Joe had been invited to sit at the dinner table with the family which had never happened to her at the Nairne household her entire life. In fact, they had given her access to their guest house so she wouldn't have to drive from her apartment to the house yesterday in the morning. She had decided to hold on to it until she saw if Riane would stay or not.
Riane sat at the table across from Julian who had finally figured out what was really going on. He had been glaring at her the entire evening though he had not freaked out or started shouting as everyone had expected of him. Nanette and Colin sat on her side with Joe and all three boys on the other side of the table.
“Jolene, do you attend CHU?” Colin asked as he cut into his rare ribeye steak.
She shook her head, “No, I go to community college. I get good grades but not enough to get a free ride at any big name school.”
“So, you have to drive to pick up Riane, then drive her to school, drive yourself to school, then pick her up, drop her off, and drive back home everyday?” Nanette said with shock in her voice.
Riane felt something kick her leg and she looked across the table to Julian. He mouthed the words, 'I am going to kill you,' before shoving a whole Brussels sprout in his mouth.
“I do. It is no big deal. It's part of the job when you work and go to school.” She told them with a grin but could see that her friend on the other side of the table looked uncomfortable.
“Well, we'll see what we can do about that.” Colin said without inferring what he meant by those words.
Joe and Riane looked briefly at each other before continuing to eat their meal.
“What are you getting your degree in?” Nanette asked.
“Nursing.”
“Oh, that is so wonderful.” She said with genuine enthusiasm before she turned to Riane, “And you?”
“Business and Management.” Riane explained with her eyes looking down at her plate as she was afraid to make eye contact with Julian again, even though he had kicked her several more times.
“She was accepted into Juliard, but her father thought music was a wasteful career.” Joe told them as part of her hoped they would be supportive, and they did not disappoint.
“You are a musician, Riane?” Colin said excitedly. “What do you play?”
“She can play anything. Just give her a day and she'll learn the basics. She is a genius like that.” Joe told them and watched them both look impressed.
Riane felt more embarrassed by her exposure and simply smiled meekly in return.
“Zack has been dying to learn to play piano, but he isn't exactly a patient learner when it comes to things he can't read and understand immediately. We have gone through a couple teachers. Would you mind giving it a try?” The mother asked.
“I could. Piano is my favorite.” Riane told her before looking over at Zachary, who opened his mouth to show her his chewed up meal and upon seeing it she was immediately kicked under the table again.
“That's so kind of you to try.” Nanette seemed to have forgotten the food in front of her as she was far more interested in the new women in the house.
“This is a wonderful meal, but it has been a big day. Would you mind terribly if I went to rest in my room for a bit? I still have an essay to write and I like to get those finished on Saturdays, so my Sunday can have a little room for fun.” Riane stood from the table before they could answer.
“Of course, dear.” Nanette watched her leave the room.
Riane could hear Joe speak as she made her way up the stairs, “This is a bit overwhelming for us both.”
Heading down the strange hallway, Riane noticed the door across from hers had a sign with Zachary's name on it. She sighed to know that he would be her neighbor during the night and decided to lock her door while she slept.
Stepping inside, she walked over to her desk and sat down in front of her laptop. She turned on and tried to find the essay she had been working on.
Without a knock, Julian flung open the door and slammed it shut behind him. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.” He hissed. “How long have you fucking known? Were you being buddy buddy with me all along for this? This is some real hardcore stalker shit, Riane.” He said her real name with venom as if he wanted to spit it from his mouth.
Riane stood from her desk and turned to him. “I found out last weekend. I was going to tell you on Monday, but your brother asked me to wait so I could have the protection of your family.” She decided that she had lied enough to him and that she would be completely honest from this moment onward.
Julian snorted, “My ass. If my dad wasn't home right now, I'd drag you by what little hair you have down those stairs and fling you out the front door.”
“In my defense, I never said I was a male, you just assumed and while I should have corrected you, I simply didn't care what you thought I was or not.” Riane noticed he hadn't mentioned her lying about that, but she had made up a speech in her mind and she wanted to follow it to the letter even if Julian wouldn't cooperate.
He stared at her with hatred, “Well then, that makes it all better. Let me buy you some roses and we can get down to fucking.”
She took a deep breath as she became nervous after he said those words in her bedroom alone, even though she knew he didn't really mean it. “I am not trying to make it better. I am explaining my choices to you. I have no interest in you, Julian. Well, I mean as a friend only. I am forced to be here otherwise my father would have found some place else for me, and it is better for this to be me then some strange girl with manipulation of your love and money on her mind. Isn't it?”
“That I know how to counter. You, you on the other hand, are the most deceitful, lowly cretin that I have ever encountered. Making me open up to you about my plans all week, so what? You know how to counter my every move?” He chuckled bitterly. “Damn you are fucking good, Rya... Riane. I am still going to make this hell for you, and you will be back home before the end of the week.”
She smiled kindly at him. “With all due respect to how utterly unpleasant you can be, my father is a hundred times worse. There is nothing that you can do that will make me go back home. I am already happier here in the last hour then I have ever been at home. So, do your worst, Julian. I am staying here as your fiancee until I graduate college. You can either be my collaborator or your can be my victim. Your choice.”
He seemed shocked by her words briefly before his hands rolled up into fists. “You forget that you will never get a break from me. I am at your school and in your home.”
“Not in my classes. I'll find time, and we both know that you need a couple hours behind the gym in order to smoke weed and get fat. So, I think I'll have plenty of rest.” Riane didn't know where any of these words came from anymore. It was like she was channeling her own inner Julian, but she refused to let him win this argument. She was wrong and she knew it, but the way he planned to retaliate was simply evil.
“So, I finally get to meet the real Riane.” Julian spat out his words. “It's good to know you were vile and manipulative all along. It'll make this easier for me.”
She swallowed and frowned, “Don't act like this, Julian. I have your father, mother, and Bryce on my side. I can make it very uncomfortable for you.”
He smirked, “No, you won't. The moment you start telling them, they will start feeling pity for you and then they will start believing this was a bad idea and send you home. Don't believe me, go ahead and see what happens the first time and you will learn to suffer in silence.” With that he grabbed the door handle and flung the door open before storming off towards his own bedroom.
The next day, Riane had awoken earlier than everyone else in the house as per her father's scheduled wake up times. She didn't know if it had been her mind playing tricks on her, but the first night in her new room had felt strange. She could have sworn someone had tried turning the doorknob at night, but she had locked it as planned.
When she awoke, she got on her computer and read over her essay to check it for any grammatical or spelling errors. It had been something that she had worked on during the week with Julian and she felt rather bad about using him for it. Not because he did any of the work, but because she knew he would never help her again. He had really helped her out a great deal.
As she sat there wondering if maybe a heartfelt apology might ease the transition, a knock came to the door and Nanette slowly opened it.
“Are you decent?” She asked when she looked at a fully dressed girl sitting behind her desk. Nanette was still wearing pajamas with little red hearts all over them and her hair was in a ponytail. “You are ready to go, aren't you? Watching videos on the internet or something?”
“No, I was correcting my paper and then I thought I'd read some news articles.” She told the woman after standing up as Nanette entered the room.
“Well, breakfast is ready. I hope you like fruit and waffles with cream.” She told her as the girl walked towards her and she placed her hand on her shoulder. When they walked out into the hall, Nanette locked the door behind her. “You live with three prankster boys. Never leave your room unlocked when you aren't in it.” She told her before handing her the key. “Also, be careful when you pass a bathroom with an open door. They aren't in the habit of shutting it when they use it.”
Riane chuckled as they walked down the stairs today and turned the corner to find everyone in their pajamas still as they sat down for breakfast.
“Don't you look ready to take on the world so early.” Colin told her while he wore a white t-shirt and beige pajama bottoms. His sons were all dressed similar except Bryce's bottoms were blue, Julian's were red, and Zachary had a superhero shirt on. Joe was not in the room, and Riane assumed she was having her own breakfast in the guest house.
“My father didn't approve of eating at the table without being fully dressed and bathed.” She informed them as she sat down next to Nanette.
“We take a more casual approach here.” He chuckled as a woman, with white hair in a bun, brought the food out for them on a tray.
Nanette looked over at her, “This is Lucille. She cooks breakfast during the weekdays and breakfast and lunch on the weekends. I try to make the other meals.”
“She means she cuts up lettuce and other veggies before throwing copious amounts of salad dressing on it.” Bryce teased his mother.
Lucille smirked as she set the plates in front of everyone, but said nothing.
“I am trying to be a better cook. You brat. What do you think I am doing every Wednesday and Friday in those damn classes.” Nanette played retorted to her son.
“I can help you.” Riane announced before any more playful banter could make its way into the conversation. “Deidra is actually a great cook, and she taught me a lot. I also took many cooking classes in high school because my dad said it would be an important skill for me.”
Nanette looked surprised, “I am beginning to think we added another genius into the house instead of a normie like us, Colin.”
Her husband chuckled, “It is beginning to seem that way.”
“It's nothing like that.” Riane tried to explain but was interrupted.
“She is just sucking up in hopes that you don't send her back home.” Julian stuffed his face with his strawberries and cream covered waffles. “She's nothing like she is trying to make you people see. She's a liar. Don't trust anything she says.”
Bryce, Nanette, and Colin were all prepared to jump to her defense.
“Shut up, Julian.” Riane glared at him across the table. “Go pout somewhere else. We are trying to enjoy each others' company.”
Nanette looked at her husband in shock and Colin seemed surprised and pleased with the way in which she handled herself. They thought she would be meek, but it seemed that she was comfortable enough with their son to put him in his place.
Julian frowned deeply before smacking Zachary on the shoulder, “Let's eat in the other room.” They both grabbed their plates and looked over at Bryce to see if he would follow.
“Don't look at me, children.” Bryce continued to eat his meal.
“Traitor.” Julian mumbled the word under his breath as he exited the room with his brother.
Both Nanette and Colin were surprised that Julian had actually retreated from her instead of continuing to argue. It wasn't characteristic of him to simply abandon a fight, and it made them curious why he would have done such a thing.
Riane was also insecure of why he had left the room and then an idea struck her. She looked over at the two parents. “He has plans to make me want to leave here. He is probably going to work on a strategy with Zack.”
It was like she had read their minds and they both smirked, before Nanette spoke. “Zack may seem like a mature adult, but he is really just a kid following around his big brother under all that knowledge. He will be easy enough to win over and then there will just be Julian. He doesn't do well fighting alone.”
Bryce added, “Yeah, he tried to recruit others which means those two idiots at school.”
“Dalen already knows everything, and Seth follows Dalen around like a puppy. I don't think it will be a united front.” Riane explained to them. “Besides, Julian isn't as tough as he likes to make himself out to be.”
Colin chuckled, “Maybe this was better than a good idea to bring you here. If you do well, I might have to make it a paying gig.” He said with humor in his voice.
“Colin, that sounds so wrong.” Nanette said with laughter.
Both Bryce and Riane finished their meals together, and he had her come with him into the living room where Julian and Zachary immediately left once she entered.
Sitting down on the couch, Bryce motioned for her to sit down next to him as he picked up the controller to his gaming system and handed her another.
“I've never played video games before.” She told him and watched a smile form on his lips.
“Don't worry, we'll take it easy until you get the hang of it.” He waited for the loading screen to finish and pressed pause before turning to her. “Mom wants to take you shopping. If she tries to make you wear something you don't like just tell her that you are feeling uncomfortable. Alright?”
“Alright.” She cleared her throat uneasy when Bryce adjusted his position on the couch which made their thighs touch. She didn't know if it would be considered rude to scoot away from the touch and simply continued to sit in that position.
“Oh, and Julian really hates when people play with what he thinks belongs to him, even if he doesn't like it or them.” Bryce whispered under his breath and gave her a wink.
That sentence confused her and she wondered if the touch was something he purposely made happen. He began to explain the controls and even wrapped his arm around her shoulder to show her how to work it.
When Julian passed by the room about thirty minutes later, he paused at the door and walked by only to turn around and enter in.
Bryce and Riane were playing sitting close together, they were laughing, and enjoying each others.
“Oh, did you see that? I made him explode.” Bryce bragged as Julian sat down on the couch across from him.
“I did. That was...” She stopped when she noticed the man across the room.
“It's nothing special. It happens all the time in this game.” Julian hissed at his brother. “What are you two doing so close together?”
“Ignore him.” Bryce told her and they both continued to play while Julian sat quietly across the room from them. His mind full of emotions and thoughts of vengeance.
As Bryce promised, Riane found herself shopping with Nanette before the day was over. The mother had convinced her to join her in a manicure and pedicure, which Riane had actually found enjoyable even though she did not get her nails painted.
She knew that Bryce had told her that his mother was pushy, but she was too afraid to say no to the woman whenever she liked something that Riane tried on. Even though Riane knew she would put it in her closest and never wear it.
Nanette had commented on the fact that Riane wore very tight sports bras and not a traditional bra which ended with her getting measured at a lingerie store. She had always worn baggy shirts and an undershirt in an effort to hide her sports bra and had never worn anything else.
The older woman had insisted that Riane wear a dress with her, and they both had their hair simply styled. Riane couldn't deny that she enjoyed the way that her shorter hair had been spiked, and had learned how to do it herself. It gave a more feminine look without having to have longer hair.
When they were done shopping, they stopped at a small sushi restaurant in the mall and ordered a few rolls. Riane was not a fan of fish or seafood in general, but she had been afraid to say anything. Luckily, one of the rolls had cooked prawns and she hoped she could stomach it.
The restaurant had some fake bamboo dividers between the booths and pop music played softly in the background. Riane had been to sushi restaurants before but they had always been somewhat higher class than this one. It had been strange to even be in a mall.
“What a fun day.” Nanette said as she took a sip of her saki. “I hoped you enjoyed it as much as I did. I am glad that I got to know you a little more.”
Riane knew she hadn't gotten to know her at all, and had just felt pushed around all day but she didn't want to hurt the woman's feelings. “Me too.”
“Joe tells me that you haven't learned to drive yet.” Nanette noticed that uncomfortable look that Riane had been giving her all day. She didn't know if she was helping the girl or making things worse, but every time she insisted Riane would do as she was asked. Even when Nanette asked if she was alright with it, Riane simply went along and said she was fine. It was a stark contrast to the girl she had seen at lunch.
“No, I don't much like the idea of it.” She cleared her throat as the miso soup was placed in front of them by their server.
“I love the miso soup here. A lot of restaurants will only put a little bit of vegetables and tofu in it, but they give you a bunch here.” She began to eat it with the provided spoon.
Riane had always ordered teriyaki chicken at these restaurants and never adventured much outside her comfort zone. Nanette had told her how great the things she liked were, and without consulting her had placed the order for them to share. Sipping the soup, it was somewhat salty but not bad so she continued to eat it.
Nanette had noticed that as the day went on Riane had gotten quieter, and she wondered if she was making her unhappy or if she was just tired. Deidra had told her that she didn't get out much and she wondered if she had overwhelmed her.
They quietly ate the miso soup and then set the bowls at the edge of the table when they were empty. Nanette struggled to find a topic of conversation and now wished she had brought one of her children along. She had thought to bring Julian to help the two bond, but she knew he would have wandered off and left them alone within minutes of arriving.
“Riane, hey.” A soft feminine voice spoke as she approached the table.
A streak of fear came over her and she turned to find Adonia with her two friends behind her. “Hello.”
“I love your hair today.” She said with a soft smile, “I just saw you through the window as I was passing by and thought that it had to be you. How are you doing? I heard about your big weekend through the grapevine.”
Nanette looked between the two and decided to introduce herself since it seemed that Riane would not. “I am Nanette Swithin. Hopefully, Riane's mother-in-law one day.” She offered out her hand.
“Wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Swithin. I am Adonia Fulke. Riane and I are friends.” She shook the woman's hand. “These are my other friends, Parker and Kalei.”
The two girls waved their hands briefly at her.
“Would you like to join us?” She offered the seat next to her.
Adonia had wanted to but she could see that she was not welcomed by Riane, who was trying her best not to glare that woman away. “I would love to, but we just ate and we were heading home.” She turned to Riane, “You look really nice in that dress. I'll see you at school tomorrow.”
“See ya.” Riane mumbled as the two of them walked away.
Nanette waited for the girls to leave and then turned to Riane with near hope that she might have found a topic of discussion. “Do I sense hostility?”
Riane perked up a little bit and a soft smile appeared on her lips. “She is dating my best friend since middle school.”
“And you like him?” Nanette grinned gently when she saw her nod. “She seems nice.”
“She is. The problem is that he always treated me like a boy, and he lied and went behind my back. He was dating her without letting me know and going to parties to see her when he told me that he wasn't going.” She explained just as the sushi rolls came out and were placed on the table.
Nanette poured the soy sauce in a small dish and waiting for the waitress to leave before speaking on the topic further. “I can see why you would be upset.”
Riane nodded, “She is also the girl that Julian likes.”
She fell silent for a moment before clearing her throat. “I didn't know that Julian liked anyone. If I had known that I might not of...” She trailed off.
“He has no chance with her. Every time they meet she ignores him and he acts like an asshole. If she likes Blake there is no way she will ever like Julian. They are too different.” Riane explained as she tried a piece of sushi.
Nanette knew that Riane hadn't meant to say it the way she did, but she had all but admitted that there was no way that Riane would ever care for Julian in a romantic way. She began to eat her meal quietly as she thought over her decision to move this girl into her home.
“I know it is too early to say, but do you think you could ever be happy with Julian?” She finally asked.
Riane swallowed down her food, “I don't know yet.”
She didn't want to tell the woman no and have her send her home. She had plans to graduate without her father hovering over her constantly controlling her every move. However, she knew saying yes would give hope where there was none, and she didn't want to do that to this woman.
“Of course.” She put a piece of sushi in her mouth. “Delicious. Try the spicy tuna.”
Riane did as she was asked and found that though raw it was edible, and continued to eat her way through the meal. “Right now, it is Julian who is making it difficult. He has every intention on making things as difficult for me as possible.” She knew that Julian had told her that his parents would feel guilty and send her back, but she decided to try another tactic. She wanted to get them on her side so when she looked miserable they would punish him instead of feeling sorry for her. “In truth, I am happy to be in your home even after only one day. It is much better and I like your family a lot.”
Nanette smiled, “Thank you, and do not worry about Julian. He'll figure out that he needs to play nice or he'll learn what hell truly is.”
Riane returned the smile, “Thank you.”
“Let me know if he does anything to you at all. Even the smallest thing, I want to know about it immediately.” Nanette grabbed a piece of sushi with her fingers and shoved it into her mouth. She was eating like she was annoyed.
“I will. Thank you, Mrs. Swithin.”
“Nanette, please call me that.”
It was a cruel trick and Riane felt bad trying to get the woman on her side, but she hoped that one day she might be able to explain herself and that Nanette would understand.
Joe pulled up the car to the estate to find Dalen standing outside the door. She knew the guard had probably called ahead like he had last time they were here.
Parking the car, she stepped out and smiled at the man who she had plans with today. However, the look on his face suggested that their plans would not be as they hoped.
Dalen approached the car and opened the door for her and shut it when she was completely out. “So, Seth and Julian showed up right before you. Julian is freaking out about Riane, and Seth is following his lead.”
Joe sighed audibly, “Yeah, he wasn't in that great of mood last night, but he seemed to hold himself together.”
“Where is Riane? I thought you might bring her.” He knew he hadn't seen her in the car, but looked through the window one more time.
“She is out with Mrs. Swithin. She has texted me a few times. Apparently it involves dresses and make-up. I am certain she is having a horrible time and she is too afraid to tell her that this distresses her.” Joe looked toward the door. “Well, come on. Maybe, I can get him to talk to me a bit and we can salvage the day.”
“Or... we could hop in your car and drive off without saying a word to them.” He winked with a sly smile on his lips.
“Oh? Are you the kind of guy that runs when things get difficult?” She crossed her arms.
The adorably confident look on his face was quickly replaced with panic. “No! I was just joking. I didn't...” He stopped himself when she began to chuckle. “I am being teased, aren't I?”
She touched his cheek briefly before heading towards the door. Dalen followed in behind her, and they walked together to the living room where Julian could be heard before he was seen.
“Do they think I will marry a liar like that? Who wants to marry someone that they thought was a boy for almost a year? Not to mention how fucking ugly she is.” He seethed.
“You aren't too pretty yourself.” Joe said as she entered the room and leaned against the door frame.
Julian turned his attention to the two, and watched as Dalen stood near the woman. Seth was on the couch and listening to his friend as if he was a teacher giving a lecture.
“You called her here?” Julian asked in a voice that told his friend that he felt betrayed.
“No, actually the two of you ruined an appointment I had with her.” Dalen told his friend confidently even though he knew this would upset him.
“Appointment?” Seth asked as he adjusted himself on the couch.
“A date. We were going to have a date.” Joe explained as she knew that Dalen was probably to afraid to admit what it was or even ask her if it was a date.
“Yes, a date.” Dalen's voice sounded slightly chipper after getting his verification. “Now, if you two don't mind.”
Seth frowned at that notion.
Julian moved around the couch to come and stand in front of Joe. “You are no better than she is. Lying about her and not telling me that my parents are going to make me marry a fucking he-she.”
“Watch your mouth.” Joe hissed. “You were the one that assumed she was a boy, and you were the one that befriended her thinking she was a boy. She never told you anything untrue. You just didn't want to see what was right in front of you.”
Julian looked towards Dalen, “You know, now that I think about it, you didn't seem too shocked by the news.”
“I have known for over a week. I heard your brother talking to her and figured it out.” He admitted and watched as his friend took a couple steps back to sit on the back of the couch. It was as if all strength had left his legs.
“You knew? You knew and you said nothing?” The betrayal was clear in his voice as he glared at his friend.
Dalen cleared his throat and nodded his head slowly. “To be fair, I didn't know she would end up your fiancee when I found out. She was just another friend in our group and I didn't think her gender mattered much.”
“And when you did find out about the engagement?” Seth asked as he walked around the couch to stand next to Julian, now everyone had taken a side.
“I was torn between telling my friend everything and keeping another friend's secrets. In all honesty, I think it was for the best that she waited until you were with your dad. You behave better when he is around.” Dalen knew that Julian would take this hard, and he hoped that Seth would understand. After all, Seth and he had been close for a long time.
Julian looked between Dalen and Joe for a moment before responding. “So, you sold me out for some pussy. Nice.” He hissed the words.
Seth didn't look too pleased either, but Dalen knew it was for an entirely different reason.
Joe was holding her cellphone in her hand, while this conversation was ongoing, when she felt it vibrate and looked down at it. It was a text from Bryce, “I found out Julian is heading your way. If you see him, tell him that Riane is getting home soon, and I am letting you know that I plan on taking her out to meet my friends.”
Feeling confused on why she would say that she texted a simple reply, “Why?”
“Playing on his jealousy. Even if he is pissed at her, he doesn't like it when his brothers play with his friends or toys. Trust me. This is the fastest way to end his anger, and get everything moving along.” Bryce answered.
“Don't phrase it like that.” Dalen frowned.
“Dalen,” Joe interrupted. “it looks like I will be able to stay out later. Bryce just told me that he is taking Riane out to meet his friends, so she won't be needing me tonight.”
Dalen had no idea what she meant by that, but Julian immediately shot up from his seated position.
“Why would she need to meet his friends?” Julian asked. “It's not like she is his fiancee. What the fuck is he up to?”
Joe shrugged her shoulders, “I don't know. Maybe you'll get lucky and the two of them will fall in love, then you won't have to worry about her anymore.”
“That would be a good thing, right?” Seth asked his ally.
Julian nodded his head, “Yeah, it would.” Though he didn't seem too sure about it.
This development interested Joe, as she knew that Julian didn't have any romantic feelings for Riane, but it was obvious that he wasn't ready to give up his friend. He was simply angry with the lies, and she thought that if Riane gave him an apology he might let the whole thing blow over.
Looking down at her phone she pretended to read another text, “I guess she is getting home soon with Mrs. Swithin.” Joe smiled at Dalen, “Do you want to go with them?”
“Sure.” Dalen didn't really want to, but he had no idea that Joe had no intention of going or that she just wanted to see Julian's reaction.
Julian frowned towards Dalen and immediately it was obvious that he didn't want Dalen to hang out with his brother either. “What the fuck? No one is hanging out with Bryce and his friends. He has his own damn friends, he doesn't need mine too.”
“Oh, well I guess just Riane will go then.” Joe looked back to Dalen, “Let's get going, shall we?”
Dalen realized that she was up to something and decided he would discuss it with her later, but before he could answer her Julian walked passed them.
“She isn't fucking going with him. So, you come home at the time you were supposed to!” Julian ordered her as he headed towards the door.
When he was gone, Seth looked surprised, Dalen was confused, and Joe found nothing but humor in the situation. She turned to both of them with a grin. “Seth, do you want to come eat with us?”
“No, I'm going to head home.” He mumbled under his breath as he walked between the two of them.
Getting into the car, Joe smiled at the man sitting next to her. It had been the first time that Dalen had called and asked to see her. He had invited Riane to come along if she wanted, and she knew it was not something that he actually wanted to happen. Her suspicions were confirmed, when she told his friends they were going on a date, his face had lit up which had endeared him to her.
“Do you have anywhere you want to eat?” Joe asked as she sat in the passenger's seat. He had offered to pick her up but she insisted on driving herself, and now that they were in the car it appeared she would be driving them to the date location as well.
Dalen watched Seth jump into his small convertible before driving away, and Julian was already long gone. He had heard his motorcycle start up and drive away before they had left the house. “Actually, I just came out here to make them leave. I was planning on cooking for you.”
Joe looked surprised, “Yeah?”
He opened the car door and stepped out, “I've lived alone with the help for a long time, and send them home often. I had to learn the fend for myself, and that meant a lot of cooking shows. Trust me, you'll only get minor food poisoning.”
She giggled as they stepped out of the car and went inside behind him. The two made their way to the kitchen that was mostly black counter tops coupled with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. She took a seat on a stool next to the island.
“What are we eating?” She asked as she watched him pull ingredients from the fridge.
“I didn't want to do anything too involved since I would rather be talking with you. So, I thought just steak and potatoes. Oh, and I will make some green beans too. Sound good?” His voice told of his nervousness over the decision.
“Yum.” She told him with a smile and the tension in his face seemed to ease.
Dalen began to open the plastic wrap around the steaks and put them on the chopping block to season them. “You have to put salt on them and let them sit for a bit so they get like this salty skin.” He told her confidently. “Then I will grill them.”
Joe watched him prepare these tiny potatoes that were red, blue, and yellow in color. He mixed them with rosemary, salt, and olive oil before putting them in the oven and started to boil the green beans.
“You do know your way around the kitchen, don't you?” She said impressed. “My mother has cooked my entire life. She makes wonderful food, but she never taught me how to cook. She always told me that I needed to focus on my education and make it where I never have to cook for myself. I don't think she thought too far ahead on that one.”
“Maybe she was hoping you would marry rich and never have to cook.” Dalen sat down on the stool beside her.
“If that was the case she wouldn't have worried about my education so much, and would have focused more on my looks.” She watched him get up and move to the fridge.
“I don't know. It is a better sell to rich guys and their parents if the girl has an education. I have soda and wine.” He held up a soda can.
She took the can from him, “How do you have wine when no one overage lives here?” She asked as she opened the tab.
“The help buys it for me. My parents don't care as long as Seth and I are responsible. It's Julian who dabbles in drugs and alcohol far too much.” He sat down beside her again with his own can of soda. “Speaking of Julian, what was all that back there?”
She grinned, “Bryce sent me a message to say all that. I guess he is really possessive of his friends, and that he acted that way meant he still sees Riane as his friend. So, this feud might end faster if we use those emotions.”
He nodded his head slowly, “He is always the one to push everyone away, but god forbid you actually walk away. He'll come running after you.” He took a sip from his soda can.
“Can I ask you a question about him?” She watched him nod, “What is with him and women? He seems so hostile towards them.”
Dalen shrugged his shoulder. “He was like that when I met him about a year ago. As far as I can tell he always gets feelings for women that show him no interest, and he gets bitter that his efforts and emotions are in vain.”
“I heard he is a bit of a player though. Always bringing women home.” She could smell the rosemary in the air now that the potatoes had cooked for a bit.
“It's easy to buy someone for a night, but its impossible to purchase real feelings from them. He tries to pull the same crap he does on girls in the club that he does on girls he would like to keep around. Of course, girls like Adonia don't like to be treated like that and he ends up pushing them away before he even got close.” He adjusted himself on the stool.
“So, you are saying he is emotionally stunted when it comes to love.” She leaned her elbow against the island and pressed her face into her hand. “I wonder how to fix that.”
“Fix it? Why are you trying to fix it?”
Joe sat up straight again, “Ok, look, I am going to be straight with you. When Riane befriended Julian a few weeks back, she actually enjoyed going to school. It was like she gained some confidence in herself and I think he helped put it there. I think you all helped her, because she changed so quickly in front of me. I have known her all my life, and she has always been a wilting flower afraid of the world, but not with Julian and you guys.”
“Ok, why do I have a feeling you aren't just expressing gratitude?” He held onto his soda tightly.
Clearing her throat, she continued. “I am kind of hoping to get them to fall in love.”
A wide smile appeared on his lips as he chuckled, “I don't think that will happen, Joe. She isn't his type and I don't think she will ever seen him as anything more than a jerk brother.”
“She is his type that is why they became friends. He just thinks that his type is liking someone for only their outside appearance right now, and Riane doesn't look at other men that way because her eyes are always focused on Blake.” She tapped the counter top with her index finger as she made her points, “Right now, Riane is moving away from Blake, and Julian has befriended a female as proven by his jealous outburst today.”
Dalen stared at her for a couple seconds, “Alright, let's say you are right. What can I do to help out?”
“I wasn't trying to convince you to help. I was just telling you what I might be up to that is all.” She seemed shocked and embarrassed that he had offered her help.
“Let's see. I can let you do this alone and see you on your off time, or I can help you out and get to have a really good reason to see you and text you all day long.” He turned his eyes up toward the ceiling and tapped his index finger against his lips, “What to do? What to do?”
Joe softly grinned and gently smack his knee. “Ok, fine. You can help. Play on his jealousy at school by hanging out with Riane when he refuses.”
“I was planning on doing that anyway.” Dalen stood from his chair and made his way over to the oven to peer in on his potatoes. “I wasn't going to let her go back to hanging around that Blake guy, and I wasn't going to let her be by herself.”
Joe watched him check on the food with a kind smile, “Thanks, Dalen. You are a good friend to her.”
“Yeah, well, she is cool to be around and it helps me get in good with you. So, win win.” He winked at her as he shut the oven door.
“Trying to buy my affection through Riane? Solid plan.” She knew he was only joking and trying to be flirty.
“I am a solid business man. Now, let's get these steaks on the grill!” He grabbed the wooden chopping block and headed for the back sliding doors.
Riane sat at the table across from Julian who had finally figured out what was really going on. He had been glaring at her the entire evening though he had not freaked out or started shouting as everyone had expected of him. Nanette and Colin sat on her side with Joe and all three boys on the other side of the table.
“Jolene, do you attend CHU?” Colin asked as he cut into his rare ribeye steak.
She shook her head, “No, I go to community college. I get good grades but not enough to get a free ride at any big name school.”
“So, you have to drive to pick up Riane, then drive her to school, drive yourself to school, then pick her up, drop her off, and drive back home everyday?” Nanette said with shock in her voice.
Riane felt something kick her leg and she looked across the table to Julian. He mouthed the words, 'I am going to kill you,' before shoving a whole Brussels sprout in his mouth.
“I do. It is no big deal. It's part of the job when you work and go to school.” She told them with a grin but could see that her friend on the other side of the table looked uncomfortable.
“Well, we'll see what we can do about that.” Colin said without inferring what he meant by those words.
Joe and Riane looked briefly at each other before continuing to eat their meal.
“What are you getting your degree in?” Nanette asked.
“Nursing.”
“Oh, that is so wonderful.” She said with genuine enthusiasm before she turned to Riane, “And you?”
“Business and Management.” Riane explained with her eyes looking down at her plate as she was afraid to make eye contact with Julian again, even though he had kicked her several more times.
“She was accepted into Juliard, but her father thought music was a wasteful career.” Joe told them as part of her hoped they would be supportive, and they did not disappoint.
“You are a musician, Riane?” Colin said excitedly. “What do you play?”
“She can play anything. Just give her a day and she'll learn the basics. She is a genius like that.” Joe told them and watched them both look impressed.
Riane felt more embarrassed by her exposure and simply smiled meekly in return.
“Zack has been dying to learn to play piano, but he isn't exactly a patient learner when it comes to things he can't read and understand immediately. We have gone through a couple teachers. Would you mind giving it a try?” The mother asked.
“I could. Piano is my favorite.” Riane told her before looking over at Zachary, who opened his mouth to show her his chewed up meal and upon seeing it she was immediately kicked under the table again.
“That's so kind of you to try.” Nanette seemed to have forgotten the food in front of her as she was far more interested in the new women in the house.
“This is a wonderful meal, but it has been a big day. Would you mind terribly if I went to rest in my room for a bit? I still have an essay to write and I like to get those finished on Saturdays, so my Sunday can have a little room for fun.” Riane stood from the table before they could answer.
“Of course, dear.” Nanette watched her leave the room.
Riane could hear Joe speak as she made her way up the stairs, “This is a bit overwhelming for us both.”
Heading down the strange hallway, Riane noticed the door across from hers had a sign with Zachary's name on it. She sighed to know that he would be her neighbor during the night and decided to lock her door while she slept.
Stepping inside, she walked over to her desk and sat down in front of her laptop. She turned on and tried to find the essay she had been working on.
Without a knock, Julian flung open the door and slammed it shut behind him. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.” He hissed. “How long have you fucking known? Were you being buddy buddy with me all along for this? This is some real hardcore stalker shit, Riane.” He said her real name with venom as if he wanted to spit it from his mouth.
Riane stood from her desk and turned to him. “I found out last weekend. I was going to tell you on Monday, but your brother asked me to wait so I could have the protection of your family.” She decided that she had lied enough to him and that she would be completely honest from this moment onward.
Julian snorted, “My ass. If my dad wasn't home right now, I'd drag you by what little hair you have down those stairs and fling you out the front door.”
“In my defense, I never said I was a male, you just assumed and while I should have corrected you, I simply didn't care what you thought I was or not.” Riane noticed he hadn't mentioned her lying about that, but she had made up a speech in her mind and she wanted to follow it to the letter even if Julian wouldn't cooperate.
He stared at her with hatred, “Well then, that makes it all better. Let me buy you some roses and we can get down to fucking.”
She took a deep breath as she became nervous after he said those words in her bedroom alone, even though she knew he didn't really mean it. “I am not trying to make it better. I am explaining my choices to you. I have no interest in you, Julian. Well, I mean as a friend only. I am forced to be here otherwise my father would have found some place else for me, and it is better for this to be me then some strange girl with manipulation of your love and money on her mind. Isn't it?”
“That I know how to counter. You, you on the other hand, are the most deceitful, lowly cretin that I have ever encountered. Making me open up to you about my plans all week, so what? You know how to counter my every move?” He chuckled bitterly. “Damn you are fucking good, Rya... Riane. I am still going to make this hell for you, and you will be back home before the end of the week.”
She smiled kindly at him. “With all due respect to how utterly unpleasant you can be, my father is a hundred times worse. There is nothing that you can do that will make me go back home. I am already happier here in the last hour then I have ever been at home. So, do your worst, Julian. I am staying here as your fiancee until I graduate college. You can either be my collaborator or your can be my victim. Your choice.”
He seemed shocked by her words briefly before his hands rolled up into fists. “You forget that you will never get a break from me. I am at your school and in your home.”
“Not in my classes. I'll find time, and we both know that you need a couple hours behind the gym in order to smoke weed and get fat. So, I think I'll have plenty of rest.” Riane didn't know where any of these words came from anymore. It was like she was channeling her own inner Julian, but she refused to let him win this argument. She was wrong and she knew it, but the way he planned to retaliate was simply evil.
“So, I finally get to meet the real Riane.” Julian spat out his words. “It's good to know you were vile and manipulative all along. It'll make this easier for me.”
She swallowed and frowned, “Don't act like this, Julian. I have your father, mother, and Bryce on my side. I can make it very uncomfortable for you.”
He smirked, “No, you won't. The moment you start telling them, they will start feeling pity for you and then they will start believing this was a bad idea and send you home. Don't believe me, go ahead and see what happens the first time and you will learn to suffer in silence.” With that he grabbed the door handle and flung the door open before storming off towards his own bedroom.
---***---
The next day, Riane had awoken earlier than everyone else in the house as per her father's scheduled wake up times. She didn't know if it had been her mind playing tricks on her, but the first night in her new room had felt strange. She could have sworn someone had tried turning the doorknob at night, but she had locked it as planned.
When she awoke, she got on her computer and read over her essay to check it for any grammatical or spelling errors. It had been something that she had worked on during the week with Julian and she felt rather bad about using him for it. Not because he did any of the work, but because she knew he would never help her again. He had really helped her out a great deal.
As she sat there wondering if maybe a heartfelt apology might ease the transition, a knock came to the door and Nanette slowly opened it.
“Are you decent?” She asked when she looked at a fully dressed girl sitting behind her desk. Nanette was still wearing pajamas with little red hearts all over them and her hair was in a ponytail. “You are ready to go, aren't you? Watching videos on the internet or something?”
“No, I was correcting my paper and then I thought I'd read some news articles.” She told the woman after standing up as Nanette entered the room.
“Well, breakfast is ready. I hope you like fruit and waffles with cream.” She told her as the girl walked towards her and she placed her hand on her shoulder. When they walked out into the hall, Nanette locked the door behind her. “You live with three prankster boys. Never leave your room unlocked when you aren't in it.” She told her before handing her the key. “Also, be careful when you pass a bathroom with an open door. They aren't in the habit of shutting it when they use it.”
Riane chuckled as they walked down the stairs today and turned the corner to find everyone in their pajamas still as they sat down for breakfast.
“Don't you look ready to take on the world so early.” Colin told her while he wore a white t-shirt and beige pajama bottoms. His sons were all dressed similar except Bryce's bottoms were blue, Julian's were red, and Zachary had a superhero shirt on. Joe was not in the room, and Riane assumed she was having her own breakfast in the guest house.
“My father didn't approve of eating at the table without being fully dressed and bathed.” She informed them as she sat down next to Nanette.
“We take a more casual approach here.” He chuckled as a woman, with white hair in a bun, brought the food out for them on a tray.
Nanette looked over at her, “This is Lucille. She cooks breakfast during the weekdays and breakfast and lunch on the weekends. I try to make the other meals.”
“She means she cuts up lettuce and other veggies before throwing copious amounts of salad dressing on it.” Bryce teased his mother.
Lucille smirked as she set the plates in front of everyone, but said nothing.
“I am trying to be a better cook. You brat. What do you think I am doing every Wednesday and Friday in those damn classes.” Nanette played retorted to her son.
“I can help you.” Riane announced before any more playful banter could make its way into the conversation. “Deidra is actually a great cook, and she taught me a lot. I also took many cooking classes in high school because my dad said it would be an important skill for me.”
Nanette looked surprised, “I am beginning to think we added another genius into the house instead of a normie like us, Colin.”
Her husband chuckled, “It is beginning to seem that way.”
“It's nothing like that.” Riane tried to explain but was interrupted.
“She is just sucking up in hopes that you don't send her back home.” Julian stuffed his face with his strawberries and cream covered waffles. “She's nothing like she is trying to make you people see. She's a liar. Don't trust anything she says.”
Bryce, Nanette, and Colin were all prepared to jump to her defense.
“Shut up, Julian.” Riane glared at him across the table. “Go pout somewhere else. We are trying to enjoy each others' company.”
Nanette looked at her husband in shock and Colin seemed surprised and pleased with the way in which she handled herself. They thought she would be meek, but it seemed that she was comfortable enough with their son to put him in his place.
Julian frowned deeply before smacking Zachary on the shoulder, “Let's eat in the other room.” They both grabbed their plates and looked over at Bryce to see if he would follow.
“Don't look at me, children.” Bryce continued to eat his meal.
“Traitor.” Julian mumbled the word under his breath as he exited the room with his brother.
Both Nanette and Colin were surprised that Julian had actually retreated from her instead of continuing to argue. It wasn't characteristic of him to simply abandon a fight, and it made them curious why he would have done such a thing.
Riane was also insecure of why he had left the room and then an idea struck her. She looked over at the two parents. “He has plans to make me want to leave here. He is probably going to work on a strategy with Zack.”
It was like she had read their minds and they both smirked, before Nanette spoke. “Zack may seem like a mature adult, but he is really just a kid following around his big brother under all that knowledge. He will be easy enough to win over and then there will just be Julian. He doesn't do well fighting alone.”
Bryce added, “Yeah, he tried to recruit others which means those two idiots at school.”
“Dalen already knows everything, and Seth follows Dalen around like a puppy. I don't think it will be a united front.” Riane explained to them. “Besides, Julian isn't as tough as he likes to make himself out to be.”
Colin chuckled, “Maybe this was better than a good idea to bring you here. If you do well, I might have to make it a paying gig.” He said with humor in his voice.
“Colin, that sounds so wrong.” Nanette said with laughter.
Both Bryce and Riane finished their meals together, and he had her come with him into the living room where Julian and Zachary immediately left once she entered.
Sitting down on the couch, Bryce motioned for her to sit down next to him as he picked up the controller to his gaming system and handed her another.
“I've never played video games before.” She told him and watched a smile form on his lips.
“Don't worry, we'll take it easy until you get the hang of it.” He waited for the loading screen to finish and pressed pause before turning to her. “Mom wants to take you shopping. If she tries to make you wear something you don't like just tell her that you are feeling uncomfortable. Alright?”
“Alright.” She cleared her throat uneasy when Bryce adjusted his position on the couch which made their thighs touch. She didn't know if it would be considered rude to scoot away from the touch and simply continued to sit in that position.
“Oh, and Julian really hates when people play with what he thinks belongs to him, even if he doesn't like it or them.” Bryce whispered under his breath and gave her a wink.
That sentence confused her and she wondered if the touch was something he purposely made happen. He began to explain the controls and even wrapped his arm around her shoulder to show her how to work it.
When Julian passed by the room about thirty minutes later, he paused at the door and walked by only to turn around and enter in.
Bryce and Riane were playing sitting close together, they were laughing, and enjoying each others.
“Oh, did you see that? I made him explode.” Bryce bragged as Julian sat down on the couch across from him.
“I did. That was...” She stopped when she noticed the man across the room.
“It's nothing special. It happens all the time in this game.” Julian hissed at his brother. “What are you two doing so close together?”
“Ignore him.” Bryce told her and they both continued to play while Julian sat quietly across the room from them. His mind full of emotions and thoughts of vengeance.
---***---
As Bryce promised, Riane found herself shopping with Nanette before the day was over. The mother had convinced her to join her in a manicure and pedicure, which Riane had actually found enjoyable even though she did not get her nails painted.
She knew that Bryce had told her that his mother was pushy, but she was too afraid to say no to the woman whenever she liked something that Riane tried on. Even though Riane knew she would put it in her closest and never wear it.
Nanette had commented on the fact that Riane wore very tight sports bras and not a traditional bra which ended with her getting measured at a lingerie store. She had always worn baggy shirts and an undershirt in an effort to hide her sports bra and had never worn anything else.
The older woman had insisted that Riane wear a dress with her, and they both had their hair simply styled. Riane couldn't deny that she enjoyed the way that her shorter hair had been spiked, and had learned how to do it herself. It gave a more feminine look without having to have longer hair.
When they were done shopping, they stopped at a small sushi restaurant in the mall and ordered a few rolls. Riane was not a fan of fish or seafood in general, but she had been afraid to say anything. Luckily, one of the rolls had cooked prawns and she hoped she could stomach it.
The restaurant had some fake bamboo dividers between the booths and pop music played softly in the background. Riane had been to sushi restaurants before but they had always been somewhat higher class than this one. It had been strange to even be in a mall.
“What a fun day.” Nanette said as she took a sip of her saki. “I hoped you enjoyed it as much as I did. I am glad that I got to know you a little more.”
Riane knew she hadn't gotten to know her at all, and had just felt pushed around all day but she didn't want to hurt the woman's feelings. “Me too.”
“Joe tells me that you haven't learned to drive yet.” Nanette noticed that uncomfortable look that Riane had been giving her all day. She didn't know if she was helping the girl or making things worse, but every time she insisted Riane would do as she was asked. Even when Nanette asked if she was alright with it, Riane simply went along and said she was fine. It was a stark contrast to the girl she had seen at lunch.
“No, I don't much like the idea of it.” She cleared her throat as the miso soup was placed in front of them by their server.
“I love the miso soup here. A lot of restaurants will only put a little bit of vegetables and tofu in it, but they give you a bunch here.” She began to eat it with the provided spoon.
Riane had always ordered teriyaki chicken at these restaurants and never adventured much outside her comfort zone. Nanette had told her how great the things she liked were, and without consulting her had placed the order for them to share. Sipping the soup, it was somewhat salty but not bad so she continued to eat it.
Nanette had noticed that as the day went on Riane had gotten quieter, and she wondered if she was making her unhappy or if she was just tired. Deidra had told her that she didn't get out much and she wondered if she had overwhelmed her.
They quietly ate the miso soup and then set the bowls at the edge of the table when they were empty. Nanette struggled to find a topic of conversation and now wished she had brought one of her children along. She had thought to bring Julian to help the two bond, but she knew he would have wandered off and left them alone within minutes of arriving.
“Riane, hey.” A soft feminine voice spoke as she approached the table.
A streak of fear came over her and she turned to find Adonia with her two friends behind her. “Hello.”
“I love your hair today.” She said with a soft smile, “I just saw you through the window as I was passing by and thought that it had to be you. How are you doing? I heard about your big weekend through the grapevine.”
Nanette looked between the two and decided to introduce herself since it seemed that Riane would not. “I am Nanette Swithin. Hopefully, Riane's mother-in-law one day.” She offered out her hand.
“Wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Swithin. I am Adonia Fulke. Riane and I are friends.” She shook the woman's hand. “These are my other friends, Parker and Kalei.”
The two girls waved their hands briefly at her.
“Would you like to join us?” She offered the seat next to her.
Adonia had wanted to but she could see that she was not welcomed by Riane, who was trying her best not to glare that woman away. “I would love to, but we just ate and we were heading home.” She turned to Riane, “You look really nice in that dress. I'll see you at school tomorrow.”
“See ya.” Riane mumbled as the two of them walked away.
Nanette waited for the girls to leave and then turned to Riane with near hope that she might have found a topic of discussion. “Do I sense hostility?”
Riane perked up a little bit and a soft smile appeared on her lips. “She is dating my best friend since middle school.”
“And you like him?” Nanette grinned gently when she saw her nod. “She seems nice.”
“She is. The problem is that he always treated me like a boy, and he lied and went behind my back. He was dating her without letting me know and going to parties to see her when he told me that he wasn't going.” She explained just as the sushi rolls came out and were placed on the table.
Nanette poured the soy sauce in a small dish and waiting for the waitress to leave before speaking on the topic further. “I can see why you would be upset.”
Riane nodded, “She is also the girl that Julian likes.”
She fell silent for a moment before clearing her throat. “I didn't know that Julian liked anyone. If I had known that I might not of...” She trailed off.
“He has no chance with her. Every time they meet she ignores him and he acts like an asshole. If she likes Blake there is no way she will ever like Julian. They are too different.” Riane explained as she tried a piece of sushi.
Nanette knew that Riane hadn't meant to say it the way she did, but she had all but admitted that there was no way that Riane would ever care for Julian in a romantic way. She began to eat her meal quietly as she thought over her decision to move this girl into her home.
“I know it is too early to say, but do you think you could ever be happy with Julian?” She finally asked.
Riane swallowed down her food, “I don't know yet.”
She didn't want to tell the woman no and have her send her home. She had plans to graduate without her father hovering over her constantly controlling her every move. However, she knew saying yes would give hope where there was none, and she didn't want to do that to this woman.
“Of course.” She put a piece of sushi in her mouth. “Delicious. Try the spicy tuna.”
Riane did as she was asked and found that though raw it was edible, and continued to eat her way through the meal. “Right now, it is Julian who is making it difficult. He has every intention on making things as difficult for me as possible.” She knew that Julian had told her that his parents would feel guilty and send her back, but she decided to try another tactic. She wanted to get them on her side so when she looked miserable they would punish him instead of feeling sorry for her. “In truth, I am happy to be in your home even after only one day. It is much better and I like your family a lot.”
Nanette smiled, “Thank you, and do not worry about Julian. He'll figure out that he needs to play nice or he'll learn what hell truly is.”
Riane returned the smile, “Thank you.”
“Let me know if he does anything to you at all. Even the smallest thing, I want to know about it immediately.” Nanette grabbed a piece of sushi with her fingers and shoved it into her mouth. She was eating like she was annoyed.
“I will. Thank you, Mrs. Swithin.”
“Nanette, please call me that.”
It was a cruel trick and Riane felt bad trying to get the woman on her side, but she hoped that one day she might be able to explain herself and that Nanette would understand.
---***---
Joe pulled up the car to the estate to find Dalen standing outside the door. She knew the guard had probably called ahead like he had last time they were here.
Parking the car, she stepped out and smiled at the man who she had plans with today. However, the look on his face suggested that their plans would not be as they hoped.
Dalen approached the car and opened the door for her and shut it when she was completely out. “So, Seth and Julian showed up right before you. Julian is freaking out about Riane, and Seth is following his lead.”
Joe sighed audibly, “Yeah, he wasn't in that great of mood last night, but he seemed to hold himself together.”
“Where is Riane? I thought you might bring her.” He knew he hadn't seen her in the car, but looked through the window one more time.
“She is out with Mrs. Swithin. She has texted me a few times. Apparently it involves dresses and make-up. I am certain she is having a horrible time and she is too afraid to tell her that this distresses her.” Joe looked toward the door. “Well, come on. Maybe, I can get him to talk to me a bit and we can salvage the day.”
“Or... we could hop in your car and drive off without saying a word to them.” He winked with a sly smile on his lips.
“Oh? Are you the kind of guy that runs when things get difficult?” She crossed her arms.
The adorably confident look on his face was quickly replaced with panic. “No! I was just joking. I didn't...” He stopped himself when she began to chuckle. “I am being teased, aren't I?”
She touched his cheek briefly before heading towards the door. Dalen followed in behind her, and they walked together to the living room where Julian could be heard before he was seen.
“Do they think I will marry a liar like that? Who wants to marry someone that they thought was a boy for almost a year? Not to mention how fucking ugly she is.” He seethed.
“You aren't too pretty yourself.” Joe said as she entered the room and leaned against the door frame.
Julian turned his attention to the two, and watched as Dalen stood near the woman. Seth was on the couch and listening to his friend as if he was a teacher giving a lecture.
“You called her here?” Julian asked in a voice that told his friend that he felt betrayed.
“No, actually the two of you ruined an appointment I had with her.” Dalen told his friend confidently even though he knew this would upset him.
“Appointment?” Seth asked as he adjusted himself on the couch.
“A date. We were going to have a date.” Joe explained as she knew that Dalen was probably to afraid to admit what it was or even ask her if it was a date.
“Yes, a date.” Dalen's voice sounded slightly chipper after getting his verification. “Now, if you two don't mind.”
Seth frowned at that notion.
Julian moved around the couch to come and stand in front of Joe. “You are no better than she is. Lying about her and not telling me that my parents are going to make me marry a fucking he-she.”
“Watch your mouth.” Joe hissed. “You were the one that assumed she was a boy, and you were the one that befriended her thinking she was a boy. She never told you anything untrue. You just didn't want to see what was right in front of you.”
Julian looked towards Dalen, “You know, now that I think about it, you didn't seem too shocked by the news.”
“I have known for over a week. I heard your brother talking to her and figured it out.” He admitted and watched as his friend took a couple steps back to sit on the back of the couch. It was as if all strength had left his legs.
“You knew? You knew and you said nothing?” The betrayal was clear in his voice as he glared at his friend.
Dalen cleared his throat and nodded his head slowly. “To be fair, I didn't know she would end up your fiancee when I found out. She was just another friend in our group and I didn't think her gender mattered much.”
“And when you did find out about the engagement?” Seth asked as he walked around the couch to stand next to Julian, now everyone had taken a side.
“I was torn between telling my friend everything and keeping another friend's secrets. In all honesty, I think it was for the best that she waited until you were with your dad. You behave better when he is around.” Dalen knew that Julian would take this hard, and he hoped that Seth would understand. After all, Seth and he had been close for a long time.
Julian looked between Dalen and Joe for a moment before responding. “So, you sold me out for some pussy. Nice.” He hissed the words.
Seth didn't look too pleased either, but Dalen knew it was for an entirely different reason.
Joe was holding her cellphone in her hand, while this conversation was ongoing, when she felt it vibrate and looked down at it. It was a text from Bryce, “I found out Julian is heading your way. If you see him, tell him that Riane is getting home soon, and I am letting you know that I plan on taking her out to meet my friends.”
Feeling confused on why she would say that she texted a simple reply, “Why?”
“Playing on his jealousy. Even if he is pissed at her, he doesn't like it when his brothers play with his friends or toys. Trust me. This is the fastest way to end his anger, and get everything moving along.” Bryce answered.
“Don't phrase it like that.” Dalen frowned.
“Dalen,” Joe interrupted. “it looks like I will be able to stay out later. Bryce just told me that he is taking Riane out to meet his friends, so she won't be needing me tonight.”
Dalen had no idea what she meant by that, but Julian immediately shot up from his seated position.
“Why would she need to meet his friends?” Julian asked. “It's not like she is his fiancee. What the fuck is he up to?”
Joe shrugged her shoulders, “I don't know. Maybe you'll get lucky and the two of them will fall in love, then you won't have to worry about her anymore.”
“That would be a good thing, right?” Seth asked his ally.
Julian nodded his head, “Yeah, it would.” Though he didn't seem too sure about it.
This development interested Joe, as she knew that Julian didn't have any romantic feelings for Riane, but it was obvious that he wasn't ready to give up his friend. He was simply angry with the lies, and she thought that if Riane gave him an apology he might let the whole thing blow over.
Looking down at her phone she pretended to read another text, “I guess she is getting home soon with Mrs. Swithin.” Joe smiled at Dalen, “Do you want to go with them?”
“Sure.” Dalen didn't really want to, but he had no idea that Joe had no intention of going or that she just wanted to see Julian's reaction.
Julian frowned towards Dalen and immediately it was obvious that he didn't want Dalen to hang out with his brother either. “What the fuck? No one is hanging out with Bryce and his friends. He has his own damn friends, he doesn't need mine too.”
“Oh, well I guess just Riane will go then.” Joe looked back to Dalen, “Let's get going, shall we?”
Dalen realized that she was up to something and decided he would discuss it with her later, but before he could answer her Julian walked passed them.
“She isn't fucking going with him. So, you come home at the time you were supposed to!” Julian ordered her as he headed towards the door.
When he was gone, Seth looked surprised, Dalen was confused, and Joe found nothing but humor in the situation. She turned to both of them with a grin. “Seth, do you want to come eat with us?”
“No, I'm going to head home.” He mumbled under his breath as he walked between the two of them.
---***---
Getting into the car, Joe smiled at the man sitting next to her. It had been the first time that Dalen had called and asked to see her. He had invited Riane to come along if she wanted, and she knew it was not something that he actually wanted to happen. Her suspicions were confirmed, when she told his friends they were going on a date, his face had lit up which had endeared him to her.
“Do you have anywhere you want to eat?” Joe asked as she sat in the passenger's seat. He had offered to pick her up but she insisted on driving herself, and now that they were in the car it appeared she would be driving them to the date location as well.
Dalen watched Seth jump into his small convertible before driving away, and Julian was already long gone. He had heard his motorcycle start up and drive away before they had left the house. “Actually, I just came out here to make them leave. I was planning on cooking for you.”
Joe looked surprised, “Yeah?”
He opened the car door and stepped out, “I've lived alone with the help for a long time, and send them home often. I had to learn the fend for myself, and that meant a lot of cooking shows. Trust me, you'll only get minor food poisoning.”
She giggled as they stepped out of the car and went inside behind him. The two made their way to the kitchen that was mostly black counter tops coupled with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. She took a seat on a stool next to the island.
“What are we eating?” She asked as she watched him pull ingredients from the fridge.
“I didn't want to do anything too involved since I would rather be talking with you. So, I thought just steak and potatoes. Oh, and I will make some green beans too. Sound good?” His voice told of his nervousness over the decision.
“Yum.” She told him with a smile and the tension in his face seemed to ease.
Dalen began to open the plastic wrap around the steaks and put them on the chopping block to season them. “You have to put salt on them and let them sit for a bit so they get like this salty skin.” He told her confidently. “Then I will grill them.”
Joe watched him prepare these tiny potatoes that were red, blue, and yellow in color. He mixed them with rosemary, salt, and olive oil before putting them in the oven and started to boil the green beans.
“You do know your way around the kitchen, don't you?” She said impressed. “My mother has cooked my entire life. She makes wonderful food, but she never taught me how to cook. She always told me that I needed to focus on my education and make it where I never have to cook for myself. I don't think she thought too far ahead on that one.”
“Maybe she was hoping you would marry rich and never have to cook.” Dalen sat down on the stool beside her.
“If that was the case she wouldn't have worried about my education so much, and would have focused more on my looks.” She watched him get up and move to the fridge.
“I don't know. It is a better sell to rich guys and their parents if the girl has an education. I have soda and wine.” He held up a soda can.
She took the can from him, “How do you have wine when no one overage lives here?” She asked as she opened the tab.
“The help buys it for me. My parents don't care as long as Seth and I are responsible. It's Julian who dabbles in drugs and alcohol far too much.” He sat down beside her again with his own can of soda. “Speaking of Julian, what was all that back there?”
She grinned, “Bryce sent me a message to say all that. I guess he is really possessive of his friends, and that he acted that way meant he still sees Riane as his friend. So, this feud might end faster if we use those emotions.”
He nodded his head slowly, “He is always the one to push everyone away, but god forbid you actually walk away. He'll come running after you.” He took a sip from his soda can.
“Can I ask you a question about him?” She watched him nod, “What is with him and women? He seems so hostile towards them.”
Dalen shrugged his shoulder. “He was like that when I met him about a year ago. As far as I can tell he always gets feelings for women that show him no interest, and he gets bitter that his efforts and emotions are in vain.”
“I heard he is a bit of a player though. Always bringing women home.” She could smell the rosemary in the air now that the potatoes had cooked for a bit.
“It's easy to buy someone for a night, but its impossible to purchase real feelings from them. He tries to pull the same crap he does on girls in the club that he does on girls he would like to keep around. Of course, girls like Adonia don't like to be treated like that and he ends up pushing them away before he even got close.” He adjusted himself on the stool.
“So, you are saying he is emotionally stunted when it comes to love.” She leaned her elbow against the island and pressed her face into her hand. “I wonder how to fix that.”
“Fix it? Why are you trying to fix it?”
Joe sat up straight again, “Ok, look, I am going to be straight with you. When Riane befriended Julian a few weeks back, she actually enjoyed going to school. It was like she gained some confidence in herself and I think he helped put it there. I think you all helped her, because she changed so quickly in front of me. I have known her all my life, and she has always been a wilting flower afraid of the world, but not with Julian and you guys.”
“Ok, why do I have a feeling you aren't just expressing gratitude?” He held onto his soda tightly.
Clearing her throat, she continued. “I am kind of hoping to get them to fall in love.”
A wide smile appeared on his lips as he chuckled, “I don't think that will happen, Joe. She isn't his type and I don't think she will ever seen him as anything more than a jerk brother.”
“She is his type that is why they became friends. He just thinks that his type is liking someone for only their outside appearance right now, and Riane doesn't look at other men that way because her eyes are always focused on Blake.” She tapped the counter top with her index finger as she made her points, “Right now, Riane is moving away from Blake, and Julian has befriended a female as proven by his jealous outburst today.”
Dalen stared at her for a couple seconds, “Alright, let's say you are right. What can I do to help out?”
“I wasn't trying to convince you to help. I was just telling you what I might be up to that is all.” She seemed shocked and embarrassed that he had offered her help.
“Let's see. I can let you do this alone and see you on your off time, or I can help you out and get to have a really good reason to see you and text you all day long.” He turned his eyes up toward the ceiling and tapped his index finger against his lips, “What to do? What to do?”
Joe softly grinned and gently smack his knee. “Ok, fine. You can help. Play on his jealousy at school by hanging out with Riane when he refuses.”
“I was planning on doing that anyway.” Dalen stood from his chair and made his way over to the oven to peer in on his potatoes. “I wasn't going to let her go back to hanging around that Blake guy, and I wasn't going to let her be by herself.”
Joe watched him check on the food with a kind smile, “Thanks, Dalen. You are a good friend to her.”
“Yeah, well, she is cool to be around and it helps me get in good with you. So, win win.” He winked at her as he shut the oven door.
“Trying to buy my affection through Riane? Solid plan.” She knew he was only joking and trying to be flirty.
“I am a solid business man. Now, let's get these steaks on the grill!” He grabbed the wooden chopping block and headed for the back sliding doors.