Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
STELLA
Wendy’s eyes bugged out as Heath and I walked into The Crystal Bar. From across the crowded room, her jaw dropped when she saw his hand on my shoulder. In a blink, the shock disappeared and she sent me a scowl.
I had explaining to do.
“Sorry,” I mouthed.
“You’re in trouble,” she mouthed back.
I reached for Heath’s hand, clasping it tight, as I weaved through the crush.
The bar was packed for New Year’s Eve. Women were dressed in shimmering tops and shiny dresses. A cluster of men had noisemakers, blowing them after a round of shots. We were hours from midnight and that sound would get old soon. Party hats and tiaras with the upcoming year’s number were scattered on the bar. Foil curlicues hung from the bar’s dusty rafters.
The Crystal Bar, though fancy in name, was the roughest bar on Main. It was the definition of no frills. It had yet to be renovated and changed to an upscale, trendy bar like so many others downtown.
Rows of old keg taps were hung high on one of the bar’s brick walls, joining the beer and liquor signs. One section of the ceiling had been dedicated to confiscated fake IDs, row after row of them covered safe behind a sheet of Plexiglas. The Crystal had a smell of its own, cultivated from too many years of old drunks and rowdy college kids. The number one Yelp review ridiculed the dive bar for the lewd signs, foul language and filthy bathrooms.
“This place reminds me of college,” Heath said, leaning close so I could hear him over the noise.
“Me too.” I laughed. “Same musty smell. Same cobwebs.”
He chuckled. “Pretty much.”
We were older than most of the people here tonight by at least five years. But considering Wendy worked with a lot of college students at the gym, it was no surprise they’d chosen this as their party spot.
“What do you want to drink?” Heath asked. “I’ll go order. You can talk to Wendy.”
“Champagne if they have any.”
“Okay, baby.” He bent and brushed a kiss to my cheek and the thrill of his lips on my skin raced through my veins.
We were here. In public. No hiding. No pretending.
No secrets.
I practically danced my way to Wendy. She was frowning, but I couldn’t help my smile. “Happy New Year.”
“All done crushing on Heath Holiday, huh?”
“Not quite.” I blushed, finding him at the bar. He stood taller than the other men, his shoulders broader. As he waited for the bartender, he pushed the sleeves of his black sweater up his sinewed forearms.
“Spill. Right now.” Wendy smacked me on the shoulder. “ How long has this been going on? And why wasn’t I the first person you called?”
“Sorry. It started at the party on Christmas Eve. But we haven’t told Guy yet, or my boss. So we’ve been keeping it quiet.”
“You didn’t trust me to keep a secret? Like I’d ever talk to Guy. Or your boss.”
“I know.” I sighed. “Forgive me?”
“Only if you tell me everything.”
I smiled. “I’m having sex with Heath Holiday.”
She giggled. “Someone should. Look at that man. He’s gorgeous.”
I glanced over my shoulder, laughing with her. “I still can’t believe it. I just want to scream it, like that will help make it real.”
“Do it.” She nudged my elbow. “It’s so loud in here no one will even hear you.”
Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” was blaring over the speakers, most of the crowd joining in at the Da. Da. Da. line. The men with the noisemakers were going berserk, honking and blowing their horns.
If there was ever a place to scream, this was it.
Screw it. “I’m having sex with Heath Holiday!”
Halfway through my sentence, the music cut out. The noisemakers stopped. All eyes swung my way and Wendy cringed on my behalf.
“Oh my God,” I whispered, shrinking into myself.
“Uh...” The bartender had stopped the music to grab the microphone. “Good for you, lady. And Heath Holiday.”
I dropped my face to my hands as the room laughed. Why? Why me?
“Anyway,” the bartender drawled. “Quick announcement. Draft pints from now until power hour at eleven are two bucks.”
The music started again as abruptly as it had stopped.
I didn’t move other than to let my hair drape around me, shielding my face. Tonight, I was wearing a cream sweater and a pair of silver, sequined pants. It was my disco-ball outfit. What I wouldn’t give to be in all-black so I could slink into a shadow and disappear.
A strong arm banded around my shoulders, pulling me into a rock-solid chest. A chest I’d slept on every night this week.
“This is my fault, isn’t it?” Heath bent low to speak in my ear.
“Yes. All of my embarrassing moments are your fault, remember? You’re cursed.”
“Sorry.”
I relaxed and dropped my hands, spinning to face him. “How bad was it?”
Heath set his beer bottle and my champagne on the table closest to us, then he framed my face with his hands before tipping his head up and shouting, “I’m having sex with Stella Marten!”
The room was too loud, and the only people who heard him were close by.
“See?” he asked. “Not that bad.”
“Ugh.” I groaned and fell forward into his body. “That is not the same.”
He wrapped me up tight, kissing my hair. “Hi. I’m Heath.”
“Wendy.”
I stayed buried in his chest as he shook her hand.
“What are your intentions with my best friend?”
I groaned again. “Wendy.”
“That’s a good fucking question.”
Except Wendy hadn’t asked it .
I stiffened at the angry, familiar voice. So did Heath. It came from over his shoulder.
As Heath’s arms loosened, I peeled myself away, peering past him to see my brother.
Maybe the entire bar hadn’t heard Heath’s announcement. But Guy had. He stood fuming, as livid as I’d seen him in years. My brother wore his emotions on his face, and at the moment, he was close to a rage.
Only one time in my life had I seen Guy this angry.
And that had landed an epic asshole in the hospital.
“Oh, shit,” Wendy muttered, coming to my side. “He’s pissed.”
“You think?” I deadpanned, then shifted, trying to squeeze in between Heath and Guy.
But Heath felt me move and cut me off. One of his hands clasped mine as he spoke to Guy. “Let me explain.”
“Fuck you,” Guy said. “Fuck your explanation.”
“Guy,” I hissed.
“Don’t.” He pointed at my nose. “You kept this from me too.”
“We were going to tell you,” Heath said. “When you got back from skiing at Big Sky.”
“Surprise. Mel showed up and one of us had to leave. So I came home early, thinking I’d call my best friend and my sister. See if they wanted to meet up. Then neither of them answered so I came downtown. And here you are.”
“I’m sorry,” I said.
Guy had already dismissed me, his gaze locked with Heath’s.
“Take it easy,” Heath said. “Let us explain.”
“Calm down, Guy.” I reached for his arm but he jerked away, sparing me a brief sneer before narrowing his eyes on Heath .
“After everything I told you the other night.” Guy scoffed. “I can’t fucking believe you.”
“What?” I looked up to Heath. “What did he tell you?”
“This is not the same.” Heath’s jaw clenched. “Don’t you dare compare me to that motherfucker.”
Wait. What had Guy told him? There could only be one story. A story that Guy had no right to share, especially with Heath.
No. My head started spinning and I clutched Heath’s hand for balance. This wasn’t happening. There was a reason I didn’t tell people about what happened to me freshman year. It just wasn’t an embarrassing story. It had been a nightmare.
Guy had no right.
“You told him.” I stepped closer to my brother. “You told him about Dave.”
Guy didn’t even have the decency to look guilty. “Yeah, I told him. I knew you were seeing someone. Sneaking around. I was worried about you and asked Heath if he knew who you were seeing. And he lied to me. You lied. To. My. Face. Some friend.”
Most of those words were swallowed up by the noise in my head.
Heath knew about Dave. He’d known that one of Guy’s friends had drugged me and would have raped me. He’d known all week.
He’d known the night he’d come over and asked if I could keep a secret.
My stomach dropped.
“How could you?” Guy asked him. “She’s my sister. You were supposed to be my best friend. What happens when you fuck her over? What happens when you break her heart?”
“That’s not?—”
“Gonna happen?” Guy arched his eyebrows. “Sure it is. ”
“Stop.” My voice was too soft. Neither of them heard me, and Guy was on a roll.
“You’re using her. I told you she’s had a crush on you and you decided she’d be easy prey, right? An easy lay?”
“Watch your goddamn mouth.” Heath inched closer to Guy. “You will not talk about Stella like she’s some cheap score.”
“You’re treating her like one.”
“That’s not what this is. I care about her. I would never intentionally hurt her.”
“Stop.” I managed to make my voice a little louder. But it didn’t do any good. It was still too loud.
Guy scoffed, still ignoring me. “You’ve said that about all your women. You never intentionally hurt anyone, but you do. Over and over. I’ve watched them cry over you when you’ve moved on.”
“And you’re so much better?”
“Fuck you,” Guy spat. “This isn’t about me. It’s about you and my sister.”
“Stop.” I tore my hand from Heath’s. “Stop talking about me like I’m not standing here.”
“I hate you for this.” Guy’s jaw ticked and he turned like he was going to leave, but before he took a step, he spun, moving so fast I barely had time to register what was coming.
Heath saw it. He didn’t even try to move. He just let Guy’s knuckles collide with his jaw.
The smack echoed around us.
Wendy cried out, gripping my arm to pull me away.
But Heath put his hand on my arm, keeping me behind him as he grunted.
The bouncers rushed toward our corner of the bar, shouting and shoving people out of the way .
I held my breath, staring between Guy and Heath, unblinking. Don’t fight. Please, don’t fight.
Heath stood tall, glowering at Guy.
And my brother glowered back.
But thankfully, no more punches were thrown.
“You’re both out.” One of the bouncers took Guy’s elbow, attempting to drag him away. Except the bouncers were all smaller than Guy and Heath.
“Let me go.” Guy tore his arm free, and this time when he turned, he didn’t stop until he was out the front door. A bouncer followed him outside.
“You have to leave,” another bouncer told Heath.
“I’m going.” Heath held up his hands as the bouncer shoved at his shoulder, pushing him toward the rear exit.
“Oh my God.” Wendy’s hand found mine.
I gripped it tight, staring at Heath’s tall body as he waded past clusters of people. Most of them were oblivious to what had just happened. Even those in Wendy’s party hadn’t been paying much attention.
“Come on.” I hauled Wendy with me as I pushed through the room.
Guy was furious. The only person who’d be able to talk to him right now was me. But I didn’t walk toward the front. I chose the back door.
I chose Heath.
He stood in the snow-covered parking lot across the alley. His hand was on his jaw, rubbing the spot where he’d been hit. When he heard me coming, his hand fell away and he strode toward us.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yes.” I gulped. “Are you?”
“I’m fine,” he grumbled. “I was expecting it.”
He seemed so... calm. Meanwhile, my heart was galloping in my chest. My breath came in heavy pants, the cold air turning it into a billowing cloud around us.
“I’m going back in to get my coat.” Wendy pried her hand from mine. “Wait for me.”
“Okay.” I nodded, taking a minute to breathe as she rushed toward the bar. “That was...”
“I’m sorry.” He dragged a hand through his hair. “Christ.”
“The night you went to his house, what did he tell you?”
Heath’s eyes darted to mine. “Stell, it doesn’t matter.”
“What did he tell you?” I gritted my teeth.
He blew out a long breath. “He told me about his friend. The buddy from school. Dave. That he took you out to a frat party. That you guys kept it a secret. And that it, um... ended badly.”
“He drugged me. He would have raped me.”
Heath flinched. “Don’t say that.”
“Why not? It’s true. It’s the most humiliating moment of my life. The one not your fault.”
My joke fell flat.
Heath looked like he was in more pain now than he had been after Guy’d slammed a fist into his face.
“I didn’t want you to know,” I admitted. “Guy had no right to tell you that story. Is that why you wanted us to be a secret?”
“What?”
“Is this a pity thing?” I asked. “Is that why?”
“You weren’t a secret in that bar, Stella.” He pointed over my shoulder, the tension rising on his face. “I told you I was going to tell Guy. This has nothing to do with what that fucker did to you in college.”
So why couldn’t I get this icky feeling out of my stomach?
“This is not how I expected it to be tonight,” I whispered and my chin began to quiver.
Heath reached for me, but I stepped out of his grasp. If he touched me, I’d melt. If he held me, I’d cry.
“I have to talk to Guy.”
“We can go see him tomorrow. Together.”
I shook my head. “No. Now.”
“Okay.” He took another step but I held up a hand.
“Alone. He’s my brother.”
When I’d fallen off a swing set or monkey bars, Guy had always been the first to rush to my side. If I’d crashed my bike, he’d been the one to hold my hand while Dad had picked the gravel from my skinned knees. Guy had watched out for me in high school, scaring the creeps away with his threats. He’d tried to do the same in college too.
I suspected that most of Guy’s anger and frustration were not because of Heath. But because of me. Because I’d kept a secret. I’d let Heath convince me that he needed to be the one to tell Guy. But that had been a mistake.
I should have told him.
Guy should have heard it from me.
“Stell—”
“Tell Wendy I’ll call her.” I jogged away, rushing as fast as I could without risking a fall on the snow in my heeled boots.
“Stella!” Heath called, but I didn’t slow.
I reached the end of the alley, rounded the corner and raced to the sidewalk on Main, scanning both directions for Guy.
He hadn’t gone far. Just outside The Crystal Bar, my brother paced, his hands balled in fists. Maybe he’d expected us to come out the front door too.
“Guy,” I hollered, rushing to his side.
He stopped pacing and looked over my shoulder like he was expecting Heath.
“I’m alone,” I said, slowing to a stop.
The adrenaline was ebbing and the chill seeped through my sweater. These pants were cute but not exactly warm. I wrapped my arms around my waist. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t know what you’re doing, Stella.”
“I’m not a kid anymore, Guy. I know what I’m doing.”
“He’s not who you think he is.”
“Guy.” I gave him a sad smile. “This is Heath. I know exactly who he is. He’s kind. He’s gracious. He’s smart. He whistles while he shaves and loves his family. He’s loyal, so much so that he asked me to keep this a secret because he knew you were going to freak out.”
“A secret? He asked you to be a secret? That’s suspect, Stell. Not sweet.”
“I care about him. I have since I was a little girl.”
“Exactly.” He threw up his arms. “You’ve built him into this dream or fantasy. What happens when the illusion falls to shit? What happens when you realize he’s a womanizer? That he’s using you and you’ll be tossed aside when he’s done?”
“That’s not going to happen.” I believed that down to the marrow of my bones. Heath wasn’t using me. This was real.
We were real.
“Yes, it is!” Guy dragged a hand through his hair. “He’s a player. I know because we’re not that different. You know why Mel dumped me? Because I was hitting on another woman. It was stupid. It was a dumb-fuck move. But I was drinking and this girl wanted to flirt. Mel showed and caught me about two seconds from kissing another woman. She broke it off and told me never to call her again.”
My heart twisted for my idiot brother. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s my fault.”
“Yeah, it is. But that doesn’t mean Heath will do the same to me.”
“I’ve seen him play women, Stell.”
“When? In high school? College? You know Heath. You know him. Do you actually think he’d play me?”
A flicker of doubt crossed his gaze, but he didn’t give in. He just raised that stubborn chin.
“Whatever.” I tossed up my hands. There was no talking to him tonight. He’d made up his mind, and nothing I could say would change it. “If he plays me, then I’ll dump him as Mel dumped you.”
“And I’ll lose my best friend.”
“I’m not asking you to choose.”
He blinked. “Seriously? Like I could be friends with a man who hurt my sister.”
If only my brother could be as loyal to his girlfriends as he was to me. “I don’t know what will happen with Heath. But you can’t protect me all the time.”
“Break up with him, Stella. End this now before it goes too far.”
I huffed. “No.”
“Yes.”
“This isn’t your business, Guy. You don’t get to tell me what to do.”
“Then don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart. I won’t be there to dry your tears. Not this time.” With that, he turned and marched down the sidewalk, leaving me standing alone.
My chin was quivering again, not just from the cold.
I was seconds away from crying when a pair of strong, familiar arms and a comforting scent wrapped around me.
Heath hadn’t left. Of course, he hadn’t left. He’d never leave me like this. Something Guy would know if he pulled his head out of his ass.
Heath had probably hovered around the corner, out of sight, but listening to our entire conversation.
“Come on, baby.” Heath held me tighter. “Let’s go home.”