24. Chapter 24
24
Sophie
Opal and Violet fade quickly after another two more rounds of the game. I can see the crankiness beginning to rear its ugly head as they squabble over whether each of us is following the rules. Finally, Brody pipes up.
“How about a movie?”
“Momma says we only det movies before bed,” says Violet, rubbing her eyes.
“Well, we just won’t tell Momma. Or Dad. He can’t keep a secret,” Brody adds, looking at me.
We settle onto the large couch, Brody and I resting our feet on the ottoman while the girls sit in between us. Within minutes of starting an episode of Bluey, both of the girls are out cold.
“Sorry,” says Brody softly.
“For what?” I turn and search his face, my hand absently rubbing the top of Violet’s head where it rests on my lap.
“For this.” He motions to the TV.
“Oh I’m a Bluey fan,” I assure him, keeping my voice low. “It’s wholesome, it’s relaxing. I’m not bothered by this at all.”
“God, you’re amazing.”
“I know.” I wink at him and turn back to the TV .
The sound of the front door unlocking startles us both and it swings open. If I didn’t already know this was Brody’s sister, I’d have guessed it by looking. The woman who just walked in has similar facial features, the same green eyes, and brown hair which falls just past her shoulders. Her hair has a few streaks of blonde in it, though.
“Hey Brody, thanks f-” She pauses, staring at me for a moment before her eyes focus on Brody.
“Sorry, we can’t get up,” Brody explains, motioning toward the girls. Opal’s head is nuzzled against his side. “This is Sophie. Sophie, this is my sister, Raegan.” The man who enters behind Raegan has salt and pepper hair and is a few inches taller than her, though Raegan isn’t short by any means. “And that’s Brett.”
Brett’s blue eyes are striking above a slightly crooked nose. His jawline is covered in dark stubble as if his beard hasn’t gotten the memo that his hair did. I wonder what the age gap is between them. Brett waves with one hand and a tight-lipped smile.
“Hi Raegan, Brett.” I nod to each of them, feeling rude not getting up, but I don’t want to disturb the girls. I’ll have to eventually, of course, but I want to make this feeling last.
“It’s so nice to meet you.” Raegan’s squeal as she hurries forward to grab my hand and shake it is enough to wake her daughters. “Sorry,” she whispers as Violet’s eyes flutter open.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” I laugh as the girls sit up. It gives me the chance to stand and greet Raegan properly. “I hope it’s ok that Brody brought me along.”
“Oh, it’s fine! I don’t think he’s ever brought a girl around, so you must be special.” She winks at me and I hate that it makes me blush. Am I really the first one?
“Nice to meet you,” says Brett, approaching a little slower than his wife. “If we’d known it would be more than just Brody, we’d have tidied up.”
I raise an eyebrow and look around the home that was basically spotless until we walked in with the girls. Even now, the only things out of place are the dishes in the sink.
“Yeah, the place is a wreck,” Brody laughs, standing up from the couch. Opal has finally allowed him his freedom.
“Oh shut it, we’re still living out of boxes.” Raegan rolls her eyes.
“Where are the boxes?” Brody glances around.
“Basement, mostly,” says Brett. “Kinda don’t wanna unpack everything if we’re gonna up and move in six months.”
“Would it really be that soon?” asks Brody, placing his hands on his hips .
“They said six months to a year.” Brett nods as the girls drag on their mother’s hand, babbling about the party this morning.
“Still thinking Ireland or the UK?”
“I don’t think they’d send me anywhere else, but there’s been talk of Norway and France.”
“The girls are young enough that it should be easy to learn a new language, not to mention up and moving away from their friends.”
“Yeah, that’s what people keep telling me,” Brett sighs. “Kids are resilient and all that.”
“They are, man. Just keep me posted. I’ll help you move if you want.”
“Thanks.” Brett smiles at his brother-in-law.
I find myself staring, wishing I’d grown up with siblings. The chance at nieces and nephews, a home full of family, even in-laws. My mind conjures an image of Christmas with Brody and his family, most of whom are still faceless for me. The home is full of laughter and joy and all the things I doubt I’ll ever see with my parents again.
Brody already mentioned that he wants children. I used to, but since making adult content full-time, I’m not so sure. How do you raise kids while making porn for a living? People do it, I know they do. Could I? Would Brody want that?
Getting ahead of yourself, Soph.
“I think we’re gonna go.” Brody’s eyes catch mine and I know he sees that something’s off, that my thoughts are elsewhere.
“Oh yeah, get going. You’ve been cooped up with the girls long enough.” Brett shoos us away.
“It was nice meeting you, Sophie!” Raegan calls as we walk toward the door.
“It was so nice meeting you both.” I grin over my shoulder and follow Brody outside.
“So, was-was that ok?” asks Brody once we’re safely in his car.
“What, meeting your family? Big step,” I admit, trying to keep my tone light. “But it was really nice. I wish I had siblings. Growing up might’ve been less lonely.”
“Well being the only boy wasn’t amazing,” Brody laughs. “But I’m glad you liked them.”
“I really did.”
I hadn’t planned for more than one night at Brody’s, but I hate the idea of leaving. It’s been so relaxing being with him, feeling safe with him. When he asks if I’ll stay another night, there’s no way I’m saying no.
I take my car back to my apartment, noting the new wood along the door frame. The ring around the camera on the doorbell lights up as I approach. It’s working, at least for now. As I head up the stairs to pack another change of clothes, I wonder if Brody found anything last night. He didn’t mention anything this morning and part of me doesn’t want to ask.
I gather a few items, but then, after standing in front of my closet for several more seconds, I grab another sundress too.
“Just in case,” I mutter to myself.
“Just in case, what?”
I jump and turn to see Natalie leaning against my door frame, arms crossed and a smile on her face.
“In case I want to stay the whole weekend.” There’s no point trying to keep the smile off my face.
She laughs, coming to sit on the end of my bed while I pack.
“So things are good?”
“I’m afraid to say yes and jinx it.” I chew on my bottom lip, holding the sundress in my hands. “But yeah, things are… great.”
“Just be careful.” Her tone is far more serious now and I know she’s not talking about Brody or Miles before she even says his name. “I’ve never met Caleb, but if he scared you enough for you to run all the way to LA, I worry what his plan is for you. You should tell the police.”
“I can’t.” My voice comes out softer than I’d like. Weaker. Caleb is a snake and snakes know how to hide. They know when to strike. I know I’m in danger now, but I still can’t bring myself to speak to the police.
“Why not, Soph? They could look for him or something.”
“Since when do they side with victims in cases like this?” I mutter. “Besides, his brother is a cop. All it would take is a flash of his badge and his cousins in the LAPD would think his brother is innocent.”
“Fuck, really? A cop?” Natalie shakes her head.
Why am I talking about this? It’s been six months. Natalie promised she wouldn’t bring it up, but that was before Caleb started stalking me .
“Did Brody find anything?” she asks tentatively.
“He said it’ll take time for some programs to run, whatever that means.”
Natalie nods and I place the dress in my bag.
“See you tomorrow?” Natalie asks, standing from the bed.
“Or Monday.” I blush again, but she just rolls her eyes and leads the way from the room.
“Ok, ok. The honeymoon phase is in full swing.
I can hear Natalie giggling to herself when I reach the door and I shake my head as I leave. Cold dread stops me in my tracks. The feeling of someone watching me causes the little hairs on the back of my neck to stand up and a shiver to run down my spine.
After checking between the buildings, along the side yard of our place and the neighbors in front of us, and even looking over the fence, I decide it’s my imagination. It has to be. Caleb wouldn’t be out here watching me in broad daylight. Although, he kicked our door in before the sun was fully down, so maybe I don’t know him as well as I used to.