Page 36 of Taboo
I notice a message from Levi saying he’s in the parking lot to give me a ride home. When I found out that he called in to work, I had hoped he’d decided to leave it alone for today. I should’ve known better. He’s determined and the only way to get him to leave me be is to be even more stubborn and bullheaded than he is.
Walking out the door and into the parking lot, I see him immediately. My heart sinks as I look at his face. He doesn’t approve of me distancing myself, but I didn’t think he would.
I slide in and feel the heaviness between us. “You didn’t have to pick me up. I can call a cab.”
“We need to talk anyway.” He comes back with a quick response. Not one that I’m used to from him.
“Levi. Please don’t make this harder on me than it already is. I can’t choose between you two and I refuse to be the reason you both hate each other.”
“Noah and I came to an understanding today. Everything’s going to work out just fine.” He starts moving the truck toward the exit.
“What does that mean?”
“It means we aren’t letting you go without spending some time with you first. We need to know your house is safe and the best way for us to do that is for us to be there.” He turns right before he continues. “That’ll give me some time to make sure that asshole next door is out of your way for good.”
I don’t ask him what he means. He’s been working on that for a few days now. “I haven’t seen him yet.”
“Well I’m not going to let there be a yet, Kali. I don’t care how pissed off you get.”
“All right. I’ll let you take me home, make sure I’m safe, then you have to leave.” He doesn’t respond. I pull out my phone and look at my messages from both of them this morning. Seeing how demanding Noah was in these, I’m honestly surprised there wasn’t two of them in the parking lot waiting for me.
We pull into the driveway and I see that Noah is sitting in his car waiting on me to get home. My nerves flare up instantly and I can only imagine the confrontation they’re both about to have. I open my door and decide to head straight into the house.
I need to prove to them that I’m fine to stay here, then make them both leave. “Please. Come in and see for yourself. I’m fine. No one is here and then you can both go home. I don’t want to talk about anything with either of you right now.”
“My dear, we aren’t here to talk. We don’t plan to leave anytime soon either. You’re going to let us make dinner and we’re going to have a night in at your house for a change.” I look at Noah with curiosity, wondering what they’re both up to.
“I left you both this morning for a reason.”
“And what the hell was your reason?” Noah snaps back as he sits the bags of groceries on the counter.
“I don’t like myself lately. You two have me confused and this isn’t going to help.” I sit on a barstool in defeat, knowing they’ll both be impossible tonight if I don’t just let them do their thing and make dinner. I’m leery of their intentions and watch for any clue as they move around the kitchen.
“Why wouldn’t you like yourself? You have two men who both care about you. Do you know how many women would jump at the chance to spend an evening with us?” Noah continues to parade around the kitchen acting like this is a normal night for us, while Levi begins to chop the onions.
“Well if you ask me, the pressure is overrated.” They both look at me simultaneously. Since I can’t decide which one to direct my attention to, I chose to move my focus to my hands as I fold them together on the counter.
“You just need to stop stressing. Tonight is only fun and relaxation. Leave all your worries for tomorrow.” Noah again, trying to make me forget about the triangle I’ve gotten us into.
“What are you two up to?” Levi looks up at me, innocently batting his eyes before he responds.
“We’re cooking you dinner. Maybe if you’re lucky, we’ll beat you in a board games before we leave.” I’m not sure if I believe either of them, but for now I’m just going to enjoy spending time with them one last time. Before the night is over, I’m going to tell them both where I stand. I have to walk away from them and they have to let me go.
I glance over at Noah and watch him pour three glasses of whiskey, topping them all off with a little coke. He slides one my way and another toward Levi. Since when do these two get along like this? I’m trying my hardest to just enjoy it, but I’m having a hard time believing that they’ve just magically decided to get along.
Taking back the drink quickly, I end up choking on the potent fire sliding down my throat. They both watch me move around the room as they continue to prepare the food. It’s as if they’re suffocating me. “I’m going to take a shower. I smell like a bar.”
I take this opportunity to walk out of the room and get some breathing space. It’s going to take a minute for me to get my thoughts together and figure out what I’m going to do with these two stubborn asses. I lock the door to my bedroom and the bathroom just to make sure neither of them get any bright ideas. I wouldn’t put it past either one of them to bust in on me.
Being in the kitchen with both of them only made me feel worse about what I’ve done. They are best friends and have been for years. Yes, they get on each other’s nerves just like brothers would.
I can’t be the person that comes between them and it’s inevitable if I choose one over the other. My shower is hot and steamy, just like I like it. I stay in longer than I plan to, but it does wonders to help me get some clarity.
If they want a normal evening where we pretend like things are going to work out, then I’ll give them that. But after this, I’m having my locks changed and forcing them both to stay away. Maybe if I break down and scream at them like I feel like doing, they’ll leave me alone.
Putting the least amount of effort into my hair, I brush it and pull it up in a messy bun while it’s still wet. I don’t add any makeup, the last thing I’m trying to do tonight is impress anyone. I roll down the waistband of my sweatpants, trying to keep them up on my hips. It’s past time for me to do some laundry, so I throw everything from my bag into a pile and pick it up. If they want a normal night, then I can’t think of anything more appropriate than doing my laundry.
Chapter Twenty-Four