Page 141 of Toxic Wishes
As Cliff pulled into the driveway, my eyes widened. For a guy who makes millions a year, he had a lovely house, but I figured it would be a mansion, but it wasn’t. Don't get me wrong, it's a good-sized home, but he wasn’t showing off to the world by any means. His house was in a neighborhood where the houses were spread apart, giving him more privacy. There were beautiful trees in the back that surrounded his pool. I can see the grill and TV from here. It was one of those backyards perfect for entertaining or enjoying the night outside in the hot tub or pool. An image of Colt and I making love in the hot tub flashes in my mind, but I shake it away as quickly as it comes.
I see why Naomi wanted me out of the way. If this is what she got used to, then I know she wasn’t about to give it up.
“You want to see my room, Abigail?” Bodie says as we get out of the car.
“Yeah, sure.”
Cliff called Colt on the way here, and he told him to walk inside when he arrived. He knew I was with him since Bodie blurted it out while Cliff was on the Bluetooth connection in the car with his son. If he was disappointed or annoyed, he hid it well since his voice didn’t stammer, not even a little bit.
Bodie drops his bag with all his football gear on the floor as soon as we walk in. The house was well decorated, maybe even professionally. The ceilings were high, and a row of large glass windows lined the back of the house so you could see the view of the backyard from every angle. It was the most oversized Island I had ever seen in the middle of a kitchen. His backsplash consisted of red Brick behind his stove, and a substantial stainless steel refrigerator was custom-made.
“C’mon,” Bodie grabs my hand and pulls me up the stairs. I wasn’t sure where Colt’s room was, but I hoped it was downstairs to give me room to breathe before I saw him.
“This is my Spider-Man figurine. My dad got it for me from Disney World.” Is the first thing Bodie says when we walk into his room.
It was a real-life-looking Spider-Man who stood by the window.
“Yeah, I see that,” I say with a chuckle. “He’s super cool and realistic,” I tell him.
“He is, but now I’m super into the guitar. Will you continue to teach me how to play? Dad said I could keep this one, but he said I had to be extra careful since it was my Uncle Blake’s.”
I stared down at the guitar, and memories of Blake holding it in his arms, with his long jet-black hair, came rushing back, warming my heart as if someone had wrapped me in a blanket.
“Of course,” my voice cracks.
Keep it together, Abigail
“As long as it’s okay with your dad. I’d be happy to continue to teach you.”
“Okay! I’m going to get a snack. You want a snack. Hildegard probably made some yummy ones.”
“Hildegard?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“Ya, she’s our nanny and makes me snacks.”
It doesn't shock me that they had a live-in nanny. Colt is often gone, and his mom is the only one who helps him.
“Okay, yeah, let's go get a snack.” With the nerves bouncing around in my stomach, I wasn’t even the slightest bit hungry, but I figured this would be an excellent time to talk to Colt.
Bodie and I walk downstairs, and he leads me into the kitchen. Sure enough, a middle-aged woman is wiping down the counters. From all the new appliances and how the kitchen was designed, this was a modern home with gadgets and high-end technology—just another reminder of how different Colt and I are. I liked simple things and was used to it. I never grew up with cable, let alone all the fancy stuff. I always told myself less is more, but right now, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to live here. To be claimed by Colt Killian.
“Hi, Hildegard. This is Abigail. My friend, did you make any snacks today?”
She smiled, and you could tell she was one of those women who genuinely loved to be needed. A nurturing spirit spread across her, and I immediately started sizing up her zodiac sign.
Cancer? No, maybe she’s a Pisces.
“Of course, have a seat, dear.” I heard her accent as soon as she spoke, and it sounded Russian or German like it was somewhere in Europe. She was probably in her mid-forties, but I only guessed that because a few straggling hairs dangled from her bun over her face that appeared grayish tint. Her skin was smooth except for a few lines around her eyes.
“What would you like?” She pulls out a tray of fruit with fun-shaped sandwiches.
“Uh, fruit’s fine,” I tell her to be polite. “Where is your restroom?” I ask. And she points around the corner.
“Okay, thanks. I’ll be right back.” I kiss Bodie on the forehead, and I’m not even sure why, but loving him has become second nature to me. Similar to the affection I felt for his dad, but unlike Colt, he doesn’t run from my love.
I see Cliff outside on one of the lawn chairs, talking on the phone as he sips on a beer. Once I reached the restroom, I stepped over and headed straight to the cracked door. I knew it had to be the master bedroom because it was away from all the noise, just as Colt would have liked it.
I knock once before opening it and closing it behind me. He’s folding clothes, and I immediately spot the packed suitcase on the ground.