Whole Lot More

Chapter Thirty Two

Chapter Thirty Two

::Tuesday Morning::

"You're quiet."

Julie looked up at him and rolled her eyes. "I'm not quiet."

"Quieter than normal."

"What do you want me to do? Run around here yelling and screaming?  I'm sure Killer would kick me out of the house himself for interrupting his sleep."

"I could make ya scream..."

"Aw, Dale Jr., aren't you such a romantic."

He grinned, "I try to be. Seriously though... the offer to make ya scream is on the table... anytime you want to take me up on it."

"Oh honey trust me, I'll remember that. And when you least expect it... I'll take you up on your offer and jump your bones."

Sexual tension buzzed through the room, and Julie knew that if things continued the way they'd been going, it wouldn't be long before she did just that and took him up on his offer.

Silence spanned between them before Julie decided it was time to tell him what'd been on her mind. "Will you tell me something truthfully?"

"See... I knew ya had somethin' on your mind..."

"Don't worry, it's nothing to do with us... it has to do with Brynne and Martin..."

"Well then, if I know the answer, I'll answer it truthfully."

"Good. Whose Kaleen?"

"Damn... been a long time since I've heard that name!"

Julie sighed, "Who is she Dale?"

"Just an old girlfriend of Martin's. A controlling, bitch at that. When he was with her, I only saw him at work. She made sure he had no friends, no fun, no nothing. We kept telling him he should dump her ass, but that boy... I swear he's afraid to be alone. Thank God someone good like Brynne came into his life. I love that boy like a brother, but sometimes when it comes to relationships, he's not the best at choosing relationship material. Him being with Brynne though, that just proves he does have some taste." Julie nodded. "Why you askin'?"

She just shrugged. "He's never mentioned anything about her to Brynne, so she knew nothing about her until she met his family in Jersey and someone mentioned Kaleen. Brynne was just curious why he'd never mentioned her before and asked me to ask you about her... make sure there wasn't anything more to the story."

"Nah, he dumped her months ago... right after he started talkin' to Brynne on the computer, actually... the minute he started talking to us about Brynne we all told him to get rid of Kaleen... she was nothing but a trampy gold-digging whore, anyway. He came to his senses and got rid of her before she permanently got her claws into him."

"Good, Brynne will definitely be relieved to know there's nothing for her to worry about. I know she's been worried about it since Jersey."

"Tell her to just ask Martin about Kaleen. I'm sure he's got nothing to hide and would tell her."

"I will. We're planning on having a girl's day today, anyway. You boys have to work today, don't you?"

"Yeah, I should be getting into the office anyway... I think there's a meeting this afternoon or something... will you be home for dinner?" She nodded. "Good, we'll order pizza or something and watch some movies."

"Sounds good to me." She stood from the table and kissed him, ruffling his hair affectionately, "And maybe we'll finish this later, too."

The grin on his face got bigger and he practically ran out the door, figuring the quicker he got to work, the quicker he could get home.

Only once she heard his truck leave the driveway did she squeal excitedly. He'd called this home. Like this was her home, too.

Maybe someday, she thought.

*~*

::Tuesday Afternoon::

"He asked me if I'd be home by dinner this morning. Not would I be back by dinner, would I be home... like it's my house, too."

"So things are really starting to pick up for you two, huh?" Brynne asked, relishing in her best friend's happiness.

"I guess they are. God, I never thought this would ever happen. I used to sit at home and watch him on TV and imagine what it'd be like to just say one word to him. Now I'm dating him! I love you Brynne!" She hugged her friend from the side. "If it weren't for you, none of this would be happening... I don't know how I'll ever repay you for introducing us."

"Just seeing you this happy is enough payment for me. Just seeing the both of us this happy. God, do you know how long its been since I felt even marginally this happy?"

"A long damn time!"

"Exactly. It's kind of surreal. Being this happy -- both of us. And being in North Carolina -- dating NASCAR drivers. My whole freaking life has become surreal!"

"So has mine. And... something to make you a little bit happier... I asked Dale about Kaleen this morning. And he said there's nothing to worry about... Martin dumped her right after he started talking to you. According to Dale, she was nothing but a golddigging tramp... a controlling bitch, too. He said for months he only saw him at work because she demanded all of his outside time to be completely devoted to her. Said the best thing Martin ever did was dump her, and he hasn't heard her name mentioned or seen her since then. So... you don't have a single thing to worry about."

"God you have no clue how relieved I am. Still bothers me he didn't say anything himself, but..."

Julie interrupted her. "Can't really talk yourself, huh?"

"Exactly." Brynne's eyes darted to a little store sitting in the main corridor of the mall. "Ooh, look at that outfit.  It's adorable!"

"Wanna go look?"

Brynne nodded. "I have to find something cute to wear tonight... Martin's taking me out for dinner."

"You should ask him about Kaleen. Dale said he's sure if you ask him about her, he'll tell you all about her."

"I might have to."

*~*

Martin sat in his office, feet up on his desk, relaxing for a couple of minutes before he'd have to get back to work.  He'd just gotten off the phone with Deana, and everything was set up. Her and Peyton would be getting in town Friday morning and then he'd introduce Peyton to everyone as his daughter.

He knew it was about time he stopped hiding them -- even if it was to protect them -- but he knew if it hadn't of been for Brynne pushing him to do it, he wouldn't have.

His intercom buzzed and he answered it. "Yeah?"

"There's someone here to see you, Martin."

"Who is it?"

Before the secretary could answer, Martin's office door was thrown open and Kaleen stood there. You could definitely tell she was pregnant; she hadn't been lying the other day when she'd said she was getting to be as big as a balloon.

Martin just rolled his eyes. "What do you want, Kaleen?"

"Aw Marty, don't look so happy to see me."

"Save it. I'm not happy to see you."

"Well you better learn to be happy to see me. Way I see it, I could make your life a living hell and have fun ruining it, just like you've ruined my life."

"And what do you mean by that, Kaleen?"

"By getting me pregnant and dumping me," she rolled her eyes, "Duh!"

"And I'm still doubting I'm the one who got you pregnant... I know all about your extracurricular activities."

"Then take a fucking paternity test! Because I can guarantee right now that it'll come back that this kid is yours!"

"Don't worry Kaleen, I intend to. Now, is there anything else I can do for you before I call security and have them escort you out of here? Oh, and I intend to make sure you're never allowed in here, again. Maybe then you'll get it through your head that we're not together -- nor will we ever be again -- and you're not welcome here."

"I wouldn't do that, Martin..."

"And why's that?" he questioned with a cocky smirk. He picked the phone up and dialed a number. "Hey, it's Martin. yeah, could I get someone down here to my office? I need someone escorted out and I want it made sure she's never allowed back in here again. Thanks, Mike."

Kaleen was seething. "I'm going to ruin your life, Martin!"

"I'd like to see you try, Kaleen."

*~*

::Tuesday Night::

"Honey, I'm home!"

Julie laughed from the livingroom where she was just lounging around and waiting for him to get home.

"I thought you'd forgotten about me."

"I'd never forget about you."

She looked into his eyes, all joking manner leaving hers when she saw the seriousness in his.

"Well, I'll never forget about you, either... if that makes any difference."

"Makes all the difference in the world to me, darlin'."

Leaning down, his lips connected with hers; immediately his tongue wanted entrance into her mouth, and she didn't deny him. They made out like teenagers for a couple minutes before they had to pull apart for air.

Dale hovered over her and smiled slightly. For once in his life he was happy and he could just enjoy it.

"What's got you so serious tonight?" she asked.

"I'm just really happy with me life right now and I ain't gonna let anything or anyone ruin that."

*~*

Martin and Brynne sat tucked away in the corner of Lancaster's, enjoying a dinner by themselves without any interruptions. No fans knew Martin was there either, so they could just enjoy themselves for one night.

"Pey and Deana are going to be here on Friday," Martin told her, quietly.

"Are you sure you're ready to tell everyone about them?"

"Don't know if I'm necessarily ready, but there's no time like the present. Besides, I don't want to hide them from my friends any longer."

"I'm glad, because Peyton is going to love it."

"I have to thank you, though."

"What for?" Brynne asked.

"If it weren't for you I'd never of gotten up the nerve to bring them down here. I probably would have kept them a secret forever."

"Well I'm glad you didn't, and I'm glad you gave me a chance to be a part of Peyton's life."

"She loves you already, you know that?"

"I love her, too. It's hard not to."

Martin nodded. "I'll be right back, okay?" As he walked by her, he gave her a quick kiss on the forehead.

He pulled his hat further down on his head as he walked through table by table towards the bathroom, breathing a sigh of relief when he made it to the door without anyone stopping him.

He laid his hand on the door to push it open, but was stopped be a female hand on his chest. Kaleen pushed herself between him and the door and smiled at him.

"What are you stalking me, now?"

"Hi again, Martin."

"Didn't you get the point this afternoon, Kaleen? Leave me alone!"

"Ah yes, this afternoon. That wasn't very nice -- having security throw me out of there."

"Wasn't it? I'm sure I could get you thrown out again, if you don't back the fuck off and leave me alone."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Why the hell not, Kaleen? What the hell is up with you and this cryptic shit? You're not mysterious so cut the bull shit out."

"Brynne really is cute, isn't she? Wouldn't it be a shame for her to turn her back on you for keeping secrets?"

"I already told you. I've kept no secrets from her. NONE. Because I trust her and I lo--"

"Love her? Do you really? Because once upon a time, you told me that, too. And look at the position we're in now."

"Difference is... she's not a golddigging, money grubbing whore. You are."

"Ouch, that one hurt, Martin." She ran her hand down his cheek. "All I'm saying is you'd better change your attitude towards me and this baby or else you're going to regret it when Brynne turns her back on you."

"It'll never happen."

"We'll see. Have a nice night."

She waddled her way from the bathroom to the door, without a second glance back at Martin, leaving him standing there wondering if he should take her threats to heart. He wasn't sure she'd have the balls to cross him, but he really couldn't be sure.

He knew he should tell Brynne before she found out on her own, but he didn't know how. How were you supposed to tell someone you loved about some like Kaleen?

"You can do it," he told himself, "You can tell her."

*~*

He slid back in the booth across from her and smiled slightly. She was completely lost in her own world, a serious, contemplative look on her face.

"Brynne, is something bothering you?"

"Whose Kaleen, Martin?"

His eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "What?"

"Kaleen... who is she? I mean... I know she's your ex-girlfriend, but your mom mentioned her when we were in Jersey and you've never mentioned her before, so..."

"I -- I..."

I can't believe my mother said anything! he screamed in his mind.

"You what?"

"I... love you."

Brynne's eyes widened, obviously caught off guard. "Excuse me?"

"I love you, Brynne."

"Well... I love you, too."

Mentally though, he was cursing himself. He'd had the perfect opportunity to tell her and once again -- he'd choked.

*~*