Page 6 of Finding Home with You

“Hello,” I say, but it comes across more annoyed than I planned.

“He hasn’t called, huh?” Kelsey says without greeting me.

“What, that stupid ass? I couldn’t give a shit,” I respond, playing it as casual as possible knowing I just made myself come listening to his voice.

“Whatever you gotta tell yourself,” Kelsey says, laughing. “But anyway, you know Beck’s birthday is this weekend and we’re having a party at the pub, but I was hoping you could help me out and make some cupcakes?”

“Of course, no problem,” I say, thankful for the turn in conversation. Up until this phone call my thoughts have been consumed with Ryan and only Ryan. “What kind do you want me to make?”

“Anything you want, I just need at least three dozen.”

“Three dozen? Shit, Kelsey, that’s a lot.”

“Well, I’m sure Ryan will be up on Friday night, maybe he can help you.” And there he is, back again. I couldn’t get rid of this boy if I tried. I exhale hard into the phone, irritated at her constant teasing. “Maybe you could even make yourself a bikini out of frosting and let Ryan lick it off you.” By now Kelsey is laughing so hard I can hardly understand her.

“Stop giving me shit. You and Beck do it like rabbits and you don’t hear me saying a damn thing.”

“Fine, fine,” she says conceding, but still giggling. “But thank you. If you need any help, let me know.”

“I will. See you on Saturday.”

Just when I think she’s about to hang up, she gets one more in there. “You know, it would be easier if you would just admit you like him. No judgment from me. I kinda like you guys together. He keeps you busy.”

“Like him?” I say sounding appalled. “He’s a bastard.”

Immediately after hanging up with Kelsey and before I’ve even set my phone down it rings again. My social life is suddenly off the charts, and I answer without even looking at the screen.

“Hello,” I say in a sing-song voice assuming it’s Ryan or Kelsey.

The line is silent for a few seconds and my heart immediately begins to race. I’ve been here before. I know exactly what’s happening, and before I can react, I hear the line click and a voice that forces its way into my ear.

All the voice mutters is my name, but it sends chills down my spine and my hands begin to sweat so much that I fear the phone will slip from my hands.

I’ve let my guard down, let my happiness and this euphoric feeling fool me into thinking I’m safe. But all that is gone now and taking over is a sick feeling of nausea that settles heavy in the pit of my stomach.

This isn’t the first time this has happened, but it’s been so long that I’ve fooled myself into thinking it might actually be over.

I hang up just as I was told to do, but I know it’s still too late. Those five or so seconds I stayed on the line were enough to get what he needed.

I don’t know who the man was, but I know the man who pays him and that’s what scares me.

Most people wouldn’t fear their father, but I do and for good reason.

He’s the head of one of the most powerful mobs in Boston. I was born into a family that I never wanted to be a part of, and despite being raised outside of Atlanta, I was never able to get away from it.

I swallow hard, trying to quell the feeling of vomit that is rising up in my throat. I reach for the gun I keep in my nightstand drawer, stashing it in my purse. I grab my car keys, but immediately toss them back on the bed.

Walking seems safer at this moment and I’m not taking any chances. I know it was just a phone call and the last time this happened it amounted to nothing, but I’m on edge now.

Before leaving I pick up the house keys I have in a bowl by the front door, keeping them tucked in the palm of my hand. I head across town hoping I won’t be noticed with the darkness that blankets everything around me.

I don’t even bother to knock when I get there, just let myself in as if I live here too. The house is quiet, but a small porch light illuminates the front door along with a table lamp and the glow of the TV; all indications that he’s home.

He’s knows it’s me because this isn’t the first time this has happened and it probably won’t be the last.

I call out just in case, not that I think I will scare him, more to make sure he’s alone.

“Hey Finn.”

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