Caught in the Devil's Sheets (33 page)

Shannon is screaming and cheering next to me, and patronizes Styx as he hangs his head and bows out the gate next to us, careful to keep his head down.

“Get in there, girl!” Shannon says to me, pushing my arm toward the open gate.

Cole turns and offers a hand to me. I take it and he pulls me up into the ring. Odin meets me, taking my hand and my entire body into his embrace and laying a huge kiss on my lips in front of everyone. He picks me up and I quickly wrap my legs around his waist as his hands hold me by my backside. I plant my lips on his and I hear Shannon above all wooing us! In case anyone didn’t know Odin and I are a thing, they do now!

Odin carries me back to the gate and sets me down. Micah and Shannon help me down from the ring. Cole and Odin pile out behind me, and Odin is immediately met with applause from Damien and Nathan. Then others in the crowd come to congratulate him. I see Kelli back at the bar shaking her head in disapproval. But I’m pumped and could care less. I hand Odin his shirt back and he kisses me again.

We head to the bar, people still applauding him as we make our way across the pool.

“That was awesome!” Keila exclaims from behind the bar, pouring me another margarita and getting Odin a beer and a shot of tequila.

“You ready to jump in the pool now?” I ask Kelli who is sitting quietly for a change.

“Sure. Cody is going to come get me soon though,” she says.

“We’re jumping in the pool?” Keila shrieks. “Bottoms up!” she yells loudly, and the four of us tip up our glasses. I am well wasted.

“Leave your clothes on,” Odin whispers in my ear.

Keila steps out from behind the bar, taking off her shirt and skirt. She’s wearing a matching red lacy bra and full butted panty set. Kelli also sheds her blue jeans, leaving on her booty short underwear and her tight black shirt. I kick off my heels but leave my clothes on, knowing full well I’m only in a thong underneath. We take each other’s hands and run toward the pool. People shout and cheer us on as we jump full-force into the water! It’s warm and my hold on Kelli’s hand breaks as we resurface. We all swim back to the ledge and pull ourselves out. Odin meets us with three towels. I wrap myself up, wiping the makeup that’s no doubtfully dripping from my eyes and pull the pins and the flower from my hair, letting my long wet tendrils fall freely.

“Will you put these in your pocket?” I hand Odin the wet flower and a handful of pins.

“I’m thinking about staying tonight. What do you think? I can get Kelli a cab,” Odin says.

“Cody is already coming to get her. I’m down to stay if you want.”

“I’ll lay claim on the guesthouse then.”

My libido stirs at the idea of us getting the guest house to ourselves. As Odin walks away, Lisa comes up to say hi.

“I didn’t know you and Odin were together. What happened with Jaime?” Lisa is Junior’s girlfriend. She’s been to parties at my house and is pretty friendly with Erica, so I’m rather surprised she doesn’t know.

“We’re getting a divorce,” I say unapologetically.

“I bet Erica is pissed.”

“Probably.”

As if she’s not pissed enough about me leaving her brother, surely me dating her crush has her in a jealous rage. Either way, I could give a shit less and I shrug my shoulders as such.

“Well, hey, listen. We’re going to be selling t-shirts at the Metal Militia Rally in L.A. in June. I was hoping you would help out again.”

I have volunteered at the MM Rally the last two years now. In fact, Jaime and I used to make the shirts until we got to be too busy and I handed the printing machine over to Lisa. Different clubs and crews show up and get together to drink and have fun while raising money for elected children’s charities. They usually set up a tattoo booth, have food venders, a beer truck, races, live music, and I’ve always enjoyed doing it. Even running the shirt booth is a blast.

“Hell, yeah!” I agree. “Although you’ll have to give me all the details when I’m a bit less inebriated,” I say jokingly, though I’m not kidding.

“For sure. I still have your number. I will hit you up! And hey, good job wining Odin over. I bet he’s amazing!” she says with a wink, turning to leave.

“He is,” I say out loud, although no one hears me.

The party winds down as people leave and begin passing out. Cole lights a fire out back by the pool and I take a seat on Odin’s lap. Sitting around the fire are Cole and Keila, Micah and Shannon, Damien and Nathan, and the girls they brought. We all sip on our drinks, though I have wisely switched to water, and I listen as they exchange stories about growing up.

“It must have been a fun challenge raising all these boys,” I say to Shannon, who is sitting on the opposite side of Micah.

“I always wanted a house full of boys. I had four brothers and I knew that I wanted four sons! But after Cole was born, I got cancer and they had to do a full hysterectomy. I beat cancer, no problem, but I was devastated that I couldn’t have any more kids.” She reaches over and takes Micah by the hand. “But I got my four boys in the end!” she says with conviction.

“Oh, so they’re not your real sons?” I look to Nathan and Damien.

“No. Micah’s cousin, Drake, died of an overdose. That’s Nathan and Damien’s dad. They were 7 and 10 when they came to live with us and I was happy to have them! As sad as the situation was, we pulled through strong, didn’t we boys?”

Both Nathan and Damien reply with a yes. How sweet.

“And then, Micah brought this cutie pie home.” She reaches across Micah to shake Odin’s shoulder.

He shakes his head and for the first time I see Odin embarrassed.

“You should have seen how shy he was. Took him a while, but he realized the shy go hungry in a house full of boys!” she jokes.

I’m beginning to like Shannon more and more.

“I knew in my heart it was meant to be. God gave me all four sons I had asked for. And I think I did a damn fine job.”

“I’d say so!” I say looking at Odin.

The girl sitting with Damien agrees with me as Odin pulls me closer.

“Thank you,” says Shannon, taking the praise she rightfully deserves.

“Well, Mom, I think it’s time we get going. You good to ride?” asks Micah.

“Are you kidding me, I could ride with you in a coma! And have!” she says as she stands up and tosses her beer bottle into the can by the bar. “You kids have a good night. And you,” she says leaning over me. “You take care of my boy,” she says, planting a beer-soaked kiss on my cheek so no one but Odin and I can hear her words. “He’s still my shy one.”

Odin stands to hug her goodnight, as do Cole, and Nathan and Damien. Now here are four boys who respect their mother!

“You ready for bed, babe?” Odin turns his attention toward me. Hearing him call me “babe” in front of his family brings a smile to my face.

“You lead the way,” I say, walking behind him to the guesthouse.

We walk past the air hockey and foosball tables that are in the small common area of the guesthouse. It doesn’t have a kitchen, but it does have a small bedroom and its own bathroom. In the bedroom fits one full size bed with linens tucked in the corner and a dresser, leaving just enough room to walk in and out of the room. Odin was nice enough to pick my heels up off the ground and he sets them down on top of the dresser. Then, turning his attention to me, he pulls me into his arms, laying his lips on mine. I’m still totally drunk and I stumble on my feet, leaning against him. Odin pulls off my still damp clothes taking his lips off mine just long enough to pull the shirt from my back. His tongue traces sweetly in and out of my mouth and it tastes of tequila, just like mine.

Everything about him turns me on. His body, his lips, the way he kisses me, the way he holds me, but most of all, the way he dominates me. He is my champion and the master of my body. He takes me to the bed, pulling the rest of my clothes off and then conquering me. He fills me up so that I am complete and takes me to the edge of my consciousness. I moan incoherently and give him everything I have to give. Allowing him reach into my soul as we fall into a spirit-embracing orgasm.

“Lila, baby!” he whispers as he stiffens deep inside me.

“Yes!”

Chapter 26
Caught in the Devil’s Sheets

When we get back to Odin’s Sunday afternoon, I have a text from Kelli thanking me for the invite and telling me not to be a stranger just because I have a new boyfriend. Odin has to work in the morning, but no part of me wants to go home alone. After re-exploring the pool table a few different ways and gaining a few more hickies, rope marks, and a bright red ass, he assures me that I have to go home. He says a surprise awaits me there. It’s hard to say goodbye as he walks me to my car, carrying my duffel bag.

“I’ll come by Tuesday after work,” he promises, and I pout.

I want to suggest he come by tomorrow, but I don’t want to sound as needy as I feel. He kisses me a few last times, threading his fingers through my hair before reluctantly, he closes the door to my Mustang. Then he watches as I pull away from his house.

I gloat the whole way home, still humming his rendition of
Hey There, Delilah
in my head, which I begged him to sing again before I left. As I pull into my driveway, I can only imagine what awaits me. I unlock the door and step inside. It’s about six in the evening and it’s still bright outside. Sitting on the kitchen table is a blue glass vase filled with red roses and white carnations.

I carry my duffel back down the hall to my bedroom. As I step into the doorway, I have to take a double take of my room. I have a new furniture set! There’s an entirely new king size bed. Its black wooden frame has drawers underneath with silver roses etched into it and a big silver lined mirror in the large headboard. The dresser has been replaced with a black dresser that has matching silver roses and compliments the bed, and on each side of the bed are two small matching night stands. I take a look inside the dresser, but it’s empty. Where’s all my stuff? In the guest bedroom, all the old furniture has been piled in. The only thing completely missing is my old bed, which I don’t miss.

I walk back into my bedroom and try out the new bed. It’s amazingly comfortable, and has a large black and silver down comforter, and brand new pillows with matching covers set on it. I pick up the note, left on the pillow.

You mentioned getting a new bed, I thought I’d do you

one better. I hope you like it! All your stuff is in the spare

room, I thought you could arrange it the way you want. When

you’re ready, I have someone who’s happy to pick it up for you.

Only the best for a girl who does so well to please me. Enjoy.

-Odin

I pull the note to my chest, hugging it to me. It’s perfect! From my stinging ass to the feeling in my heart to the bed I lay on, it’s all perfect. It’s not easy to sleep that night without Odin, but on my new memory foam mattress, I eventually drift into the most peaceful and serene sleep I have had in this room in a long time.

On Monday I sleep in all day, thankful not to have to ask permission to get up and use the bathroom. My bottom still stings as I sit on the toilet.

After some coffee and a bagel I head out to get the mail that has piled up on me. I come into the house and sort the ads and junk from the important things. All my bills are here. For now there’s enough money to cover them, but panic sets in as I realize I’m only going to be able to float a few months. I can’t in good consciousness let Odin take care of my bills. He obviously has money. Nice house, a motorcycle, newer lifted truck, a boat. He’s clearly not short of cash. He’s offered to take on my finances, as if it’s no big thing. I can’t help but wonder where does the big money come from? Construction maybe? My mind wonders aimlessly. Either way I need to think about how I’m going to make ends meet. The idea of getting my money’s worth out of the house and getting an apartment or even a condo somewhere is looking better and better. I could go back to caregiving or being a waitress, but neither would cover the mortgage on this place, let alone the utilities. It’s been a long time since I’ve really worried about money. So far, the only downside to divorce.

A postcard in my mail pile catches my eye. I take a glance at the sender’s address and my heart skips a beat. It’s from the Wyoming State Penitentiary. It’s Billy. He’s finally written. I hesitate to read it. What will he say? Will he confirm my greatest fears and reject me? Tell me to stop writing or tell me he hates me? Or will he tell me everything I’ve been dying to hear, that he’s sorry and has some good reason why he hasn’t been in contact for almost a year? I set the postcard down, staring at the back picture of a motorcycle for a moment. My nerves are all over the place and my heart races with anticipation. I need a bowl.

I take the postcard with me to the back porch, taking solace in my favorite part of the house, my porch swing. I reach for my stash under the wicker coffee table. Inside a metal box I grab my pot, lighter, and pipe. I set the metal box and the postcard face up on the table, and try not to get shaky as I pack a bowl. Already, I feel secretive. I wouldn’t want Odin to know I was getting all out of sorts over a freaking postcard. I feel shameful, but I’m debating whether or not I will tell him I got this postcard. Billy is hardly worth letting problems arise in my new relationship. I hate to start out keeping secrets. That is one of the classic mistakes Jaime and I made.

As I sit on my swing, contemplating all this over a bowl, my phone rings in my pocket, startling me all together. It’s Odin.

“Hello.” I answer

“Hey, babe. How’d you sleep?”

“I missed you, but I slept like a baby thanks to my new bed and my new boyfriend.” Using the word boyfriend still feels so strange, especially when referring to Odin.

“How is your day?”

My mind races, to tell him or not to tell him. “Good, I was just sorting through my mail.” It’s not a lie.

“Anything good?”

Does he know?
An over paranoid voice in my head asks frantically. But he couldn’t possibly. “Mostly bills.”

“I will take care of them,” he says cutting me off.

“I’m really not comfortable with that.”

“We can talk about it Tuesday. I just wanted to call and tell you that I was thinking about you.”

He has a soft side that is so loving and I know deep down that I should tell him about the postcard. But then, there is another side of him, a side that wields a paddle and has dark, sinister eyes. The side that might very well flip out if he knew how emotional I get over Billy. Besides he’ll want to see the letter and I don’t even know what it says.

“That’s sweet. Are you sure you can’t come over tonight?”

“I wish I could, but Micah has called a family meeting after work.”

“Family meeting?” I repeat.

“Yeah, all the Harting boys get together every so often to talk amongst ourselves.” I get the hint. “But I will see you Tuesday. Feel free to text me if you need anything. Or if you just get bored.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I got a lot on my plate today. I’m going to go through all my stuff. I should probably have a yard sale!” I say the idea as it comes to mind. I could stand to downsize.

“Happy to help. See you Tuesday?”

“Can’t wait. See you then.”

We both struggle over an awkward goodbye that neither of us wants to say. I finish my bowl and taking a deep breath, I pick up the postcard. I say a silent prayer that whatever is on the other side won’t hurt me. Then I flip it over and start reading.

Lila,

I have no excuse or good reason why I haven’t written you in so long. I had no idea you’d come all the way to
Wyoming. All I can say is I’M SORRY. And if you can or will forgive me, you know how. You probably don’t want to talk, or see me ever again, and that’s what I deserve, But the last thing I will say is I wish you the best in every fucking way possible.

Sincerely, Mr. Jay II

I want to scream and cry and be happy all at the same time. In one sense, I was hoping for some magical reason for why he’d been ignoring me and I’m let down. But then he says he’s sorry and my heart dwells over the words written in capitals. Yet, I can’t help but think to myself, that’s it? An entire year goes by and that’s all you fucking have to say to me! A couple sentences? I thought we were way better than that! And yet he wishes me the best, in every fucking way possible. Clearly he must still care. Right?

A million and one replies come to mind. I could write him a novel and it wouldn’t begin to cover the way I feel about him. The things we’ve been through, the things he’s helped me do, and the way he’s made me feel, they’re all still so important to me. It’s what he’s failing to realize. When he quit writing, I fell apart. I cried on the shower floor like my best friend in the whole world had just died, because that’s exactly how it felt. And he’s sorry? If I write him back now, I’ll wind up regretting my words later. Instead, I tuck the letter into the metal box with my paraphernalia and head into the house to begin the cleansing.

I start by taking trash bags into the guestroom and going through the clothes. I move through the large dresser first, then I’m able to push it aside far enough to get into the dresser behind it, the one that belongs here in the guestroom. I emptied most of it for Erica, but things still linger in the drawers. Most of it is trash and some old clothes that I discard. Then I move to the closet in the guest room. It’s mostly coats and fancy dresses that didn’t fit in the master bedroom’s closet. What is Jaime’s I leave, deciding that this will be where I pile all of his things till he gets out. I pull my dresses out and take them to my room, laying them over my bed. There will be plenty of room in my closet once I rid it of Jaime’s things. In my end table, which is neatly stacked in the corner, there are my panties in the top drawer along with my battery operated boyfriend, who I guess I won’t be needing, but decide to keep nonetheless. I take the drawer out and empty it right into the new nightstand in my room and do the same with the lower drawers.

By the late afternoon all of Jaime’s clothes and shoes are in the guestroom closet and all of my things are in my newly furnished room. My emotions toward Billy have gone from angry to understanding, and back to angry. I fear if I write him back yelling at him he’ll just give up and it will be the last I hear from him. But then he needs to know what this has done to me, how important he is to me, and maybe remind him why. He needs to know how I feel. That’s what made us solid in the first place, telling each other everything. I needed someone to tell my deepest darkest thoughts to, someone to listen, and never think to judge me.

Next I hit the master bathroom, taking out all of Jaime’s things and packing them into a shoebox that I put in the guest room closet. I even take his motorcycle picture down from the wall. It won’t fit in the closet so I put it in the garage where all his tools and crap are. I guess I can dedicate that half of the garage to his things for now. Finally my room is finished and it feels liberating!

Sitting in the dining room, I take a look around. Most the things in here and in the kitchen are mine. Still, no one needs the amount of crap I have accumulated. In my own half of the garage, I start piling things I’d like to sell at a yard sale. Kitchen wares, my extra toaster, some of my many vases. Every time anyone got me flowers, I kept the vase. I have one from prom from Ryan, and one from graduation from my grandma. They all have a story to tell. I eye the red heart shaped one. It came from Billy on Valentine’s Day in the 7
th
grade. At the time he was my first boyfriend. Unfortunately I dumped him that summer and started dating his friend Seth.

Seth was a complete asshole, but for whatever reason he had me wrapped around his finger! He was so sexy! He played guitar and told me all the things I wanted to hear. Of course he was just trying to get in my pants and behind my back he had lots of nasty things to say about me. Billy would always tell me and I knew what Seth was doing, but I didn’t care. I liked him too much to care. When he broke up with me and started mean rumors about me to the rest of our classmates, Billy was there for me. He took my side and told people the rumors weren’t true. He even helped me get back at Seth by getting him to admit that he was in fact a virgin. Seth of course didn’t know there was a roomful of our friends listening in. After that, Seth just got uglier. That was around the same time I started having problems with Mr. Church.

It didn’t matter that I dumped Billy for his best friend or that I stayed with that friend even though he was a douche bag. It didn’t matter how I treated Billy, he was always there for me. When I called, he answered. He’d talk to me for hours every night on the phones in our dorm rooms. Often I’d get into trouble for it, but it never stopped me. Billy was the first person who ever loved me. I needed him like flowers need sunlight. At the time I didn’t love him back or I did but not in the right way. It took me getting a bit older to truly realize what I had, what I had never let go of. At the time in my life when I met Billy, everyone had abandoned me. My dad had left before I was born, my mom had kicked me out to Wyoming after multiple failed attempts to force me into religion. Even my grandma hadn’t stepped in to save me. I was totally alone, angry, and misunderstood. And then there was Billy.

He gave me confidence, made me believe in myself. He made me realize I was worth love. He’d bring me little presents and my friends would make fun of me, but I didn’t really give a shit. Whether we were dating or not, Billy was there for me, through thick and thin, showing me again and again how I could count on him. And before I knew it, I couldn’t stand up straight without him. He wasn’t the only person to tell me they loved me. My mom would call and say she loved me, but she didn’t. She threw me out to the wolves and let all kinds of fucked up things happen to me. I knew it was just her guilt talking. Seth said he loved me, as did a couple other boys, but I knew they were full of shit too. I never believed them. But when Billy said it, I believed him, and to this day I still do! He showed me what love was, and the difference between saying it and meaning it.