Denying the Wrong (8 page)

“Kitty Kat,” she laughed, “this is Dr. Boyd. He works at the hospital. I met him when you were there in December.” Her laughing died down until all that was left was her blush.

“Is he your boyfriend?” I don't remember the last time my mom had a boyfriend, and it felt really weird asking her that. “How could you not tell me?” Irritation replaced my slight panic.

Mom looked at Dr. Boyd, who just shrugged in response. “I guess he is.” They both smiled at each other and went in for a light peck.

I so don’t want to be seeing this.

I took a long look at him, realizing that he was not at all bad looking. Still…
My eyes!

“You know what, Mom? I expected more than this from you!”

“Oh, stop. It's not like we're getting married.” They kept staring at each other while she played with his necktie.

“Well, not yet,” the doctor said, playing with her hair. She looked at him in surprise and his smile got wider. They skipped the preliminaries and started making out, right in front of us.

I turned on my heel, disgusted. Dillon followed me in, chuckling to himself.

“What are you laughing at? My mom is standing out there making out with some guy like a teenager and you're laughing?” I snapped. I should’ve been happy for my mom, but the fact that she hadn’t given me even a scrap of a clue made me angry.

Dillon walked up to me, turned me around and pushed me up against the wall. “I guess it’s up to me to distract you from the horror, then.” His lips crashed against mine and I didn't have the energy to object.

Alissa

Kat and I were definitely on better terms after our talk. She’d decided to come to the meeting tonight and had asked to bring Dillon, which I didn’t object to. Dillon wanted to take Kat and I out after the meeting to celebrate, but knowing how late the three of us tended to stay up, I had to decline. My date with Scott was tomorrow night and I wanted to be well-rested for whatever he had planned.

I couldn’t bring myself to admit it out loud, but a large part of me wanted the date to be the most romantic night of my life.

The weather stayed cool, and for the first time in a while, I was glad. The winter clothes I bought were super cute, and I didn't want to put them away yet. I had no trouble putting my coats in the back of the closet, though. Coats and snow boots were a necessity, but they covered up all my cuteness, according to Scott.

I let Dillon go into Kat's apartment when we picked her up. They always spent at least three minutes saying “hello” in a lip-smacking way that I had no intention of watching my brother engage in. When she walked out of her apartment, I noticed how cute she looked. Her shirt was form fitting for once, very unlike her go-to sweatshirts that could conceal a third grade class. Looked like Dillon was good for Kat in more ways than one.

Dillon was about to get in the back seat with Kat, and I stopped him. “Do not make me feel like a taxi driver. You two can have a make-out session on your own time.”

“Fine,” he said with a grumble.

I looked in the rear-view mirror and noticed Kat blush a little. She was still so innocent, and I had to love that about her.

“Happy birthday, best friend.”

“Please don't sing again. Did you tell Dillon about Mary trying to get everyone in the coffee shop to sing to me yesterday?” We both laughed.

“Mary ended up embarrassing herself because nobody else joined in,” Kat said in the middle of a laughing fit.

We all talked about the best and worst birthdays during the ride to the gym. Butterflies took to wing in my stomach when I pulled into the parking lot, knowing I was going to see Scott. I’d added a little mirror to my driver's side visor. Even when I went to work out, I still checked my face for too much shine or smudging eye makeup.

“Alissa, you look perfect. Let's go,” Dillon yelled through the window.

We walked in and were greeted by the usual groups that hung out by the front door and, with an odd awareness, I realized that after all this time of attending, I still hadn't warmed up to very many people. I sat next to Mary every meeting and didn't see her mingling much either. I spotted Scott talking with some guy I didn't recognize, but I knew I had to share him. Everyone wanted to get at least a little of his attention, and I hated to interrupt.

We didn't have to wait long before Scott took the stage. “Good evening. We are going to skip the lectures tonight.” The chatter immediately died in confused silence. “There is a very special birthday girl here tonight and I thought it would be a great excuse to have some cake and let everyone just hang out.” A few whoops and scattered clapping made its way through the crowd.

I knew my face had turned a deep red. Kat pushed me with her shoulder, but I kept my eyes on Scott to help distract from my embarrassment.

I love that man.

“Alissa has become a very special person in my life. Happy birthday to one of the most beautiful ladies I’ve had the privilege of knowing.” Cheering erupted and the lights went out.

Something lit up in the corner and began moving towards the stage. Scott was suddenly by my side. He took my hand and walked me up toward the flickering light. Someone on stage started singing and soon everyone was joining in. I stood next to a very large cake with eighteen candles dancing in the dark. The song ended and I made my wish. Once the candles were blown out, the lights turned back on and everyone cheered. I’d never felt more loved. The cake was white with red roses. My name was spelled out in beads. It was beautiful.

“How can I ever thank you?” I looked into Scott’s eyes and saw nothing but happiness.

“We can work that out later, doll.” He winked and pulled me in for a hug. I was shocked he’d hugged me in front of everyone, but I took the opportunity to breathe him in.

People started lining up for a piece of cake and the chance to say “happy birthday.” I enjoyed the attention more than I ever imagined I would, and my elation remained at a high because, for once, Scott stayed by my side for the entire evening. Kat and Dillon talked to a couple random people, but stayed close. I was glad Dillon made an effort to talk to Scott. Kat stayed back, but did thank him for doing all of this for me.

Time went by so fast, and soon everyone started leaving. Kat sat next to Dillon with her head on his shoulder, looking very sleepy.

“I should probably get going. Kat is about to fall asleep. Thank you so much for all this. It was perfect.”

Scott looked down at me and I swore he was about to kiss me, but he hugged me instead. “Meet me in my office tomorrow night at seven?”

“I'll be there. Have a great night.” I turned to go, but he grabbed my hand.

“You are so beautiful.” He kissed my cheek and let me go.

I felt the electricity and my body begged for more, but I found the strength to walk away. He watched as I reached Kat and Dillon and as we headed for the door, I turned to wave at him.

Best. Night. Ever.

~*~

My dreams were hard to remember, but I woke up with a throb between my legs so I knew Scott had made an appearance. I made appointments at the salon for a day of beauty treatments, because I knew if I didn't stay busy I would be a nervous wreck by the time seven o’clock rolled around.

I got my face, legs and other areas waxed, first thing. My mom had started me on waxing the moment I mentioned wanting to shave my legs. Thank goodness we were able to talk about everything, or I would have had a very out of control bikini area. I also made an appointment to have my hair styled in a very cute up-do I found in a magazine. I’d read guys like to see bare necks because it makes them imagine kissing that area, and I needed Scott to kiss every inch of my body. My last appointment was to get my nails done.

Staring at myself in the mirror, I didn't think I looked any older. My new red birthday dress looked amazing with my black hair, even though my birthday wish for a larger chest didn’t seem to have worked. There were buttons running up and down the front for easy access, or so I hoped. I opted for black high heels so I wouldn't have to stand on my tiptoes when Scott kissed me. My makeup was perfect, my hair—fabulous.

Time to go have the best night of my life.

Walking through the gym dressed up did not sound like fun, so I decided to park on the side and walk around the back. I was just about to the turn the corner but stopped when I heard voices. I was usually not the type to listen in on a conversation, but I heard Scott's voice and I didn't want to interrupt him. I hung back until I could be sure the conversation was over.

“Look, man, I know I screwed up but I did everything you told me to do. I got the counseling. I'm better now and I want to be back on the team. I
need
to be back on. I don't have anything else. You guys are all that I have.”

I knew I’d heard that male voice before, but I couldn't pin it on anyone. I moved a little closer, hoping they were far enough back not to hear my breathing. The conversation sounded intense.

“If I let you come back, you know I will have every extra set of eyes on you. Do you understand that one questionable move, you're out? For good? I'm leaving it up to the guys, not me, and you’d better kiss some serious ass,” Scott growled under his breath.

“Oh, man, you have no idea what this means to me. I promise...”

Scott interrupted the other guy. “I don't want to hear your promises. I've already heard them. Get out of here and get your shit together.”

Scott did not sound happy. I could tell by his tone that he was angrier than I had ever made him. I decided not to let on that I had overheard anything. The last thing I wanted him to think was that I was spying.

I heard footsteps headed in the opposite direction from me. I decided it was time to go find Scott. The moment I turned the corner, my heart leaped in my throat and I wanted to scream. Walt was walking away from me. I stepped back around the corner and watched until he was out of sight.

What the hell is Scott doing talking to Walt after what happened? He almost did an unforgivably, horrible thing to my best friend, and Scott was talking about letting him back in? What the hell is the “team”?

The really mad part of me wanted to go back to my car, drive away, and forget about Scott and everything else. The other part of me, the part that won, wanted to know what was going on. I walked through the back doors and didn't see Scott, so I continued to his office like I was on a mission, about to demand answers, but I stopped the moment I opened the door.

“Alissa! You surprised me.” He started pouring something into two glasses.

I didn't answer him; I looked at the candlelight reflecting off the walls. I couldn't even count the number of candles lighting up the room. “What is all this?”

Four very large vases sat aligned on his desk, full of red roses. A small table with two chairs was placed in the middle of the room with old-fashioned platters and their covers. Soft music played from the TV, but the screen was black.

“Alissa? Are you okay?” Scott walked up to me and grabbed my arms. That snapped me out of my trance.

“It's beautiful, but I thought we were going out?” I looked up at him and he gave me a smile.

“I thought it would be better to stay in.” His fingertips brushed down my arms, giving me goosebumps. “More fun to stay in.”

“Why didn’t we just go to your place? I’m eighteen now and I don’t even know where you live.”

“I live here. I have everything I need here.” He looked at me for a response.

I looked around and realized he was correct. “Where do you sleep?”

“On the couch. Shall we eat?” He wrapped his arms around me, smiling down at me.

“Wait, before we do anything, what was Walt doing here?” I blurted out, regretting it instantly.

Scott’s smile disappeared and he cocked his head to the side a little. I couldn't tell if he was mad or just uncomfortable. “He came to talk to me,” he said, clearing his throat. “I wanted to talk to you about things before you saw him again.”

“Yes, warning me would’ve been nice.” I stepped back a little and his arms dropped to his sides. I wanted him to know I was not happy about seeing Walt, but didn't want to start yelling and arguing. Putting a little distance between us helped me think clearer. “Look, I know it's none of my business, but I don't understand why you would talk to him again,” I said, watching him closely. “After what he did to hurt Kat?”

“It's not always black and white, Alissa. Sometimes you have to look into things deeper and from a different perspective. Do you not trust me?” He moved in closer and the look in his eyes showed concern.

“I want to trust you.” I didn't move. “Why Walt?”

“Have you ever heard the saying keep your friends close but your enemies closer?”

I nodded and was about to say I didn’t agree, but he pressed his finger against my lips to stop me from talking.

“You can trust me.” He moved in closer. “I would never do anything to hurt you and I would certainly not let anyone else hurt you.” I could smell his cologne. My hand rubbed against his dress pants and I felt a jolt of electricity.

Scott lifted me up and my legs wrapped around his waist on instinct. Our noses touched. My breathing stopped and then his lips were on mine. I held onto the sides of his head and pulled him closer. The kiss felt desperate after going so long without even being able to touch each other. We both moaned. The taste of his mouth on mine was a rush I couldn't even begin to describe.

He carried me over to the couch, laying me down on my back. He pulled away from me. I growled a little in protest, making him smile.

“Do you trust me? I need to know you trust me.” He looked at me like a lost child.

“I trust you,” I whispered.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, now, come here!” I pulled his head back down to mine without any resistance. My hands started exploring his body. His arms felt so soft but were solid. His back and chest felt the same. My legs tightened around his waist and my body felt hot.

He stood up and looked down at me. I couldn't help but pout. “Do you trust me?”

Why does he keep asking me that?

“Yes, I trust you.” I sat up and began adjusting my clothes.

“Good,” he said, pulling me up so I was standing in front of him. He took his shirt off slowly and I just stared. His entire body looked like a work of art. Every curve, every bulge of muscle looked like it had been perfectly formed.

He began undoing his pants but stopped and looked at me, smiling. “Take your dress off.”

I nodded because if I opened my mouth, I knew all that would come out was a moan. I started with the top button and slowly made my way down as he watched. Once my dress fell to the floor, he finished unbuttoning his pants. I looked down and couldn't help but smile when I noticed his lack of underwear. He stood there, naked except for his pants pooled around his shoes and socks. He looked down and smiled.