Keeping Hope (Broken Girl Series) (17 page)

“Great, nice to see you’re listening to me here!”

“Go get ready for school, Cole. Me and Kennedy are busy with appointments today,” mom shouts from over her shoulder.

I race upstairs, getting myself showered and dressed before heading back downstairs, into the kitchen area. I see Kennedy sitting on one of the stools at the breakfast bar. I walk up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. I rest my hands on her tiny bump. She leans back against me and I inhale the sweet smell of her that is so intoxicating. I kiss her cheek, before reaching over and grabbing a pancake.

“So, mom, are you dropping me at school?” I ask taking a sip of the coffee on the breakfast bar. I’m not sure whether it’s moms or Kennedy’s. Ken looks over at me, slapping my hand before snatching the coffee cup out of my hand.

“Hey,” I grumble. Mom pushes a fresh cup in front of me along with a set of keys. I look down, a little confused. I look back at my mom. “What’s this?” I ask, intrigued.

“You need a new truck, right?” she picks up the keys, throwing them at me. I look at them a little in disbelief. I thought I was going to have to wait until the insurance paid out, but this is awesome.

“Mom, you’re the best!” I say excitedly, pulling her toward me. I kiss her on the head, before racing out of the door.

I’m so freaking excited that I forgot to say goodbye to Ken. I run back in, swiftly kissing her on the cheek.

“Baby, text me and let me know how the appointment goes. Keep your phone on. I got a little surprise for you later as well.”

She looks at me bug eyed, smiling as I head out to the truck.

Fuck. Mom’s done good. This little beauty would have been way out of my budget. I rush to get inside of the GMC Sierra. I slide in, checking out the interior, before running my hand over the dash. I can’t hide the smile that spreads across my face. This truck is fucking awesome. I adjust my seat before pushing the key in the ignition to start it. Twisting the key, I sit there and listen to the baby purr. What a way to start the day! And it is only going to get better. Not the fucking school part, but the surprise I have set up for Kennedy. I have a good feeling about today, for the first time in a long time!

Kennedy

I’ve had a really great time with Jocelyn. It was reassuring to get the all clear from the doctor and know, that despite all my body went through, the baby is okay. We stopped in to see Hope, who is doing just great in her new home. She was super excited to see us. I feel like I’m keeping my promise to her. By meeting her foster parents, and seeing how good they are with her put my mind at ease. Although I never doubted that Jocelyn would find the best possible for Hope.

We arrived home a bit ago and I’m getting showered and ready to meet Cole. He sent me a text earlier today telling me to meet him at an address, with no explanation as to why.

Ash called too. I was so excited to finally hear from him. He’s coming for a quick visit and I’m expecting him any minute. I walk into the kitchen, turning the faucet to allow the water to run before grabbing a glass. I steadily hold it under the water, filling it. I turn off the tap and drink the whole glass in one shot.

Shit, I’m so thirsty. All of the rushing around and incredible heat has me working up a thirst. As I rinse the glass clean, I hear a loud knock on the door. I race over to the door, yanking it open as fast as I can. I’m practically swept off my feet by an enthusiastic Ash, who twirls me around. My feet drag on the floor as he clearly can’t pick up my full weight.

He laughs out. “Dammit, girl, it’s so good to see you!” He releases his hold. Taking my hands in his and pushes me back. “Let me take a good look at you.” He looks me up and down, his small smile turning into a full tooth revealing smile. “Guuurl, you look good,” he says eagerly, pronouncing each word dramatically.

I laugh whole heartedly. “Shit, it’s so good to see you, Ash.”

He engulfs me in his arms, squeezing gently at first before tightening his grasp. He holds me there as if he never wants to let go. I hold him close, like we are frozen in time. I feel him move softly against me. I gently break his hold, looking into his eyes. I see the tears building and I pull him back into my embrace. I know what is wrong.

“She’ll be okay, Ash. She has to be.”

I watch him as I he pulls back, dabbing his eyes, and sniffling loudly. “I’m fine, my little Barbie, totally fine.”

“I miss her too, Ash. More than anything.”

His face falls as he fidgets with his fingers. He leans in, his voice barely a whisper, “I miss her so much, but don’t ever tell the attention seeking bitch I said that.”

“I promise,” I answer, stifling a laugh. “I can’t believe this happened. I feel as guilty as hell that she’s in that hospital, Ash. We all know it should have been me.”

“What?” he yells, “No freaking way, Barbie. None of this should have happened, not to Abbey or you. You seriously need to stop talking like that!” He stands there, one hand on his hip, the other with his fingers stretched out, pointed directly at me.

“Put yourself in my shoes for a second…” I start.

“None of this is your fault, Ken. You never asked to be abducted. Stop spouting this bullshit or I’m gonna get really pissed at you.”

“Okay, okay,” I say, holding my hands up in a mock surrender.

“I’m being deadly serious here. Don’t make me go all muscle man on you and kick your ass.”

I giggle at the scrawny boy standing in front of me trying to flex his arms.

“Come on, crazy boy, let’s get a drink and sit out in the sunshine.”

“Do we have time? I know you’re meeting Cole soon.”

I narrow my eyes, wondering how much about this surprise he actually knows. “So, what’s this surprise?” I dig.

He shakes his head, a small smirk across his face. “I have no idea. I’ve barely seen Cole today.”

I narrow my eyes at him, skeptical as to whether he’s telling the truth or not. “You sure?”

“Cross my heart.” He smiles as he traces his finger across his chest.

I reach into the fridge, grabbing two cans before passing him one. We make our way outside. The sun feels like heaven against my skin. I lean back in the chair letting the rays radiate on my face. A feeling I never thought I would have again just a few days ago.

I shudder at the memories of being locked in that room. The mental smell hits me hard and bile rises in my throat. I bring the can to my lips, sipping slowing, trying to rid my mouth and throat of the horrendous taste. Once it’s gone, I open my eyes, glancing to the side. Ash is watching me intently.

“You okay?” he asks.

I nod and smile at him. “I’m here with you. What more could I ask for?”

“Well that makes you one lucky little Barbie doll, doesn’t it?”

“It sure does,” I throw back, grabbing his hand and squeezing it gently.

“So,” he begins, taking a noisy slurp of his coke. “I saw a fair bit of Pete today…” His words trail off.

My eyes dart toward him. “Oh yeah, is he okay?” I ask nonchalantly.

“Hmmm, I’m not sure. He was weird when I mentioned you.”

Stay cool, Kennedy. “That is weird.”

“You know something,” he teases.

“No I don’t.”

“Oh yes you do, lady. Spill the beans, like now!”

I hold my head in one hand. “It’s such a mess, Ash. I don’t even honestly know what happened between us.”

He gasps loudly. “So…something has happened?”

“Shhh! I mean I’m deadly serious when I say you cannot mention a word of this to anyone.”

“Of course!” he shrieks. “You know you have my word.”

“I don’t even know where to start. I don’t even really know what has happened. All I know is that I must have given him some pretty mixed up signals, because he’s adamant he has feelings for me.”

“And you…”

I shake my head. “I love Cole. You know that.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t feel something for Pete.”

“But I shouldn’t. I know how wrong that is, Ash. He was there when my head was so messed up. I couldn’t think straight. I’d just found out about Abbey and I was majorly pissed at Cole for not telling me.” I shrug my shoulders. “And he was there. He was just there,” I stutter. I feel myself getting worked up. I’m not sure if I’m trying to justify this to myself or to Ash, but I feel like it’s not working either way.

“I knew there was something wrong when I told him to go hit up that Lizzy chick from the bar and he snapped my head off. It’s not like Pete to turn down an easy lay.”

“Shit,” I grate out. “It was one kiss, Ash. One stupid mistake. That’s all it was.”

“Wait, what?” he yells, his mouth hanging open and his eyes practically popping out of his head.

“Shit, girl, no wonder the guy’s in a fucking spin. One taste of Barbie and it’s sent him wild!”

“Ash, don’t,” I plead. “I feel shitty enough about this whole thing as it is.”

“I’m sorry.” He takes my hand, kissing the back of it, before resting it on his knee. “I’m just shocked. I mean really fucking shocked.”

I shoot him a sad smile. “I’ve fucked up big time, haven’t I?”

“I think you need to decide what you want, sweetie, and really stick to it. But honestly, I can see your attraction to both of them. I’ve become really good friends with Pete these last few months. Granted, he’s not really the most academic guy, but he does have a heart of pure gold.”

“And funny,” I add.

“Yeah, the guy’s a real hoot.” He looks at me before rolling his eyes.

“What?” I ask. “I can’t deny the guy makes me laugh, and with a mind full of darkness and confusion, a little laughter helps. Ya know?”

I can tell Ash feels uncomfortable as he reaches up and rubs the back of his neck. He looks at me with sad eyes, giving me a fleeting smile, before waving his arms around like some crazy man. “Well isn’t that just great,” he huffs. “I make you laugh all the time, but you don’t try and kiss the shit outta me!” His voice is high pitched and screeching as he jumps to his feet and starts stomping off toward the door.

I stop in the moment, stunned by his reaction, not really sure what the hell is going on. I jump to my feet and head in after him.

“Ash, wait up!” My eyes search the room, my head turning frantically as I try to find him. “What the hell?” I mumble, as I continue to look around, but not finding him.

I stand there frozen, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, waiting for him to appear. Within seconds I hear footsteps approaching. I turn the corner and see him bustling down the staircase, a huge shit ass grin on his face. “What the hell, Ash?” I shriek.

“What?” he says innocently. “I just needed to take a leak.”

“Not cool, Ash. Not cool. I thought you were really pissed at me.”

He hooks his arm through mine and laughs an exaggerated evil kind of laugh.

I dart my eyes, glaring at him. “You’re really not funny.”

“Well that probably explains why you haven’t kissed me yet.”

I shake my head, laughing at his pathetic attempt at a joke.

“Listen, Barbie, I better be heading out. You need to go get ready to meet lover boy.”

I look over to the clock, checking the time.

“Shit,” I gasp. “I have like two minutes to get ready before the cab arrives.” I start to panic. I kiss Ash on the cheek before racing up the stairs to get changed. I wave down to him before sprinting down the hall.

“I’ll close the door on my way out, shall I?” he yells, before slamming the door loudly. I giggle to myself as I change into a clean summery top and skirt.

I give myself one last check in the mirror before heading down the stairs and out the front door. As I fumble with the key in the lock, I hear a car pull onto the driveway. I turn to see the yellow vehicle coming to a stop. I smile to myself. Shit, that was good timing.

I search my purse in a mild panic, checking that I’ve remembered the ultrasound picture to show Cole when I get there. I give the driver the address and sit in the back, nervously tapping my leg the whole way. I wish I knew what this was about, and no matter how much time I spent racking my brain, I’m unable to figure out what this is all about.

The taxi pulls up outside some apartments. They are Mediterranean in style, with a terracotta finish and gorgeous landscaping in the front. I pay the driver, jump out of the taxi, and dig in my bag for my phone to check which building number it is.

Whatever Cole is up to, I’ll hopefully find out soon.