Falling for Change Read online

  Catching the water I said, “Mom not everyone is as accepting as our family. Her father seems happy for her. But her mother is all about appearances and isn’t speaking to her at the moment.”

  “Well, talk it over with her and let me know.”

  “I will. We’re going to dinner this weekend. I’ll bring it up then.”

  *****

  Waiting for our table at the most expensive restaurant in town I looked over at Blue. I hadn’t seen her for a few days but we’d talked on the phone until one of us fell asleep, usually her. I’m a little worried that she hasn’t been getting enough rest. Out all day at work and searching the woods for a hunter trying to kill her family until well after dark.

  “Blue, you look beat. We can skip dinner if you’d rather and just stay in tonight.”

  She smiled wearily taking my hand in hers and placing a soft kiss to my forehead. “I’m ok. And we’re not skipping dinner. We both need to eat, I have reservations, and we’re already here. Don’t worry about me.”

  Looking up I noticed Pete the Snake on his way towards us. With a grimace I said, “Don’t look now but Pete the Snake is on his way over. Just keep hold of my hand and I’ll get rid of him.”

  “Anita, lovely to see you. It’s been awhile. And who is your gorgeous friend?” His hair was slicked back and he was wearing a plaid suit coat and too much cologne. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before but he really does look like a used car salesman.

  “Peter, this is Blue my girlfriend.” Pete’s eyes got wide for a second then he seemed to shake himself back to the moment.

  “Who’s the flavor of the month or are you here alone?” He chuckled.

  “Always a comedian, Anita. My fiancé is in the restroom.” He had a snarky grin on his face, “Where, did you two meet? What do you do Blue?”

  Blue look towards Anita who just rolled her eyes and ignoring Peter looked out the window.

  “We met at the movie store. I’m a park ranger why do you ask?” Blue purposely kept her hand in mine ignoring Peter’s offer of a handshake.

  “OK. Well I see that I’ve clearly interrupted your evening my apologies Blue. I’m getting the car to leave now.” He held his hands up in front of his chest seeming to say, ‘I’m innocent’. “Enjoy your dinner Anita. I hear the fish is great.”

  Blue’s grip on my hand tightened. Luckily we were called to our table and the snake slithered out before Blue could say or do anything.

  “Sorry. He’s an ass. We dated for a few months. As you can see my record is horrible.” I laughed looking at Blue. I noticed she hadn’t taken her eyes off the spot he’d been in.

  “Blue? Are you ok?”

  Shaking herself she scrunched her nose saying, “You really did have bad luck huh? He smells horrible. What does he bathe in that stuff?” I laughed.

  “I know right? But you smell wonderful. Let’s go eat and forget about him.”

  Chapter 17 (Party Crashers)

  Looking in the mirrored doors in my bedroom I assessed my outfit. I’d changed clothes three times and still wasn’t sure if this was the right look. Going to meet Blue’s family today was making me more nervous than I thought it would. She said it’d just be her mom, Becca and maybe a few of her cousins.

  “Do I look ok?” Phoebe was staring off into space. “Earth to Phoebe? Hello?”

  “Hmm. Yes. You look wonderful. I love that pale yellow summer dress it fits you like a glove. But isn’t too low to meet the family. Pull your hair up and leave a little down around your face. Low heels.”

  “What are you thinking about over there red? I know that look, something is up.” Slipping on my heels I sat at the end of the bed next to Phoebe.

  “I don’t know Anita. I slept with Becca when she took me home the other night. I woke up in the middle of the night and she was gone. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem for me but then she called me a couple days later. She asked me out and I don’t know what to do. She said she wanted to take me on a proper date with dinner and a kiss goodnight at my door. I thought she was like me. I assumed a one night stand would be fine and we’d both move on.” Phoebe side loudly, covering her face with her hands.

  “I get it. You’re scared. You like her don’t you. And now that she is actually interested in more than just sex you’re scared. Well what did you tell her when she called?” I tipped my head and furrowed my brows forcing myself not to laugh out loud.

  As long as I’ve known Phoebe she’s been content with getting laid and moving on. I found it funny that she was confused and scared because she just hadn’t realized that she actually wants more out of a relationship. Ha, I knew I saw something between her and Becca the other night. I also knew that if I mentioned it first I’d never get anywhere.

  “I told her I needed to think about it. I haven’t called her back yet and it’s been a week.” Shaking herself Phoebe stood pacing with her phone in her hand.

  I grabbed her hand and pushed the phone down. “Don’t call her. Just come with me tonight. Becca will be there you can surprise her. Besides I could use a friend tonight. I’m nervous as hell. And for god sakes get over it and tell her you’d love a fancy dinner and walk in the moonlight.”

  “Gross, Anita. I am not a romantic. But I suppose I can’t resist the element of surprise. Let me go change and we’ll leave.”

  We turned onto a dirt road that seemed to go straight through the forest. A few miles down and we came to an enormous mansion. It was brick with a large wooden door. Large windows covered the front of the house. I supposed there isn’t really any need to keep private when one would get lost before even finding the house. Sculpted shrubs in the middle of the turnabout looked to depict the phases of the moon. As I stepped out of the car I realized that Blue was not exaggerating the importance of her mother in the clan. The house and estate had to be five times the size of the one I grew up in. Maybe my mother wouldn’t have such a hard time with me dating women if she knew my woman came from more money than God.

  Now out of the car I walked around and pulled Phoebe out.

  “Jesus. They have more money than you. I shouldn’t do this. You know how people all about appearances and my mouth don’t mix. Anita it’s a bad idea for me to meet her family especially since we haven’t even gone out on our first date yet.” Phoebe tried unsuccessfully to launch herself back into the car.

  “Anita. Phoebe it’s great to see you again.” Blue said as she wrapped her arms around me from behind. “Becca didn’t tell me you’d be joining us tonight.”

  I kissed her cheek and stepped out of her arms turning around. “Becca doesn’t know. Phoebe here neglected to return her call. Becca asked her on a proper date and she tucked tail and ran. I made her come so she could talk to Becca. It’s high time she acts like a grown up. Plus I needed back up incase I make a fool of myself in front of your family.”

  “Ah about that. So remember I said there’d only be a few of us. Well… turns out my mother thought to invite a few more than a few.” Blue winced.

  “How many is a few more than a few? Six? I can do six.” Blue shook her thumb higher. “Ten?” my eyes got wide as her thumb kept indicating higher.

  “Twenty?” I asked looking at Phoebe who was trying to cover her grin with her hand.

  “Twenty two. To be exact. But…”

  “But nothing. Twenty two family members? I, uh, that’s fine. Turn around and introduce me. You’re mother’s behind you.” I whispered.

  Her mother had shoulder length thick black hair with a streak of grey down the left side. She was a little shorter than Blue and had cream linen pants on and a pale blue blouse. There was no mistaking she was Blue’s mother as they had the same sparkling blue eyes.

  “Mother, this is Anita. Anita, my mother Chloe Louve.” Blue gestured between the two of us.

  “My you are lovely aren’t you dear. I just love that dress. Let’s go out back. There’s food and lots of people.” Chloe laughed and turned to Phoebe. “I do believe you’l
l find my other daughter, Becca, out back dear.” Then she turned and walked to the house.

  Phoebe and I looked at each other quizzically. Then we both looked at Blue who just shrugged and started walking towards the house. Catching up with her, I asked quietly so Phoebe couldn’t hear, “How did she know Phoebe was here for Becca, you didn’t even introduce her.”

  Blue touched her ear and said, “Wolves have exceptional hearing. I’m sure she heard you outside giving Phoebe a pep talk. I did.”

  “Crap,” I grabbed her hand to stop our progress, “so she heard me freak about how many people are here.”

  Blue laughed, “Well ya probably. But it wouldn’t matter we can smell fear and right now it’s pouring out of you.”

  I looked down at myself not seeing anything I said, “It is?”

  “Yes. Relax. Or the others will use it to mess around with you.” Then she kissed me and my toes curled.

  “Get a room you two.” I heard Phoebe behind us and pulled away breathing heavily.

  “Do I smell better now?” I asked Blue.

  She crinkled her nose and sniffed me nuzzling my ear, causing me to giggle.

  “Wonderful.” Blue grabbed my hand and turned to Phoebe, “Are you ready? Let’s go. I’ll introduce you around.”

  Stepping around back on the perfectly manicured lawn I saw people ranging in age from two to eighty. Blue tugged me around the large deck and up the steps. Soft music was playing from a local radio station I recognized. A few of the children were running around the yard playing tag.

  Blue introduced me to her Uncle Jerry who was grilling and off to the side of him was two large folding tables full of fruits and vegetables and side dishes like potato salad and beans.

  “Charlie. Come here. Meet Anita.” Blue waved over a tall thin man. He had thick blonde hair that curled around his shoulders.

  “Jeez does every member of your family have beautiful thick hair?” I poked her in the ribs.

  Chuckling she shook her head yes. “Anita this is my cousin Charlie.”

  He took my hand and placed a kiss on it, “A pleasure to meet you. Or maybe I should say the pleasure is yours?” he grinned and Blue smacked the back of his head.

  “What did you do get a little freaky before you two came out to join the rest of us?” Blue glared at her cousin.

  Confused I looked to Blue for an explanation she just shook her head. Charlie laughed and crinkled his nose. Shrugging his shoulders he said, “It’s not like I’m the only one who can smell it on you two.”

  Blue took one towering step over him and snarled, “No you’re just the only one who was punk enough to mention it. Let’s go Anita. There’s more people to meet.”

  “What did he mean smell it? What is he talking about?” she looked down at my crotch with desire in her eyes.

  “Oh.” I could feel my cheeks warming.

  “It’s not that bad Anita. Really. No one else will even mention it. Charlie is a shit. Always has been.”

  After being introduced to another uncle and two more aunts I looked around trying to find Phoebe, she had wandered off sometime between. Out in the yard about a football field away I saw her standing with Becca next to a huge pond. She must have felt me looking for her because she looked up and I waved. Becca bent and said something to her then they both turned and started to make their way up to the deck.

  Before they got to us a short, young, blonde with legs up to here and boobs out to there was making her way toward us. I replaced the instant scowl on my face with a fake smile recognizing her immediately. She was the young blonde that Pete was trying to pass off as his ailing grandmother. I must have stiffened because Blue squeezed my hand.

  “What’s wrong?” She asked.

  “Who is that coming towards us?” I pointed out the leggy blonde.

  Looking towards where I pointed, Blue said, “That’s my cousin Liz. Mother said she’s just got engaged and was bringing her new fiancé. Apparently, Uncle Jerry and Aunt Lou are none to happy about it. They haven’t even met the man yet. But Liz has always been wild. ”

  “It can’t be.” I shook my head. “Remember Pete from the other night? I told you we used to date. He cheated on me with her and two other women.”

  Blue shook her head and grimaced. “That sounds about like Liz’s exceptional taste in men.”

  Liz walked up and held out her hand effectively ending the conversation. Holding her hand out to mine she said, “I’m Liz. You must be Anita.”

  “Congratulations. I heard you were engaged. Where is your new fiancé?” Blue asked.

  “He’s here. Ran to the bathroom.” She pointed towards the back door. “He should be out any minute.” As if on cue Pete walked out the back door.

  Liz waved her hand and called, “Hunny over here. I want you to meet my cousin Blue.”

  Pete walked up to us smirking. “We’ve met already sweetheart.” Wrapping his arms around Liz from behind. He kissed her cheek and seemed to stare Blue down.

  “Yes. The other night. Nice to see you again Pete.” Blue held her hand out.

  Letting go of Liz, Pete shook Blue’s hand.

  “A pleasure to see you again Anita as always. I trust you two had a lovely dinner.” He looked me up and down, paying particular attention to my breasts.

  “Well isn’t this cozy.” Becca said joining the group.

  Pete turned and looked at Becca too. He seemed confused for a second but then quickly covered it up by leaching at her breasts.

  “I think I need a drink. Would anyone else like one?” Blue asked the group wearily.

  “I’d love something.” I said with a fake smile.

  “Me too.” Phoebe piped in. “Something strong.” She grimaced looking from me to Pete.

  Blue turned to Becca letting go of my hand. “Why don’t you come with me Becca. You’re better at making the strong drinks than I am.”

  Ten minutes later and Blue nor Becca had returned with our drinks. Impatient and repulsed by having to make small talk with Pete and Liz I excused myself to go find our drinks and a bathroom.

  In the house I found Blue along with Becca and her mother in a heavy discussion in the kitchen. Blue looked up as I walked in.

  “Anita. I need you to get Phoebe and go back to my house. I should be there soon. Don’t let anyone in except for Becca or myself. I’ll explain the details when I get there, but remember how I told you I’d been looking for Chasseur. Well I think we’ve found him. She kissed me and pushed me out the door with, “Be careful. Please. Remember don’t let anyone but me in.”

  *****

  “I’m certain that’s him Becca. He bathes in that cologne. I don’t know how I didn’t recognize it the other night. It’s the same overpowering smell I followed from the woods. It smells of oak and spice. It has to be him.”

  Becca rolled her eyes. I know you don’t date men Blue but really how many in the world do you think wear that particular scent? I’d say there’s thousands even hundreds of thousands.”

  “That’s enough fighting the two of you.” My mother’s voice was booming and she had her hands on her hips just like when we were kids.

  “She started it.” I stuck my tongue out at Becca.

  “Becca your sister is certain that this is the man who shot you. Whether he is Chasseur we can’t be certain.” She raised her eyebrows at me. “But. It does seem awfully convenient that he’s now engaged to one of your cousins Becca.” Holding up her hand to stop Becca’s retort she continued, “And according to Blue this man, Pete, was dating several women at the same time as Liz. It seems to me that he was looking for something and hiding a lot.”

  “Whatever, Blue’s just mad because Anita was one of those women he was dating.”

  “Regardless. Blue call Anita and find out where Pete lives. Take your cousin Charlie with you to his house. See what you can find. Becca and I will distract him and Liz from leaving. Don’t tell anyone else what we suspect. No reason to get him killed if he’s not Chasseu
r. Call me if you find something.” I knew Becca was not happy about having to be a part of this but no one disobeys my mother when she gives a command.

  Chapter 18 (Rotting Fire)

  Pulling up out front of Pete’s house I looked at Charlie. The house was small and the yard hadn’t been mowed in weeks.

  “Isn’t this lovely.” Charlie said pointing to the house that had seen better days.

  “Let’s go take a look around back.” We shut the doors quietly not to alert the neighbors. Night was coming quickly so we hurried behind the house. The windows were dirty and it was impossible to see inside what little space was open from the curtains being drawn.

  “Who keeps curtains drawn in the back of their house?”

  I looked at Charlie and said, “Someone with something to hide.”

  He leapt onto the small back deck and jiggled the door handle. “It’s locked.” Grinning at me he twisted and said, “Not anymore. After you.”

  Holding the door open Charlie followed me into the house. It smelled strongly of rot and cologne. There wasn’t much in the way of home furnishings. A few dirty dishes in the sink and exactly one coffee cup left in the cupboards. The living room had a couch and television but there wasn’t any pictures or decorations hanging on the walls.

  “Looks like a man who hasn’t been home much and who doesn’t plan to stay long.” Charlie whispered.

  “No one is here Charlie. Why are you whispering?”

  “I don’t know. What if he has listening devices or something?”

  “Jeez Charlie, he’s not a secret agent.” I turned towards the hallway.

  “No you’re right Blue. He is just a sleaze bag who is probably plotting to kill our whole family. Excuse me for being careful.”