Chapter 11: You Had No Right

We left the room pretty much flushed, and Geronimo didn’t hide the fact that he was well aware of our states. He just chuckled, shaking his head at us, while Mordecai couldn’t have been any happier. I didn’t even want to tell him that I broke up with Alex.

“How’d you get him out?” Geronimo asked me.

“Charlie’s coming over,” Mordecai was the one to reply.

Geronimo frowned. “He’s back?”

“According to Bev he is. She’s never met him before, so I’m guessing he really is,” Mordecai replied just as the doorbell went.

“I’ll get it,” I said before heading to the door.

“It’s you! Bev right?” Charlie asked once I’d opened the door.

“Yep! Who let you in?” I asked.

“Nellie was driving out,” he replied as I let him in.

Oh, so she knows him too.

“Oh! Well Kai and Ger are in the kitchen,” I informed him.

“Aren’t you coming along?” he asked.

I shrugged. “I thought I should let you bond?”

“Nah! I’d like to know more about the woman in this house,” he smiled.

“Alright,” I returned the smile before leading him to the kitchen.

Charlie smirked. “Hello Rugrats!”

Mordecai rolled his eyes. “Really Maxwell? We’re headed to thirty and you’re still calling us Rugrats?”

Charlie shrugged. “You’ll never grow up and you know it.”

“How was London?” Geronimo asked.

“It was ok. I closed a couple of deals before finding out some major news,” Charlie said nervously.

“Yeah! Bev mentioned a fiancée. What’s up with that?” Mordecai asked.

“Before we get to that, who is the lovely Beverly exactly?” Charlie asked.

“I’m Kai’s nurse,” I replied, beating Mordecai to it. From the scowl on his face, I knew he was going for something else.

Something more romantic.

“Well I guess that would explain why you were at the hospital,” Charlie commented. I could’ve face-palmed myself then.

Mordecai raised an eyebrow. “The hospital?”

“I went to see my friends,” I told him.

“Just your friends?” he asked with narrowed eyes.

I shook my head. “We’re not having this conversation right now.”

“What conversation?” Charlie asked in conversation, while Geronimo watched on with a knowing look.

“You were telling us about your fiancée,” I instead diverted. Luckily for me, Charlie was easily distracted.

“I’m going to be a father!” Charlie announced. Mordecai and Geronimo’s eyes widened.

“WHAT?” they both asked.

“Yeah man! I’m getting married and we have a baby coming on the way,” Charlie said excitedly.

“Congratulations,” I said, hugging him since his best friends were dumbfounded.

“Thanks!” he smiled, despite looking taken aback by the hug.

“How long have you known this chick for Charlie?” Mordecai asked.

Charlie shrugged. “Five months.”

“And you’re already building a future together?” Geronimo asked sceptically.

“When you find the one, you’ll know that time just doesn’t seem that important,” Charlie argued. Mordecai looked over to me and I looked away blushing.

“What does she do?” I asked.

“She’s a lawyer,” he replied proudly.

“Well, congrats man!” Geronimo did the whole man hug thing with him. I gave Mordecai a look.

“I’m not about to pretend I’m ok with this,” Mordecai said.

“You’re being rude,” I snapped at him.

He crossed his arms. “No, I’m being realistic! We’ve known Charlie our whole lives and he’s never had a girlfriend. He’s always been a player, and now I’m expected to believe that this one girl strolls into his life and all of a sudden he’s all about commitment and having a family? I ain’t buying that shit!”

“You know, I came here knowing that you’d say that, even though a little part of me hoped that you wouldn’t. I came all the way here to ask you to be my best man, but I guess that’s not happening,” Charlie said before storming out of the kitchen.

I went after him. “Charlie!”

“I’m sorry about that Beverly. You really seem like an interesting person, and I can see the way he looks at you. He might not know it yet, but he and I are in the same boat. How long have you known each other?” he asked.

“Six days,” I replied.

“It took me two weeks to fall in love with my fiancée. I know he doesn’t understand it, but he will soon enough,” he smiled.

“When’s the wedding?” I asked.

“We want to wait for the baby first,” he replied.

“And how far along is she?” I asked.

“Three months, so about eight months from now,” he smiled.

“He’ll have come around by then,” I commented.

He raised an amused eyebrow. “You seem pretty sure of it?”

I nodded. “I am.”

“Will you still be around then?” he asked.

“Who knows?” I played back. I didn’t expect to be hugged.

“Take care of him Bev, and not just physically,” he said before walking out the door, leaving me with the cryptic message.

I walked back to the kitchen and it was silent between the remaining best friends. I didn’t interrupt the silence as I got to reheating the pasta and meatballs that Geronimo had prepared for lunch. The plate had my name on it.

When my food was ready, I grabbed it and headed to my room. I was actually very upset with Mordecai. I would’ve expected him to at least feign happiness for his best friend. Best friends are supposed to be there for each other, even when the other decides to do something that the other doesn’t agree with.

I stayed in my room until it was time for me to head over to the Dickson household. I kept the same outfit on and just refreshed my hair and make-up. I headed downstairs to find the best friends watching TV.

“I’m leaving,” I announced.

“Which car are you taking?” Mordecai asked.

“I’m walking,” I replied as I walked towards the lobby. From the approaching sound of crutches, I knew he was following me.

“You can’t walk at night by yourself,” he argued.

“It’s a ten minute walk,” I countered.

“At night! Take one of the cars Beverly,” he instructed.

“If only you cared this much about your best friend,” I scoffed as I grabbed a set of random keys from the rack.

“I reacted the way I did because I care about him. You don’t know him like I do Bev,” he sighed.

I looked him straight in the eyes. “I don’t care. You could’ve been nicer about it. The fact that he expected such a reaction of you actually bothers me. You can’t possibly be that heartless Mordecai.”

“Not since you,” he admitted.

“I’m leaving,” I said before this conversation could continue into something I didn’t want to confront.

I made it to the garage and clicked on the remote. It turns out I grabbed the keys to a Ferrari. Since I already knew that the car would be too complicated for me to drive, I headed back into the house to find Mordecai waiting with the Mercedes Benz keys. He looked ready to laugh at me, but my glare probably stopped him.

“Please be safe,” he pleaded.

“I will,” I said before leaving.

I arrived at the Dickson mansion two minutes later, and I realized that it was a good idea to take the car after all. It was pretty dark out, and the streets looked intimidating with all the big houses around.

“Sweetheart, whose car is that?” my mom asked as she opened the door.

“Mordecai’s,” I informed.

“Oh! It suits you,” she smiled as she hugged me.

“Thanks I guess,” I said awkwardly.

“Come, come! Your father is just about to attack the food in our absence,” she laughed. When we reached the dining room, true to word, Dr Dickson looked tempted to devour everything on the table.

I laughed at the look on his face. “Hey dad.”

“You chose the day Evelyn makes roast chicken to take your own sweet time getting here,” he groaned.

I hugged him. “I’m sorry! I lost track of time.”

“It’s ok I guess,” he sighed.

We got seated and passed the food to each other as we served. It would just be the three of us today since I found out that Jacob was on a date with Fernando, and Jackson was working late. The food smelled wonderful, and perhaps the boys’ absence was a blessing in disguise.

“There’s more for us! Thank God the boys aren’t here,” my dad said.

“I was just thinking the same thing,” I laughed.

My mom shook her head at us. “The two of you are horrible.”

We shrugged. “We’re just saying.”

“You’re so alike, it’s scary,” she said as she laughed.

“I told you she’s my baby girl. I knew from the moment she walked through those hospital doors,” he smiled.

“I really do love you guys. I hope you know that,” I told them.

“We know honey,” she smiled.

“So, what happened after you left the hospital?” he asked.

“You went to the hospital?” she asked.

“Yeah! I went to break up with Alex. He didn’t take it well and he told me that he loves me,” I informed.

“Oh my! How long has he felt this way?” she asked.

“He says since our fifth date, which was six months ago,” I pointed out.

My dad raised an eyebrow. “He was trapping you.”

“That’s the same thing I thought. If he really loved me, he would’ve told me a long time ago. He was only saying it so that I wouldn’t leave,” I agreed.

“That’s not nice of him,” she commented.

I shrugged. “He was upset and clearly panicked.”

“So why’d you decide to leave him now?” he asked.

“It’s obvious Howard. This has everything to do with Mordecai. She’s realized that he’s not an asshole after all,” my mom said knowingly.

I couldn’t stop the blush, even if I wanted to.

“Wow! I didn’t see that coming,” my dad chuckled.

“I couldn’t help it. Once I figured out that he wasn’t really an asshole, and that he was serious about liking me, I guess it was just enough for me. I like him, a lot, and it honestly scares me,” I confessed to them.

“Oh honey, you know that he’s different though right?” she asked.

“I’m really trying hard to believe that he is, but a part of me keeps making the comparisons. They have a lot in common,” I argued.

“Why do I get the feeling we’re not talking about Alex here?” dad asked, the fury clear on his face.

He probably hates HIM more than I do.

My mom glared at him. “That’s because we’re not. Keep up Howard!”

“Pumpkin, I’ve met Mordecai. He’s a bit much, but he’s nothing like him. Please don’t even compare them,” he pleaded.

“You figure?” I asked.

“Trust me on this one. I think you should see where this thing with Mordecai goes,” he suggested.

“Isn’t it too soon though?” I questioned.

“Take your time sweetheart. No-one is saying that you should marry him. We’re just saying that if he gives you the feelings that you’ve been looking for, then it’s probably worth taking the shot,” my mom advised.

“Do I tell him about the fact that I broke up with Alex?” I asked.

“Nah! He’ll work harder to prove his worth to you if he thinks he’s got competition,” my dad smirked.

I chortled. “Evil! I like it.”

“Again, the two of you are scary,” my mom reminded.

“Do you guys think it could work though? You know with everything?” I asked.

“Let fate handle that pumpkin. If it’s meant to be, then nothing will keep you apart,” my dad replied.

“Thanks for this,” I smiled.

“Anytime sweetheart,” my mom returned the smile.

We continued with our dinner, and I stayed there for a good three hours. When we were done, we retreated to the lounge to have tea and cake. We spoke about a whole lot of stuff for another hour, including mom’s fiftieth coming up. She and dad had the twins when she was twenty, and he was twenty four. His fiftieth function was a huge thing, and I had a feeling mom’s would be worse considering the socialite and philanthropist she is.

“When are we going to officially meet him?” mom asked as we approached the door.

“When I’m used to us being an us,” I replied.

“I look forward to it,” she said excitedly.

“Really? I couldn’t tell,” I teased.

She mock glared at me. “Oh hush!”

I hugged them. “I love you guys.”

“We love you too pumpkin. Goodnight and drive safely,” my dad said.

“It’s a two minute drive,” I reminded.

“And a lot can happen in two minutes,. You and I both know that,” he pointed out.

“Ok, noted! I promise,” I smiled.

I left and decided that I didn’t want to go back as yet. I decided to drive to my apartment instead and check on things. I parked the car and headed into the building just as Shawna, Deloris and Gina were coming down the stairs.

“Hey Bev! Where have you been?” Shawna asked me.

“Oh hey guys! I’m taking care of a patient for three months, so I’m living with them for the time being,” I informed.

“Ooh! Is Dr Fine As Hell ok with that? He looked mad the other day,” Gina asked.

“Which day?” I asked.

“I think it was on Tuesday. He was banging on your door and he was pretty much sure that you’re ignoring him. We tried to tell him that you hadn’t come back since you left on Sunday,” she replied.

I frowned. “You guys saw me leave?”

“Yeah! You were with that guy who looked like he was hiding. Is he your patient?” Deloris asked.

I nodded. “Yep.”

“Who is he? Why was he hiding? Is he famous? Is he hot?” Shawna rapidly fired her questions.

“It’s been lovely seeing you guys again,” I instead said.

“Oh come on Bev,” they whined as I headed to the elevator.

“See you,” I laughed as the doors closed.

When I got to my apartment, my heart almost stopped. My furniture was still there, but my belongings were gone. All my clothes, shoes, photos, make-up accessories; everything. I was having a panic attack when my landlord, Manny, came in.

“Bev? You ok?” he asked.

“Where are all my stuff?” I asked, close to tears.

“Those guys you sent took them,” he replied.

My eyes narrowed. “What guys?”

“One tall and muscular guy, and one with a cast on his leg. They were here about an hour ago. The one with the cast gave me money for three month’s rent and told me that I should rent this place out because you’re not coming back,” he informed.

The bloody asshole!

“Argh! Thanks Manny,” I whined.

“Is everything good?” he asked.

“Just peachy!” I mumbled.

He frowned. “Do you want me to keep the place for you?”

“No, it’s ok! I’m guessing you’d like your key back?” I asked as I took it off of my other keys.

“I’m gonna miss you around here,” he smiled.

“I’m going to miss you guys and this place as well,” I returned the smile.

“That boyfriend of yours looks pretty wealthy. You must tell him that he’d better take care of you. If he doesn’t, tell him Manny will find him,” he told me.

And he wasn’t kidding!

Manny cares for me like an older brother. He’s a gang leader and this building happens to be one of the buildings he owns. I once went on a horrible date and when I came home, I injured myself. When Manny found me crying, he told his guys to hunt down the guy I went on a date with.

You can imagine how shocked I was when he rocked up at my door with two big guys behind him. He apologized for the horrible date and for making me cry. It took a while before I truly understood what had happened, and I cleared up the misunderstanding with Manny. That’s just how protective of me he is.

“I’ll be sure to tell him,” I laughed as I hugged him. I didn’t bother to correct him any way since I don’t exactly know what Mordecai and I are.

“Now get on out of here. You know these streets ain’t safe at night. I hope you didn’t catch a cab here,” he said with narrowed eyes.

“Nope! I took one of his cars,” I smiled, showing him the keys.

“Fancy! That’s good! Only the best for my little sister,” he smirked.

He walked me all the way to the car, and after one last hug, I was on my way back to the house. I couldn’t decide what I was feeling exactly. I mean, I was pissed off that Mordecai took that step without my say so, but at the same time, I found it to be just a little sweet.

I got to the house and parked the car. They didn’t have to open for me because all of Mordecai’s car keys have the gate and garage remote on them. I parked the car and waited a while before leaving. I walked into the house just as a very guilty Geronimo walked out of the kitchen. I’d already figured out that he was the other person involved.

“He made me do it!” he said with his hands in the air.

I laughed. “I know, calm down.”

“I thought you’d be pissed off,” he admitted.

“Oh, I am, just not at you,” I smiled.

“I so don’t want to be him,” he chuckled.

“Trust me, you don’t,” I smirked before heading upstairs.

As expected, Mordecai was sitting on my bed. All my stuff was sitting everywhere in the room. I didn’t say anything to him, but instead started stripping off my clothes. His eyes were wide by the time I was down to my underwear.

“I should do things like this more often,” he murmured, still wide-eyed. I scoffed before heading to the bathroom to have a shower.

When I walked out, I wasn’t surprised to still find him there. He was looking at me lustfully since all that was wrapped around my body was a short towel. I ignored him and grabbed my underwear, a pair of sweat pants, and a tank top, before going to change in the bathroom.

“Please say something,” he said when I walked out again.

I went over and plugged my hairdryer in before starting to blow dry my hair. From the corner of my eye, I realized that he was getting angrier by the second. Well it serves him right. He had no right to do what he did.

I finished up with my hair before leaving and heading downstairs. I wanted to make myself a cup of coffee. I made it and grabbed a slice of the cheesecake Geronimo had baked that afternoon. I went back upstairs and he was still in my room.

I will give him points for persistence.

“Bev!” he called after me when I turned to leave.

Instead of going downstairs, I headed to his room. This time, the sound of crutches followed after me, and I smiled to myself as I settled myself on his bed with my tablet, which I’d grabbed from my room, coffee and cheesecake on the side table. When he wobbled into the room, I raised an eyebrow at him.

“I found the letters,” he confessed.

“What letters?” I questioned.

“Your bills to be exact. I just wanted to help out,” he replied.

I glared at him. “Hold on one bit! What do you mean by help out?”

“I mean that you are debt free,” he said nervously.

Instead of saying anything, I logged onto the internet and checked all my outstanding accounts. They were all paid up, including my mother’s medical bills. At that moment, true confusion hit me. I was furious at him for prying into my life like that, but at the same time, I was happy about being debt free.

I was happy that he had cleared my debt.

He looked a little afraid when I got up from the bed. He watched me carefully as I stalked towards him. I stood in front of him and his cologne clouded my senses, while his dark orbs stared down at me, anxiety flashing in them.

“You had no right!” I said lowly, my anger shining through.

“I know bu-”

He didn’t get to finish because I stopped him. I crashed my lips to his and brought him closer as my hands locked behind his neck. He must’ve let go of his crutches because his arms wrapped around my waist, bringing me impossibly closer.

“What was that for?” he panted as we pulled apart.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with you,” I replied before kissing him again.

And I really didn’t know.