Chapter 14 – So You Are Guilty

Mordecai, Geronimo, Zebedee and I sat with dumbfounded looks as we looked at the lovely woman before us. We were sitting on the one couch, while she sat opposite us. We were still trying to process the information she’d just given us.

“Why are you people looking at me like that?” she asked.

“Hold on! Judith sent you here?” Zebedee asked.

She nodded. “That’s what I just said!”

“And she sent you here to live with Kai for publicity reasons?” Geronimo asked.

“Yeah! Apparently he’s in need of my image,” she smirked.

“I’m not,” Mordecai said, bored.

“Well your agent believes otherwise. Now, can your maid please take my stuff up to our room,” she demanded.

“Maid? Our room?” Mordecai asked. Her eyes trailed over to me.

Oh hell no!

I glared at her. “She did not just call me a maid.”

“Stay calm,” Mordecai pleaded.

“Calm? Oh, I’m calm alright!” I replied. He gave me the look I gave him when he wasn’t calm with Zebedee.

“She called me a maid Kai, a maid!” I emphasized.

“She doesn’t know better Bev. Keep calm,” Zebedee sighed.

“I can’t keep calm! Judith has gone too far this time!” I snapped.

“What do you mean?” Geronimo asked.

“She was here earlier and she saw us together. She told me that this shouldn’t get out and we kinda pissed her off,” Mordecai was the one to explain.

“And this is how she chooses to get back at you,” Zebedee pieced together.

“She probably has some big thing planned for this non-existent relationship,” I commented.

“Oh yeah, she definitely does,” Mendel happily confirmed.

“I can’t do this!” I said before storming out of the room.

I headed up to my room and all I could do was pace to keep my anger levels in check. I have a history of anger management issues, and this situation was only reminding me of how good it felt to embrace that anger sometimes.

I’m a generally tolerable person, and it takes a lot for me to say I hate a person, but I truly despise Judith Livingston. There’s just something about her that gets to me, and it’s been a while since I’ve truly hated someone that much.

“You know, you haven’t given me an answer.”

I turned to find Mordecai leaning against the doorframe, his crutches in his hands. I couldn’t believe that he’d done what he did. Despite Mendel’s presence, and my shock, he told Dean to process the papers. I just couldn’t believe he was that serious about me.

“I haven’t exactly had the chance,” I pointed out.

“Well, the floor is yours,” he smirked as he walked into the room.

“Really? Even with what’s going on?” I asked.

“I have no part in whatever Judith has come up with. When I told her to deal with this, I didn’t mean for her to do something like this. Now, are you going to tell me good news?” he smiled as he wrapped his arms around me.

“Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend,” I giggled.

“And will you move in with me?” he asked.

I scowled. “I’m already in the house.”

“I mean into my room silly,” he chuckled.

I bit my lip. “Are you sure?”

“With you there, that witch downstairs can’t sneak into my room at night and have her way with me,” he argued.

I burst out laughing. “You are such a dork Mordecai.”

“So, is that a yes?” he asked.

“On one condition- you have to let me make some changes. Your room is too dark,” I negotiated.

“Ok, but you can’t make any changes to the bathroom,” he countered.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I smiled.

And I truly wouldn’t. His bathroom is perfect the way that it is. Unlike his room, it’s got light and it’s the most tranquil place to be. I’ve actually been using it like he said I could, much to his amusement. I just can’t help it.

“Let’s get that witch settled into a room downstairs,” he sighed.

“She’s staying?” I whined.

“I’m keeping my enemy close. She’ll help with our investigation,” he pointed out.

“And I’m supposed to be nice to her?” I asked, nose scrunched.

“Nope! I’m just keeping her here, but she must understand that whatever she and Judith have planned just doesn’t apply. I’m already taken, and that’s not changing anytime soon,” he declared.

“Can I play the ‘this is my house’ card?” I questioned.

“Of course, since it is,” he chuckled.

“Who knew that would come in handy so quickly? You’re a crazy man by the way,” I blushed.

He shrugged with a smile on his face. “I do happen to be crazy about you, so I guess that works.”

“I didn’t think you did cheesy,” I taunted.

“Cheesy is good every now and then. Why do you think the cheeseburger was invented?” he said with a cute smile.

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t fight the smile. “Really Kai?”

“I’m just saying gorgeous,” he chuckled.

“Whatever! Let’s go deal with the wicked witch,” I sighed.

“Cheer up gorgeous. She’s got nothing on you,” he attempted to sweeten.

“Yeah yeah!” I huffed.

We headed back downstairs and I almost laughed when I found Geronimo and Zebedee looking at Mendel like she was a strange object they couldn’t understand. She was seemingly telling them about her adventures as a pop star.

“Oh good! You’re over your temper tantrum! Do be a dear and get me a lemon tea with honey and mint,” she told me.

“I’m not a maid,” I said darkly. Mordecai squeezed my hand as we sat down.

“Oh! Then what are you doing here?” she asked in confusion.

“She’s my girlfriend,” Mordecai informed. Her eyes widened a little before she started laughing.

“She’s nuts,” Zebedee mumbled.

“I’m sorry! It’s just that Judith warned me that you might say something so ridiculous,” she giggled.

Can I kick her?

“He’s not kidding!” Geronimo snapped.

“Oh please! Everyone knows Mordecai doesn’t do girlfriends,” she scoffed.

“And yet you and Judith feel that your miraculous relationship with him won’t come across the same way?” Zebedee asked what I was thinking.

“Of course not! I’m a pop star and we’ve been linked before. What value does she add to his life?” she asked.

“She’s the reason I’m standing in front of you to begin with,” Mordecai replied.

She rolled her eyes. “She’s not a doctor or a nurse.”

“I’m actually his nurse,” I informed.

She raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re screwing the help?”

“Why does everyone fucking call me that?” I grumbled.

“Don’t disrespect my girlfriend in her house,” Mordecai warned.

“Her house?” Mendel asked, this time with Zebedee and Geronimo joining.

Mordecai shrugged. “She co-owns everything that I own.”

“Wow!” Geronimo said, wide-eyed. Zebedee was just as shocked.

“I know,” I blushed.

“Are you serious? You gave your nurse that much?” Mendel asked incredulously.

“It’s none of your business really. You are here only because Judith wants you here. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting that. You can take your bags to the room down that hallway,” Mordecai directed her.

“You can’t be serious!” she snapped.

“Oh, but I am. God gave you legs and arms correct? In this house, we all do things for ourselves, unless if someone feels nice enough to do something for you, and right now, no-one is taking your bags to a room you’re being allocated to. You’re not welcome here, but we’ll accommodate you,” Mordecai told her.

“This is bullshit! I don’t need to deal with this. I’m calling Judith,” she said as she took out her phone.

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Mordecai smirked. While she was on the phone, I turned to him.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “What are you up to?”

“She makes us all uncomfortable. She’s not staying here. Judith can come up with a better strategy,” he replied.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

He nodded. “Positive.”

“Ok! I’m behind you the whole way,” I smiled.

“I know you are,” he said before kissing me briefly.

I went to the kitchen, following Geronimo, who made me a nice cup of hot chocolate. Mordecai only sighed because he knew I would need it if I was going to be dealing with Judith. Zebedee opted for a cup as well. Like, this thing is delicious. It’s from Geronimo’s brand of food.

Judith arrived about thirty minutes later, and she looked royally pissed off. I was surprised when Nellie walked in behind her as well, and she looked more confused than anything. We moved back to the lounge, where Mendel was typing furiously on her phone.

“What is this Mordecai? Are you trying to piss me off?” Judith asked.

“What are you referring to exactly?” he asked.

“I got an email from Dean about the changes with your estates and accounts, and I called Judith to find out if she was aware, but I guess she wasn’t. You linked Beverly to everything,” Nellie was the one to reply.

“Your accounts as well?” I asked wide-eyed. He nodded before turning to the women.

“I did. What’s the problem?” he asked.

“She’s the fucking help Mordecai!” Judith snapped.

He glared at her. “She’s my girlfriend, who I hope to make more than that, so do me a favour and respect her.”

“And you’re just allowing this to happen? They’ve only known each other for a month!” Judith asked, turning to Zebedee.

Zebedee shrugged. “What are you looking towards me for? I actually like Bev so I’m all for this. My brother is happy, and that’s all that matters to me.”

“This is madness, and you know it!” Judith snapped.

“Why is it madness exactly?” I asked.

“Shit like this just doesn’t happen. This isn’t a movie. This is reality,” she pointed out.

I rolled my eyes. “Well done for knowing that, but that doesn’t answer the question.”

Judith turned to Mordecai. “You’re supposed to be with Mendel!”

“I’m not supposed to do anything I don’t want to, and I don’t want to be with Mendel. I don’t see the purpose of it,” Mordecai replied.

“It’s for publicity! We’re trying to get you back out there,” Judith argued.

“We’re supposed to be clearing my name, not showing me moving on without confronting the allegations made against me,” he countered, which gave me an idea.

I need to speak to my brothers and head over to the hospital.

“Look despite what this woman is making you believe, I have your best interests at heart here,” she told him.

“Stop referring to Beverly as though she’s insignificant in my life. Secondly, despite what you want to believe, I truly believe that you’re not doing anything to help me,” he replied.

“You would be nothing without me,” she spat.

“True, but recently, you haven’t shown me why I hired you in the first place,” he attacked.

“Are you firing me?” she asked.

“No! I’m merely saying that you should stop disrespecting my girlfriend and find other ways to work on my image,” he replied.

“So what? I’m not living here then?” Mendel asked.

“No, you’re not,” Mordecai refused.

“Since you’re such a fucking genius in all of this, do share how you think this should be handled,” Judith turned to me.

“Oh, don’t stress about it. I’ve got it covered,” I smirked.

“You know nothing about the entertainment industry!” she scoffed.

“True, but I know a little something about honesty, and a whole lot about my boyfriend,” I countered. She looked furious.

“Fine! You handle this and let’s see if you’ll do a better job at it!” she replied.

She and Mendel left soon after, while Mordecai had to take a call. Zebedee turned in for the night, and Geronimo followed soon after, leaving me with a very nervous looking Nellie. I was tired of this awkwardness, so I got up and opened up my arms for her. She rushed into them and gave me a tight hug. When I felt wetness on my shoulder, I knew she was crying.

“I’m so sorry Bev,” she sniffed when we pulled away.

“I know you are Nell, and I forgive you. How about we do breakfast later?” I asked. I was too tired for anything really. It was after all one in the morning.

“I’d love that,” she smiled.

“Are you staying here or driving back to your place, which I still have to see by the way?” I asked.

“I don’t know. It’s up to the lady of the house,” she said as she nudged me.

“The lady of the house would love it if you stayed,” I giggled with a blush.

“We have so much to catch up on!” she sighed as she hugged me again.

“I know. I look forward to that breakfast,” I smiled.

She went to her room in the house, which I found out she hadn’t completely cleared since Mordecai stopped her from doing so. He didn’t want to isolate her, so she agreed to keep some of her stuff here, and the rest of her stuff at her apartment.

I went upstairs and found Mordecai in his room just as he was hanging up the phone. “Everything good?”

“Everything’s perfect,” he smiled.

“Good!” I returned the smile.

He narrowed his eyes at me as he pulled me in so that I was standing between his legs. “What have you got planned Miss Rhymes?”

“Nothing,” I giggled.

“Oh really? I find that very hard to believe,” he replied.

“It’s not my fault you’re paranoid,” I teased.

“Really? You’re going to pin this down to paranoia?” he chuckled.

I shrugged. “What else could it be?”

“On a serious note – what are you planning on doing about this?” he asked.

I cupped his cheek. “Just leave it up to me. I promise it’s nothing bad.”

“I trust you,” he smiled before kissing my palm.

At seven the next morning, I was ready to leave with Nellie. She had a half past nine meeting, so we had to have breakfast quite early. Mordecai wasn’t even awake when I left, so I had to leave him a note and a kiss to the forehead.

I was dressed casually in a pair of blue jeans, a white long sleeved shirt, with black boots, a black leather jacket and matching accessories. Before we slept, Mordecai had given me his black card and told me to get myself anything I wanted, whenever I wanted.

Not that I had intentions of using it anyway.

I took it with me either way. Nellie was taking her car and I was taking the Mercedes, which I guess is now my car. I hadn’t even noticed that I was matching with the white car, until Nellie mentioned it. We drove all the way to the restaurant of her choosing, which was a five star restaurant.

It dawned on me that for the past two years, she’s been able to afford a lot of fancy things, and I had always pinned it down to her job. Little did I know that it was just her brother behind it all.

“So, where do we begin?” I asked once we’d ordered.

“With you of course! Tell me everything!” she demanded.

And so I did.

I told her everything that had happened from the day I was mad at her. I told her everything about Alex, and everything about Mordecai. Telling her about Alex made me realize that I hadn’t thought of him in a long while. After we broke up, it took him two weeks to stop calling and texting me.

“Aaaaw, oh my God! I never thought my brother could be so adorable. He’s always such an insensitive asshole,” she gushed.

“It’s his defence mechanism,” I said before taking a bite of my egg.

Just wasn’t the same as Ger’s.

“From what you’ve just told me, I figured,” she replied.

“He’s still got a long way to go though,” I argued.

“No, he’s come a long way with you, trust me. All he needs is for you to stay with him,” she smiled.

“I have no intentions of leaving really. I think I’m falling in love with him,” I admitted.

“Oh sweety, you already are,” she said knowingly.

“I know,” I groaned.

“It’s not a bad thing though. He seems to feel the same, so at least you have that,” she pointed out.

“I guess you’re right. So, what’s the story with you?” I asked.

“I’m enjoying my job, but Evan wants us to be more. I don’t want to jeopardise our working relationship,” she sighed.

“Hold on! What about Geronimo?” I asked.

She shrugged. “He’ll never like me Bev. I’ve come to terms with it.”

“Have you tried telling him how you at least feel?” I asked.

“If he can’t even pick up the vibes I’m sending his way, then it’s hopeless,” she replied.

“Which is why it would be better to just be direct with him,” I suggested.

“I don’t know Bev,” she sighed.

“Just try it out ok?” I said.

She nodded. “I’ll see.”

“Good! Now, tell me about you and Jackson,” I said as I narrowed my eyes at her.

She froze.

“What?” she asked.

“So you are guilty!” I smirked.

“Guilty of what? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she rambled.

“You won’t go after Ger because you’ve already moved on with my brother!” I stated.

“I... That’s not... How the hell did you find out?” she asked, genuinely stunned.

“I know you both like the back of my hand. We may have not been talking all that much, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t kept tabs on you. Plus, Fernando let it slip that he saw you guys together two weeks ago. When I asked Jacob, he also said that he suspects that something is up. I’ll admit that Jack did a great job trying to hide it, but he can’t outdo Jake,” I smirked.

“Ag, you and your super spy brother!” she whined.

“Spill!” I laughed.

“Ok fine! Jackson had apparently liked me for a while, so I figured why not go on a date with him. We went on our first date and it couldn’t have been more perfect. I’ve been hooked since,” she admitted.

“How long has this been going on for?” I asked.

“I’ll only tell you if you promise not to be mad at me,” she replied.

I instantly knew that it was a lot longer than I thought.

“I promise,” I sighed.

“We’re going on six months next week,” she said nervously.

“Oh wow! You guys can keep things secretive,” I said in awe.

“He wasn’t sure about how to approach the whole thing since we’re best friends and all. The last thing he wants is for you to hate him because of this,” she explained.

“I could never hate him, or you. I mean, here I am dating your brother too,” I pointed out.

“Good point,” she giggled.

“I’m truly happy for you both if you make each other happy,” I smiled.

“Same here! You’re not going to let him off the hook easily though are you?” she asked knowingly.

“It’s like you’re in my brain,” I smirked.

We enjoyed the rest of our breakfast and I realized that I had truly missed her. We hugged before parting ways and she headed out to work, while I headed over to the mall. I’m not into shopping or anything like that, but I wanted to get Mordecai something. Now that I’m debt free, I can use my own money to get him something special.

“Beverly?” a voice called me. I turned and my eyes damn near rolled out of their sockets.

Oh my God!