Reveal (Love & Beyond #2) (7 page)

Once I am sat, there is a silence throughout the table; I knew this would be that awkward. Poor Jared and Julie, they must feel extremely uncomfortable right now. I can’t help but stare straight towards Alison, I know she can tell I have many questions and want to kick off, but I can’t make a scene, it’ll be straight over the press.

After another five minutes have past, a waitress comes to take our orders, even she can tell how bad the tension is.

“Can I take your orders?” She asks, awkwardly.

“Can I have the gourmet, chicken burger please.”  Jared nudges me for my attention. “What’s up?”

“That’s impressive; you don’t seem like a burger chick.” He turns to the waitress, “I’ll have the same as her.”

“See Mr. Hall, you don’t know me that well after all.”

“Nice try, Danni. I know you more then you know yourself and some advice, do something about this silence, it’s suffocating. I hate silence.” I roll my eyes and wait for the waitress to leave and turn to Andi, who is looking radiant, she’s done her makeup perfectly and curled her hair and is wearing a black cocktail dress, she hardly ever wears cocktail dresses.

“You look amazing, Andi. Are the babies finally sleeping? Who’s

watching them, by the way?”

“Thank you, Danni. I have Katie and Jay watching them. I didn’t think it was a good idea bringing them tonight.”

“Fair enough, you’ve made the right decision there.” We’re snapped out of our conversation with Alison interrupting us.

“Can we stop beating around this and get this all out in the open?” How rude of her? Everyone puts there head down, knowing what is coming next. Jared, places his hand on top of mine. I think that is his way, to try and calm me down. It doesn’t work and I snap.

“No, we can’t. As you can see, I’m having a conversation with my sister, which you have no right interrupting.”

“Danni, please don’t.” Andi pleads.

“No, Andi, let her.. She has every right to kick off, but Danni can you please let me explain? I at least deserve that.” Did she really just say that she deserves to be able to explain herself, I can’t control it any longer, that’s it, I’ve hit boiling point.

“Are you kidding me? Ok, let’s hear it, how you were never around, touring was more important. Oh and how about, why you treated me different? And was nothing but a bitch to me, always putting me down, giving me smacks for doing something little out of line, but when it came to Andi or Adam they would get away with it. You’d lock me away for no reason. Oh, let’s not forget about the important parts of our lives. Andi getting married, having kids, what about me on my death bed for being nearly beating to death? Oh and yet again, I was in hospital again a few weeks ago, where were you? Let’s not forget the biggest problem, where the fuck were you, when dad died?  You didn’t return home, you left it all down to Adam to arrange everything and take care of us, where the fuck was your heart? Of course, you don’t have one, because your one cold hearted bitch. So no, you don’t deserve anything from me.” I get up and go to walk out and she shouts back.

Danni Marie Shaw, sit your ass down.” How dare she use my full name, that just pisses me of more. I walk back towards the table and sit.

“Well go on then, the floor is all yours, give us your best shot.”

“You know what, you want the truth? You won’t be able to handle the truth, but if you want to whine like a baby, here it is. You where nothing but a spoilt child, you weren’t like your brother or sister and your farther would give you all his attention, which pissed me of more. I have news for you Danni, he wasn’t your real farther, you were the outcome of a mistake I did with one of my dancers and I had to live with the guilt for what I did. So looking at you, would remind me every day of what I did. I had an affair and I did love him and once he found out I was pregnant, he wanted nothing to do with me and that was your fault.” I’m speechless, this cannot be true.

“Mum!” Andi and Alex snap.

“You’re lying, you heartless cow.”

“Believe me, I wish I was, but it’s all true, you where a big mistake. You wanted the truth, you’ve got it.” My jaw drops and my heart sinks, everyone is looking over in shock. What do I say to that? I was unwanted and my dad who I have always adored, turns out he wasn’t my biological farther.

“Wow Ms Shaw, you’re one bitch, who says that to their daughter.” Jared snaps, he places his arm around my shoulder for comfort and goes to drag me up to leave. I nod no and signal him with my index finger to say one minute. I say the only words that can slip out of my mouth and in a low tone.

“Did he know?” I turn to Andi and Adam. “Did you guys know?” They shake their head no and they look just as shocked as me, and they’re looking at Alison in disgust.

“No, he didn’t know, I’m glad he never. That’s why I always resented you and I’m sorry for that. It’s also why I never came back when he passed away, he died never knowing what I did and then seeing Andi and Adam through him. killed me. I could never forgive myself. I’ve come back to make a mend, for everything I did, I shouldn’t have hated you the way I did, as you’re still my daughter.” I just put my head down, I’m trying my best not to break down in tears, Alison is interrupted by Julie.

“Wow, Ms Shaw, that’s a complete joke. You blamed your daughter for your adultery. That is down to you, not her and I thought my family was fucked up, if you ask me, they were better off without you in their life. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a fan of your daughter, but no one deserves that and for your information, she’s been through a hell of a lot, you should be proud, but I guess that’s not in your vocabulary.” Julie turns to me and carries on saying. “You know what, Danni! Hats off to you love, no wonder you’re messed up, you finally have my approval.” Wow, I never thought I’d hear the day she’d say that. Alison goes to say something else and I interrupt her.

“I don’t want to know, you’re right, I wanted the truth and I got it. Your sorry means nothing to me, you’re nothing but poison and for the record, blood or not, he will always be my dad and there is nothing you can do to change that. If he could see you today, he would be disgusted in you. If you came for a do over then you aren’t getting it.” Jared nudges me, to carry on walking. He whispers.

“Danni, we need to go, you shouldn’t be here. Look, everyone is watching and recording this on their phone, this will be hitting everywhere soon.” I nod at him and we walk away. I feel as lost as ever, not knowing who I am. It’s like I am another person I don’t know. I have another half of me that I am clueless about and I keep saying to myself, who am I? I knew this would be a big mistake.

Soon as we’re outside and inside the car driving off, Jared holds me closer ready for the tears, but I don’t want to cry, why waste my tears, I need to hold them back.

“Back to Danni house sir?” Andrew asks.

“No Andrew, we’re taking her back to mine, she can’t be alone tonight.” I’ve still not said a word, I guess shock like that, just doesn’t go over your head as easily, like other stuff does, I guess, I am now truly broken.

Once we’re back at Jared place, I’m rushed back with the memories from when I was last here, it was when Dillon found me, it’s mad how that feels like a life time ago. Everything is just as I remember.

Jared walks me over to the sofa and passes me a cushion and the black throw to snuggle into.

“Would you like a drink?” I shake my head no.  He sits next to me, and pulls me closer towards his chest and starts to stroke my hair. “Ok, would you like to talk about it?” I shake my head again, no.”Well you know if you want to cry you can, I’ve seen it all before and I can imagine how hard that was for you, because I know how much your farther means to you.” Once he mentions farther, a tear escapes and I start weeping slowly, he can hear the sniffles and tries to lighting the mood. “Please don’t wipe your snot on me; I’d have to freak out. Look, Danni, you can tell me to shut up but listen. It doesn’t matter whether he’s your biological farther or not, in your heart and his, you will always be his baby girl and he passed away with all the good memories of you two. He raised you and loved you, it doesn’t matter, he’s still your dad, remember that. Look, I’ve got something that will cheer you up, and then I know you’d want to go lie in bed, as you always do when you’re feeling down, come on follow me.” I do as am told and follow him upstairs. He takes me to the spare room, and when he opens the door, my face brightens up. He was right it did cheer me up. I’m in awe, how adorable. I turn to him and say.

“You remembered? You still did all this, even though we aren’t together? Jared, that’s amazing.”

“Yes, I remembered. I told you, that you could have one room pimped out in pink, so I picked this one and pimped it out for you. Yes, we’re not together anymore, but I weren’t going to break my promise was I? Plus, a part of me likes to think you’ll be back here one day.” This is adorable, he has gone all out, everything is pink, the curtains, the carpet, even the wall, with white twirl patterns on, even the bed covers and all the furniture are pink.

              “Jared, I’m speechless, it’s incredible, you still always find ways to surprise me.”

“Well, I did tell you I’d do anything I can to prove myself. Anyway, you can stay in here if you like; I’ll be in our old room. As something tells me you’d rather avoid going anywhere near that room, considering what happened in there.” He goes to walk out and I call him back.

“You could always stay in this pink room with me if you like? No funny business though.”

“Funny! But ok, why not. I can be a chick for the night, especially if it means I get to wake up next to you. Do you want my shirt?”

“No, it’s ok, I can sleep in my underwear.”

“Now, that’s unfair, that’s teasing, how I’m I suppose to be a gentlemen with you half naked lying next to me?”

“I’m sure you can control yourself.” I tease, starting to strip and slowly scramble into the covers.

“Say that to the man down stairs, as he would say different.” I can’t help but laugh. That’s his polite way of saying he’s hard.

“Well, there is a cold shower you could get in.”

“Screw that, it’s already cold.” He jumps in next to me and I roll to lie on his chest and start tracing my finger around his chest. He stops my hand and moves it to his shoulders. “You can’t do that, it feels too good and it would only lead to one thing and I don’t want that, especially when you’re all emotional, get some sleep Miss Shaw, sweet dreams.”

   
Chapter Eight

The next morning, I wake up at the crack of dawn. I have had one bad night’s sleep. I was on and off all night. I turn around and Jared’s still sleeping. He’s usually the one awake before me, he looks peaceful. I stare at him for a  while admiring his flawless face, a piece of his hair has fallen over his eye, so I slowly use my hand to brush it back, hoping I don’t disturb him. It doesn’t work, he starts to move about and slowly opens his eyes.

“Morning.” I say, he lets out a stretch.

“Good morning you. Are you watching me sleep?”

“Makes a change, it’s normally the other way around, I couldn’t sleep, was on and off, you slept well.”

“I did, well I couldn’t sleep at first and once you dropped off I got thinking. With everything that has happened, we all deserve some  down time and enjoy life a little, especially you. So how do you feel about going to New York? I remember an old conversation me and you had one night and you where telling me about your list, things to do before I’m thirty, and on that list there was a Christmas, in New York. We should go for this Christmas; we can invite everyone, family and friends, just to forget all this bad mojo we’ve been experiencing. We can use my jet, it will hold everyone in from up here and you won’t have to worry about an airport till you hit New York, because I’ve got my own run way in the back, everyone will benefit from this, especially after last night.”

“You would do that, for me?”

“You know I would do anything for you and right now, even if you don’t ask for it, you need my help. I feel if I leave you alone you will get yourself in a rut and get depressed and lock yourself away from everyone and I can’t allow that so.. I am taken time off from work, it can all be pushed aside and I can focus on you. It’s always one thing after another with you, it’s exhausting watching it, so at least I can try and bring a bit of joy into your life.”

“You’re too kind to me, I don’t deserve it. I can’t even find it in my heart to forgive you and be with you, yet you’re still this amazing to me. I’m such a cow.” I say, with a slight grin trying to get past the urge of wanting him.

“You’re not cow; don’t ever pull yourself down like that. You have every right to be, I weren’t honest with you when I should have and I hate myself for it and not mentioning that you got shot because of me. Plus, I’m the only one who gets to call you that.” He sarcastically says. I elbow him in the ribs with that comment. “Ouch!”

“You totally deserved that, you don’t get to call me that either.”

“I know, I just wanted to feel the pain of your bony elbow into my rib.. Thanks for that. Anyway, you need to get up and move your ass, you need to go see your sister and brother, they’re probably worried sick about you and don’t give me the, I can’t face them speech, its old and I don’t want to hear it, their family, they’ve been there for you from day one, so move it.” I snarl at him, I don’t want to move my ass. I shake my head at him, stretch over to the bedside table and grab my mobile.

I have two texts, one from both Andi and Adam. They’re both saying that they’re on their way over and they know am not back at my place. Great, what am I going to say? I turn to Jared and swing my mobile in front of him in frustration saying.

“Happy now, they’re coming over to talk, how the hell did they know where I was?”

“I may have text them last night, once you fell asleep, I knew you’d try and avoid the situation, so I did the work for you. Go on, be mad, have one of your Danni moments. I don’t care, I won’t let you avoid this and you’re welcome.” What a douche bag, I forgot that he has a compulsion to take control of every situation and try to fix everything, especially when it comes to me. I know its sweet and all, but it really pisses me off.

“Damn it, Jared! Just why? Seriously, you could have waited until I was ready, for fuck sake! And what the hell is a Danni moment?” I ask puzzled. He laughs to himself, assuming that I should already know.

“A Danni moment, is where you have your little freak outs and tantrums, you go crazy, then after about ten minutes of you going on one, you finally give in and your personality changes straight away and you go back to calm, caring and kind Danni. You have a few personalities you know that?” Still giggling to himself and I’m glaring at him, not amused. “Oh, get over it Danni, you know I’m right. I’m also right and you love it.” Now he’s just getting cocky, but I know this is his way to try and lighting up my mood to try and calm my nerves down, before I see my brother and sister. All I can do is smirk at him, for knowing me so well, I hate that.

“Oh whatever, I best get up and get dressed before they turn up, I don’t think my brother would appreciate seeing me in my underwear.”

“Hey, he may not appreciate it, but I sure as hell do. Are you sure I can’t persuade you for some action?” I raise my eyebrow at him, and prop up on my knees and crawl towards him until I’m on top cradling him.  I make sure I’m rubbing my breast to his chest slowly, not looking away from his eyes while saying.

“Hmm, I don’t know...” I slowly start to rub my nose on his and place my lips just above his, but making sure they’re not touching. “Don’t get me wrong, I love your touch, but... not today.” I wink at him and get up and walk towards the bathroom with him shouting back.

“You’re such a cock tease Danni, two can play that game.” I laugh at myself feeling all proud.

“That’s what you get for being a compulsive control freak; I think I win that round, game on, Mr. Hall.” I smirk and leave him feeling all confused and flustered.

                                  *****

I’m sat waiting anxiously for my brother and sister; my feet can’t keep still and am fiddling with my fingers. A part of me wants this to hurry up and get it over with and another part of me wants it to not come. I wish I had a time machine, then I could rewind the events of last night and not go, but this is reality after all and dealing with drastic events is my specialty so hurry up already.

Soon as I say that, I jump at the loud bell chime coming from the door. Well, this is it, what do I say now? ‘Hey, so our farther turned out not to be my biological farther, so shall we go on a bear hunt and find the prick who donated some sperm to our mother? Or is that too much bonding?’  Yeah, probably not best to go with that. oh well, here we go. Firstly, Adam walks in and lets out a relived smile, he turns to Jared shakes his hand and thanks him for looking after me. Andi, follows behind and gives out the same smile. Adam walks straight over to me, wraps his overly large arms around me and says.

“Damn you, peanut! I was worried in case you would have ran away again. Are you ok?”

“Yes, I’m ok, thanks.” He lets go of his hold and Andi is straight in with a squeeze.

“Danni, what have I told you about going off and not getting in touch? I thought you ran, until Jared got in touch.” She says, not overly impressed with me. I release from her hold and step back.

“I’m sorry, Andi! But after last night, can you blame me? Everything I thought I knew turned out to be a lie. I just needed to get out of that pub and away from that bitch. Jared, didn’t want me to be left alone in case I ran, so he brought me back here, I’m sure you can understand why I just wanted to be left alone.” She walks over to the sofa, kicks her shoes off, and pulls the luxury, chocolate brown, faux fur throw, over her and starts patting next to her saying.

“Well, come on you two; if we’re going to have this heartfelt conversation, we may as well get comfortable.”  Adam and I, just look at each other and roll our eyes as if we don’t have a choice. Adam sits his ass down next to her and I follow to be on his other side and squeeze in. He wraps one arm around me, and the other around Andi.

“Aww, just like old times.” He states,

“Right guys, I’ll leave you to it, I’ll just head to the gym room, if you need anything, Julia is at your call and have fun.” Jared says, I nod at him and smile, whispering the words, thank you. He smiles and walks out the room.

“Ok, well I’ll start peanut! Our mother is a bitch and I’m sorry, I made us all go on that meal. I’ve just wanted her back since she left and I let my feelings cloud judgment.. And so what, if our dad isn’t your biological dad, he raised you and loved you. Now to me, that is a farther, so regardless of DNA, I don’t care.. We’re always going to be brother and sister, we love you no less and you won’t get rid of us that easily, you’re stuck with us.”

“Yeah, Danni, we’re not going anywhere and as for our mother, she can go fuck right off. The things she said last night was completely out or order, I didn’t realize she’d still be that much of a cow and I thought she would’ve grown a heart.” I let out a half smile, and place my head on Adams shoulders and wrap my arms across his chest to grab Andi’s hand.

“Thank you, guys.  That means a lot. I love you guys. You’re the most amazing brother and sister anyone could ask for.”

“I know peanut, you’re lucky to have us.” Adam jokes, trying to brush of this beautiful moment.

“Why, Adam? You always have to ruin a lovely moment. You douche bag.” Andi snarls,

“I’ve still got a reputation to pull off, you know, I can’t have people thinking I’ve gone soft.”

“There’s no one in sight.” I blurt out.

“Jared is about. Do you really think he went the gym, or he is listing from the other room? Come on, I would. Jared, get in here, just to prove me right.” Soon as Adam shouts his name, Jared comes straight in.  “See, I told you.” Adam snarls, sarcastically.

“What can I say; curiosity got the best of me.” Jared snips, typical and they say us women are bad.

“Never mind, anyway, Jared and I, was talking earlier and we’ve got an idea. How do you guys feel about going to New York for Christmas? We can go in his jet, so it won’t cost a thing. I thought it’d be good to get away, after everything that’s happened this year. Bring the kids obviously, it’ll be fun. We’ll head there next week. I know it’s a bit short notice, but I’ve always wanted a Christmas in New York, how exciting. We can invite everyone, you know, the usual crowd.”

“Including my sister Julie and her two children that is.” Jared adds. Adams, face lights up, then Jared notices and is not very impressed with him as he’s grinding his teeth.

“I’m game, sister. I missed Rome, so I’ll be there.” Adam speaks out.

“Dude, no disrespect, but my sisters kids are going to be there; don’t you think you should find out if she is ready for you to meet them? You have only recently started dating.” Jared snaps,

“You’re not even dating my sister anymore, but you’re still

hanging around her, so you don’t get to say shit about me and your sister, and I’m going because my family is going and if you try and stop me, I’ll break your jaw.” Well that peace lasted long.

“Well, it’s my jet and my place, so it’s really not up to you is it.” Adam gets straight up in Jared’s face, ready for a blow out.

“Who the fuck, do you think you’re talking to?” Adam spits out,

“Alright you two, pack it in, for fuck sake. Can’t you both just get along; this is what happens when you put two alpha males in one room. If you two care for me, then you need to stop this bickering, because you two at each other all the time, really hurts me, so please just pack it in.”

“Yeah guys, I agree with Danni, I’m not going anywhere without

my brother and neither is Danni, and if this is what it’s going to be like out there, then forget it.” Andi barks, at them both. They’re still head to head, I walk beside them and place a palm on each of their chest to push them away from each other.

“Please, you two, I don’t need this. I need everyone I love dearly to get along; I don’t want any more stress. Please, for me?” Jared looks straight away from Adam and at me with his wide brown eyes.

“You’re still in love with me then?” He asks,

“You know I am, but it doesn’t change anything.” I turn to Adam. “Look, go and call Julie, let her know you’re going to be there.”

“Peanut, I don’t need to. I’ve already met them, I just wanted to give bitch boy here a lesson on who the alpha male is and how to actually be one, but it’s all good, he’s still only a baby.” Adam snarls shrugging his shoulders, to brush Jared off. Jared hisses,

“Want round two?” Adam laughs.

“Like you won the first round, you have no idea little boy.” Before Jared can reply, I shout out.

“Guys, seriously pack it in, this is just pathetic. Jared, go make the arrangements for next week and Adam, go and call Julie now.” They both go to walk off into another room, not before whispering something to each other. I swear, them two are a pair off douche bags when they’re in the same room. I turn to Andi.

“Oh my god, those two are a bloody nightmare.”

“Yeah, I agree, but you have to admit, it’s pretty funny. Who else has the balls to go face to face with our brother? When they’re in the same room together, the immensity is suffocating with both their egos, it’s like the whole room needs ventilating just so we can breathe.”

“I know, they best fuck it off, before New York. Well, I best go and call Darla and Carl and see if they’re game, you should ring Katie and J, see if they’re up for it. Not sure if everyone is going to want to just get up and leave last minute, you know?”

“Yeah, I understand, but it’s a free trip to New York, who on earth would turn that down? Right, I’ll go call them quickly.”  As she walks out, Adam and Jared walk back in. They’re actually laughing. Seriously, they go from banging heads, to being best mates. Wow, and I thought my mood swings where a rollercoaster.