Page 29 of Ask No Questions

I shook my head. “They have been getting a lot better since I got here. Paula said moving here could help, and so far, I’ve been getting fewer.”

“Oh, well I’m glad you have someone you can trust to talk to.” Was there a double meaning behind that?

“I talk to you too…”

“No, I know you do. That’s not what I mean. I really am shocked by you, that’s all. I’m glad you are working through it in a healthy way. You’d let me know if there was anything else. Right?”

“Yes, Brandon. Thanks for believing in me, it means a lot to me.”

“I’m always on your side.”

I smiled and drummed my fingers on the counter. “I called Mom.”

He paused with his fork floating inches from his mouth. “You did?”

“Yeah, I called, and she made it about twenty seconds before lecturing me on not slacking off with my dance training.”

He shook his head. “I don’t understand her.”

“Do you remember how she was before Dad died?” I never asked about that time. Mom never spoke of it, and I knew it hurt Brandon to think about him. I had no memories, so there was no pain for me to think or talk about our dad.

“She was never the loving, doting mother, but she was a lot more involved. It wasn’t until she married Neil that we had nannies that took care of us.”

“So losing him didn’t change her?”

“No, not really. I think having access to some of Dad’s money, plus Neil’s just allowed her to be who she always was.”

I wrinkled my nose. I didn’t really expect to hear she was once a super attentive, normal parent, but it made me wonder why she bothered having children at all.

“At least we have each other.” Would I ever be able to truly show him how much I appreciated him?

“Yeah.” He grinned. “I love you, sis.”

A smile broke out across my face. “I love you, too.”

Our family might just consist of the two of us for now, but that was all we needed. As long as I knew I had his support, I could take on whatever else life wanted to throw my way.

Thirteen

Mike had been tight lipped the whole week about what we were going to do tonight, so I had no clue how to dress. Mckayla came home with me to help me decide on a date outfit that was appropriate for a sort-of-fake date. Mckayla did some recon work on his past dates and girlfriends and found out that he usually makes the first date ultra-romantic.

I was more than a little nervous. Mike seemed like he could be a good friend, but I didn’t want to get into another relationship. Maybe it was just a relationship with Mike that I wanted to avoid. He was sweet, and I appreciated him taking me under his wing, but he was intense. I wasn’t sure if his clinging, possessive act was real or not, and I didn’t really want to find out. Not after barely escaping that mere weeks ago.

Mckayla curled my hair into loose waves as I did my makeup. I was relying on her opinion since I hadn’t been on a first date in over a year. She told me a dress would be a safe choice, and it would add a little shock value. I stepped into a plum sleeveless dress that had a hint of vintage flair. It flattered my fair skin and auburn hair. Finishing off with nude pumps, I felt ready. I checked myself out in the mirror, and Mckayla fussed over details before declaring me date worthy.

“You look hot. Mike is going to die.” She smiled and winked once. “Maybe this doesn’t have to be a fake date, you could be the one to break him of his womanizing habits.”

“I doubt that will happen. It’s nice to feel pretty again, though. Derek kind of killed my self-esteem when he cheated on me with a life-sized Barbie.”

“Don’t you dare think about that d-bag! Just have fun tonight, okay? Call me tomorrow to give me the details!” She left, and just a few moments later, the doorbell rang.

“Aubrey! Your date is here!” Would Brandon ever consider walking the ten steps to my room to tell me rather than screaming? I stole one more glance in the mirror before meeting them in the living room.

I’m not sure what reaction I was expecting from Mike, or Brandon for that matter, but I was pleasantly surprised with what I got. They both turned toward me as I entered the room, and once they saw me, their mouths hung slightly open. They were mirror images of each other. I laughed lightly to mask how uncomfortable I was.

“Hey, guys… ready Mike?” The look they were giving me was making me nervous, and I wanted to get out of there fast.

“Wow. Aubrey, you look beautiful.” Mike looked amazing too in dark jeans and a light blue button-up that showed off his sculpted arms. He didn’t seem nervous at all, which bugged me a little, but he’s a ladies’ man, so I guess he’s more experienced than me in the dating department. Derek and I had been together for so long I forgot what it was like to worry about what I was wearing or go on a surprise date like this.