My Anchor (Trio Series Book 1) (7 page)

“Can I ask you how your mom died?” Lee asks me. We are sitting at his desk eating lunch, the office is empty except for us, Mondays are slow days I guess.

“Car wreck.” Is all I tell him.

“Back to two-word answers I see.” He says taking a bite of his sandwich. I grabbed a couple of subs and came over to surprise him after my classes were canceled for the rest of the day. That’s when he text me and said that he was all alone in the office. So I thought I would try out the whole girlfriend thing and bring lunch.

“She just, she was coming back from some craft thing and fell asleep at the wheel. She didn't kill anyone, just herself.” I haven't talked about her dying since it happened.

“Craft thing?” Lee asks.

“Yeah, she always went to these things that had different exhibits of other people’s crafts. I usually went with her but that time I didn't feel good and stayed home. That is probably why my dad blamed me for her death because I wasn't there to keep her awake.” It wasn't my fault I know but really when something happens like that a person can’t help but blame themselves a little. It’s just human nature.

“Your dad is a real piece of shit isn't he?” That’s an understatement.

“Yeah I moved out the day I turned eighteen, went to live with Cris and Brinn.” Best day of my life.

“Who’s Brinn?”

“Oh, I thought I told you about her, she is Cris’s mom. My surrogate mom, helped me through a lot after mom died. She is a mother to all three of us actually, I remember Shane and I going there after school and not going home until we thought or parents were sleeping.” Or passed out in my case.

“I'm glad you have them, so when do I get to meet these girls of yours? I have to admit I first thought that you lived with a couple of guys.” I laugh at that, everyone thinks that.

“Nope, just two amazing girls that are pissed off at me half the time and drive me crazy the other half.” We both chuckle a little. “But in all honesty, I really wouldn't be where I am today without them, friendship is everything. We accept each other even if we don't agree or approve of what the other does. There is no judging, just, a sisterhood of a sort I guess.” I say the last bit quietly and stare out the window. We are downtown, on a one-way street. Spacing out I start counting the cars as they go by. I'm shutting down I can feel it, I have said way too much today and now I need to leave.

“You’re getting awful deep over there,” Lee says pulling me from my counting.

“I should go. I will talk to you later okay?” I am up and out the door before he can say a word. Walking down the street to the car I see my meter time is just about up, good thing I left when I did. I slide into the leather seat of Shana’s Audi and buckle up before reversing on the street to leave.

Getting home I see a sleek car in the parking lot I haven't seen before, it’s black with tinted windows, very secret service looking. Or Mafia if you want to go that way, but the thought of Mafia in Missoula Montana just makes me laugh.

When I get inside I'm greeted by Shana and her dad. Bruce Cloud, I believe his name is. I have only seen his picture whenever we stalk him online.

“Linnie hey, you remember my dad don't you?” Shana says before I can even get the car keys hung up on the hook by the door. She sounds slightly uncomfortable, don't blame her at all I think the only communication these to have had is a few emails and phone calls. Oh and gifts every birthday, Christmas, Easter, well every holiday really. At least he cares enough to send gifts I suppose.

“Um yes, I guess. Hi, Mr. Cloud.”

“Call me Bruce please.” Looks like I was right with the name. “I was just telling Shana that I am happy to provide the place to live. Easier to focus on your studies if you don't have to worry about expenses.” He sounds genuine but really if something is too good to be true…

“Is there a reason why you are here Bruce? I just find it a little odd that you would just show up after all this time and try to play doting father.”

“Linn.” I get scolded by Shana. Crap me and my blunt mouth.

“It’s fine Shana, I can respect where she is coming from,” Bruce tells her giving a reassuring look. “It is strange, but there are reasons why I haven't been around legal reasons. But my time is up now and I can have more contact with my daughter. Sounds absurd, but I have just explained it to Shana. I'm sure she will fill you in after I leave.” He looks at his watch, the damn thing probably costs as much as a new car. “I do have to get going, I have a conference call in a half hour.” He walks over to Shana and pauses for a moment wondering whether a hug would be appropriate. Shana decides for the both of them and wraps her arms around him. I almost choke out some tears, almost.

“Call me later sweetheart, I will be in town for the rest of the week if you want to get together. Completely up to you.” Shana has tears in her eyes when she pulls away. If he is really legit on wanting to be around more I am so happy for her.

“I will… Dad.” He walks toward the door and says a quick goodbye. I catch just a hint of moisture in his eyes also.

“Okay what just happened?” I ask as soon as the door is shut.

“My mom is a fucking bitch, that is what just happened!” She shouts.

“Whoa, what do you mean by that?” I am so confused I really have no idea what is going on.

“She kept him from seeing me, all these years. I mean I knew a little bit about it but god I can’t believe this.” We did know that her mom basically ‘won’ her in the divorce and took her to live with her grandma who really was the one to raise her.

“What else did she do, I would think that was bad enough.”

“He wanted me, Linn, wanted to raise me, but my mom was vindictive enough to take that away.” She walks over to the sofa and flops down hard, sighing. “Apparently, in their prenup it stated that she was to have at least one child, me. When they split she decided he didn't get to keep me since he wanted a child bad enough to put it in an agreement.” Crazy bitch.

“That’s fucked up Shane, no other words for it. I'm sorry that she did that to you. But at the risk of sounding like a selfish bitch, I'm glad she did because I would have never met you. And you would probably be one of those prissy rich bitches if you grew up in California.” She smiles, that is what I was going for.

“You are always so fricking blunt Linnie. But it’s true, I am glad I met you and Cris. I wouldn't change anything for the world, I just wish my dad would have been a bigger part of it.” I go and sit next to her on the couch.

“I know, but he is going to be now, better late than never right?”

“Right.” She agrees.

“What are you going to say to your mom?” she gives me a stunned look like I'm crazy for asking.

“Nothing. It won't matter anyway, she will just deny, probably even try and talk me out of seeing him. No, I'm not telling her anything, she will just ruin it. That’s what she does Linn.” That is so true.

“Alright hun, I get it. I won't say a word.”

“I am dreading this trip can you just, I don't know, drug me or something. Break my leg maybe so I don't have to go. Why did I say I would do this? I hate weddings anyway. And them damn ‘brothers’ of mine” she makes air quotes when she says brothers “are dicks anyway. Kyle always has some sexual innuendo he says. I swear the guy’s mind lives in the gutter.” Shana is on a rant trying to get ready for her mom to pick her up. It’s Thursday night and they are heading to Seattle, staying over so they can hit the bridal shops early. Every girl’s dream right? So not for me.

“I thought you said he was hot. Didn't you guys have a thing going on or something?” I point out. I remember her telling me about him.

“Oh my god, we were so drunk and it was not a thing we just… fuck, forget I said anything.”

“You slept with him, didn't you? It’s okay to tell me I won't judge.” I say in the most serious tone I can, trying to get her to open up.

Sighing she slightly nods her head. “Yes, we did. A couple times.” His face turns red. “It was just one weekend. He was pissed about something his wife did.” I hold up my hand.

“Wife? Shane!” She covers her face with her hands now.

“I know.” She says behind her hands. “I'm a bad person.” Taking her hands down she explains more. “He left her, came home and crashed at the house. Mom and John were gone, the twins were on spring break somewhere and I was there alone.” I nod and she continues. “Well he got there all crabby and shit so we proceeded to get drunk. One thing led to another and we slept together. It totally sucked the first time and the next morning he was so embarrassed and ashamed of what we did. But I convinced him to give it another try, telling him he owed me a better romp in the sheets. So we did, four more times after that. Then he just up and left, I tried to talk to him after that but he would just blow me off. I mean I wasn't expecting a proposal or anything but damn he was just so cold about it.” I know she is trying to play it off but I’ve known Shana for years and she was hurt by this guy. Maybe not much but she was, I remember seeing her. A guy like that is, well, an asshole due to girl code and all that.

“Well hell, I really didn't see all of that story coming. I figured something happened between you two, but wow a whole weekend? Was he good?” Laughing at my curiosity she nods her head.

“Oh yeah.”

“You bad bad girl.”

We break into a fit of giggles like a couple little grade school girls talking about boys.

My phone vibrating on the table next to my bed wakes me up, groaning I roll over and grab it, seeing that it is Lee.

“You better have a good reason to be waking me up at” I look at my clock “ Six in the morning on a Saturday.” I hear his deep belly laugh on the other end of the phone.

“I know it’s early babe but I wanted to hear your voice.” He says in a patronizing voice, fucking ass. This wakes me up a little more.

“Alright asshole you heard it are you happy now, I'm going back to bed.” Before I can hang up I hear him say something. Putting my ear back to the phone I ask him what he just said.

“What are you wearing screamer?” I figured that’s what he said. Okay, he wants to play this game, I'm still in a pissy mood from waking up.

“What am I wearing? Hmm, how about what am I not wearing?” I tell him in a breathy voice. Tease? Yes. Do I care? No. “What about you handsome?”

“Well I did have on my sweaty running clothes but now I'm standing in my bathroom naked with my cock in my hand thinking of you.” He tells me matter of factly, shit he is better at this than I am. Game on. “You with me still screamer?” His voice has gotten lower and his breaths are getting louder.

“Thinking of me are you? What am I doing?” keeping the phone next to my ear I run my hand down my stomach and into my panties letting out a soft moan for him to hear.

“You’re playing with yourself, pinch your nipples babe, fuck I want them in my mouth right now. I would start with your fucking amazing tits then work my way down your sexy as fuck body and bury my face between your legs and lick you until you can’t take anymore.” Jesus, I'm getting so close from just his words. I can tell from his voice and labored breaths that he is also so close. Time to put a little more effort in.

“If I were there I would wrap my lips around your thick cock. Take you in as deep as I can, and I can get you deep.” I hear him growl a little, yes growl. It’s so sexy that I tip myself over the edge, trying to be loud enough so he can still hear me and quiet enough so Cristal can’t.

“Mmm Lee I'm coming.” I rasp out between breaths.

“Fuck screamer that’s sounds so fucking sexy. Fuck fuck fuck.” He curses out and I know that he found his release too. I have never had phone sex before but that was fun. After a few minutes of panting on both sides, he breaks the silence.

“Just wanted to say good morning babe. Go back to bed I will call you around noon.” I don't even respond and hang up the phone falling right back to sleep.

I'm only able to sleep for a half hour longer, waking to hear chatter out in the kitchen. Shana and Cristal must be awake but I hear a guy’s voice out there too. Must be Rick, I remember Cristal saying something about hiking the M Trail tomorrow, maybe they are getting ready. The M trail meaning the trail up Mount Sentinel, a small mountain by the university. I have been debating on whether or not to go, maybe even inviting Lee to go.

“Whats happening in here?” I ask the group of people that have filled our small apartment. Shana, Cristal, and Rick are here of course but who I didn't expect to see here is Dez, the tattoo god. I have a feeling that Shana had something do do with that because Cristal is as far away from him as she could possibly get without leaving the room.

“Just discussing the hike tomorrow, you decide if you want to go?” Shana asks me.

“Yes, I think I might mind if I ask Lee to go?” She and Cristal exchange a glance and both enthusiastically say yes.