Powerful (The Driven World) - Kathleen Kelly Page 0,42
aren’t staying at the motel, Mr. Mortimer told Mrs. Monroe, who’s seeing your dad, that you moved out. And Mrs. Monroe told my landlady that your clothes are at your dad’s but that you haven’t spent a night there. And, of course, Sophia has been seen around town without you. So, the natural assumption, knowing your past history from TB…” she smiles at him, “… is that you’re staying with Athena.”
I sit back and look from Shannon to TB. “My dad is seeing someone?”
“Funny. Nice try at avoiding a conversation.” Shannon grabs another piece of bacon.
Leaning over, I too grab a piece and shrug. “Athena and Ashlea are fine.”
Shannon laughs and points at TB. “Told you! You owe me ten dollars.”
“You made a bet?” I ask.
“Yeah.” TB nods, puts down his spatula, and places his hands on his hips. “So, you’re seeing my sister again?” There’s an edge to his voice, a protectiveness.
“It’s more than that. It’s always been more than that.”
TB’s face slowly transforms into a smile. “About fucking time you pulled your head out of your ass.”
“I’m sorry.”
TB nods. “You should be.” Then he picks up his spatula and turns back around.
“Aww, did I just witness a guy moment?” Shannon has her hands together next to her face and tilts her head, the picture of innocence. “You two are so special.”
I shove her. “Shut up.”
“Yeah, Shannon, shut up,” replies TB in a sing-song voice.
The bell for the door goes off again, and then we hear, “Anyone here?”
“Out back,” yells Shannon.
Todd wanders in, dressed in civvies. “Good morning.”
“Hey, Todd. Breakfast?” asks TB.
“Nah, I’ve eaten. You all ready for today?”
“I wish the day would hurry up. All this preparation is killing me,” replies TB.
“Really?” I ask.
“Yes. I love Ash, and I want her to have her perfect day but me? I’d be happy if the day were over, and we were off on our honeymoon.” He waggles his eyebrows up and down. “Are you still right to drive the girls?”
“Yep. Where is the honeymoon?” asks Todd.
TB smiles and gestures to me with his thumb with a flick of his hand. “My best friend here paid for us to go to Hawaii. He has a house there.”
“Oh, fancy,” chimes in Shannon.
Feeling my face burn, I shake my head. “It was part of a negotiation for a movie. It’s not that big a deal.”
“Okay, well, see you at the chapel.”
“You’re picking Ashlea’s dad, Devon, up from Mom and Dad’s house, too, yeah?”
Todd smiles. “Yep, I’m picking him up an hour before the girls. Just in case there’s some sort of issue, and he can help solve it. I promise to have everyone to the chapel on time.”
TB looks relieved. “Thanks, Todd, you’re the best.”
“Sometimes, all a girl needs to calm her is her dad.” Todd looks at me. “How’s Sophia getting to the wedding?”
“Aww, shit,” I mutter.
Todd laughs. “You forgot about your girlfriend?”
“My ex-girlfriend, and I wouldn’t say I forgot, I simply—”
“Oh, you are in trouble with a capital T,” teases Shannon.
I stand. “Shit. Gotta go, TB, but I’ll be back.”
TB laughs. “I understand, Mr. Hollywood.”
“Don’t be a dick.” I pat Todd on the shoulder. “Catch you all later. I’m off to appease the Ice Queen.”
“Ice Queen?” asks TB innocently.
I stop and point at TB. “Don’t tell me you don’t call her that behind her back, I know you.”
Turning back around, I walk out of the café and head for the motel. Like everything in this town, it’s not far to walk. The sun is shining, and honestly, they couldn’t have asked for a nicer day for their wedding.
The car I rented is parked out the front of the motel, so at least I know she’s still here. There’s also a pack of media waiting around, and thankfully, a team of security guards waiting outside. The media begins snapping my picture as I approach.
“I’m guessing she’s in there?” I ask one of the guards as I approach.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Livingston. Go on through.”
I rap my knuckles on the door, and it swings wide. Inside are three other people all fussing around Sophia who’s sitting on a chair in the middle of the room.
“You’re here!” says the guy who opens the door.
He’s six-foot, black, wearing eye makeup and has dreadlocks down to his ass.
“I am,” I reply as I enter the room.
“Oh, Kris, darling. This is my team who makes me look fabulous,” coos Sophia.
“I’m Judy, so nice to meet you at last.”
“I’m Justin, and the big hunk of man who opened the