One of Six (Den Hollows #1)

6. Beatrice

6

BEATRICE

My sleep had been restless because all I thought about had been the Redd brothers. I sigh to myself, knowing any thought about them would remain a dream.

I lean in close to the mirror, realizing that I only have a small mark on my cheek from where Dad hit me. I debate covering it up, but I change my mind. It isn't my fault that it's there. No doubt, my mother will make sure it is completely covered before my date this evening.

Dressed to please in white cropped slacks and a mint sleeveless cotton shirt, I move downstairs into the dining room. Mother and father sit in silence while eating. Mother glances my way, and I get a small smile of approval. Father keeps his head buried in the newspaper.

I take my seat, keeping my eyes down. I hear the door from the kitchen open, and I lift my gaze to Evelyn. Her eyes go to my cheek, her mouth tightening. She winks, making me smile as she puts a plate of pancakes, strawberries, blueberries, and maple syrup down in front of me. Tears pop into my eyes at her kindness. Evelyn's small gestures of kindness warms my heart, making me feel grateful for her presence in my life.

Noticing my mother's attention on me, I clear my throat. "Morning, Mama, Father." When Dad lifts his eyes, I go on, "I wanted to say that I'm sorry about yesterday and my choice in clothing. It won't happen again."

Father narrows his eyes, unsure of the sincerity behind my apology. There was none, however, it sounded real to my ears.

I add, "I told the truth last night. I didn't recognize the person who released me. I could have died in the car Daddy. He saved my life. I couldn't breathe; it was so hot. Maybe that's why the person helped me."

"Hmm," he mutters. "I do agree David shouldn't have done that. However, it served you right for dressing like a slut."

Keep your mouth shut, Bea!

Stuffing my mouth full of pancakes, I fall silent.

Luckily, my father drops it and leaves for work. That leaves me alone with my mother.

"What time will Jason be here?"

"Seven sharp. I have made you an appointment with Donna for eleven. I've instructed her to cut the length off. A bob will make you look more mature."

I gap. "I am not having my hair cut short. It would be wild, and Father will be cross with us both."

"It was your father's idea," she replies.

I place my fork down and stare. "I will take all the beatings, but I am not cutting off my hair."

"It's only hair, Beatrice," she says, exasperated. "It will grow back."

"It won't need to grow back because it is not being cut. You ask my prospective grooms if they want me with long or short hair. I bet you they will choose long."

I stand, my mother slams her hands on the table. "What do you know about what a man wants?" Her eyes narrow.

"I read." I snicker unable to stop myself. "A man likes to have hair to hold onto when his woman is down on her knees blowing him." I slap a hand over my mouth in horror.

I stun mother into silence.

A giggle escapes while I watch Mom flush. I'm probably as red as my hair. I scamper from the dining room with my mother's "Beatrice" flying after me. I dart outside and run over the back lawn toward the river. After last night, I doubt mother will tell father what I said. She'd be too embarrassed. I'm not even sure where those words came from. I'm going to hell.

At the river, I find a shady area to stand and watch the water rush past me. It's quiet and peaceful, far from the anger in the house.

Shrubs across the way rustle before a man appears. He faces me, and I gasp in surprise.

"You look pretty," Atilio says.

"What are you doing here?" My gaze roves over the man, my mouth dry.

"I thought I'd call and see if you're okay. My brother told me what the sheriff did to you."

My hand automatically goes to my cheek. Atilio's eyes fly wide. "He hit you?"

“My uncle didn’t.” I clear my throat. "Please, will you thank Nico for rescuing me. I was freaking out. I couldn't breathe."

Atilio nods, his eyes not moving from my face. "Nico said you thought he was Essex."

"I did at first. Then I realized it wasn't." I shrug and nod toward the house. "I didn't tell them who it was. I won't."

"That's why he hit you, isn't it? They wanted a name?"

"Yeah." I figure it's pointless to lie to him. I spent my life living in fear. I don't want to lie to the Redds.

"It might be best if you refrain from riding through town for a few days. Let the incident settle. I don't want my uncle putting two and two together."

"You have a point. I'll tell the others." He keeps his eyes on me, and I start to blush. He smiles. "You have unusual hair."

I burst out laughing. "You mean I have wild hair."

"That too." He snickers. "I like it."

"My parents want me to have it cut to my chin. I refused. That's why I'm hiding out here for now." I wince. "I don't know if I'll manage to keep it." I swipe at a tear.

Atilio takes a step toward me and nearly ends up headfirst in the river. "I forgot that was there."

I giggle. "That would be bad. There are sharp rocks beneath, and the water isn't very deep."

He backs away. "Hey, firecracker , don't let them take your hair."

Firecracker.

I like that.

"I'll try really hard to keep it." Pause. "What are you up to when you leave here?"

His face lights up. "I'm going out on the boat with my brothers."

"That sounds really nice," I tell him. "I hope you enjoy yourself. I wish?—"

"What do you wish?"

My heart pounds at the way he looks at me. "It doesn't matter." I turn to head away. "It was nice seeing you again."

"Beatrice," he calls.

I glance over my shoulder. "Keep the hair." He smiles and turns away.

My eyes follow him until he's disappeared from view, and that's when I spot him. Another Redd with green eyes stares across the river at me. My heart thunders in my chest. I swallow hard and briefly close my eyes. He's gone when I open them.

My heart flutters as I go back to the house. I don't understand why I had a visit from two Redd brothers. My eyes drift downwards, and I'm proud of myself for not messing up my white slacks.

I burst into the kitchen in a rush to see Evelyn and give her a hug. She glances outside, then back to me. "You are in a good mood this morning, considering what happened last night."

I bury my face in her neck and enjoy the subtle lavender scent that wafts up my nose. "The river cheered me up."

"Hmm," she gives me the eye, "if you say so."

I chuckle. "Mother told me I had to go and have my hair cut." I hold my hands up to my chin. "I told her no."

"I heard that." She cocks a brow, and my cheeks turn fiery.

"Yes, well, we don't need to discuss it.”

"I've wondered recently if you know the facts of life because I can't imagine your mother telling you."

Opening the freezer, I grab two large cubes of ice and hold them against my burning cheeks.

Evelyn shakes her head. "After what I overheard, I can stop worrying."

"Evelyn, please stop talking before I set alight."

She snickers. "Your face matches your hair right now."

The door into the kitchen opens, and in walks Mother. "What on earth are you doing with ice dripping down your face?" She doesn't pay Evelyn any mind.

"I stepped outside. It's another humid day."

"Beatrice, we live in the South. It's always humid." To Evelyn, "I've finished with breakfast. Thank you. It was lovely as usual." At least my mother has some manners.

"Yes, Mrs. Lincoln." I watch Evelyn head to clean up.

"Let us go into the front room and talk." Mother waits for me to go ahead of her. No doubt it's so I don't run off again.

I slump on the sofa until I notice my mother's frown, so I straighten. "That's better." She sighs. "Oh, Beatrice, I do wish you'd do as you are told. Yesterday could have been avoided if you had."

"Mom, he left me in a hot car."

"Do stop going on about it. Let us move forward." She smiles and becomes animated. "Jason is looking forward to tonight. His mother called and said he was taking you for dinner at the country club. There will be dancing afterwards."

"I'm eighteen, Mom, not your age."

"Beatrice Alexandria Lincoln, you will not talk back to me!”

"Yes, Ma'am."

"There is no age limit where dancing is concerned. It will be fun. Your father wants this date to go well, so do not disappoint him. Jason would be a lovely addition to the family."

I watch my mother and notice the splotches of color on her cheeks. Does she have the hots for Jason? No way!

I clear my throat in an attempt not to laugh. "So, Jason, isn't he too old for me?"

"Your father thinks he is perfect to look after you… in every way."

I scrunch up my face.

"Stop being immature. It's how life goes on."

I don't admit that I would love to go on a date with a Redd brother. That is a pipe dream.

"What should I wear?"

"I've been thinking about this, and the new mint colored dress goes lovely with your hair coloring. It shows your figure as well. Wear the high heeled sandals we purchased with the dress. They make your legs look delightful."

"I'm not having sex with him," I blurt.

Mom looks appalled. "Of course you are not! Good gracious, Beatrice, what has gotten into you lately?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to be clear on the subject."

"Let us be very clear then. Under no circumstances do you let him touch you between the waist and knees." She gives me a look. "You keep your knees together."

My eyes fly wide. "Mama!" I'm really embarrassed and wish I’d kept my mouth shut.

"I am serious. No sex." She clears her throat. "Unless, of course, you want to do what you suggested this morning, so he knows what he's getting."

Shocked she would say that I tell her, "That will not be happening either."

"Beatrice, this is a good opportunity to find yourself a handsome husband who has a good job and comes from a distinguished family. Do not screw it up." She gets to her feet as though she hasn't just suggested I give Jason a blowjob, and she ushers me from the room.

"The hairdressers," she tells me, holding up a hand. "They will only trim your hair."

"I don't trust you." I eye her carefully.

"I promise. What you said has merit. You keep the length." I am astounded that my mother has consented to my hair being kept.

At least mom is driving us in her white Mercedes. The air conditioning is wonderful. We arrive a few minutes later and quickly make our way inside.

Donna does my hair as usual, much to my relief. She would never cut off all my hair.

"What are we doing today?" she asks, brushing out my hair.

"A trim, please, and do you have any products to keep my hair nice? I have a date later and I don't want frizzy hair."

"Don't worry. I've got you covered." She smiles. "So, who's the lucky guy?"

I wince. "Jason Greenwood."

A frown lines her brow. "Isn't he a little old for you?"

"Totally," I say as Donna leads me to the wash stations.

She leans in close. "Let me guess, this is your father's doing?”

I nod.

"You sit back for me, Beatrice, and relax. I'll take care of this."

The warm water feels soothing, and I really relax as she begins to massage my scalp. She's very good at this.

I close my eyes and see a pair of emerald eyes staring back at me. I frown. They are not Atilio's eyes. Why is Essex in my head? He must get out. Ah, that's it. Atilio's face comes to mind, his brown and gold eyes glowing with joy. My hands reach out and press against his chest. Curious, I slide my palms down and feel his belly quiver.

A loud cough makes my eyes pop open. "I'd like to know what you are thinking about," Donna laughs.

“I’m not thinking about anything," I stutter.

Donna shakes her head and smiles. "Honey, your face is all red."

"Oh."

She giggles. "Follow me."

I sit at her station and notice I’m flushed when I look in the mirror.

If she hadn't distracted me, I'm not sure where my thoughts would have gone, considering I've never touched a guy before. I mean, I read about a quivering stomach in a romance novel. It was explicit and from my mom's hidden collection.

To get out of my own head, I watch Donna cut my hair, blow-dry it, and coat it with product so that hopefully it won't frizz today. I don't think of myself as anything special. Right now, I look pretty.

Donna grins at my surprise. "You are a beautiful woman, Beatrice, inside and out. Remember that, and don't let them get to you."

I wince. "That's easier said than done."

She squeezes my shoulder. "Good luck."

"Thanks, Donna. My mom will pay."

Mama takes one look at me and gives me a sly smile as her eyes trail over my shiny red hair as it flows over my shoulders. It doesn't take a genius to know what she's thinking after our earlier talk.

"Come, Beatrice, one more stop." Mother hooks my elbow and leads me next door.

"My nails look fine." I wince as we both look down at my nails. "Um, okay. They're not the best." I have short and uneven nails that lack care.

"Beatrice, you must look your best to hook a husband."

"I don't think Jason will care whether or not my nails are lacquered."

Mother lets out a huff of air, forgetting about me as she chooses a pale pink polish.

A sick feeling comes over me, which I settle by sipping some water.