Resisting Perfection (The Perfection Series Book 2) (17 page)

Chapter Twelve

Camille

I hate this. I hate being locked in a room with him when I can’t stand his face. The face I’ve loved for so long. The face that’s hurt me for the last time.

“What will we tell our child when he or she asks how we me?” I ask him. I have no idea how we are going to raise a child together. Neither of us knows the first thing about children.

“I don’t know. I’m sure you’ll come up with something since I won’t be allowed to see it.”

“So you’re agreeing that you’ll not be with Piper long?” He shakes his head and waves his hand at me but he doesn’t answer.

I don’t know what I expected from him. He hasn’t been my Fenton in a long time and I knew deep down that even a baby wouldn’t change that. As hard as I’ve tried to keep us together, the drugs and alcohol tried harder. Or maybe it’s me who changed. Once upon a time drugs and alcohol were both our best friends. It’s what bound us together. It was nothing for us to blow through hundreds of dollars every few days on coke. We were invincible together and nothing held us back. We were the couple everyone in Geno’s house wanted to be. Inseparable and there was no denying the love between us. But all that ended when he went to prison. Even though we tried after he was released, it was never the same. As hard as I tried to make it work, we were different people. I got sober for him. He got sober because he had to and that never lasts. I’ll give him credit, though. He tried when he got out. He got a job with his dad, continued to stay clean and we were happy. But when his grandpa passed away, nothing mattered anymore. He had no one left in his life; therefore, no one left to live for. Or at least that’s what he thought. He still had me but I represented a time in his life he was trying to forget and even though we’re still friends, it wasn’t the same. So, he moved out of our house and into his grandpa’s. That helped our relationship. We still weren’t in a romantic relationship but our friendship was growing stronger again. The drugs never went away and there were times he would show up at my house in the middle of the night begging me to stay. I couldn’t tell him no. I will never be able to tell him no. I should’ve but I couldn’t.

The night he met Piper at the bar, I knew I would never be his go to person again. There was a pull between them that he and I never even had. I left the bar that night crying. I watched him take woman after woman home from that bar and it never fazed me. But Piper was different and we both knew it. She’s beautiful. They have the same job taste. She challenged him. And most importantly, she didn’t go home with him that night. I’ve spent half my life telling him yes and doing whatever he wanted just so he will stay with me, when what I should have been doing was telling him no and letting him know the things he was doing were ruining his life. It took me fifteen minutes to realize I loved Fenton but fifteen years to realize I was only enabling him. And when I finally stopped, he wanted nothing to do with me.  

When Fenton went to prison, I thought my life was going to end. I spent every Sunday at the prison, sometimes talking to him on a phone and sometimes sitting at a table right next to him but never knowing what to expect when I arrived. My heart broke for him every week. But he got sober while he was in there and even though I tried to be sober with him, I was still living with Geno. And trying to stay sober in Geno’s house was almost impossible. I had to fight hard but by the time Fent was released, I was sober, too. By that point, I’d been through so much in my life; being forced into prostitution, moving out when Fenton and I were sixteen to live with him at Geno’s, getting hooked on drugs and then watching Fent being taken to prison for kidnapping. I just rolled with it all. I did what I had to do to survive and never thought twice about it. But none of that prepared me for how hard it would be to get clean. Then once I was clean, to stay clean. It was all worth it when Fent was released and we were clean together. When his grandpa died, he started using again but I had no desire. I loved the life we were making together but he couldn’t handle it. He never was one to like restraints and in his mind, I was one. So, he moved out of our small house we were able to rent and moved to his grandpa’s house. Our relationship has not been the same since.

“We could’ve had a good life together Fenton.”

“It wasn’t meant to be, Cam.”

The air in this room is becoming thick and I am chocking on it.

“We’ve survived some pretty fucked up shit in our lives, Fenton, but I honestly don’t know if we’ll survive this.”

Piper

“Are you ready?” Shane asks from the hallway. They are the first words he’s spoken to me since earlier. Tonight is going to be awkward and I know I should get over it but I’ve done nothing but mope and feel sorry for myself all afternoon. Not only because of my fight with Shane but I still haven’t heard from Fenton. I hope he’s stopped talking to me because he’s moved on and not because something has happened to him.

“Yes,” I lie, jumping out of bed to run in the bathroom. I flip the nozzle for the shower and jump in. As I begin lathering my hair my mind drifts to what could be happening with Fenton. I’m sure he’s been busy trying to find whoever demolished his bar on top of also trying to find out who is causing him all the problems. If he hasn’t called or messaged me by the time we are finished with dinner, I am going to head back home. I can’t handle not knowing what is going on with him.

I quickly rinse my hair and the day away, praying tonight goes smoothly. My father and Shane seem to be getting along just fine. But the minute Shane says the wrong thing or looks at me the wrong way, my father will not hold back. The stress tonight will cause is overwhelming and I want to play sick so we don’t have to go. However, this dinner is important to Daddy because he wants me to get to know Elizabeth. So for him, I will go and hope the two of them can make it through the night.

“Pipe, it’s time to go!” This time it’s my father’s voice on the other side of the door.

“Almost ready!” I yell.

I pull a brush through my wet hair and fluff it up with some gel. I run to my closet and pull on a black cloth skirt and a yellow long tube top while stepping into a pair of black flip flops. After grabbing my phone, I head for my bedroom door fifteen minutes later. I’m in such a rush I run right into Shane when I pull open the door.

“Piper, you look great,” he smiles.

“Thanks, let’s go,” I say, passing by him to run down the stairs. Before I make it down the stairs, I decide to have a small talk with Shane.

“Can we just be friends tonight? No talk of relationships or how much you hate Fenton? I don’t want to argue about this in front of Daddy. He’s so excited about tonight and I don’t want to ruin that for him.”

“Yes, of course. We wouldn’t want your father to know how I really feel about you.”

“That’s not fair, Shane!”

“Let’s go, Pipe,” he says, shouldering past me down the stairs. I can already tell his is going to be a fun night. 

“Nice of you to join us, Piper,” my father says with aggravation in his voice. It seems he and Elizabeth has been waiting a while.

“You look beautiful, Piper,” Elizabeth cuts in, trying to make me feel better.

“Thanks, Elizabeth. You also look beautiful.” She is wearing a black silk dress that stops just above the knee. It’s very light and airy which is good since it’s so hot outside. Her hair is pulled back in a pony with her side bang hanging loose.

“Well, now that we agree everyone looks beautiful, shall we?” my father adds, holding his hand out in front of us to go ahead.

We all walk out in front of my father and head towards his car. My anxiety continues to grow as I don’t know what the night is going to bring. The last time I was out with Shane, we ended the night fighting because he was wasted which led to him assaulting me. Here’s hoping tonight yields better results.

I grab the door handle to Dad’s car when Shane grabs my other hand. He pulls me toward his car instead and I wonder if it’s a good idea.

“I was hoping we could catch a movie after dinner, do you mind?” he asks, sensing my hesitation.

“Sure, but we’re watching a chick flick.” He hates chick flicks, he’ll never agree to that which is fine because I really don’t want to go to the movies.

“I can go for a good chick flick,” he replies. His cocky grin spreads as he knows I know he hates chick flicks. This is an apology movie. He’s still trying to bring me back to him. I’m not sure how much longer we can dance in this circle.

“Dad, we’re going to drive separate,” I inform him, hoping it’s not the wrong decision.

“Ok, baby girl. See ya there.”

“I hope you know where this place is because I don’t.”

“Didn’t you live here?”

“Yes, but it’s been four years and I’ve never been to this place.”

“I’m sure my GPS will be able to find it.”

I check my messages again but there is still nothing from Fenton. Something is wrong, I can feel it. Even if he’s just very focused on what he’s doing, surely he would have the decency to send a quick message. I’m going to send him one more message and if he doesn’t respond by the end of dinner, I’m skipping the movie.

“Everything ok?” 

“Yes…I don’t know. I haven’t heard from Fenton since yesterday and that isn’t like him.”

“I will refrain from commenting on that.”

“Well if that’s your answer then it’s probably best you do. Why didn’t you mention the movie earlier? Have you looked up times and what’s playing?”

“No, we’re just winging it.”

“Ok, but don’t be upset if we are stuck watching a Disney movie. They’re my favorite, you know.”

“I’m well aware.”

“How many times have you suffered through Aladdin?”

“Too many! I don’t even trust that little thief,” he chuckles.

“Hey! You can’t talk about him that way, I love him!” I joke.

“Yeah…”

I probably shouldn’t have thrown those words around. He’s already upset enough about Fenton, I’m sure he’s glad to hear me say I love another guy besides him. Even if he is a Disney character.

We ride in silence the rest of the trip. Well silence by way of neither of us is talking but I can hear my heart pounding thinking about Fenton. What if whoever killed Gibson has finally got to him? What if he has decided to end our relationship and didn’t have the balls to tell me? No, there is no silence in my mind as it is going full speed with the possibilities.

“I believe this is the place,” Shane says, breaking up my thoughts. He parks in one of the spots of the beautiful high rise that my father is contemplating a revision. Most of downtown Dayton needs some major renovation and this dinner tonight will be with the owner of the building. He’ll be pleading his case to my father and in turn my father will decide if he wants the opportunity.  I’m actually very excited to be here while it’s happening. It’s been a while since my father has had to bid on a project. In this stage of his career, he doesn’t have to do that much. Clients beg him to build for them. However, with this being part of the city, it works a little different.

“You ready, baby girl?” my father asks me. “You’re about to see your pops pull down the deal of the year. I wish Frank James’ entitled ass were here to see this.”

“You know I am, Daddy!” I’m excited to see him in his element and to see him so happy. I glance over at Elizabeth and she is beaming at him. I will have to take more time to get to know her better. She seems to really be into my father and I want her to know I appreciate the smile she has put back on his face.

Once we get inside, my father wonders off talking to someone while we wait on our table. For a place that needs major renovation, it isn’t too much of an eye sore. The building is three stories tall and when you’re standing in the grand entrance, you are able to see all of the other levels. It’s like you’re looking up into a cylinder and it’s outlined with oak banisters. At the very top of the cylinder is a beautiful stained glass skylight which casts beautiful colored shadows throughout each level of the floor. All of the walls are accented with oak trim and quarter round which all leads to the beautiful oak flooring. I sure hope Daddy takes this job as it would be so much fun to make this place beautiful again. Or more beautiful; It’s stunning already.

I search for the waiter but I can’t seem to find anyone and Daddy is still talking with whomever it is he is talking with. Shane has gone off somewhere leaving me with Elizabeth.

“So what do you do?” I ask her, trying to be friendly.

“I’m in interior design. In fact, that’s how your father and I met. He hired my team of designers to work one of his jobs and from the very first business meeting we’ve been very good friends.”

“That makes sense. I couldn’t imagine what type of woman my father would be interested in after my mother…well you know. So, it makes sense for him to be interested in someone who has the same background as him.”

“I hear you’re an architect. That’s fantastic! I started out wanting to be one but I just couldn’t get through the schooling. Not that it was too difficult, it just wasn’t meant to be. Some of the aspects really didn’t keep my interest.”

“I love interior design but for me it has to be from beginning to end. In order for me to know how to coordinate colors or know which style of glass to choose for the windows, I have to know how it’s built from the ground up. It’s a feeling thing for me.”

“So how would you handle this type of situation where you already have a structure that needs to be renovated?”

“I would only renovate if I had complete control. Of course the owner would have some say but in the grand scheme I would have to be able to completely take it apart and put it back together again. This is where my father and I differ in opinion and why I mostly only deal in brand new construction. Not a lot of people who want just a renovation are able to completely demolish or are willing to hand over the design aspect completely.”

“I must say, you’re definitely your father’s daughter. I’ve only seen that sparkle in someone’s eyes while talking about design one other time and it was with him.”

“He taught me most of what I know.”

“You mean I taught you all you know?” he laughs behind me.

“No, I mean most of what I know. Since I’ve been out in the real world, I’ve learned a thing or two,” I counter, smiling over my shoulder at him.

“We’ll talk about that later. Our table is ready, ladies,” he informs us, ushering us to our table.

We make our way to our table when I realize Shane isn’t with us. I survey the room but don’t see him anywhere.

“Daddy, have you seen Shane?”

“No baby, he was standing with you ladies when I left.”

“He must’ve gone to the bathroom or something.”

We walk through the maze of tables to the only one that is dressed for dinner. It’s dressed with white table linens and a crystal center piece that houses a lit candle. Square plates sit on top of maroon place mats while bottles of chilled wine are waiting to be consumed. There is a long white table along the back wall where the catered food is waiting.

“Mr. Green, this is my daughter, Piper. She’s a traitor who’s gone on to become a Hoosier architect but is still a fierce competitor. In fact, I made her sign a non-disclosure agreement before we left the house,” they laugh and my dad winks at me. “You already know my beautiful Elizabeth but when you hire Adams, you’ll get to know her team of designers a lot better.”

“It’s so very nice to finally meet you, Piper. Your father always speaks so highly of you. Elizabeth, always a pleasure.” Mr. Green takes both our hands and kisses the top before we all sit down.

“Sorry about that, I had to take a phone call,” Shane says, finally returning to the table.

“Everything ok?”

“Yeah, nothing to worry about,” he replies adding nothing more.              

The grilled chicken and sautéed potatoes are magnificent. The conversation that flows naturally consists of buildings and design. By the end of dinner, I’m not sure if Mr. Green wants to hire my father or me to complete the renovation.

“You know, it would be spectacular if I could have both of your brilliant minds working to recreate this historic building.”

“That’s up to Piper. She’s worked hard to distance herself from me and I think she’s already succeeded. I would love to work with you on this project, what do you say, baby girl?”

“I…can I have some time to think?”

“Of course, but I need an answer by the first of the month.”

My mind begins racing as that only gives me two weeks. What will I tell Logan? He’s offered me this magnificent position; I can’t turn it down before I even begin. And then there’s Fent. I have no idea what is going to happen between us but what if we stay together? I can’t leave him. The palms of my hands begin to sweat at that thought.

“Well, it was great meeting all of you. I hope to talk to at least two of you soon.” Mr. Green winks at me.

“Thank you, we’ll be in touch,” my father replies. We all shake his hand and walk back outside to the cars.

“So, you two are hitting the movies?” Daddy asks.

“Yes. I don’t know what’s playing but we should be back in a few hours.”

“Ok, you guys have fun.”

“Bye, Daddy. I love you,” I say as I hug him.

“Elizabeth, it’s been fun chatting with you tonight. I hope we get to do it again soon.”

“Same to you, Piper. Have fun at the movies.”

I have to wait for Shane to finish shaking my dad’s hand before I can get in the locked car. Once the car beeps, I hop in and am zinging with excitement.

“That was such a great meeting. What do you think? Do you think I should work with my father?” He’s quiet, lost in thought maybe? He doesn’t glance in my direction and there is no sign he’s even listening to me. “What’s going on? You were quiet all through dinner not to mention we couldn’t find you for a while.”