And Then There Were Four

Chapter 5: Fantasies and Shopping

Waking up Saturday morning, I had put a plan in motion on how I was going to approach everything while I was here. Damian and Allison made it clear last night that they didn’t want me here. s**t, Allison had made it clear a long time ago that she didn’t want anything to do with me.

So, instead of allowing them to bully me or get what they want, I was just going to do me. I wasn’t going to let them bother me, and minding my own business was the perfect way to do that. I would go into town and get things for my small cottage and stock the fridge. That way, I wouldn’t need to go into the house unless it was the garage to get my car.

Slipping on a pair of shorts and a tank top, I grabbed my shoes and purse and quickly head out of the cottage towards the garage. I would get the things I needed to survive without them, and then there wouldn’t be a reason for them to try and get rid of me.

As I snuck in through the back door, I noticed how quite the house was, and was grateful for the lack of people moving around. I didn’t want anyone to stop and question me about what I was doing.

Moving through the kitchen, I took the route my father had taken me through until I ended up in the garage. My sexy black car sat there by itself waiting to be driven. As I slid behind the driver seat, I ran my fingers across the black leather interior. My father had chosen my car perfectly and thinking about it made me smile.

We may not have had the best of relationships, but he was trying and that was what mattered. Turning the car on, I watched the display come to life. I had read of up on the car last night while laying in bed, and I was glad that it was equipped with GPS. It made things easier for me considering I had no idea where I was going.

After typing a few things in and saving the routes for later, I put the car in gear and pulled out of the garage and down the road.

My phone immediately began to ring, and looking down I didn’t recognize the number. Sighing, thinking it could be my father, I answered. “Hello?”

“Where the f**k are you going?” Damian’s voice was laced with anger, and I found amusement in the way he was acting.

“Why the hell do you care and how did you get my number?”

“Don’t change the subject, Ivy. Where are you going? You don’t just leave without telling someone where you are going… your father is worried.” He replied, trying to guilt trip me.

“That’s funny, because I sent him a text early this morning telling him I was going to the store today to get a few things. So, do you want to try again?”

There was silence on the other end of the line as I lied, trying to catch him in what he was saying. I hadn’t really texted my dad, but I was curious to know what he was going to say in regards to that.

“That’s besides the point.” I knew he was lying the moment he said it was my dad who was worried. I didn’t even know this man, and already he has made me want to pull my hair out since I have been here.

“Look, nice try lying, but I will be back when I get back. Don’t call me again.”

Hanging up the phone, I didn’t bother to hear anything else he had to say. Never had I considered that these four guys would be more trouble than they were worth. I didn’t even want anything to do with them and they were acting like complete assholes.

Perhaps, it was a male testosterone thing… who knows.

Pulling into town, I found that it was prettier than it had been the day before. I was looking forward starting school on Monday. It would allow me to be invested with my work and not having the free time to allow those guys to bother me.

The grocery store was packed, and it didn’t surprise me being so close to the campus. I could almost imagine the college students ransacking the ramen noodles, among other things making me wish that I had come earlier.

As I stepped out of the car, I heard by name being called, and turned to see Kate walking from the bus stop with a smile on her face. “Oh, hey Kate!”

“Oh my God. Is that your car?” She exclaimed running her fingers over it and smiling.

“Yeah, my dad gave it to me yesterday. Considering that it’s like a 40 minute drive to the campus. Are you grabbing some things too?” I asked her, seeing the large rucksack on her back.

“Yeah, I have to stock up for at least a week.” She chuckled, “It’s all that fits in this bag.”

Kate had been sweet to me the moment that I got on the plane, and thinking about her struggling for the bus to take things back to campus didn’t sit well with me. Looping my arm through hers, I smiled. “Don’t be crazy. I will take you and your stuff back to the dorms when we are done.”

Her eyes widened as she stared at me, “are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

“Of course, I am sure. Besties remember?” I teased her, causing her to laugh.

“Very true.” She said sarcastically as she flipped her hair over her shoulder.

As Kate and us walked inside, we both got our carts and started to shop. I learned that Kate had gotten fortunate enough to have a solo dorm room so she didn’t have to share with anyone. Mainly because her mother said that she didn’t want her daughter tainted. It still made me laugh with the way Kate explained it.

“So,” Kate said as we turned down an aisle filled with chips and other snacks. “How are things going with those brothers of yours? You didn’t seem happy with them yesterday.”

I stopped in my tracks, confused by what she was talking about, “brothers?”

“Uh, yes. The two sexy ripped men who picked you up from the airport.” She laughed causing me to realize what she was talking about.

“Ohhh!” I laughed, “dude, they aren’t my brothers. They are my step-mother’s godsons, and there are four of them. Not the best welcoming committee to be honest.”

“So your not related to them?!” Kates eyes went wide as an excited look crossed her face. “Oh, my God.”

“I don’t know why you are so excited about this.” I chuckled as I pressed onwards.

“Ivy, you are literally living every girls wet dream. Are you kidding me right now?”

My brows furrowed as I tried to understand what she was suggesting. There was no way that I could have a relationship with any of them. Yes, they were incredibly sexy and my mind had often wandered, but at the same time it would be weird.

“I don’t think so. Plus, they don’t like me at all.” I reminded her, causing her to sigh.

“Well, I think you should give them a chance. Or perhaps just simply have fun. That’s what college is about anyways. Having fun, and trying new things. Maybe Two or four things at once…” she mumbled, causing me to turn with my mouth open wide looking at her in shock.

“Kate!” I squealed, causing her to laugh.

“What?! I am just saying...”

We both burst into laughter as we turned the corner and seemed to run into a wall that didn’t want to move. Looking up, I was met with Talon and Hale's eyes. A disapproving glance on Talon’s face while Hale held a smile.

“Hale…Talon…” I stuttered in shock as to what they were doing at the store. “What are you doing here?”

“Shopping.” Hale replied with a grin as Talon rolled his eyes.

“Who are these people?” Kate whispered as she leaned into me, excitement registered all over her face.

“This is Talon and Hale. The other half of the four…”