Out of The Box Awakening (23 page)

“Of course, honey. Let’s go with some traditional music.”

“Oh, okay, whatever you think. Just pick something nice.”

The funeral is small and private. Grammy, I learn has a name. She is Grace Kavanagh O’Malley. She was eighty years old and died from a heart attack. Todd was given her maiden name as his middle name, which makes him Todd Kavanagh O’Malley. I smile and think to myself that his initials are TKO. A much better nickname than Bert. At the funeral, he is stoic and brave, dressed in a nice pair of jeans, with a button-down long-sleeved dress shirt hiding his tattoos. I’ve never seen him in anything but frayed jeans and short-sleeved, ragged T-shirts. I’m really proud of how he’s holding up. He looks very nice. He’s wearing dark sunglasses, which I suspect are to hide his tears. The guys sit in the family section with him. It’s only natural that the “band family” sits together. Emily, Ash, and I sit a few rows back.

It is a very nice Catholic service. Full mass, but nice. There are beautiful flower arrangements up by her casket. My kids have each sent a small, simple plant. Lainey sent a rose bush, and the boys sent evergreens. I told them how beautiful Grammy’s yard was, so Lainey and the boys all sent something that could be planted in the yard. Lainey told me that she had talked to Todd, and that he promised he would come visit her and Kellan in the spring.

All of Grammy’s friends from her street attend and several family members have come into town as well. After the funeral, we go out to the cemetery. Grammy will be buried next to Todd’s folks, in a very pretty part of the cemetery. There are lots of shade trees, and there is a beautiful bench by the graves. On the bench is the O’Malley family crest. At the casket, before the internment, Todd puts the last pewter cross he bought her into her hands.

“Rest in peace, Grammy. I’m pretty damn pissed that you left me though!”

He loses it, but Tommy is right there by his side.

“It’s okay, man. It’s okay.”

One of Todd’s aunts has arranged with the church to have food for the people at Grammy’s house after the funeral. Ladies from the church have all the food put out, along with coffee and tea. Most of the people attending the funeral stop by the house afterward. Todd comes over and hangs out with Ash, Tommy, Emily, and me, waiting for the guys to get there.

“I have no fucking idea who half these people are. Un-fuckin’-real! Do I even have to stay here?”

I tell him that it’s probably a good idea for him to stay. “We’ll stay here with you. It shouldn’t last too long. These things never do as a rule. These people loved your Grammy, and she would want you to do this. Anyway, the guys should be here soon.“

“Well, how long do these gigs last, anyway?”

I have to laugh at that remark. Poor thing…he looks miserable, and I think he just wants everyone to leave. I suspect what he really needs most right now is his guitar. Ash and I venture out and go talk to his relatives, who seem nice enough. I sense, though, that the family isn’t very close, and that the family members who came did so out of respect and duty more than for Todd, which is sad.

Todd wanders aimlessly around the house with his hands on his hips, totally out of his element. He looks as if he is gonna jump out of his skin if the house doesn’t clear out soon. Emily, sensing that he is about to go off on someone, finds him and, mother hen she is, smiles and puts her arm through his.

“So, will you show me the backyard? It looks beautiful!”

She winks at Tommy, and he follows as they find a spot in the backyard to hang out—just the three of them. I can see Todd and Tommy laughing hysterically; Emily looks embarrassed. She slugs Todd in the arm, and he pulls her over to him and gives her a hug. He’s probably been probing her and Tommy about any sex they may or may not have had…that would be in character.

The guys have made their ways outside to be with Todd. Ash and I go outside to sit with the guys for a while before we head home. They’re supposed to play this weekend, and I’m seriously wondering if Todd will be okay to play with them. This whole ordeal with his Grammy threw the balance out of his life, and I can tell that he hasn’t recovered yet. I want to talk to him and see how he’s doing, but today is not the time. I’ll call him tomorrow. The guys all have their guitars and are sitting around playing. Emily is sitting in a chair next to Tommy with her leg slung over his, which is pretty darn cute. These are such a great group of guys and truly good friends…friends Todd needs right now. They are exactly where they need to be. Brady stands up when he sees us. “Grab a guitar and jam with us, Mr. H., come on! Olivia, sit.”

“Yes, sir!” I reply and salute him.

Ash grabs one of the extra guitars propped up by the chair and sits down. He looks to me…I give him an “okay” sign, so he smiles and sits down. He motions me to sit by Emily. I love watching them play, and I know Ash loves being around them all.

Steve asks if someone needs to be inside with the friends and family who came. “It’s like we’re all outside and left everyone inside to be on their own. It that really rude?

Todd, classic Todd says, “Hey, fuck all those people inside. I wish they’d leave! I don’t even know half of them. They’re not my friends. Shit! Can’t they take a hint? Obviously I don’t want to be around them, or don’t you think I’d be inside with them?” He points to us all… “This is my family. Not them.”

“Todd, do you want me to go inside and kinda let them know the party’s over? I mean, I could start cleaning up the dishes or something. Drop a subtle hint?”

“Olivia, if you would do that for me, you’d be my bestie forever, I swear! I’ve about had enough of all this shit. Right now, if I go inside, I’m afraid someone’s gonna say something and I’ll probably go fuckin’ nuts. So, yeah, I need this to be over now!”

“Okay, sweetie, I’m all over it.”

I head inside and start putting everything up, picking up plates and cups from the living room and asking folks if they’re done with their glasses. That should be a good enough hint, right? When someone takes your plate and glass away from you, I’d assume the party was over…. duh! I smile a lot; make small talk, and head back into the kitchen to throw away the plates and cups I’ve gathered.

Sensing that the party is over, one by one, everyone slowly makes their way to the front door and leaves. I thank everyone for coming, since I know Todd won’t do it. Someone has to at least acknowledge them. I don’t think the little family that’s here will be expecting any goodbyes from Todd, so I am comfortable just handling it myself. Finally, the house is empty. There is so much food left! I package it up for the guys to take home, making little care packages for each of them. There’s a lot to clean up and I’m really glad when Emily comes in to help.

“So, how is everything with you and Tommy?”

She grabs a towel and starts drying dishes. “Oh, my God! He is so sweet! We talk or text every single day. I’ve never had someone who is so caring and sweet. And, yes, I really like him! He asked me to come watch them play this weekend…that is, if they play. Not sure because of Todd and all. But, if they do, I’ll be there. I can’t wait to hear them on a stage.”

So, this seems to be going really well…

After we’re satisfied that everything is cleaned up and put back in order, Emily and I go back outside. It’s late, so Ash and I say our goodbyes and leave the guys and Emily to fend for themselves.

“So, the old folks are outta here, guys!” Ash says.

Todd comes over to both of us and gives us each a hug. He kisses me on the cheek. “Guys, I couldn’t have done this without you—both of you. At the risk of sounding really fuckin’’syrupy, I just want you to know it means a lot.”

“Son, Olivia and I—we’re both here for you anytime, you know that. Just don’t be a stranger…I do know where you live.”

Tommy comes up to Ash to talk about something before we leave, and Todd tells me that on Sunday night he’s going to his tattoo artist Scott to get a tattoo in memory of Grammy.

“So, wanna come with me? I’m gonna get a tattoo for Grammy. Scott’s designed an awesome tribute. It’s so fuckin’sweet! I thought you might want to come and watch or something. And, if you’re up for it, Scott is just the man to put that butterfly on your ass!”

“Where are you getting it? Your tattoo, I mean.”

“On my, ummm, how do you want me to say it?”

He looks down and winks. “Oh, my God! That’s utterly disgusting Todd! You aren’t, you can’t be serious…are you?”

He whooped with laughter. “I just love getting a rise out of you! I’m just jacking with you. Seriously, I’m getting it on my chest. Geez! You don’t get your pecker tattooed, girl! Didn’t you know that? Imagine that fuckin’ pain and having to have some dude lookin’ at your schlong for that long!”

“No, I didn’t know where those things do and don’t go…I only just learned when I met you that guys pierce their penises, for God’s sake! But I’d love to come and watch. Just not sure about my tattoo, though. How about I just come and hang out for a bit? You know, I’ve never been to a tattoo parlor, so guess it would be neat to check it out just to say I’ve been to one. Won’t everyone wonder what an old lady like me is doing in a place like that?”

“Olivia, you should see some of the old, and I mean old, rode-hard hags that come into a tattoo parlor. Believe me, you are Angelina Jolie compared to them!”

Me? Angela Jolie? I chuckle. “That’s funny! So, is Tommy coming too?”

“He’s probably hanging out with Emily. They pretty much spend every waking moment together. Gag! They may swing by, though. If you want, I’ll pay for your tattoo. I have lots of money, in case you didn’t know.” He winks.

“Well, that’s good to know in case I’m in need of some extra cash, but aside from the money, I’m really chicken about actually getting one. I hate needles and I hate pain, notwithstanding the fact that Ash would probably freak.”

“Uhhhh…No, Ummm I’m pretty sure Ash would probably bust a NUT if he saw that on your ass! I’m tellin’ you, tattoos are a fuckin’ball-bustin’ turn-on for guys! Do me a favor, just think about it, okay?”

I tell him that I will. Do I have any reason to be hanging out with a good-looking bad boy in a tattoo parlor? Geez! This is crazy! It’s kind of flattering, though, that the guys think of me as such a good friend and find me easy to talk to. God knows they probably have a slew of gals who would kill to accompany them to get a tattoo!

We tell Emily and Tommy goodbye. They stand together talking to the guys, turned in toward each other with their arms around each other, like they’ve been together for ages. Emily doesn’t care one flip about being perfect-looking all the time, and I think that’s one of the things Tommy likes about her and is looking for. She’s comfortable in her own skin. It doesn’t bother her hair is messed up or what anyone thinks. I just love that about her.

I hear a phone ring and see Emily answer. I wonder who’s calling her. Not that it matters or anything, but I don’t think she has too many friends here. She looks upset, excuses herself, and walks over to a part in the yard where she can talk in privacy. She’s pacing back and forth with a worried and scared look on her face and I wonder what’s wrong. I wonder if it’s a family member. Who would be calling her at this time of night? She’s not on the phone long before she comes back where we’re all standing. She has a really worried look on her face. When she sees us looking at her, she immediately changes her expression and smiles, but I know she’s worried about something.

“Everything okay?” Tommy asks.

“Yep! A-okay!” She smiles and puts her arm through his.

Call it intuition, but I don’t think everything is A-okay. I’ll have to see if she wants to talk about it tomorrow at work.

Ash and I head home, and I can’t stop thinking about Todd, hoping he’s all right. I’m also concerned about Emily. The look on her face was disturbing at best, and I keep wondering who that caller could have been. Ash tells me that he asked Todd about taking a break from the band for a few weeks to get his head on straight. Todd told him that what he really needs is to keep playing, and that the guys and his music are all the therapy he needs. We talk about Tommy and Emily. Ash tells me that he hasn’t seen Tommy this at ease around a girl in forever.

“She’s a really nice girl, Olivia. I think Tommy really likes her, and it’s nice to see him happy. How did you pair them up?”

“Well, just being around her, and in talking to her, I thought she was such a nice girl… Pretty, but in a natural way. Tommy’s such a great guy and, well, I just kinda put two and two together.”

“Well, you are quite the matchmaker.”

I tell Ash that I’m concerned about the phone call Emily got.

“Olivia, as usual, you’re over-thinking again. I’m sure everything’s okay. Talk to her tomorrow and ease your mind, silly!”

The next morning I pull into the parking lot and see a black SUV with blacked-out windows parked in one of our spaces, with the motor running. Being suspicious and from Houston, Texas, I don’t immediately get out. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living in a big city, it’s to be aware of your surroundings. I’ve not seen this car before, and something doesn’t seem right. I sit in my car with the motor running and the doors locked, waiting for someone else to get there before I get out. Maybe the security guard will come around.

Finally, Emily pulls up, and I wave to her. Something on her face looks like this isn’t going to be good. She gets out of her car, and I do too.  She walks up to me. Immediately, we see the guy get out of the SUV. He walks toward Emily and she tells me, “Olivia, go in and open up…I’ll be right there.”

“No, Emily, I’m not going anywhere. Let’s call the police.”

“No, Olivia, really, it’s okay. Please, let me just handle this…no police. It’s not necessary.”

This guy comes up to her and grabs her arm. He pulls her over toward his vehicle and I’m afraid he’s going to pull her in and drive off. I get my cell phone and start recording this whole thing without letting him know. I hear her talking to him, so I don’t go inside. She moves away from his car and he follows her. I just act like I’m getting something out of the back of my car. I can hear her clearly now.

“Tony, what are you doing here? I asked you to stay away from me. It’s over. It’s been six months. There is nothing between us. Why can’t you just move on and leave me alone?”

He pulls her into him and says something to her that I can’t hear. She pulls away from him and points her finger in his face. At this point, I hit the alarm on my key fob, and the car alarm starts going off really loud, which startles him. Whatever she’s said to him, he gets really, really angry, gets back into his car and peels out, skidding out of the parking lot. I have the license number, thank God.

“Oh, my God! Is everything okay, Emily?”

“Yes, sorry about that! Everything is fine, really.”

“Well, it doesn’t look like everything’s fine. Who is he and why is he bothering you?”

“He’s just an ex-boyfriend, the toxic relationship I told you about. Don’t worry. He won’t bother me anymore. It’s nothing, really. I just want to forget that happened, okay? And, Olivia, please don’t mention this to Tommy, okay? I don’t want him to know about Tony…not just now, anyway. I don’t have anything to hide or anything, it’s just that we haven’t talked about other people in our lives, yet. We’re still just getting to know each other, and it’s kind of nice that way.”

“Okay, but if he continues to bother you, Emily, you should talk to Ash. He knows people in the police department and can get you a restraining order if you need it. You don’t have to put up with this sweetie…really. Obviously, he’s not right and seems to have a hot head, so if you need our help you will let me know, right? He hasn’t followed you anywhere else, has he? And not to be nosy, but was he the one who called you when we were at Todd’s?”

“ Yes, that was him. I hadn’t heard from him in about six months, so was pretty freaked out when he called. And I’ll definitely let you and Ash know if it gets to where I need the law involved.”

I’m really leery about this guy. He was good-looking, but mean, and definitely had a very, very dark side to him. I just hope he leaves her alone.

Emily tells me that she is done with finals, and thinks she aced her final today. To lighten up the subject, I divert the conversation.

“So, now that finals are over, what are you doing tonight?”

“Chilling, for sure! Tommy’s bringing Chinese takeout tonight and we’re gonna hang out at my apartment and watch movies. I’m so looking forward to doing nothing.”

“Well, since you’re done with school, we’ll have do double-date one night and go to dinner.”

“Sounds wonderful. I’m down! I’m sure Tommy will be, too.”

Ash and I go to dinner after work. We have an intimate, romantic dinner, and once we get home we get a glass of wine and sit in the living room by the Christmas tree.

“This is heaven, Olivia. It’s so nice to just have nothing to do!”

We sit on the couch for a while, just cuddling and looking at the beautiful tree.

“So, you up for some play time?” he asks.

“Well, since you put it that way, yes, I am. I love play time!”

We head to his room and he gets the bath running. I just love our bath time! We sit in the tub, wrapped around each other, enjoying the peace and music.

“Uhhhh, you need to shave your legs, honey!”

“Really? Are you kidding?”

“Nope! Feels pretty hairy to me.”

“Well, Mr. Smarty pants, then get me the shaving cream and my razor please.”

He gets out of the tub and I eye his beautiful backside. He gets my razor out of the drawer and his shaving cream and gets back into the tub. “Here allow me.”

“Ash, you’ll cut me…have you ever done this before?”

“No, but there is a first time for everything. I’ll tell you what, if I cut you; you can do anything you want to me. Deal? Come on, just prop your legs up.”

I am reluctant to let him shave me, but he assures me he can do a better job than I do. He puts shaving cream on my legs and begins to shave, being ever so careful.  Actually, he does do a better job than I would do. I am duly impressed! He takes some shaving cream and dots it on my nose.

“Oh, so you want to play with shaving cream?” I squirt it on him and it’s game on!

We splash in the water, smearing shaving cream all over ourselves, just like two kids. I make a beard with shaving cream on his face.

“Oh, now you look sexy!”

He takes the shaving cream and covers each of my breasts.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m making you a bra. Gotta cover those things up! They’re driving me wild!” When he has shaved both legs and my underarms, he asks…  “Okay, what can I shave next?”

“Don’t even go there Ash Harper! What can I shave on you?”

“Not a damn thing! You’re not touching me with a razor, ever!”

I love this!

Just when we’re totally covered in shaving cream and have water all over the floor, the phone rings. We look at each other and start laughing. Of course, we don’t answer. Who would we want to talk to at this hour anyway?

“Do you think you should see who that is?”

“Nope, there’s no one I want to talk to right now. You?”

“Nope! No one!”

He rinses off my “bra” and I rinse off his beard. We turn on the whirlpool and relax in each other’s arms.

The phone rings again and again. “Dammit! Guess I’ll see who that is” He gets out of the tub and goes to the vanity to pick up the phone. His backside is looking so damn good! I could just sit and look at it forever!

“It’s Brady….Hmmmm wonder what he wants? He hardly ever calls.” Ash answers. “Hello? Yes? No, no problem, son, we’re just getting ready for bed, why what’s up? What? When? Are you there now? And he what? Are you kidding? Is he okay? What about Emily, where is she? Okay. Who else is there with you? Okay. All right. Good. Have you called the police? Good. Let me call my friend Dominic. He’s a captain on the force. Is he out cold? Listen; just make sure you tie him up or something. Make sure he can’t get up. And keep Tommy away from him. I mean it, Brady. Don’t let him do anything foolish! I’ll call Dominic now. Yeah, I’m on the way. Call you from the car. Okay. Be there in twenty.”

“Ash, what’s wrong?”

He’s quickly pulling on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. He grabs his flip-flops, his keys, his phone, and his wallet

“Some ex of Emily’s broke into her apartment. From what Brady said, Tommy beat the shit out of him. I gotta go, honey. You stay here and I’ll call you when I get there.”

“Ash, wait! I’m coming too…let me get dressed!”

“Olivia, you are not coming with me. I have no idea what this guy is capable of. You don’t need to come.”

“Yes, I do! And I’m coming!”

He looks down his nose at me, dead serious and a bit angry. “Olivia, please don’t argue with me. I’m telling you that you are absolutely positively not coming. End of story. I don’t usually tell you what to do, but in this case, I am. You are not coming. Stay here and I’ll call you.”

I grab a robe and throw it on. “Can you at least tell me what Brady said?”

“Not much, except that this guy broke in and started some shit. That’s all I know, hon. Let me get on the road and I’ll call you, I promise. The sooner you let me go, the sooner I can call and give you an update. Just have your phone on. Call you soon. Love you!”

He kisses me and is out the door. I’m worried sick! I just knew this guy was bad news. Poor Emily, I hope she’s okay. I wait and wait for a call from Ash. I don’t want to bother him
while he’s driving, but the waiting is just killing me! I decide to call Todd. I figure Brady would have called him as well.

“Todd? It’s Olivia. Where are you?”

“ Hey, Olivia. I’m with Brady at Emily’s apartment. This goddamn guinea motherfucker broke into her apartment and went postal. Tommy beat the fuck out of him! He’s fuckin’ out cold. He’s in bad shape.”

“How is Emily, where is she?”

“She’s fine. She was in the shower when he broke in. He tried to fight Tommy, but that was a mistake. Tommy’s a black belt and he whooped the shit out of him! Big mistake for that motherfucker!” I had no idea Tommy was a black belt, but it makes sense. Ash probably is as well. I do know they both work out a lot.

“Listen, I gotta go, Olivia. I think Mr. H. just pulled up. He called his cop buddy, so I think they’re on the way too. We’ll call you! Promise. Don’t worry.”

“Todd, will you at least have Emily call me in a few minutes? I’m worried sick.”

“Yeah, she’s pretty freaked out, but yeah, I’ll ask her to call. Just give us a little bit. It’s kinda chaotic around here now. She’s fine, Olivia. Just shaken up. He didn’t touch her, thank God. Tommy’s fine, too. The guinea? Not so sure.”

Ash calls when he gets there. “Olivia, I’m here. Dominic and the police just pulled up. Everything’s okay. Tommy’s fine…Emily too. She’s just badly shaken up. Boy! Tommy did a number on this guy. He’s beaten up pretty bad. I didn’t know he had it in him. Pretty proud of my boy! Those karate lessons paid off!”

“Oh, Ash! I wish I was there…can I talk to Emily?”

“Yeah…here she is.” He gives her the phone.

“Honey, are you okay? What the hell happened?”

“Olivia, I’m fine, really. I was in the shower. Tony broke in and was pissed that Tommy was there. Apparently he’s been following us for a while, and that’s how he knew about Tommy. He pulled a knife and Tommy just went off on him! Oh, my God! I never thought Tony would do this. I’m so sorry! I never would have intentionally put Tommy in that situation. I feel so bad. I just hope you all don’t hate me.”

“Nothing to be sorry for, Emily. It certainly wasn’t your fault. But are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, Olivia, I’m fine. When the police are done, Mr. Harper thinks Tommy and I need to go stay at his condo. I’ll be at work tomorrow, though, I promise.”

“Well, I have to agree with Ash… the condo is where y’all need to go. Just let Ash handle everything. Who else is there?”

“All the guys are here. Brady got here first, and then Todd brought the rest of them. I think they were rehearsing, so that’s why they were together. They gave Tommy the night off to be with me. Oh, if only he hadn’t been here, and had been rehearsing, this never would have happened!”

“Emily, look, if he hadn’t been with you that creep might have killed you! You should thank your lucky stars that he was there tonight. You know that Ash wouldn’t let me come, or I would have been there.”

“I know, Olivia! Really, everything is fine. There’s nothing you can do anyway. Tommy said he’d call you once we get to the condo. Mr. Harper is gonna follow us over there. God! This is so embarrassing. I promise, I’ll explain everything tomorrow.”

“Okay, Emily. You’re in good hands. Talk to you tomorrow, sweetie!”

Ash finally gets home around three in the morning. He looks dead tired. He tells me that Tony was taken into custody, and that he tested positive for drugs and was over the legal limit for alcohol as well. In addition, he had a knife and a gun on him. He didn’t have a license to carry the gun, and it wasn’t registered, so he’ll be in big trouble for that. Ash said that the gun is probably a stolen gun, so he’ll be in jail for awhile.

I tell him about Tony being in our parking lot today, and that he’s the one who called Emily when we were at Grammy’s. I tell him that I recorded the whole ordeal in the parking lot on my phone.

“Good girl. That could come in handy. We’ll email that to Dominic”

He says that he got Tommy and Emily settled at the condo, and that they’ll stay there for a few days until things settle down. Brady and Brian will drop Emily’s car off at the condo so she can get to work. Tommy calls to let us know they’re going to bed, and Ash gives me the phone.

“Olivia, Emily wanted me to call you and let you know that we’re settled in and going to bed. She’s almost asleep and just forgot to call you. Sorry about that!”