CHAPTER 51

It had been a long time since Kevin had felt this weary and bone-tired. The hot water felt good pounding against his shoulders and back. When clouds of steam began to fill the room, his memory was jogged back to the night that he fell in love with Connie - the night that he pulled her from the shower when she began to feel the aftershocks of her attack. She had scared him to death.

The only thing that propelled Kevin out from under the water now was the thought of laying his body between cool, clean sheets. He turned off the spigot, squeezed the excess water out of his hair and grabbed a plush white towel. The thick terrycloth felt good against his skin as he rubbed and patted the dampness away. Even the warm blast from the hair dryer was soothing. He felt drowsy, exhausted from partying the night before and tired from waiting - waiting for Connie to come back - waiting to begin a new and much needed chapter in his life. For the first time, he felt ready to commit himself to a relationship. It felt right. It was right.

He wrapped the towel around his waist as he stepped out of the bathroom and over to the window to close the lightweight curtains. Puffs of air caused them to billow out, allowing just enough breeze to circulate and freshen the air. The sheets were smooth, untouched and begging to be rumpled. Kevin dropped his towel and climbed into the bed, ready to wilt their crispness with his own body heat.

The sensation of fresh linen on his clean, naked skin was not disappointing. Kevin's eyes opened slightly just before he drifted into a deep sleep. A slight smile formed on his lips as he realized that he had unconsciously placed himself on one side of the large bed. Just a few months ago, he would have managed to spread himself across the entire mattress. He wished that Connie was with him now, occupying the empty space. Sleepy, afternoon lovemaking was a guilty pleasure that he would have to forego for the time being but that frustration would end tomorrow. Thank God... Pleasuring himself had the potential to release some tension but did nothing for the emotional release he craved. It was more like scratching an itch.

He took one quick glance at the door before his eyes closed to make sure it was shut. In a couple of hours, he would wish that it had been locked as well.

*****

Leighanne was waging war with a curling iron when she heard a car door slam. It looked like Brain and Nick were back sooner than she expected and she was glad that she had started her 'repair and maintenance' program early. It had been bad enough that Kevin had seen her covered with waxes and masks but better him than Brian and especially Nick! She was so sure it was them that she didn't even get up to peek out of the window. Several seconds passed before she became curious. I should have heard them come into the house by now...

She was applying her lipstick as she strode casually over to the window. When she pulled back the sheers and looked down towards the driveway, she froze. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The cabby was lifting luggage out of the trunk and Brandi was climbing out of the back seat.

A million questions and conclusions flew through Leighanne's brain at once. What is she doing here? Is Kevin expecting her? No, of course not! He was trying to find her! He hadn't been able to reach her... She has luggage. She's planning to stay. But Connie's supposed to be back tomorrow! Connie doesn't know about Brandi. She'll want to know what's going on... Kevin's gonna have some serious 'splainin' to do! Should I wake him up? No, maybe I should talk to Brandi first... Why the hell didn't Brian stay home today? Why is she here? As soon as Leigh asked herself the last question, the answer became abundantly clear. Brandi's here to stake her claim... Shit! All hell's gonna break loose and I'm up to my ass in it... She turned from the window and hurried down the stairs, hoping for an interception. Maybe I can stop this before Kevin sees her...

Leighanne ran out to the porch, wishing that she had gone to Busch Gardens with Brian and Nick. She really didn't know whether to shit or go blind. She was chewing the color off of her bottom lip as Brandi paid the cabby and then twirled around to face her. Even after a long flight, Brandi looked glamorous and very 'California'. Designer sunglasses covered her eyes which, no doubt, boasted at least as much eye shadow as Leigh's did. Blond hair fell to her tanned shoulders and red lipstick framed her very white and very capped teeth. Leigh had never seen anyone with skin quite like Brandi's. It was one color all over her entire body except for the blush she wore on her cheeks - no freckles, no moles, no bumps or scrapes, no variations in tone.. Leigh was fairly confident that the crack in Brandi's ass was the same color as her arms. It was as if she had been painted. She looked a little like a cheap version of Faith Hill whereas Connie was more of a Nicole Kidman type. Leigh hardly knew what to say to her friend under these potentially volatile circumstances. It didn't matter. Brandi spoke first.

"Leigh! Sweetheart! I hear you've been looking for me!" , she shouted bending down to pick up her bags. "Well, here I am!" she shouted.

"Uh... I didn't know you were coming, Brandi... Was Kevin expecting you or something? I mean, I'm always glad to see you - you know that... I'm just surprised, that's all. H-he didn't say anything... and you know I've been wanting to talk to you and all and..."

"Shut-up, Leigh! God, what's the matter with you?" Brandi laughed. "We'll have plenty of time to talk later but I have to see my Kevvy first. I hear he's been looking for me, too. Probably needs some lovin'... Be a dear and get the door for me, will you?" Leigh did as she was told and Brandi came into the house, set her bags down and pulled off her sunglasses. "Now, where is my Kevvy? I saw his truck parked outside so I know he's here somewhere..." Brandi said glancing around.

"Oh, he's asleep!" Leigh answered quickly. "He's worn out. He'll probably sleep through 'till morning, but there's an empty room upstairs. I help you with your things.."

"Yeah, right Leighanne.." Brandi smirked. "Like I'm really gonna sleep in a guest room...." She hitched her purse up onto her shoulder. "And don't you worry about Kevin sleeping through until morning. Believe me, that will never happen..." Brandi cocked one eyebrow, making her implication quite clear. "Besides, I wanted to show him this, but maybe I'll wait 'till - you know...later..."

Brandi held out her copy of the LA Times. The paper had been folded so that the snapshot of Brandi and the ring were impossible to miss. Leigh read the short paragraph and then stared at Brandi wide-eyed over the fold. Brandi had raised her left hand and wiggled it so that the ring was practically in Leigh's face.

"What in the hell is that?" Leighanne whispered. She wasn't really sure why she felt a stab of anger beneath her obvious shock. After all, this is what they had both wanted, wasn't it? If Kevin went, Brian might soon follow. "Kevin didn't say anything to anyone about this... About getting engaged!"

"Kev and I have talked about marriage. You know that."

"You mean you've talked about it! I never really heard Kev talk about it! That was a long time ago, Brandi! That was before..."

"What?" Brandi snapped. "Before Bonnie or Callie or whatever the fuck this girl's name is you've been so twisted about? She was convenient, Leigh and that's all! Whose side are you on, anyway?"

"Where did you get that ring?" Leigh murmured, ignoring Brandi's question of loyalty. "Is it real?"

"God, Leigh! Of course it's real! It's a hundred and thirty grand worth of real and Kevin bought it!"

"I don't believe you... That's impossible!"

"Is it? Here's the receipt!"

Brandi pulled a sheet of paper from her purse and threw it in Leighanne's face. Printed on the line that read 'Purchaser' was printed the name 'Kevin Richardson'. The receipt had been signed by the jeweler. Leigh was momentarily dazed. What the fuck? Her journey into confusion was ended by Brandi's sharp tongue.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Leigh? I thought we were friends! We've been talking about our weddings for a long time, remember? I marry Kevin. You marry Brian. Wasn't that the plan?"

"But..."

"No 'buts', Leigh! Now which room is Kevin in? We need to make up for some lost time! You said yourself that the deaf girl was all wrong for Kevin and I don't see her around anyway! So much for 'togetherness'! She spread her legs and now it's over! He's had a chance to get that shit out of his system!" Brandi turned and stomped halfway up the stairs before she stopped and turned. "I can't believe you were so worried about that deaf bitch! It's laughable, Leigh - it really is! Kevin having a serious relationship with a deaf woman?" Brandi chuckled scornfully. "He needs someone who knows the biz, Leigh - and so does Brian. They're not up to their asses in 'blue grass' anymore. You would do well to remember that! You've done your job. Now it's time for you to butt out, darling..."

With those parting words, Brandi continued up the stairs to the second floor leaving Leigh in a state of total shock and confusion. She glanced once more at the newspaper that Brandi had tossed carelessly onto the foyer table. She guessed that Kevin would see it after their 'reunion'. Leighanne didn't know what to do. Damn Brian for leaving me today! Well, Kevin's gonna have to straighten this mess out - one way or the other. Connie will be here tomorrow. He's out of time...

Chapter 52

Brandi hesitated outside of the first door she came to. It was closed. She would try it anyway. No one was here but her and Leighanne. If it wasn't Kevin's room, she would move on down the corridor. She didn't want to knock and was relieved when she felt the brass knob turn easily in her hand. The room was fairly bright but light would never stop Kevin from sleeping if he was truly exhausted. Her eyes went directly to the king-sized bed. There he was, sound asleep on his stomach, his head burrowed into the pillow. His hair had gotten longer since Brandi had seen him last and looked black as coal against the white sheets. The top-sheet had inched itself down his body and Brandi could see the dimples that lay just above his backside. His shoulders looked almost as wide as his pillow. God, he was a beautiful man...

Brandi regretted not paying more attention to the nuances of their relationship. She had sensed a slight shift in his reactions to her several months ago yet she made excuses or ignored his pronounced lack of interest and nonexistent passion, convincing herself that they were too wrapped up in their careers to let emotions get in the way. That was fine. They both got what they wanted that way - sex when it was convenient and the luxury of pursuing their careers without guilt. That's all she wanted and she thought that was what he wanted, too. They were supposed to be together and, as far as Brandi was concerned, they were and would be. She'd be damned if she was going to let some of her best years go to waste.

Management must not have seen the late edition of the Times yet. If they had, all hell would have broken loose by now. Somebody's falling down on the job... That was good. Brandi had insisted that the small column not be released for the earlier editions. She needed some time - just a few hours.

Brandi smiled as she watched Kevin sleep. Her smile widened as she kicked off her shoes and began to unbutton her shirt. No need to wake him... He looks so tired... When she was completely nude, she carefully slid into the bed beside him. He never moved. That was okay. She didn't want him to wake up just yet. When he did wake, his confusion would be her ally.

Brandi was feeling a little weary, too. She had left California in the wee morning hours. A little nap would do her good. She inched a little closer to him and then laid on her side, purposely positioning herself so that her breasts would be the first thing he saw when he finally did open his eyes. Hopefully he wouldn't turn his head in his sleep. She also managed to slip her hand under his as he lay sleeping and was pleased to feel his fingers curl around hers. Brandi preferred not to think of this as a reflex action. Soon she found herself dozing a bit, too, but not really sleeping. She wanted to be ready when Kevin woke up.

*****

It's mighty quiet up there... Too damn quiet...

Leigh was down to her last fingernail when she heard the scrunch of gravel outside. Brandi had been with Kevin for over an hour. Leighanne didn't know what was going on, but there was no yelling and he obviously hadn't thrown her out. She hurried to the door, sure that Brian was back, at last. She was wrong. So very wrong...

*****

Connie tried to calm herself as the cab drew nearer to the grove house. She felt like a schoolgirl about to begin a new adventure. This was crazy.

She had gotten next to no support for her plans to move in with Kevin - neither hearing nor non-hearing friends seemed to be happy for her. Although she hadn't really discussed this move with Hannah, Connie suspected that even she had some trepidation concerning her relationship with Kevin. Connie knew what Hannah would likely say - 'You're moving too fast...'.

That was probably true. This was not a relationship that they had slowly eased in to. It had been intense since the first few minutes of their meeting but Connie felt that, for the first time in many years, she had to be spontaneous. Ever since the accident she had planned, summarized, set specific goals and relied on logic. Her decision on this matter was anything but logical and she found herself feeling almost giddy with anticipation.

As the cab came to a stop, Connie noticed that Kevin's truck was the only vehicle in the drive. She smiled, wondering what he would be doing when she surprised him. She paid the cabby, picked up her bags and started up the porch steps, unaware that Leighanne had seen her arrive and was barreling towards the front door at that very moment. The redhead and the blond practically collided inside the doorway.

"Connie! You're back so soon! God, I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow! Neither did Kevin!"

Although Connie couldn't hear Leighanne, there was no mistaking the fact that she was breathless and practically shrieking. Her face wore and expression that was difficult for Connie to pinpoint. Leigh was obviously upset but she didn't appear to be bitter or angry. Still, Connie thought that this was as good a time as any to stand her ground.

"I thought I'd surprise Kevin." Connie hoped that her words had come out evenly and with strength. She certainly didn't want Leigh to think she could be easily intimidated. "Where is he?"

"Oh... I don't really know." Leighanne answered as if the question was a difficult one. "I haven't seen him," she lied. "He must be...out or something..."

Connie was very much aware of a person's body language. It helped her establish a tone when she read lips. Leigh was a nervous liar. She didn't do it well without a preplanned script.

"His truck is here," Connie noted. She also noticed Leighanne's furtive glances towards the stairs. "I'll just go on up and see if he's there. I'd like to wash up anyway."

It was then that Leighanne stepped in front of her, deliberately blocking her path and causing Connie to loose whatever 'cool' she had managed to maintain. She didn't want her new life to begin with a catty pissing contest but felt compelled to make a stand.

"Look, Leighanne..." Connie said angrily, pushing past Leigh and forcing her against the railing. "...I know you dislike me. I'm not sure why, exactly. I don't know if you don't think I'm good enough for Kevin or if you think I'm invading your territory or if you think I want some sort of second-hand fame and attention..."

Leighanne began to sputter. "Connie - please..."

"Stop it! You've disliked me since I walked through that door for the first time. I know that you don't want me to have anything to do with Kevin but get over it! This is not something I planned or calculated!"

"No Connie! You don't understand! Please..."

"Save it, Leigh!" Connie shouted as she turned to go up to the second floor.

When Connie turned away, Leighanne's pleas and shouts fell onto literally deaf ears.

*****

Brandi had awakened from her light sleep when she heard the shouts from downstairs. She hadn't counted on this piece of good luck. Kevin was still sleeping soundly, undisturbed by the apparent conflict. At first, Brandi had panicked, sat up and held the sheet to her chest, unsure of what to do as she listened to Leigh calling Connie's name. In an instant she had decided to let nature take its course. After all, she really wasn't doing anything wrong. Kevin was her man and she had every right to be here. Connie was the interloper. So, she leaned against a pillow and waited for the scene to play itself out.

Connie tapped gently on the door and then turned the knob. When she stepped inside the door, she thought for a moment that she must be in the wrong room. There was a woman in the bed - a blond woman she had never seen before. She was naked - at least from the waist up. A man was lying beside her - also nude. He had dark hair, like Kevin. Connie just stared for a moment as if her brain had ceased to function.

"Kevin!" Brandi began to shout, pretending to be frightened. "Kevin wake up!"

Brandi began shaking Kevin's shoulder. She was a better actress than Leighanne. She actually looked stunned and a little scared upon seeing Connie standing near the door. All Connie could do was stare. If was almost as if she had been injected which a paralyzing drug - the type that froze your body but left your cognitive processes intact. She continued to watch at the dark-haired man roused himself and rose up on his elbows. It was Kevin... He looked at the woman for a second or two as if confused and then his eyes seem to clear and he started shouting. It looked like shouting, anyway. Connie couldn't tell for sure because she was finding it impossible to focus on his mouth.

The woman shouted back and pointed towards Connie, whose feet were still stuck to the floor. She saw Kevin's face turn towards her, she saw his eyes grow wide and lock onto hers. She saw him push the woman, who by now was clinging to his arm, and jump out of the bed and head towards her. He was completely unconcerned about his nakedness. The woman was still screaming at him. Connie couldn't see anymore after that. A thick, salty film had covered her eyes and she was only aware of shapes - like the shape of an arm that reaching out towards her. Kevin's arm... Connie's leg's finally reacted as if in compensation for her newly blurred vision and she began to back away. A soft vibration rumbled in her throat as her lips and tongue poured out plaintive whispers that echoed her realizations and gave sound to her disbelief and perceived betrayal.

"No... no... no...."