Chapter Fourteen -- Calm Before the Storm
*Shannon*
I couldn’t believe Cassie was with me. One moment I was feeling safe and comforted in AJ’s arms, the next I was jumping up and down with excitement. “Wait a minute,” I said, trying to calm myself. “Did you say that Nick called you?”
She nodded, casting a glance in AJ’s direction. “Yep. Surprised the hell out of me, too. Um, are you going to introduce me?” she asked.
They hadn’t met? Damn. “Oh, sorry. AJ McLean, this is my best friend, Cassie O’Leary. Cassie, AJ.”
She smiled politely, shook his hand, then looked at me. “Can you help me find the damn elevators? I was lost.”
Before I could respond she was tugging me towards the door. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw AJ was watching us thoughtfully. “Cass, what’s up?” I asked once we were inside.
She glanced at me, shaking her head. “What were you doing hugging him like he’s your long-lost love?” she asked. “Good grief, Shan. I thought you were in love with Nick.”
“Whoa,” I said, turning towards the elevators. “I am in love with Nick. AJ’s just a friend. We...well, something happened this morning.” When she raised her brows I rolled my eyes. “Not that. God, get your mind out of the gutter. Brian had a big fight with his wife, and she left.”
“Ohmigod,” she gasped, eyes wide. “She left? She just up and left?”
Thank God, finally someone else who seemed shocked. Nodding, I pushed the button. “You know how I get when a relationship ends. I was outside smoking and he was there, and, well, good grief it was just a hug!”
Cass grunted, shaking her head. “Didn’t look like just a hug,” she muttered. When the doors slid open, we stepped on, and she looked at me warily. “So, are you and Nick doing okay?” she asked carefully.
“Yeah. We’re really doing great,” I said, smiling slightly. “So, how long are you going to be with me? Do I have to give you up tomorrow?”
She laughed. “Believe it or not, Blondie talked me into staying for my full two weeks.”
*Nick*
I couldn’t help but be jealous of Cassie’s friendship with Shannon. They’d known each other for years, and it hurt that Cass knew all these things about her that I didn’t. They had this history together, all sorts of secrets and inside jokes.
Sitting on the edge of the pool, they were whispering secretively, girlish giggles coming from them occasionally. I watched from the other end of the pool as Kristin joined them. Shannon leaned close to say something in her ear, then the three of them burst into laughter.
“Uh-oh,” I told Kevin as he surfaced nearby. “They’re up to something.”
Kevin glanced over at them, shaking his head. “Nah. They’re just being women,” he observed. “Just three beautiful women,” he added with a grin.
I watched Shannon slip off the edge and go over to Brian, who was standing in the shallow end. Baylee kept jumping off the side into his arms, and it was good to see they were both looking a little happier. I’d talked to Brian the night before, and he said it was still hard, but he was being strong for his son’s sake. It had been three days since she’d left.
*Brian*
Standing by the window, I watched the rain pour down. It matched my mood. If there were any tears left in me, I would have cried. Pressing my forehead against the cool glass, I sucked in a deep breath, my throat raw from the pain of losing her.
Where had everything gone wrong? All these years--so many, yet so few--I had thought we were forever. She had so many chances to leave. My heart surgery. The backlash from the fans. If she hadn’t loved me, why had she gone then? What had she wanted from me that took all that time? Why now, especially?
Turning, I looked at my son sleeping. He was taking it hard, too. How was I supposed to explain to him that Mommy didn’t love Daddy anymore? Carefully, so as not to wake him, I stepped over and settled on the bed beside him. Smoothing his curls, I kissed his head.
“Don’t worry, buddy. Daddy’ll never leave you,” I whispered.
I hadn’t been able to sleep since she left. How many days had it been? Three or four? So few, yet it seemed an eternity. When I closed my eyes sleep eluded me; all I was able to see was visions of us over the past years. But the shock was slowly wearing off, and I was drained. Closing my eyes, I held my son close, needing his warmth and love. Despite the fact he was with me, I felt alone.
When I woke up it was still raining, and I had no idea how long I had been asleep. Baylee sat up in the bed, silent. He’d said few words lately. Rubbing my eyes, I sat up slowly. “Hey, buddy,” I said.
“Daddy?” he asked softly, looking up at me.
“Hmm?” A glance at the clock told me it was getting close to dinnertime. I was suddenly famished.
His expression serious, he fiddled with the ear of his favorite teddy bear. Sniffling, he took a deep breath, and I could tell he was trying so hard not to cry. “I wanna play with Nick.”
A laugh escaped me--at least he was being honest, I thought. “Sure thing, Bay. How about we eat some supper first, then we can mosey over there?”
*Shannon*
I sat on the bed with Cass, carefully painting her nails. Lifting my head, I made a face. “I still don’t understand why you just don’t go to the salon and get them done. It’s right down the--“
“For Pete’s sake, Shan! Why should I spend fifty bucks for someone to do it when I can get my best friend to do it just as good--if not better--for free?” she asked sweetly, smiling.
Rolling my eyes, I bent over her nails again. Cass had to be one of the stingiest people. Not that she didn’t enjoy spending money, she was just very careful with it. Glancing over at Nick, I saw he and Baylee were engrossed in the racing game they were playing. Smiling slightly, I watched Baylee’s rapt expression. Nick was so good with him, and I thought he was an angel for keeping him occupied--
“Shan, would you quit drooling over him already? You just painted my jeans!”
“Ugh.” Looking at the splotch on Cassie’s knee, I chuckled. “Told ya you should go to the salon.”
“Whatever,” she said. “So, what are we going to do tonight?”
”We’re doing it,” I told her, reaching for a cotton ball.
“But, what about all the wild parties and extravagant lifestyle?” she asked.
I could tell she was joking. “As if.” Wiping the polish off my hand, I glanced up when someone knocked on the door.
“Who is it?” Nick called distractedly. “Whoa, whoa, don’t run into me!”
“Sorry!” Baylee exclaimed, laughing.
“AJ!” came the muffled reply.
“It’s open!”
“Sweet Jesus, he is one sexy--“ Cass began, but she cut off when I sent her a look. “Sorry,” she muttered, smirking.
Rolling my eyes again, I started putting the manicure things away as AJ walked in. Cassie wasn’t interested in him, was she? Not that I minded. But still...he wasn’t her type. I knew her type. She went for the boy-next-door guys, sweet wholesome and decent. Not that AJ wasn’t decent. He was a great guy. But, come on. Cass and AJ? No damn way.
“How’s it going?” he asked, his gaze including Cass and I. I gave him a smile and slid off the bed, ready for a shower. I’d let Cass talk me into a jog, and I felt like I’d been run over by a truck. I hadn’t really worked out in...months. And it had been raining. Yuck.
“AJ play,” Baylee demanded, glancing from the screen to look at him. “Please?”
“Sure thing, kiddo. Just lemme get comfortable.”
Nick, AJ and Baylee immediately began a boisterous conversation about the game, and when I stepped into the bathroom I heard a phone ring. “Cass, if that’s mine, grab it,” I called just before shutting the door.
I was in the shower when the bathroom door opened. “Who’s on the phone?” I asked, leaning back to rinse my hair. Over the rush of the water, I heard Nick mumble something. “What is it, baby?” Pulling the curtain back, I looked at him.
Oh, no. He looked like someone had died. “Nick? What’s wrong?” Worried, I shut the water off and pushed the curtain aside.
Wordlessly, he handed me a towel, looking away. “It was your Aunt Margaret,” he began. When I nodded, he cleared his throat, his gaze on the toiletries littering the counter by the sink.
“What’s happened?” Aunt Margaret never called unless something was wrong. When he looked at me, I could see he didn’t want to be the one to tell me whatever it was. “No,” I whispered, wrapping the towel around myself. “Please, Nick, don’t tell me--“
“Baby,” he murmured, reaching for me. I stepped into his arms, closing my eyes as he told me the words I’d dreaded. “Your grandma--she’s dead.”
Pulling away suddenly, I turned from him. Fighting the tears, I hurriedly yanked on the clothes I’d just taken off. I caught his eye in the mirror, and when he reached for me again I moved away.
Cass was standing by the door, and I nearly knocked her down in my haste to get out. I had to get outside. Stepping over Baylee, I grabbed my jacket, aware of everyone’s gaze on me.
“Shannon--“
Shaking my head, I flung the door open and went into the hall, not really sure where I was going. I was barefoot and my hair dripping wet, but I didn’t care. Not bothering to wait for an elevator, I opened the door to the stairs, heard Nick calling my name as I ran down the stairs. I needed to be alone.
Nana, I thought, biting my lip to keep from crying. I blindly raced downstairs, and when I stepped into the corridor on the ground floor I looked around. Taking a deep breath, I rushed outside; for once grateful it was raining. Looking up at the sky, I breathed in deeply.
Isn’t it hard
Standing in the rain
You’re on the verge of going crazy
And your heart’s in pain