Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #79 (16.3)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Things have taken a strange turn indeed. Who would have ever thought Vinnie and Ethan would be having a heart-to-heart with Joey, of all people? See what's going on in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't  forget to see what the other Briefers are up to! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #79 (16.3)

“What were you mad about?” Ethan asked cautiously. I didn’t look up, afraid to be seen as staring at Ethan’s brother. I wasn’t even sure he’d want to answer the question. But his comment seemed like a cry for help almost. I don’t think I’d ever seen Joey so...what was the right word? Vulnerable. Human, even.

“A lot of things.” Joey sighed. I noticed he never stopped stroking Benny. Not that our pup was likely to complain. He seemed pretty comfortable right where he was. “You. Sarah. Mom. Dad. Heather.” He paused for a moment, and no one broke the silence. “Maybe me most of all, I dunno.”

Wow, that was candor I never expected to hear from Joe Jr.

“I was a disappointment to him. I wasn’t as good as you. He kept holding you up as an example of what I should be. But he never wanted to help me, even when I asked. Too busy being the great and wonderful minister. The saint of Imperial, Georgia.” He paused and I darted a quick glance in his direction. His eyes were closed, and he seemed to be struggling not to cry. I glanced at Ethan, and his expression was rather stricken, as if his brother’s words pained him to hear.

“He even turned me down when I asked to work with him at the church. I thought maybe we could bond that way, but he wasn’t interested. And then he went and hired Heather.” Now his voice held a bitter note. “My own wife. I think he loved her more than he loved me.”

Whoa, what was there to say to that?

“He got me the agency, yeah. My reward for marrying Heather. But then he…then he…” Whatever he’d been about to say became lost in choking sobs that wracked his thin frame.

I glanced at Ethan in alarm, but he was already in motion. He closed the distance between them and threw his arms around his brother and held him while he cried. I wiped my own tears at the sight, feeling helpless to do anything but offer my silent support.

After a few moments, Joey drew back and nodded, as if to say he was okay, and Ethan returned to his seat beside me.

Joey sniffled a little, before speaking again. “I wanted to make you jealous,” he said.

Ethan’s eyes widened, probably in shock. “Jealous?” he echoed.

“Yeah. That I could get such a beautiful girl, and you couldn’t. That was before I knew…well, you know.”

“Yeah, I know,” Ethan said softly.

“And I wanted to show Dad that I was better than you. So I married her for all the wrong reasons. That didn’t mean he had to—”

“Joey, I don’t think,” Ethan began, but he was interrupted by a quiet voice behind us.

“He didn’t.”

When had Ethan’s mother Maureen come outside? And how much had she heard?

We all turned toward her as she approached us, her attention focused on her aching older son.

“Mom, I didn’t mean,” Joey tried to backpedal but Maureen wouldn’t have any of that. She eased herself next to him on the step and reached for her son’s hand.

“It was the perception,” she said. “The appearance. Call it a mid-life crisis, or what have you. It was all illusion. There was nothing there, I know it. But shame on me for allowing it to go on as long as it did without putting my foot down. I failed you, Joey, and I know it.”

“It’s not your fault, Mom,” Joey protested. “It was Dad.”

“It was both of us. And it was Heather. I’m sorry if their pretense destroyed your marriage.” Her voice sounded as if it were full of unshed tears. I was beginning to think we shouldn’t be here for this. Or me, at least.

“No, no, don’t blame yourself. I should never have married her. I didn’t love her. I still don’t. I was just…I was mad that she dumped me like that. Made me feel like more of a loser than I was before.”

“Don’t ever say that about yourself!” Maureen sounded fierce. “You are not a loser. You are my son, and I love you and am proud of you, of all of you. You’re just going through some rough times, that’s all. But you can always count on my support. And your father’s, whether he shows it often enough or not.”

Joey heaved a large sigh, as if he’d just been relieved of the weight of the world, and leaned in toward his mother. She wrapped her arms around him.

That’s when Ethan nudged me, nodding toward the door. I immediately understood. We rose and silently tiptoed back into the house, leaving them alone, with the sleeping Benny sandwiched comfortably in between them.

 to be continued

Now go see what's happening with the other Briefers! And welcome back J Ray Lamb!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #78 (16.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Things have gone upside down with Vinnie and Ethan. Are they really going to have a conversation with Joey? How can that turn out? See what's going on in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #78 (16.2)

Nothing was said at first, we simply sipped our sweet tea and stared out into the backyard, where the laundry floated gently on the breeze. Benny raced about the yard like a madman. He’d spotted a rabbit and, despite the fact the little fella offered him no harm, insisted on chasing it. But the bunny managed to keep well out of Benny’s grasp, to our amusement. I wasn’t worried that our boy might actually catch and harm the rabbit. I think the fun lay in the sheer physicality of the chase.

“I always wanted to have a dog,” Joey broke the silence. That surprised me. I just couldn’t imagine him being interested in another living creature that wasn’t him. Of course, he’d obviously been married, but I’d never seen him show any sign of interest in his wife. Joseph Thorn had paid her more attention than his son had.

And let’s not open that can of worms again.

“I know,” Ethan said softly. I glanced at him in surprise, but said nothing to interrupt the moment. “Sarah and I did too.”

Joey was worrying at his lower lip, his gaze fixed on the porch. He raised his head and released a long exhale. “Dad always said no. He told me I wasn’t responsible enough. What did he tell you guys?”

“The same,” Ethan said.

I couldn’t help but feel bad for both of them. Not that I’d had a pet either, but that was due to circumstances, and I’d never blamed my mother for that. I knew she would have if she could have. I scooted closer to Ethan, close enough for our thighs to touch, and twined my fingers with his.

Another moment of silence passed. Benny grew tired of the futile chase and came trotting back to us, tongue hanging out from exertion. He yipped at us before bouncing onto Ethan’s brother’s lap—to our great surprise—where he comfortably settled himself and closed his eyes.

“Must be tiring to be him,” I commented with a chuckle.

Joey seemed as startled as we were. I watched him tentatively stroke Benny’s back, and then began to repeat the process with a growing confidence. “His fur feels so nice,” he said, a note of wonder in his voice.

“We give him regular baths,” Ethan said. “Whether he likes it or not.”

We all had to laugh at that. Benny didn’t seem to mind being the object of our joke, too happy at being spoiled by someone new to care.

I felt as though whatever tension may have been in the air around us seemed to lessen. That had to be a good thing, right?

“I’m sorry about what happened, Joey,” Ethan said. “I mean, with you and Heather….”

Joey nodded, but didn’t immediately reply. He continued to stroke Benny’s soft fur. I began to think maybe he just needed something to hold onto. I could relate to that. Ethan was my something, and I didn’t even want to think about what I’d do without him. I was too used to being with him now.

“Have you thought about what you’re going to do now?” Ethan continued. “What kind of job you might want to get?”

That was assuming he wanted to get a job at all. On the other hand, even I didn’t think the reverend’s patience was unlimited enough to support a son old enough to support himself.

Ethan’s brother made no immediate reply. Was I seeing things or did I see him wipe a tear from his eye? Not at all what I expected.

“I don’t know,” he said at last. “I really don’t know. I mean, I realize I messed up. Bad. It’s my fault the business failed. But I was so mad…so very mad.” He continued to pet our pup, and I realized with a start that his hands seemed to be shaking.

I exchanged a startled glance with Ethan. Was he thinking what I was thinking? What everyone was probably thinking because Joseph Thorne Senior led them to that conclusion, whether out of vanity or ego or whatever.

I suddenly felt sorry for Joe Junior, and that’s not something I thought I’d ever feel.

 to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

 

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #50 (10.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Believing themselves to possibly be under fire, Vinnie and Ethan are both relieved and angry to discover that the culprit is none other than Ethan's brother Joey. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #50 (10.4)

Ethan turned toward me, his shoulders slumping a little. I felt his sigh and I ached for him and what his brother was putting him through. I pulled him to me and hugged him and we stood there without moving for a couple of minutes. Realizing we had places to go, things to do, we reluctantly pulled apart.

“You know what they say,” I said, in an attempt to lighten his mood.

“What’s that, Vin?”

“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” I winked at Ethan and he laughed.

“You always know just what to say.” He took my hand and directed our steps toward the rental car. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Vinnie.”

If I had anything to say about it, he wouldn’t find out, either.

We made it to the store without incident, and found everything on Sarah’s and Maureen’s lists and picked up a few things for ourselves as well. I kept a careful eye out for anyone with the least resemblance to a certain crazy actress or a certain supposedly incarcerated serial killer but found no one fitting either description.

“Do you think I’m being paranoid?” I asked Ethan as we loaded our purchases into the back of the car. He looked up at me as we finished and he closed the trunk lid.

“Paranoid? No, I don’t think that. I trust your instincts, Vinnie. But I also know you don’t like…you know who… not that you don’t have reason to dislike her.  But that might color your judgment sometimes, you know?”

I knew what he meant, and I couldn’t deny that. “But she didn’t make that phone call I received,” I pointed out.

Ethan nodded grimly. “I know. That’s why I called Anderson. And why we’re being extra careful. “We rounded the car to the passenger side where he opened the door. Before I ducked inside, he held me in place, his body snug against mine. “I’d never let anything happen to you, baby,” he murmured, his long fingers caressing my cheek gently.

 I caught his fingers with my own as I gazed into his beautiful blue eyes. “I feel the same way,” I assured him. “I trust you, Ethan, with my whole heart and soul. I know whatever happens, we’ll get through it together.”

“You got that right.” He flashed me one of his amazing smiles before the moment ended and he handed me into the car and took his place behind the wheel.

My brain was spinning in a million directions. This was the last place I’d expected us to be when we took this assignment. By now, we should have been comfortably ensconced in a nice Atlanta hotel, shooting the breeze with Uncle Benny. But everything had taken a definite left turn from my expectations.

“I think I’m going to call Benny,” I said, pulling out my cell.

“Good idea.” Of course Ethan realized I meant our pup, not his uncle.

By now, Troy should be in Roanoke with Brendan and Benny. I hoped the little fellow was behaving, although I knew he never gave them any trouble. Mostly because they spoiled him.

I counted the rings, waiting for Troy to pick up. But that never happened. I didn’t bother to leave a message at the tone, despite being requested to do so.

“No answer,” I told Ethan.

“Maybe they’re taking him out for a last walk,” Ethan suggested.

Maybe, but wouldn’t he answer his phone? Oh well, best not to borrow trouble.

“I’ll try again later,” I said, forcing myself to put a good spin on this, not my usual doom and gloom.

We reached the Thorne house and were heading up the long drive when Ethan and I both realized there was another vehicle there, one that definitely hadn’t been there when we left.

“You don’t think… could that be Heather’s car?” I hazarded a guess.

“I don’t know,” Ethan admitted. “I guess it could be Mercy’s, but why would she…”

He never finished the thought as we drew closer to the expensive looking sedan and the doors began to open. A moment later, highlighted by the glow of our car’s lights, I spotted a familiar face, and for a second I blinked because Ethan was there beside me. The next moment, I realized that of course it wasn’t Ethan… it was Troy McGarrett, along with Brendan and our little pup Benny.

What the hell was going on here?

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #48 (10.2)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Making the best of a tricky situation, Vinnie and Ethan enjoy some of Maureen's great home cooking, but of course Joey has to be an asshole - what else is new? The boys decide to go to the store since it's obvious more supplies will be needed, both for Sarah and her son and to feed this unexpected crowd. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #48 (10.2)

After Joey’s petulant departure, the atmosphere at the dinner table visibly relaxed and we all enjoyed the rest of the meal. Maureen brought out an apple pie for dessert. I’d never seen one with a crumb topping before. Add to that some whipped cream… heaven in every bite!

Afterwards, Ethan and Benny and I insisted on clearing the table and doing the dishes. We said it was the least we could do for such a delicious meal. Maureen was clearly appreciative as she was able to focus on enjoying the company of her daughter and grandson. The three of us made short work of it all and returned to the living room to partake in family time. We only saw Joey once, when he slunk inside to take his plate into the kitchen.

“Please don’t just lay that in the sink,” Maureen said, but not in a mean way.

Joey mumbled something unintelligible and never paused, but a moment later we could all hear the water running in the kitchen, so he’d obviously taken her words to heart. Then he stomped his way back down the hall and out the door once more. Well, in all fairness, he had nowhere else to go in order to put what with Sarah and Alex having taken over the guest room. Maybe he intended to hide outside until time for bed. His loss, our gain.

I noticed Sarah shoot an inquiring glance at Ethan, and before I had a chance to wonder what that was all about, he said to me, “Guess we should go to the store now before it gets too late.”

I’d almost forgotten we’d agreed to do that for Sarah. Maybe stores out here closed earlier than in Roanoke. Although I didn’t mind the idea of some alone time too, to be honest. Ever the practical one, Ethan found paper and pen and asked Sarah what she needed, then asked his mother if she’d like us to pick up anything for her while we were out, especially since she had unexpected guests to feed.

“Well, maybe that would be a good idea,” she agreed. “Give me a minute, will you, to see what’s what?”

“Sure, Mom, no rush. Vinnie and I will be out on the porch.”

His mother rose, gave him a quick smile before heading off to the kitchen.

“I’ll look with you,” Sarah offered and followed her. Ethan asked his father and uncle, but neither one wanted anything, so we made our way to the porch. I was apprehensive at first until I realized Ethan’s brother was nowhere in sight.

“Probably skulking on the side of the house,” Ethan commented as he pulled out his phone. “I’m going to let Anderson know we’re going, so we don’t alarm whoever’s watching the house.”

That seemed like a good idea.

“C’mere you,” Ethan said in an extra sultry voice, once he’d hung up from our boss,  as he pulled me toward him and wrapped his arms around me. “Have I told you lately how much I love you? And how I can’t wait to marry you?”

“Do tell, Mr. Thorne.” I gave him what I hoped was a half-lidded seductive glance. We’d had little chance for intimacy, what with having guests in the house. I could understand Ethan being reluctant to do anything with his sister and nephew so close at hand. I suspected that wasn’t going to get any better with us sleeping in the living room with Uncle Benny and Joe Jr. Oh well, not like that was the most import part of our relationship. But still, it was a good part. And I’ve noticed, also, that when something is denied to you, it seems you want it all the more.

And I wanted Ethan very badly at that moment.  Who was I kidding? I wanted him all the time. But right now it felt like forever since we’d been together. Sheesh, not like we were honeymooners or anything… not yet.

“We should think about setting a date,” Ethan continued, as if he’d read my mind—what else is new? He licked at the corners of my mouth. I shivered at his touch.

“We should,” I responded, although my mind was definitely on other things and not what he was saying.

“I still owe you a vacation,” he continued. His lips brushed over mine, which throbbed with tingles of desire. I may even have whimpered a little needily.

“Vacation?” I echoed. “You mean honeymoon?” I was getting confused with what he was talking about, my attention span not at its best at the moment.

“That too, but first a vacation, Vin. Just you and me. Someplace warm and sunny.”

“Not Florida!” I quickly interjected, for obvious reasons.

“Not Florida,” he agreed.

“Yes, dear,” I sighed into his mouth before my tongue sought his, his sought mine, and the two became entwined. I was rapidly losing all sense of awareness of ourselves and our surroundings,  so focused  was I on Ethan. If I’d been thinking more clearly, I’d have realized how dangerous that could be. But I was with Ethan, I was safe… and I was incredibly horny.

It took the sound of something bouncing off the steps of the porch to put the brakes on our activities. My first thought was we’d let our guard down and our stalker had caught up to us.

Damn, what had I done?

 to be continued

Don't forget to see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #46 (9.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

As you'll recall, circumstances have conspired in such a way that Ethan and Vinny and Sarah and Uncle Benny will be staying with the family longer than expected. There is one member of the group who is less than thrilled at this outcome, though. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #36 (9.4)

Sarah and Alex came down the stairs just as Maureen was saying, “Well, then, looks you’ll be able to stay for dinner after all.” She sounded very happy, and I couldn’t blame her. She had her whole family together for the first time in a long while, even if the circumstances were less than ideal.

“We’re staying for dinner?” Sarah turned inquisitive eyes to Ethan and me.

“Yeah, looks like we’ll be here for a few days,” Ethan replied. “Things have come up and Anderson thought it was best.”

She and Ethan exchanged glances, and I could tell she understood something was going on and we would tell her later. She shifted Alex from her hip to the floor before a sudden thought must have struck her.

“Oh but where’s everyone going to sleep?” she asked as she straightened up.  “And what about clothes and stuff? I don’t know if I have enough pull-ups for Alex.”

“I’m sure we can make a quick run to the store, can’t we?” I turned to Ethan and he nodded.

“We can, absolutely. And as for sleeping—”

“They’re kicking me out of my room for you!” Joey belligerently interjected. I couldn’t tell if he was really trying to start a fight or he was just stupid. My inclination was the latter.

“Stop it!” Maureen said sternly. “You’re a guest here as much as they are. And I’m sorry your circumstances are what they are. But I won’t allow you to take it out on everyone else, do you understand me?”

Whoa, looked like Maureen had definitely found her voice. She wasn’t putting up with shit from her husband or her older son. Good for her!

“Straighten up that room and get what you need for tonight, then help Sarah up with her things.”

I noticed that Sarah didn’t look particularly bothered at Joey’s outburst. She turned to her mother and said, “Thanks, Mom! All my stuff is in the trunk, Joey.” That last was, of course, aimed at her brother.

“We can bring those in,” Ethan quickly said. I suspected he didn’t want Joey touching our rental car. Besides, our stuff was all there too.

“I’ll help too,” Benny chimed in. He already had Alex comfortably ensconced on his lap

Well, that was settled.

“Can I help with dinner, Mom?” Sarah asked.

“Sure, honey, that would be nice.” The two women headed toward the kitchen. Joe Jr had thrown himself into his father’s armchair and sat in sullen silence. Not as though I expected him to help with anything. As of one accord, Ethan and Benny and I exited through the front door. I couldn’t help but wonder if the agents Anderson had spoken about were in place even now, watching us.

“I’m so sorry to cause everyone so much trouble,” Benny said as we hefted everything from the trunk.

“Don’t even think that,” Ethan assured him. “You’re family, and that’s what counts. And once this is all over and done with, I hope we get to see a lot more of you.”

“You can count on that,” Benny said. “I’ve missed everyone so much. It feels so good just to be back with y’all.”

“Ditto, Uncle Benny, ditto.”

“Once this is over and I figure out what to do with myself… well, I guess we’ll take it from there.”

We filed back into the house with our baggage.  Joey looked as though he hadn’t moved a muscle and deliberately avoided making eye contact.

“Joey, is the spare room ready for Sarah and Alex?” Ethan asked. I suspected he knew the answer to that as well as I did, though.

Ethan’s brother made no immediate response. At least not until he saw Benny take up a position beside his chair. I would have wilted under that stern glance, and I suspected Joey was made of less sterner stuff.

At first Joey pretended not to notice, but he couldn’t pull that off for long.

“Your brother asked you a question,” Benny said in a quiet voice.

Joey opened his mouth and closed it quickly, sliding out of the chair without a word. He skirted his uncle and reluctantly made his up to the stairs. He was almost at the top when he responded with, “You can’t tell me what to do. You’re nothing but a jailbird!” Not waiting for a reaction, he disappeared out of sight.

The three of us looked at one another of one accord and burst out laughing.

I guess when it comes to family, you have to take the bad with the good.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell