Getting Back Annie (Winning Back #2)

Getting Back Annie

S.L. Siwik

GETTING BACK ANNIE

Copyright 2013 S.L.Siwik

Smashwords Edition

First Edition

ISBN:

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Edited by Laura G from Revolving Bookcase

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Quote

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Some Words

Acknowledgements

About the Author

To every woman who has felt like no one could hear her cries.

To every woman who has struggled to find her voice.

To every woman who found the courage to follow her heart.

To every woman who hasn’t let the little girl in her die.

I wrote this for you.

Life does not give you the people you want. Instead, it gives you the ones you need, to teach you, to hurt you, to love you, and make you exactly the way you should be. ~Unknown

Chapter One

Stop that! I smacked Brian’s arm while attempting not to smile.

What? he asked, feigning innocence.

You know what I’m talking about. I craned my neck to give him a pointed glare.

I have no idea what you’re referring to. He leaned back down, kissing my neck before nipping my ear lobe.

Would you quit it? I shouted, trying not to laugh or spill the bottle of red nail polish in my hand while I sat scrunched over the dining room table. I’m going to mess up my nails if you don’t stop!

He held up his hands in a placating gesture, wearing an impish grin before jogging off to the kitchen. He was so outrageously sexy when he acted so playful. I shook my head, biting my lower lip, while applying another coat of polish to my toenails. As I finished the last toe, I looked down proudly at my work.

Phone’s ringing, Brian said, walking back out of the kitchen, tossing my phone to me. I screamed as I scrambled to place the bottle of polish down on the table without spilling and nearly dropped the phone onto the floor. I clucked at him in disapproval as I checked my polish to make sure Brian’s stunt didn’t nick it. No major blemishes to fix. I glanced at the caller I.D.: Ben.

Happy July Fourth! I shouted into the phone. I didn’t care that I was three days early.

I can’t believe we’re not hanging out this weekend. I'll miss ya, he greeted without enthusiasm. My heart clenched painfully at his words.

Yeah, I’ll miss you too, I replied in a subdued tone.

This holiday was the first that we wouldn’t all spend together. It was a tradition to spend the holiday at Ben’s Hampton home. When I asked Brian why we weren’t inviting the guys to his parents' house, he said that he just wanted the weekend to be with our families. George and Ben hadn’t taken the news well. Max, as usual, had been completely understanding.

Are you doing anything interesting? I asked him.

Going out to the Hampton house to swim in the pool, drink some beers…

Chase some women? I offered.

He chuckled. Of course. Wouldn't be Fourth of July unless I did. He paused for a moment. Can I ask a favor? Without bothering to wait for my answer he continued on, There's this wedding coming up…

Congratulations! Who’s the lucky girl that finally managed to tame you? I knew sending you those books would pay off! I replied, trying not to giggle.

Very funny. His voice dripped with sarcasm. No, my mom's marrying husband number five. I'd bring some girl, but I don't want her into my family's business. So, I wanted you to go with me. I opened my mouth to reply, but he cut me off before I uttered a word. Listen, before you say no, I already talked to Brian about it. Told him I was going to ask you. He said he was fine with it if you wanted to go.

Are you going to behave yourself? I asked.

I could practically see Ben grinning through the phone. "I'll be on my very best behavior."

Coming from you, that's not saying much, but I guess I'll go with you, I replied cheekily.

Annie, what would you like for dinner? Brian asked from the couch.

I held the phone down, turning in his direction. Whatever you want.

Tell me, and I’ll order it now, he replied absentmindedly while flipping through sports scores on the television.

How about that Caribbean place down the street? I suggested before bringing the phone back up to my ear.

What do you want me to order? Brian asked before turning off the television.

I pulled the receiver away from my mouth replying, Surprise me, before turning my attention back to Ben.

Someone’s a little jealous that you’re on the phone with me, Ben commented while chuckling.

My brows drew together. Not at all. He’s just been full of nervous energy all night. This is the first time I’ve seen him sit still. He’s been jogging around the apartment, fiddling with everything. I think he’s just excited that we’re leaving for his parents’ in a few hours.

Ben chuckled. Sure. That must be it. He inhaled deeply, likely to take a drag of his cigarette. So, next Friday, you’re coming out with us to see this new band.

Nope. Sorry. I rechecked the polish on my nails to make sure they didn’t need any touch ups.

He’s already got you on that tight of a leash? Ben asked, irritation dripping from every syllable.

I glared at the receiver in irritation. Of course not. But, Friday is my self-defense class. I’m going weekly now. Brian and I are making Friday our independent day to do whatever we want.

Alright, alright, he conceded.

Listen, if the band is that great, pick up a schedule of where else they’re playing. I’ll go see them with you on another day.

Alright, I'll leave you be now. I'm sure you're doing something exciting like picking out sexy lingerie for your weekend with lover boy.

I'm painting my nails actually, and my parents are going to be there. There'll be no need for sexy lingerie. I'm hanging up now.

Wait! he shouted, and I paused. Thanks for coming with me. His voice was full of sincerity.

I owe you more than I’ll ever be able to repay, Ben. The least I can do is attend a wedding with you, I replied, my voice full of gratitude. I know I’ll have to wear a certain dress from a certain designer and look a certain way for this type of event. You’ll have to fill me in on all of that information.

It’s being taken care of, he replied.

Have a great weekend then. I’ll see you soon. I tossed the phone down on the table as I fanned my fingers, helping my nails to dry faster.

When Brian was done ordering the food, I asked, You’re really okay with me going with Ben?

Brian opened his mouth, then closed it. After a moment of what seemed like internal debate, he replied, If you want to go, sweetheart, then I’m okay with it.

I sighed happily. How had I gotten so lucky?

I’d like to remind you how incredible you are. Thank you for being so understanding.

Brian glanced over at me from the couch deep in thought. I have something for you, he finally said, I was going to wait to give it to you, but I just can't wait any longer. Brian stood up, walking into his bedroom. I craned my neck around the doorway to watch him take a black jewelry box out of the drawer then return into the room.

I glanced at the box in his hands then up at him. What's this?

He shrugged, his eyes lit up. Just a little something. He placed the box down in front of me.

Curious, I opened the box and stared in shock. A heart shaped diamond necklace rested inside. I gasped, staring at him. Brian, what is this? I asked.

I saw it when I was walking by the store. I thought of you, so… he trailed off, his eyes glimmering. Do you like it?

I nodded, speechless, as I glanced back down at the diamond necklace staring back. You don't think that this is too much? What's the occasion?

I need an occasion? he asked, frowning. My facial expression must have told him that this present was over the top.

Okay... He scrambled for some excuse. On Monday you officially lost a pant size.

I know which is why I'm wearing a dress right now. That's not a reason to buy me this.

Then it's a holiday gift, he offered.

I shook my head. I didn't buy you a gift. I bought your parents a gift, but I didn't know….We were supposed to buy each other gifts?

No, and I don't want you to buy me anything. I just need an excuse you'll accept. He rubbed his chin, staring up at the ceiling momentarily. His green eyes flickered back to mine. "How about I've been waiting five years to do this, so if you accept it without making a fuss, I'll be very happy?"

I giggled. That's a pretty good one. Alright, but no more for a while. His smile was so bright that it lit up the room.

Well, I still need to buy you earrings, a bracelet, maybe an anklet… his eyes watched me carefully, And a ring.

I snorted. Well, if it's up to our mothers we'd be married next week. Ever since my mother found out that I was dating Brian, the marriage talk had been nonstop. I didn’t silence the conversation because I would rather them talk about positive things such as that then my upcoming trial with Ryan. That was a conversation they all avoided speaking to me about.

Oh yeah? he asked just a little too innocently. He took the necklace out of the box, placing it around my neck. He clasped it in place as I held my hair out of the way for him. His fingertips ran down the white gold chain as he leaned in, murmuring, Absolutely beautiful before kissing my shoulder. I jumped out of my seat, skipping into the bathroom. Flicking on the light, I looked into the mirror, surprised. The necklace looked outrageously good around my neck.

I returned to the dining room where he still stood and kissed him, long and slow, to show him my appreciation. Thank you. It's beautiful. You know you shouldn't have.

You're not being as difficult as I thought you would be, he asked smiling, although I saw the unbridled curiosity in his eyes.

I'm just not sure what I did to deserve it, I admitted.

You are Annie Watson, my beautiful, extraordinary girlfriend. That’s all there is to it. He kissed me then, resting his forehead against mine. Listen, I feel like a jerk, but this weekend I have to do an ad campaign. I kissed him again, waiting for him to continue. My boss threw this project onto my lap yesterday and wants it done by Monday. Apparently, no one told him that it was a holiday weekend. He glanced at me with worry.

I understand. So, if the house is crazy, you'll just have to go somewhere quiet to work, I replied. I wasn’t upset in the least. I understood that the situation was out of his control. The roles could have very easily been reversed with my boss tossing an advertisement campaign on my lap for Monday.

His brows reached his hairline while his eyes searched mine for confirmation. You're not upset?

I shook my head. I understand. You have to do it and impress your boss. Plus, I really miss my parents. It'll give me time to catch up.

Brian looked completely shocked by my reaction. How did I end up with the most amazing girlfriend? I shrugged my shoulders. You're just lucky I guess. He smiled widely, kissing me again.

***

Three hours and one delicious meal later, we checked over the bags in Brian's Camaro. We have the cheesecake, the bottle of wine, the dog bone for Chester, all of the toys for the kids. Did you pack your medicine? I asked Brian as we peered into the car trunk in Brian's parking garage. He nodded his head. Anything else?

I think that's everything, he said before closing the trunk, then slapping my rear gently. Get that tush in the car. I blushed, feeling aroused and embarrassed simultaneously. There was no one in the parking garage, which I was sure was the reason for his playfulness. Brian would have never done that if someone had seen it.

As we drove off, I called to make sure my parents landed at the airport safely. There were no problems, and Mr. Aschcroft had already picked them up. Brian threaded his fingers through mine, kissing my hand as we drove in peace. We didn't hit any traffic as we cruised to Connecticut, and I complimented Brian on planning to leave later than the rest of the traffic.

Twenty minutes later, my phone rang again. I glanced down to see that it was Brian’s house line calling.

Hello? I answered.

Are you completely opposed to the color periwinkle? My mother asked.

Why? I asked, fairly certain I did not want to know the answer.

I just think it’d be a great bridesmaid color, she replied, What about a late summer wedding? It’s not much time but you could be married in two months!

Mom, you need to stop. I'm not marrying Brian anytime soon.

Why not? He's well off, handsome, and crazy about you. Plus, we love his parents. What's the problem? My mom snapped.

I've dated him for a month. Let's put some perspective on the situation, shall we?

Yes, but you've known him for nearly five years. Surely we can move at a faster pace, My mom replied curtly.

Faster than what? The speed of light? It was time to pull out the serious threat. Mom, if you don't stop, I won't come this weekend.

You wouldn't dare! She screamed in protest trying to call my bluff.

Try me, mom. I have a lot of work piling up at the office. I'm sure I could spend the weekend there catching up.

Alright! Alright! Just tell me if you hate periwinkle, and I'll stop.

I hate periwinkle. I had no real aversion to the color; I was just in a pissy mood from the conversation.

Linda! My mom screamed, Periwinkle is a no go! I yanked the phone away from my ear before going deaf.

What about lilac? I heard a voice shout.

Shouldn’t we settle on a theme first? My mom shouted back in suggestion.

Tell daddy I love him and I'll see him soon, I said into the phone before hanging up.

I tossed the phone into the pocketbook, shaking my head. It’s going to be a very long weekend, I said to Brian.

Why? he asked, and I noticed he gripped the steering wheel tighter.

Our parents are planning our wedding. My mother was suggesting that we get married in two months. I laughed loudly at her absurdity.

Too soon? He flashed me a heart stopping smile.

I shook my head. I don’t know what to do with her sometimes.

Well, he trailed off. Getting engaged wouldn’t be so crazy, though, right?

When? I asked, surprised at his question. Later down the road? Sure. I glanced over to find Brian tight lipped, clenching the steering wheel. Are you okay? I rubbed his shoulder in concern.

Yeah, yeah, just have this project on my mind.

Do you want to talk about it? I asked.

He shook his head, and a quiet lull existed in the car. Brian took a long drawn out breath while shifting the car's gears. Annie, I want to talk to you about something, and I'm not sure how.

Just tell me. I think by now you know that you can talk to me about anything, I replied, not understanding the strange turn in the conversation.

Annie, you have a lot of male friends, wouldn't you agree? he asked. Uh oh. There was no way that this conversation would go anywhere pleasant.

I have a few, I offered. I didn't like playing games, though, and this had never been Brian’s and my way. Just cut to the chase and tell me what's going on.

He drew another deep breath. George and Ben. I am really uncomfortable with you spending so much time with them.

I blinked, completely shocked by his words. We've all been friends for years, though. Why are you upset now?

Because we weren't dating before; I had no say in the matter. Ben isn't just interested in friendship with you. He wants more. Aren’t you sick of losing all of your female friends to George’s childish ways?

So, you don't trust me? The very thought made me ache that after all this time; he still didn't believe he was the one I wanted.

"Of course I trust you. I don't trust them. You have to remember that when you were dating Ryan, I heard everything that they thought about you. I know what's on their minds."

So, you want me to what? Just give up our friendship? Toss away the last four years? I sighed, rubbing my forehead. I felt a painful headache coming on. Brian, I lost a lot this month. I gained a lot too, but I lost a lot of people from my life. I can’t….I can’t handle anymore change now. Anger flashed through me. Two could play at the jealousy game. I don't like Ashley. I don't care what you say about her sexual orientation, and I don't care that she's your boss's daughter. I don't want you around her.

Annie, she's gay, he said as though my jealousy was irrational.

Brian, if she's gay, then so am I. I have never rubbed myself against another woman the way she did that night with you at the bar. You sexually excite her. Wake up and smell the coffee, I snapped back at him.

Annie… he drawled out.

Don’t you ‘Annie’ me! I shouted back, I’m not going to be punished for your jealousy! I absolutely hate that bitch, but I trust you.

I would never- He shouted back.

Then why can’t you trust me? I was friends with all of you while I dated Ryan. Did anything ever happen? I asked, feeling as though I was fighting a losing battle.

No, I just constantly reminded you about all of his mistakes, let you cry on my shoulder when he messed up, was there whenever you needed me, then slipped right in and stole you! he shouted back.

I stared at him with my mouth agape. His words were partially true, but still…

"I can’t believe you just said that to me!" I shouted.

His hands gripped the steering wheel more tightly while his jaw clenched. Thump. The back end of the car dropped down; Brian cursed under his breath, pulling the car over to the side of the road.

Stay in here, he instructed me as he opened the passenger door.

Like hell I am! I shouted as I opened my door and stepped out. I crossed my arms, furious at him, stomping around the car. We both looked down at the same time and sighed. Flat tire.

Some of my hot steam blew out. Do you have a spare?

He nodded and then walked over to the driver’s side pressing the trunk release button. Brian came back towards me as I stood on the grass while cars drove past us not even bothering to slow down. If this had been my hometown, the first car would have stopped and offered help…and every car after. But, this wasn’t Ohio.

We realized that everything in the trunk now needed to be changed to the back seat. We moved the suitcases and packages silently as we were both too angry to talk to each other. I then helped him take out the jack, wrench, lantern, and unscrew the donut that was bolted down to the car.

What do you need me to do, Brian? I asked.

Can you hold up the light for me?

I turned on the battery operated lantern, holding it above the tire to give Brian the maximum amount of light while he worked.

Twenty minutes later, I helped him toss the deflated tire and rim back into the trunk with the rest of the tools. He closed the trunk, his eyes watching me. I stood there with my arms still crossed, glaring.

Dance with me, he said.

My lips pressed firmly together. There’s no music.

Brian held a finger up before jogging to the driver side. He turned the engine on as well as the lights before turning on the radio. A techno song blasted through the speakers, and I listened to him changing out the channels while biting back a smile. I refused to let him know just how adorable, bordering on ridiculously sexy I thought he was acting at that moment. Finally, I heard My Girl by the Temptations drift out of his speakers. He walked back towards me, holding his hand out. I refused to meet his eyes sure that they would undo me while taking his hand as he led me around on the grassy side near the front of the car. He slid his hand around to my back, his eyes watching me. I still refused to look at him as we swayed side to side. He had to find this song, didn’t he? My absolute all-time favorite song. What an ass.

Half way through the song, I forgot momentarily why I was supposed to be angry with him and rested my head against his chest. His arm wrapped around my body tighter as he led me around in a circle and I stepped on his feet multiple times. Towards the end of the song, he placed his finger under my chin, lifting it up to meet his gaze. Silently, he leaned down, pressing his lips to mine. I parted my lips letting my tongue slip out. He kissed me back eagerly and I found myself lost on the side of the road as he held me tighter, refusing to let me go. The music still floated out to us from his stereo, but I lost count of how many songs played on while we stood there making out.

Finally, a car driving by honked loudly, and someone hooted at us. We pulled apart, both breathless as I blushed, and he laughed, smiling brightly. I broke away from him, walking towards the passenger side door and sliding back inside the car. After also getting inside, he lowered the music. Shifting the car into gear, he pulled back out onto the open highway.

A minute down the road, I broke the silence with, How about I won't spend time with Ben or George alone anymore? I'll only see them when we spend time as a group together on the weekends. Is that fair?

He stared out the dashboard for a moment before finally turning towards me. Headlights from a passing car shined on his face, showing me that he was smiling. I sighed in relief.

He picked up our clasped hands, kissing my palm. I think that's definitely fair.

One exception though, I said. I had Brian's full attention as he waited to hear my idea. I promised Ben I would go with him to his mother's wedding. I don't want to cancel on him now. I would like that to be our last hangout alone. If that's okay with you? Brian nodded in acceptance. And Ashley? I prompted.

She is my boss's daughter. If he tells me that I have to take her out… He grimaced.

"Fair enough. If it is work related, then I understand. You know where to draw the line. Just be mindful of my thoughts about the situation. And I do not want her touching you," I was unable to keep the venom out of my voice on my last statement.

Agreed. There’s no reason for her to touch me. I won’t speak to her unless it’s work related, he said.

Brian made a right and I knew we had just entered his neighborhood. Three streets later, he pulled into his parents’ driveway and shut off the car. I gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.

I love you, I whispered and he turned his head in my direction, his lids hooded, and his hands cupped my face.

And I love you. More than you'll ever know, he replied before kissing my lips.

I slowly pulled away, stepping out of the car, to retrieve our bags from the backseat. It was about midnight then, so we planned on quietly walking through the house and just laying down to sleep. Our mothers thought otherwise.

I heard the front porch door swing open and footsteps running across the wooden planks of the Aschcroft front porch. Annie, my soon to be daughter-in-law, get over here!

I cringed at the woman's words. It's not that I'm opposed to marrying Brian…eventually. But, I was just attacked by Ryan a month ago. I wanted to take things slow to make sure that I was not making some colossal mistake…again.

Can you please talk to your mother about that, I whispered to Brian. His face paled. That's really making me uncomfortable.

His brows knitted together, his lips a drawn line. I'll talk to her about it when I can get her alone. I nodded, murmuring my thanks as I slid my bag up on to my shoulder and took two of the shopping bags filled with toys that we bought for Brian's cousins. I walked towards the porch as Brian took the other bags, shutting the car door behind us.

Brian's mother ran towards us, grabbing me in a tight hug, kissing me all over my face. For as long as I had known Mrs. A, she had never behaved like this before. Sure, she was always a bit enthusiastic, but this behavior was over the top even for her. Glancing at her newly dyed hair, I realized she also looked like she's had some 'work done' recently on her face. Everything seemed higher than when I last saw her. She was a petite woman only reaching five foot three with highlighted blonde hair, blue eyes, and breasts that I was not entirely sure were hers. I glanced at Brian with a 'help me' look.

Mom, Brian said. Please, you're being overwhelming. Look at all the packages in her hand. Let her at least walk into the house.

She stepped backwards, still in my personal space, but I could at least breathe. Sorry, is it so wrong that I want to see the woman who will be having my grandchildren? she asked him. I froze in fear at her words. Grandkids? Kids? I didn't see that any time in the future- years off from now. Brian and I hadn’t even slept together again since that first drunken night. The furthest we had gone was heavy petting and make out sessions. It had taken a week and a half not to cringe every time he touched me.

Mom, that's enough. You're freaking her out. You're freaking me out by your behavior, he chastised her.

Oh, whatever, she said, turning and walking towards the house. I sighed in relief, a little worried that it would just be a rerun of that episode all weekend long. If so, I may suddenly come down with a case of mild food poisoning or something else equally as atrocious.

I'm sorry. Are you alright? Brian whispered.

I forced a tight smile, and he looked more alarmed. Let's just go inside, I replied and made my way for the stairs.

Brian's parents’ house was beautiful. The Aschcroft home sat on a cul-de-sac in what looked like the perfect suburban neighborhood- all lawns neatly trimmed, neighbors waving as they picked up their paper every morning. Like all suburban neighborhoods, there was fierce competition to 'keep up with the Joneses'. In this area, the Aschcrofts were that family with the largest, most expensive house on the block.

Walking into their home, I smiled, seeing my father and Mr. Aschcroft sitting on the couch, tumblers in their hands with what looked to be scotch in their glasses debating the decline of the car industry in America. Jordan, my brother, sat on the floor, roughhousing with two boys and the Aschcroft's Golden Retriever, pretending to be an alligator coming to eat them. My mother sat on the other couch, knitting something in a baby yellow and chatting with Brian's cousin whose name I didn’t know. Mrs. Aschcroft stood in front of the living room with hands clasped looking more excited than I had ever seen. I placed the bags down, opening the insulated bag to take out the bottle of wine and cake.

For you and Mr. A. Thank you for inviting me and my family, I said, handing over the items.

Oh, what a doll! she exclaimed, Thomas, isn't this so thoughtful of her?

Brian's father glanced up at his wife, looking at the box. A smile spread across his lips, and I couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy inside seeing as Brian had received most of his expressions and mannerisms from his father. He was also nearly a spitting image of the man. Thomas Aschcroft reminded me of the actor Richard Gere in the sense that the man just seemed to become more distinguished with age. It was safe to say that Brian would be a sexy sixty year old man. Brian's spontaneity and general good natured personality came from his mother.

You shouldn't have gone to all the trouble, Annie. Thank you. Mr. Aschcroft smiled so widely, his eyes crinkled.

How could I come here from New York and not bring you your favorite? I asked in reply. He was a notorious cheesecake addict.

No going into the box and trying to swipe a few licks, Tom, Linda warned her husband, teasing him.

Wouldn't dream of such a thing, he replied, but as his wife turned around, the sides of his lips curled up before he took a drink of the amber colored liquid in his tumbler.

Ooh this is my favorite bottle of wine! Linda exclaimed, placing the cake down on an end table while glancing at the bottle.

Yeah, it's the same bottle you drank the first night that you met my family I believe, I told her.

It is! she shrieked. Tom, look at this! Brian's father didn't hear her, though, because he had already returned to his conversation with my father. Tom! she shouted at the top of her lungs.

He glanced up again at the bottle, his brows raised in question. Very nice. I bit back a giggle at his patronizing answer, knowing that he was just trying to placate his wife.

She must have known as well because she rolled her eyes at him before turning to me. It was very thoughtful of you, Annie.

Brian's hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me close to him. "It was very thoughtful of her. She came up with the idea on her own."

Linda glanced between me and her son beaming. My grandchildren will be adorable! she squealed, running over towards my mother exclaiming, You should make blue booties. I have a feeling the first one will be a boy.

I felt Brian's eyes on me as I fought a gnawing feeling inside me. I just didn't like the idea of something being forced down my throat. I didn't need anyone mapping out my life for me, and I was only twenty-three.

Annie won't be having children before she's married and there is no need to rush sending her down the aisle, I heard my father say. I couldn't help smiling at his voice. I missed him a lot. He was old fashioned, though. Part of the reason that I didn't have sex before I was twenty-one was that I never actively sought out a man to lose my virginity to. Jordan and I were raised rather strictly when it came to sex and relationships with people of the opposite gender. My paternal grandmother was a devout Christian and raised my father strictly. He ingrained in us from a young age that you do not have sex until your wedding night. If you failed to follow that rule, and you became pregnant or impregnated a girl, you married. No ifs, ands, or buts.

My father was just as strict with Jordan concerning this rule than he was with me. My father was still under the belief that I was a virgin. I did not discuss my sex life with my parents or my brother ever. I had no desire to enlighten them with the truth. I was under the impression that Brian and his father were much more truthful to each other about those topics and spoke like friends to each other regarding sex and women. I gathered that information from things Brian said to me over the years, admitting to me about things that he told his father that I would never tell mine.

Daddy, I said, seeing him rise from the couch before turning towards me.

Come here, Minnie. I nearly ran to him, hugging him tightly. Brian walked over, hugging his father before kissing his mother on the cheek. I was still in my father's embrace by the time he shook hands with Jordan.

My father pulled me back, looking me over. Look at you. You've changed your hair, lost weight, I hardly recognize you. I kissed my father's forehead. I could see in his eyes that he was upset about something.

I’m fine, Daddy, I told him, looking into