Beautifully Broken Read online

  “She disappeared because of something this dimwitt said bout that night.”

  Something clicks in Bane’s head. He runs a hand through his already messy hair and mumbles, “Fuck.”

  I get the feeling there’s something more than both of them are telling me. “What do you know that I don’t?”

  Cooper eyes Bane, who is frantically searching through his phone, then exhales. “How much do you know about that night?”

  “Only what I overheard in the stairwell.”

  “The dude who did that to her is his dad.” Cooper glares at Bane. “But they’re not on speaking terms...supposedly.”

  “Fuck you,” Bane retorts. “I hate that man. I hated him before the shit with Piper, but what he did…” Bane pauses and shakes his head. “Motherfucker should die for that shit.”

  “Who is he?”

  Bane shoves his phone back in his pocket. “A bad motherfucker with plans for Piper that will ruin if not kill her.” He looks at Cooper. “I’ve got the word out with some guys I trust. If Piper shows her face over here, I’ll keep her safe.”

  “And call us,” I add.

  “Whatever. Get your asses across the tracks before someone puts a mark on you to find her.” He points outside. “That car can’t come here again.”

  Cooper calls his mom as we’re coming back into town and tells her everything—the party, what happened to Piper, and the failed suicide attempts both he and Bane thwarted. I sag back into the seat, listening to her secrets. She’s had such a shitty year; I can only imagine how bad her life was prior to it. I wish she would have told me all of this herself, but I can understand why she didn’t.

  Logan, by the orders of Mamma T, closes the Red Onion at five and waits at my house in case Piper shows up there. Cooper and I pull into my driveway, after a long night of searching, just as the sun begins to peek over the horizon. “I don’t want to go to school.”

  Cooper runs a hand over his face. “I know. Me either. But maybe she’ll show up.”

  Piper has to show up. I won’t be able to live with myself if she ran away because of me. I should have known better than to bring that night up. I’m such an idiot.

  Cooper’s phone dings. He pulls it out of his pocket and reads the message. “She’s with Mom.”

  “Oh thank God. Let’s go get her.”

  “No,” Cooper says in a tone that means this isn’t up for discussion. “Give her some time. Whatever's going on, Mom will sort it out.”

  25

  Piper

  Mamma T is a tired woman. When Mr. Harris left two years ago, he took everything. The two-story beach house. The cars. Her comfort and lifestyle. Sure there’s alimony and child support, but Mamma T says the money’s tainted. She’d rather work for what she’s got than spend a dime of what that man gives her. It sits in a trust, collecting interest, for her boys until they turn twenty-one.

  “You gave everyone quite a fright last night,” she says, handing me a cup of warm tea.

  I place it to my lips, exhausted and starving. The drink tastes like heaven and the blueberry muffins she sets on the table are even better. I wolf one down in two seconds then take another swallow of my drink. “I didn’t mean to make anyone worry.”

  “That boy sure was in a tiffy.” Mamma T pulls out a chair and sits at the table across from me. “I think he likes you.”

  I don’t need to ask which man she’s talking about. Rex blew up my phone with a million texts and phone calls until it died around seven. I’m sure when I turn it back on there will be even more messages. I smile into my cup, hoping Mamma T doesn’t notice, but of course she does.

  “Seems like you might like him too.”

  I shrug and stuff another muffin in my mouth.

  She sets her cup on the table, holding it with both hands, a worry line between her brows. “Where were you last night?”

  A knot twists deep in my stomach. I’m not proud of ghosting everyone, but I needed some time to figure out what I’m gonna do. I came up with nothing. “On the bus.”

  “All night?”

  “Yeah. Sheila, the driver, she’s kind of my friend. I spent more nights on her bus than not last year.”

  “I see.” Mamma T rubs her thumb against the white porcelain. “You didn’t go home when you weren’t here?”

  “No ma’am.”

  Mama T shakes her head, a disappointed sigh leaving her lips. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re in trouble, Piper?”

  “I’m not.” She raises her eyes and gives me a look. A look that says she knows everything. I exhale loudly and hide my face in my hands. “I didn’t want you caught up in my shit.”

  “Language, Piper.”

  “Sorry.”

  Mamma T doesn’t ask questions. She’s obviously connected the dots, realized why I’ve done everything I did this year. Hell, she might have even figured out that I have to run away but I really don't want to. I like the life I’m building. Sure things between Cooper and I have been tense the past few weeks, but we’re still family. I have my family again and a boyfriend. I know that sounds lame as shit, but I don’t want to give it all up.

  “So what are you gonna do?”

  With no other options, and needing some real advice, I tell her the truth. “Run. Change my name. Pray Gerald gets shot and I can resume normal life someday.”

  “Gerald’s Bane’s dad?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “I’ve got connections, Piper. My life didn’t end when Jerry left me. I can help.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t want you guys involved. This is my mess.”

  “You are my daughter, Piper. I may not have birthed you, but your mine either way. Your problems are mine by default.” Mamma T finishes her drink then walks to the sink. “Tell me more about that boy.”

  “Who? Bane? You’ve met him before.” Once, at the hospital.

  “Not Bane. He’s a nice young man stuck in unfortunate circumstances. I want to know about the one who rode around with Cooper all night looking for you.”

  “Rex?”

  She nods, an excited grin on her face.

  “Not much to tell. He likes me. I kind of like him, but there’s no happy ending for us.”

  Mamma T stands. She crosses the room and rinses her cup then sets it in the dishwasher. “You never know, dear. Life’s full of surprises.”

  Mamma T pulls up to the Red Onion a few minutes before my shift starts. I see them both through the window, Rex and Cooper standing by the counter chatting like old friends. Aside from them, the diner’s empty. It won’t be for long. Within the next forty-five minutes the evening rush will start until close with a few moments to breathe in between.

  “Want me to walk in with you?” Mamma T asks.

  I pull at the hem of my shirt weighing my options. If I go inside alone, Cooper will ream me a new one. But if Mamma T’s there, he might not explode. “It would make things less awkward.”

  “Oh honey.” She grins. “I live for the awkward moments. Tell you what, let the boys have their outbursts for a few minutes, then I’ll get the heat off you.”

  I raise my brow. “And how exactly are you going to do that?”

  Mamma T gives me a crooked grin, one that says she’s up to no good. The same grin that’s usually plastered on Logan’s face. We get out and walk up the steps. She opens the door and the bell dings.

  “Piper,” Rex says on an exhale. He takes three long strides and pulls me into his arms. “I was so worried.”

  I suck in a breath, unsure if things changed between us. I’m terrified the flip in my brain switched back and the panic attack will return but it doesn’t. I wrap my arms around Rex’s waist and he squeezes me tighter.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper into his shirt.

  Cooper clears his throat. Rex takes a step back and I instantly miss him, but our make-up session will have to be finished later. I step around him to Cooper who stands behind the counter, arms crossed, glaring. “I’m sorry.”
>
  “You suck,” he says, his tone laced with venom.

  I hold my arms out to him. “Hug?”

  Cooper’s eyes widen. He all but runs around the counter and swoops me into his arms, squeezing me so tight I can barely breathe. My skin pricks beneath his touch, but I do everything I can to keep myself together. He lets go a second later, probably realizing I’m tipping close to a panic attack. “Thanks Piper. It’s been a long time since you’ve let me hug you like that. Are you okay?”

  I nod, taking a deep breath and counting to three as I exhale. My pulse slows enough that I can form a sentence again. “Getting better every day.”

  Rex slips his hand in mine and I realize the words couldn’t be truer. Little do they know, I’m healing. That hug should have instantly sent my body into shock, instead it was a slow build. I’d like to think my progress is because of Rex but I’m not naive enough to think it’s all because of him. Whatever the reason though, I’ll take it.

  “Piper,” Mamma T says rounding the counter. “Are you going to introduce me to your boyfriend?”

  “Oh my gosh.” “I’m Rex,” we say at the same time.

  Rex chuckles. “Piper doesn’t like the label, but she’s my girl.”

  Mamma T grins. “I see.” She turns her attention to Cooper. “And what about you dear?”

  “What about me?”

  Mamma T slides the straw dispenser to the middle of the counter. She reaches underneath the counter and pulls out the straw-refill-box. She opens each container and begins re-stocking “Is there a lucky lady in your life?”

  “Mom,” Cooper groans.

  “I’m just saying, dear,” Mamma T looks up her nose at me and winks. “I never see you with a girl, let alone hear you talk about one. Is there something you’d like to tell me?”

  Cooper’s cheeks flush. “No mom.”

  “What’s she doing?” Rex whispers in my ear.

  I flick my wrist, trying my hardest not to break out into a full blown laugh.

  “Darling,” Mamma T rounds the counter and takes Cooper’s hands in hers. “I’ll love you no matter what.”

  “We all will,” Rex chimes in, a shit-eating-grin on his face. He’s finally caught onto what’s happening.

  “Bite me, fucker,” Cooper growls. “Mom drop it.” He pulls his arms back and starts straightening the already neat tables.

  “Just say it Coop,” Mamma T puts her hands on her hips. “You’re gay.”

  “Mom!” Cooper whirls around. “What the hell? I’m not gay.”

  I couldn’t stop the hyena laugh building up inside me if I tried. It comes out loud and boisterous. I haven’t laughed like this since we were kids. “Oh. Em. Gee. This is too perfect.”

  “Honey,” she coos, “it’s okay if you’re not ready to admit it yet.” She rests her hand on his shoulder. “I’ll love you no matter what.”

  Cooper shrugs it off. “Mom!”

  “It’s true Mrs. Harris,” Rex says. “Cooper’s taking my friend Jenny to prom with us next week.”

  Mamma T’s face lights up. “You’re going to prom?” She looks at me with hope in her eyes. “Does that mean we get to go dress shopping?”

  I’m gonna kill Rex. I was not planning on going to prom, but I can’t crush Mamma T like that. I haven’t seen her this gleeful in forever. As much as she’s done for me over the years, I guess the least I can do is go dress shopping with her. A shiver runs through me. I hate wearing dresses. “I guess so.”

  Mamma T squeals. “Oh, I’m so excited. We haven’t had a girl’s day since the summer of your freshman year. I’m gonna go. I’ve got to make hair and nail appointments for that morning.” She grabs her keys off the counter then looks up at Rex. “I’ll schedule Jenny too.” She starts walking out, still talking to herself, “We need a Pinterest board for hair designs…” The door closes.

  I glare at Rex. “Seriously? Prom?”

  He shrugs. “I was meaning to ask you.”

  “I would have said no.”

  He grins. “I figured as much.”

  “Dude,” Cooper comes up and gives Rex one of those guy handshakes. “Thanks man I owe you.”

  “It’s no problem.” Rex says putting his arm around my waist. “Jenny’s been dying to meet Piper. Now’s as good a time as any.”

  “So,” Cooper asks hopping onto the counter. “Jenny, is she hot?”

  26

  Rex

  Me: I need a favor

  Jenny: This could be fun

  Me: Come to prom

  Jenny: Oh darling I thought you’d never ask

  Jenny: lol

  Me: I’m serious. I need a wingman

  Jenny: Aren’t those supposed to be dudes

  Me: I’ll give you a no limits shopping spree while you’re here

  Jenny: Count me in! When is it?

  Me: May first

  Jenny: Same day as ours

  Me: Shit. Never mind then. I’ll figure something else out

  Jenny: Trust me I’d rather be at your prom than mine

  Me: Everything ok?

  Jenny: Yup. Just the usual poor person in a school full of rich snobs drama

  Me: I’m sorry :/

  Jenny: It’s whatever

  Me: I’ll text you your flight info later.

  Jenny: KK. Loves ya!

  Me: Loves you more

  Jenny: Love you to infinity and beyond

  Me: Lol alright. You win

  Me: This time

  I recline the seat of my Range Rover and drop my phone onto the center console. Piper’s got ten more minutes before her shift ends. I only hope she’s coming with me tonight. I don’t know where we stand and it kills me. I want her. The Good. The Bad. The ugly.

  The door opens and I sit up. Cooper turns, locking the shop behind him. They walk down the steps together, laughing like the past few weeks never happened. Piper stops when she notices my car. My stomach twists unsure if I should get out or not. She gives Cooper a quick hug and the guy looks like he could reach the moon. Piper’s hugs will do that, send you soaring sky high. I get them all the time, but I still remember the first time we touched. It was electric.

  She opens the door and gets in. “Hey.”

  “Hey.” I’m elated she’s here with me, but I keep my cool. I want to lay into her for ghosting me yesterday, sending us all into a crazed panic looking for her, but I also don’t want to scare her off again. She left me once, I’m positive she could do it again and that terrifies me.

  “Are you ready?” she asks.

  I put the car into gear. “Where are we going?”

  “Your place.” She pulls out her phone and begins texting someone. “I figured we watch a movie.” She looks up, worry in her eyes. “Is that still okay? That’s what we normally do, but if you don’t want me around, I’d get it.”

  “Why wouldn’t I want you around, Piper? I like you. A lot”

  She shrugs. “I don’t know. I guess I was worried me running off like that meant we broke up.”

  A noose wraps around my heart. I’ve never been in a relationship. I hope that’s not how break ups work because I’m not ready to let Piper go. Being with her makes every day worth living. For the first time, I feel loved. “Is that what you want?”

  “No! Not at all. I…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have disappeared the way I did. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

  A weight has been lifted. Thank you, sweet baby Jesus. “Let’s just pretend it never happened.”

  Fifteen minutes later we’re sitting on the couch scrolling through Netflix. Piper’s spread out, laying across the length of the cushions with her head in my lap. My fingers trail through her hair, a quiet moan escaping her every now and then.

  Her eyes drift shut, a small smile tugging at her lips. Just when I think she’s fallen asleep, she says, “How is it that I spend one night away and my life goes back to its fucked up version of normal?” Piper rolls onto her back. “And then I come here and all of my worries melt away.
”

  I shrug. “Maybe it's because you love me.”

  I’m totally joking but then it dawns on me, I like Piper. Like, really like her. I'm falling head over heels and there’s nothing I can do about it. I don’t even know how much she likes me back. What if this is just a fling for her and I’m over here supper attached?

  Piper snort-laughs. “I’m not capable of love, Rex. But lust, that’s a horse of a different color.”

  “I thought you hated horses?”

  “Who told you that?”

  “Cooper. Last night in the car.”

  “Cooper’s got a big mouth.” She pauses, chewing on her lip. “I like you. I like the way you make me feel.”

  “And how do I make you feel?”

  Piper sits up, her elbow digs into my thigh. It hurts like hell, but I’m dying to know what she says. If she feels the same way I do.

  “Appreciated.”

  27

  Piper

  Jenny Cartwright is exactly what I feared she would be. Beautiful. Posh. And outgoing. Essentially, she’s everything I’m not and a huge reminder that I don’t belong with Rex. I mean, she looks like a model with her long tan legs, white Daisy-Duke’s, and pink crop-top. I look like an early 2000s Hot Topic reject most days. If this girl is Rex’s best friend, I can’t imagine what the other women he’s been with look like.

  I fiddle with my phone in the front seat of Mamma T’s Cadillac pretending like I have social media or something important to look at because I don’t want to talk. I have nothing against Jenny, she’s niceish. It’s just, she’s so much like the girls at school, it’s hard to separate my hate from them and her. I know it’s wrong, and judgey but she’s probably judging me too.

  “So, Jennifer,” Mamma T starts when we hit the first red light of the day.

  The tiny mall that we’re headed to is a short twenty minute ride from our house. There are a total of thirty-two stop lights on the way, each one bringing me closer to the end of this ridiculous shopping trip. I hate shopping. For one, I’ve never had the money to waste. Everything I’ve ever bought came from a thrift store. When I shop, I’m in and out in fifteen minutes. There’s no point in trying on the whole store if I don’t see something I immediately like. But girls in general, Mamma T included, somehow fall into a time vortex. Hours are lost, hundreds of dollars are spent, and yet they only come home with one bag of stuff. I don’t get it.