Page 6

Aria

“Dr. Zanetti?”

“It’s Aria, Megan. You don’t have to call me doctor,” I say for the 100 th time.

“Okay, yeah. Um, well, anyway, you have a lady up front who has asked to speak with you. She told the receptionist that it isn’t dental-related, though. Do you want me to put her in your office?”

Looking up from my patient’s mouth, I nod before returning to the cavity I’m filling. I’m minutes away from being done, so whoever my mystery visitor is, they can wait.

When I finish, I chat with my patient for a moment before stripping off my gloves and pulling off my mask. Tossing them in the garbage, I wash my hands and dry them as I walk to my office. Walking in, I grin immediately.

Lisa is bent over a side table with several models of human teeth with various issues. She’s very carefully examining them, so I take a seat behind my desk and clear my throat. Turning her head, Lisa sets the model she was holding down and grins.

“You set these out just to scare people, don’t you?” she asks while plopping down in a chair.

“Well, yeah. I sometimes make little kids use them as building blocks in hopes it scares them into brushing more and longer,” I state.

“That’s evil. Dentists are evil. They’re like physical therapists. I swear both those professions are a little sadistic and secretly enjoy the pain of their victims. I mean patients,” Lisa declares before laughing.

You can’t help but laugh at her and her crazy ideas. If I didn’t know it was a fact, I’d doubt she was even related to Lucy. Calm, quiet, shy Lucy has a sister who’s the complete opposite. Put them together, though, and Lisa rubs off way more on Lucy than the other way around. I once watched Lucy drop Lisa to the floor then laugh maniacally in her face. I gained a sudden respect for the classes the Angels teach at their gym after that.

“Are you here to cancel for Friday?” I ask.

“Hell to the no. I’m here because we have been asked to have a sit down with Rex and Reeves. I know you’re going to say no, but I think we should do it. Reeves called me about an hour ago and said there’s a reason why things were so weird when we went out. Let’s hear them out, and if you still want to avoid Rex, you can. In the meantime, want to explain to me why you avoid Rex? You never did tell me,” Lisa finishes her explanation with a soft voice. “Did something happen? Did he hurt you? Because I can’t see Rex being that guy, but nothing was normal that night, and—”

“No, no, no. Of course, he didn’t hurt me. That’s not Rex. I just, well, didn’t want to talk about it because I was embarrassed,” I admit.

“About what, Aria? You have no reason to be embarrassed about anything. Yeah, we drank too much, but nobody got hurt. We were responsible enough to call an Uber. Did you not want to spend time with Rex?” Lisa questions in a subdued tone.

“Can I tell you a secret, and you promise to keep it between us?” I ask while rising to walk to my door and close it.

“Absolutely. I won’t say a word. I promise.”

“I remember most of the night. There are some parts that are like alcohol-induced amnesia, but not much. Rex and I had a great evening, or so I thought. I very much enjoyed spending time with him. It got heated. The next day, he texted me once I got home and said he doesn’t remember anything after we got to the clubhouse. I don’t know if he doesn’t remember or simply doesn’t want to admit to spending time with me like that. It’s seriously shaken my confidence and makes me embarrassed that I enjoyed it so much, and he doesn’t even want it to have happened.”

I go on and explain most everything to Lisa and watch as her face softens in sympathy. By the time I’m done talking, she’s softly shaking her head.

“I’ve known Rex for a while now, and that doesn’t sound like him at all. He’s a good guy, through and through. Maybe he really doesn’t remember, and if so, then it’s not really his fault. Let’s listen to them tonight, and we’ll decide how to deal with this after that. Okay? If you still feel like he’s being a dick, then I’ll be on your side 100%. We’ll make him regret how he’s handled this so much. But if he’s not lying and doesn’t remember, then maybe you two just need a do-over.”

Slowly, I nod my head in agreement. Lisa gives me a quick hug and promises to pick me up at my place at seven. It will be after the guys have Church over something important enough for them to meet earlier this week than normal.

“Reeves is going to text when they get out of Church, and we’ll meet them at Rodney’s for pizza and a beer. Sound good?” Lisa asks as she takes a seat at my kitchen’s bar counter.

“Sounds good. I haven’t eaten yet, and pizza is exactly what I need tonight,” I reply while pouring us each a glass of wine.

“We’ll make them pay, so the pizza will taste twice as good,” Lisa states with a laugh.

“Can I ask you a question?” I ask and then proceed when she nods. “How would Drew, Chubs, react if he knew we both spent the night with a club brother?”

“Not well, I’m sure. It’s probably best none of the club knows unless it becomes serious for one of us. Like if you and Rex decided to become a couple. Even then, he’d have to talk to Chubs to make sure he’s fine with it. I know that sounds odd and old-fashioned, but that’s how the club rolls with some things.”

“What if it was you and Reeves? Same thing?” I ask.

“Umm, maybe. It would be a little different because I’m not Chubs’ sister, but it would still be advised that Reeves chat with him first. I don’t think the penalty would be the same for Reeves, though, as it would be for Rex.”

I nod having already suspected that answer but still not okay with it. Maybe I’m too independent to understand how the club feels that they have any say in what I do and who I do it with. I get that it’s a respect thing, but I’m my own person too. I only know that I don’t want to judge my brother’s club without understanding why they believe the way they do.

“I see the wheels turning over there. Let me just say this, though. This isn’t about you. You can do whatever you choose to and only have to worry about Chubs as your brother like you would with Les. This is about Rex and the club. They have their own rules, and he knows them. What they would hold him accountable for is if you and him continued a relationship and kept them in the dark. You don’t want them finding something out on their own, ever. It makes it look wrong if it looks like it was kept hidden. Does that make sense?” Lisa questions.

I nod and find I’m relieved by Lisa’s explanation. When Lisa’s phone beeps with an incoming text, I lift my wine glass and drain it. At Lisa’s raised eyebrows, I shrug. I need the bravery the alcohol will give me before this meeting starts.

“Hey, ladies,” Reeves greets as he and Rex both stand and reach for the backs of our chairs.

Lisa and I both answer with a quick hi before sitting. I set my purse near my feet and then fold my hands nervously in my lap. I’ve only taken one quick peek at Rex, and it was to find his eyes on me. When I lift my head, I aim my eyes toward Reeves.

“What’s up, guys?” Lisa asks and slowly slides a hand between mine under the table.

“We have reason to believe that someone in Club Ace has been slipping drugs into people’s drinks. I should say that we’re pretty sure the four of us got roofied that night,” Rex states in a quiet voice.

My mind blanks for a few seconds before it starts flipping through images of that night. When nothing suspicious comes to me, I turn my eyes to Rex’s face. He’s watching me closely, and I can see the concern in his eyes.

“Wait. You’re saying we got slipped something, and that’s why we can’t remember anything?” Lisa asks in a shocked voice.

“Exactly. We had Church tonight, and Chubs kind of confirmed what we were starting to believe. He has friends on the street that included Club Ace in a list of clubs they gave him that’s been targeted lately,” Reeves states.

“Why would he take us there then?” I ask in a shocked voice. “My brother would never risk that with any female, but especially with Lucy there too.”

“The clubs originally named didn’t include Club Ace. That’s why he insisted we go there and not to Charlie’s like I suggested,” Reeves answers.

“Oh my God, Aria! We’re planning on going to Charlie’s this Friday!” Lisa exclaims while turning shocked eyes in my direction.

“Planned, as in past tense. You won’t be going there or any other club without a member or Candy with you,” Rex insists, and I can feel his eyes on me. “Agreed?”

Without looking at him, I nod as does Lisa. We pause the discussion until the waitress leaves with our order. Glancing around to be sure no one is close enough to overhear us, Lisa turns to me and simply raises both eyebrows. I know exactly what she’s trying to say, but I’m not convinced we were drugged yet. I’m not letting Rex off the hook until I am. I give a small shake of my head and see she gets what I’m trying to convey.

“Okay, guys. Tell us all the reasons why you believe this happened,” Lisa demands, and I sit back and listen to their side of things.

When they finish, and our food is sitting in front of us, I pick at my pizza and think over everything we’ve just been told. Ignoring Rex and my own embarrassment, I ask my question.

“Why do I have most of my memory and you three don’t? We drank the same things.”

“You didn’t drink all of the last shot. You took a small sip and then pushed it away. Reeves finished it off,” Rex says. “We left immediately after that. That’s why we think that’s the shot that had the drugs.”

That actually makes sense but doesn’t make me feel any better. If all they’ve said is true and we did get roofied, then I took advantage of Rex and the condition he was in. Holy shit balls, I’m basically a rapist!

“How did I not know you were drugged?” I ask while feeling the heat climb up my face.

“I think you consumed just enough of the drug to not be completely yourself either. Not counting all the alcohol prior to that last shot,” Rex answers in a gentle voice. “And it depends on what drug they used. Some just lower a person’s inhibitions, while others just knock you out completely. Some increase your sexual drive and—” I interrupt Rex’s explanation at that point by smacking my hand hard against the tabletop.

“Okay, enough. I get it. I have to go now,” I say in a nearly hysterical tone while rushing to stand.

Rex stands just as quickly and places his hand on my forearm. Not holding me or trying to control my movements, though. Just a warm, reassuring hand of someone trying to be supportive.

“Aria, please sit. If you’re blaming yourself, you—” Rex starts, but I rudely interrupt.

“Of course, I’m blaming myself,” I say in a quiet but shaky tone. “You were most likely drugged, and I wasn’t. Or at least not as much, and I should have paid closer attention. Les has lectured me for years about staying aware of my surroundings when I’m out, and I didn’t. I dropped my guard, and Lisa, Reeves, and I simply got lucky things didn’t end worse for us. You, though? You didn’t get lucky. You got taken advantage of. All I can do is apologize and hope you three can forgive me someday.”

“There’s nothing to forgive, Aria. We all failed that night,” Reeves states as he too stands. “Rex and I failed you and Lisa. Nobody is going to blame you, honey.”

“I do, Reeves. I’m a fucking doctor and yet didn’t see the signs. I’m so sorry,” I answer in a harsh whisper before pulling away from Rex and rushing out the door.

I hastily climb into my car and jump a little when the passenger door opens and Lisa slides in. Not saying another word, I start my car and slowly, carefully drive home.

I beg off on going out with Lisa and spend a quiet weekend at home. Other than my mom and brothers, I send all other calls to voicemail. When my mom asks if I’m going to the clubhouse for brunch on Sunday, I outright lie for one of the few times to my mother.

“No, sorry, Mom, I have other plans.”

“Aria, we go because the food is great, but mostly to show your brother and his club that we support him and his choices,” Mom reminds me in her gentle voice.

“I know this, Mom, but I have a new business partner, and I need to make sure that relationship is strong, too. We’re meeting about work stuff.”

“On a Sunday?”

“The office is closed, obviously, so Sunday is the best day for us to go over employee things,” I state with a confidence I don’t feel. I’m not good at this lying thing, and especially to her. Guilt is already settling hard in my gut.

“Okay, honey. I’ll see you for lunch on Monday, then?” Mom concedes then asks.

“Yeah, for sure. Talk later, Mom. Love you,” I answer then hang up quickly.

Taking a deep breath, I lean my head back and stare up at my ceiling. Guilt has become my constant companion lately. Guilt over Rex, Reeves, and Lisa. Guilt over lying to my mother and brothers. Guilt over avoiding the few people I know in this town. Looking back down, I stare at my hands and realize they’re shaking slightly. I have to find a way to get past the guilt.

I had spent Friday night not out dancing with Lisa but researching date rape drugs and their effects, signs, and symptoms. Feeling a little better prepared if it ever happens again, I went to bed in the wee hours of the morning.

Saturday, I spent the day obsessively cleaning my home. Everything got scrubbed, and clutter got put away. After a long, relaxing bath, I made a nice meal for myself and spent half an hour pushing the food around on my plate. I haven’t been eating or sleeping well this week, and tonight’s no exception. I place my plate of food in the fridge next to other plates of uneaten dinners. I stand, thinking for just a moment before opening my junk drawer and grabbing a roll of duct tape.

I make my way throughout my home, placing small pieces of tape over all the security camera lenses. I think I could unplug them, but I’m worried that might trigger an alarm at the security office, so this was my only other way of knowing I can’t be seen. I also know this is probably a little irrational on my part, but I need to feel like my home is my sanctuary. I need to be able to be mad or sad, rage or cry, if needed, without an audience.

Feeling better, I lay sprawled on my couch and try to blank my mind. After twenty minutes of trying, and failing, I move to my table and open my laptop. Opening up the webpage I need, I spend the evening studying how to do an old procedure with a new method. Yeah, I’ve become that boring of a person, and I promise myself that on Sunday, I will come up with a better plan for my life than hiding and avoiding people I’ve come to care about.

Sunday morning arrives, and looking at my face in the mirror, I realize that the lack of sleep has not done me any favors. Taking a quick shower, I dress in workout clothes, pack a duffle bag, and look up gyms in my area. Ignoring the club’s gym, I scroll past and find one only a few blocks away. Arriving, I buy a membership and then torture myself for as long as I can take. I completely ignore the guys that are staring at me and head for the locker rooms. After that, I stop at the juice counter and pay way too much for a post-workout smoothie that tastes like ass. After a few sips, I toss the drink in the garbage and head for my car.

Returning home, I find myself bored to tears within an hour. So, I change again and head back to my car after doing another google search. Arriving at the trailhead, I grab my water bottle and start my hike. It only takes about ten minutes for me to be honest with myself. I hate working out, and I hate hiking even more. Growing up in Chicago, I tricked myself into thinking time spent outdoors would become a new thing for me. Nope, it’s not. I turn around and make my way back to my car. I sit for several long minutes, thinking about things I do enjoy, then drive back to civilization. Pulling into my garage, I park and walk back outside to look at the man sitting on my doorstep.

“Please don’t tell me that my little sister has decided to become a total Denverite,” my brother Les quips with a small smirk. “Because even though I love you, I’m not ever going hiking. Too much sun, bugs, and uphill stuff for me.”

“Nothing to worry about, Les,” I answer while unlocking my door. “It didn’t take long to realize I’m too city for that, too.”

Les follows me inside before turning to look me over with a critical eye. He says nothing but raises an eyebrow in question. I know what he’s asking, but I ignore it and make my way to my kitchen. Dropping my purse on the counter, I turn to my coffee maker and start a cup for each of us. Once done, I set one in front of Les and take a seat next to him, cradling my cup in both hands.

“Want to talk about why you’re avoiding the club?” Les asks conversationally.

“Nope.”

“Want to talk about why you lied to Mom?”

“Nope.”

“Want to talk about why you’re not admitting to whatever it is you feel about Rex?”

“Nope.”

“Want to go shopping and spend ridiculous amounts of money on shoes, clothes, and hair stuff?” Les asks in the same tone he’s been using.

“Yes, please.”

We finish our coffee in peaceful silence. I change clothes again, and then we leave, taking my brother’s car.

“I like that skirt, but the blouse is too frumpy. Aunt Thelma would love it, though,” Les states while sipping from his mall Orange Julius. “If you’re not going to buy it, I will. I can set it aside for her Christmas gift.”

I nod slowly, completely agreeing with him. Tossing the blouse in his direction, I drape the skirt over my arm and turn back to the rack of business-appropriate clothing. After another minute of searching, I hold up a different blouse. When Les nods his approval, I add it to the skirt. We make our way to check out, then out to his car with several bags between us from our walk-through of the mall.

“Now where?” Les asks.

I look down at my phone when it vibrates and see another text from Rex. I ignore it and give Les an address. I had googled hair stylists and found a walk-in-friendly one opened on a Sunday. When Les stops in the small parking lot, he looks at me with a smile.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? Maybe you should think this one through a little more. Ask Lucy for a referral, maybe,” Les suggests but does so while exiting his car and following me to the door of the business.

“I need a change, and I want to do it today,” I reply and then turn to greet the woman at the front desk.

“Hi! Do you have an appointment?” she asks.

“Hi. No, sorry, I don’t. Your website said you take walk-ins. Does someone have time for me?”

“The other stylists are busy, but I had a cancellation. What are you looking to get done?”

“I’m not sure exactly. I need a change, I think. Any suggestions?” I ask and ignore Les’s throat clearing that’s a clear hint that he wants to speak with me privately.

The woman walks around the counter and picks up a lock of my hair. Feeling the texture, she peruses my facial features and shape thoughtfully. After a moment, she steps back and drops my hair.

“You have thick, beautiful, healthy hair. Are you thinking about a color change or a new style? Short, maybe?” she questions.

“Not short, but a new style and maybe some highlights,” I answer, suddenly sure this is exactly what I want.

“Long layers, maybe a semi-butterfly cut, kind of situation. Several highlights in the right places would be stunning. We could lighten your hair first, but I really like the color it is naturally. My suggestion is not to color your hair but just go with some subtle highlights. Does that sound like what you’d want?” she asks.

“Yes, exactly,” I answer.

“Great. I’m Carly. Give me a minute to get set up, and we’ll get started,” she answers with a wide grin.

Carly walks off, and I turn to Les, only to find him sitting on a small, purple couch and staring at me thoughtfully.

“What?” I ask, bracing for whatever he’s about to say.

“I agree with Carly. Those changes will work great for you. I was worried when we first stepped in here that you were going to go way overboard with this,” Les states with a grin.

“Because she has purple hair, a ton of tats, and more piercings than I’ve ever seen on one face? Or because this isn’t a high-end salon?” I ask, grinning back at him.

“Yes, all of that. Now I feel like an ass for being so judgy. She seems very nice, and she’s certainly knowledgeable. She seems artsy, and I think that’s a good thing for a stylist to be. You go get your changes, and I’ll sit here and berate myself for being a snob.”

“You don’t have to wait. This will take a while,” I state.

“I’m waiting, so quit trying to get rid of me,” he answers before picking up a People magazine.

Carly takes me to a chair and gets started. Once done, I grab up the products she used and walk to the counter to pay. I ask for and receive her business card, and after a heartfelt thank you, we leave. Once seated in the car, Les turns to face me.

“You look beautiful, little sis. I hope this helps with whatever you’re struggling with right now. Just know you don’t have to struggle alone. No matter what the issue is, I’m here for you, and so are Mom and Drew.”

Tears start to well up in my eyes, but I rapidly blink them away. Nodding, I reach over and squeeze Les’s hand.

“I know and thank you for giving up your Sunday for me.”

“Not a hardship to spend time with you,” Les responds before starting his car and driving out of the lot.

“How’s your job going, Les? Do you like working for the Governor?” I ask, embarrassed that I’ve been so self-absorbed all day.

“I really like it. He’s great to work with, and my coworkers are nice. I get to avoid most of the political stuff and just work with numbers and finance things.”

“What’s he like? I’ve met him but haven’t really spent time talking with him much,” I explain.

“He’s got Lisa’s sense of humor but also Lucy’s quiet thoughtfulness. I can see why he’s been elected so many times. Unlike a lot of politicians, he sincerely cares about the people in this state. He’s not concerned with climbing the ladder, so to speak. He’s where he feels he can do the most good, and I like that about him.”

“That’s cool. Lucy and Lisa are great people, so I kind of assumed he was too.”

Laughing suddenly, Les briefly glances my way before explaining.

“I wish I’d started working there sooner. Apparently, while Drew was in Chicago, Lucy, Lisa, and Craig visited his offices. They had little Bart in tow, and the Governor had some fun with him at his employees’ expense.”

“Oh shit, Les! I can only imagine what the capitol building employees thought of a skunk on the loose!” I exclaim before laughing loudly at the images my mind created of the chaos a skunk would cause.

“I know, right?” Les continues laughing as he pulls into my drive.

“Thank you for today, brother,” I state sincerely. “Want to come in for dinner? I can order something or reheat leftovers.”

“No, but thanks. I promised Mom I’d bring dinner for us from Antonio’s. Want to come with?”

“No, but thanks,” I repeat his words with a small smile.

Les helps me carry my bags to my front door before he gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and leaves. I stand there, watching him leave before turning to enter my condo. Neither one of us clocks the guy standing in the shade of a tree, watching intently.