Transitions (A Thousand Words Book 1) (7 page)

“You said Dev knows all of this?”

Lindsay paused. “He knows we survived his first semester at college, he doesn’t know that I’m slipping. Having him close helped. I could keep the urge at bay by being near him. Barely. Mostly I just kept waiting, watching, and planning how to gently lead him along. I kept the goals small, baby steps. It took months to just invade his personal space. A year to kiss.

“The thing is, I’m not like Jess, which all that Dev really understands. The closest thing he understands anyway. Everyone says you’re Jess plus twenty years, but you’re not like Jess either. Jess gets it where he can and that’s all he lives for. He’s driven by hormones but there’s nothing actually wrong with him. Except maybe his judgment. He probably even has an average IQ if he turned on his brain.

“You . . . you can’t help yourself sometimes, right? You fight it, don’t you? But sometimes, when everything is just right, fighting it isn’t enough.” Lindsay watched Flynn as she presented her case.

Flynn shook his head. “I’m not a, whatever the male version of nymphomaniac is, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Sex Addiction. Nympho is technically an outdated term. And no, you’re not, not completely; but there’s something going on with you. Maybe it’s a learned behavior that you can’t shake, maybe it’s something physiological, but it’s there. You don’t cheat when you could and wouldn’t get caught. You cheat when you don’t want to and have no motivation to. It’s a pattern throughout your life that’s consistently caused you problems. I suspect the price has been high enough that if you could have just stopped, you would have.”

Flynn stared at her, shocked.

Lindsay shrugged apologetically. “I listened to Dev and asked a few questions, which I probably shouldn’t have, then did some research on my own. Dev’s not ready to hear this yet. I’m not allowed to sympathize with you. I have to officially take his side.”

“A given. I’m not sure what to say about your theory. I’ll have to think about that,” Flynn said and fell silent. Lindsay let him think for a moment while she twisted her fingers against each other nervously.

“Setting that aside, it sounds like you’ve got a good read on Dev. I suspected before that he needed you, but for other reasons,” Flynn said after a moment.

“I help him talk to girls and fans when they crowd him.”

“You’ve definitely had a positive influence on him,” Flynn agreed. “You’re taking it slow because he needs you to, I appreciate that. Although it sounds like things aren’t going well and he doesn’t even know it.”

Lindsay studied her nails.

“Keeping in mind I have only a reverse-psychology level of influence with him, what do you need me to do?” Flynn asked.

Lindsay looked up at him, surprised. She didn’t expect that. “Nothing. I mean the friction between Kenny and Jess and me is a big stress for him, but that’s kind of out of your hands.”

“I mediate from time to time. Bryan’s influence doesn’t seem to be enough.”

“I kind of guessed that. Otherwise, you know he’s avoiding you, right?” Lindsay asked. She probably shouldn’t have brought it up, but they were being honest.

Flynn laughed. “Yeah, I picked up on that. He’s got Sophie running interference to help him avoid being alone with me.”

“Actually, that was my idea,” Lindsay admitted. “Sophie and I had a little talk –”

“You didn’t tell her about –?”

“No! She’s a kid. But she wants to see you and Dev make up. It’s kind of what she lives for. Dev was reaping some serious stress because he doesn’t want to hurt her, but he doesn’t want . . . he’s not ready to see a big enough picture to include a different view of you. I told Sophie the best thing for Dev right now, and therefore the both of you in the long run, is to give Dev the time and space he needs. You know, let the hostility die down. She knows I’m working on getting him in an actual relationship. Until Dev has that experience, there’s no chance he’ll be able to understand enough to forgive you.”

“So she’s helping Dev avoid me now so he’ll forgive me a year from now?” Flynn asked.

“For Sophie, that’s the idea and it makes sense. We’re playing the long-game. Except no real end-dates. Dev moves pretty slowly, so it’ll probably take more than a year.”

Flynn hesitated and Lindsay held her breath. Finally he nodded. “All right. I’ll let Dev avoid me and Sophie can help, at least for now. It’ll be a sort of bonding for them. Kenny and Jess are worried about him though, and now Bryan is too. He’s not talking about what happened last night, but his behavior clearly shows
something
did. You need to resolve that. Let them know why he’s distracted. If your relationship with his friends is a source of stress for him, leaving them in the dark like this isn’t good.”

“It’s not their business if Dev and I kiss.” Lindsay frowned.

“No, it’s not. Although it would shut up Jess for a bit to have that resolved. They don’t see this as a real relationship. It’s too far removed from what they know.”

“I’ll come by tomorrow for their practice,” Lindsay said slowly. “They’ll see me. I bet I can even get Dev to kiss me. Will that help?” It was her plan all along, assuming Dev was willing to play along. It would be even better if Flynn thought it was his idea.

“It’s probably too much to hope for that you’ll make up with Kenny and Jess, isn’t it?” he asked.

Lindsay grinned and shrugged her shoulders. “Jess, I’m sure. Kenny . . . I’m not completely sure why he hates me, other than supporting Jess.”

Flynn nodded to acknowledge her point. “They’re tight. Give him time. Women are still a little beyond his understanding.”

“Tell him to read a book on the subject. There are plenty out there,” Lindsay huffed and folded her arms.

Flynn gave Lindsay a comforting smile. “I’ll mention it to him.”

○ ○ ○

Dev put up with Kenny and Jess hinting and prying about his ‘trouble with Lindsay’ all day yesterday because he didn’t have a choice. It was either suffer quietly, or bare all and suffer the third degree. Thankfully Bryan knew he didn’t want to talk about it and therefore didn’t ask. To reconfirm his place in Dev’s mind as his absolute best friend ever, Bryan brought Brenda with him bright and early the next morning. It made a lasting impact on Jess when Brenda kneed him in the groin nearly a year ago. Jess went out of his way to avoid interacting with her now, and according to Bryan, that didn’t change while Dev was away at school. Dev could have hugged her now though. Brenda put Jess in line right away. Dev had never seen anyone cross their legs with malice before, but Brenda did and the subject of Lindsay was dropped by unspoken agreement.

He was so relieved, Dev forgot that he complained to Lindsay about it the night before until Sophie bounced down the stairs grinning wildly. Dev was already fitting his guitar in its holder when a hush fell over the room. He couldn’t remember if Alec had ever met Lindsay. No doubt someone filled their manager in, so Dev would just assume the shock at seeing her was universal. Except for his little sister. Sophie didn’t seem surprised at all by Lindsay’s makeover. She just exuded excitement at seeing everyone else’s shock and awe. Yet more proof his girlfriend and sister were scheming, Dev decided before pushing the observation aside.

Turning to the stairs, Dev met Lindsay just a few steps in. He took her waist, and she let her hands rest delicately on his shoulders. It was a position reminiscent of the night before last. Dev’s body shielded Lindsay from his friends as his lips briefly brushed hers. Lindsay let him off easy, but it looked like she had something to say. Dev bent down slightly to make it easier for her to whisper in his ear.

“Honey, I’m here to be supportive, which I’m supposed to be as your girlfriend. Also, it’ll show those who need to see it that I can be the image of a girlfriend that you should be seen with. For your peace of mind, I’m still the girlfriend you need me to be. But that’s between us.” Lindsay kissed his cheek and backed away. She took Dev’s hand and pulled him toward the sofa where Brenda sat.

Dev pulled her back and held her close, not quite willing to let her go. Should he answer the question on Jess and Kenny’s mind and kiss her? Would it create more complications? Probably. It was a bridge they’d have to cross eventually. Answering their questions was one thing, giving them a demonstration of what he felt for Lindsay was something else. Maybe it was time he took a stance.

Lindsay’s blue eyes watched him patiently, waiting for him to make a decision and Dev knew she’d support him either way. He pulled her close and let his lips meet hers.

It wasn’t a long kiss. Dev wished he could have held her a little closer and kissed her a little longer, but it wasn’t the time. He was still nearly breathless when they parted and the silence behind him pounded in his ears.

Lindsay smiled at him, a ray of sunshine that burst through the storm brewing in the room. Reaching up, she ran a finger lightly over his lips. “This color doesn’t suit you,” she explained. Then, taking his hand, she led him over to the sofa. “Now, show me how fantastic you are.”

“Of course,” Dev answered with a smile. He deposited her by Brenda with a wink, retrieved his guitar, and took his place as if nothing had happened. Sophie skipped over to sit on Lindsay’s other side. Dev watched Jess, waiting for either a cue or a comment, but neither seemed forthcoming.

Kenny’s first notes brought him into focus. The chance for them to comment was gone. He’d hear about it later. Dev wasn’t sure what they’d say, but there would be something, he was certain of it.

○ ○ ○

Dev fought to keep his eyes off Lindsay while he played. Her toes, painted a delicate shade of pink, tapped in time with the beat he laid down and repeatedly caught his attention. Against his will, Dev’s eyes followed the curve of her heel and slowly rose up the silky path of her calf and thigh. Lindsay’s skirt initially sat just partway up her thigh and Dev was grateful for the hard stop it provided, forcing his attention back to the song. Not that anyone seemed to notice his attention ever strayed. After a few songs, Lindsay shifted in her seat and her skirt rode up enough to keep Dev’s attention slightly longer.

Jess’s arm draping around Dev’s shoulder made him want to swear. As if Lindsay’s legs weren’t enough of a distraction already! Dev shrugged Jess off and backed away from him. He didn’t have any pre-planned practical jokes ready. Yesterday he almost set Jess’s hair on fire and caught hell for it. After that shock, Dev forgot to prepare anything else from the list of ideas he’d complied.

As Jess came in to try again, Dev darted in and stepped hard on his toes. It was a trick he’d used before, but it was effective and it was all he could think of. The girls laughed as Jess hastily backed away and even Alec gave them an approving nod. Of course anything was better than seeing Jess’s hair smoldering again. He’d have to remember to be careful with modified fireworks in the future.

Alec eventually called an end to the day’s work, satisfied with their performance. Dev grabbed Lindsay, shot off an excuse about taking her to dinner, and bolted before anyone had a chance to corner them with questions. He’d probably pay for it in triplicate later, but for now he only wanted to be alone with her.

He closed the car door after getting Lindsay seated and was surprised to find her laughing when he slid behind the wheel.

“What’s so funny?” Dev asked.

“You. I’m pretty sure we’re not being chased.”

Dev nodded in acknowledgment, but chose not to comment. Instead he just pulled out of the driveway. He wasn’t even sure where to go, he just had the pressing need to be elsewhere. And with Lindsay.

“How bad is it going to be later?” Lindsay asked after a minute.

“I’m not sure. It was pretty quiet in there.”

“I noticed. I kept expecting Jess to say something stupid, but I couldn’t imagine what. I guess Bren’s presence kept him in line.”

“That’s why Bryan brought her over early. Yesterday was hell.”

“You mentioned that. I guess it’s a good idea to clear out and let him talk some sense into them then.”

“I thought so.”

“Now, tell me the truth, are you hungry?” Lindsay asked.

Dev wasn’t, but this was their time alone together. Given it was evening, that meant he fed her.

“No. It’s close to the dinner hour, so I’m resorting to pre-established patterns of behavior. I’m open to suggestions.”

“Good,” Lindsay said brightly. “Turn around then, head back toward the junior high.”

Dev didn’t question her, he turned around and headed back the way they’d come. Lindsay wouldn’t tell him their destination, she gave Dev occasional directions such as ‘turn left’ or ‘you should have turned right back there.’ Eventually, she led Dev to a small overgrown area where a house had been torn down long ago and the yard and foundation were left to be reclaimed by nature.

Lindsay didn’t wait for Dev to get her door, she hopped out of the car as soon as Dev parked. He hurried to join her behind the car, wondering what she was thinking.

Carefully placing her hands on the trunk, Lindsay pushed herself up and sat facing Dev. She motioned for him to come stand in front of her.

“Closer,” Lindsay whispered.