Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) (11 page)

“You sure smell nice. Gotta hot date?” Not that it’s any of my business, but god I hope not.

“Thanks,” he says with a smile. “It’s my day off, remember?” He grabs the collar of his thin, black, V-neck sweater, lifting it to his nose. “If I go to work smelling like anything other than ‘manly’, the guys harass me all night. And yes, I
do
have a hot date.” He turns his head in the other direction.

A sudden pang of jealousy claws through my belly, even though there’s no rational reason why it should.  “That’s nice. Have a good time,” I reply, I bit more snarky than I meant to.

“You aren’t going to ask who my date’s with?” His eyebrows rise.

I lift my chin with an urbane facade. “Nope. It’s none of my business.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say that.”

“What does
that
mean?”

He starts walking out the door then looks back. “Because my ‘hot date’ is stalking
you
.” Unable to conceal his amusement, he darts out before I can say anything. I notice my shoes on the floor, so I step inside them, reaching down to pull the straps up over my heels.

By the time I make it out of the room, he’s already on the elevator. As the doors close, he shoots me a beaming smile.

What did he mean by that?

The sound of chuckling takes my attention away from the departing antagonist, to my family staring with obvious amusement.

“Red’s a good color on you, Sis.” Dru chuckles, bumping me shoulder to shoulder.

“I’m not
wearing
red!” I snap. But then it hits me. Duh! “Oh whatever, Dru.” I turn, storming back to the room to avoid more jokes.

They continue laughing it up, which fuels my irritation further. I need to stop letting this guy get to me. And what did he mean by ‘stalking’ me tonight?

I’m not sure if I should be flattered—or frightened. Okay, that’s an exaggeration.

As I tap my foot like Bugs Bunny on crack, they walk in the room. Why do they always have to be right there to witness firsthand the affect Hunter has on me? It’s so humiliating.

“So, what did you do to embarrass yourself
this
time, darling sister?” Dhelia’s patronizing look makes me feel like the biggest idiot possible.

“If you must know, I misjudged him. Then I got jealous for no apparent reason. I’m an amateur. Someone please shoot me and put an end to this vicious cycle.” I pull my feet up Indian style, crossing my arms over my chest as my pity-party commences.

They look at each other, but no one speaks a word. I can’t read their faces either. What’s going on
now
?

“What?” I ask in a miffed tone. “What did I do
this
time?”

“You’ll figure it out one of these days, dear.” Gram smiles at the group. They all wear the same knowing expression, but it makes no sense to me.

Whatever. I don’t have time for this. We need to get on with our day. “So where’d you guys take off to anyway?”

“Oh, yeah. We went for coffee. Here you go.” Dru hands me a large Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. “He wasn’t supposed to wake you, just so you know.”

“Well, he wasn’t going to. When he walked in, I was having a nasty vision and talking in my sleep. He said he was concerned, so he woke me up. And I’m glad he did, too. It’s hard to tell
what
I might have said.”

He pauses. “Oh. Well then I guess I can forgive him for that.” Dru frowns.

“So what was your vision about, dear?” Gram asks, fidgeting with her beaded necklace.

“Trust me…it’s nothing we need to get into now. That’s a story for another day.”

She has that motherly look on her face she gets all too often, lips pursed, eyes narrowing. “Do you promise?”

“Of course, Gram. I promise.” Even though I’m not sure if I can ever share it with her. I can’t imagine how much it would freak her out.

“Okay.” Her expression softens. “Any chance you’d be up for some fun tonight?”

I think for a minute. “I guess. What’d you have in mind?”

“It’s your brother’s idea, actually.” Gram turns to Dru. “So I’ll let him explain.”

“Well, I figured tonight would be a good night for you to meet Peyton. Since it’s Friday night, and I’m sure you haven’t been out in a long time, I thought we’d go to a beach party in The Hamptons at my friend’s house. There’s gonna be a great band and tons of food.” He scrunches his eyelids. “What do you think?”

Talk about from left field. “Well what about Gram and Aunt Morgan?” I turn to gage their reactions.

Aunt Morgan jumps in, “It sounds like the perfect night for your Gram and me to catch up on some missed time together. We rather like the idea of having the house to ourselves for an entire evening.”

Gram nods in agreement.

“Oh. Okay. Well, in that case, sure. Sounds like fun. Who knows, maybe I’ll even run into some old friends.” This could actually be fun. Not to mention a great distraction.

“Sweet. I’ll call Peyton and my friends to let them know we’re coming. What time works for you guys?” He looks back and forth between Dhelia and me.

As if I have anything else going on. “I’m open, you guys just tell me.”

“How about we hit the road at seven?” Dhelia answers, a joyful glint in her eyes.

“Seven it is.” Looking quite pleased, Dru pulls out his cell and starts calling his friend. “We’re in, dude. We’ll be there around eight.”

We arrive at the party around
8:30, which isn’t bad considering the dreadful traffic this time of year. It’s about an hour drive to Westhampton Beach, but we underestimated it a bit by only leaving at 7:00.

Still early by any standards, yet there are already tons of people here. With next weekend being Memorial Day—and the official kick-off to summer—I didn’t expect there to be many people around yet. But I’m sure with the near tropical weather we’re having, most people just can’t resist.

I gaze around the jam packed room of girls mingling (
all
impeccably dressed like celebrities), and I can’t help being thankful for the shopping trip yesterday. Perfect timing! Dhelia’s gold, shimmering, off-one-shoulder top, cream Capri’s and five-inch gold wedge sandals fit in perfectly. But me on the other hand, I’m not quite as trendy as my sister. Though I must say, my saffron blue sundress doesn’t make me look like fashion road-kill, either. I guess you could say I look classy and feminine. And my silver, strappy Guess heels compliment my outfit tastefully. Even Dhelia gave me props on my selection, provided I go all out and glam it up with my hair down.

The instant we find the beach, a squealing blonde leaps into Dru’s arms and plants slobbering kisses all over him. Unable to take my eyes off the obnoxious display, I can’t help but admire how adorable they are together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother look so happy, beaming from ear-to-ear next to this tiny little thing.

Remembering they aren’t alone, Dru pulls the girl away and spins her around to face me. “Peyton, I’d like you to meet my big sister, Chloe. Chloe, this is my girlfriend, Peyton.” As he speaks the words, the expression on her face goes from confused—to elated—in just under two seconds. It seems Dru forgot to inform Peyton of her new status. Way to go, baby brother.

“Hey, sexy,” a raspy male voice calls out from somewhere behind us.

As we turn, a massive body-builder grabs Dhelia in a bear hug, pressing forceful kisses across her cheeks. Satisfied that his lips hadn’t missed a spot, he turns to face us, wrapping his muscular arm around her itsy-bitsy shoulders protectively.

Who the heck is this Jersey-Shore-wanna-be with his hands all over my sister?

The Situation’s eyes lock on me. “Hi. I’m Caleb. Dhelia’s boyfriend.”

Boyfriend? What the…? My mouth falls open. “Ah, hi. I’m…I’m Dhelia’s older sister, Chloe.”

Surprise registers on Caleb’s face, his over-waxed Guido brows shoot up. “I didn’t realize you were in town. It’s nice to finally meet you.” We both look to Dhelia for an explanation. Unbelievable!

“And I never knew
you
existed...but it’s nice to meet you, too.” How do I not know this?

Caleb and I wait for an explanation as to why she never felt the need to fill either of us in on such crucial information. But she offers up nothing.

“So is this part of my punishment then?” Stabbing pain shoots through my chest as reality sets in.

Does my face look as hurt as I feel?

“Not at all. It just never came up.” She hooks her arm through Caleb’s like a smug, contemptuous child.

“Never came up? I’ve been back for days and we’ve spent pretty much the entire time together. How could it
not
have come up?”

“You tell me? You
asked
Dru if he was seeing anyone, and he told you. But did you ask me?”

Crap. “Well, no. But you didn’t seem open to me asking you questions, either. You could have volunteered the information. Besides, you two look quite close, which obviously means you’ve been together for a lot longer than a few days.”

Dhelia nods. “You’re right. We’ve been together for about two years.”

“Are you kidding me? How is it no one has ever said anything to me in all this time?”

Dhelia holds her head high, like the victor she knows she is in this moment. “If truth be told, they were under direct orders to keep their mouths shut. They were simply respecting my wishes.”

As shock alerts me to the hole in my chest—where my heart used to be—my emotions get the best of me. “Do you honestly hate me that much?”

But I don’t wait for an answer. I spin around and walk away towards the sound of crashing waves.

I don’t believe her!

Had I truly wounded her
that
deeply?

My right foot sticks in the sand, nearly pulling me down face first. A tiny yelp escapes my lips. “How can anyone walk in the sand with friggin’ heels on?” I yank them off, continuing down the beach towards solitude.

I honestly thought things were getting better. But from where I’m looking right now, I couldn’t be further from the truth.

I know it’s my own fault, but hasn’t the time come for this to end? She believed me the other day when I told her about the visit from Mom. It seemed like she understood for the first time why I had to leave. Or was it just an act?

I find a dry spot to clear my head, but I know I can’t stay down here all night. I’m sure Dru’s upset I ran off, but I would have started crying had I stayed. Not exactly the way I’m sure he imagined introducing me to Peyton.

After twenty minutes of self-imposed isolation staring at the glistening ocean, I try to figure out what to say when I find my way back to the party. I must have made a
wonderful
first impression on Peyton and Caleb. I won’t be surprised if they end up thinking I’d left town years ago because I was locked-up in a loony bin. Great job, Chloe.

I continue beating myself up, when the sound of footsteps in the sand coming towards me pushes the pause button on my self-loathing. But I don’t turn to see who it is. I can’t. If it’s someone from our group, I don’t know if I’m ready to face them just yet. And if it’s a stranger, I
definitely
don’t want them seeing me like this.

“Chloe, is that you?”

Dhelia? Terrific. She’s come to beat up on me some more.

“Yeah.” Why did
she
come looking for me? If anyone would, I’d have thought it would be Dru.

“I almost didn’t see you over there. We’ve been looking
everywhere
for you. After searching the house and the entire party area, I figured you might have taken a walk down here.”

“Yep. You found me. Yay, you.” I can’t look at her. Not yet.

Dhelia walks up, clearly in the midst of texting someone. “I have to let Dru know you’re okay. He’s on the other side of the beach ready to jump in the water looking for you.”

“Whatever.” My tone only a
tad
sarcastic.

“Look, Chloe, I really am sorry. I suppose I never thought it through. I was planning to tell you after the dream you had about Mom, but I honestly forgot. Then once Dru sprung the idea of coming here tonight, I didn’t think it would be a big deal. I knew you two would meet tonight, so I didn’t think anything of it. I didn’t plan for it to come out like that, and I never realized how much it would hurt you. I’m sorry. We all know I’m the bitch of the family, but I truly didn’t mean to hurt you. I just didn’t think it through.” She pauses. “If it makes you feel any better, Caleb’s mad at me, too.”

I chuckle after hearing the news. Yes, that makes me feel a
little
better, but I still can’t say anything.

After a brief silence, she plops down beside me. “Look, I don’t want everyone’s night ruined because I did something stupid. It’s a gorgeous evening, and there are people up there who want to see you. Two of whom would
very
much like to get to know you. You should be up there having fun, instead of being down here sulking, because of
me
.”

Deep breath. Exhale. “I’m okay. I just hate that I’ve hurt you. You know I never meant to, but I feel like you’ll always be paying me back in some way. More than anything, all I want is to put the past behind us and move on.

“I’m sorry I left you and Dru behind.

“I’m sorry I hurt you.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to be there for you. I was only thirteen, for crying out loud!

“I know it’s gonna take time for you to trust me again and for us to feel like sisters. But you have to forgive me, Dhelia. You
have
to.”

For a good twenty seconds, the only sound to be heard is the crashing waves.

“My forgiveness really means that much to you?”

“Of course it does!” I shout.

After another long silence, she kneels close to my side, wrapping her arms around me in a way she hasn’t since we were kids. “Okay then. I forgive you. You’re here now, and even though I haven’t acted like it, I really am glad you’re back. I’ve missed you, Chloe. I always have.”

Oh my god. Did she just say that?

Dhelia’s tears drip onto my shoulder.

Great. Now I’m bawling, too. “I’ve missed you so much you little brat. You had to know that.”

She pulls back from our embrace, wincing as she looks me in the eyes. “I forgot to tell you something else....”

“Oh great. What now?” Should I be scared?

“Well, let’s just say...I have a surprise for you. But you have to come back up to the party to find out what it is. There’s someone here who
really
wants to see you.”

“Seriously? Who is it?” Relief calms me with its welcome embrace.

“You could use a nice surprise about now, so I’m not telling you. But we’d better get you to a bathroom so we can fix your face first. You look worse than a twenty-car-pile-up.”

“Oh gees, is it
that
bad?” I try wiping the smeared make-up from my face I imagine must be there.

“It’s nothing a little powder, lip gloss, and anti-frizz serum won’t fix.”

“And I suppose you just happen to have all that in your bag-of-tricks, right?”

“You know me…always prepared for anything.” She holds up her gold clutch in triumph.

I laugh, but I know it’s true. She’s famous for having anything you need, for just about
anything
that might happen. Gram calls it the-purse-of-preparedness.

“Before we go, there’s something I need to ask.” I pause. “Does Caleb hate me from all the stories you must have told him?”

“
Hate
you? Why on earth would he
hate
you?” She cocks her head back, genuine surprise etched across her face.

“Because
you
did, Dhelia. Because I hurt you so badly.”

She shook her head. “Of course he doesn’t hate you. That’s messed up, even for you. He understands, believe me. He has his own share of family drama. But Caleb’s a great guy. A cocky little meathead, but a great guy. Most days I have no clue why he puts up with my shit, but I’m glad he does. He puts me in my place when I need it.” She giggles to herself. “No one knows more than Caleb just how stubborn I can be. I don’t scare him the way I do everyone else. He knows I’m nothing but a bag of hot air.”

“Well, in that case...I like him already.” We laugh, brushing off the sand from our clothes.

Dhelia reaches for my hand. “Shall we?”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

“Oh, and Chloe. I don’t
hate
you. I did. Or at least I thought I did. But I don’t anymore.”

Absorbing her heartfelt words, all I can do is smile.

Did that really just happen? If I pinch myself, will I wake up from one of my visions?

We walk back to the crowded area of the beach, but my curiosity gets the best of me. “So will I like this so called
surprise
?”

She plants her feet in place. “Well, maybe not at first. But I have no doubt you’ll thank me for it one day.”

Okay. Now I’m
really
curious.

In record time, we make it to the bathroom—fix our ocean-frizzed hair and smudged make-up—then go back to the party.

Dru’s eyes widen in surprise as Dhelia and I come back to the noisy party laughing together. I’m sure the tension between us must drive him insane. Luckily, no one mentions anything, so I don’t bring it up—and neither does Dhelia. Probably best to let it go and not risk a relapse.

We spend a little time walking around, talking to Dru’s friends. For the most part, there isn’t anyone here I knew when I was in junior high. Other than my brother’s best friend who’s hosting the party, and a girl who was in a few of my classes the year I left. She looks familiar, but I never knew her. She seems sweet though, so it’s always good to make new acquaintances.

Of course, Dru’s nice enough to make plenty of introductions, but since I’m so terrible with names, I don’t even try to remember. But so far, everyone’s welcoming. I’m glad I came.

I spend about ten minutes talking to this guy Vinny (I think) about what it was like living in San Diego. Everyone seems so fascinated with the West Coast, so I humor them with as many tales as I can remember. It feels great talking about my life, especially since I haven’t been able to at home. I’ve been afraid to hurt Dru and Dhelia by discussing how I lived away from them.