her to my vehicle. She’s being weird, but at least we’re together. Even without words I feel overwhelmed with excitement being able to be close to her again.

We’re halfway down the road when I can’t stand the silence. “Did I mention how much I like your new hairstyle?”

“You like blondes. Of course you’d find it appealing.” She’s flippant when she says it. I sense hostility, but I don’t know where it’s coming from.

“Wow. Okay. I’m sorry I mentioned it.”

She turns to face me. “I’m here as a friend, Bran. I’m doing my best to make it happen. From now on my body, my hair, or anything else about me is off limits. Are we clear?”

I nod. “Yeah, okay. Sorry. I thought you’d want to know.”

“I don’t want compliments from you. Not ever.”

This hurts. I don’t get it. What gives her the right to act so rude when I’ve done absolutely nothing to provoke it? “Why? Can you at least tell me that? I think you’re beautiful. You’ve always been that way to me. It’s not a secret.”

“Yeah, me and so many others.”

I pull the car over because I’m really on my last nerve. “What is your problem with me?”

“Nothing. Just drive. I don’t feel like fighting.”

I take a few deep breaths and try to settle my suspicions. “Is this your doctor’s doing? Did she say something to piss you off? Let me guess, you told her we were going to a wedding together and she told you it was a terrible idea.”

“I haven’t seen my doctor in weeks. I haven’t needed to. I’ve been happy for once, Brandon.”

“Way to kick me when I’m down, Shay. You might not be miserable, but I am. I’m sick of sitting on the sidelines wondering when you’re going to let me back into your life. I miss you like crazy. All these changes you’ve made to yourself don’t make a difference to me. I wanted you the old way.”

“We’re never getting back together. I thought I made that clear a while back.”

“A man can dream.”

“Keep it in your pants, Bran. I’m not interested.”

“My dick or my opinions?”

“Both.”

“Huh. Well that’s a downer.”

She turns again, this time with intent filling her eyes. “You know what, Brandon, I’m sick of pretending. I want you to know I don’t give a damn who you date anymore. Fuck the whole town for all I care.”

“Where is this coming from? I haven’t seen anyone. I swear.”

“Unlock the door.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m getting out. I’ll walk home. I can’t help you. Go to the store yourself, or just go to the party with what you have. You’re famous for half-assing everything you do.”

I wait for her to actually get out before chasing after her. “Shayla, wait. Don’t be crazy. I’ll take you home.”

She finally stops walking away. When she turns she’s crying. “I don’t know why I bother. It doesn’t change anything.”

“I’m lost, babe. You need to talk to me.”

“All I wanted was to be the only woman in your life, aside from Aberdeen. Why was I never enough?”

I still have no idea where this conversation is coming from, but she obviously wants to hash this out, right in the middle of a busy highway. “Can we get back in the car at least? A tire could blow off a vehicle and kill us.”

She huffs and puffs back to the passenger seat. I join her and give it a few seconds before I open my mouth. “I don’t know what’s going on. Whatever you think I’ve done, you’re wrong. For over a month I’ve been sitting to the side, waiting for whatever this is to blow over. I’ve never lost hope that we’d eventually figure it out. I still love you, Shay. Damn it woman, why can’t you see that?”

“Because I’m blinded by the things you do behind my back. By how you’ve treated me in the past. By the things you say to me when no one else is around. You’re cruel and it’s taken a toll on me. I’ve gone through an identity crisis just to try to heal from the damage you’ve done to my soul.”

“This again?” I shake my head. “I’m not hiding anything, and if I said things that hurt you it’s probably because you’ve taken them out of context like you’re famous for doing.”

“It’s just like you to blame me for everything. You know what, it doesn’t matter anymore. I know you’re lying to me, to yourself even. How can we be friends if you can’t be honest with me? Why should I have to be the only one willing to change?”

“Shayla, I swear I have no damn idea what the hell you’re talking about. Spit the shit out.”

She begins to cry harder. I’m at a loss for words. I bring my hand over and place it over hers. She’s sniffling as she speaks. “I want us to be friends. We can’t have secrets. We can’t treat each other like dirt. We have to be on the same page. We’re a team.”

“Okay. I’m with you.”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I know you’ve been talking to someone online, Bran.”

“Huh? No I’m not.”

“Don’t lie!”

I throw my hands up. “I’m not! Swear!”

“I know you’re on a dating site. My friend saw it.”

I finally get it. “Oh that. Look, Toby thought it was a good idea. He set that up, not me. I haven’t done a damn thing with it though.”

“You’re still lying.”

“No, seriously, I’m not. I told them I was still hung up on you; on our marriage. Shayla, do you honestly think I’m that blatantly stupid? If I wanted to get laid I’d pick someone up in person, not that I’m trying to. I haven’t made contact with anyone.”

She hands me her phone. It’s on some girl’s profile and it clearly says we’ve made contact with one another.

I point to it. “I didn’t talk to her. Not even once.”

“Who did then, Bran? The things you said were spot on.”

“That’s not even my phone number. I have no idea who that is. Have you tried to call it?”

“No.”

“How can you be mad at me when you haven’t tried to call the number?”

I pull out my phone and show her that I don’t even have the app before dialing the number. It rings three times and goes straight to a prerecorded voicemail with the operator saying the caller isn’t available. “I’m telling you, this isn’t me. I’ll prove it.” I call Toby with it on speaker.

“What’s up, dude. You ready for tonight.”

“Yeah, man, listen, I need to know if you’ve been on that dating site as me?”

“What website?”

I’m gritting my teeth. This is not the time for him to dick around. “Just tell me. Have you pretended to be me and talked to someone?”

“No. If you haven’t noticed I’ve been busy, man. What’s up? Why do you care?”

“Never mind. I’ll talk to you later.”

I hang up with Toby and lean my head on the steering wheel. “Shay, I swear it wasn’t me.”

She wipes her face with her hands and finally looks over at me. “Are you interested in dating?”

“Not unless it’s with you.”

“I want to believe you, Bran. I wish you knew how much.”

“What then?”

“I still can’t trust you. I’m sorry. I know it’s not what you want to hear. Maybe going to the wedding is a bad idea.”

“No. Please. I already told Ab. She’ll be devastated if you don’t come.”

She’s rolling her eyes. “Great. Throw me under the bus.”

“I’m not. Come to the wedding with us. Please. I’ll find a way to prove I’m not talking to anyone else.”

“How? Are you going to bribe one of your friends to take the blame?”

“Nope. I’m going to find the fucker who’s doing it and kick their ass.”

“Can you just take me home? I shouldn’t have agreed to come with you. I’ve been upset for several days and being this close to you only makes it worse.”