Reverend looked skeptical, but didn’t argue. “I’m going home to call a bitch to come and massage me down.” Turning to Vida, he gave her a wink. “Unless you want to come home with me then I’ll give you the massage.”
“No, thanks. I think I’ll just go to the apartment and fix dinner,” Vida laughingly declined. “See you tomorrow.”
Colton turned out the lights as Vida grabbed her backpack. Holding the door open, his eyes lowered, watching her walk toward him. Vida felt self-conscious as she walked to the motorcycle with him following, his gaze on her back. Putting on the helmet, she waited for him to get on before climbing on behind him.
Vida was surprised they were headed in the opposite direction of the apartment, wondering where he was headed. The sky darkened as Colton drove through town, eventually pulling into the driveway of a small house. Several lights were on, and a woman came out when she heard the bike’s motor.
“Colton!” The woman threw herself into his arms. Colton laughed, picking the woman up and twirling her around in a circle before placing her back on her feet.
They drew apart and Vida was struck by the woman’s resemblance to Colton. He placed a casual arm across her shoulder as he introduced her to the smiling woman.
“Vida, this is my sister, Brenley. Brenley, this is Vida.”
“Hello, I can tell by your face that Colton didn’t tell you he had a sister. He likes to surprise everyone that he actually has a family.” Brenley made a face at her brother.
“I try to keep her hidden away. Everybody feels sorry for me that my sister’s so ugly.”
Brenley punched Colton in the stomach at his joke. Vida smiled as the two began to push and shove each other. She was amazed at this side of Colton.
“My big, ex-con brother is an embarrassment to me, too.” She could dish it right back to her brother.
“Ouch, that’s no fair. That’s hitting below the belt.”
“If I could have got to you before you made such a stupid move, I would have busted your balls,” Brenley replied grimly.
“Well, it’s over now and I’m home. What’s for dinner? I’m starved.” Colton changed the subject.
“I made your favorite; meatloaf.” Vida saw Colton turn pale and Brenley snickered at him before leading the way into the house.
The aroma of fried chicken hit her nostrils as soon as she walked into the doorway.
“You witch. I’m not doing the dishes because you lied to me.”
“You’ll do the dishes or I won’t cook for you anymore,” Brenley threatened right back at her brother.
Colton made a face. “That’s blackmail, but what can I do? I’m held hostage because you won’t share mom’s recipe book.”
“If I gave you the recipes, I would never see you.” Brenley’s tone became more serious. “You two have a seat. Dinner’s ready.” The table was set for three people; Brenley had known that Colton was bringing her for dinner. Vida tried not to let warmth invade her at Colton introducing her to his sister.
“Can I help?” Vida offered.
“You and Colton can do clean up.” Brenley smiled, setting down a platter of fried chicken before going into the kitchen and returning with potatoes and biscuits.”
“I have died and gone to Heaven,” Vida said, looking at the delicious food. Her mouth was watering from the aroma alone. Brenley laughed, placing a pitcher of tea on the table.
The talking stopped as they each filled their plates with the food that ended up tasting as good as it looked. Vida cleaned her plate, debating seconds, not wanting to make a pig of herself in front of Brenley. Colton demolished his food then had seconds. He seemed determined to eat everything on the table except the dishes.
“Slow down, Colton. I have plenty for you to take home for later,” Brenley promised.
“It’s been a long time since I ate food that tasted so good,” Colton said when he finally finished.
Brenley smiled at her brother’s compliment before getting up from the table and going into the kitchen with a wink in Vida’s direction. She came back carrying a huge chocolate cake.
“Now, I have died and gone to Heaven,” Colton sighed. Brenley cut each of them a big slice of the rich dessert. Even Colton couldn’t manage a second slice.
After dinner, Vida and Colton both cleaned the table and did the dishes while Brenley stood nearby, chatting with Colton and occasionally asking Vida a question.
Vida liked the woman, and finding out that she owned a small local business doing graphic designs only increased her admiration. Vida liked She also enjoyed that her home was cozy and nicely decorated without being too girly. It was exactly what Vida dreamed one day of owning herself.
Deciding to watch a movie, they went into the living room. Brenley sat down in the only chair, leaving the couch for Vida and Colton.
Vida sat down on the end of the couch, however Colton eyed her before tugging her closer to his side. Embarrassed, she tried to scoot away a few inches.
Vida noticed Brenley’s amused gaze on the silent struggle. Deciding it wasn’t worth embarrassing herself, she stilled, relaxing into the sofa.
Colton leaned back, putting his boots onto the coffee table. Vida was about to take him to task when Brenley shook her head with a grin. Vida came to the conclusion that both brother and sister were used to getting their own way.
The movie was a comedy that had them all laughing. Vida wished it lasted longer when it went off and Colton pulled her to her feet.
“We’d better be going, Brenley. We have to work in the morning,” Colton told his sister.
Brenley rose from the chair. “Let me get your leftovers.” With a grin, she went into the kitchen.
“I like your sister,” Vida remarked with envy in her voice.
Colton smiled. “She’s pretty cool for a sister, but she can be a pain in the ass sometimes.”
“I heard that. If you’re not careful, I’ll take that half of a chocolate cake out of the bag,” she threatened.
“You’re the best sister ever,” Colton said soulfully. Vida laughed at his little boy act while Brenley handed him a plastic zip up bag that would make it easier to handle on the bike ride back.
“That’s more like it,” Brenley said before turning to Vida and giving her a quick hug. “It was really nice meeting you. Stop by sometime for a visit and I’ll tell you all of Colton’s secrets.”
Vida couldn’t help herself. “If it involves women, I think I’m finding that out for myself.”
“I think the right woman could get Colton under control.”
Colton took Vida’s hand, leading her to the door. “Bye, sis.”
“Bye, Colton. See you next week.”
Colton tugged Vida out the door, hastily leading her to the bike.
“What’s the hurry?” Vida asked, watching him strap down the food bag on the back of the bike.
“I didn’t want my sister giving you more ammunition against me.”
“I already know what kind of man you are, Colton.”
“Do you? Or have you simply made judgments based on how I acted when I didn’t care what you thought?”
Vida began to feel uncomfortable. She didn’t want Colton’s attitude to change towards her. She was comfortable with the way things were with them except for this morning, which she had every intention of forgetting about.
Without answering his question, she waited for him to get on the bike before getting on herself.
It had rained while they were inside, but the motorcycle drove effortlessly on the wet pavement. Colton was able to even control the bike when a car pulled out recklessly in front of them. Vida felt safe, not frightened in the least when she felt the bike’s wheels slide slightly before Colton expertly maneuvered the bike to a slow stop. Expecting him to rant at the stupid driver, he surprised her by slowly regaining his speed until they were once more traveling through the night traffic.
She was becoming tired by the time Colton pulled up in front of his apart
ment.
“Mind if I take the shower first?” Vida asked once they were inside.
“No, you go ahead.”
Vida didn’t take long, wanting to go to sleep. Putting on her pajamas and brushing her hair before braiding it, she went out to the living room to see that Colton had made the couch for her.
Coming to a stop, she appreciated his thoughtfulness. She really didn’t know how to handle this side of him. He had never been mean to her, merely treating her as a stranger in his home. Which she was. Now, with his change in attitude and how he treated her with consideration, almost like a girlfriend, she was beginning to be scared of the feelings it was bringing to the surface.
“Thanks, Colton.” Vida stepped around him, moving towards the couch.
“No problem. I can see you’re tired.”
Vida lay down on the couch, already half asleep. Colton turned the light out when he saw she was settled. She was about to roll on her side when she felt him standing by her side.
“Colton…”
“I’m going to let you get used to the idea of us while I wait for my divorce.” Sinking to the floor beside her, he reached out to cup her cheek. “When my divorce is final, Vida, you’re going to be in my bed,” he said firmly.