Fates' Destiny Read online

  “Ms. Reece,” His voice low as if trying to contain his anger. “you do have limitations in this house and you’re very close to exceeding them. No one dictates to me what’s important and what’s not important. You don’t know me!” His anger released as his voice rose. “You don’t know them!” He motioned to the children.

  “Neither do you!” She yelled back. “They’re doing everything except screaming at the top of their lungs for your attention. Today I was actually going to talk to you about fitting them into your schedule. Do you know how sad it is that a child actually has to make an appointment to see their dad? It’s horrible.”

  “That’s it.” His dark eyes flared. “Ms. Reece, your services are no longer needed. Gather your belongings and leave.”

  Even though she should’ve expected this she was still shocked.

  “You’re firing me?” She gasped in disbelief.

  “I think I made that very clear. No one comes in to my house and speaks to me the way you have. Now,” His voice rose as he pointed in the direction of the stairs. “Get your shit,” He changed direction to the door. “and get the hell out of my house!”

  Her chin trembled. She was on the verge of breaking into tears but she didn’t. Her anger and pride wouldn’t let her. Instead she yelled, “Fine!” turned and stormed off toward the stairs. “I don’t want to sit here and watch you destroy your family anyway!”

  It wasn’t until she heard Anna’s tearful, “Destiny!” did she allow her tears to flow.

  Chapter 12

  “Adam,” Luke closed the door to Adam’s office once he was inside. “you’re making a mistake.”

  Adam was certain he wasn’t. How dare she stand in my face and dictate what was important and what wasn’t to me? Just who in the hell does she think she is?

  He dropped down in his chair trying desperately to get his blood pressure down.

  “How dare her!” He slammed his fist down on his desk.

  “How dare her?” Luke asked ridiculously as he lowered into a chair. “Are you kidding me? Everything she said was right Adam. You don’t know your kids. You don’t spend time with them. And just so you know the look on Anna’s face when you told her you wasn’t going to their competition broke my heart.”

  “Don’t Luke.” Adam pinned him with a dangerous glare. “Don’t start. I’m warning you.”

  “Adam, look,” Luke leaned up in the chair and propped his elbows on his knees. “I can handle this. I can fly out tomorrow and find out what’s going on. You can catch a flight Monday.”

  Adam shook his head. Sure, he trusted his brother but this was big… really big… so big he could lose everything.

  “I need to be there.” He said as he laid the packet in front of him.

  “Ok.” Luke held up his hands in surrender. “Let’s get to work then.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Destiny’s tears flowed as she drove home but she didn’t regret what she’d said. It was the truth and he needed to know. She just hoped like hell once he calmed down some of what she said would sink into his head.

  She could still hear Anna’s cry for her. As she lugged her suitcases pass the little angel’s closed bedroom door she could hear Dela trying to sooth her. She thought it would be easier just to leave without saying ‘goodbye’ but she couldn’t. She had pushed open the door and tried her best to hold back her tears as she hugged the little girl who she was absolutely in love with for the last time. She’d promised she’d come and see her but Destiny knew that her father would probably never allow Anna to see her again… The thought was devastating.

  As she continued along the highway her cell phone went off. She was going to send whoever it was to voicemail but when she seen her brother’s roguish grin she slid her finger across the screen and put the phone to her ear.

  “Hey.” She didn’t hide her desolates.

  “Hey.” His voice curious. “You ok?”

  “No.” She broke back into tears. “He fired me.”

  He was silent as she told him about the blow up.

  “Awe. It’s going to be ok, Des. You’ll find another job.”

  His words were far from comforting. “I don’t want another job.” She wanted that job, helping those kids.

  “Des, it’s going to be ok. I wish I was working that side of town tonight. I’d come see you.”

  Destiny sniffled loudly. “I’ll be fine. I’m going to stop by the liquor store on my way. I need to get drunk.”

  Ryan’s deep laugh came through the phone. “Sounds like a plan. And, hey, look at the bright side. Mom will shut up bitching at you now.”

  Destiny had to laugh. “We both know she’ll never stop bitching at me.”

  “True, true. Now, I have to let you go. Just got a call. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Ok. You be careful.”

  “Oh please.” He snorted incredulously. “You be careful.”

  “I will.”

  Destiny hung up with her brother just as she turned her car into the parking lot of the liquor store a block from her apartment determined to get drunk and try to forget the heart ache she now suffered.

  Chapter 13

  He’s such a stubborn ass.

  Luke just shook his head as he entered the living room. His brother was so smart and yet so stupid. He just couldn’t see the truth even after Destiny screamed it at him. His kids need him way more than his job does.

  “Leaving so soon Luke?”

  Richard walked out of the kitchen just as Luke reached the front door.

  “Yes Richard. I have a lot of preparation to do for this trip.”

  Richard came further toward him. “Is Adam ok?” Concern deepened the lines on his forehead.

  “He’s bull headed.” Luke sighed. “He’s so smart and yet so dumb.”

  Richard nodded. “I hate to say it but I have to agree.”

  “How’s Anna?” His heart ached at the memory of her broken cry for Destiny.

  Richard let out a soft sigh as his expression softened with sympathy.

  “Devastated. Dela just went to check on her.”

  Yeah. Luke figured she was. “Let’s hope my brother comes to his senses soon before he loses them.” God knows what would happen to his poor brother if that ever happened.

  Richard’s only response was a nod.

  “Good night Richard.”

  “Good night Luke.”

  He closed the door and when he turned he froze. There at the bottom of the stone steps a woman was hunched over, rummaging through her purse. At first he thought it was Destiny but even in the dim lights around the porch he could tell her hair was darker and she was a little taller.

  “Miss?” He took a few steps and stopped at the top of the steps. “Miss, are you ok?”

  Her head darted up and instantly panic filled him. Her face was pasty. Her lips a pale blue. She gasped trying desperately to draw in air.

  “Oh god!” He leapt over the steps and was at her side in a flash. “Miss, are you choking?”

  She shook her head.

  “Inhaler.” She gasped and lowered her eyes back to her purse.

  Asthma attack. “Ok, ok.” He tried to keep calm but ended up taking her purse and instead of searching through it he dumped the contents on the ground. Wallet, keys, phone, change… All of it fell from her purse and bounced on the stone below. Then he spotted a white inhaler.

  He quickly placed the inhaler in her awaiting hand and watched as she shook it, put it to her mouth, and inhaled deeply. Then she repeated.

  After her second puff her breathes became slower and deeper. He gently grabbed her elbow and led her to the steps.

  “Let’s sit down for a second while you catch your breath.”

  He helped her lower to the bottom step and then sat beside her.

  With every passing second her breathing leveled. Just to help a little he laid his hand on the back of her black tee and gently ran his hand up and down her spine. Her body trembled violently from what Luke wa
s sure was fear.

  “Better now?” He asked and she nodded, eyes focused on the inhaler she had locked between her hands.

  “Thank you. I felt it coming on. I should’ve gotten my inhaler before I got out of the car.” She said weakly.

  “You’re welcome. May I ask who you are and what you’re doing here?”

  She lifted her head and looked at him with the bluest eyes Luke had ever seen.

  “Kenna Roberts, Destiny’s best friend. I came by to drop off some baking soda so she could get the rest of the dye off of her. Who are you?”

  “Luke Fates.” He held out his hand to her and smiled. “Adam Fates’ younger brother.”

  “Nice to meet you Luke.” She accepted his hand.

  “You better now?” He asked after he shook her hand.

  She took a deep breath and smiled a smile that took Luke’s breath away. “Yep. A lot better. Having asthma sucks.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  She laughed and Luke found he enjoyed the sound a lot. It was the prettiest, melodic sound he’d ever heard.

  “Well, I guess I better get my stuff up and go see Destiny before she goes to bed.”

  She pushed up to stand and wobbled. Swiftly Luke stood, caught her by her shoulders, and steadied her.

  “Sorry.” She laughed sheepishly, her cheeks pinking. “I’m still a little light headed.”

  “It’s ok.” He smiled but it faded when he had to tell her Destiny didn’t work there anymore.

  “He fired her?” Her blue eyes rounded. “Why? Please tell me it’s not because of her big mouth.”

  He nodded. “She had a few choice words for him but she didn’t say anything that he didn’t need to hear.”

  “What did she say?”

  He released her shoulders and told her all about the blow up that had occurred not even an hour ago.

  “Wow!” She gasped.

  “Yeah.” Luke sighed, running his fingers through his dark hair. “My brother is so stubborn.”

  “Yeah.” She agreed on a sigh. “I guess I should go check on her and make sure she’s ok.”

  She turned and when she did she stumbled. Luke reacted quickly and wrapped his arms around her waist, catching her before she fell onto the stone.

  He held her tight against his chest noting how soft she felt in his arms.

  “I don’t think you should drive.”

  “Oh,” She laughed. “I’m fine. Really. I just lost my balance.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  Keeping one arm around her he unhooked his other and dug his phone out of his pocket. With his thumb he pulled up Richard’s number and put the phone to his ear.

  “Yes Luke?” Richard answered before the first ring was over.

  “Hey Richard. In the driveway is a silver car. It belongs to Kenna Roberts, Destiny’s friend. She came by to see Destiny and had an asthma attack. She’s a little dizzy so I’m going to take her home. I just wanted you to know so you wouldn’t have her car towed.”

  “Oh you don’t have to do that.” She whispered and he shook his head in response.

  “Yes sir. That will be fine.” Richard told him. “Tell her I hope she feels better.”

  “I will. Thank you.” Then he lowered the phone and disconnected the call.

  “Now,” He unhooked his other arm and smiled at her. “how about I get your stuff off the ground and get you home?”

  ~ ~ ~

  Had Kenna ever met a sweeter man? At the moment she couldn’t think of one.

  After Luke had put her things back in her purse he wrapped an arm around her waist and led her to his black sports car.

  He made sure she was comfortable in the seat before he closed the door and joined her in the car. After she gave him directions he started the car and they headed down the long driveway.

  “So, Kenna.” He struck up conversation as they pulled on the main road. “How long you and Destiny been friends?”

  “Since I moved here in 3rd grade.” She smiled at the memory. “When I first started school here the kids teased me mercilessly because I was a sickly child. Thin, pale, wore glasses. They use to call me names like four eyes and ghosty and wheezy because of my asthma. Well, one day this girl named Marcy and two of her friends had me cornered on the playground. They were calling me names and throwing acorns at me. Destiny saw it and stepped in. Marcy pushed her and one thing you don’t do is push Destiny Reece. The next thing I knew Marcy was on the ground holding her eye. Destiny laid that bitch out with one hit. After that we were best friends and no one ever teased me again.”

  “The funny thing is I barely know her and I can actually picture her doing that.” He laughed.

  “Destiny’s always been a fighter. She didn’t have much choice with her brother, Ryan. He use to pound on her. He loved to use her as a test dummy for some stupid wrestling move he’d seen on TV.”

  “What about you?” He glanced over at her. “Any siblings?”

  She shook her head. “I was born very prematurely and wasn’t expected to live. After the fear my parents went through with me they swore they wouldn’t do it again.” And she wasn’t bothered by it in the least. Her parents gave her everything including their attention. And she had Destiny so she wasn’t lonely.

  “What about your parents?”

  Kenna’s brow furrowed as she glanced at him. “You’re very inquisitive.”

  He laughed, a deep sound that vibrated all through her. “My brother would say I’m nosey.”

  “They’re great.” She answered his question. “Both of them are teachers at the high school. Mom teaches Algebra and Dad teaches History.”

  “They sound interesting. My mom use to teach elementary school. She retired early.”

  “I bet.” She laughed. “I’d retire early too if I had a successful son.”

  Again he laughed. “What do you do for a living?”

  She sat up proudly. “I work at a spa.”

  “Really? Massage therapist?”

  “No, I’m not a massage therapist. I do skin care. Mud baths, facials, things like that.”

  “Darn.” He huffed playfully. “Massage therapist would’ve made you even more attractive.”

  “Is this you trying to be charming?” She teased.

  “Do you think I’m charming?” He glanced over at her with a grin and she laughed.

  “Well, you did save my life so I guess I can be nice and say ‘Yes, I think you’re charming’.”

  “And now I have a reason to live.” He teased.

  “Ohmygod!” She rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re a character.”

  “Why thank you Kenna. I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  They continued to talk the rest of the way to Kenna’s house. Casual conversation about her job, his job, family, things like that. She found it odd how comfortable she felt around him in such a short period of time. Normally when it came to men she was very shy. Hell, she’d known Ryan for almost a year before she even said ‘Hi’ to him. It took her a little while to warm up to the opposite sex. But not Luke. She fell easy into conversation with him. She didn’t have that fear that she would say something stupid. She was just herself and it felt nice.

  “Ok, so what time do you want me to pick you up in the morning?” He asked as he turned down her road.

  “Huh?” She asked in confusion.

  “You have to pick up your car, don’t you? What time would you like me here so I can take you to it?” He asked as he slowed the car.

  “Oh Luke. That’s sweet of you but I know you’re busy. I can call a cab or Destiny.”

  He shook his head as he pulled to the curb and stopped in front of her house.

  “I want to.” He turned to her. “What time?”

  It didn’t look like he was going to back down so she said, “Well, I have to be at work at 10. So, 8? Maybe?”

  Again he shook his head, his charming smile curling his lips. “How about 7 and we can get breakfast before you go to work?
”

  Did he just…? “Are you asking me on a date?” She couldn’t believe it. They’ve only known each other for like 20 minutes.

  “Depends. If I say ‘yes’ will you?”

  She took a second to let this all process. He was asking her on a date and they barely knew each other. She had contemplated telling him ‘no’. After all, going on a date with a guy she’d just met was totally unlike her. But after a moment of thought she nodded.

  “Yes. I’ll have breakfast with you tomorrow.”

  What the hell. Maybe it’s time she made a few changes in her life. Sure as hell couldn’t hurt.

  “Awesome!” He sparked. Then he opened his door and climbed out.

  What’s he doing? She asked herself as she watched him walk around the car. Her question was answered when the passenger side door opened and he held his hand out to her.

  “Thank you.” She accepted his hand. “But you didn’t have to do that.”

  He took her hand and hooked her arm around his. “I can’t have you falling or anything. We have a date tomorrow.”

  “Is there no end to your charm?” She asked with a laugh.

  “Nope.”

  He walked her all the way to the front door and waited as she dug her keys out of her purse. Once she had them, she unlocked the door and turned to him.

  “Luke, I want to thank you for all you did for me tonight. You really did save my life.” And that wasn’t an exaggeration. If he wouldn’t had walked out when he did she probably would’ve suffocated right there in the driveway.

  “Awe. You’re going to make me blush.” He joked, breaking the seriousness that she’d created.

  “You are a character.” She laughed and held her hand out to him.

  He took her hand but instead of a friendly hand shake he did something she wasn’t expecting. He lifted her hand to his lips and planted a warm, lingering kiss on her knuckle.