Last week, as you'll recall, Abby's boyfriend Brandon made some rather rude and crude remarks to Ryan, concerning Ryan and Ben's relationship, which upset him greatly. Ben takes Ryan outside, on the band's break, to see what's up, only to have Abby seeking to discover the same thing. When she hears what he said, she punches Ryan. See what comes next in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!
In Pieces #52 (12.6)
“C’mon, Abs, it was just a joke,” Brandon continued to
protest. “Baby, I’ll apologize to them. It’s no big deal, honestly. Okay, guys?”
He took a tentative step toward her, then another toward Ryan and Ben, only stopping when she
raised her fist again.
“A joke? You call what you said a joke?” Abby repeated in
disbelief. “You’re unbelievable, Brandon. And you’re a complete asshole. I want you to go. As in now.”
Watching Brandon roll his eyes at Abby’s words, as if he
didn’t take her seriously, Ryan wanted to go after the smarmy bastard and punch
him in the mouth himself. But some instinct told him this was becoming their
own personal fight, one which had nothing to do with what Brandon had said
about him and Ben, so he held his peace, holding tightly to Ben’s hand.
“Tell you what, I’ll wait for you at the motel,” Brandon
said. “Let you guys finish the last set.” He rubbed his jaw, moving it about as
if to test how much damage she’d done. “We can grab a quick bite when you get
off. Whatever you want. Sky’s the limit.” He offered her a cheesy smile, but
Ryan noticed no sincerity in his eyes.
“Are you kidding me? I am not going back to that motel with you,” Abby said, disbelief
evident in her voice. How dense was this man, Ryan wondered, that he would
think she’d want to, after all of this. A smarter man would have given her time
to cool off before he tried to get back into her good graces, tuck his tail
between his legs and get out of her sight, but obviously Brandon wasn’t that
man.
Ryan noticed someone round the corner of the building, coming
up behind Brandon. Spying a brown monk’s robe, he realized at once who it was.
Now there would truly be hell to pay.
Aiden’s casual stroll became a brisk stride as he took in
the tableau before him. He hurried to his sister’s side. “Are you all right? What’s going on? Do I
need to kick someone’s dumb ass?”
“Brandon was just leaving,” Abby said. “Weren’t you, dickhead?”
Even in the questionable light thrown by the lighting
standards in the parking lot, Ryan could see the building fury in Brandon’s
face. He glanced around him, as if wondering what the odds were he’d get his
ass kicked if he started anything. By this time, Deacon and Keanu had also
arrived. They glared at Brandon menacingly. He obviously decided if he ran
away, he’d live to fight another day.
“Safety in numbers, I see,” he sneered. “That’s okay. I don’t
need you motherfuckers. Or should I say brotherfuckers?” With that last moment
of stupidity, he beat a hasty retreat , narrowly dodging Keanu and Deacon. The
usually placid Deacon looked ready to strangle him, while Keanu’s face was a
veritable storm cloud. Of one accord, they chased after him, out of sight.
Ryan and Ben hurried to Abby, who was already encircled in
Aiden’s arms. Her brave front had collapsed and she was sobbing quietly. Aiden
stroked her hair, attempting to calm her. “It’s okay, he’s gone. Shh, shh…”
“Abby, I’m so sorry.” Ben gently touched her arm. Ryan felt
helpless, unsure what he could or should do, so he let Ben take the lead.
Abby turned her head. Mascara and tears streaked her cheeks
as she struggled to bring her breathing under control. “Don’t be. It’s not your
fault, either one of you. This has been a long time coming. A long time.”
“It’s not your fault,” Aiden echoed. “I’m sorry about the
things he said to you. He’s just a dick, always has been.”
“You deserve better than him,” Ben said. “He isn’t good
enough for you by a long shot. You’re an amazing woman. Thank you for standing
up for us.”
“I’d fight anyone for you, Ben. You’re like family.”
The next thing Ryan knew, Abby had pulled Ben in and Ben
pulled in Ryan, until all four were involved in a large group hug. Ryan’s heart
filled with love—a protective love for Abby and Aiden, as well as an
everlasting love for Ben. He would fight for these people, no matter what.
“We should probably get back in, break must be over,” Abby
said. “How bad do I look?” She gave Aiden a searching look.
“A little repair, nothing major,” he said. “You sure you’re
up to it?” He glanced at Ben.
“Maybe we should cancel the last set,” Ben began, but Abby
shook her head adamantly.
“No, no way. I can handle this. We have a job to do, and
we’re going to do it.”
“Abby, it’s the last set, we can—”
At that moment, Deacon and Keanu reappeared, breathing hard,
as if they’d been running. Keanu wore a particularly satisfied expression. “He
won’t be coming around any time soon.” Ryan noticed he cradled one hand in the
other.
“Let me see that, killer,” Deacon took
Keanu’s hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it. “I wouldn’t want to get on
your bad side.”
Keanu laughed. “Like you could.”
“What did you do to him?” Aiden asked.
“Just taught him some of the manners his mama neglected to
teach him,” Keanu said. “Not enough to cause any real damage, but enough to
make him think twice about coming around.”
“Good,” Abby said. “Thanks, guys. You’re the best.”
“Yeah, I know.” Keanu’s statement elicited laughter,
lightening the tense atmosphere somewhat.
“Give me a few minutes to get to the lady’s room and I’ll be
ready,” Abby said, her voice thickening.
“What’s wrong? You okay?” Aiden asked with concern.
‘I’m fine,” she assured him. “Just thinking how much I love
you all.”
“Back at you,” Ben said.
Forming a phalanx around Abby, who walked beside her
brother, they headed back inside to finish their final set.
to be continued
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