Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo

Chapter Seventeen

Stella

I haven’t heardfrom Wes, and I’m trying not to read too much into it. I know he had a busy day of hockey stuff and therapy, but he usually texts me back. I spent the morning at the bakery, and now that I’m done with school, I’m lying in my bed on my iPad designing some cupcakes. I don’t need to; I have plans for this week for what we’re designing, but I need something to calm my nerves. I don’t know why, but I have this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach concerning Wes. I hope therapy went okay. I hope he likes the new therapist. I know how much it all means to him and how he needs it.

Man, I hope everything is all right.

I check my phone for good measure, making sure I didn’t leave it off or on silent. On our date, I shut off my phone, not only to focus on Wes but to ignore all the texts and comments on my Instagram post. Boy, did they come in hard-core. Everyone from my mom to Audrey to Elli. Even Shelli was texting me. Asher did, Posey, Ally… Everyone. Basically, my whole family. But the loudest commenter and caller was Lake. He has been blowing up my phone, and I’m glad we didn’t have classes together today. I didn’t want to hear him. I want to enjoy this relationship, even if it is still new and shiny.

Or maybe I’m trying to put space between us because I know Lake will be devastated when I tell him I’m done after this semester. I just hope he doesn’t hate me. I hope he understands. Though, I’m more worried about my family than I am him.

Who am I kidding? I’m worried about everyone. I honestly couldn’t handle the disappointment. I’m such a pleaser. Middle child syndrome. Aiden and Asher were the overachievers, I’m the one who wants everyone to be happy and proud, and then Emery is the baby who can do no wrong. I just want to make sure I live up to my parents’ standards.

It’s overwhelming.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

I look up as Emery enters my room, flopping herself down on my bed. “Hanging out. What are you doing?”

“Just got home. School was so long and unnecessary.” She rolls her eyes as she rolls onto her back. “There is this kid, Miguel, who is, like, in love with me, and he’s begging me to date him.”

“Why don’t you? Maybe then you won’t spend the nights watching murder docs.”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. I don’t think he’s my type.”

“Well, boo. What is your type?”

“I don’t know yet. I go back and forth between a very sexy Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy-looking dudes. But then I like the dirtiness of a Charles Manson.”

I blink. “Are you going to be one of those women who falls in love with guys in jail through letters?”

She snorts. “No. Shut up. I just want someone who will send chills down my spine but love the hell out of me. Ya know?”

“No,” I say honestly. “I don’t want the chills down my spine to come from fear.”

She giggles. “Whatever. You don’t get it.”

“I don’t. I really don’t.”

“Like Wes. He has a Jeffrey Dahmer look with that blond hair and big body. I bet he could hold you down and make you squeal like a pig.”

What in the world is happening here? “I am speechless right now. Please stop.”

Her laughter is contagious, but I’m still scared. “Fine. He’s sexy, is all I mean.”

“That is true.”

She rolls onto her stomach, cupping her sweet face in her hands as she looks up at me. “I can’t believe he bought you those shoes. How romantic!”

I beam, shimmying my shoulders. “It was incredibly amazing and so unexpected. He was so sweet.”

“So, it isn’t like before when he just wanted to hit it?”

“No, not at all. We kissed for the first time yesterday, and it wasn’t even like make-out kissing. It was sweet, tender kisses. Very sweet.”

“Swoon,” she sighs. “He is dreamy. Funny too.”

“That he is.”

“Has he told Aiden yet?”

I shake my head. “Not yet.”

“Hopefully Aiden isn’t an asshole about it.”

“Fingers crossed,” I say, making the gesture for good measure. “I almost want to tell him because he won’t be a dick to me.”

“Yeah, but I think it’s stand-up that Wes wants to talk to Aiden.”

“Exactly,” I agree as I put down my phone. I notice then that I haven’t shut off my iPad. That’s unlike me—or maybe I’m just tired of hiding it.

“You know, he’s nothing like Noah.” I am a little taken aback that she brings up my ex from high school. Who I thought was hubby material.

I nod. “Nothing.”

“He’s wilder, very direct. Noah was so complacent. I feel like Wes would argue back, not just take your shit.”

I snort. “You make me sound difficult.”

“You can be,” she reminds me, and I grin.

“Tonight will be our third date. We haven’t really had any disagreements. We get along great.”

“That’s good, but I’m sure something will go down, and that’ll be the test of if I’m right. Either way, I like him.”

“Good,” I say, meeting her gaze. “I do care what you think.”

She snorts. “Sure, you do.”

We chuckle at that as she rolls to her side, playing around on her phone. I watch her for a moment, and she’s so beautiful. She mirrors me, but she’s thicker. I think sometimes that she takes after our mom’s genetics because she looks just like Audrey except with our dad’s eyes. Her hair is up in a messy bun, and she’s wearing some oversized sweats, but she’s still gorgeous. I take in a deep breath, and she looks up at me.

“What?”

“Can I tell you a secret?”

She raises a brow. “You have a secret from me?”

I smile. “I do.”

“Well, that’s bullshit. I don’t extort you.”

I laugh. “I know, but I’m scared.”

She looks at me, very confused. “What? Why? What is going on?”

I bite my lip as I stare into her eyes. “You can’t tell anyone—”

“Oh my God, Stella. What?”

I pause for a second, and then I’m reminded of how Wes told me to be. Confident. “I’ve been working for Audrey for over two years now.”

She brings her brows in. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve been making cupcakes for the shop.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and I want to quit school to work full time for Audrey.”

Her eyes widen. “But you love fashion.”

“I don’t think I do. Not like I used to.”

“Oh damn,” she says slowly. “I mean, that’s awesome. Cupcakes are yummy, but wow, I didn’t think you’d ever want to quit fashion school.”

“I didn’t think so either, but I love creating little cakes and stuff. It’s so much fun.”

She doesn’t even hesitate. She smiles, tapping my knee. “Well, that’s cool. Do what makes you happy.”

“Really?”

She eyes me like I’m an idiot. “Yeah, why would I want you to be unhappy? It’s your career. No one is trying to do something they hate. You work hard, Stell. If you want to make cupcakes, then I bet my sweet ass, you work your ass off at it.”

“I do.”

“Then you’re golden.”

I smile. “Thanks, Em.”

“For what? You’re my big sister. I love you.”

I reach over, my phone and iPad falling out of my lap, before I wrap my arms around her, hugging her tightly. She doesn’t hug me back. Instead, she groans and pushes me away. “Ew, gross,” she says, though she is smiling. “Don’t be weird.”

“I love you, Em.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

That’s when my phone sounds. But before I look at it, she says, “Don’t be a pussy either. Tell Mom and Dad. They’ll be supportive.”

Why does dread fill me when I think of telling them? It’s one thing to be honest with my sister and my…I guess, my boyfriend. But my parents…that’s a whole other beast I’m not ready to tackle yet. I reach for my phone to see a text from Wes. My heart swells at the sight of it, though I’m still a little worried about him.

Wes: Sweetheart, I’m sorry. I’ve had a shitty fucking day.

Me: I’m sorry. Are you okay?

Wes: Not really. It was absolute shit, but I’ll survive.

Dread fills my stomach.

Me: I’m sorry. Did you want to cancel tonight?

Wes: Absolutely not. Can I pick you up?

Me: Yes. I’d love that.

Wes: Six?

Me: I’ll be ready.

Wes: Great. See you soon.

Me: Can’t wait.

Wes: Me either.

I hate that his day was shitty, but maybe I can make it better.

“Oh my God, are you already in love with him?” Emery teases, pulling on my toes.

I kick her playfully, and she squeals. “Shut up.”

“Is he coming to get you?”

“Yes, at six.”

“Awesome, Mom and Dad will be here, so I need to go pop some popcorn.”

As she gets up, heading out of my room and laughing like a hyena, I can only think one thing—fuck.

* * *

Wes: Be there in fifteen.

My heart is in my throat. I know I need to tell my parents that I have a date coming to get me. But instead, I stand in the kitchen at the breakfast bar with my ankle crossed over on my other ankle as I scroll through TikTok, acting as if I got dressed up for nothing. I’m wearing a slinky cobalt-blue dress with high, red-bottomed blue heels. My hair is down in tight curls across my shoulders, and I’m wearing very dark, dramatic makeup with a bright-red lip. Both my parents commented that I look lovely, but neither asked where I was going. Like Emery said she would, she sits on the other side of the bar, eating her popcorn as she scrolls through her phone. Mom and Dad are leaning against the counter, Mom with a glass of wine and Dad with a wineglass full of soda since he’s a recovering addict, as they talk about Aiden and Shelli’s baby gender reveal this weekend.

“I haven’t heard from them yet. Didn’t they have the ultrasound? Think they already found out?”

Dad shakes his head. “No. I doubt it. They probably know we want to know, so we’re going to beg them for the envelope.”

Mom laughs, and I love the wrinkles by her eyes. Her hair is down in a lazy braid, and she’s wearing her PJs. My dad has on sweatpants and an old Assassins tee. They’re waiting for the veggie lasagna to be done so they can eat, while I’m standing here trying to find the balls to tell them I’m going out with Aiden’s best friend and ask if maybe they can keep that to themselves.

“I think it’s a girl,” Emery supplies, and Mom beams.

“Oh, I hope. A little girl with Aiden’s face and Shelli’s eyes? To die for.”

“Nah, it’s a boy. I got to start training another hockey player. Asher was a dud.”

Mom smacks him. “Asher is a godsend.”

“Yes, but a dud when it comes to hockey.”

“He’s not wrong,” I say, and Dad points at me with a nod.

Emery rolls her eyes. “You’re such a daddy’s girl.”

I shrug. “So?”

Dad winks at me, and I grin. I clear my throat then, when I see I only have a few minutes before Wes gets here. “I have a date tonight.”

Mom smiles. “Well, you look amazing. He’ll be knocked on his ass for sure.”

“For sure. Leave him there,” Dad says simply, and I scoff.

“Dad.”

“Just saying, no man is good enough for my girls,” he says, a true overprotective daddy.

“I know,” I agree. “But he’s actually pretty wonderful.”

Mom raises a brow, a sweet, kind smile on her face. “Where did you meet him? School?”

I notice Emery grinning from ear to ear as she sits on the edge of her seat, looking between our parents and me.

I want to knock her off the stool.

I clear my throat. “Actually, I’ve known him for a while.”

Dad eyes me. “Oh? Do we know him?”

And I swear, God is punishing me. The doorbell rings, and I silently curse as I untangle my legs and head for the door. Right on my tail is Emery and, of course, my parents.

Jesus help me.

I reach for the door as I fix the bottom of my dress, and when I pull it open, Wes is standing there in gray slacks and a light-blue button-up that he’s left open at the top. His hair is combed to the side, a few bangs in his eyes, and he’s completely clean-shaven. For someone who had a shitty day, he is fucking gorgeous for sure.

His eyes light up, and his mouth parts but then turns up in the most sinful grin. “Wow, sweetheart. Wow.”

I beam. “My thoughts exactly.”

He leans in, and I meet him halfway, kissing his lips. They’re so soft, and I love kissing him. As we part, he pulls a long stem rose from behind his back and hands it to me. “Sorry for being kinda off the grid today.”

“Don’t apologize,” I say, smelling the bud. “I know it was a tough day.”

“Well, you just made it better.”

We share a grin before I turn to see my parents and sister watching us. Emery gives Wes a thumbs-up. “I didn’t even have to complain.”

He grins at my sister, but he seems surprised to see my parents. “I learned my lesson. How are you, Emery?”

“Good. You can come in since my sister is just standing there.”

He gives an awkward laugh, coming inside as I turn to my parents, who both look very, very surprised and confused. “Um, y’all remember Wesley, from Aiden’s wedding? His best friend.”

Mom’s eyes are wide, and Dad looks as if steam is about to come out of his ears. Emery, again, is ready for the fireworks, but Wes reaches out to shake my dad’s hand. My dad may not be happy, but he’s not an asshole. He takes Wes’s hand, shaking it as Wes says, “Mr. Brooks. Mrs. Brooks, as gorgeous as always.”

Mom blushes as she shakes his hand. “Hello, Wes. I’m surprised to see you, picking up my daughter.”

He gives me a sly smile. “This has been a long time coming. I’ve been crushing on Stella for a while.”

“Aren’t you thirty?” Dad asks, and Emery snorts, but thankfully, Mom smacks him.

“Dad! He’s twenty-five.” I can actually see my dad doing the math in his head. “And before you say anything, Aiden and Shelli are, like, nine years apart.”

Emery grins. “Ha! She’s got you there.”

Dad presses his lips together, and Mom says, “Well, we won’t hold y’all up. Have fun.”

Wes shows his palms to my parents. “I haven’t told Aiden yet. Can you give me a chance to do that?”

They both look at Wes and then at me. Dad gives me a look. “Aiden doesn’t know you’re dating his best friend?”

“He does not, because Wes wants to sit down and talk to him about it, because he is a good guy who respects his best friend.”

“My English teacher would tell you that you can’t use because twice in the same sentence,” Emery teases, and I glare.

“Don’t you have homework or something to do?”

“This is a Shakespeare play live. I’m good.”

Wes laughs, but Dad says, “If he respects Aiden, I feel he should have told him before he started dating you.”

I glare. “Why, when we weren’t sure if we wanted to pursue this?”

“She’s got you there again. Man, Stella is on a roll,” Emery says, and Dad snaps his head toward her.

“Go to your room.”

“Dad!”

“Emery, go,” Mom says softly, and then she smiles at us. “We won’t say a word. Enjoy your night.”

“I appreciate that,” Wes says, taking my hand in his. “Ready?”

Of course, Dad isn’t done. Before I can agree, Dad says, “Her curfew is nine.”

“Dad!”

“Lucas!”

“What? Nine is realistic.”

“I can have her back—”

“Absolutely not,” I scold him. “I don’t have a curfew because I’m an adult and you trust me.”

“She’s got you there again, Dad. You always say you trust her more than the boys and me!” Emery yells from the hall, and Dad glares back at her.

“Y’all go. I’ll handle your dad, and you know to send me a text if anything changes.”

“I know,” I say, kissing her cheek and then my dad’s, even though he is acting a fool. “Love you, Dad.”

He gives me a look, but he doesn’t hold it for long. “Love you. I’m watching you, Wesley.”

“Yes, sir,” Wes says, sending him a kind smile. “I promise she’s in good hands.”

“Yeah. I don’t want her in your hands.”

With that, I push Wes out the door, but Emery’s laughter follows us, loud and boisterous.

Once the door is shut, I look up at him. “I’m going to pick you up from now on.”

He laughs as he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me in. “But I’d miss all the fun.”

“They are crazy.”

“They are awesome,” he says, kissing my nose. “And you are beyond magnificent, my stunning Stella.”

I gaze into his eyes as he gazes into mine, and little by little, I know I’m falling for him.

And the excitement of that has me coming out of my skin.

I wonder if it’s the same for him or if I’m jumping the gun.

But who cares. I’m happy.