13. Emmy
EMMY
“ S o…you and Zane…are going away for the weekend?” Summer’s face was balled up tight as she stared at me as if trying to comprehend a hard math problem.
“Should I not?” I asked, looking between my two sisters who had come over with a bottle of red wine.
Diamond shook her head. “That’s not what she means. It’s just this is the boy who used to have you in tears every single day.”
I sighed and pulled the wine glass up to my mouth and took a long sip.
Summer and Diamond looked at each other before, Summer spoke again. “He was a jerk. I just don’t want you speeding into anything crazy. Especially since I know you lied to mama.”
I choked on the wine. “What? Lied to Mama about what?”
These two were closer than I realized and because I’d been gone for so long, I felt like I was an outsider in my own family.
Diamond picked up her own wine. “She said you’ve been going to therapy.”
“And we know that’s a lie, Emmy,” Summer raised a brow.
“Wait a second, is this supposed to be a fucking intervention or something?”
Diamond rolled her eyes. “Hardly, but this was your little lie baby girl.”
“Oh, cut the bullshit,” I reached for the bottle and poured more wine into my glass. “Maybe worry about your own situation.”
Diamond sighed long and deep. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“You should be worried about your husband and why he’s always in Zane’s strip club.”
“Girl please. You know that man is fucking half the strippers in New Orleans. What you thought, because you are some high-siddity lawyer, he was going to stop catching all the pussy that falls into his lap…nightly…” Diamond snarled at me.
I started to remember then why I’d stayed away from home so often and had hardly looked back. My family had caused me to feel so claustrophobic.
The judgment.
“We are just concerned,” Summer sighed. “We love you, Emmy. And it's been so nice to have you home.”
It was my turn to roll my eyes and I scoffed. “This isn’t feeling that way.”
Diamond stood up then. “A man is not going to fix your problems, Emerald.”
“I never said he was, Diamond. Maybe it's time for you to get home to your husband and make sure y’all still have some money in the bank.”
Before I knew it, Diamond was launching herself across the room. Her hand landed on my face and it felt as if a streak of fire had slashed my face.
Did she just smack you?
There was no time to think about it any further because there was no way in hell, she was getting away with it.
“Diamond! What the fuck is your problem!” Summer hollered at our sister’s retreating back.
“Oh no this bitch didn’t just hit me!”
Nothing else mattered as I stood up and tackled her to the ground like I was Drew Brees. If my sister thought she was going to get away with hitting me she had another fucking thing coming.
She was going to learn today.
“Get off me!” She screamed as we both hit the floor.
She rolled over onto her back, already breathing hard and I was on her like white on rice.
“Oh my God, Emerald! Diamond!” Summer’s frantic screams hit my ears and she tried to drag me back.
“Oh no, she started this!” I hollered as Diamond got to her feet and started trying to kick at me.
She landed a few more slaps and that was when I’d had it completely and broke away from Summer.
Slamming into Diamond, we made it into the hallway, and finally I’d had enough and sank my teeth into her forearm.
Hard!
It was enough to make her howl in pain and the second copper hit my tongue I knew I’d drawn blood.
“You fucking psychopath!” Diamond screamed. “You bit me!”
“Oh my God, Emmy,” Summer rushed over to Diamond’s aid as I stepped back wiping at my mouth.
“Get out!” I snapped at both of them. “Get the fuck out of my house.”
Naturally, after they departed my phone started ringing and I knew one of them had already snitched to my mother.
I ignored the call and sent Zane a text that I was sure to get his attention. You better not have any fucking strippers near you.
Zane replied immediately. Didn’t I tell you I’m not interested in anyone but you, Stank.
Rolling my eyes, at that stupid ass nickname my stomach did a flip flop. He was so fucking sexy and I hated admitting it but he’d been so good to me. He had even admitted that he was terrible at being good to women but he’d never found one he’d wanted to be good to.
Until you, I thought.
My phone vibrated in my hands as another text from him hit. What are you doing?
Looking around my room, I knew I needed to grab my black duffel bag. This little mini vacay had been planned for nearly two weeks.
Packing, I replied.
Emmy, that was supposed to have been done.
I sighed before replying to him. Me and my sisters just got into a fight.
His next text hit my phone before I could blink. Don’t gloss over the fact that you still haven’t packed. We don’t have to go awa y.
A sigh left my lips. I definitely need this vacay. And I’ve just been slow at packing.
Sitting the phone down on the bed, I went over to my closet and pulled the bag down from the shelf. I figured a few pairs of casual jeans and nice tights would do the trick. Pulling out the clothes from my dresser drawer, I took note that my red gris-gris was still where I’d left it. After finding it in the shower, I hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that someone had been watching me but Ryan Lavery was dead.
His corpse was in the ground, rotting.
Which was where he deserved to be.
My phone’s screen illuminated and I saw Zane had texted again. What were you and your sister’s fighting over?
Folding the clothes up neatly, I zipped the bag up before sitting it beside the door.
Something stupid. I bit Diamond…
He sent back an ouch face emoji. Are you okay?
I’m fine, I replied. What time will you be here in the morning?
Bright and early, Stank. There’s a storm coming in off the coast but I think we’ll be fine.
I rolled my eyes again. You and that name! See you in the morning.
After making sure every door and window in the little luxury cottage was secure, I climbed into bed. The sheets felt cool against my body and smelled like lavender. Doom scrolling on Facebook, the very next thing that came up on my news feed was a post from Diamond: I hate when bitch’s refuse to grow up. So childish.
The status had been posted an hour ago and I was absolutely sure that it was about us. Reading the comments I saw that Summer had chimed in telling her to take the post down.
Taking a deep breath, I wrote on the post. Sorry about tonight, Di. I love you.
Of course it was easy to be spiteful, but Diamond was the type to be confused as hell by an apology even though she didn’t deserve one.
Yawning, I finally tucked my phone under my pillow as my eyelids grew heavy.
My dreams turned weary as I slipped further into my deep slumber.
Flashes of high school appeared and I walked down the former hallway. Distant familiar scents played with my senses as I nearly stumbled before landing in Zane’s arms.
“Stanky Emerald?” He asked, his voice full of timber and a frown on his gorgeous face.
This wasn’t my Bishop. No, this was the asshole I’d known years ago, the one that smelled of Axe body spray, and wore charisma and a Letterman jacket like a second skin.
“I…I’m so sorry…”
Before I could get a firm grasp on everything happening, the dream slipped away as my phone’s alarm started beeping loudly.
Morning light had spilled into the room but it seemed to be gray and dreary outside. An advisory for a storm was on my phone's lock screen.
Pushing away the dream and any remnants of high school, I showered and styled my hair while also making sure I had my yellow raincoat by the door waiting.
I made myself a cup of coffee and read over a few emails from Pearl.
Will was going to a conference in New Mexico and he had everyone working around the clock concerning the Murphy-Maddox murder trial that had just been dropped in our laps.
I replied to the email just as Zane knocked at the door.
“Ready?” He asked.
“I am,” I eased up on my tip toes and kissed him lightly.
“Don’t start something you can’t finish,” he licked at his lips greedily.
Rolling my eyes, I handed him my duffel bag. “You are ridiculous. Let’s go!”
We got into his brand-new Shelby Mustang and sped away from my house and through the foggy streets of New Orleans. It seemed as if nothing was stirring within the Quarter.
I fiddled with the radio until I found some early 2000's pop and jammed along to Pink’s My Own Worst Enemy.
The two of us talked quietly for the entire hour and a half drive to the bed and breakfast that Zane had picked out.
By the time we finally parked, the rain had slowed down to a slight trickle.
“Welcome to The Tempete Inn,” the host smiled at us as we walked through the front doors of the main lodge. He was a heavy-set man who had a wandering blue eye. The uniform he wore seemed to be hugging the life out of him.
While Zane got us checked in, I looked around finding cute little items and saw they were fully stocked on snacks and feminine items.
My ears perked up when I heard the host tell us we’d mostly have the place to ourselves. “With this storm coming in, most of the reservations were canceled. There’s just one other guest here this weekend. Dinner will be served at six thirty, and here’s your key.”
He directed us to our room, which was overlooking the lake.
The second we were inside of the room I became mesmerized by the duck egg blue and gold decor. There were two chairs by the window so that you could stare out at the lake. The main feature of the room beside the state-of-the-art television mounted on the wall was the huge four poster bed in the center of the room with a plush duck egg blue duvet.
“This place is gorgeous,” I said after my final inspection.
“I did good?” Zane came over and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“You did alright,” I grinned up at him.
Finally, he brought his head down and kissed me softly.
“I’m still hard from this morning,” he whispered.
“Zane,” I groaned.
He backed off and stepped away. “Okay, okay. But after dinner, there is no stopping me. I want it.”
“So how did you manage to come up with this location?” I asked.
“I know people, Stank. Don’t start questioning everything. Turn that lawyer's brain off for two seconds.”
Grumbling, I sat down in one of the plush chairs and started to enjoy the view while he went back out to grab our luggage. My phone started dinging and I pulled it out as an email from Pearl came through.
Groaning, I just decided to call.
“Hi, Pearl,” I sighed.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry to interrupt your weekend,” Pearl quickly apologized before immediately launching into what she needed.
The door to the room opened and Zane popped back inside. He was soaking wet but he had our luggage in tow. Holding up a finger, I let him know I needed a minute.
“Okay, Pearl. Draft up a brief for the Knoxville versus Buffant case. Make it short and then email it to Will. He will take it from there, I’m sure. I have to go.”
“Okay, Ms. Landry. Again, I’m so sorry…”
I hit the end button on the call as Zane began to peel his clothes from his body.
“It’s getting crazy out there,” his voice had turned husky.
Nodding, I couldn’t look away as he dropped his clothes in a wet heap by the door. The room had gone dim and finally I made eye contact.
“See something you like, Stank?” He slowly walked towards me, his dick hard and bobbing slightly before he disappeared into the bathroom.
I followed him in and found Zane standing near a huge white clawfoot tub. Rose petals were decorating the water and he had a bath bomb in his hands.
“Hey,” I whispered, the sound of fizzing filling the room when he tossed it in.
“Hey,” he whispered back and then came over.
Slowly he peeled my t-shirt and jeans from my body, kissing me all over, and making sure to pay special attention to the mound between my legs.
Just a gentle butterfly kiss that I knew was just a precursor for later.
We stepped in together, and I realized I’d been shaking as the room had grown cold. As the water and Zane’s arms enveloped me, I relaxed.
“I’ve never…” I spoke softly.
“You’ve never, what?”
He pulled a brand-new loofah from nearby and began to rub it gently over my breast.
“I’ve never really had a man do something like this for me.”
He kissed the side of my face and I relaxed into him even more. “Emmy, I wanna take care of you if you’ll let me. I know you’re strong and independent and smart. But I still want to provide for you…”
“Hey, that is sounding dangerously close to some sort of commitment,” I giggled.
“Good,” he whispered. “By the way, have I told you how good you look when you’re wet.”
That got my attention and I turned to see his nasty ass had started grinning.
“We have about an hour before dinner and I’ve never done it in a tub this size,” I returned his grin with a lustful one of my own.
Before I knew it, I was straddling him and sinking down onto his very hard dick.
Thirty-five minutes later, after the water had grown cold and I’d orgasmed twice, Zane’s phone had started to ring. I could tell he was annoyed when he stepped outside to take the call.
He was even more annoyed when he returned.
“What’s wrong?” I asked from under the sheet.
“Something happened at the club,” he winced.
“Really? We just got here…” Disappointment had entered the chat.
“I know but look. I want you to enjoy yourself. Go to dinner. They’re having a gumbo and I’ve heard it's the best in the state…”
We stared into each other’s eyes. He eased in and kissed me.
“I promise, I’ll be back in a flash. Just going to see what is happening and get everything on track. You won’t even notice I’m gone.”
Easing up, I kissed him again and rubbed at his face. “Be careful and hurry back to me.”
“I will, I love you, Stank.”
For a second, we just seemed to stare at each other and a deep blush bloomed on his face.
“You don’t have to say it back right away, but I wanted you to know,” he dropped a kiss on my head and I sat there wishing I was sure of my own feelings.
After a few more reassuring kisses, he got dressed and left me. I lay around in a thick fluffy white robe while episodes of the Golden Girls played. Every once in a while, I would glance out towards the lake watching the water rise from the storm.
Deciding to get dressed, I pulled on a pair of jeans and hoodie along with my yellow raincoat and yellow rain boots. By the time I made it to the main area, the scent of gumbo had my mouth watering. The host with the wandering blue eye smiled.
“Is your husband coming?” He asked.
“No, but he’ll be back shortly.”
“Well, the gumbo was expertly crafted for tonight, everything is from scratch,” he stated. “If you’ll follow me to the dining area.”
He waddled like a penguin from around behind the check in counter. The outfit he was wearing really seemed out of place and confining.
If one of the shiny black buttons suddenly sprang and gave way, it could put someone’s eye out.
A fireplace crackled nearby and the smell of gumbo wafted through the air as we entered the dimly lit dining room.
“The other guest has checked in,” the man smiled. “Perhaps you two can dine together. I’ll bring the food right out.”
Slipping my rain coat off, I placed it on the back of my seat. Sitting down at the rustic wooden table that seemed to be carved from the same wood as the bed, I pulled out my phone and saw a text from Zane.
Miss you already, it said.
Just as I was about to reply the innkeeper returned with a rolling tray of steaming hot food. He sat it down in front of me.
“What can I get you to drink?” He asked.
“What red wine do you have?” I asked.
“We have a Clarion 92 and the Hyperion Hotels have us keep their wines stocked as well. It's a Moscato, not a red.”
Thinking about it, I decided to take the moscato and he once again waddled off to get my wine.
Miss you too. This place is a little backwards, I wrote Zane.
What do you mean?
Quickly I typed up another message with my observations. Well, the guy seems to be the only person on duty. He didn’t take an order for a drink first. Maybe he’s new. Anyway, drive safely. I’m fine. But I can’t wait for you to get back.
It seemed to take a while for the man to return with my wine and so I started to dig into my food. I had made a sizable dent when I heard someone approaching. Turning I found myself staring into the eyes of a woman.
“Hi,” I smiled.
She didn’t return the smile at first.
“You must be the other guest, the innkeeper mentioned,” I started looking around for him.
“I am.” She finally offered a smile. “Do you mind if I sit? I hate dining alone.”
The room started to spin and I blinked my eyes rapidly before replying. “No, please…please sit.”
She tapped her fingers on the table, looking around before her eyes finally came back to rest on me. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
Picking up a napkin, I really was starting to worry about the host.
“No, have we met?”
My head was still swimming and it seemed to be two of her. Slowly, my focus narrowed in.
Older white woman. Slender features, hair graying at the temple.
She shook her head. “You took my baby away from me, you fucking whore.”
“I…ma’am…I don’t know…”
Before I could stop myself, my body slid from the chair and darkness threatened to pull me under. The last thing I saw was the woman standing over me.
“I’m Gayle Storms you dumb bitch. And my sweet prince was Ryan Lavery. You took my son away from me…”
The darkness won, becoming like a thick blanket of fog smothering the land beneath it. I fought to stay alert, but finally I gave into the darkness and slipped into unconsciousness. The world faded away and all I could do was think about how I hadn’t told Zane I loved him.