Damaged Love (Bound Series Book 2) (8 page)

CHAPTER TEN

The Holiday Brings Stress

“Only you can control your future.”

~Dr. Seuss

“I can’t believe it is already Thanksgiving. I have never had a real family dinner. So this year I am going to cook. Lord help me. Mom, can you make me a list of things I need from the store?”

“You’re serious? You want to cook?”

“Yes. Why are you guys laughing?”

“None of us have seen you in the kitchen other than to grab some wine or to eat the food someone else prepared.”

“You guys can joke all you want.”

“Do you have any idea how to cook? Do you think you can prepare something like Thanksgiving dinner?”

“Well, I have Googled it and watched You Tube. How hard can it be?”

“Kayla sweetheart, I can cook the meal. Well, we can order a fried turkey, and then I can make the rest.”

“You guys, will you please trust me? This is something I want to do so please shush and make me a list. We only have a few days before Thanksgiving, so I need to get my turkey now. Please write down everything I’ll need. I need to get to the store.”

“Well, can you tell me what you want to make?”

“Hello, I just told you guys I have never had a real Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Wait, Seth and Millie never fixed holiday meals?” VI asks.

“Nope, never. They were always out of town for the holidays. The help always made seafood for the holidays. That’s why I’m asking for a list. I have no clue what I need to buy.”

“Come on buttercup. There’s no need for a list. You and I will go shopping.” Wyatt said.

“I’ll let the name slide you ass, but only because you are taking me shopping. Let me grab my purse and then we can be on our way.”

“Who all is going?” Wyatt asks.

“Just you and me stud. Come on.”

“Hey now! You have a man. Don’t be flirting with mine.” VI says, laughing.

“Oh VI, your man couldn’t handle this.” I run my hands down my side laughing.

“Kayla babe, you would be ruined for any other man.” Wyatt joked.

“Brother, if you were anyone else I’d knock you out, but seeing how we are blood, I’ll let you live.” Garrett laughs.

“Come on Wyatt. I want to go before all the fat turkeys are gone.”

“Oh hell, I better go.”

“Let’s drive the beast, but you can’t touch my radio stations Wyatt, and I mean it.”

“There better not be country blaring in my ears.”

“Just for that smart ass, I will make sure of it.”

I grab him and pull him to the door. I grab my keys, my pink Coach purse, and put my Gucci sunglasses on before heading out the door.

We get to the beast and I hit the alarm to unlock the doors. I get inside and push the button to start the car. I fasten my seatbelt and turn the radio on. I’m greeted by Meghan Trainor’s
Lips are Moving.

“Aw Buttercup, this is not the good music, but this is an improvement. You’re may finally be moving up in the music world.”

Ignoring his comment, I ask, “Okay so what store are we buying out?”

“The only one I shop at—PCC Natural Markets.”

“Okay, let’s go do some damage.”

We are only a few minutes away so we make small talk until we arrive at the store. I have never shopped with Wyatt and he will soon find out that shopping is an excursion with me because I go down every single isle.

A while later, Wyatt says, “Kayla, are you serious? We have everything already.”

“Oh hush cry baby. We have only been here for over an hour. But you’re right, I think we have everything on our list.” I grabbed the biggest turkey I could find. It’s a beast at 23 pounds.

We get up to the register, and she rings everything up and gives me the grand total of three hundred twenty seven dollars.

“Kayla, have you lost your damn mind? Its only one dinner!”

“Yes but it’s my first family dinner. So like you tell me, suck it up buttercup. Now load those groceries so we can head back to the house because I am excited to start baking.”

“Oh God! I just know you’re going to burn your house down.” Wyatt groans.

“Well if I burn the house down, I can design a new one.”

“Ooh, well played Buttercup!”

***

Over the next few days, I search every cooking website I can think of because I want to show them that I can do this.

I have made several pies—Dutch apple, spicy pumpkin, and a southern pecan pie. I am standing in my kitchen, and I have flour everywhere when Garrett walks in and starts laughing at me.

“I should so record this because you may never cook another meal again.”

“Ha-Ha, very funny. I am trying here.”

“It smells good in here—smells like a bakery.”

“All I can say is I am trying and if it doesn’t turn out, there’s always Chinese.”

“I am really proud of you. I have never seen you in the kitchen, and I find it really sexy.”

He comes over and wipes some flour off my nose and gently kisses my forehead. “I will let you butter my buns later.”

“Is that a promise?”

“Yes it is.”

“What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?”

“Oh wow, as a man I know I am supposed to say football but I love the food. So don’t mess up my favorite part.”

“It’s not like I didn’t have enough pressure. Thanks for adding to it, Asshat! Anyways how is work? Sign any one new lately?”

“I am working on signing this new and up-coming author, but I can’t discuss anything. She is pretty kick ass, though. I am excited.”

“Yay! I hope you sign her! How is your mom?”

“She is good. I think they are in Europe right now. Wyatt invited her for Thanksgiving, but she said they were not going to be here. I know what the answer to this will be, but I’m going to ask anyway. Have you talked to Seth?”

“No I have not. He has called me several times and sent me lots of texts messages, but as far as me actually listening to him, the answer is no. As far as I am concerned, he can go fuck himself.”

“Kay, isn’t that a little harsh? He is your father. Don’t you think you should hear him out?”

“Garrett, you are walking on very thin ice. I have nothing to say to him. One day maybe I will forgive him, but that day is not going to be today.”

“Okay, I won’t bring it up again. I was just asking love.”

“Yes I know and thank you, but right now he’s a sore subject for me.”

“I get it. I don’t agree with you, but I get it.”

“Garrett, you hated your father. He beat you, your brother, and mom. So you mean to tell me if he was alive that you would have something to do with him?”

“You talk about your faith all the time Kay. How is it you can have faith in some things but not others? I am an adult now, so yes I would try to have a relationship with my father. Remember babe, tomorrow is not promised to anyone.”

“I am done with this conversation. I have food to prepare so if you are going to keep giving me shit, please leave the kitchen.”

I watch him get up and leave. I turn and face the window by the sink, and I can’t help but break down.

I take off my apron and throw it on the granite counter. I grab my keys and walk out the door. I have no destination in mind, but I know I have to get out of the house. I get in the beast and just start driving. I drive for a few minutes, and I end up at Seattle’s Great Wheel.

I have never been here, but it looks like a great place to just sit and think. There is a park bench right out front, and I walk over and take a seat. I watch the kids—their little faces light up when seeing the great wheel for the first time. I watch the lovers strolling along, hand-in-hand and an older couple who look like they have weathered many storms together. They are sitting so close that they look like one. She lovingly looks up at her partner, and he gently kisses her cheek. I watch as they get up and dance. There is no music around, but they are in perfect harmony. I notice that he never lets her hand go. He holds her like she is his reason for breathing. You can tell that he loves her unconditionally.

I sit there for a few more minutes and I see a man and a little girl. She can’t be more than five or six. She has on a white flowered dress and has her hair in braids. He has on slacks and nice dress shirt. She is crying and it looks like she hurt her knee. He has bent down and picked her up. He walks over to a table and sits her down. He gets down on one knee and examines her knee. He gives it a kiss, and she stops crying. Just like that...one little kiss and she was over her pain.
Is it really that simple? Can a father’s love really be like that
?

I know what I have to do. I have to forgive him—Garrett was right. My faith needs to be overall, not just one sided.

I get back in the beast and head home. I look at the clock, and I have been gone for a few hours. I left without my phone, so I am sure there will be an APB out for me.

I get home and there is no one there. So I go straight to bed. It has been a long day and I am exhausted.

***

Thanksgiving Day is finally here, and I find myself up before everyone else. I had the turkey in the oven before five that morning, and I have all the sides made and the table set. The only thing I’m waiting on is the turkey to be finished. Everyone else is in the living room watching football, and I can hear them yelling about a play.

I love hearing them laugh.

I look over and Rodney is walking into the kitchen for another beer.

“Hey Kayla, how are you today?”

“I am good and you?”

“I am starving. That bird needs to hurry up. I think my stomach is touching my back.”

I look at him and laugh because he doesn’t look like he has ever missed a meal.

“Kayla, don’t let this belly fool you. It’s hard work keeping this shape.”

“You’re such a mess, but I see why my mom is crushing on you. You’re one of the good guys.”

“Can I tell you a secret?”

“Well sure Rodney.”

“I’m kind of crushing on her as well.”

“I knew it. I can see the way you look at her.”

We are interrupted when the oven timer goes off. The turkey is done!

Rodney’s eyes light up, “Let me get that out of the oven for you.”

“Fingers crossed it is done because if it is not, we will be eating Chinese.”

“Oh God I hope not. My mouth is watering just from smelling this bird in the oven.”

Rodney takes the turkey out of the oven, and I put it on the platter.

“Rodney will you do the honors of cutting the turkey?”

“I’d be honored. Of course that means I get to taste it first, right?”

“Sure, that way if it’s not good, you can tell me.”

“It will be fine. Look at this Kayla, this is a beautiful bird.”

I yell for everyone to come and eat.

We gather around the table and I say a prayer.

O Gracious God, we give you thanks for your overflowing generosity to us. Thank you for the blessings of the food we eat and especially for this feast today. Thank you for our home and family and friends, especially for the presence of those gathered here. Thank you for our health, our work and our play. Please send help to those who are hungry, alone, sick and suffering war and violence. Open our hearts to your love. We ask your blessing through Christ your son. Amen.

Dinner was a hit. Everyone has a belly full of food and we are sitting around enjoying each other’s company when Rodney’s phone rings.

“Excuse me, it’s the station.”

We make small talk for a few minutes and when Rodney walks back in, I can see something is wrong.

Patrice walks up to him and grabs his hand, “Honey, what is wrong?”

“It’s Elijah. He was released from the hospital.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The Plan

“There's a terrible price to pay for stress in your life - it really takes a hit on your heart.”

~Leeza Gibbons

My world stops when I hear Elijah has been released. I go into complete panic mode.

“Kayla, I will make sure there are extra cops patrolling this area.”

“It won’t make a difference. He will make me pay. He is going to be worse now after his brother dying. Edwin was actually less evil than Elijah. At least Edwin had half a heart. Elijah is outright cold and he doesn’t care about going to jail. Can’t you see it doesn’t scare him?

“I promise, you will be safe.”

“Rodney, no offense, but you can’t promise that, so please don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“Well, I can do my best, but for now, no more outings on your own.”

“I’m sorry, but there is no way in hell I’m going to stay locked inside. It doesn’t matter where I am or if I’m alone or in a crowd. He wants me and he’ll make it happen. He is a snake and will strike when and where he wants.

“Is there anything we can do, Rodney?” Patrice asks.

“All I can offer is make sure you watch your surroundings. Patrice, I don’t think he knows anything about you, but please keep your eyes open. VI, Wyatt, and Garrett, you know he already has it out for y’all. So my advice is to stay home. Don’t go out shopping for Black Friday.”

“I’m sorry Rodney, but I will not miss shopping because of him. I have plans tomorrow, and he can kiss my ass.”

“Kayla, what plans do you have?” Garrett asks.

“I’m buying all your Christmas gifts, and none of you are coming with me. I will take VI’s Taser.”

“Kayla, did you not just hear what Rodney said?”

“Yeah I heard Mom, but I have plans. I will check in every hour. Don’t worry. I will be fine. I am tired of living in fear. I looked over my shoulder for seven long years, and I refuse to do it any longer. This is not open for discussion.”

I walk out of the dining room because I am done. I head down the hallway and go to my room. I walk across the floor to the double doors and out to my patio taking a seat on the dark chocolate chaise lounge. This is my thinking spot. I have to come up with a plan to deal with Elijah because if he isn’t dealt with, this nightmare will keep repeating—kind of like the movie Groundhog’s Day.

My thoughts are interrupted by VI.

“Kay, I see the wheels in your head turning. You are practically smoking out of your ears. So tell me your plan because I know you are forming one. If I need to be an alibi I will.”

“VI, you know me too well, but I will not let you or anyone be an accessory to my crime or crimes.”

“Kayla, I am not asking. You either tell me, or you don’t get to leave without me. I am not playing. You remember what happened last time you didn’t let me in on your plan.”

“Well, last time there was no plan. You ma’am went in there half-cocked. I just refused to wait on back up.”

“Do you want me to go and get Wyatt and Garrett, or Rodney for that matter? Because I will.”

I pull her arm back and tell her, “No, I don’t want that, but I seriously don’t have a plan—just an idea.”

“Okay, so spill it sis. I am not playing.”

“Okay, so I am going to make a call to Damon. He has told me he can come and teach someone a lesson.”

“Okay so make the call now. I want to hear what your plan is.”

“Dang you are pushy.”

“No, I am being protective.”

I grab my phone from my bra, and I dial his number

“Yo, this is Damon.”

“Damon, this is Birmingham.”

“Birmingham, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, but this is not a social call. I need your help.”

“Okay, but I’m telling you I’m not selling you anything ever again.”

“No, this has nothing to do with that.”

“Okay, so tell me what it is you need.”

“The last time we talked, you said you would come and teach someone a lesson for me. I need to call in that favor now.”

“Okay, when do you need this done?”

“I need it done like now. I’ll pay for your flight out here and pay you whatever you ask for when it’s done.”

“Okay, when you say done, do you mean like done-done?”

“No. Here’s my plan. I need your goons to beat up someone and torture him for six hours.”

“Okay, I can do that. Give me an hour to get to the airport. I will be traveling with two men.”

“Okay, three first class flights are being booked right now.”

VI nods her head and get on the computer.

“Will you need transportation and lodging while you’re here?”

“No Birmingham, I can handle all that.”

“Okay deal, but I have one more favor and I know you said no, but can you get a rig when you get here?”

“Do I want to know what for?”

“No, you don’t. The less I tell you, the better off you are.”

“Okay, I’ll let you know when I land.”

“Thank you Damon, for everything. Oh, and I’m sorry about the other day.”

“No worries. I just hope I got them there in time.”

“Yes, you did, but barely.”

The phone disconnects, and I know our conversation is over.

“Are you sure about this, Kay?”

“Yes, I am ready for this shit to be over, but I do need your help with one more thing.”

“Okay, name it and I’ll do what I can.”

I need you to go shopping for me because I can’t come back with no presents. I want you to take my card and buy for everyone. We also need a Christmas tree and decorations. I want you to meet me at Northgate Mall in the food court at four pm.”

“Is there something you’re not telling me, Kay?”

I smile at her, and she knows I am hiding something.

“I told you I won’t tell you everything because I don’t want you to know how evil I really am. Now go get some sleep and be ready to leave at five am.”

“Holy hell! Are you out of your fucking mind? That’s before the chickens even get up.”

“Well, I can leave you here.”

“No, no that isn’t necessary. I’ll be ready. We will need to stop by Starbucks first thing.”

“I can handle that.”

My phone rings, and I see its Damon.

“Hello Damon.”

“Hey Birmingham. We are headed to the airport.”

“Okay, your tickets are there. Talk to you soon.”

“For sure.”

The call ends again.

“Go to bed VI. I love your face.”

“I love yours too.”

She gets up and leaves the patio. I follow and walk over to my closet and pick out my clothes. I choose a pair of old jeans, a tank top, and an old sweater. I grab my tennis shoes, jacket, and my black knock off purse. I lay them on the chair by the vanity.

Garrett walks in and sees that I have clothes laid out.

“You’re serious? You’re really going shopping?”

“Yes Garrett, I am. VI is going with me, so calm down. We’re leaving at five in the morning.”

“I can’t believe that you are going to do this. He has already hurt both of you once.”

“Garrett, I can’t live my life in fear any longer. I’ve lived that life and I am over it.”

“Kayla, you’re insane. Why go out looking for trouble?”

“Would it be better that he come here and hurt me in my own house? I don’t think so, Garrett. I am over my fear of him. He can’t hurt me anymore.”

“How do you figure? He can kill you, and you know as well as I do, he will do it if he has the chance.”

“I’m not going to stay cooped up. I’m sorry, but this is not open for discussion.”

“You’re hiding something. You’re too calm.”

“I am hiding nothing, Garrett. I am going shopping. I have a home to decorate for Christmas. Tomorrow is the biggest shopping day of the year. I have not missed a Black Friday sale since I was sixteen, and I will not miss this one.”

“I don’t understand you. I don’t see your logic.”

“I’m asking you to have faith in me. It will all work out.”

“I can see that I’m not going to win this battle.”

I tap him on the shoulder and tell him, “No babe, you’re not. Let’s go to bed. I’m tired, and I have to get up in a few hours because I have a dent to put in my credit card.”

“Okay, let’s go to bed.”

We get into bed, and I lay on my side with Garrett behind me. I can feel his erection forming, so I stick my ass out further and hear him hiss.

“Babe, you are making things rise up down there.”

“Who? Me? Never. I’m an angel.”

“A naughty angel in the nicest way possible.”

“Babe, fuck me, please?”

Without hesitation, he was inside me.

I roll us over and am on top of him. He is holding my hips and grabs my breast.

“You’re so sexy.”

I glance down at him and his eyes are rolling back in his head. I know it won’t be long now before his release so I do a hoola-hoop motion a couple of times and that’s all it takes. He is saying my name as he climaxes. It isn’t long before I find my release.

I collapse on his chest and listen to his heavy breathing while he runs his hands down my spine, sending chills down my body.

He whispers, “I know you’re hiding something babe, but I am going to trust you.”

I act like I don’t hear him and calm my breathing. It doesn’t take long before I’m asleep.