Page 50 of Get Me (The Keatyn Chronicles 6)
Sunrises symbolize new beginnings.
So I thought it was only fitting that I start my new beginning with one.
My new beginning.
Another chance at life.
The kind of life I've dreamed about.
And it all starts today.
A while later, Mom and Tommy join me.
Mom hands me a mug of steaming coffee and curls up on the love seat with me.
"It's a really pretty morning," she says as she steals part of my blanket.
"It is. Thanks for the coffee."
"You going surfing?" Tommy asks.
"No, B wanted to sleep in."
"Is he doing okay?"
"He is. He went through a lot more than I did. Being kidnapped. Drugged. Thinking he was going to die."
"He told me it's brought clarity to his life," Tommy says.
"He told me that too."
"Tommy," Mom says, "I can't keep it to myself."
"Keep what to yourself?" I ask.
"What we went through as a family brought some clarity to our lives, too," Tommy says. "Your mom and I have made some decisions."
"We're going to make an offer on a house in Hidden Hills," Mom continues. "There's lots of land. The girls can ride horses."
"And, most importantly, it's a very secure community. No one can just walk up to your back door like they can here," Tommy adds. "I've been thinking about it for a few months. And there's a house I've seen online that looks perfect. We want somewhere safe, where we can all be together."
"I missed all of you. It's so good to be home."
"Back on your beach?" Mom says with a smile.
"Do you remember when you told me one Thanksgiving that it doesn't matter where in the world you are, it only matters who is sitting next to you?"
Mom shakes her head. "I don't remember saying that. But I like it."
Tommy laughs at Mom and says, "Everything you say is so brilliant, you can't even remember it all," causing Mom to laugh too.
"So, tell me more about the house."
"The big draw, besides the security, is the land. A place for the girls to have a swing set. A big pool. A playhouse."
Tommy smirks. "Don't forget a place to kick a soccer ball and throw a football. Maybe I'll build a baseball diamond."
"Tommy," I say with a grin. "Do you think you're going to have a boy? Or are you planning on playing football with the girls?"
"Of course, I'd be thrilled with another healthy baby girl, but Inga said a long time ago that this one would be a boy."
"He didn't believe any of what he called that nonsense when I was pregnant with the girls, but now that it's what he wants to hear, he's a believer," Mom says, laughing.
"I'd love to have a baby brother. Although, if he's like you, he'll be trouble."
"Only if we're lucky," Tommy grins. He loves his former bad boy reputation. "Anyway, I think we'll all like the new house. And, of course, you'll have your own suite."
"What about this house?"
"Once we get moved, we thought we'd put it on the market."
"I'll buy it," I blurt out. I can't let go of this house.
"Really?" Tommy says. "You don't want a fresh start?"
"Speaking of that," Mom says delicately. "It was suggested that we have a psychiatrist come talk to you. With everything you've been through, you seem entirely too normal. And this morning you seem exceedingly happy. Is it all just an act?"
"No, Mom. I'm happy. I'm home. With my family. With B. And I'm going to call Vanessa and RiAnne today. I owe them an explanation. And a few apologies."
"What about Aiden? Have you talked to him?" Tommy asks.
"I've texted him some. I let him know what happened. He knows we're all back together. He's back home healing up. He said his shoulder is feeling better."
"You seemed really close in France," Mom says, using her gentle voice again.
"We are really close."
"Don't you think you owe him more than just a few texts?" Tommy asks.
"Of course, I do. But he understands that I just got my life back."
"Yes, but does he know about you and Brook?"
"He knows I promised B another chance." I study both Mom and Tommy's faces then ask, "Do you think I'm being selfish taking a few days for myself?"
"No, but Aiden's in love with you," Mom says.
Tommy adds, "I just feel bad for him. I mean, the wait. The not knowing who you've chosen has got to be killing him."
"I didn't expect to know right away. When Aiden and I talked about it, he said he was okay with me dating them both when I got my life back, so he's not expecting an answer."
"Still . . ." Mom says.
"It's just not something I want to say in a text or over the phone. I need to tell him this in person. He deserves to hear it from me that way."
"You're right. Your life," Tommy says. "We'll butt out."
"You know, for the first time in my life, I actually feel like it is my life. And I can't wait to live it. I'm so excited Knox and I are taking over the Trinity franchise roles."
I get a grin somewhere in size between his I-think-I'm-having-a boy-smile and the one he gets when you offer him a good glass of scotch. "That's still supposed to be a secret. Matt's so freaking excited, he's already hired a writer. He's hoping to start filming next year in the fall. Have you thought about that? What you'll do about high school?"
"I really haven't thought that far ahead yet. All I know is that I'm going out for Chinese with B today. I can almost taste the egg rolls. Do you want to join us?"
"We're supposed to tour the house before we put in an offer. But we thought we'd have a few people over for drinks and to watch the sunset. Millie, Deron, Matt and Marisa, Damian. Will you be back in time? I know they want to see you."
"I'll make sure we are. Speaking of food, I think I'll make some waffles and then wake the girls up."
AIDEN
Damian calls me.
"Hey, Crash Gordon," he says.
"Very funny."
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Hate having my arm in a stupid sling, though."
"So could you come to Malibu today?"
"I told her I'd give her time." I let out a sigh. "With him."
"When did you tell her that? And why?"
"When we were in St. Croix, after he called. She said she promised him another chance. I told her I was up for the challenge, but I thought I had until August with her. I wasn't prepared for all this. How is she? She's been texting me some. She sounds normal, but how could she be after everything she's been through?"
"There are a lot of reporters dying to know those answers too. So far, she and Brooklyn have refused to talk to anyone other than the reporters Keatyn made the deal with at the dance. I just spoke to her. She's really happy to be home with her family."
"I know. That's the other reason I don't want to intrude. And . . . I really don't want to know the answer to this, but what about her and Brooklyn?"
"They're closer than ever because of what they went through."
"Shit," I say.
"Dude, do you love her?"
"You know I do."
"Then come to Malibu and ask her that question yourself. Or are you the kind of guy who will go down without a fight?"
"I promised."
"Fine, do what you want. But I'm just gonna say there's a plane sitting on the tarmac with your name on it. Like, you know, in case you wanna come. I'm texting you her address and approving you at the guard stand. We're going to have drinks there tonight and watch the sun set."
"The sunset?" I say, immediately remembering the first one we watched together. On the bench in front of the library. "Okay. I'll think about it."
"Bring your sister with you. I miss her."
"Is that what this is really about?"
"No, it's not what this is really about. Keatyn is my best friend. I've seen how she is with you. I've seen how she is with him. I don't think you shoul
d give up. But it's up to you. Take me up on my offer or don't."
He hangs up.
"What the hell is there to even think about?" I say out loud as I grab my wallet, toss a few clothes in a bag, and yell to my sister. "I'm going to Malibu. You wanna come?"
"Uh, yeah! When do you want to leave?"
"You've got five minutes," I reply.
Now that I've decided to go, I can't get there soon enough.
Peyton rushes out to the truck my parents bought yesterday to replace my car. It's not exactly an even replacement, but I couldn't care less what I'm driving as long as it gets me to the airport.
"Text Mom and Dad and let them know we left."
"Why are you in such a hurry? Malibu isn't going anywhere."
I raise an eyebrow at her.
She bobs her head back and forth. "I mean, I know a bomb went off there recently and all, but everyone's okay."
"I need to see Keatyn," I say.
I also need my sister to stop talking.
"How's the shoulder?"
"It's fine."
"What the hell is up your butt? You talk to Keatyn like that and she's going to send you back home."
"I'm sorry. I'm nervous. No, I'm excited. I'm nervous and excited. Worried. Freaking out, mostly. I have no idea what I'll say to her. She has no idea I'm coming."
"Aiden, if Keatyn loves you the way I think she does, it will all work out. Damian told me about her promise to her ex-boyfriend. Are you sure you shouldn't give her a little time? I mean, she just got her life back. Her family is finally together."
"Damian is the one who suggested this trip."
"Oh," she says, glancing down and looking interested in her cuticles.
"What?"
"Uh, nothing."
"Tell me what you're thinking."
"I'm thinking if Damian made you come, it's bad."
"That's what I'm afraid of. I know nothing about them. Why didn't I ask more about him? About their relationship."
"Probably because you didn't want to know," she says. "I know some. I know that he hurt her. I know that Damian didn't like the way he treated her."
"When she went to her little sister's birthday, he was there. He's probably practically part of the family."
Damian meets us outside Keatyn's house and gives my sister a kiss that's too long for me to be able to wait until it's finished.
I can't wait any longer.
I ring the bell.
Keatyn opens the door, laughing. She looks more beautiful and happier than I've ever seen her.
But her smile turns into something else the second she sees me.
"Aiden!" She shakes her head. "I wasn't expecting you tonight. Sorry, come in."
I want to just scream at her.
