The Ground Below

Chapter Eight

 I follow Amy and Dallas down a stone covered walkway that cascades through a beautiful garden. Tall trees and shrubs almost block my view of the guest house. When we arrive on the door step a young man catches my attention. He’s in nothing but swim trucks, and my eyes almost fall out of my head. I notice dark hair, and his jaw could have been chiseled by the gods. I didn’t see a pool on my path down here, but it could be in the direction he’s coming from.

“Karter, what are you doing here?” Dallas asks looking concerned.

Karter looks around as if just noticing us. “My apartment is flooded so I decided to stay here until it’s fixed.”

God, even his voice is beautiful. “Who’s the chick?”

“This is Parker Jordan, and she will be staying in here.”

“Whoa. Whoa. Whoa, daddy-o. She’s not staying here.”

My stomach constricts and I feel out of breath as I look up into his blue eyes. I have no where to stay?

“Honey, we promised her the guest house. She flew all the way from New York, and she’s going to be staying with us for a long while. Can’t you stay in a hotel?” For the first time in a long time I see Amy frown. Whoever Karter is, they do not want him around.

“But this is my place, Mom. You said so yourself that if I need anywhere to stay, I’m free to come here.” They are his parents? What kind of parents would choose a guest over their child?

“You know,” I speak up. “He can stay here. I mean I’m fine with it. We could come up with something.”

He snorts. “Yeah, I appreciate you giving me permission to stay in something that is not yours.”

“I’m just trying to be nice. I can stay somewhere else.”

“No, you’re staying in the guest room like we promised you,” Dallas says coldly.

“He’s your son, he should stay here. I’m fine with anything.”

Karter scowls at me. Really, dude? I’m trying to help you out.

“Fine, you can stay here,” he tells me, “but I’m not going anywhere.”

Amy sighs, “Karter, please—“

“No, it’s fine. I can share.”

Amy looks to Dallas who shrugs. He opens the door and leads me inside. “It’s kind of small for the both of you, but there are two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms so you shouldn’t have to see much of each other. The only thing that will have to be shared is the living room, and the kitchen which I hope you won’t have to use, and join us for meals. But, if you do get hungry or want to eat alone, the kitchen is stocked.”

They walk me down the hall to a bedroom that looks like it had just been made ready for my use not too long before. “Do you like it?” Amy nervously asks. The bed is way bigger than mine in the apartment. The room is bathed in sunshine by floor to ceiling windows that stretch along the wall. Not very good for privacy, but then I notice the large curtains waiting to be closed.

“I do. It’s nice and roomy. I could get use to it.”

“That’s great to hear. We’re excited to have you here.” Amy gives me a quick hug, and they turn to leave me.

After unpacking, I change in to my night gown ready for sleep. This has been a long day, and I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.