Force of Nature - 8. Chapter 8

I was walking down a dark street and my heart began to race. I could just make out the neon sign of a coffee shop that I recognized. Seeing it, I breathed a sigh of relief, shaking my head I started walking faster. I was going to make it, it was just a few short steps away. Then without warning a pair of hands reached out, I could just see them out of the corner of my eye. They grabbed hold of me, one around my mouth to cut off any scream for help...

 

My eyes shot open, the room had the blue early morning haze about it from the one small window. It took a moment before I realized that I was in Adam’s apartment. Sitting up I heard the shower in the bathroom across the hall shut off. I looked down at the bed rubbing my arms as the chill from the nightmare washed over me. I had slept more than I had since I left the hospital, but the bed was disheveled and a sheen of sweat covered my entire body.

 

I could hear Adam singing, probably thinking that I was still asleep. He quickly opened the bathroom door and walked across the hall. Seeing me he smiled, the lyrics I recognized, but couldn’t name.

 

“Mornin’,” he said letting the towel fall to his feet in front of his closet doors. “Told you my cuddling powers will work.”

 

“Did they?” I asked trying not to look at how his ass jiggled with every step he took. At the sound of my voice, he looked over his shoulder frowning.

 

“You had a nightmare while I was in the shower,” he said shaking his head. “Fuck I should have waited.”

 

“You can’t hover around waiting,” I said, “at least I slept most of the night.”

 

“There’s that,” he said fishing a couple of bags out of the back of his closet. He hadn’t bothered to put on any clothes, so I covered my lap with the cover to hide my growing erection. At least the distraction had calmed me down enough not to feel embarrassed about having another nightmare and messing up the sheets.

 

“What are you doing?” I asked when he folded a couple shirts and shoved a few pairs of socks into one of the bags.

 

“Packing for our trip,” he answered glancing over at me. “The one you agreed to after your ear splitting orgasm.”

 

“Fuck you,” I hissed leaning back against the headboard. “I can’t really go.”

 

“I already told Lexi,” he said and I shrugged wondering how that mattered.

 

“Mom wanted to have a discussion before I left,” I countered and he finally stopped packing to glare at me.

 

“Are you always gonna do what they want?” He asked crossing his arms over his chest. If he wasn’t naked, I probably would have took his glare more seriously, but all I could seem to think about was not looking at his cock.

 

“No,” I answered swinging my legs over the side of the bed and standing.

 

“So in an hour we’re leaving for the coast,” he said as he started folding a stack of underwear he had laid out on the bottom of the bed.

 

“An hour, what happened to Noon?” I groaned bending over to slide my shorts up over my boxer briefs. “That won’t give her enough time to work up a good enough lecture.”

 

“You don’t need their shit right now,” he said, “Lexi needs a break too, so.”

 

“Fine,” I said smiling. “You better make this worth it.”

 

“If you behave it will be really worth it,” he countered and I cocked an eyebrow. He laughed zipping up one of the bags.

 

“Are you going to get dressed any time soon?” I asked and he shrugged.

 

“Before I leave the apartment, there’s laws,” he answered, “now get on home and pack.”

 

“How long are we staying?” I asked as I watched him bend over and search through one of his dresser drawers.

 

“As long as the food holds up,” he answered, “I’m having our place down there stocked as we speak.”

 

“Oh,” I said reaching down and retrieving my shirt. I pulled it over my head, then I reached up and smoothed down my hair as best as I could. “Well I’ll be waiting for you to pick my ass up.”

 

“Good,” he said walking around his bed. He smiled when he caught me watching his cock swinging between his legs as he walked. When our eyes met he winked as he kissed me on the lips. A quick kiss, just long enough for me to breathe in the smell of his soap and deodorant. I grunted when my cock reacted to him. He was starting to drive me insane, more insane than I figured I already was, but at least I wasn’t too worried about it yet. I still didn’t know how long it would last or even how it could. It was moving way too fast, but I still had to admit I liked having him distract me. I just hoped he didn’t start taking it personally and expect more than I could give him.

 

“I better get going,” I said swallowing as I turned and walked towards the door. My face flushed when I heard him snicker, but I kept walking until I was at his front door. The light was streaming in from his living room windows, despite the walkway.

 

Sighing, I unlocked the door and opened it. I knew I wouldn’t be able to back out of my plans. A part of me didn’t even want to. It had to be a better alternative to sitting around the house while Mom lectured and tried to convince me to work against Dad for a life I didn’t even want. More than ever I wished they hadn’t stumbled upon Grandmother’s will. That there wasn’t anything for the three of us to fight over.

 

The bright morning sun held no anxiety for me to overcome, even as I turned down the narrow alley leading towards the parking lot of the apartment. In the daylight I saw that my BMW stood out among the other run of the mill cars parked around it. It wasn’t all that full, with most people already having left for their jobs. There was a pink flier for a grand opening for a restaurant located at the plaza stuck behind the windshield wipers. I hit the unlock button on my keys and slid into the driver side.

 

Driving home, I focused on keeping my breathing even. So many things were rushing through my head. The excitement about the trip to the coast, even though I was being difficult about going. Wondering what new plot Mom had in store for me about Dad. I wasn’t looking forward to that. I actually wished we lived farther out of town than we did. It seemed too soon for me to be pulling into the gated driveway. I hit the button and waited until the gates opened before I started down the paved driveway.

 

Tania’s car was already parked outside the garage in her allotted spot out of the way, just beside Kenny’s car, which wasn’t there. I sighed knowing that meant Mom was still at home and had no plans for leaving.

 

Sadie met me on the sidewalk leading to the front steps. I knelt down and let her lick my face, her excited whimpers had me smiling. She was a happy goofball most of the time. It was difficult to picture her bristled up and growling, but Mom seemed to bring out that side of her. Standing to escape Sadie’s onslaught of licking, I glanced up to see Mom sitting outside on the front porch. She was dressed in a sundress fanning herself, although it wasn’t too hot out yet.

 

“I better get this over with,” I said and Sadie jumped in a small circle ahead of me until she realized where I was headed and disappeared back around the house towards the back yard.

 

“Good morning Jason,” Mom greeted her eyes hidden behind a pair of shades. After I walked up the stairs I saw a large brown envelope in her lap. She put her fan down on the table next to the chair and picked up a glass of what looked like iced tea. “Coming home in the clothes you left wearing, what will people think.”

 

“They’ll think what they want to think,” I answered. “I guess I could have borrowed some clothes.”

 

“Stop being ridiculous,” she snapped putting her tea down next to her fan. Her fingers slid over the envelope.

 

“I don’t have time for this,” I said preparing to walk past her and inside the house.

 

“You don’t have time to find out that you have a sister?” Mom asked reaching up and pulling her shades up to rest on her head.

 

“What are you talking about?” I asked my heart slamming against my chest. “What are you playing at?”

 

“I’m not playing at anything,” she said, “and watch your tone, I am your mother.”

 

“You’re a liar,” I said shaking my head. “How could I have a sister?”

 

“Well you have a sister,” she explained picking up the envelope and flipping the flap open. “If you don’t think your father will throw you away too, you are sadly mistaken.”

 

“Give me that,” I said holding out my hand for the envelope. When I noticed my hand shaking I dropped it back to my side. She wasn’t going to hand over the envelope yet, not until she finished what she had to say.

 

“You don’t know how serious this is, Jason,” Mom said, “the company was nothing until your father took control. He was the one that got the investors, the deals. Any way he could, mind you, but you wouldn’t know that.”

 

“So, he cheated on you and knocked someone up?” I asked shaking my head. “Now you think that’s the leverage you need?”

 

“No,” she answered, “if it were that easy I wouldn’t have to involve you.”

 

“Then what is it?” I asked feeling a chill wash over me. I knew I was close to having a panic attack. That I really didn’t have time to stand here and talk to Mom. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to hear what she had to say.

 

“You wouldn’t believe me,” she said glancing down at the envelope. “So here is everything you’ll need to see. I hope then we can discuss things further.”

 

“How long have you known about this?” I asked taking the envelope when she offered it to me.

 

“He made your Grandmother and I swear not to mention this,” Mom said, “and neither of us did, obviously.”

 

“Why didn’t Grandma say anything?” I asked, not really asking her. I saw the smile playing on Mom’s lips and wanted to look away.

 

“When are you going to realize that my lovely mother was no better than the rest of us, Jason?” She asked smiling up at me. “She fed you full of lies and you took every one of them to heart.”

 

“You’re wrong,” I said, “she’s the only one who ever loved me.”

 

“I love you,” she countered then I saw her look past me the smile falling from her face. “Who in the world is that?”

 

“Shit,” I hissed when I saw the white truck speeding down the driveway. I grimaced when Adam pulled up just beyond the front steps. I should have known he wouldn’t have waited. He wanted me away from Mom more than me. Lexi was sitting in the extended cab’s back seat with her window down. I could see that they were both smiling.

 

“Who are they?” Mom asked standing. “Get rid of them.”

 

“I have plans,” I answered, “I’m going to the coast.”

 

“You and I aren’t finished talking,” Mom said stepping up to stand beside me. Adam had gotten out of the drivers side and was making his way, albeit slowly, towards the front steps. I glanced over at Lexi and she was no longer smiling.

 

“You ready to go?” Adam asked from the bottom step.

 

“Not yet,” I answered still holding the envelope. When Adam’s eyes found it he squinted and unwillingly turned to look at Mom.

 

“Hi Ms. Colby,” Adam said, “I’m Adam Ross, that’s my little sister Alexandra Ross.”

 

“Helen Ross’ children,” Mom said turning to look at me. Her eyes narrowed and I frowned when she never acknowledged the greeting. Adam started up the stairs with his hand extended, but he stopped between the second and third step and was looking at me.

 

“I have to go pack,” I said waving my hand when Mom started talking. “I need some time to read this and to think!”

 

“Take a day,” Mom said and she flipped her hair behind her head. Then she turned on Adam crossing her arms. “So you are the one taking up all of my son’s time these days?”

 

“Yes ma’am,” he said not sounding a bit sorry for it, even though she hadn’t masked the accusations in her voice.

 

“I am having a fundraiser for a charity this weekend,” Mom said and I noticed that her expression changed to a warm smile. “Do tell your wonderful parents to come, for a good cause of course.”

 

“I will,” he said and I wondered if he had any intention of telling his parents. I couldn’t read him now, he definitely was better at this than I was. I could feel the flush on my face and my hands were clammy.

 

“I’ll be back in a bit,” I said and bolted into the house leaving the front door open behind me.

 

When I got up to my room, out of breath from running up the stairs. I threw open my closet and grabbed a couple of bags. I didn’t want to leave her alone with them too long, so I quickly grabbed a handful of boxer briefs and socks and shoved them into the first bag I came to. Then I grabbed some swimming trunks, although I had no intention of getting into the water. Not really paying attention, my mind on the envelope that I threw on my bed as soon as I entered the room. I didn’t really know what I had grabbed off the racks hanging in my walk-in closet. I didn’t even remove them from the hangers and just rolled them around until they fit inside the bags I picked. Lastly, I put the envelope inside one of them and after a struggle I zipped them both and slung them over my shoulders and started back down stairs.

 

“Why are you rushing around?” Tania asked bringing me to a stop just above the second floor landing. I hadn’t even seen her standing there. She was smiling until I turned to look at her.

 

“My friends are waiting,” I answered ready to shrug off any other question, but then I sighed. “Mom dropped a sister on me, to help win me over to her side. I wonder what the fuck else them two are hiding?”

 

“What do you mean a sister?” Tania asked unable to mask the surprise in her voice. She would frown at my poor choice in language, the Mom in her. I would usually smile and apologize, but she didn’t bother this time.

 

“I don’t know myself,” I answered, “she handed me an envelope, I don’t want to read it yet.”

 

“Are you sure rushing off is best?” She asked reaching out for me. Normally she would look around to make sure Mom was nowhere around to see her.

 

“I can’t do it here, I need space,” I answered and she nodded. “I’m going with two friends, I won’t be alone.”

 

“That’s good,” she said, “and hey, if you get back and need a place to stay Lucas and I would be thrilled.”

 

“Thanks for the offer Tania,” I said smiling as I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll think about it.”

 

“And if this is true,” she said her eyes narrowing, “give them hell for it.”

 

“I better go,” I said and she patted me on the shoulder. I turned and ran down the stairs as fast as the heavy luggage allowed.

 

When I stepped back out onto the porch, I noticed Mom had walked back to her seat. She slipped her shades back over her eyes and was doing her best to ignore Adam and Lexi talking. When she saw me she made to stand and I waved my hand at her.

 

“I’ll see you when I get back,” I said, “I promise not to run off, you know how bad the first time went.”

 

“I hated to drop this on your shoulders Jason, but you were being stubborn,” she said and I grimaced and turned away from her jogging down the stairs.

 

“Let’s get out of here,” I said and then noticed Sadie wagging her tail in the back seat fighting past Lexi to get at me through her window. “What’s Sadie doing back there?”

 

“Dogs are fun at the beach,” Lexi said laughing as she pushed Sadie back inside.

 

“She’s never been,” I said feeling sorry for Sadie being left behind during trips Mom would take me on. She thought traveling with me was too much trouble most of the time, so Sadie never stood a chance.

 

“It’s alright, we’ll pick dog food up on the way,” Adam said opening the passenger side door for me. He took my bags and tossed them in the back of his truck bed where the rest of the bags were. I noticed him still studying me as I slid into the passenger seat. I looked behind him to see Mom frowning as she watched Adam close the door. For a brief moment I wanted to grab him and kiss him in front of her, but the bombshell she had just casually dropped on me still had me reeling.

 

“We’re wasting daylight and my sick days,” Lexi said when Adam hesitated at my door. I offered him a small smile and he turned and jogged around the truck, shooting a wave towards the house that I’m sure Mom didn’t return.

 

He wasted little time shoving the truck in drive and circling around the driveway towards the gates. I looked behind me to make sure Sadie was at least behaving herself for the most part. She was sitting on the other side of the truck looking out the window. I expected her to get car sick, not being used to it. Even she, though, looked relieved to be leaving the place.

 

“Want to talk about it?” Adam asked turning down the music on the radio.

 

“Not really,” I answered leaning back as he got to the end of the road and barely looked around for traffic before darting out and heading toward town. “Only because I don’t know myself.”

 

“Sounds bad,” Lexi said from the back seat. I jumped not expecting her to be listening in. I turned to see her leaning forward, her hair blowing in the breeze.

 

“Mom claims to have proof that I have a sister,” I said and I shook my head, the anger flooding through me again. “A fucking sister, why would she say that?”

 

“Probably because it’s likely true,” Adam said, “I mean she had the envelope, right?”

 

“Yeah,” I answered glancing over at him. “She said it was more complicated than Dad cheating on her.”

 

“Did you bring the envelope?” Lexi asked and I saw Adam shoot her a glare.

 

“Yeah, its in one of my bags,” I answered, “I’m not sure I want to read it yet.”

 

“Don’t read it yet,” Adam said, “try to forget about it for the next couple of days.”

 

“Unlikely,” I countered crossing my arms. At least my ribs no longer really bothered me.

 

“I know,” he said smiling, “but if you read it, you’ll want to go rushing off to wherever this sister is.”

 

“If she’s alive,” Lexi said and I felt my heart thud heavily against my chest. I hadn’t even considered that possibility.

 

“Oh she’s alive,” Adam countered, “shut up, you annoying little brat.”

 

“How do you sound so certain?” I asked smiling despite the uneasiness I felt.

 

“She wouldn’t have a reason to bring her up if she wasn’t,” Adam answered, “it is obviously something she can use against your father. More than just convincing you to hate him.”

 

“You have some messed up parents, Jason,” Lexi said patting me on the shoulder.

 

“And what’s wrong with rushing off to see my sister?” I asked feeling the urge to read the contents of the large manilla envelope now.

 

“Because we’ll read it together at the end of our trip to the coast,” Adam answered, “and I’ll take you to her.”

 

“That sounds like a great idea,” Lexi said, “I want to go.”

 

“Lexi,” Adam groaned.

 

“I’d rather not meet her alone,” I said, “but I won’t be easy to live with before then. I don’t want to ruin your plans.”

 

“I’m getting you to the coast for your sake, not mine,” Adam said smiling. “To distract you and have you all to myself.”

 

“Oh gross,” Lexi groaned. “I should have brought a book or something if this was a sex thing.”

 

“Do you really want a sister?” Adam said, “I’ll give you mine.”

 

“Take me off his hands, Jason,” she countered. “I’m tired of him.”

 

“I’ll think about it,” I said shaking my head. They both had a knack for distracting me or maybe I was just too willing to be distracted.

 

“This is going to be so fun,” Lexi said, “I’ve not had a break in forever.”

 

“I figured you’d be living it up more and not working at a coffee shop,” I said and I noticed her grimace.

 

“Mommy and Daddy don’t believe in handing over trusts until after college,” Lexi answered, “I’m actually in debt right now.”

 

“Sucks,” I said glancing over at Adam. “When do you get your trust?”

 

“When he grows up,” Lexi answered sticking out her tongue.

 

“I really don’t want it,” he said, “I’ve told them that, but they keep wanting to hold it over my head.”

 

“I wish they would listen to him, means more for me,” Lexi said and I smiled.

 

“What does growing up mean to them?” I asked and Adam smirked glancing over at me before returning his attention back to the road. We were already out of town and headed for the freeway that would be a shorter route to the coast, although we wouldn’t be on it long.

 

“I guess my first strike happened when I left college,” he said and I noticed that Lexi started to say something, but he waved his hand. “Then the whole community service for that other thing.”

 

“Really, who moons holy people?” Lexi asked shaking her head. “You gave Mom a migraine over that one.”

 

“Shut up,” he groaned. “I didn’t realize that nun was standing there, I thought it was just a building.”

 

“That’s what you get for having stupid friends,” she added and I studied Adam. I noticed that his jaw muscles clenched and his hand tightened around the steering wheel. There was obviously more to that than what he said.

 

“Former friends,” he corrected after a pause. I noticed him glance in my direction and I looked away wondering what I had just witnessed. He had edited the story and made it sound so light and uneventful in the coffee shop when I first met him. I couldn’t help thinking that it was because I had nearly interrogated him the first time. Thinking back on it I flushed and stared out the window. I had been so desperate to talk and think about someone else and he seemed to be all too willing to be part of that plan. He had caught on quickly enough anyway.

 

“That’s a good store for dog food,” Lexi said, “we’ll not hit another store for awhile.”

 

“Alright,” he said as he pulled into the turning lane. He made sure he had the right away before he turned into the parking lot. He barely had the truck parked before Lexi jumped out and jogged into the store.

 

I glanced back to look at Sadie. She was staring out the window towards the entrance of the store where Lexi just disappeared. Her tail thudded against the leather seats, the heat of the day made her stink a bit, now that the breeze from the moving truck had stopped.

 

“Your sister is different than what she is at work,” I said not liking the silence between us.

 

“A pain in the ass is what she is,” Adam said smiling. “I have to love her anyway.”

 

“Right,” I said trying not to laugh at the slight whine in his voice.

 

“What do you want to do after we get to the coast?” He asked leaning back in his seat. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, and I wondered if he ever sat still.

 

“I don’t know,” I answered shrugging. “I guess see how Sadie reacts to the ocean.”

 

“She’ll do fine,” he said rolling his eyes. “Lexi has a soft spot for animals.”

 

“Aren’t you a veterinary technician?” I asked and he laughed.

 

“Lexi forgets that dogs poop and you have to clean up after them,” he countered and I laughed until he reached over and slid his hand over mine. I looked over and saw that the smile had faded from him and he was studying me.

 

“What?” I asked feeling a flush creep across my cheeks.

 

“If you want to skip the coast and go search for her, we will,” he said offering me a half smile. “I don’t want to be the reason you don’t go when you want to.”

 

“I’ll need to read what it says first,” I said shaking my head unable to ignore what his thumb rubbing the back of my hand did to me. Even during the heat of the day, I felt a chill run through me that caused goosebumps to spread across my skin. I liked the feeling a lot. “I should probably get in contact with her, not just show up.”

 

“Yeah,” he said, “probably not something you want to drop on a person.”

 

“Definitely,” I said my voice barely a whisper.

 

“Try to have fun then?” Adam asked and I looked ahead to see Lexi leaving the store carrying a small bag of dog food. Enough for a quick trip to the coast anyway. He kept hold of my hand and I knew he wouldn’t let go of it again for the rest of the trip.

 

“I’ll try, I promise,” I answered smiling as Lexi tossed the bag in the back of the truck and slid into the back seat. After a brief wrestling match with Sadie as she tried to welcome Lexi back into the truck we were on our way again.

 

“You owe me twelve dollars,” Lexi said fastening her seat belt after Sadie gave up and settled in on the other side of the seat.

 

“Lexi,” Adam groaned and I smiled wanting to keep my promise. I didn’t know if it was possible, but I would try.