Adamant Spirits, page 175
“A bit?” Robin shook his head and leaned back in his chair. “A developer wants to buy this land and tear the orphanage down. I’d say that’s more than ‘a bit of trouble’.”
“Yes,” Ada nodded, her usually bright eyes weary.
It felt like my heart had stopped beating. “Ada . . . why didn’t you tell me? You know I wouldn’t have mentioned it to the kids.”
I agreed there was no need to put them through that. The facility was an orphanage, but for many who grew up here, this was their home. I included myself in that population. I knew how much this place meant to those who had lost families, or who had never had them to begin with.
“I might have been able to help,” I added. It hurt that she hadn’t told me—she knew how much this place meant to me, too. And I’d thought she trusted me.
Ada extended her hand over the desk. I placed my palm in hers, like I’d done many times as a child. She squeezed, and her dark brown eyes pierced through me. “Dearie, there was no way I was bringing more pain upon you. You work yourself too hard as it is, and what we owe is so much, there’s no way you could help. I prefer to see you happy and healthy, rather than toiling away for nothing.”
She turned her gaze to Robin. “And I can’t accept your money either. It’s not enough and wouldn’t stop the big bad wolf—well, vampire, in this case—from blowing down our door. I hate to say this, double trouble, but this will be the last year the orphanage is open.”
“You’re not even going to fight for it?” I shot out of my chair, a turmoil of emotions rushing through me so fast that identifying any single one was impossible.
“Tell me how much you need, Ada.” Robin somehow sounded sensible. “Maybe I can come to an agreement with the owner of the land. I’ve negotiated a few big deals since I left your care.”
Ada shook her head. “The owner said if we could beat the vamp’s price, he’d sell to us. But it’s pointless. That amount of money has never flowed through these halls. It’s—”
“How much?” Robin placed his hand over both of ours softly, but his tone was hard, demanding.
A zing of electricity shot through me. I forced myself to ignore it and held my breath, waiting for Ada’s answer.
She pressed her lips together. “Two million. Apparently, our property is valuable because it’s in a pretty area far outside the city. They want to build a beautiful spa retreat for tourists.”
All the air left the room, and my knees buckled. I collapsed into my chair. Two million?! Who in their right mind would expect an orphanage—a poor shifter orphanage, at that—to come up with that kind of money?
My gaze veered to Robin. He, too, looked gobsmacked. That gave me comfort. Maybe I hadn’t been in the dark as much as I’d thought.
Ada retracted her hand. “As you can see, we’d need quite a substantial donation. And while I appreciate that both of you want to help, I can’t take your money. Not that much.”
“There has to be something we can do,” Robin said.
“There is,” Ada gave Robin a gentle smile. “Why don’t you use that money you were going to donate and take Marian here out to get the kids new clothing? Every single one of them needs a few things, and Marian knows their sizes and tastes. As we may need to relocate the children soon, it would be best if they looked presentable when they arrive at their new homes.” She choked on the final words.
Robin stood. “We’ll do that, won’t we, Mar?”
I arched an eyebrow, not sure what he was getting at—shopping absolutely was not happening, and I was sure he knew that. But I was willing to go with the charade for now. I’d do almost anything for the kids and the orphanage.
So, let’s see what you have up your sleeve this time, Robin.
“One hundred grand, huh?” I asked Robin the moment we walked out of the orphanage into the cooling desert air. “How did you get that much money? Did you steal it from the YMCA? Or maybe this time you targeted an old rich granny?”
Robin stiffened, and the blue orbs I’d gotten lost in hundreds of times locked with mine. “I’ve changed, Mar.”
“Do you own a business?” Saying the words made my mouth go dry. If he’d changed and become an upstanding citizen, why hadn’t he come after me? Was he dating someone else? Or worse, married? The idea of him with another woman made me want to wrap my arms around my stomach.
“Yeah, I own a business. In a way.”
My eyebrows knitted together, sensing the half-truth. “In a way? What does that even mean?”
“I’m in . . . financial management.”
I barked out a cruel laugh. The boy who hated math was now managing people’s money? Yeah, right. Like I’d ever believe that tale.
“How are you twisting that, Rob? Let me guess, you promise people money, and then you con them? Like you conned that poor, struggling artist out of his rent money all those years ago to get me a ring?”
Robin pressed his lips together until they turned white, then his shoulders slumped. “I’ll tell you what it means, if you’re willing to be open to it—which honestly, judging by your tone, I don’t think you will be.”
Open to it? Oh, no, no, no.
Robin could convince a skunk to give up its stripes. I didn’t need him to convince me that whatever screwed up crap he was involved in was right. I didn’t want to be complicit.
“We’re not together anymore, so it’s none of my business what you do for a living,” I said. “I’m grateful that you returned to save the orphanage, but we don’t want your dirty money. We’ll find another way to keep the orphanage running.”
Before he could try to wrangle me into whatever predatory scheme he had brewing; I turned and stomped to my car. The moment I was inside the vehicle, I started it up and, ignoring the trembling of my arms, drove. I needed to get away from Robin as quickly as possible, before I did something that I regretted.
Three
I slammed my front door shut and grabbed a chair from my dining table. After pulling it up to the fridge, I climbed onto the chair and reached as far as I could. My fingers grazed wood, and I opened the cabinet above the refrigerator. Dusty bottles stared back at me. I studied their contents and frowned. Tequila and limoncello were my only options.
Limoncello didn’t seem strong enough to dim my emotions, but tequila felt drastic. The image of Robin’s face swam in my mind’s eye and I huffed. Screw that, it wasn’t drastic at all. I made my choice, wrapping my hand around the skull-shaped bottle that promised a hangover from hell tomorrow. Within minutes, I’d rinsed out a dusty shot glass, downed the first shot, and because Robin’s blue eyes still haunted me, I chased it with another.
I grimaced after the second shot flowed down. That shit burned! Still, the sensation was better than the muck and mire swirling inside me. So, I took a third, and then a fourth shot before leaning against the counter. The tequila rushed through me, making my limbs tingle and dimming the vision of my ex—the man I’d thought had been the love of my life.
I didn’t drink often, but in moments like this one, I understood why someone would turn to the bottle. Already I felt better, more detached from the terrible news about the orphanage and how Robin had tossed my world upside-down again.
I set about reheating my leftover pizza and added a few carrot sticks on the side to ease my guilt. I really needed to go to the store and stock up on healthier items. I’d been treating my body like crap for the past few months, and it was only a matter of time before it caught up with me. I’d start a meal plan soon, maybe add some exercise too.
But not tonight. Tonight is for forgetting.
I took another shot for good measure before collapsing on the couch with my plate.
“Ahhh.” I grabbed the remote and flipped through a few channels, none of which caught my eye. I’d just given up on television—books were always better for distraction anyway—when someone knocked on my door.
I stiffened. People rarely came to visit me. Was it Robin? My stomach sank at the thought. I hoped not, but I wouldn’t doubt it. He’d never been one to give up on his plans so easily.
The knock came again, louder this time. Whoever it was clearly would not just go away, so I stood, wobbled, and walked to the door. If it was Robin, I’d have to tell him off again and hope that this time it would work.
I steeled myself and threw the door open wide. A smile cracked my lips. Ada stood there, dressed in a poofy blue gown and gossamer fairy wings. A silver wand embellished with sparkly tinsel twirled in her hands.
“What’s with the costume?” I was as confused as I was delighted. “I thought the party wasn’t until tomorrow.”
“It’s not. But I couldn’t justify buying this elaborate getup for one event. It’s doing double duty for a party a friend of mine is hosting tonight.” She paused and sniffed the air. Her nose wrinkled, and I cringed, realizing that she’d caught the scent of tequila. I knew what came next.
“I thought I’d stop by before her soiree to see how you were. Judging by the fact that you reek like a bar, I’m glad I did.” Ada arched an eyebrow.
The gesture made me feel like the same teenage girl who’d gotten caught trying to sneak into the orphanage tipsy with her boyfriend. My face fell as I recalled the fun, but totally age-inappropriate night. Ada caught the gesture and shook her head knowingly.
“It seems you need a fairy godmother around more than ever, dearie.” Ada lifted her wand and twirled it through the air. Her gaze pierced me expectantly. “Are you going to let me in?”
“Err, sure.” I opened the door wide, allowing her into the open living area. Almost right away, I wished that I’d put the bottle of tequila away—or at least capped the damn thing—because Ada’s eyes darted right into the kitchen and locked on the booze.
“Forgot to clean up after my margarita,” I lied, not wanting to admit I was one step away from drinking straight out of the bottle.
I sidestepped into the kitchen and closed the bottle. Wanting to hide my shame, I placed one foot onto the chair, preparing to put the liquor away.
“Hold on a second, sweetheart. Just set the tequila over there.” Ada gestured to the kitchen counter. “I don’t want you falling off and breaking a leg.”
I followed her instructions, my cheeks burning. “Ada, I only—”
Ada stopped me by placing a gentle hand on my arm. “Let’s sit down and have a chat.” She used her wand to point to my couch. The magical prop lit up at the tip, making me smile a little.
Fancy. No wonder Ada wants to wear that outfit more than once.
Feeling more like a teenager than I had in years, I shuffled into the living room. Despite being a grown-ass woman, I rolled with it and gave in to dramatics. It had just been that sort of day.
I flung myself onto the couch with a sigh. Ada lowered herself gracefully next to me, her lips quirking up ever so slightly. A silence hung between us for a few moments until Ada spoke.
“I noticed some tension between you and Robin today. Did something happen that you want to talk about?”
I bit my lip. It was one thing for me to be mad at Robin, but since his own parents had passed, Ada was the closest thing that he had to a mother. It would be cruel to vent my frustrations about him. What if Ada became upset with him for events that happened years ago? I might still be butt-hurt about it, but that didn’t mean she needed to be. It wouldn’t be fair to him.
Ada leaned forward. “You can tell me, you know. I love you, Marian, and want to know what’s wrong. In fact, I insist.”
I gulped. “I don’t want you to be upset with Robin. That wouldn’t be fair.”
Ada laughed delicately. “Oh, sweetie, that’s what this is about? I’m not delusional about Robin. The boy is a charmer, and I love him to death, but he’s got plenty of flaws. Just like everyone else. Tell me. Let me help you.”
I shook my head. Damn Ada and her motherly intuition. I could tell that she wasn’t leaving without an explanation. I needed to give her something—but not everything. I couldn’t do that to Robin.
“Nothing happened, today,” I admitted. “It was a long time ago. I never wanted to tell you because he couldn’t defend himself, but there are still unresolved issues between us—from when we were a couple.” I dropped my eyes to my hands and sucked in a breath. “That, and I guess that I felt bombarded by the information you shared about the orphanage. It hurt that he knew before me.”
Ada placed a hand over mine. “That’s understandable, sweetheart. But I honestly didn’t tell him. Robin discovered the orphanage’s troubles from someone else. But we’d been in contact before that, anyway. He called me a few times to ask questions about his past. The first time was about you.”
I ripped my eyes from my hands to meet hers. “What? But why?”
Ada’s lips curved up a bit. “He wanted to make sure he was remembering parts of your past correctly. Said he didn’t call you because he didn’t want to dredge up painful memories. Everything he said was correct, and I confirmed it. I hope you don’t mind, but I figured since he already knew, then you must have told him before.”
I wasn’t mad at Ada. Robin knew more of my past than anyone, and I didn’t believe for a second that he actually forgot. The man forgot nothing. So why had he called to inquire about me?
“What did he ask?”
“Mostly questions about your parents.”
My parents? But that made no sense. They’d been murdered when I was four. Robin, who I’d met at the orphanage after I arrived, had never known them. Sure, we’d talked about them, but rarely—just like we didn’t talk much about his parents.
“And I am sorry I didn’t tell you about the orphanage’s troubles sooner. During one of my conversations with Robin, I mentioned that the orphanage had fallen on hard times,” Ada continued, obviously not thinking it strange that Robin would ask about my parents. “When we spoke next, he said he was coming to town to help. That was a week ago.”
“Right.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “I guess that makes sense.”
Some of it, anyway.
Ada gave me an understanding smile and pulled me in for a side hug. Warmth spread through me. I was still conflicted. But knowing that Ada cared enough to stop by really meant a lot to me. “You always needed to talk out your problems. Do you feel better? Less inclined to hit the bottl—I mean . . . down a couple of margaritas?”
My cheeks heated. “Yeah. Thanks for stopping by.”
She lifted her wand. “You’re welcome, dearie. I figured if a fairy godmother couldn’t make it all better, then who could?” She glanced at her watch and stood. “Call me if you need anything else, okay?”
I agreed and showed her to the door. As soon as the lock clicked into place, I pressed my back to the wall and slid to the floor.
Although Ada’s visit had made me feel better, it had also introduced new questions. Ones I couldn’t figure out with so much tequila swirling through me but would obsess over later.
Like why had Robin called to ask about my parents before coming home?
Four
Water trickled down my body, slightly softening the sensation of a hammer pounding against my skull. I groaned. Tequila was a bad choice.
Hangovers were the worst. Why did anyone drink? Why did I drink last night? A dozen experiences had taught me I was a lightweight and needed to be careful. And yet, I found myself with my cheek stuck to the side of the shower once again.
Will I ever learn?
I shook my head, well aware that question could apply to a few facets of my life at the moment. The motion only made it hurt more. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sit in the shower and mope all day. This was my first day off in over a week, and I had shit to do. Mountains of it.
My chores consisted of boring stuff like grocery shopping and cleaning. Even so, I would have to be semi-cognizant to perform them. Which meant that I needed painkillers, water, and, most of all, food.
I turned the shower knob, and the water trickled to nothing. After wrapping myself in a robe and twisting my hair into a towel, I ventured into the kitchen with the slow, shuffling steps of the nearly dead. I’d just tossed back a couple of painkillers and was pounding a glass of water when someone knocked on my door.
Who dares approach my lair now? I thought and mentally roared like a dragon. I stood there, staring at the door, wondering, and debating if I should pretend like I wasn’t home, until I realized that it was probably Ada returning to check on me. I hoped she’d brought that fairy godmother wand with her. I could use a bucket of magic right about now.
The knock sounded again, louder this time. I grumbled and shuffled over to the door. “Jeez! Hold up a second, will you!” I gripped the door handle and pulled. “I feel like—Oh!”
Robin stood in front of me, wearing dark slim-cut jeans and a classic black button-up shirt that fit him perfectly. He looked like a GQ cover model. Something inside me stirred, almost breaking through the hangover.
“How are you feeling, Mar-bear?” Robin grinned like the devil himself as he held out a grease-soaked paper bag and a cup of coffee. The scent of sausage and egg leaked out from the bag and my stomach churned with hunger.
I bristled. He had some nerve coming here, but try as I might, I couldn’t find the strength to turn him away. Not when he’d brought exactly what I needed to stay alive.
“Let me guess, Ada told you I went on a bender?” I grabbed the bag and coffee from his hands.
“She said that she was busy preparing for the Halloween party tonight but wanted someone to stop by and make sure you were okay.” Robin remained in the doorway, hovering.
I wondered what he was doing, but then he ran his hand through his wavy brown hair. My eyebrows shot up at the familiar tic. He’s nervous. But why?
“Sooooo, can I come in? I’d like to talk.”
