27. Charlotte
Iwas starting to notice a new problem I was having. I stood in the mirror, scrutinizing every inch of my outfit for tonight. I didn’t even care this much with my date with Daniel last night. He had texted me about a second date this morning despite me declining his offer last night. I found myself irritated that he was pushing me when I already told him that I wasn’t interested. It only made me more certain I’d made the right choice.
I was only going to watch an ice hockey game at the Weatherston boys’ house, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that nothing I wore was good enough. I wanted to look nice and none of the clothes I had made me feel particularly pretty. In the end, I settled on a floral, summer dress. I felt a little over dressed, but it was the best of a bad bunch. I had ordered Theo a Dallas Stars jersey to wear to watch the game at the advice of Lucas. I was slightly regretting not asking Elijah instead, as I was worried Lucas might have been playing a trick on me.
Regardless, Theo was absolutely loving it, behaving completely polar opposite to how I was. He admired his jersey in the mirror with a wide smile on his face.
“Can we go yet?” he asked, bounding over to me. My eyes moved to my watch.
“Not for another twenty minutes.” He groaned before taking himself back into the living room. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket and pulled it out. It was another set of messages from Adam. I had blocked his number, but he’s started texting me off a new one.
Adam: I really miss you. I want to see you.
Adam: Things will be different this time, I promise.
Adam: I just want to know you’re okay.
I wish I could help the fact his words tugged on my heart. When Adam was in a good mood we were in a great place. He could be a sweet guy and a brilliant dad. I had to remind myself of the times when he wasn’t in a good mood, those were the times I needed to remember. He was dangerous and we were better off without him. My finger hovered over the reply button. I hadn’t replied to any of his messages thus far, but maybe this would get it stop.
Charlotte: We’re okay, please stop texting me. You’re only making it harder.
His response was instant.
Adam: I’m glad you’re okay.
Adam: Please, will you come home and talk to me?
Charlotte: I’m sorry, Adam, we aren’t coming back.
I felt my breath hitch as I hit send. I could see the three dots appearing and disappearing.
It felt like forever before his response finally came.
Adam: I warned you before. You’ve left me no choice. I’m coming to you.
Adam: You can’t hide from me forever.
I should have seen that coming; I provoked him. I threw my phone down on the bed as if he could somehow know where I was if I was holding it. I felt stupid. I should have just blocked this new number and moved on.
He would have given up eventually if I had stopped replying, but by replying I had only stirred him on more.
“I’m pretty sure it has been twenty minutes,” Theo said from the doorway, making me jump. I looked at my watch. It had only been ten minutes which in kid world was about an hour.
“Okay, okay, let’s go then.” I rolled my eyes as I put my phone in my back pocket and tried to put Adam out of my mind.
As we approached Elijah’s home, I couldn’t help but be taken aback by how gorgeous it was. It was a two-story house with a large driveway out front as I recognised Lucas’ truck parked in front. It was your typical family home, so I was slightly surprised Elijah had bought this place. From what I had heard, he was the sole owner and Lucas was just staying here till he found his footing with his business.
Elijah didn’t strike me as a man who was planning on filling this house with a wife and kids, but maybe I was wrong. Theo knocked hard on the door as we approached. The door opened quickly and Elijah’s face greeted us on the other side. My eyes lingered on his outfit of a black shirt and grey sweatpants. I don’t know why, but there was something insanely attractively about a man in sweatpants. The thought left my head quickly as I suddenly felt incredibly overdressed for this casual evening watching a sports game.
“Hey.” He smiled. I was still getting used to him smiling rather than scowling at me. “Come in.” He moved out of the way to let us in. He leaned towards my ear as I walked past. Despite the fact that he was dressed casually, I caught a whiff of his cologne as he leaned in. A small smile graced my lips at the thought of him putting it on because we were coming over.
“You look beautiful,” he said softly in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. I turned my face towards him and was immediately conscious of how close our faces were.
“Thank you.” I let a smile linger on my lips briefly before swiftly moving past him, not wanting him to see me blush.
“Well, if it isn’t two of my favourite people,” Lucas said as we walked through. He stood up off the sofa and I was pleased to see he was also in the same jersey as Theo.
“We’re twins!” Theo announced loudly, pointing at his jersey as he walked over.
“You bet we are! You ready to watch the game?” He held his hand out for a high-five which Theo met eagerly.
“I’ve been thinking about it all day!” Theo replied, enticing a laugh from the adults in the room.
“It’s all he has spoken about since dinner at your ma’s house,” I said, my eyes flicking between the two brothers.
“Well, get yourself comfy and I’ll order us some pizzas,” Lucas said, reaching for his phone. “Anything to avoid?” He aimed the question at me.
“Theo’s pretty good with food, just nothing too spicy.” I smiled back.
“Oh, and I hate anchovies.”
Lucas gave a mock salute.
My eyes wandered around the living room and I clocked the piano sitting in the corner. It didn’t look particularly dusty, suggesting it still gets played.
“Who plays the piano?” I asked.
“That would be Elijah.” Lucas smirked before heading out of the room to make the call for pizzas.
“How long have you been playing?” Elijah was looking at the floor, his feet shifting from side to side.
“About fifteen years. I don’t play much, just occasionally.” It wasn’t lost on me that fifteen years ago was when his father died. “Do you want a glass of wine?” he added quickly, wanting to change the subject.
“That would be great, thanks.” I wanted to ask more about the piano and what he played, but I didn’t want to push it. I got the feeling that if I pushed Elijah he would just shut down. I would have to be cautious with my line of questioning if I wanted answers. I decided to leave it for now.
“What about Theo? I have some juice or some soda in the fridge?”
“Juice is perfect. He’s going to be bouncing off the walls as it is with his excitement for watching the game.” He nodded before wandering off into the kitchen, coming back momentarily with our drinks.
“Pizza is ordered!” Lucas declared as he walked back into the room. “Does anyone know when Alice is getting here?”
“She isn’t coming, she has that date tonight.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Both of the brothers’ heads snapped up, staring at me.
“What date?” Lucas asked first.
“Who is he?” Elijah followed up with, close after.
“I don’t really know; I shouldn’t have said anything. Please don’t tell Alice I told you,” I pleaded. “She’ll kill me if she knows.” They both looked at me, as if deciding what to do next.
“I won’t tell her, but I’ll be bothering Ma for all the details,” Lucas said as Elijah gave an agreeing nod. It was sweet, really, how protective they were over their sister. As irritating as it probably would be at times, I bet it was nice to always have someone looking out for you. We moved into the living room. Theo wanted to sit next to his new-found twin which left Elijah and I on one of the sofas together. It wasn’t a particularly large sofa. Our elbows seemed to brush together frequently, especially when we were eating the pizza.
Every time we touched, I felt my cheeks go red. There was something about being close to him that made me lose control of my body’s responses. I can’t say I was particularly interested in the game; I feigned interest whenever one of the two brothers explained the rules to me. I hardly knew what was going on, but all I can say is ice hockey players are hot.
As the game was nearing an end, I felt my phone start ringing in my pocket. I could sense Elijah’s eyes on me as I looked at it. The number was unsaved, but I knew it was Adam. I quickly rejected the call, a little bit too quickly as I felt Elijah’s stare narrow on me. Within a few seconds, a text appeared and I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
Adam: Found you. Rosehaven sounds lovely.
“Fuck,” was the only word I could muster as all eyes in the room turned to me.