Music, Laughter, and Conversation

Well, I lied in my little author's note.  I got it finished after all :)  If you didn't see my note about the future plans, make sure you scroll down to catch it.  The next post will either come tomorrow or Saturday.
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"You're freaking out," Lauren observed, once Brody was inside.

"Yep," I agreed.  "Completely.  So many people...and they're all going to be watching me."

Lauren slid her arm around my waist, a rare show of affection for her, and squeezed gently.  She left her arm there and said, "On the plus side, you're the bride, so you can do pretty much whatever you want to today, and no one is going to say a word to you about it!"

I laughed.  "True. Too bad the craziest thing I'll probably do is cry through my wedding ceremony."

"Where did that come from?" Lauren asked suddenly, pointing to my bracelet.

"Where do you think?" I asked, rolling my eyes.  But I couldn't fight the smile on my face as I lifted my wrist for Lauren to take a closer look.

Lauren narrowed her eyes in much the same expression I'd made when Brody had told me he had something for me.  "I thought you guys had agreed no gifts."

"Yeah, well, he doesn't always follow directions well," I said, laughing.  "But I love it."

"He's the worst," she replied, smirking.

Just then, Lauren's phone lit up.  She looked down at it, then looked up at me.  "Ready to go in?"  I took a deep breath, nodded, and we walked inside.  I drew more than a couple looks as she and I walked past the dining room towards the narrow stairs that led up.  Once we got to the top of the stairs, I saw Leigh, who appeared to be directing traffic.  She guided me over to the side where my dad was waiting.  Lauren walked over to Alex and handed him her phone, which he slipped into his pocket.  Alex flashed me a thumbs up, which made me roll my eyes and laugh a little.

My dad was watching me, and I felt tears prick the back of my eyes when he held out his arm to me.  I could faintly hear the music, and Lynn and Jack were now disappearing into the banquet room, which meant I was next.  "Holy shit," I breathed.

"Olivia Renee," my dad scolded me, and I burst out laughing, earning a disapproving look from Leigh.

"I'm getting married, and you're concerned about my language?" I asked him.

"You'll always be my little girl," he said stoically.  "But I guess at least you don't have a mouth like Lauren."

I laughed again, clapping my hand over my mouth to muffle it.  Leigh walked over and handed me my bouquet.  "When you hear the song change, it's all you," she said with a broad smile.  "You look absolutely stunning, but don't forget to smile."

Laughing immediately before I started to walk down the aisle proved to be a positive thing.  I smiled, I didn't cry, I didn't trip.  And as soon as I saw Brody waiting for me, I did forget about everyone else.

I had never questioned wanting to see Brody and take photos before the ceremony, but I did worry that walking down the aisle towards him wouldn't be nearly as special as it could have been if we wouldn't have seen each other.  I was wrong.  He was still looking at me as though it was his first time seeing me, and it was perfect.  Halfway down, I got a little emotional and a couple tears escaped, but I managed to mostly keep it together.  When my dad handed me off to Brody, Brody paused and brushed the tears off my cheeks before taking my hand.  The simple gesture made several people in the crowd say, "Awwww," which drew my attention back to the fact that there were indeed over 50 other people in the room.  But at this point, I didn't care as much.

Our ceremony was short and simple, with just two brief readings done by Jen and Kinsley and our vows.  When it came time to exchange the rings, I felt a brief moment of panic.  I had no idea if Lauren had Brody's ring or not.  Luckily, when I turned, she handed it to me.  When I watched Brody put my wedding band on my finger, I did a double take.  I looked up at him, and he was watching me and grinning.  I looked back down, because the ring he'd just slid onto my left hand was not the plain band I'd picked out and purchased.  In fact, it looked suspiciously like the drawing Don had made of the potential custom band.  I looked back up at Brody, and mouthed, "What is this?"  He just shrugged and mouthed back, "Your ring."

"Olivia?"  I looked up, realizing that the officiant was waiting for me to repeat her words and put Brody's ring on.  I blushed, and she repeated the words that went along with the ring ceremony.  I got them out without tangling them and slid the ring onto his finger.

I barely heard the officiant tell us we could kiss, because I was entranced by her saying we're now husband and wife.  I smiled shyly at Brody and he stepped forward, tugging me towards him by my hands.  Then he slid his hands around my waist and kissed me.  Everyone clapped, but I didn't care  about them anymore.  When our kiss ended, he leaned his forehead against mine and whispered, "I love you, Olivia."

"I love you too," I replied, and he kissed me again.


We met our officiant in a smaller room down the hall from the banquet room.  We all signed the marriage license, and she congratulated us both.  As she collected the document and stepped out, Brody looked at me with concern.  "Are you okay?" he asked, not for the first time today.

I thought I was keeping it together pretty well, but I should have known that I couldn't hide it from him.  "I am," I said, smiling at him.  "Just a little overwhelmed."

"Let's take a few minutes?" he suggested.  I nodded.  He kicked the door to the room shut, then walked back over to me and hugged me.  I leaned into him, breathing in his scent.  Soap, cologne, and mountains.  The familiar scent comforted me.

There was a plush, overstuffed couch in the room, and he sat and pulled me into his lap.  I leaned down to kiss him, and he smiled against my lips.  When we broke apart, he kept his hand on my face, lightly brushing his thumb across my cheekbone.  "You're easily the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he said softly and sincerely.

The look on his face made me melt, and I shifted so I could (carefully) lay my head on his shoulder.  "Thank you," I said.  "I love you."

"I love you too, Liv," he replied, stroking my back between my shoulder blades.  "I can't believe how wonderfully everything came together.  You did a great job."

"We did a great job," I corrected him.

He chuckled.  "Well, okay, but you did more than I did.  Especially the little details."

"You want to talk about little details?" I asked, looking at him.  "What is this?" I held up my left hand and waved it around a little.

He laughed.  "That's the ring that Don designed for you.  If you don't like it, we can't take it back, because it's a custom piece.  So you're stuck with it."

"I love it," I said, smiling while I looked at.  "But I would have been okay with the plain band.  It's not about the ring."

"I want you to have something that you love, not something that you're just okay with, even if it's not about the ring," he said, shaking his head.  Then he grinned.  "Don said he could tell you really liked the sketch, and he couldn't figure out why you didn't want it.  I knew exactly why you didn't want it, and I decided to disrespect your wishes and have him make it anyway.  Are you mad at me?"

"No," I said smiling.  "But don't make a habit out of disrespecting my wishes."

"I only did this time because it seemed like you really did like this one better," he assured me.  "I hoped it would be a nice surprise."

"It was," I said, turning my head to kiss him again.

We sat together in the small room, chatting for a couple minutes, then just silently enjoying each other's company for a few more.  Finally, I stood and said, "I'm ready when you are."

"Kiss me again, then I'm ready," he said, smiling.  I happily obliged him, hooking my arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.  "Mmm," he groaned, pulling away and then resting his forehead against mine.  "Can we just skip the reception and go back to the hotel?"

I laughed and stood, tugging on his hand.  "No way, I'm starving.  You need to feed me first."


I barely made it past dinner before I was irritated with my hair.  Even though it was cool outside, it was warm in the restaurant, and even lighter wedding dresses are heavy and hot.  The back of my neck was damp with sweat and my hair was sticking to it, leaving sticky hairspray remnants behind.  Kinsley saw me pulling at my hair and swatted at my hand.  "You're going to make all the curls fall," she scolded me.

"I want it off my neck," I said, frowning.  "Can you fix it?"

She pulled me into the bathroom and dumped the contents of her clutch on the counter.  She fished out a plastic bag full of bobby pins.  "In case of emergency," she said, grinning.  She started pinning pieces up, and within 10 minutes she had my curls all pinned loosely to my head in a cute, makeshift updo.  "Will that work?" she asked.  She held out a compact mirror and I looked at the back.

"I like it!" I said.  "Thank you."  I looked down and saw that what had been a half-full snack sized ziploc bag of bobby pins now only held a handful.  That was going to be fun to get out at the end of the night.

We left the bathroom and made it back to the banquet room, where I wandered around until I found a few people at a table that I hadn't gotten much of a chance to chat with yet.  I sat down and was there for about 15 minutes before Brody walked up.

"Dance with me?" he asked, holding his hand out to me.

I smiled and set my wine down on the table.  "Of course," I replied, standing and taking his hand.   We had split up for a little while to chat with our guests and I felt like it had been hours since I had seen him last.  He pulled me close to him on the dance floor and I sagged against him.  I was tired already; it had been a long day.  I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes as we danced, enjoying the couple minutes that I could shut everyone else out and be close to my new husband.

"Are you having fun?" he asked me.

I opened my eyes and nodded.  "Are you?"

"I am," he replied.  "I'm getting tired though."

"Me too," I agreed.  "What time is it?"

I felt one of Brody's hands move from my waist, and his head moved as he looked at his watch.  "11:40," he replied.

I laughed.  "It's not even late.  I feel so old."

"Well, you are an old married woman now, so I guess it makes sense," he joked.  I shook my head, then nestled it back against Brody's shoulder, closing my eyes again.

When the song was over, we made our way to the table where Lynn, Lauren, Alex, and Jen were sitting.  We were only there for one song before James approached the table.  When we'd been making the guest list, I hadn't even mentioned James.  I figured Brody would be firmly against it.  He was the one who brought him up and we decided to invite him.  He smiled as he walked up.  Looking between me and Brody, he asked, "May I dance with the bride?"

Brody laughed and said, "If you think I have any say at all in who my wife dances with, you don't know her very well."

I rolled my eyes and smacked him playfully in the arm.  "That's enough out of you," I said, laughing.

"See?" Brody asked pointedly.

James laughed as I stood.  He held a hand out to me and I took it.  "I'll be back," I said to Brody.

"This is the easiest way to talk to you," James said, as we made our way onto the dance floor.  "You're a popular woman tonight."

"Yeah," I said, smiling.  "I guess that's what happens when you wear a long white dress to a wedding!"

James chuckled.  "Well, congratulations.  I can't believe how happy you look.  Beautiful too, of course.  Can I say that?  Your husband isn't going to break my face for saying that, right?"

"Not unless I tell him to," I said, smiling sweetly at him.  He laughed and shook his head.

"Where are you guys going for your honeymoon?" he asked.

I shrugged.  "I actually have no idea," I said.  "All I know is we're leaving Monday and we're gone for 12 days.  And that it's tropical."

"Well, I'm sure it won't disappoint."

"I'd be shocked if it did," I answered.  "So, no Haley?"

James snorted.  "No.  No Haley," he confirmed.  "That was over before we even made it back into town after camping.  Some day I'll find someone who isn't crazy and won't leave me abruptly for their future husband.  Maybe."

I laughed.  "Maybe," I agreed.

When the song was over, James walked with me back to the table we'd left, and sat down next to Lynn.  I sat in the chair next to Brody, and he took his eyes off Jen to smile at me.  He slid his arm around my shoulders and I leaned into him, trying to figure out what he and Jen had been talking about.  She was telling a story and I had clearly missed the important information, so I just relaxed against Brody and listened quietly to the sounds around me.  Music, laughter, and conversation were coming from all directions, and it made me smile.  That was exactly what I had wanted our wedding day to be like.

Labor Day Camping Trip Part 3

On Sunday morning, I woke with a stiff, sore neck and a headache.  The perils of sleeping on the ground, I guess.  We were heading back home early that afternoon, and Kinsley was dead set on going back to the beach before we left.  Brody, Damien, and I decided to stay at the campsite and just relax.

I was reading and ignoring Brody and Damien--who were having a lively sounding sports-related debate--when James and Haley came back to the campsite.  They both looked pissed off and Haley stormed off towards the bathroom.  James dropped into the chair next to me and sighed.

Brody, Damien, and I just sat and stared at him for several seconds.  "What?" he asked irritably, looking up.

No one spoke, and Brody and Damien looked at each other, then me.  Their mouths remained firmly closed.  Looked like they were punting this one my way.  Thanks, guys!  I looked at James and gently asked, "What are you doing?"

"What do you mean?" he snapped back.

I shook my head and made a face.  "You know exactly what I mean.  She is awful.  Seriously, wretchedly awful."  Brody and Damien quickly nodded their agreement.  At least they weren't going to argue with me.

James sighed and rubbed his forehead.  "I know," he admitted finally.  His eyes darted in the direction Haley stomped off in, then back to mine.  "I know.  She's actually really great one on one, but as soon as she gets around other people, she's a nightmare.  She was fine at the barbecue I met her at, and then we weren't around other friends for a few weeks after that.  And now, since she's a friend's cousin, I can't quite figure out how to extricate myself."

Brody shook his head.  "The longer you wait, the worse it's going to be," he pointed out.

"I know that," James replied.  "I--" He stopped suddenly and sat back in his chair.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw Haley approaching.  I willed Brody and Damien to not turn around and make it obvious we'd been talking about her.  Luckily, they didn't.  She approached our little group and stood there looking at James.  He looked back at her evenly and she huffed out a sharp breath and continued, making her way back towards the beach.  He shook his head and stood.  "I should go talk to her," he muttered.

"You probably shouldn't," Damien advised.  But James shrugged and jogged after Haley.

When he was gone, I looked at Damien, "What's the deal?  I don't think it's just because Haley is his friend's cousin."

Damien shrugged, then said, "I'm not completely sure, but I think he's feeling a little bit like a relationship failure lately.  No offense, but between you, Cassie, and now Haley, I think he's trying a little too hard to make something work."

I wrinkled my nose, sighed, and said, "Well, he should find someone new to try really hard with, because she's horrid."

"I agree," Damien replied.

James and Haley didn't return until they came back with Lauren, Kinsley, and Alex.  Neither of them looked happy but they seemed fine otherwise.  We got to work cleaning up the campsite and taking down the tents.  Lauren walked over with one of my shirts in her hands.  "Here's the shirt I didn't wear," she said loudly.  "Thanks for letting me borrow them.  I'll wash the ones I wore and get them back to you.  Any ideas on how to get the sunscreen and lotion out of mine?"

I snuck a look at Haley, who was watching our exchange with the shadow of a smirk on her face.  Lauren suddenly turned towards her and sweetly said, "Maybe you've got some ideas."

"Why would I?" Haley asked snottily.

Lauren rolled her eyes and snapped, "Oh, stop pretending you didn't do anything.  How old are you, 14?"

"Lauren," I warned her softly.  I just wanted to get everything packed up and get home so I could spend the rest of the long weekend on the couch with Netflix.

Haley turned to James and said, "I'm not riding in a car with her.  She's rude."

James sighed and said, "Well, you also said you wouldn't ride in a car with my 'skanky ex-girlfriend' so I'm not sure how you want to get home."

"Skanky ex-girlfriend?" I repeated.  "We dated for a month.  It barely even counts!"

"Thanks," James snapped sarcastically back at me.  "That's so helpful."

Brody bristled, sending an angry glare in James's direction.  "Don't talk to her like that."

"Would you all shut the fuck up?" Kinsley yelled to be heard over the angry mutterings of half of the group.  "Seriously, are you all 14?  Let's finish packing shit up and leave.  Then none of you will have to even look at each other anymore."  Being the voice of reason was not a common thing for Kinsley, but in this moment she pulled it off.

To avoid further conflict, Alex handed his keys off to Damien and Damien drove Alex's car back.  James and Haley rode with Damien and Kinsley, and Alex and Lauren came with us.  The drive back into town was a rather quiet one.  Once we got to Lauren's house, we all went our separate ways pretty quickly.

Once Brody and I were alone in his SUV together, I said, "We can't do big group trips anymore.  Something ridiculous always happens."

"Always?" Brody asked, considering this.

"Always," I repeated.  "Savannah at the cabin...both times.  Savannah at Kendra and Christian's wedding.  This time we didn't even need Savannah, because we had Haley."

Brody shook his head.  "I'm too old for this shit," he muttered.

"Tell me about it," I agreed.  "At least we weren't planning on staying another night.  That would have gotten awkward fast."  Brody nodded in agreement, and then we changed the subject, putting the uglier parts of the weekend behind us.

When we walked into our house, I was still surprised to find it empty.  Even though Ken had only been living with us for a few weeks, I'd gotten used to his presence.  "It's so quiet here," I mused, as we tromped upstairs with our bags.

"I'm okay with that," Brody said.  "In fact, it's perfect."  I agreed.

We spent the rest of our weekend lounging on the couch and watching crappy TV and movies.  Well, I watched.  Brody spent a good chunk of time doing some work on his laptop, but he sat with me while he did it.

On Monday, I was making lunch when Brody wandered into the kitchen, laptop in hand.  "Liv?" he asked, setting the laptop down on the table and watching me.

"Yeah?" I replied, only half paying attention.

"Were you serious about wanting a dog?"

I paused, setting down the knife I was using to chop vegetables, and turned around.  "Yes," I said, "But not until after the wedding.  Why?"

"Well, Pete emailed me.  I had mentioned that we were talking about getting a dog, and his sister and brother-in-law are apparently moving in with his parents and can't take their dog.  Pete has the dog for now while they try to find him a good home.  He's really cute."

I laughed at Brody calling the dog "cute."  "Let me see," I said reluctantly.  Brody showed me the picture he'd pulled up on his laptop.  I had to admit that he was awfully cute.

"He's part Rhodesian Ridgeback and part German Shepherd," Brody continued excitedly.  His whole face lit up and it was adorable.  "He's 3 years old, and Pete says that he's really well-trained and well-behaved.  He's also a good watch dog, but he stops barking on command."  I bit my lip to keep from laughing at how excited Brody was.

"Brody, he is really cute, and he sounds great, but what will we do with him while we're on our honeymoon?" I asked gently.

"Well, I told Pete that dilemma and he suggested that we visit and see what we think, then if we want him, he'll keep him until after we're back and settled and ready to take him for good."

"You've got this all thought out, huh?" I asked.

"Hey, I know you well enough to know what all your arguments will be before you even make them," he replied.

"Apparently," I said, laughing.  "Okay, we can go meet him at least.  I feel bad for him, though, going from his home to Pete's, then to someone else's.  Poor thing."

"Yes," Brody agreed enthusiastically.  "Keep feeling bad for him.  Take pity on the poor dog."  I laughed and threw a dish towel at Brody, who apparently thought my empathetic nature might make me more likely to fall in love with the dog.  "Here," he said, picking up the knife I had set down. "Let me help."

"You know, I'm not against getting a dog," I pointed out.  "You don't have to convince me.  I just don't want to do it before the wedding.  So as long as we're waiting until after to take him home, your chances are good enough without sucking up to me."

"Well in that case, here's your knife.  Let me know when lunch is done!"  He set the knife down and made it two steps before he laughed and said, "Seriously though, do you want some help?"  I waved him off and returned to chopping things.

That evening, even though it was Labor Day, Lauren and I planned to hang out like we usually do on Mondays.  She offered to come out to our house though, and I took her up on it.  Brody retreated to the second living area downstairs that Ken had been using with his laptop and Lauren and I sat in the living room on the main floor with our takeout and wine.

"So James showed up today and offered to pay for any of my stuff that was ruined," Lauren said, once we were settled with our food.

"Seriously?  That's pretty much a guilty verdict for Haley."

Lauren shrugged.  "Yeah, that's what I figured.  I didn't take it though.  I mean, it's his fault that she was there, but I believe that he had no idea she was that crazy."

"He picks real winners," I said, shaking my head.

Lauren burst into laughter.  "You realize that includes you, right?"

"Well, I'm not crazy, but I was kind of shitty to him," I pointed out.

Lauren didn't disagree, but she said, "But you also warned him you weren't in a good place to date, so at least he should have been fully aware that there was a chance you'd end up being shitty to him."

"I guess," I agreed half-heartedly.  I didn't really want to talk about the drama-filled camping trip anymore.  Luckily, Lauren happily changed the subject.

"So, your wedding is less than a month away," she said, grinning.

"Don't remind me," I groaned.  "I have so much to do still."

"Like what?" she asked.

"Table assignments and place cards, find a card box, figure out music, find and book transportation for guests between the venue and the hotel, figure out the rehearsal dinner, find shoes, find someone to do my hair, decide on favors, figure out who hasn't RSVPed..." I rattled the list off easily, because it was constantly gnawing at my brain.

"I didn't hear you say 'get the marriage license' so you should probably write that on your list," Lauren said.  I smacked my forehead and flopped backward against the couch, groaning.  Lauren laughed.  "What can I do?" she asked.

"Let's go shoe shopping soon," I suggested.  "And any suggestions on someone for hair?"

Lauren and I talked wedding the rest of the evening.  She pushed me to grab the envelope where I was keeping the RSVPs we'd gotten back and helped me organize them and figure out which we hadn't gotten back yet.  Brody came up at one point, heard us talking about the wedding, and retreated quickly back downstairs.

Before Lauren left, she had come up with a list of places to call about hair, we'd set a shoe shopping date for Wednesday after work, and she'd emailed her sister to ask if she still had her old card box laying around.  I also had a list of tasks to do that week that Lauren and I had prioritized.  Sometimes her Type A personality was a major benefit.



 

 

Labor Day Camping Trip part 1

We all met at Lauren's house and consolidated into two cars before heading off to the campground.  We got Damien and Kinsley and Lauren and Alex got James and his girlfriend.  James's girlfriend's name was Haley and she was a couple years older than me, from the way it sounded.  She was quiet, but she didn't know any of us, so I didn't blame her.

The drive took a lot longer than it should, because we were trying to leave town at 5:30 on the Friday of Labor Day weekend.  We didn't really think that one through very well.  By the time we got there, I was starving and quickly volunteered to start dinner while the guys dealt with the tents.  We had a pretty spacious group site with a grill and I waved off James's and Alex's offers to start it.  I'm perfectly capable of starting a grill.

Lauren, Kinsley, and I worked on dinner while the guys got the tents situated (which included a significant amount of swearing).  Haley did a whole lot of nothing, lingering around watching James.  Kinsley and I both tried to include her but she didn't seem terribly interested.  After the tents were up, Brody took the coolers out and started sorting through to get all the drinks in one.  "Will you drink wine with me?" Kinsley asked.  "I don't want beer."

"That's a stupid question," I replied.  "I'll always drink wine with you!"

"You can't drink wine when you're camping," Lauren replied, wrinkling her nose.

"Seriously," Brody agreed, coming over with a handful of beers.  Kinsley shook her head and so did I.  He shrugged and handed one to Lauren, then wandered away to distribute the rest.

"I don't think a camping newbie like you gets to make the rules, Laur," I teased.

Lauren snorted.  "I'm better off than she is," she muttered, barely moving her head in Haley's direction.  Haley was standing awkwardly a few feet away from James, not really participating in his conversation with Damien.

"Come on, like you've never been the person who doesn't know anyone except one person?" I asked quietly.

"Hmmmm," Lauren mused, seriously considering this.  "No, I don't think so, actually."

"Shut up," Kinsley hissed.  Haley was wandering towards us hesitantly.

"Hi," I said with a warm smile.  "We're going to open a bottle of wine, do you want a glass?"

"What kind of wine?" she asked.

Kinsley walked over to Brody's SUV and rooted around in the back, then returned triumphant.  "Yellowtail Pinot Grigio," she reported.

Haley wrinkled her nose and shook her head.  "No thanks," she said, turning and walking back over to James.  Lauren looked at me pointedly and I made a face.

We finally finished making dinner and we all sat and ate and drank and unwound a little.  When we were done, Alex and Brody got a fire going and we all sat and drank some more and got a little rowdy.  I was glad the group site directly next to us was empty, because we were awfully loud.

Kinsley and I had finished one bottle of wine and were halfway into another when I plopped myself down next to Haley.  "Hi," I said, cheerful and tipsy.

"Hi," she said skeptically.

"If you decide you want some wine, help yourself."  She nodded.  "So how long have you and James been dating?" I asked.

"Ummm, I don't know," she replied.  "More than a month."

I nodded.  She didn't say anything else, so I pushed on.  "What do you do?"

She sighed.  "Why does everyone ask that as a 'getting to know you' question?  I think it's a little rude."

I blinked in surprise.  "I'm sorry," I replied.  "I didn't mean to offend you.  I just want to get to know you a little.  I know what it's like to not really know anyone in a group and--"

"Thanks, but I'm okay."  And with that, she literally turned her body away from me and started talking to James.  I briefly caught James's eye over her shoulder and he gave me an apologetic look.  I shrugged and moved back over towards my chair next to Brody.  He intercepted me on the way, pulling me down into his lap instead.

"That went well," he said, his voice slightly slurred.  We were all well on our way to drunk.

"Oh well, I tried," I replied.  I snuggled against his chest, glad for his warmth since the night had gotten chilly quickly.  Ignoring the other people around the fire, Brody let his hand travel over my hip to my ass.  I smacked it lightly away.  If I couldn't tell he was drunk from his slightly slurred words, I could definitely tell by his PDA.

Just a few minutes later, James said goodnight and he and Haley disappeared into their tent.  "I don't like her," Lauren hissed.  I turned, craning my neck to look at her, because she was behind me with the way I was sitting on Brody's lap.

"She's not very friendly," I agreed.  I shrugged.  "Maybe she had a bad day and tomorrow will be better."

"I don't think anyone is more friendly after a night of sleeping on the ground," she grumbled in response.

I laughed.  "I brought a pain in the ass air mattress just for you," Alex reminded her.

"Trust me, you'll thank me in the morning," she replied.


No one was thanking anyone in the morning.  We were all a little fuzzy and slow moving from our indulgences the night before.  All of us except for Haley, that is.  She was up bright and early and had disappeared.  "She went for a run," James said.

"It's official, I hate her," Lauren whispered to me as we headed towards the campground bathroom to brush our teeth.  "She got up early to go for a run.  I'm hungover.  And I hate people that run."

"I run sometimes," I reminded her.

"Not anymore," she argued.  "You used to run.  And you were just as annoying as the rest of them.  Lucky for you, I could never hate you."

"Lucky for me indeed," I replied, laughing and rolling my eyes.

When we got back to the campsite, Brody and Damien were working on starting breakfast.  I had no problem sitting and relaxing, letting them cook breakfast.  "You could learn something from them," Haley commented to James when she returned.  "Real men make breakfast."

James laughed and looked at Alex.  "Hear that?  We're not real men."

Alex shook his head.  "I can make breakfast.  Sometimes I even do it.  You're on your own, man.  Sorry about your loss of manhood."  We laughed while Haley rolled her eyes and glared at James.

While we ate, we discussed what we wanted to do that day.  Kinsley didn't hesitate to say that she wanted to go to the park's beach.  Haley agreed quickly.  I wrinkled my nose.  "It's going to be packed."  Kinsley shrugged.

"I kind of want to do some hiking," James said, earning him one of Haley's now-familiar glares.

In the end, we decided that we were just going to split up.  Kinsley, Damien, and Haley were going to head to the beach.   James, Brody, Lauren, Alex, and I were going to do a little hiking.  Haley didn't seem pleased that James was going hiking instead of going to the beach with her, but James didn't seem concerned.

After breakfast, we all got ready for our respective destinations and headed off.  "So," I said, sidling up next to James as we walked towards the trailhead we'd located on the map of the park.  "How'd you meet Haley?"

"She's a friend's cousin," he explained.  "We met at a barbecue he had."  I nodded, not sure what else to say.  Luckily he continued, "Sorry that she's been less than friendly.  She's actually a little shy."

I forced my face to stay neutral, because I felt confident that there was little truth to that statement.  Instead, I asked, "Any tips to win her over?  I really want her to feel welcome."

He shrugged.  "She'll come around, I think."  Conversation over.  Luckily we located the trailhead shortly after that, and headed down the path.

Most of the trail was narrow and we walked single file, chatting in a slightly chaotic way.  Interruptions abound when you can't see other people's non-verbals to know they're about to speak.  It would open up a little occasionally and we'd clump together before moving back into single file.  The order of the line changed constantly this way, but I found myself in the front more often than not.

I was looking over my shoulder briefly to acknowledge something James said behind me when I heard a sharp rattling sound.  I stopped abruptly and quickly found the rattlesnake coiled along the left side of the narrow path, about 10 feet in front of us.  James bumped into me, causing me to stumble forward.  He put both hands on my shoulders to steady me.  The snake rattled again and instinctively I stepped back, treading on James's foot.

"Easy," he said softly.  I heard movement behind me and then he said, "You can back up now."  I backed up two steps until I bumped into him again.  He shifted, and I backed up another step.  The snake stayed there, rattling away.  We backed up a little more, and it stopped rattling, but stayed there, coiled and watching us.  Finally, it slithered off into the brush on the side of the trail.  I wasn't generally very afraid of snakes (and had seen a few while hiking before), but this one had caught me by surprise and I was still a little shaky when James gently nudged me and said, "You can go now, Liv."  When I hesitated, he stepped around me and led the way, skirting along the right side of the path, just in case the snake was lurking just off the path.

I followed him, still a little nervous.  After I passed the spot where the snake had been coiled, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.  I thought we were good, but I heard Lauren yelp behind me.  I turned in time to smack into Brody and see the shivering tail of the snake disappearing into the rocks on the right side of the path.  Apparently he'd changed his mind on the direction he wanted to go in and didn't want to wait for us to clear the path.  We were all past the spot where he'd been except for Lauren, who was now paralyzed with fear.

Tough, sarcastic Lauren is absolutely terrified of snakes.  I used to be able to convince her to go hiking with me in high school, but she rarely went out here because the likelihood of seeing a snake was much higher here than in Wisconsin.   She was rooted to the spot she had been in when I had originally heard the snake and even from here, a good 20 feet away, I could see the terror on her face.

"It's gone for real now," Alex said soothingly, but she shook her head and muttered something I couldn't hear.  He walked back to her and put his hand on her arm, saying something quietly to her.  She shook his hand off and shook her head again.  I turned away so we wouldn't all be staring at her, making it worse.  I could about imagine the conversation that was happening.  Alex would probably try to gently cajole her forward, and she'd refuse out of fear.  Then he'd probably offer to hike back with her, and she'd refuse out of pride.

I couldn't blame her.  I was still a little uneasy from the snake's slightly erratic and uncharacteristic actions.  I looked around, half expecting it to slither back out onto the path.  "You okay?" Brody asked.

I jumped, his voice startling me.  "Yes," I said, my cheeks getting warm.  "That was just weird.  I wasn't paying enough attention, I guess."

Brody looped an arm around my shoulders and kissed the side of my head.  "Do you think we should go a little further?  I feel weird just standing around and waiting for Lauren.  I imagine she's not a fan of the audience either."

"Yeah, maybe," I agreed.  Brody, James, and I moved up the path a ways.  Far enough that we could give Lauren a little more privacy, but close enough that we could see if they decided to head back.  Just moments later, Alex and Lauren started our way.  By the time they caught up to us, my remaining nervousness had faded.

Lauren, on the other hand, looked like the only reason she was still here was her pride.  I touched her arm gently and she snatched it away.  "I'm fine," she snapped, even though I hadn't said anything.

"I know," I replied, even though I could see her hands shaking.  "We could go--"

"No," she said forcefully.  "I'm. Fine."

"Okay," I said, holding up my hands in surrender.  Lauren stalked ahead, and we all quickly followed her.  She relaxed little by little and within 15 minutes was joking with us again, but she was clearly still on high alert.

We returned to the campsite around 1:30, made some sandwiches for lunch, then decided to join Kinsley, Damien, and Haley at the beach.  I was in the tent changing into my swimsuit when I heard Lauren shriek, "You have got to be fucking kidding me!"

House to Ourselves Again

Brody woke me up fairly early the next morning so we could get back home.  He was planning to spend most of the day helping Ken move out.  He was cheerful and wide awake, which was much more than could be said of me.  I hadn't gotten a good night's sleep since my last run-in with Jordan, but for some reason, I'd slept great last night.  Unfortunately, I was still sound asleep and not even close to ready to get up when Brody woke me up.  I grumbled the whole time I got dressed, while Brody tried not to laugh at me.  I was lucky that he was a morning person and not fazed by my crappy attitude in the mornings.

Despite her insistence that she wasn't going to get up early, Thalia was not only awake but had breakfast ready for us when we came downstairs.  She took one look at me and grabbed the mug of coffee she had set next to one of the plates and quickly replaced it with a travel mug twice the size.  "Take it with you when you leave," she said, smiling knowingly.  I got it together enough to return her smile and thank her as we sat down to eat.

"You didn't have to get up and make breakfast, Mom," Brody said.

Thalia shrugged.  "I was up.  I need to eat too."

"Well, thank you," Brody replied.

"Yes," I agreed.  "Thank you.  And thank you for letting us spend the night."

"Don't be silly," she said.  "You're welcome here any time.  Either of you!"

We finished our breakfast and headed out, and I took Thalia up on her offer to refill my coffee mug before we left.  Despite the coffee, I was asleep in the car within 20 minutes.  I woke up when we were about 10 minutes from home.  "Enjoy the drive?" Brody asked.

"Mmmhmm," I replied, blinking sleepily.  "It was refreshing."

"Since you got to sleep, maybe you should help Ken move," he teased.

"You woke me up," I reminded him.  He laughed.

When we got home, we were pleasantly surprised to find the entire main floor spotless.  Ken had clearly spent some time cleaning.  When we thanked him, he insisted it was the least he could do.  He'd tried to pay us a month's rent, which had offended Brody and he'd refused to take it.  "I had to do something," Ken said, shrugging.

I offered to help them, but they both turned me down.  With the house clean, I had no choice but to spend most of the day on the deck with my Kindle.  That's what I did until Brody texted that he was on his way home, then I headed inside to find something to make for dinner.

"Hi!" I called, when I heard him come inside about an hour later.

"You're awake," he teased, grinning at me as he walked into the kitchen.

I laughed.  "And cheerful, even," I replied, returning his smile.  He laid a hand on my lower back and leaned down to kiss me.  "How'd the move go?"

"Fine," he said shrugging.  He peeled off his shirt, wrinkling his nose at it and tossing it in the direction of the laundry room.  I raised an eyebrow and he grinned and walked over to where it landed, several feet short of the laundry room door, and tossed it into the room.  "I feel disgusting now though."

"Yeah, you've smelled better," I agreed.

He laughed.  "I guess I'd better go shower then."

"Yes," I said, nodding.  He headed towards the stairs and I turned my attention back to the food I was making.  I was just about done when he returned downstairs in shorts and a t-shirt.  He got out some plates and silverware and then wrapped his arms around me from behind.

"Better?" he asked, nuzzling his face against my neck before gently nipping at my earlobe.

I turned to face him and slipped my arms around his neck.  "Much," I replied, nodding in approval.

"Guess what?" Brody asked, raising his eyebrows.  "Our house is all ours again."

"You know what that means," I replied, smirking.  Brody grinned.  "Extra leftovers from dinner."

Brody's grin fell, then he laughed.  "I was thinking more alone the lines of we can have sex wherever we want again..."

I laughed at his temporarily disappointed expression.  "That's true too.  But dinner first, because I'm starving."

"If we have to," Brody conceded.  "Kiss me, at least."  I grinned and rose up onto my toes to kiss him.  He tightened his arms around me while I pushed my fingers into his hair, and we kissed for several seconds.  Almost long enough to change my mind about dinner first, but I pulled away just in time.  "Okay, okay," he said, laughing softly and dropping his forehead down to mine.  "Let's eat."

After we ate, he even managed to control himself long enough to start doing the dishes.  When he was almost done I wrapped my arms around him and rested my chin against his back.  "Have I ever told you how ridiculously sexy you are when you're washing dishes?" I asked.

He burst out laughing.  "Oh yeah?" he asked.  "Must be the dish soap fumes going to your head."

"Nope," I countered, sliding my hands up his stomach to his chest then back down, stopping just at the waistband of his shorts.  "Definitely sexy.  Few things turn me on more than a man doing dishes." I turned my head to the side and rested my cheek against his back as I inched my fingers beneath his waistband.

"Well in that case, you'd better let me finish," he said, pressing his hips forward to gently pin my hands between his hips and the counter, stopping their downward progress.  "I'd hate to deny you your foreplay."

He reached for the last plate on the counter, which tipped his hips away and let me slip my hands lower.  I wrapped one hand around him and he groaned as he quickly washed the last plate and set it in the drying rack.  He grabbed the towel and dried off his hands, then tugged my hand away and turned to face me.  His hands were in my hair the second he turned around and he kissed me hard.

"I didn't realize how much I missed being able to have sex wherever we wanted until we suddenly could again," Brody said, laughing and lifting me onto the counter.

"I realized it...because every time I so much as had an inappropriate thought somewhere in this house I remembered your brother walking in that night!" I replied.

"Shhhh," Brody said, between kissing my neck.  "Let's not talk about him."  That was easy enough.  I stopped talking altogether, pulling his head back towards mine and kissing him.  He worked my shirt up and over my head, our lips parting just long enough for it to pass between us.  Then he went for my shorts, lifting me off the counter so I could slide them down my hips.

Then he pulled me forward so my hips were at the edge of counter before he bent and dropped his head between my legs.  I leaned back onto one hand and pushed the fingers of the other into his hair, moaning softly.  Brody teased me with his mouth and fingers as long as I let him, but I didn't let him for long.  I pulled him up, using my feet to push his shorts down his hips.  I yanked his shirt up and over his head, then trailed my fingers down his chest and stomach, laughing softly when he shivered.

Brody inched me just a little further forward and pushed into me.  I groaned and dropped my forehead onto his shoulder, moaning as he thrust into me.  I wrapped my legs around his hips, pulling him harder against me.  He lifted my chin and pressed his lips to mine, and I pushed my hands back into his hair, tugging gently.  Brody moaned into our kiss and I tugged a little harder.  "Let's go upstairs," he said suddenly, breathlessly.

"What happened to being excited to have sex wherever we wanted?" I teased.  But I didn't mind...having sex on the counter is not the most comfortable thing.

"Well, now we did and now we can go have sex in bed," he said, laughing and lifting me off the counter.

Once we were in bed, it was easy to get comfortable after we finished.  We stayed there, tangled together, for over an hour.  Finally, Brody groaned and rolled onto his back.  He stretched and said, "I need to work."

"It's after 8," I pointed out.

"I know," he said.  "That's why I need to get up and do some now."  But he didn't move.  After a couple minutes, he said, "I could probably be convinced to not work, if you're opposed to it."

I laughed and rolled onto my side, sliding my hand up his stomach to his chest.  "I'm not opposed to it, but if you want me to convince you not to, I'm sure I can be very convincing."  I trailed my fingers back down his chest and stomach.  "And, I mean, you took off work early to do wedding stuff with me yesterday, so if you need to work tomorrow, I'd understand."

Needless to say, Brody didn't end up doing any work that night.  He did work all Sunday morning and most of Sunday afternoon, but stopped in time to take me out to dinner.

My work week went well.  Josh was still being polite but he didn't go out of his way to talk to me, which was fine with me.  After the slightly rocky start with the client that I took from him, our sessions were now going much better.

Before I knew it, it was Friday and Lauren, Kinsley, and I met for lunch and to get groceries and supplies for camping.  Lauren was only dramatic about camping for the first 20 minutes or so, then she launched into her typical director mode, bossing us around in the most efficient way possible.  I love her for it.  Once we had everything we needed (and a whole lot of stuff we didn't need), we dropped it all off at Lauren's house, which is where we were meeting.

My phone vibrated while we were lounging on Lauren's couch, and I looked at it, seeing a text from James asking what time we were meeting.  "5:00 at Lauren's, which is my old place," I replied.  Kinsley had asked me earlier in the week if it was okay if James came with the woman he was dating.  I wasn't sure how Brody would feel about it, especially after having the recent encounters with Jordan, but he didn't care at all.  I couldn't keep his feelings about James straight to save my life.

 At 3, I decided to head home, because I still needed to pack and Brody would probably be home soon too.  At my prodding, he'd dug out his tent the night before and made sure all of the stakes and poles were still there, because he hadn't used it for a couple years.  Brody made it home on time and got packed, and we were headed back into town to meet the rest of the group by 4:30.

I Didn't Want it to be Weird

The plan for this week:  I have two more posts planned for sure.  One is from Brody's perspective, and will be up on Tuesday or Wednesday, and the other is a regular storyline post, which will be up Thursday or Friday.  At some point I'd like to get back to having some posts in reserve so I can actually keep a schedule, but for now I'll just keep letting you guys know.  You can always count on a post sometime on Sunday, and one at the end of the week, and I'm trying to get one up midweek when I can as well.  
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When we left after dinner with Brody's mom, my head was spinning, and I don't think it was just the wine we'd had with our meal.  Brody kept up a steady stream of chit-chat on the drive home and I tried to keep up.  He didn't seem to mind doing the majority of the talking and I gladly let him.

When we got home, I said, "I think I'm going to take a bath."

Brody looked at me carefully.  "Okay.  Is everything okay?"

"Yes," I said, smiling.  "I'm just a little overwhelmed by the last couple days and I need to wind down a little."  My inner introvert needed my "me time".

Brody kissed me softly and said, "Okay.  Want a glass of wine?"

"That sounds good."

He kissed me again and turned me towards the stairs.  "Go.  I'll open something and bring it up for you."

"And that's why I'm marrying you," I said over my shoulder as I walked up the stairs.  I heard him laugh as he went towards the stairs to the lower level to find a bottle of wine.

I had just settled into a bath with a lavender scented bath bomb when Brody knocked lightly on the door and stepped into the now steamy bathroom.  He handed me an almost completely full glass of wine.  "Well, that's a little more than a glass," I said with a chuckle, taking it gratefully.

"It's a liberal pour," he agreed.  He leaned down to kiss my cheek but I turned my head so our lips met instead.

"Thank you," I said.

He smiled.  "You're welcome, enjoy your bath." He left the bathroom, shutting the door quietly behind him.  I took a long drink of my wine and then set it on the edge of the tub and shut my eyes.

I was in the tub long enough to have to drain some of the water and add more hot water to warm it up.  By the time I got out, dried off, and wrapped my robe around me as I walked into the bedroom, Brody was laying in bed playing on his phone.  I could feel his eyes on me as I shed my robe and pulled on one of his t-shirts that I had commandeered months earlier.  I hung up my robe and climbed into bed.  Brody set his phone aside as I laid down next to him and settled my head onto his chest.

"Feel better?" he asked wrapping his arms around me.

"Mmmhmm," I murmured, nodding.

"Good."  He stroked the back of my arm with one hand while he reached over and turned off the lamp.  "Tomorrow should be interesting."  During dinner we had rather hastily arranged brunch plans with Lauren, Alex, and Kinsley.  They were the only people that had responded.  I assumed Kinsley would bring Damien, as well.

"Yes, it should be," I agreed.  I yawned and we shifted into a more comfortable sleeping position.  It didn't take long for me to fall asleep.

I was still sleeping soundly when Brody's phone woke me up.  I fell back asleep as soon as he was out of the room with it, and barely woke up when he got back in bed.  I didn't wake up again until my alarm went off, telling us we had to get up and get ready for brunch.

I rolled over and groaned, and felt Brody sit up next to me.  I was constantly jealous of his ability to go from asleep to awake and moving so quickly.  He leaned over and rubbed my back.  "I'll shower first," he said.  I nodded, my face buried in the pillow still.  Not a morning person.

I laid there, slowly waking up, until I heard the shower turn off.  Then I forced myself into a sitting position.  By the time Brody emerged from the bathroom I was ready to get out of bed.  I took a quick shower, more to help myself wake up than anything, and dried off.  I got dressed quickly and put on just a little bit of makeup.

I could smell coffee as I wandered downstairs, and I gratefully took the cup that Brody handed me when I came into the kitchen.  By the time we made it to the restaurant for brunch, I was fully awake and excited to share our news with our friends.

We were the first ones there and we were quickly seated at a table for 6.  I texted Lauren and Kinsley to let them know where we were sitting.  We had just ordered drinks when Lauren and Alex arrived, and Damien and Kinsley came shortly after.  Once everyone was settled and had drinks, Lauren said, "Why didn't you guys come out last night?"

Brody and I exchanged glances, and Lauren furrowed her brow curiously.  "We were having dinner with my mom," Brody said.  Lauren looked at him like, "so what?"

"And then we went home," I continued, "Because we were both a little worn out from getting engaged."

Lauren's jaw dropped and Kinsley's head snapped up from the menu she was reading.  Alex grinned and held up a hand to high five Brody, which caused me to roll my eyes and laugh.  "Well let's see it," Lauren demanded, waving vaguely at my left arm, the hand of which was concealed under the table.

I moved my hand above the height of the table and Lauren grabbed it, pulling it towards her.  "Holy shit," she said, tilting my hand to admire the ring.  She looked up and Brody and nodded. "Nicely done."

"Thank you," Brody said.

Kinsley snatched my hand away from Lauren while Damien met my eyes.  "Congratulations," he said, smiling.

"Yeah, congratulations," Alex echoed.

"Thank you," Brody and I said at the same time, which made me laugh again.

"So, tell us how you did it!" Kinsley said excitedly.  I had told the story to Jen, so I let Brody tell our friends.

When he was finished with the story, Lauren said, "That proposal was perfect for you."

"It was," I agreed.  "But remember what you had to say about our second date?"  I smirked, remembering Lauren's words that hiking was a terrible second date.

"Well, yeah, because hiking on a second date is just wrong," she insisted.  "But you guys are a little beyond that now, aren't you?"  I chuckled and shook my head.

It didn't take long before Kinsley and Lauren were being bombarding us with standard wedding questions, like did we have a date in mind?  Were we going to do it here or in Wisconsin?  "Ease up," Alex scolded Lauren.  "They've been engaged for less than 48 hours."  Lauren pouted briefly before rebounding and easily changing the subject.

It didn't stop her from pelting me with more questions when we went to the bathroom a little later though.  "Lauren, I don't know," I said finally.  "We haven't talked about it yet.  I mean, a few weeks ago we'd kind of talked through what we wanted and didn't want, but we haven't talked about it since we've been officially engaged.  When we figure it out, you'll know."

"Okay," she said, shrugging.

It was beautiful outside, so after brunch, Brody and I wandered around a nearby park for awhile before heading home.  I called Lynn as he drove.  Of course, she knew it was coming because she'd given Brody some input on the ring, but he hadn't told her his plans.

"Hi, Liv!" she answered cheerfully when I called.

"Hi, Lynn," I returned her greeting.  "How are you?"

"I'm good," she replied.  "How are you?"  I was impressed with her ability to keep up a normal conversation, even though I knew she was probably dying to know if I was calling because he had proposed, or just randomly calling.

I tortured her a little by making normal chit chat for awhile, to see how dedicated she was.  She didn't say a thing to potentially give away the knowledge she had.  Finally, I put her out of her misery and said, "Well, I'm calling to tell you that Brody proposed--"

She didn't even let me finish before she said, "You whore!  You knew I knew and you were testing me to see how long I could last!"

I burst into laughter and once I had caught my breath I said, "Guilty as charged, you're an excellent secret keeper.  We might need to have a conversation about your loyalties though."

"By keeping his secret, I was being loyal to you," she argued playfully.  "You wouldn't have wanted the surprise ruined!"

"You're right.  Thank you for helping him.  The ring is amazing, and the proposal was perfect."  I told her the proposal story, which she had apparently tried to get out of Brody but he refused to share his plans.

"I was hoping you'd be engaged before you came home for the 4th," she said excitedly.  "What did your mom say?"

"She asked if I pregnant," I replied.

Lynn snorted.  "Of course she did.  Always a class act, that Karen."  We laughed.  We chatted for a couple more minutes then hung up.  When we got home, I sat next to Brody while he called Jack and told him.  Jack was surprised, but excited, and insisted on talking to me to say congratulations as well.  It was sweet.  Then I called Kendra, while Brody called Christian.  I listened while Brody called Kevin after that.

"Do you have work you need to do?" I asked Brody after he hung up.

"I always have work to do," he said.  "But it's Sunday."

I shrugged.  "That's true, it is Sunday.  But if you need to get some stuff done, I'm good with that.  We spent all Friday and all yesterday, plus this morning together.  I think you've earned some time to do some work.  If you wanted to, I mean."

Brody looked at me carefully.  "What will you do this afternoon then?" he asked.

"I have a few more phone calls to make.  I should call my parents again, and Amy.  I guess I should probably tell John before someone else does, and James.  Then I'll probably sit downstairs and read for awhile.  I'll be fine."  I silently willed him to agree.  I wanted to finish up my phone calls and decompress a little.  The bath last night had helped but I was wound up and needed some more alone time.

"Okay," he said, after studying my face for several seconds.  I smiled and kissed him.  He stood and wandered back to his office and I picked up my phone.

I called my parents first, and when they answered I started making my way downstairs.  My mom was much more excited today, and apologized profusely for her reaction yesterday.  She insisted I apologize to Brody on her behalf as well.  Then the questions started again.  When?  Where?  I patiently told her we hadn't figured it out yet, but once we had, she'd be the first to know.  When I got her off the phone, I called Amy.  She didn't answer, so I sent her a text with a picture of the ring.

I called James next.  I wasn't really expecting him to answer, but he surprised me.  "Hi, Olivia," he said, picking up on the third ring.

"Hi," I replied.  We hadn't spoken much since everything had happened with Cassie, besides the one night he'd been out.  Even that night we hadn't talked much.  "Um, I wanted to let you know that Brody and I got engaged," I said awkwardly.  There was a weird distance in our friendship now, but I still felt like he deserved to hear it from me and not from Damien.

"That's great, congratulations," he said warmly, evaporating some of my anxiety.

"Thanks," I replied.  He asked how he did it, and I repeated the story that I now felt like I had told a hundred times, even though that was a gross exaggeration.  He stopped short of asking all the annoying questions I had no answers to, and I was grateful for that.  We chatted for a few minutes and then I awkwardly asked, "Have you...have you talked to Cassie much?"

"Yeah," he replied.  "We talk a couple times a week.  I've seen her a few times.  She's working on getting things back on track, and she's doing well."  He paused for several seconds and then said, "She misses you, you know.  I don't expect you to forgive her, but if you ever did, she'd probably be happy to hear from you."

"I'll keep that in mind.  I'm glad to hear she's doing well," I replied, a little stiffly.  I don't know what I expected by asking.  We said goodbye shortly after and I hung up.

I looked down at my phone, dreading the next call.  I had debated in my head if I should call John and tell him or not.  I heard from him occasionally, and I was sure I'd see him at some point when we were back in Wisconsin in a couple weeks.  I had decided it would be less awkward for both of us if I told him myself prior to that.

I found him in my contacts, his number no longer popping easily into my head.  I hit send and waited anxiously while it rang.  He didn't answer, and I hung up without leaving a message.  I tossed my phone aside and grabbed my Kindle, settling onto the chaise in my little library.

I hadn't been reading long when my phone rang.  It was Amy, and she was really excited.  I repeated the proposal story for her and we talked about my upcoming visit.  We made some loose plans to get together.  Once we hung up, I was able to relax, getting sucked into my book.  I hoped that John just didn't call back.  Hey, at least I tried, right?

But, it wasn't that easy, of course.  Nearly an hour after I had called him, he called me back.  I took a deep breath and answered.  "Hey," I said.

"Hi, you called?  You didn't leave a message, so I didn't know if you needed something, or..." he trailed off, sounding about as awkward as I felt.

"Yeah, kind of.  I mean, I just wanted to let you know that my boyfriend proposed and I said yes, and I'll be back in a couple weeks and I didn't want it to be weird, so I thought I should probably tell you."  I stopped, recognizing that I was rambling like an idiot.

"Oh," he said.  I waited, desperately wanting him to say more.  Maybe this was a bad idea.  Maybe I should have let him find out from Amy or Lynn or someone else.  Would I have wanted him to tell me if he was engaged?  I honestly had no idea.

"Yeah, so I just didn't want it be weird, but I clearly failed at that, so..."  I filled the silence, willing him to say something to give me an out in this conversation.

"Well, that's great, Liv," he said finally.  "Congratulations."

"Thanks," I replied.  And then my mouth had a mind of its own, and I just kept talking.  "Look, maybe I shouldn't have called, I just didn't want you to find out from someone else and have it be weird, I guess I didn't really think about how it would go, I'm sorry if you'd have preferred for me to not call.  I just think--"

"Liv," he cut me off, chuckling a little.  "I'm not sure what you want from me.  I mean, It's cool.  I appreciate you wanting to tell me.  I think you failed miserably at making it not weird, but making things weird has always been one of your talents.  Your intentions were good.  I just don't have much to say about it, but I think that's okay."

"Yeah," I said.  "Yeah, of course that's okay.  I don't want anything from you, I just wanted you to know."  I stopped myself before I could ramble nonsensically any more than I already had.

"Alright, Liv.  Thanks for calling.  Maybe I'll see you in a couple weeks."

"Yeah," I repeated.  "Maybe.  Bye, John."  He hung up without saying goodbye, not that that was entirely out of character for him.  I rubbed my forehead and realized that by trying to make it not weird, I had achieved exactly the opposite.  This had been about as awkward as it could be.  I wished I hadn't called at all.

Is this what happens when you have a sister?

With everything that had been happening lately, we'd pretty much given up on Thursday happy hours, but this week Kinsley suggested we get them up and running again.  We all agreed and planned something for this coming Thursday.  Since we all had hardly hung out together for what seemed like months, I was excited for it.

When I got there, Lauren and Alex were the only ones there.  I got a drink and joined them.  Kendra arrived shortly after, then Christian and Kinsley.  Kinsley looked at me guiltily when she sat down.  "What?" I asked, looking at her strangely.

"Damien is coming, and I think James is too," she said apologetically.

I shrugged.  "I'm not the one that cares if he's around."  Damien and James did arrive shortly after, and Brody followed just a few minutes later.

Brody said hello and kissed me on the cheek before he walked up to the bar with James, of all people.  When they returned, they stood off to the side carrying on their conversation in hushed tones.  I grew puzzled when they pulled their phones out and appeared to exchange numbers, then shook hands.  Brody came over and sat down next to me after that.  "What was that all about?" I asked curiously.

"I'll tell you about it later," he replied.

"Why can't you tell me about it now?"

"Because later is better," he insisted.

I just stared at him, then said, "Because I'll be mad about whatever it is?"

"Liv, come on.  I'll tell you later, I promise."  I didn't even get a chance to decide if I wanted to let it go for now when his phone rang.  He had switched on call weeks with Pete and was on call again.  He got up and answered as he walked towards the door.  A few minutes later he came back.  "I'm sorry," he said.  "I have to go back to the office for awhile.  Do you want to get a ride over there when you guys are done, if I'm not back yet?"  We had driven together again this morning.

"Yeah, that's fine," I replied.  "I'm sure someone will give me a ride."  He kissed me and said goodbye and took off, leaving me curious about what he and James were discussing and a little annoyed that he refused to tell me about it.

When I was ready to leave, I ended up getting a ride with James, since Brody's office was most on his way.  I barely even had my car door shut when I asked, "What were you and Brody talking about?"

"Sorry Liv, I'm going to let him tell you about that," he replied.

"Seriously?  But--"

"Sorry," he interrupted, his voice firm.  "You'll have to wait and talk to Brody."  I sighed and looked out the window, feeling like a kid that had just been scolded for asking too many questions.  I was now convinced that Brody was up to something that I wouldn't be pleased about.

He insisted on parking and walking me up to Brody's floor.  He hadn't brought up Cassie at all, and I wondered briefly if he was in contact with her.  I decided I wasn't ready to know, and didn't ask.  I said goodbye to him just as Brody pushed open the door to let me into his office suite.

"Thanks for the ride," I said.  Brody echoed my thanks and then led me to his office.

"I'm almost done," he said.  I nodded and plopped down on the couch.  I pulled my Kindle out of my purse and settled in to wait.  About 15 minutes later, Brody asked if I was ready to go.  I put my Kindle away and stood.

"Will you tell me what you guys were talking about now?" I asked.

Brody sighed.  "I will, but you're not going to like it."

"I figured as much," I said with a shrug.

"I was asking him for a couple of research tips," he said simply.  I glared at him, giving him a look that clearly said, "that is not enough information and you know it."  "I want to know more about Josh."

"Josh?!" I yelped.  I took a deep breath and forced my next question to come out quieter and calmer.  "My coworker Josh?  Why?"

"Honestly, I'm not really sure why," he admitted.  "I just have a weird feeling.  He's been weird, I don't like the way he acts around you, and I don't like what I've heard from Neil."

"Brody," I said exasperatedly.

He shook his head.  "Something about that guy is off, and I don't trust him one bit.  I'm not to the point of wanting to hire James, I just want to see if there's any interesting public information on Josh.  You can be pissed at me if you want.  If it makes you feel better, I didn't just to do this to be a crazy, overprotective boyfriend.  I also don't like the way he's talked about me to you and I'm a little paranoid, given recent events."

Once he said that, I could start to understand his worry.  Josh did seem really stuck on Brody and how much money he made for some reason.  It seemed to go a little beyond typical jealousy or whatever else.  "Okay," I said, resigning myself to the fact that he was going to do this whether I liked it or not.  "Can we just go home now?"  Brody nodded and gathered his stuff.

Once we were on the road, he asked, "On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being that you've never been happier, and 10 being you're plotting how to kill me in the most painful way possible, how mad are you?"

I snorted.  "4 and a third," I replied.  "I'd be pissed if you had hired James to investigate him.  But doing a little research makes more sense when you pointed out your worry in light of recent events.  It actually does make me feel better that you're not just doing it to protect me, which was my assumption--self-absorbed as it is."

"I think that's a fair assumption, considering my tendencies to try to protect you," he said with a shrug.  "I'm glad you're not mad, though."  And then it was done.  I assumed he'd let me know if he discovered anything interesting, and I'd just as soon not worry about it unless he did.

On Saturday, Brody planned to go into the office.  I planned to ride into town with him and go to the gym, then I had plans to spend the rest of the day with Lauren and Kinsley.  We slept in and took awhile to get out of bed, but once we were up we got ready pretty quickly.

As I was pulling my shoes on, my phone began to ring from the counter.  Brody grabbed it and handed it to me.  "It's Sarah," he said.

"I'll call her later," I replied, silencing the ringer.  I sent her a text that said, "Headed to the gym, can I call you in a couple hours?"

Her reply was immediate.  "I'm in Denver, can you come get me?"  "What?" I yelped in surprise.  What was a 14 year old doing in Denver?  Was she by herself?  How did she even get here?  I quickly called her back, while holding up one finger to an impatient-looking Brody.

"Hi Liv," she answered, sounding a little bit desperate and not at all like her normal, sullen self.  "Don't lecture me, okay?  Can you please come pick me up?"

"Where are you?" I asked calmly.  Brody no longer looked impatient, and now just looked confused.

"I'm at the Greyhound station," she replied.  After a pause, she said, "Please, Liv."  She sounded scared, and I told her I was on my way.

I quickly filled Brody in, and he grabbed his keys.  "I'll drive," he said, abandoning his plan to get to work.  I gave him a grateful look.

When he pulled up I saw Sarah sitting against the building, hugging a backpack to herself.  I got out of the car and when she saw me, she jumped up and threw her arms around me and started to cry.  I hugged her back before gently disentangling myself and leading her to Brody's SUV.  I pulled open the back door and she got in and slid all the way over.  I climbed in the back with her and slid into the middle.  She immediately leaned against me and I put my arm around her.

"Back to our house?" Brody asked quietly from the front.  Sarah sat straight up, realizing there was someone else in the car.  I nodded to Brody, then introduced him to Sarah.  Sarah stared at the back of his head for several seconds before crumpling against me again.

Back at our house, I got Sarah some water.  "Are you hungry?" I asked.  She shook her head.

"Do you want me to stay or go?" Brody asked softly.  I had no idea.  I shrugged helplessly.  "I'll stay for a bit at least, just in case," he said.  "I'll just go to my office and be out of the way."  I nodded.  He headed out of the room, and I was so grateful for his support.

"Will you tell me what's going on?" I asked, sounding much calmer than I felt.   My question started a fresh round of tears.  I rubbed her back and waited for her to calm down.

Finally, she took a deep, shaky breath, and said between hiccuping sobs, "I heard Grandma on the phone, and she was saying that our mom wants us back and they're going to have to go to court."

"Oh, Sarah," I replied.  "That must have been scary to hear.  Did you ask her about it?"

"No!" she said fiercely.  "It doesn't matter!  I'm not going back with her!"

"Okay," I responded soothingly.  "So I assume she doesn't know you're here?"

"No, and please don't tell her, Liv," she begged.  "Please."  She turned her desperate eyes on me for the first time since we had picked her up, and my heart broke for her.

I squeezed her hand.  "Sarah, I have to.  She's probably worried sick about you.   She needs to know you're okay."

Sarah shook her head furiously.  "I'm not going back there!"

"Let me talk to her.  Maybe you can stay here for tonight at least.  Can I tell her why you left?"

She glared at me for several seconds.  I returned her gaze, keeping my face neutral.  Finally, she said, "Whatever, I don't care."  She pulled her knees up to her chest and put her forehead on them.  I took out my phone and called Nadine.

Jon answered.  "Jon, it's Olivia," I said.  "Sarah is here."

"What?" he practically yelled.  "What do you mean, there?  She's with you?  In Denver?"  I heard him yelling for Nadine, and a second later, she breathlessly picked up another phone.

"Yes," I confirmed.  "She's here in Denver.  At my house.  She--"

"How did she get there?" Nadine shrieked, cutting me off.  Sarah must have heard her, because she lifted her head and glanced briefly my way.

"She took the bus.  She overheard you on the phone talking about her mom, and she freaked out."

"Oh no," Nadine muttered.  "I bet she did.  We're coming, we'll be there soon."

"Wait," I said.  "Please, give her some time to calm down.  She can stay here with me tonight, if it's alright with you."

Neither of them spoke for nearly 30 seconds.  Then I heard hushed whispers.  Finally, Nadine said, "If you're okay with her staying, that's fine.  Can I talk to her?"

"Sarah?  Your grandma wants to talk to you," I told her, holding out the phone.  She shook her head stubbornly.

"Nadine, can we call you back in a couple hours?  She might be more willing to talk then."  Sarah glared at me again.  Nadine agreed, and we hung up.

Sarah asked if she could take a shower.  I walked her upstairs to the guest bathroom.  I got her a towel and a toothbrush, showed her where everything was, and then I walked downstairs and plopped onto the couch.  Brody came out of his office and sat on the couch next to me, and I let my head fall onto his shoulder and my eyes close.  He wrapped his arms around me and said, "You handled that really well."  I just relaxed further against him.

"Thank you for putting your day on hold for this.  It means a lot to me,"  I told him after a few minutes.  He squeezed my shoulders with his arm.  "I think we'll be okay here if you want to go to work now.  I probably should have checked with you, and I'm sorry, but I told them she could spend the night here.  I hope that's okay."

"Of course it is," he replied. "Are you sure you're okay if I go in for a little bit?"  I nodded and assured him we were fine.  He glanced at his watch.  "I'll come back around 6?  I can bring pizza or something if you want."

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea," I replied.  "Thank you."  I moved so he could get up, and I grabbed my phone and texted Lauren and Kinsley to let them know what was going on and that I wouldn't be making it today.

Shortly after Brody left, I heard the shower turn off.  I sighed and wondered what the hell I was going to do with a scared and angry 14 year old (that I barely knew) for the next 24 hours.

(Then/Now) Cassie: I Fucked Up

November 2008

"Oh come on," Savannah wheedled.  I regarded my cousin with disdain.  I didn't really care for Savannah, but now that she was going to school in Denver, she seemed to pop up whenever she needed something.

"No, Savannah.  My dad keeps inventory."  If she thought that I was seriously going to sneak her into my dad's restaurant in the middle of the night so she could steal some booze from his storeroom, she was out of her fucking mind.

"It's fine, I have some empties.  I'll fill them up with water.  I only drink clear liquor anyway," she reported.  "He won't even notice for months if we take the right bottles.  Don't be a pansy."

I didn't really care what kind of liquor she drank.  We were both 20, and apparently the latest boy she'd been sleeping with--who had, of course, also been buying her booze--had decided she was too high maintenance for his tastes and had taken his I.D. and credit card (and the rest of him, but that was apparently easily enough to replace) away.

"Go away," I said, holding open the door to my tiny apartment.  It was a studio (which Savannah disapproved of completely), but I was paying my tuition and my rent on my own, and I was proud of that.

"You are so lame," Savannah replied, but she flounced out the door.  I closed it tightly behind her and looked at the clock.  Shit, Savannah had distracted me for too long, I needed to get ready for work.

I pulled into the parking lot of my dad's restaurant, which I'd been working at since I was 15, and parked my car.  My watch read 4:49, which meant that I had one minute to get inside and clock in  before bar time said I was late.  I grabbed my stuff and booked it inside, clocking in seconds after the clock had changed to 5:00.  Stupid bar time.

We were dead that night, and I had my sidework done and was out by 9:30.  I also hadn't made shit for tips.  Oh well.  Tomorrow--Friday--would be better for sure.

I had a message on my phone, and I rolled my eyes when I listened to it.  It was Savannah, continuing to bug me about getting her in so she could take some alcohol.  I deleted it and didn't call back.  I didn't understand why she couldn't just find a new 21+ toy to play with.

Over the next week, though, Savannah badgered me to my breaking point.  I finally agreed to let her in for one bottle.  My dad made a ridiculous profit on alcohol anyway.  And hopefully after that she would let it be.

We went at 3am on a Saturday.  I pulled my car up behind the restaurant.  I had to go in the front door to disarm the security system, but Savannah insisted on waiting for me to open the kitchen door for her.   As I unlocked the front door, I looked automatically up at the camera like I always did, and I realized why.  "Bitch," I muttered.  I could think of a million ways to explain away my presence though, if my dad looked at the tapes for some reason.  And hopefully, like Savannah said, he wouldn't even realize his alcohol had been tampered with until months later, so he wouldn't put two and two together.  Hopefully.

My stomach roiled and clenched with nerves and I botched my first attempt at disarming the alarm.  "Shit, shit, shit!" I muttered to myself.  I quickly put in the correct numbers as the warning beeps grew louder and closer together, signaling that I was running out of time.  When it chirped and quieted, I briefly shut my eyes as I breathed out in relief.

Why am I doing this? I wondered to myself.  I was seriously questioning my own sanity, but it was too late now.  I walked quickly through the dark restaurant and flipped on the kitchen light--the only one that wouldn't be seen from outside.  Then I hurried to the kitchen door and pushed it open.  Savannah stepped in, looking as cool and collected as she always did.  "I was starting to think you wussed out and left me here alone," she sniffed.

I rolled my eyes and led the way to the store room where my dad kept the extra alcohol.  I unlocked it quickly and pushed the door open.  Savannah tried to slip past me but I put an arm up, blocking her.  "No way," I said.  "I know how this stuff is organized.  Give me your bottle and I'll make the swap."   She sighed and handed me the Ketel One bottle and I quickly found the case of Ketel One and pulled out one bottle and stuck hers in.

"Here," I said bitterly, handing it to her.  "Go straight out the kitchen door and don't touch anything else.  I'm turning the light off."  She took out her cell phone to illuminate the way.  I waited until she was at the door and flipped it off.  I heard the door open and I made my way back to the front.  I was insanely nervous again, and I peeked out into the parking lot before I emerged.  I locked the door quickly and walked around to the back.  Savannah was already sitting in the car.  I glanced at the kitchen door, then started the car and drove home.

"Never, ever again," I reiterated as Savannah and I got out of my car in front of my apartment building.

"You are such a drag," she replied.  "Thanks though!"  I waited until she was in her car, then I headed into my apartment.  I was shaking from the adrenaline of what I had just done, and I was so tired.  It was nearly 4 am by this point.  I pulled off my clothes and fell into bed, tossing and turning for nearly an hour before I finally fell asleep.

I was awakened rudely by my phone ringing loudly.  I fumbled for it before I realized it was still in the pocket of my jeans, which were across the room.  I squinted at the clock and saw it was only a little after 7.  The ringing stopped, and I decided I'd take care of it when I got up.  I rolled over and started to try to go back to sleep, but my phone rang again.  Swearing, I stumbled out of bed and fished it out, then answered.

"Cassandra."  My mom's voice was tight and anxious sounding.

"Yeah?"

"Your father's restaurant is on fire."  I was silent, trying to wrap my brain around those words.  "Cassandra?"

"Mom, don't call me that," I replied pointlessly.  "On fire?"

"On fire," she reported.  "The fire department is there now trying to put it out.  Your father is down there."

Suddenly, panic jolted me.  I would clearly be on tape, entering and exiting the restaurant at 3 in the morning.  Would they blame me?  "I...wow.  D-do they know how it...started?"  The words weren't coming out the way I wanted them to.

"Of course they don't," my mom snapped, and I could tell she was losing her patience.  "It's still burning."

"What can I do?"

"Nothing, right now," she replied, and her voice was kinder.  "I'll keep you posted, I just wanted you to know.  I didn't want you to get up and turn on the news and hear about it that way."  Like I watch the news on Saturday mornings.

We said goodbye and hung up, and I immediately dialed Savannah's number.  It went right to voicemail.  I cursed and left her a curt message demanding she call me back as soon as she got up.  I didn't even bother laying back down.  Instead, I got up and made myself some coffee.  I sat down with it, but was only able to sit for a few minutes.  I didn't know what to do.  I decided to go for a run.

I'm not a runner, but running is what people do when they're stressed, right?  Well, I'm not sure how it helps.  All it did was make me sweaty, sore, and out of breath.  I got back and took a shower.  I was checking my phone over and over but Savannah hadn't called back yet.  Finally, I got in my car and drove to her apartment.

I slipped into the controlled access building with someone else and ran up the 6 flights of stairs to her apartment.  I pounded on her door for nearly a minute straight until she finally opened it.

"What the hell, Cassie?" she demanded.

"My dad's restaurant is on FIRE!" I practically shrieked, shoving my way into her apartment.

"I know," she replied.

I stopped dead in my tracks and turned.  "What do you mean, you know?" I asked.

"It's all over the news, don't look at me like that."

"Well what am I supposed to do?  My face is all over the security footage."

Savannah shrugged.  "It'll probably be destroyed in the fire."

"And if it's not?" I demanded.

"Your dad won't ever believe that you arsoned his restaurant," she said dismissively.  It was clear she wasn't at all worried.  I couldn't stay here with her, she was pissing me off.

After I left, I decided to drive to the restaurant.  When I got there, I realized Savannah was most likely right that there would be nothing left of the security tapes.  The restaurant was still on fire.  Firemen were everywhere.  I had to park several parking lots over.  I sat and watched the firemen fight the blaze for nearly an hour.  It didn't seem like they were making any progress.  I felt absolutely sick.  Regardless of how they determined the fire was started, my dad's restaurant was destroyed.

My mom finally called me the next day.  "It's out," she reported.  "It's gone.  They'll tear down what's left."

"Do they have an idea how it happened?" I asked meekly.  I was exhausted.  I hadn't slept.  I still felt vaguely like I was going to throw up.

"They think it was arson," my mom replied, and my worst fear was confirmed.  I sat down hard on the floor.

"Shit," I muttered.

"Cassandra," my mom warned, but it was a very lackluster warning.

"Is there anything left?" I asked desperately.  "The security tapes?  Can they see who was there?"

"The tapes didn't make it." I breathed a sigh of relief and said a silent prayer of thanks.  I realized my mom was still talking.  "Which is unfortunate.  Since it's arson, the insurance won't pay unless we can prove who did it.  Your father and I just lost a lot of money."


*****

Now

I sat in the conference room in Brody's office suite and looked at Liv, willing her to be sympathetic.  Instead, she just looked confused.  I don't blame her.  She thought I was coming here to explain what was going on, and I had just told her a story from nearly 7 years ago.  I was planning on telling them what was going on, but the story was necessary.

"Okay, and?" Brody asked.  Even from here I could see the set of his jaw.  I looked at James, who nodded reassuringly.

"In June, Savannah and I were forced together for my brother's birthday dinner.  I mentioned that I had a new neighbor," I looked pointedly at Liv, "and she was suddenly really interested.  She told me she wanted to know more about you, but didn't want me to tell you I knew her.  It was fine at first.  We had a few conversations, I fed her a little info, she mostly left me alone.  When I realized she was scheming, I said no more."  I looked desperately at Liv, whose expression morphed briefly from confused to angry before she smoothed it into a placid, expressionless mask.  Her therapist face.  "I was getting to know you, and I liked you.  And I didn't want to be in the middle of her feud."

"But you kept telling her things anyway," Liv said.  "That's how she knew about my dinner with John.  That's how she knows about James and Jordan.  You just kept telling her.  Plus, you took that job to spy on us!  And what does your story about the fire have to do with any of this?  Because I'm starting to feel like you're wasting some more of my time, and I'm not very happy about it."  Brody laid a hand on her leg, but she brushed it off.  She was working hard to keep her face unreadable, but she was clearly furious.  I couldn't blame her.

"I'm getting to that," I replied patiently.  I took another deep breath and James bumped my knee with his under the table.  "When I told her I didn't want to do it anymore, she showed me that she had pictures of me in the restaurant the night it burned down.  She had taken them on her phone, and they sucked, but it was clearly me.  And they were date stamped on the phone.  I don't know where she'd been keeping that stupid old thing, or why, but she had it.  She said she'd tell my dad."

Liv's expression didn't change, but a muscle in Brody's tightly clenched jaw twitched.  I was worried about his teeth.  "I couldn't bear for my dad to know I had been in the restaurant that night.  I still don't know if Savannah set me up or if it was a big coincidence, but my dad lost the most profitable of his establishments that night.  He would be devastated to think I had something to do with it."

Liv and Brody remained silent so I continued.  "I was desperately trying to figure out a way out of it by the time she started asking me to stir up some rumors about Brody doing illegal business.  I was trying to avoid you, so I wouldn't have much to say to her.  She told me this was the last thing she wanted from me.  When everything backfired and you supported Brody and the rumors didn't take, Savannah told me to just get out of the way.  That's why I went to my parents' house.  I just needed to get out of here and be somewhere where I couldn't do any more damage."

"So why are you telling us this now?" Liv asked, her tone bitter.

"Because I heard about what she did this weekend.  Enough is enough."

Liv snorted and rolled her eyes.  I had never seen her this angry.  Brody put his hand back on her leg and this time she allowed it to stay.  "So what do you want from us now?" Brody asked.

"Nothing," I replied honestly.  "I wanted you guys to know the truth.  I want to apologize.  I'm so incredibly sorry.  I fucked up.  I fucked up really, really badly, and I regret every second of it.  I don't expect you to accept it, or to forgive me.  I just want you to know.  I told my dad everything, too.  He called her dad and he flew out this morning to collect her and take her back to California.  I don't know what they're going to do, but I'm pretty sure she's done gallivanting around with my uncle's credit card."

I tried hard not to shrink under Liv's glare.  Brody nodded though.  "Thank you," he said, surprising me.  Apparently it surprised Liv too, because she gave him a funny look.  "I appreciate you telling us this, but now you need to leave.  And I think it would probably be best if you didn't contact either of us unless we contact you first."

"That's fair," I agreed.

"It doesn't fucking matter if it's fair," Liv snapped.

"Liv--" Brody started.

"No!" she interrupted.  "She doesn't get to come in here and talk about "fair" after the shit she's done."

"I get it," I said softly.  "I deserved that."

Liv looked about ready to throw something at me.  "It's time for you to go," Brody said.  He motioned to the door and James and I stood.  He walked us silently to the door of the suite and held it open.  I heard the lock click behind us.

"Well," James said.  "Now what?"

I shook my head.  "I have no idea."