Kissing Her(2)

I’m relieved that the focus is off me as Melina gives a fake smile. I know she hates Brandon’s mom with the fire of seven suns. I’ve heard her mutter words about her that make me shiver.

“Soon we’ll be doing this for you.” Penny’s attention comes back to me and I want to cringe. “If we can find someone.” She shakes her head, still butt hurt I turned down her cousin Steven. He’s gay. He’s open about it, too, but she keeps on trying to set him up with women. I want to reach out and bop her on the head like Mom did when we were little and we did something she didn’t like. It always got us to stop doing whatever it was we weren’t supposed to be doing. Maybe it would work on Penny.

“I’m not really looking,” I respond instead.

“Are you still going to the school?” Penny rolls her eyes as she asks the question.

Why is she so focused on me? This is Melina’s shower, not mine. I nod, not playing into that one. They’ll give me the same song and dance about how it’s silly to go to the local community college when I should be finding a husband. I’ve only completed one semester so far and I still haven't picked a major. Nothing has piqued my interest, but it’s better than spending all day working at my dad’s office. Melina runs that place as if she actually does work when she’s there.

The only reason I’m getting away with community college is because I’ve been taking the classes my dad suggested—the ones he thought would be useful at the office.

Everyone goes back to idle chat, but I can tell now that Melina has a game plan. She wants out of here as fast as I do. I thought for a moment tonight might be fun. I was told I had to be eighteen to come to this, but the only things they’ve talked about are cake and who didn’t put the lid back on the marker correctly. This is a bunch of baloney.

My mind goes back to what I can do when I leave here. It’s still early. Maybe I can go downtown and find some place to eat dinner then wander around a little. It would be different and better than going home. I look down at my frilly dress and flats, wondering if this is too dressed up or not enough.

“Let’s clean up and get out of here.” Melina lets out a fake yawn and stands up.

I pack up our things and clean while she plays on her phone. It’s not long before we say our goodbyes and walk outside.

“You drive,” Melina says and gives me the keys. “Take me down the street a bit. Brandon is waiting.” I do as she says and get behind the wheel. “Don’t wait up.”

When we get to the end of the road I pull over and she jumps from the car. She takes off toward Brandon’s car without a backwards glance, and as she does my phone chimes. I pick it up thinking maybe it’s Mom or Dad, but I see it’s Brandon.

Brandon: You look pretty tonight.

I glance out of the windshield to him. He’s in his car and I can see his dark eyes locked on me as my sister leans over and kisses him on his cheek and neck. He pays her no attention. It’s rude and makes me feel bad for her. Isn’t the man you’re going to marry supposed to look at you like you’re their whole world? That’s what I want at least.

Me: Thanks

What else do I say to that? It’s so weird and I never know if he’s trying to be nice or if it’s just creepy. I blame it on my sheltered life.

Brandon: Tried to talk her into bringing you along.

Me: Have fun

I put my phone into my purse and pull away. He’s still looking at me while my sister is pretty much trying to climb into his lap and it makes me uncomfortable.

They can go have their fun. I’m going to see if I can do the same.





Chapter Two





Ragnar





The sun is setting on the river walk and it’s starting to get cold. I had some business to take care of by the docks and I thought I’d walk home from there. It’s easier to see if I’m being tailed and I like knowing what’s going on around me.

In my line of work you can’t be too careful, but that’s what I get for being a criminal. I’ve built an underground empire trading stolen goods for money. If it can fall off the back of a truck, it’s been in my warehouses. It’s not technically the most legal way to make money, but it’s not drugs or something worse that could put me on the radar.

I pay the cops in this town well for them to turn a blind eye, so I’m not too worried. The only thing that’s ever in the back of my mind is some kid trying to make a name for himself and taking me out. Thankfully I’ve got a lot of friends in a lot of places and so far I’m protected. I just want to make sure it stays that way.

My phone rings as I move down the sidewalk with a row of outdoor seating for restaurants on one side and the river on the other. I move around a couple in front of me and answer.

“Ragnar,” I hear the voice on the other end say and I try to hide my smile.

“Hey, Leo, how’s it going?” I check my watch and see that he’s probably just gotten home.

“Could be better.” He moves and I can hear him pacing. “You want to explain to me why my front door is kicked in and my safe is cracked wide open?”

“I’m offended you’d think so little of me.”

“Look, I told you I would get you your money, Ragnar.”