To Love a Soldier (12 page)

“You mean to tell me that filthy motherfucker showed up at your house?”

“Relax. I grabbed my gun. I just wanted to tell you before you got here, so you would have a chance to calm down. Mandy is having a really hard time and we need to put the Mike thing aside and be there for her right now.”

“Liz, this guy tried doing unspeakable things to you and you expect me to just calm down?
I want to break his fucking face and make sure he’s not around to do it to anyone else.”

“I know. Please, I need you right now too. Don’t do anything stupid, Brady. He’s not worth it. I believe in karma and one way or another he will get what’s coming to him without you getting involved. I need you to promise me.”

“Fine, but I’m not happy about it.” I knew it was begrudgingly on his part, but I would take what I could get. I knew damn well as soon as we hung up that he was going to where Mike worked; he knew at least one of Mike’s friends would be there.

A couple hours went by with barely any conversation between Mandy and me. I realized it was getting late
, and neither of us had eaten anything.

“Come on, bitch,” I said. “I’m taking you to the mall to eat.”

“Liz, I look like hell,” she said.

“Who cares? We need to eat, not impress anyone.”

She got up from the couch and started walking toward the stairs. “Fine, let me at least change, again.”

I was going to kill two birds with one stone. Feed us girls and check up on Brady to make sure he didn’t lie to me.

A Mall Is a Girl’s Getaway

Mandy

Walking into my bedroom, I had to change because I wasn’t wearing my dirty, torn sweatpants out in public, and Liz was making me go to the mall to eat and check up on her boy toy. I wasn’t really in the mood to go out because I was feeling blue. I’d never let anyone have this kind of hold on me before. Sure, I’d been in love and I had had happy and sad moments, but nothing to this extreme. Was this really what true love was? I mean, absolute love. I was strong-willed, yet my mind had no control over my emotions this time. I felt helpless.

I kept finding myself trying to shake it off when the depression set in. My mind kept telling me how stupid I was being.
You should be happy! You found your perfect man. He left, but he’ll be back soon and, when he comes back, he’s coming back to you!
And my mind was right, but my heart was blind. I needed to clear my mind, though, because my friend needed me.

“I’m ready,” I said when I got downstairs. “Please tell me we’re not getting sandwiches made by Brady.”

Rolling her eyes, she laughed at me. “You can get whatever you want. Just as long as it’s from the food court.”

“Sigh. Only hours after my love
leaves, I’m back to eating at low-quality joints,” I joked. “I actually wouldn’t mind a sandwich.”

I grabbed my keys and told Liz I was driving. I might have been in a little fog, but it was clear that she was in a much worse state of mind. I watched her as we walked to the car and she was surveying the entire surrounding area.

“Liz, he’s not out here.” I really didn’t know that and the thought he might be made my hairs stand up, but I had to try to settle her nerves.

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” she said, opening the car door with one last glance around.

“One day, I’ll be your sister-in-law, so you should get used to me being right all the time.”

Liz laughed. “You realize that Lisa will then be your mother-in-law, right?”

“Why is that funny? I love your mom; she’s the best.”

“I know she’s great, but she can be a little nutty, especially emotionally.”

“Liz, that’s not fair,” I spat. “You were young, and I don’t think you could’ve understood what she went through.”

Liz snapped. “He was my father! I think I know.”

“Look, I’m by all means not trying to downplay how horrible that was for you, and still is. I’m just saying what she went through was different from what you and John did.”

“Yeah, I guess,” she said, lowering her voice. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. I’m just a little on edge.”

I laughed. “We turned something funny into an argument. We’re such bitches.”

Luckily, the mall was nearby
and we found a super close parking space. Liz seemed a little jumpy as she surveyed the parking lot as we made our way inside. The automatic doors opened and her shoulders seemed to relax a little as she saw Brady behind the counter. I put my arm around her shoulder as we made our way over to him. Brady just stared and smiled at Liz, not even acknowledging me.

“Hey, Liz, check out this
hottie working here.” I kept my arm around her.

“Yeah, he’s hard not to notice,” she said, smiling without breaking eye contact with Brady.

“Maybe we can make him harder by asking him if he wants us to double team him?” I joked.

Brady got a little red and shook his head like I was an idiot.

“Mandy, you already tried getting in his pants and failed,” she teased, pushing my arm off her shoulders.

“Brady, do you wear gloves when you touch the food?” I asked.

“Ha ha, real funny. Do you really want something?” he asked.

“Yes,” Liz said. “Make us both a turkey and cheese and don’t skimp. Bring it to us when it’s done.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled and started to work on the sandwiches.

Liz and I found an open table and sat down. “That was kind of harsh.”

“Was it? I didn’t think I was being a bitch,” she said.

My eyes just widened and I left it at that. I didn’t want to get into another argument. I knew why she was lashing out at everyone. “Coming here was a good idea. I think I want to shop my blues away.” I really did need a distraction after today’s events.

“Sounds like a plan to me,” she said, still sounding slightly clipped.

A few minutes later, Brady came to the table to give us our sandwiches. He dropped my plate in front of me. My roll was cut in the shape of a penis - well, to the best of his ability - and it had mayonnaise squirted on the tip and splashed in front of it.

“Oh, this looks mouthwatering,” I said as I grabbed it in one hand. I wasn’t going to let him get me. Stuffing the end into my mouth, I kept pushing without biting down. “My, Brady, this is so big. I’m having trouble fitting it in my mouth.”

Smirking, he said, “That’s what Liz says all the time.”

Liz smacked him in the arm, as he took a seat at our table.

“All right, I want to hear everything all
over again,” he said to Liz.

“I already told you everything, Brady. I didn’t leave anything out,” she huffed.

“I think it would be good if you stayed with Mandy, at least until I get out of work.”

“Already planned on it.” She gave him a kiss and shooed him away. “I’ll see you later.”

“Later, girls. Behave,” he said as he stood up.

I stuffed my mouth one more time with the sandwich. “Thanks for the big meat, Brady.”

An elderly couple happened to walk by as I made my comment.
Bad timing!
The older man smirked while his wife glared at me in passing. Liz just laughed it off. We finished our late lunch and went shopping. We both spent money we didn’t have, but it was worth it, making us both feel a bit better that day. Afterwards, we headed back to my place and relaxed while waiting for Brady to get off work.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Liz

My day got better after seeing Brady and doing some shopping with Mandy. After, I waited at Mandy’s for Brady to come by and follow me back to my house.

“Mandy, are you sure you don’t want me to stay. I swear I don’t mind.”

“I’m sure. Please don’t take offense, but I really just want to be alone right now. I can’t fall to pieces with an audience and that’s the only way that I’m going to get through this. I love you for wanting to help me
and you have, but I’m fine. Besides, I would rather you go home with Brady, so you’re there when she gets home from work. I wouldn’t want to risk her running into Mike in the dark and no one be there. If I need you I’ll call. I promise.”

I couldn’t blame her for wanting to be alone. I wanted to make sure she was okay and we promised John we’d look after her until he got back. She was tough and used to dealing with things her own way, so I didn’t really see any other option that obliging to her wishes.

“Okay, you call and we’re back here. I promise.”

She nodded her head and looked down at her phone for what had to be the thousandth time tonight. Normally, she was so fun to be around but tonight she was too preoccupied. I imagined she kept checking to see if my brother messaged her because if you missed the small window of talk time you were screwed until next time and you never knew when that would be.

“Mandy, he’ll message you when he can. You realize there are only certain times that you’ll hear from him, right?”

“Yeah, he explained that. I just have to get used to it,” she said.

“Lucky for you, by the time you get used to it, he’ll be coming home for good.” I smiled at her.

“Liz, do you think I’m good enough for him?” Mandy asked, her tone serious. “What if he loses interest in me?”

“Oh my God, seriously?” I shook my head. “I’ve never seen him so enthralled by anyone in his entire life.”

“I’m being stupid, I know. It’s just that I feel the same way and I
really think he’s my prince charming. He’s everything I want.”

“You guys are perfect for one another. You’ll see.”

We both sat there checking our phones when the doorbell rang, causing us both to jump. I went and looked through the peep hole. “It’s Brady.” I opened the door and let him in. “Don’t get comfortable; we’re going back to my place.” His eyes got big and it wasn’t hard to see his had sex on the brain. “No, not for that,” I said. “I want to make sure we’re there before my mom gets home.”

“Oh, of course. Mandy, you should come, too,” he said.

“No, I’ll be fine. You two run along.” She waved her hands in the way of the door.

I gave Mandy a hug and grabbed my jacket. Brady seemed to be hesitating leaving, “Come on. Maybe if we hurry, we’ll have time for a quickie.” I gently rubbed his crotch as I passed by him.

“Bye, Mandy,” he said, hurrying out and slamming the door behind him. We drove our separate cars back to my place.

When we arrived, we had about 45 minutes before I expected my mom to come home. I looked around the yard cautiously as we walked to the front door. “You don’t have anything to worry about now,” Brady said.

“I know. Thank you.”

Unlocking the door, we went inside and I quickly locked the door and the deadbolt. Brady walked around every room of the house, checking the windows and back door. Everything seemed undisturbed.

I tossed my coat onto a chair and grabbed my gun out of my bag. After I brought it up to my room and put it back in my side table, I freshened up and called Brady. He came running up the stairs, into the bedroom.

“What’s wrong, you okay?”

“Dude, I’m fine,” I laughed. “I just wanted to thank you for being you.” I slowly took my shirt off and dropped my pants to the floor.

“This is one of those times that it’s definitely good being me,” he said with a grin.

Taking his shirt off, I tossed it to the floor and began rubbing my hands over his pecs. They were tight and hard to the touch. Keeping one hand up, I began slowly gliding down his firm mid-section. I ran my fingers slightly down his waistband, feeling his already extended hard-on fighting its way out. Moistening my pointer finger and thumb with my mouth, I rubbed around the crown of his erection, gently caressing up and down while it slid between my fingers. He leaned into me and nibbled on my collarbone.

The wetness began building between my thighs. Gliding his hands into my panties, Brady slid a finger into my eager, wet slit as I let out a moan. My body tingled. Laying me on the edge of the bed, he spread my legs and climbed between them before reaching into the nightstand and retrieving a condom. Tearing the package
open, he quickly rolled it down his length and kissed my neck as he thrust his now raging erection inside me.

Without hesitation, he began moving in and out at a vigorous pace. Wrapping my legs around his waist, “fuck me harder.” I pleaded.

“With pleasure.” He grabbed my waist and happily obliged. I was so turned on by him that it didn’t take long for me to find my release. After the aftershocks wore off, I turned over onto my stomach and lifted my ass into the air as invitation.

“I love your wet pussy, babe. It’s so fucking hot,” Brady all but growled.

Reaching in front of me, he began rolling my nipples between his thumb and forefinger and could feel another orgasm building. With each drive forward, I was climbing higher and higher. It was as if our bodies were in sync as we moved together as one.

“Come for me,” he commanded reaching down and gently massaging my clit.

When my orgasm came, it was overload. Spots formed behind my eyelids as my pleasure coursed through my body. Instantly, I could feel his stiffness begin to throb. He let out a loud moan and finished pumping inside me. He slowly pulled himself out of me and turned me around to kiss me.

“I love you, Liz.”

“I love you, too,” I replied, staring into his eyes. And I did. I really did.

He made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the condom and clean himself. I wasn’t ready for it to end and I was going to call him back in to service me again
, until I heard a noise outside. I scrambled for my clothes and began hastily throwing them back on.

“Brady, someone is outside. It might be my Mom home early, but I’m going to check.”

He ran back to the bedroom to collect his clothes. “Jesus, Liz! Let me get dressed and I’ll check. At least wait for me!” I finished dressing first and waited for him, while he fumbled with the button of his jeans. “I’m going first.”

I followed him down the stairs
, and we headed right as we reached the bottom. The doorknob was being jiggled. Brady and I looked at each other, waiting to see what would happen next. The sound of a pushing key led to the lock turning, followed by the knob. The door swung open and Brady placed himself between me and the door.

“Liz,” a voice called. It was my mother.

“Mom, we’re right here,” I let her know, before she walked in and got startled.

“Oh, great. I left early and picked up some groceries. Can you help me get some bags in, please?”

“I’ll get them all,” Brady said. “You guys just stay inside.”

“Oh, Brady, I didn’t know you were here. That’s nice of you. Thanks.”

“No problem.” Brady smiled at her as he went to her car to get the bags.

“I’m going to make us a nice dinner, honey. How does chicken Parmesan sound?”

“Actually, that sounds awesome. You need help?” I asked.

“No, I can handle it, but thanks for offering.” She tossed her purse on the couch and hung up her jacket. I grabbed the two grocery bags she had brought to the door and left outside and brought them into the kitchen. I started taking items out of the bags and putting them in their places.

“Thanks, honey. Just leave the chicken out. Actually, just let me put things away, because there’s some stuff I need to use.”

“You always have to do everything yourself,” I said, giving her a laugh.

I headed back to open the door for Brady only to find four more bags on the floor inside. The door opened, and he came in with the last two. “Damn, your mom likes to shop,” he said as he passed me and headed to drop them off in the kitchen. I grabbed another two and followed. He came back for the rest and I heard him shut the door, so it clicked. I stayed in the kitchen to keep out of his path.

After he dropped the last two bags on the counter, my mom thanked him. He went
back upstairs to finish what cleaning up, and I followed.

We lost ourselves in our electronics for almost two hours. I was on my laptop checking email and all my social networking sites and he had his head close to his phone and all I kept hearing was the sound of the “angry bird” being slingshot. He would have played forever if I had let him. I opened my email again and began a new message to John. I had hoped to hear from him by now, but I was also used to it. I had only typed ‘Dear John’ when I heard my mother call us down for dinner.

Brady tossed his phone on the bed and ushered me out the door to go down. My mom had set a beautiful spread. Even though it was only the three of us, she had always enjoyed entertaining. The chicken Parmesan smelled even better than it looked. There was a huge bowl of salad, along with some bread and butter on the side. She poured us each a glass of red wine. The only thing missing was candles and I was surprised that she didn’t actually have a few out.

“Oh man,” Brady said. “This looks delicious.”

“Try it before you compliment, kiss ass,” she joked.

We sat down and Brady immediately grabbed his silverware. His mom wasn’t much of a cook and I pretty much sucked at it too, so this was a real treat for him. He cut off a small piece and brought the fork to his mouth giving sounds of satisfaction. Rolling my eyes slightly, I was careful to make sure they didn’t see me.

“Thank you for cooking, Lisa. It’s delicious.”

“You’re welcome, Brady. I’m happy to have you here to cook for. I like spending my down time in the kitchen. It’s my therapy in a way.”

We dug into the food and, while it was absolutely delicious, I had to hear it multiple times from Brady. I knew he wasn’t actually kissing my mom’s ass because he was kind and polite by nature. Brady helped himself to seconds and thirds like he hadn’t seen food in weeks. My mom seemed pleased as we ate quietly. I didn’t want to bring up the Mike thing to her because she had enough to worry about right now without adding that to her plate. Brady wiped his plate with the last piece of his bread and started collecting the plates and silverware.

“Liz and I will clean up. Thank you again for dinner.”

“Thanks for offering my services.” I said like a bitch, even though I was going to offer to do them anyway.

“Thank you two. I’ll leave you to it and go take my bath.”

Her baths were her only way of slipping out of reality, since she couldn’t even do that in her sleep. She’d always play her classical music loud and sit in the tub with a glass of wine in hand and an eye cover over her face. For the next 30 to 45 minutes, she would be dead to the world.

Brady finished bringing in the dirty dishes
and I was washing almost as fast. He kissed my cheek and headed into the other room. I was almost done washing the last pan when I heard some bumping sounds. “Brady, everything okay out there?” I almost wondered if he fell coming down the stairs because it was so loud. “Brady?” I called out again.

Something inside me flipped a switch and I felt panic coursing through me. I quickly shut the water off and grabbed a hand towel, making my way into the living room. Brady was slouched against the side of the wall holding his stomach, blood was leaking between his fingers. I watched the color leave his face as I ran to him.

“RUN!” he yelled out to me before his eyes rolled back into his head.

Just then a shadow came from the TV room off to the side. Knowing who it was, I leaped over the couch and grabbed my purse to get my gun.
Oh fuck! I took it out and put it back upstairs.

Mike stepped out into the light. He was stumbling and off balance and I noticed blood running from his nose and his eye swelling. Brady must’ve gotten a good shot or two in before Mike got him. I wanted to try to get upstairs for my gun, but Mike blocked the stairs. He stepped closer and revealed a long, thin knife. It was covered in enough blood that it was dripping onto the floor.
Oh my God, he stabbed Brady
!

I stepped back, positioning the couch between us. I screamed for my mother twice
, but got no response.

“Mike,” I tried to say calmly. “You don’t need to do this. Just leave now and I won’t say anything.”

“Liz, Liz, Liz.” He gave a devil’s grin and stared right through me. “You already fucked up my life, bitch. You got me fired. You got me rolled out of my apartment, now that all my neighbors heard about your lie. They won’t stop harassing me.”

“My lie?” I couldn’t help but get mad. “You did it to yourself.”

“You’re right, you fucking tease. I did do it to myself.” He started rubbing the outside of his pants. “I had no choice, since your buddy knocked me out that night. I tasted you and you were mine to fuck.”