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Lauren groans beside me, probably perturbed that I’m laying it on so thick instead of telling this woman how it really is to be us. No need to disappoint the manager when she’s only trying to help.
“There are men out there with cameras,” Marsha warns frantically as we step around her, as if we don’t already know they are there. They always are.
“Thank you for letting us know.”
When we exit, we do so with our faces turned toward the ground. Well, Lauren and I do. Juniper, however, is offering autographs. One guy actually takes her up on it, then asks her for her phone number. She scowls and throws the marker at him.
“Juniper…” I warn, but she flips me off.
We push through the clicking and flashing of cameras, the odd whistles to get our attention. They part to allow us through, but only follow us as we make our way to the back of the parking lot to our car.
At least we had a good morning of shopping before they spotted us.
We’re almost to the car when the sound of murmured words reaches me.
It’s a bible verse. My spine stiffens. They are always the worst. Extremists who take it too far with no limits. The clicking of cameras pauses for a moment and the voice gets louder, nearing us. I shouldn’t stop, but I do to glimpse this person. I burn the memory of all the extremists into my mind because it’s only the smart thing to do in case they ever push it too far one day.
Lauren tries to get me to continue walking, but I need to make eye contact with the woman first. As soon as I turn, though, the cameras flash again, blinding me.
Droplets of water land on my face, causing me to flinch, and Lauren gasps. I bring my arm up to block the incessant light and more water falls on my arm.
“Burn in Hell. I banish thee to eternal damnation.” Finally, I squint my eyes enough to see the woman holding a pocket sized bible and a silver flask-like thing in her hands. I imprint her blue eyes, wrinkly skin, and soft gray hair into my mind.
With a flinging motion of her hand, more water splashes onto my face and arm. Lauren grumbles something under her breath and grabs my arm, guiding me back away from the crazy.
“What the actual fuck is your problem?” Juniper bellows, but the woman sends what I’m assuming is holy water her way as well. This woman is insane. “That’s fucking assault, you know that, right?” My sister pulls out her cell phone. “I’m calling the police.”
“No, Junie, just ignore her. Let’s get in the car and go home.” I’m seething, growing so tired of dealing with this bullshit, these righteous assholes who think it is okay to do the shit they do. Invading our privacy, throwing water on us in the name of their religion is disgusting. What my family does is none of their business. We aren’t hurting anyone, yet they think it’s okay to hurt us, mentally and now physically. I’m lucky that it’s just water, but who knows what she’s done to it and now it’s touching my skin.
I’m beyond flabbergasted. I need to get Juniper and Lauren out of here before this escalates.
“Junie, put your phone away. Let’s go,” I order, but she doesn’t listen. She is as close to the woman now as the woman was to me only seconds ago. She’s going to get hurt.
“No, Lennox, this is absolutely insane. She can’t assault people like that!”
From another direction, someone pours water over me, drenching me, and I lose my ever loving mind.
CHAPTERTHREE
BENNY
I truly hopeI can make a difference in this life because right now, I feel like I’m missing out. I put so much time into school and work that I’m running myself ragged. Thankfully, I have an amazing girl who gets it. She’s low maintenance and focused on her own schooling and career. Does it suck that we don’t get to see one another often? Yes, it does, but we’re making it work because we know it’s temporary. We talk constantly, either on the phone or just texting. We video call when we can. My boss is incredibly understanding and as long as I’m attentive and get my work done, he doesn’t care if I talk to her while I’m in the office. I’m an assistant to a prominent lawyer in Northgate.
Dinner is ready—steak for my girl. This is what she always does before a race weekend and this time, we are spending it together because I’m going to the track with her, finally. Steak dinner with some sort of veggie. Tonight is grilled asparagus with crispy ends. She’s not old enough to drink yet, but I have a bottle of wine waiting for her. After dinner, we are watching a movie. Then I have a massage planned, and we are going to soak in the tub before I take her to my bed and make love to her until she can’t take anymore.
It’s been so long since we have had a night to destress and spend some time together, just us. It’s much needed.
Nox taps on the door with her knuckles before carefully opening it and peeking her head through. My heart jumps in my chest at the sight of her. It feels like it’s been years since I’ve seen her, when it’s only been a few days. Stopping by at her parents’ house wasn’t enough. At least I got to see her for a few minutes before schoolwork called me back to my apartment. She was gorgeous, a beaming smile on her face, her skin flush and tan from baking in the sun all day. I can still smell the coconut tanning oil she uses.
I’m getting hard just thinking about it.
Nox isn’t feeling it, though. There is no sparkle in her navy blue eyes tonight. Mahogany hair is laying flat, as usual, from her helmet, which she’s holding in her left hand by the strap. The clunky sphere knocks against the door frame as she nearly stumbles her way through. Obviously, my girl is stressed and exhausted.
I rush over to her and grab the helmet because in her other hand she’s carrying a diet Dr. Pepper and what looks like a container of cannolis from the bakery section at the grocery store. She’s balancing them well but I’d rather not have to clean the floor.
“Don’t judge me. I’ve already had cheesecake and I’m going to destroy these cannolis after supper.”
“I don’t get a cannoli?” I ask, my voice purposefully pitiful as I jut my bottom lip out. Nox’s shoulders sag and she lets out an exaggerated breath, a teasing look on her serene face.
