“Kellie?” I heard my name, and my head snapped back down, tracking the sound only to see the only man I’d ever loved, the man I’d lost. staring back at me, shock written all over his face.
Spinning back around, I threw up again all over my shoes.
ChapterFour
Jake
This couldn’t be happening.
I couldn’t believe it.
Kellie was here.
She was here.
Like really here.
Jogging toward her, I approached carefully, watching my steps in my bare feet so that I didn’t tread in something. Reaching her, the sounds spilling from her as she dry-heaved into Mom’s garden made me queasy. With nervous hands, I gathered up her hair, pulling it out of her face while rubbing her back with my other hand. The putrid stench of alcohol surrounded us, and I couldn’t help but think that’s what brought her here.
A few minutes later, she righted herself and took a step back out of my grip, giving me my first look at the woman I could never forget.
Kellie had grown up and into her curves, and I couldn’t not notice. She wasn’t dressed up and appeared to have no makeup on. Although she’d just puked all over Mom’s roses, the girl I’d always known was in there.
“Jake,” Kellie breathed as she looked around, no doubt looking for the cab I’d caught the taillights of as it tore off down the driveway, leaving her alone and stranded in the dark.
“Kellie, are you okay? Do you need anything?” I offered, caught completely off-guard. Whatever brought her here tonight, even drunk as a skunk, I was grateful. I hadn’t had the balls to go to her, but having her here, having her make the first move was the kick in the ass I needed. I owed her one hell of an explanation and an even bigger apology.
“I’m fine. I’ll just call a cab,” she muttered, stumbling back toward the gate.
Following her, I caught up easily, my strides much longer than hers, and reached for her arm. “Don’t do that. I can drive you home. Just let me grab my keys,” I practically begged.
“Jake, you were probably sleeping. I shouldn’t have come here. I’m stupid.”
Glancing down, I realized for the first time how underdressed I was, standing in the middle of the yard wearing nothing but a pair of boxer briefs. It was no wonder she tried to flee. But my lack of clothing wasn’t going to be the end of this.
Behind me, I heard the creak of the screen door and made a mental note to oil it in the morning before Mom’s voice carried across through the darkness.
“Jake? Is everything okay?”
“Fine, Mom. You can go back to bed. I’m going to drive Kellie home,” I explained, my gaze never leaving Kellie’s as her eyes went wide.
“Kellie? Kellie’s here? Kellie Knight?” Mom clarified, and Kellie rolled her eyes. I don't know which other Kellie she was expecting.
“Yes, Mom. Kellie Knight,” I confirmed, shooting Kellie a smile.
“Well, what are you doing standing out there in the dark? Bring the girl inside, Jake. Get her a drink. Where are your manners?” Mom chided.
I didn’t blink. I was too afraid to. It was a miracle she was even here, and I was pretty sure, given the chance, she’d be off and running before I could say a word.
“I can’t go in there, Jake,” Kellie told me, her voice wavering with worry.
“Sure you can. Mom loves you,” I reminded her, proud of myself for keeping from telling her Mom wasn’t the only one.
“Jake, I'm drunk. I just vomited all over her flowers. I can’t go in there.”
“She’s seen you in worse shape before. This time you’re standing on your own and able to use actual words. Remember that night…”
Kellie held up her hand, stopping me. “The last thing I need right now is to be reminded of all the dumb shit I did a lifetime ago.”
