The Beginning of Us (294 page)

Hmm, what is this? I don't remember putting this here or seeing it earlier.

I grab the paper and open it; it’s a note from Riley.

My hands tremble as I read the note Riley has left for me.

Char,

I hate having to leave while you are sleeping. I hate leaving at all, but I felt it was best to go before I came in there after you. I don't think you know what an impact you have made on me this past week. Something about you has my mind a mess and knowing the feelings are not mutual is a punch to my heart. I hope that after time we can be friends as you wish, but for now it’s best if we focus on our personal lives. Thanks again for today it really was one of the best days of my life. 

Yours,

Riley

Reading Riley's words hurt and this was a feeling I knew too well. I need a distraction and I need one fast. This is something that seems to be happening quite often to rid me of my Riley obsession.

I look over to the wall clock and see that it’s only 11. I grab one of the blankets, the pillow that smells amazing, and my phone. I plop myself on the soft leather couch and search through my favorite contacts. It’s time to plan a trip to visit Chloe. Living it up in Los Angeles with my big sis is exactly what I need to overcome my nonexistent love life and forget Riley.

RILEY

Thank goodness Derrick replies to my text quickly. In 10 minutes he’s out in front of Char's place and I’m heading downstairs.

I throw my bag in the backseat and jump into the front next to Derrick. He’s looking at me with a frown on his face and I’m just waiting for him to begin the interrogation. Damn lawyer.

"Come on man, tell me what went down." He asks while looking straight ahead toward the road.

"Honestly Derrick, I haven't a damn clue what just happened. One moment she was in my arms, the next she said we should go unload the Jeep."

"Maybe you pushed her too far too fast. Didn't I warn you to take things slow with her? I told you I’d fuck you up if you hurt her, didn't I?" Derrick said as he glances at me and back at the road.

"Nah, there’s no way. I was taking the day nice and slow. I followed her pace. I know I didn’t rush her or push her into anything. In fact she told me she wanted me to stay."

“I don't know what to tell you bro, but I’ll be asking her for serious details tomorrow at breakfast."

"Wait, what? You are going over there for breakfast? When did she call and invite you?" I ask in a panicked tone.

"Relax Romeo; this is an ongoing thing we have scheduled every Sunday morning. It’s tradition. Besides don't get jealous of me, she’s like my kid sister."

"Ok fucktard, I’m not accusing you of anything, I’m just pissed how this night is turning out. I sure as hell didn’t see having a heart to heart with you as the ending to my day."

"Fine I’ll let it go but I will get to the bottom of this. I thought for sure after today you two would’ve been hitting it off or on or whatever."

Yea I sure was hoping to be with her right now too. God all I want to do is touch her.

"Really Derrick it’s cool. I respect that she doesn’t want more than a friendship with me and I’m fine with that. It’s best anyway; I got to get my focus on for this new job. I don't need any distractions."

Even though I was acting tough with Derrick, I was torn up about the way things went down between me and Char tonight. The worst part was I had no clue what the hell I did wrong.

Derrick and I arrive at his house and to avoid any more conversation I go straight up to my room. It was already 11:30, but I didn't think I’d be getting to sleep anytime soon.

Things were starting to go so well for me too. I needed to get Char out of my thoughts and fast.

I don't know how to go about getting her off of my mind, but the pain I felt as she pushed me away was something I’ve never had to go through. I’ve never been a bitch about a woman before, but this chick dug in her claws and left me with marks.

I guess it’s time to find myself a distraction, at least for now. Tomorrow I will go out and get things for work and Monday I start my new career. Now that is something to look forward to and to help me get my mind on the right track.

Because I’d already showered and was in my comfy clothes I figure I’d just kick back with Manny and watch something on the tube.

Within no time my eyelids begin to get heavy; I guess I was tired.

Chapter 12

Monday August 20, 2012

CHAR

I was lucky to get on the same flight with my mom and dad heading to Los Angeles, but the questions they have for me are not topics of conversation I want to deal with.

I already feel like shit for blowing Derrick off for breakfast yesterday. Not to mention I had to call and ask my boss for a week's vacation at the last minute.

Neither of them seemed to mind, but I still felt I was letting someone down by picking up and leaving. I’m not spontaneous. I’m a bit out of character here, but to hell with it. I’m a grown woman and can surely go with the flow and take a vacation to see my sister whenever I want.

"So baby girl, tell us, why the sudden plans to make the trip to see Chloe?" My dad asks as he turns to face my way.

Fuck, I don't want to talk about this.

"Well I just figure since you guys were going, why can't I? Honestly I haven't taken much time off since I started at the firm. I was well due time off." I say with a small smile.

Dad will buy my act, but since Mom is looking at me like she is, I can tell the wheels are spinning.

"So how well do you know Riley Kincaid?" Dad asks.

Jesus Christ Daddy, shut up and stop asking me questions.

"Like I told you Friday, we just met through Derrick. There really is nothing to tell you about Daddy."

I try my best to play this cool since Mom is watching me like a hawk. I bend and grab my iPad at my feet and plug in my headphones. Maybe this will give Dad a clue to stop asking me questions.

I open up my Kindle app and start to read where I left off. Since I don't have any romance in my life, I figure I might as well get it in my books.

We land in LA with a huge thump, way to go pilot. Oh well at least we are here safe and in one piece. Chloe will be so happy to see me when I come through the tunnel. Mom thought it would be fun to keep my trip a secret and wow Chloe with my arrival. I know she won't be expecting me, so this will be fun.

I follow Mom and Dad out of the plan and through the smelly tunnel into the airport. I can see Chloe from a distance, but I know she won't recognize me right away. I’m totally out of my style element wearing a leather jacket, a long rocker tee-shirt, and skinny jeans. And just to add a little flare I have my dark black shades on. I’m incognito.

As Mom and Dad begin to approach Chloe, I go around them so I can come up behind her. I watch as the three of them give each other big hugs and then I attack

"Ahh! What the hell?" Chloe screams drawing attention from the nearby passengers.

I pull my hands off her eyes and turn her to face me. She’s still a bit in shock, but when she realizes it’s me she lets out yet another loud scream...this time right in my ear.

"What is going on here? Am I being punk'd?" She asks with a giggle while strangling me.

"No you are not being punk'd loser, you are way not famous enough for that." I say as I try to get out of her grasp.

"Come on girls; let's move this act of affection away from the gate. You two are going to get us kicked out of the damn airport." Dad says as he attempts to push us along.

Chloe and I finally let go of one another and she proceeds to guide us out of the airport and out to the parking lot where her car awaits us.

We arrive at Chloe's place and I’m not in shock at all to see the luxury she has set herself up in here in LA. The building is tall and full of beautiful decorations. She is up on the twelfth floor and when we enter her apartment my breath is taken away.

Chloe has set things up nice for herself here. Her apartment is a two bedroom, with large rooms, and high ceilings. Everything that surrounds her living space is set to a modern flare in colors of black, white, and a shade of Tiffany blue. I love it; it fits Chloe and her style to a T.

Once we are settled Chloe suggests we head out for dinner and then she wants to take us on a drive around town. She says there are amazing spots she wants us to see and give us an idea of what we can do while she is working the rest of the week.

I’m so happy to be here spending time with my family. With me working non-stop, Chloe moving across the country, and Daddy running the business we never get to spend time together as a family.

This is just what I need to get my mind off a certain someone. As long as I don't think about him or hear his name I should be good to go.

"So Char, tell me all about this hot roommate Derrick has staying with him. Derrick said Riley has quite the crush on you. Spill it girl."

"Wait, what? Char you just said there was nothing going on between you two." Daddy says in an odd tone.

Great this is not going to help me forget about Riley, my damn family is too nosey...fuck.

RILEY

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP

"God what is that piercing noise and how do I make it stop? Please make it stop." I say in a low and raspy mumble.

Oh shit and I remember it’s my alarm clock. Crap! It’s time to get up and get to work.

I shift my body over to the left side of the bed and throw my legs to the edge and onto the floor. I pull on a tee-shirt, shorts, and sneakers calling Manny to come down stairs.

Derrick is already down in the kitchen when I make it back inside and he has a mug of coffee prepared. What a great guy...putz.

"Hey man, all set for your big day at work. I’m so excited for you that I got up early and wanted to make you breakfast. Before you open your trash mouth, no I’m not a bitch; I’m a very good friend who wants you to have an even better day."

"Awe shucks thanks honey, I didn't know you felt that way about me. At least someone loves me."

I sit at the table with a pout on my face. Guess I am the sorry one in the room now.

"Come on man, everything happens for a reason, right? Look at it this way, if you two are meant to be she’ll come back. Just be patient with her. She’s had a shitty relationship past and the last asshole did a number on her."

"I get that Derrick, I do. She just won't even give us a chance. I feel like a chick moping around, but she got to me and in no time at all."

"Those Taylor girls are something Riley. I’ve been with Chloe for eight years and in that time we’ve had great times and times that have really sucked. But I believe we are meant to be. No matter what life throws at us, we still get by."

"Yea I guess you are right. Well I’m going to go put my balls back on and get ready for work. Thanks for the coffee and the pep talk bro; it helps to have a friend like you around."

"No problem man, now go get ready and be the best building contractor the business has."

"I'm the only building contractor they have dumb ass, but thanks for the vote of confidence.

After my in-depth conversation with Derrick I make my way upstairs and get ready to start my day.

Before I know it the day has flown by and I now know the ins and outs of Taylor & Sons Contracting. This group is a great team and they have each other’s backs like nothing I have ever known. They really do act like a family not just a business.

Since I didn’t have any plans for after work, I agree to go out for drinks with a couple of the other guys. After all, I plan on working here for a while; I might as well get to know the men and women who will be a part of my new backbone and support for the next few years.

Going out will help me to get my mind off a certain brunette. Since I left her house the other night, she’s all I think about. In fact even when I close my eyes to go to sleep all I can see is her. I have no clue what I’m going to do, but something has got to give.

Oh well, onto the bar with the crew for a bit of a distraction. A few beers should help me to do the trick and then I’ll head home, go to sleep, and start all over again tomorrow.

Awesome.

Chapter 13

Friday August 24, 2012

CHAR

This week has been amazingly fun, exciting, and one adventure after another. Spending time with my family was well overdue and I’m so glad I decided to get away for a bit.

Even though I’m having a great time, I’m not able to forget that certain someone. Every time I have a moment to myself or when I lay down to sleep at night he seems to be all I think about.

To keep myself busy, I agree to take on the day just me and Chloe. Mom and Dad are going to spend the day being tourists in hopes of running into someone rich and famous.

We’ve been so lucky this week spending time with Chloe; she actually got us into the set of where they tape ESPN. I thought Daddy was going to wet his pants, especially when Erika Anderson walked in, his cheeks flushed. It was so cute.