A Storm Is Coming (22 page)

Closing her eyes and rubbing her forehead, Stephanie let out a pent up breath, “Maurice annoys the shit out of me. I don’t know if I can put up with him forever.”

“Maurice has annoyed the shit out of you for almost six years. Nothing’s changed there. And, I’m pretty sure any long-term relationship is going to have those moments.”

“It’s not moments Braylee but all the time.”

“Stephanie, what is this really all about?”

She was hesitant to respond, “Have you ever noticed how alike Maurice and daddy are? I mean…at least daddy would work the odd job or two until he wasn’t able anymore. But, Maurice, he lacks drive, determination and is fine living with mama and daddy. I want my own house one day. And, what if we have kids? Do I really want Maurice to raise them?”

Stephanie got up holding her stomach as she walked over to the window. She was nauseous, “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Braylee followed her over and cradled her into the crook of her arms. “Those are all very good questions. I’m not one to say that love conquers all, but do you love him?”

“Braylee, you of all people are asking me that question? You’re the one who should be saying what’s love got to do with it?”

“Look little sister. I’m not silly enough to think that love is all you need. A relationship needs more than that, but love still needs to be part of the foundation. Can you see your life without him?”

Stephanie didn’t respond.

Braylee went on, “Look if you love and want a life with Maurice and you think he’s worth it then do it. Walk down that aisle. If you love him but have realized that the life he’s offering you is not what you want…then don’t do it. But, don’t sit up here and talk about the rain; or, compare your marriage to mama’s and daddy’s. Every marriage is different. They had their own brand of crazy and we’ll each have our own.”

Stephanie laid her head on Braylee’s shoulder and whispered, “Daddy is still in rehab. I know you hate him, but that’s still daddy. I want him to walk me down the aisle when I get married.”

“I don’t hate daddy. But, our relationship is…complicated. And, there’s nothing wrong with you wanting him to walk you down the aisle.

Tears started to form in Stephanie’s eyes, “Braylee…I’m sorry about how mama treated you all these years. I saw it. I just always hoped things would get better. But, more than anything, I’m sorry for not being there for you when she hurt you, or even when I hurt you. I’m sorry for allowing you to take care of me…and Maurice. There’s no excuse, but you always seemed so strong and like you could handle anything. I…I…just didn’t realize until last month that you’re not a machine. You’re human, and you feel just like we all do. It also made me realize that it’s time for me to stand on my own two feet.”

Braylee pressed her lips together to try to keep from crying too.

Stephanie reached out and wrapped her arms around Braylee’s waist, “You don’t have to be strong all the damn time. It’s okay to cry if you want to.”

Braylee wiped away a tear, “Mama and me. We’re an interesting pair, huh? Where is she anyway?”

“Still at the salon getting her hair done.” Stephanie started to giggle and then laugh…a throaty almost uncontrollable laugh.

Hoping she wasn’t having the nervous breakdown she probably deserved, Braylee couldn’t help but ask, “What’s so funny?”

It was difficult to speak through their laughter. But, Stephanie somehow managed to get the words out. “Mama’s complex has given me a complex, but we’re here almost two hours early thanks to her and guess who’s going to be late? Don’t you see the irony? And…it’s just another sign.”

After Braylee thought about it for a second, it was kind of funny. No, it was really funny. As a matter of fact, they looked at each other and laughed hysterically.

Once the case of the giggles died down a bit, Braylee looked on at her sister proudly, “My goodness, today is the day that my little Stephanie has grown up.”

“Yeah. I guess.” She sighed, “It’s time to put my big girl panties on and go give Maurice his ring back.”

“Are you sure?”

“He’s going to be upset. But, it’s best…for both of us. I’m sure.”

“You know you’ve got my support.”

“I know. And, for the record, before I grow up…grow up…I’m going to have one last hurrah and use this honeymoon as a vacation.”

Braylee swayed back and forth with Stephanie, “Hmmm…where was the honeymoon going to be?”

“Monte Carlo.”

“Nice. You know…I’ve never been there. It would be a great place for Alex and me to go and a nice down payment on paying me back for all this money I spent on this wedding.”

Stephanie pulled back in horror, “Seriously?”

Braylee laughed, “Well...since you’re all grow’d up and everything.”

“Damn. Being an adult sucks.”

Braylee wasn’t really going to take her trip, but it sure was fun to see her expression. Maybe, she’d let her stew about it at least for another hour or two.

Chapter 32

Braylee and Lisa were sitting outside a little bistro outside of Buckingham Fountain having lunch. They always had a good time when they were together and this time was no different. Most of the afternoon had been spent catching up and laughing.

Lisa turned serious, “It’s so good to see you like this.”

“Like what?”

“Carefree, fun, and happy. Even with all that hulking security around us. You can still laugh.”

Braylee sighed, “I know. But, until they catch Joseph, as irritating and inconvenient as they are, they’re necessary.”

“That new Chief of Police has been doing some real house cleaning. Quite a few officers and paid administration officials have been suspended pending a hearing on their firing. The Police Union is hopping mad about it too.”

“I love a good union. I’m a card-carrying member of one, but wrong is wrong. Don’t protect people when they are so clearly wrong. The entire organization loses credibility when that happens.”

“Well, considering all the crap you guys have endured, it’s a wonder you’re still smiling. He’s good for you. I knew he would be.”

Braylee was grinning from ear to ear, “Well, I do have to admit, he does make me happy. And it feels good to be able to be myself with him warts and all.”

“Speaking of warts, how’s Stephanie?”

Braylee laughed, “Hey now…that’s my sister. But, believe it not, she’s working and has just moved into her apartment.”

“That’s fabulous! I’m still reeling about her calling off the wedding. When you called to tell me, I was in shock. We were all dressed and ready to walk out of the door. It was at that moment, I thought…Stephanie might just be trying to grow up a little.”

“Hmm…I think all of us have some room to grow. Speaking of which, daddy and I are going to therapy.”

“Get out! With Dr. Jorgensen?”

“No. Nate was right. I hadn’t made a whole lot of progress, and I didn’t feel comfortable going to him anymore after the whole flowers…benefit thing. So, we’re going to Dr. Jacqueline Peters.”

“I haven’t heard of her. Anyway, I was sure you two were going to hook up. Thank god he’s gay.”

Braylee furrowed her brows, “Who?”

“Nate.”

“Why does everybody think that? Nate’s not gay. He’s been in a committed relationship with a woman for almost nine years!”

Lisa was stunned, “Get oooouuut! Really?”

“Yes. I’ve met her a few times. Her name is Grace. She travels a lot thank god. Otherwise, I’d probably have to find another assistant.”

“Braylee…Nate is scrumptious. Why haven’t you two ever…dated? Not that I would want you to…now that you’re with Alex.”

“We never dated because he’s…Nate. Can you imagine? We’d fight over the mirror more than Stephanie and I. Anyway, he feels like a brother to me, and I suspect I feel like a sibling to him too.”

“Wow. I just knew he was gay. You could bowl me over with a feather with that one.” Lisa shook her head, “Anyway, back to your father. How is he?”

“He’s good. He’s been clean and sober going on ninety days now. I just hope my mother doesn’t drive him back to drinking.”

“How are things with her?”

“The same. It may never change between us and I just might have to find closure in that.”

Lisa could feel the energy shift. They’d been in such a good place, so she decided to change the subject, “How is Manchetti Enterprises?”

“The company’s health couldn’t be better. Alex has been putting in long hours checking and double checking everything and everybody. And, we’re still winding our way through the settlements. There are a couple of complainants who are being stubborn, but hopefully we’ll come to some agreement.”

Braylee checked her watch, “My goodness, I didn’t realize how late it was. I better get going. Alex will be back in town tonight. He’s been in China almost a week.”

“Still working on the TNG2?”

“Yes. Things are moving along. His patent was approved last week.”

Lisa smirked, “Well, I better make sure not to call you.”

“Yes, indeed because it’s going to go straight to voice-mail the second he walks into the house. As a matter of fact, I’ll probably be offline for the next few days.”

They laughed as Braylee paid the check then kissed each on the cheek as they left the restaurant.

Chapter 33

It was almost six o’clock. Alex should be home any minute. Braylee was in the bedroom putting the final touches on her private welcome home party.

The candles were lit all around the room, the wine was chilling, and the music was playing softly in the background.

Braylee was freshly bathed, and she smiled at her reflection as she stood naked in front of the mirror putting on a sexy red baby doll slip and a pair of thigh high stockings.

The only thing missing was Alex.

Would he want dinner before or after? She couldn’t help thinking hopefully after. Her body had become accustomed to making love with him almost every night, and he’d been gone seven long days.

Fabi and Cecily were going to be out at least until ten o’clock, so Braylee had a precious few hours with him all alone and she planned to put them to good use.

That reminded her to thank Fabi for being so thoughtful. He was a lot like Alex in many ways. He was a truly good guy and was working hard to make amends for the loss of lives in those accidents.

He’d also been going to counseling to help him deal with all the guilt.

Was that Alex? Braylee stood still as she listened intently. The garage door closed. Whispering to herself excitedly, “Yes…it’s him.”

Quickly she ran to the stairs and went down them about half way before sitting down in a provocative way. Braylee leaned back on her elbows with her legs parted. He would be able to have a clear view of what he’d been missing over the past week.

The house was somewhat dark with only a small light by the stairs. However, Braylee would be clearly visible as soon as he turned the corner from the kitchen.

She heard him call out, “Braylee…Cecily…Fabi….is anybody home?” And, waited patiently.

His words were caught in his throat the moment he saw Braylee sitting on the stairs.

“Hey handsome.”

Alex dropped his suitcase and jacket on the floor as he stood at the bottom of the stair, “Wow. Maybe I should go out of town more often.”

Braylee purred, “Hmmm…seven days is a long time.”

He took the stairs two at a time as he undid his tie. Once he reached her, Braylee opened her legs wider so that he could stand in-between them. He kneeled down and capture her mouth in a wild kiss. Braylee wrapped her arms around his neck as she kissed him back just as eagerly.

The flight from China was long, and she didn’t want to be too selfish. She pulled away, “I missed you Mr. Manchetti.”

“Not as much as I missed you.”

“Are you tired…hungry?”

“I’m very hungry, but not for food.” He kissed his favorite spot behind her ear, “Where’s Fabi and Cecily?”

Braylee moaned, then whispered, “Out until around ten o’clock.”

“Then, what are we doing out here?”

Alex picked Braylee up in his arms ready to take her into their bedroom when the doorbell rang.

“You expecting anybody?”

She shook her head no, “Everybody that I know is aware that you’re coming home tonight so they wouldn’t dare call me.”

He let her body slowly slide down his until her feet touched the floor, “You go to the bedroom and wait for me. I’ll get rid of whoever is at the door.”

“Okay…you do that. And Alex…hurry up!”

Braylee went up the stairs into their bedroom to wait while Alex went down the stairs to see who was at the door.

Irritated that he’d been taken away from Braylee he barked at whoever was at there, “I’m coming.”

He snatched the door open. Alex looked as if he’d seen a ghost. There in all her glory stood Gina Lee Xiou, “It’s been a long time Alex, but I heard you went all the way to China looking for me. Well…here I am.”

A Storm Is Coming

Part II

Christmas 2015

THE BATTLE WITHIN

Franklin and Sandy’s Story

COMING AUGUST 2015

Sandy was stunned into silence. Her heart stopped. Did the temperature drop to zero? She couldn’t believe April’s words.

Was this true? Could it even be likely?

She continued to stare unable to move. Until finally managing a blink. Once…twice…then a few more desperately trying to shake off her shock and absorb what had been said. All the while April stood as unmoving and unfeeling as a statue.

How was that even possible? That blank expression for the man she claimed to love? Standing there as if the world hadn’t tilted on its axis. As if her words didn’t have inconceivable consequences.

Then she smirked. The smirk of a cold, calculating, and soulless woman. That subtle movement made the air rush back into Sandy’s lungs.

Out of nowhere, she pulled back and like a flash of lightening…Whack! Her palm connected to the side of April’s face. The sound bounced off the walls like a thunderous crack.