Knowing You

Chapter Four



The truth, it kept her from sleeping all night. It felt like a large weight resting on her chest, trying to smother her. A knock on her bedroom door announcing breakfast had her stomach in knots. She’d already heard him exit his bedroom, he hadn’t stopped to pound on her door. That was a good sign, wasn’t it?


Gathering what courage she had, she slipped on her work clothes. A part of her prayed that he’d left after greeting their parents, let him be gone. A few extra minutes were taken to fix her hair, needing to leave it down. She swore seeing a small hickey below her ear, forcing her to leave the sides down in order to hide the condemning mark. No one would see it unless they got close to her, fat chance of that.


The best course of action would be to see how he reacted to her presence. First to gauge if he remembered, if he did then to see how he felt about it. Each step sent despair into her chest, she couldn’t do this. She wanted to run, find a rock to climb under and never resurface.


“There you are, hurry or breakfast will get cold.” Her mother popped around the corner to chastise her without much fuss.


“Fine,” here she comes to her demise. Taree had ice for blood the short distance it took her to enter the room that had started it all. She should never have come down to inspect the noise, it had been safe in her room. Dismay reigned spotting him standing near the sink looking out of the window.


“You look worse than your brother, don’t tell me you got drunk as well.” Her mother placed a plateful of food in front of her. “Don’t worry, I’ve already yelled at him about strolling in here sloshed and passing out. I hope he didn’t disturb you.”


“I’m fine,” A plus, her parents were at least assuming that he’d come right in and passed out on his bed. They had no reason to suspect otherwise, hopefully neither did he. Taree looked down at the scrambled eggs and bacon, it looked like concrete to her.


“I could have come in and vomited on your floors, be grateful I passed out first.” Dante squinted out of the window, spotting a cat making it’s way into the yard. Vomiting might have made him feel better, why had he drank that much?


The last thing he could remember was Sheila starting a fight with him, then hitting a bottle. Shockingly he hadn’t wrecked on the drive over, he was glad for that. He turned to face his sister, knowing he’d see the disapproving look in her eyes. What he saw floored him, she looked like hell. Had he disturbed her sleep when he’d come in? She had her cheek propped in a palm, her gaze focused on the wall.


‘He doesn’t remember,’ the thought saddened her. It should make her happy, relief wasn’t what she felt. It’d been years since he’d shown her any type of affection, she missed that. The one night he did more than that, he’d been too wasted to realize it had happened. The sting of tears had her pushing the plate away in disgust, she wouldn’t cry over this. It hurt, it was what she deserved for allowing it.


“Sweetie, do you need a ride? I’m sure your brother can give you one on the way home.” Her mother chirped up, making the offer for him.


“What? Why don’t you take her? Why automatically assume that I don’t have something pressing to do? I’m sure she had a ride lined up before I crashed here last night.” He didn’t want to drive anywhere, he wanted to sleep.


The hangover was killing him and he had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Something was bothering him, he couldn’t put a finger on it. Did it have to do with the dream he had? That might be it, he couldn’t get it out of his head. Was his insecurities about settling down causing him to have strange dreams?


His couldn’t put a face to it or her, he could remember everything else. It was so vivid, something had to be wrong with him. Was his self conscious trying to show him what he was missing with Sheila? The fight last night had been about him not wanting to settle down. Could that argument have sparked dreams of an unknown woman, a woman that made him feel complete? The imaginary sex had been astounding, giving him an erection that wouldn’t go down. The feel of her as he slept, it wasn’t real, that was pissing him off. That a dream could get him so worked up when he had a beautiful woman already.


“Joey will be here in a few,” Taree stammered feeling an inch tall.


“Okay dear, do you still have plans for tomorrow?” The question was a valid one, her mother was merely curious about where she was going.


“I think so,” she hadn’t thought about it this morning. Taree wasn’t sure if she could go out now, tossing herself in front of a moving bus would be a better idea. She’d always prided herself on her morals, of doing the right thing. One single moment of having no brain had her feeling like a fool. There was no blood ties between them but had been raised together for years, it was demeaning.


Where was she going? Dante opened his mouth to pry but the sound of a horn blowing had Taree springing from the chair. Not another word was spoken, the girl was running out like the house was on fire. Reaching for the coffee pot, he listened for the front door.


“Who is she going off with?” He asked, thinking it was only normal for him to want to know.


“Some boy, I haven’t met him yet.”


“And you’re going to let her go out with him? You have no idea who it is and you’re still letting her go?” He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His parents should at least demand introductions to be made, this guy could be bad news. When and where had she met this guy?


“It’s just a date, they aren’t getting married. She’s a bright girl and we trust her judgement, she’ll be fine.”


“I don’t like it,” he gave his opinion. It irked him that his stepmother just shrugged as if it really didn’t matter. Maybe he should hang around and stay another night, be here tomorrow when she left. That way he can ask to meet her date, if that’s what it really was. “Mind if I hang around? I was thinking about ordering something nice for dinner.”





“Mind if I ask where we are going?” Taree fidgeted with the seatbelt, hoping he couldn’t see how her hands were shaking.


She’d woken up this morning a bundle of nerves, her emotions in turmoil. Faking being tired had gotten her out of spending an evening around Dante. Dinner had been waiting on her when she’d gotten home from work. Seeing him standing there in fresh clothes looking normal had her running to the bathroom, trying not to lose her lunch. Telling herself not to think about it, was easier said than done. It had stayed in her mind all day and night, how could she forget?


“It’s a surprise,” Lydon waited for her to buckle up, taking the time to look at her. She’d taken his advice about the jeans and sneaker, a red t-shirt clung to her top. The words ‘Gotta Love Me’ were written in cursive, drawing attention to her chest. She looked young and cute with her hair pulled back in a clip, a wise decision. His last girl friend would have worn heels, ignoring his suggestion completely.


“You look nice, thanks for coming.” He smiled at the blush his compliment caused.


“Thanks for asking, it’ll be nice to get out of the house.” She almost demanded that he throw the car in reverse and step on the gas, her brother chose this moment to step out of the front door. She’d managed to avoid him all morning, was her luck running out? He wouldn’t come up to the truck would he?


“Isn’t that your brother?” Lydon knew pulling away would be rude, Dante was coming right up to them. Being a brother, the guy was probably wanting to see who was taking his sister out. How would the man take seeing it was him? Not that it would change his mind about taking her out. The girl was old enough to make her own decisions, that was good enough for him.


“Yes, you could just go. If he gets in the way, run him over.” That would solve a lot of her problems, shame it would make her sad. She would make sure to yell at him later for being nosy. He didn’t ask her permission or opinion before he took one of his tramps out.


Lydon noticed how tense she became, the closer her sibling got. Being polite he downed his window to greet his boss, “Morning, how’s it going?”


“Fine,” It only took a few seconds for Dante to recognize the vehicle and the man behind the wheel. When the hell had Lydon gotten around to ask Taree out? What made the man believe that it was okay? Hadn’t he warned him already to stay away? “Mind if I ask where you are going?”


“Actually, I do, it’s kind of a surprise. If I were to tell you then that would ruin it. Don’t worry, I’ll have her home in one piece.” Lydon almost laughed at the anger reflecting in the green eyes. He’d known the man wouldn’t be too pleased, not after that small warning. It was a real shame he’d never let what others thought bother him.


“I see, I guess I can’t complain then.” He’d wait until they were back at work to handle things. Dante gave the man a fierce look, making sure he understood that they’d discuss it later.


“Later,” Lydon gave a nod, he knew what was going to happen. He didn’t think Dante was the type of man to actually go as far as firing him for this. Give him hell at work, bitch at him, but he was a fair boss.


Taree glared at the tall figure still standing in the driveway. She kept the menacing look on her face long after the truck was put into drive and started to head down the street. What was his problem? He had no reason to come out, she was allowed to date whomever struck her fancy. Unless their parents had asked him to come out and inspect her date, that was always possible. Now that she thought about it, it was the most likely reason. They would never come out and question her about her choices.


Feeling better about him coming out to bother them, she settled back into the seat. Her mind swaying to the passing scenery, she was wondering where they were headed. Was it something she’d like? He really didn’t know that much about her yet, so how could he know whether or not she’d want to go? Was he assuming? “So, do I get a hint about where we are going?”


“No,” he answered quickly enough. “I guarantee that you’ll enjoy yourself.”


“Somehow I’m not reassured,” the truck pulled onto the highway. She shrugged, nothing to do but take his word on it. Either that or she could jump from a moving vehicle, that would leave a mark. Speaking of marks, she prayed that he didn’t notice the hickey, that had refused to go away. It wasn’t as dark as it had been yesterday, still noticeable. If he asked she’d just have to lie and say it was a bruise.


“Is it just you and your parents, or does he still live at home?” He asked, he’d been shocked to see the man there.


“Oh, it’s just us. Dante moved out a while back, he has his own place. Last night he came over for dinner, I guess he crashed instead of driving home.” With any luck he’d be gone when she got back.


There wasn’t much traffic on the freeway, much of the population still at church. Lydon eased over into the left lane, bypassing a station wagon. The drive would only take about thirty minutes, not much time to really talk. They had all day to get to know each other better, he planned on it.






“How did you know?” Taree smiled as the truck pulled into the parking lot of the state zoo. It had opened up last year, she’d been wanting to come. With work and having no one to come with, she’d pretty much given up the idea. Her few friends said it was for kids, her parents weren’t into animals, and Joey said it smelled too horrid for her.


“Joey, she kind of mentioned it. I don’t think she did it on purpose but it slipped when we were talking. I brought my niece here once since it’s opened, I figured another trip wouldn’t hurt.” He was glad the blonde had let the information slip. It had been a statement saying she didn’t care for the place, unlike Taree. That had let him know one of her interests, he was taking notes.


“I see,” She didn’t, why the hell would Joey be discussing what she liked? Asking him to recall and recount the entire conversation would be rude of her so she let it slide. Instead she looked up at the large twin gates marked ‘Entrance’.


“I figure we can grab lunch inside, grab dinner before I take you home. How does that sound?” He turned on the alarm, making sure he had his wallet in his back pocket.


“Sounds great,” She was forgetting about her problems already, she loved the zoo. It wasn’t her ideal first date but was impressed that he’d taken the time to find out what she liked.


A small line was already waiting at the booth, mostly families with children. He caught up beside her, placing a hand on the small of her back. She stiffened a little, but didn’t ask him to remove the hand. Standing next to her accented just how much shorter she was. The top of her head came to mid-chest, just below his nipples. He was use to being a lot taller than his girlfriends, she was puny.


Taree cracked a grin as a small boy stood in line asking his father about the animals. Inquiring if the lions were kept in cages or were they free to eat the people. Her favorite animal was the elephants, they were adorable and huge. “This is so wonderful, thanks so much. I’ve been wanting to come for months now.”


“No problem, glad I could be of service.” He turned from her long enough to pay for their tickets. If she enjoyed herself then it would make things easier for when he asked her out again. The next time would be an official date, movies and dinner.


The scent assaulted her nose before they reached the entrance, it was nice. Most would find the smell of animal on the disgusting side, not her. She didn’t comment about the fingers lightly touching her waist, it wasn’t inappropriate yet. “Where do you wanna go first?”


“Up to you, where would you like to go?”


“Really?” She took the paper map from his other hand. It was a crude drawing, showing that the animal viewing started on the left. “Lets start to the left, check out the animals first and then proceed from there?”


“Sounds like a plan,” Wherever she wanted to go was fine with him, he’d seen it all before. “We’ll grab lunch after the animals, they have great pizza here.”





“How was it?” Joey didn’t bother hiding her annoyance, she was distraught.


“It was okay, nothing happened.” Taree folded her legs in order to lean back against her pillows. She had known this was coming as soon as Joey had asked whom she’d went out with. It wasn’t in her to lie, most of the time. From what Lydon had said he hadn’t asked her friend out yet, so it meant that he wasn’t interested. It hadn’t hurt anything for her to spend the day with him.


“I figured that, he went out with you. You know what I mean,” the blonde groaned and flopped backwards in order to stare up at the blank ceiling. “I guess I shouldn’t be shocked that he asked you instead, he is kind of intelligent. When we were talking at the diner he said a few big words that left me confused, you’re better for him. Still, you should have told me the minute he asked you, not wait and let your sour brother be the one to inform me. What’s his problem anyways? I came by and he was in a pissy mood, I thought he was going to bite my head off when I asked where you were.”


“Not sure, think he’s fighting with Sheila or something.” She was sure he hadn’t remembered anything about Friday night. He hadn’t barged into the room to strangle her yet, so he didn’t remember. Taree sighed, life was getting complicated.


“Really? Is the party still going to happen?” Joey wanted to attend the get together.


“Think so, she hasn’t called to let me know otherwise.” Taree wanted to ask if they were still together but he hadn’t been in the best of moods since Sunday. It was Tuesday, he was over again for dinner, her mother’s suggestion. The smell of baking ham was coming under the crack, making her stomach clench in hunger.


“Did you kiss him?”


“What? No, it wasn’t that kind of date. We walked around, talked a good bit and then he brought me home.” She’d been a tad disappointed when he hadn’t made a move to kiss her. That confused her, she wasn’t sure if she wanted him to do it. Taree knew that she was still very upset over what had happened between her and Dante, despite the face she showed others. His cold attitude only made knowing more painful, it hurt. Lydon had been very attentive, talkative, sweet and she enjoyed his company. Then why couldn’t she forget about the one night and focus on what she might have with another guy?


“Bummer, not even a kiss? I would have kissed him,” Joey grinned at the image, she would have tried for more. “He’s cute, he’s nice, smart, and seems to like you, so what’s the problem? Wait, you don’t like someone else do you? Is there something you aren’t telling me?”


“NO! It’s nothing like that, I’m just not sure if I’m ready.” There was someone else, just not in that sense. Taree wasn’t about to inform Joey of her latest dilemma. “Besides, sex isn’t everything. If I see him again I might take things slow, no need to rush.”


“Are you kidding me? I know you don’t want to just sleep with anyone, I completely understand and I feel you.” Joey took a deep breath before continuing. “Listen, you’re old enough, it’s time to explore. I mean if you do start being sexually active there is nothing wrong with trying things out. Let’s say you wait until you know you are with the guy you plan on marrying, then you have sex. How are you going to know if it’s any good if you have nothing to compare it to? You won’t know what you are missing if you’ve never explored or seen what’s out there. I’m not telling you to start boning complete strangers but you should think about picking up the pace. Kissing is pleasant but there is so much more a man can do with his mouth.”


“Maybe you’re right, I’m not saying you are though. I just want to be comfortable with someone, especially if I plan on sleeping with him.” Taree couldn’t say anything about wanting to lose her virginity, that had already been snatch away. Taken by someone that had been too drunk to realize that he was getting something precious.


“Comfortable is nice,” Joey clucked her tongue in annoyance. “If things start to go further between you and Lydon, just don’t hold back on some morality kick. Nothing wrong with you wanting to have sex, you’re human.”


“Are you saying you’d sleep with him if he tried?”


“Hell yes, that’s a stupid question. If he hadn’t asked you out, I’d still be trying to score. Since there is the issue of you, I’ll find someone else. Thinking of that, remember Bobby Carlson from gym our senior year?” Joey sat up, wanting to share this story. “I was in the market with Mom, going to the frozen food section. And of all the people I have to bump into, it was him. Back then he was all gaga over Shelly, but now he’s single. He gave me his number before we went to fetch the milk. I think I’ll give him a call and see what he’s up to these days.”


“This is the same guy that use to help Dante toss me into the garbage right?” Taree remembered the ass very clearly. The fucker had been a senior with her brother but had kept flunking until he got too old to attend high school any longer.


“Did he? I can’t remember, we blame that on your brother though. We both know they wouldn’t have bothered you if he hadn’t instigated things.” Joey could never understand why Dante had chosen his sister as a target during that time.


“Yeah, I know.” She knew too well that he’d been the cause of most of her anguish. After he’d left the picking and hate had died down, except for a few of his friends that had remained after him. Her personality had gained her a few friends, they had stuck up for her most of the time.


A knock on the door sounded, “Girls, dinner is ready.”


“Alright Mom, we’ll be right down. You are staying for dinner, aren’t you?” Taree always felt much better when Joey hung around, it gave her someone to talk to.


“Of course, I’m starving and we are having nuked dinners at home. I love your Mom’s cooking, you know this.” Joey rolled off of the mattress, making sure to keep her shoes from touching the clean bedding.


“Great,” Taree switched off her lights and closed the bedroom door. The two walked down the stairs and headed into the dining area. The table was set for six, it meant only one thing. As if on cue, high pitched laughter erupted from the living room. Sheila had decided to join them as well, it was enough to make Taree’s appetite run for the hills. She hadn’t seen the woman since the night the unthinkable had happened.


“Something smells nice,” Joey’s mouth was practically watering at the fresh scent of cooking meat. Her mother tried to cook but the meat usually ended up turning into jerky.


“Thanks dear, want to help me bring the food to the table?” The older woman nudged her daughter on the elbow, noticing the hostile look Taree was sending the redhead coming into the room. “Come on, you can help too.”


“Fine,” Tar went for the bread that was left to cool on the counter. She could have gone the rest of her life without being confronted by the fact of him being with another woman. Things were different now, it hurt knowing that he had mistaken her for another due to an intake of alcohol.


Small chatter filled the space, everyone making their way to the table. Taree placed the bread down, going back into the kitchen to fetch the pitcher of iced tea. Joey skipped by her with the ham, her mom had the salad, leaving the vegetables and potatoes. Wanting to hurry and eat, she grabbed the potatoes with her left hand, the pitcher in her right.


Her father, Dante and Sheila had already taken their seats, chatting away. What were they discussing? The redhead was talking about invitations, the party? No, cause that was supposed to be a surprise, she wouldn’t talk about it with him sitting there. She placed the tea in it’s place, putting the potato dish near the ham. The meal was set, her mother bringing in the last of it.


“One sec,” Taree excused herself to rush back into the kitchen. Her search led her to the fridge, to a container of sour cream. Not only did she like it on her potatoes so did Dante, they weren’t edible without it. Ketchup was a sad substitute for her, he wouldn’t eat them any other way.


Her mother was pouring everyone their drinks when she came back to take her seat. Since he was technically a guest, she placed the container in front of his plate. After he got what he wanted she’d get hers, since she tended to over do it.


“Thanks,” he was shocked that she’d thought enough to go fetch it for him. He’d been planning to go for it after the meal had started. Dante noticed she avoided looking at him, had he done something to upset her?


If anyone had a right to be pissed it was him. He couldn’t believe that she was dating one of his employees. Did she realize how much tension that could cause for him, if things didn’t work out? He wouldn’t worry about it, as soon as Lydon realized that she wouldn’t put out, the guy would leave her alone.


“Have you set a date yet?” This came from their father, he had yet to pick up his fork.


A date? Taree had a feeling it had to do with whatever they were discussing while in the living room. Was something going to happen? She took a sip of the iced tea, keeping her gaze from straying to that side of the table. If he caught her staring he’d want to know why.


“Not yet, he wants to wait for this new client thing to go through. I’m hoping for something in June, that’s such a lovely month.” Sheila accepted the salad bowl, taking out a small amount.


“We might be getting a new contract at work, a plant that makes plastic. If it falls through then I’ll be working overtime for the next few months, just until things smooth over.” Dante placed a few slices of ham next to his pile of potatoes. He noticed that Sheila hadn’t accepted anything but the salad, refusing the rest of the meal.


“That makes sense, if you can’t take leave then you won’t be able to have a Honeymoon.”


Taree dropped the spoon that had been scooping up the mixed vegetables. Had her mother just said Honeymoon? Only Joey noticed the small mishap, the blonde didn’t say anything. Both of them turned to look at the couple across the table. Were they getting married?


“I tried to tell him that it could wait, we don’t need to go on one. A lot of couples wait until their year anniversary before going on their Honeymoon.” Sheila grimaced at the sweetness of the tea, she placed it down on the table.


“Wow, you two are going to get married?” Joey exclaimed, amazed at the announcement. She’d never pegged Dante as someone that would want to enter matrimony, he was a bit on the selfish side. “When did he propose?”


“Well,” Sheila stammered at the bold question, the blonde had nerves. She didn’t care for the friend anymore than the sister, they were both a pain. “It was more of a mutual agreement, instead of an actual proposal. We discussed it and decided it was time we took the next step. Dante loves me, we are happy together and it’s only natural that we are taking this step.”


Taree wanted to point out that the bitch hadn’t said that she returned the endearment. If her brother was going to marry the woman then that left no doubt as to his feelings. She couldn’t see him wanting to spend forever with someone if he didn’t carry strong emotions for the person. It was just shocking that he could develop feelings that strong for someone like Sheila.


“I think it’s wonderful, I really do.” Their mother reached over to grasp Dante’s hand and squeeze it affectionately. “It’s about time you settled down with someone, I was beginning to worry. I know every mother worries, it’s what we do. It’s just that you’ve never really shown much emotion when it came to the girls you brought home. I’m glad you finally found someone that can make you happy, it’s what we want for both of our kids.”


“Even you too, Joey.” Their father turned to the blonde that suddenly realized that she was still capable of blushing. “I’d like to see both of you girls to settle down with a good man. None of those losers I hear you talking about, it’s a shame.”


“Yes sir,” Joey cringed at the scolding tone, it hadn’t been rude. She’d been treated as part of the family not long after meeting Taree. The family knew the state her own family was in, they had always been there for her.


“I have a better chance of getting hit by a speeding comet.” Taree mumbled under her breath, reaching for the salt shaker. Getting married was no longer on her list for the future, a good job and dying single were.


“What about the young man that took you out the other day? What’s he like?” Her mother asked, turning the conversation towards her.


“Uh,” Tar could feel all eyes on her now, she didn’t like it. “It was only one date, I don’t know him that well. Since you asked, he appears to be very nice, considerate, a real gentleman.”


“Sounds boring,” Dante snapped, not liking the blush that had flushed the dimpled cheeks. What the hell had Lydon pulled? “Someone that considerate is usually hiding something, I know him from work and he’s no gentleman.”


“That all depends on the point of view. Just because he doesn’t behave or act like you doesn’t mean something is wrong with him.” Taree bristled at the implied insult. Was he saying no one decent would want to date her? Lydon had been extremely sweet and thoughtful towards her, he’d treated her a lot better than her own brother. “I’ll have you know he takes the dishes out of the sink before he pisses in it.”


“TAREE! Watch your mouth young lady, what is wrong with you?” Both her parents were ogling her, her mother looked ready to blow a gasket.


“He started it, you don’t see me downing the people he dates even though at times I have a few choice words on the tip of my tongue.” She didn’t care if Sheila got the hint, he’d begun the argument. He shouldn’t have opened his mouth, when it had nothing to do with him. “Excuse me, I lost my appetite. I’ll see you in the morning Joey.”


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