Brooklyn Noelle Brankovich

Chapter Seventy-one: "Mrs.telephone woman"

"Dinner was lovely, Dana. Mike, thanks for having me," Will cackled.

I just stared at him with my lip pulled up.

"Brooklyn, don't do that - make those faces," my mother warned.

I straightened up and just stabbed my dessert.

"What even is this?" I asked the table, scowling at the thing on my plate.

"Tiramisu," Mom told me, "you used to love it."

"I don't remember," I said, pushing the plate away.

"It's fine, you don't need it anyway," Mom commented then looked to my father. "Didn't she look a little sluggish on the court today?"

"I see that, too. Almost like she's gotten out of shape?" Will gave his input. I scoffed at his nerve and crossed my arms over my chest.

Wow, I mouthed.

"Cut her some slack, she did get hit in the face," Dad spoke up on my behalf. I gave him a warm look to silently thank him for the effort.

Mom waved her hands. "William, you'll have to come out with us tomorrow, we're golf!"

Will lit up. "I love golf," he beamed.

"I know you do!" Mom squealed, gathering her coat and purse.

"You still have that killer swing?" Dad talked to Will.

I just slouched in my seat and mumbled to myself about how this was such bullshit.

"Sit up," Mother demanded, snapping my hands with a butter knife, "and stop mumbling. I hate mumbling."

I hesitantly sat up but not without cursing her in my head.

My phone vibrated in my pocket and I picked it up, there was yet another '10% battery' alert that I foolishly ignored. It was a text from Noah that said:

???

That was him rushing me or wondering what I was up to. I went to reply but my phone froze and cut off.

"Mom, can I use your phone for a second?" I asked her, butting in their conversation.

She looked at me like I had three heads. "Why?" her porcelain neck rolled.

"Mine died," I quickly explained.

"Well whatever it is isn't that serious, besides, no phones at dinner," she said.

I gritted my teeth and then huffed, sitting back in my seat.

"I'd let you use mine, but Mom said no phone's at the table," Will leaned in to say in my ear and I cringed.

"You ready, honey?" asked Dad, standing after paying. He went to fish cash from his wallet but Will put his hand out.

"No, please, allow me," Will sucked up, throwing down a couple big bills.

"Well that was generous," Mother commented on the tip that was more than asked for. Unimpressed, my bored eyes rolled back.

Get a load of this guy.

"You're a good man, William," Dad grinned, shaking his hand.

Mom gave me a pushing look that said "see?"

Will threw his arm around my chair and I looked down at his fingers trying to tease the skin on my arm and scooted away.

"We can take you back to the hotel, William," Mother offered before they left.

"Thanks, but I'll have to pass. I actually made plans for Lynn and I, if that's not too inappropriate," he made known, waiting for my response.

"She'd love to! Have fun, good night," Mom spoke up for me before I could object.

"Good night," Dad said and waved at us before he escorted Mom out of the restaurant.

Once they were out of sight, I stood and looked down at William in his seat. "Can I use your phone now?"

"That's a funny way to say 'yes, Will, I'd love to go out with you.'"

"Why would I- can I use your phone, or not?" I asserted, holding my hand out impatiently.

"Can I ask for what?"

"You just did. Look, are you going to let me use it, or no?"

"Not to text that little boyfriend of yours, no," he said, making me cock my neck back.

"Bye," I huffed, walking away from the table.

I walked up on a table of what seemed like a younger couple.

Ah, maybe they'll understand, I thought in my head.

If I didn't text Noah back he'd flip for sure, I just want to ask him to pick me up or at least tell him everything is fine.

"Hi, um," I spoke to them during their meal, "can I please borrow someone's phone? I just want to make a call, and mine is dead-"

"Excuse her, she got hit in the head earlier and isn't thinking straight," Will came out of nowhere and said. He pulled me by the arm from the table and pushed me out of the restaurant.

I slapped his hand away and put my finger in his face. "If you touch me again, I'll-"

He pushed my hand down and shook me off. "What's with you, you don't go up to strangers - especially to make a phone call to some fool who's probably out with other girls right now, anyway."

"You don't know him. Now, leave me alone. Damn. You should've went with Michael and Dana," I hissed, looking around for a taxi or any parked Ubers.

Will began to follow me down the sidewalk.

"Are pay phones still a thing?" I asked myself.

And by some odd luck, after a brief search, I found one down an alley.

As soon as I trapped myself inside, with Will waiting outside, I dug through my bag for some money.

"Andddddd I forgot my wallet. Great," I said under my breath. I swallowed my pride and cracked the door, sticking my hand out for Will to give me coins.

"I'm not paying for your phone call, but you can spend the evening with me and then I'll get you an Uber back to your place."

I dropped my arm and deeply exhaled through my nose before exiting the booth.

"Are you missing brain cells? I just want to go home, I don't even know why you're here," I fumed in his face.

He was exactly the same: cocky, entitled, and looking dumb in the face.

"I'd like to explain some things, if you'd let me," he chuckled like something was funny, but I wasn't amused.

I shook my head, unsure.

"Come on, Lynn, don't you think you're owed an apology?" he suggested, offering his hand as if I'd hold it.

"You don't even have an hour, start talking," I demanded angrily, hitting his shoulder as I pushed past him to exit the alley, "and I'm only agreeing because I do want an apology."

"My, you've changed," he expressed, not knowing how to handle or address the "new" me.

***

"I didn't agree to this by the way, it's tacky," I said about Will's gesture.

"A carriage ride? Who doesn't love horses, and you can't say anyone has ever done this before? I'm your first - for everything," he winked, sitting across from me.

I wish I could've lied and told him he wasn't my first anything but I didn't want to lie, I'm not good at it.

Although I hated being with William, the carriage ride was sweet especially since it was such a nice night. The autumn night sky had a purplish tint and everyone was out with their partners or families.

"Listen, I'm only here because you said you were going to-"

He interjected, something he always did to me when I tried to speak. "Brooklyn, when we broke up you went on the cruise and I had time to think. I didn't want to upset you while you were on vacation but I knew I'd have to talk to you sometime. I haven't stopped thinking about you. What I did was stupid. I mean really really stupid. I obviously want you to be mine again, Lynn," he outpoured.

"That wasn't an apology," I snarled.

"Oh wow, this is my building," I noticed, staring up at The Beach Plaza. "Hey, Chauncey, you can stop here. Thanks." I said to the driver and hopped out, speeding to the back entrance.

"Wait here," I heard Will tell Chauncey. I smacked my lips, knowing he was about to follow me.

Because I didn't want to have him stalk me upstairs and know which apartment I lived in, I stayed outside to end the conversation there.

"So, what about the other guy?" He asked me.

"No competition," I assured him.
Can't compete where you don't compare, so Noah has nothing to worry about. In fact, seeing Will again made me realize how much of a loser he is.

Will, misinterpreting my statement, smirked. "Good," he breathed out, "because I don't know if I could take him."

I laughed faintly. "No, no you can't." And that's the truth.

Will straightened up. "Well I'm not going to stop until you're mine. Remember, we always talked about me running my own firm, and coming home to you and the kids?"

"You always talked, I just listened," I made clear.

"Eh, well, you agreed," he countered, bobbing his head with his hands in the front pockets of his tan pants.

"I never agreed," I said in all seriousness.

"Want me to walk you up?" He offered, reaching for the doorknob but my hand was already there.

"Nope, I got it," I spoke fast, wearing a plastic smile that would wipe away in a second.

He chuckled but didn't move his hand so I retracted mine.

"You look even more gorgeous than before," Will cooed, "I'd love to kiss you right now, but I won't, before he busts through these walls and smashes me, right?" He found himself hilarious while I kept my face of stone.

I blinked. "Yeah, he'd kill you," I awkwardly laughed. Will joined in, not thinking I was being for real.

"No, seriously," I stopped laughing and Will's face fell.

"Well, good night, Lynn," he wished me, stepping back so I could finally open the door.

I didn't say anything back, just tightened my hold on the carry out and hurried inside where he could no longer see or bother me.

I entered my apartment after my game and night with William and my parents.

I figured Noah was at his place waiting for me so I immediately jumped in the shower, wasting no time.

After throwing on a pair of shorts, my fuzzy socks, and a t-shirt, I grabbed the dessert I brought back for Noah and skipped down to Apartment 305 to see him.

As soon as I lifted my fist to knock on the door, that was surprisingly locked for once, Noah presented himself. His cologne hit my nose and I noticed he was dressed up in something other than the usual joggers and fitted tee.

"Where are you going?" I asked him, laughing, as I made my way inside.

"Out." He shut the door and walked to the back, probably to grab something he almost forgot.

"Okay. Out where? Work?" I asked him, grabbing two forks.

He returned and patted himself down for his keys.

"Nope," he replied stale.

I curled my face at his tone. "Okay, Grouch, well I brought cake. Know you can't say no to cake," I annoyed him.

He ignored me and walked to the door, holding it open. My eyebrows furrowed. "Are you kicking me out?" I asked, offended.

"Yeah, I'm leaving."

"Okay, then I'll go with you," I chimed, throwing the fork in the sink.

He scoffed. "What are you, dumb?"

My eyes went wide.

I stood under him at the door and pushed it closed.

"Excuse me?"

"Or you think I'm dumb?"

"Sometimes," I joked but quickly cut my laughter short when I noticed that, for once, he was serious.

Noah just shook his head and walked out, leaving me behind.

"Okay, I know this is about Will-" I started, chasing him down the long corridor.

"No shit," he barked. "How am I supposed to feel, you bringing your ex boyfriend here?"

"I didn't know he was coming!" I yelled, looking around to make sure no one was listening or around to witness.

"Well you didn't mind blowing me off for him," Noah argued, furiously pushing the button to the slow elevator.

"We were together for FOUR years, and he came to visit me. I think I owed him some hospitality. Don't be so jealous."

He ripped his hand from the buttons and raised his voice. "You don't think I get to be jealous? You BEG me to fuck you, you sleep in my bed almost every night - if not mine then yours - and you fuckin' hated me for what I did with Paris and that was months ago when we weren't even as close as we are now. But your ex shows up and you just run off with him. So fuck hospitality, how 'bout a little respect?"

My jaw dropped. "Respect?! Noah, I didn't disrespect you! He asked to hang out and apologized to me for everything. We went to the park - as friends - that's it. Nothing happened, and nothin's gonna happen."

"How long is he staying?" Noah asked in a growl, banging on the elevator to hurry.

"I'm not sure. Why does it matter?"

"IT MATTERS-" he yelled but stopped when a woman walked by. She switched to her apartment and Noah swiped a hand down his mouth. He lowered his voice and said, "It matters because this is the guy you were with for four years who fucking dropped you, and he comes waltzing back in here and you just go with him. Like a little puppy."

I felt my lip quiver, I don't know if it was him being so angry and in my face, or what he was saying.

"Shut up, Noah. You don't know-"

Noah laughed. "He broke up with you and wanted you back the second you were happy without him. Yeah, he just wants someone to be his lap dog and housewife. If that's what you want, you should've stayed in fucking Texas."

The elevator went 'ding' and finally arrived, the doors parting to let Noah inside.

"Fuck you, ok? You don't know anything. I told you we're friends and that's it. I'm not just going to tell him he needs to leave when he hasn't crossed any lines. And if he does, then I can handle it because I don't want him and I wouldn't do that to you. You just don't trust me because you don't trust yourself. I wouldn't go behind your back and do anything with him or anyone else for that matter. How about you, hm? Every weekend a new girl comes along at the club and tells me she's fucked you before. Where's my respect? Here's a list, you can stop me when I tell a lie: there's Natalie, you fucked Paris, you tried getting with Venus, and you took me to Sky's house! But a guy comes trying to make peace with me and it's the end of the world?"

I know he's the one that's supposed to be mad so me flipping the script was uncalled for, but it's true.
I thought we could trust each other, I mean I forgave him for the Paris mistake, but now he just seems insecure. No, I don't want to say insecure, he's not that.
I'd never mess with anyone while we're like this - whatever we are/doing. Ew, and especially with Will. You're supposed to upgrade; Noah's at the top and Will is, like, in the negatives. Honestly, I'm not just putting him down because he's my ex, either. I was never into him, but he was my only option at one point so because he's all I knew, I got used to him. Settled, I think is the word for it. Or, more like my parents forced me into the relationship since they're good friends with his parents.

I walked away before watching him get into the shaft and stomped into my apartment, letting the door slam after me.

***

Gael and Cass had to work, so I didn't have anyone else to turn to. My heart hurt after our argument and I wanted to vent but my mother would just hate Noah more and rub it in.

I laid awake in bed with no tv or music on. I was lying with my back to my stand as I waited for my phone to power back on.

A sound alarmed me that it was finally back on after I put it on the charger, so I rolled over and unlocked it.

No messages from Noah after the last text he sent me at dinner that I saw before my phone cut off.

I frowned and went to our thread to send him a message. The argument was my fault and I understand that I made him mad, so I had to make things right which is why - even though he exploded on me - I had to reach out first.
After scrolling through our old messages and seeing some cute and funny, I swallowed my pride.

I first sent a gif of Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls crying in bed. Then I tried calling him. The first time, I knew it was on 'Do Not Disturb' mode. So, I called back less than a minute later. He declined it.

So, I texted him. Well, I texted him a few times.

hey lol🧎🏼‍♀️

I'm sorry boy ☹️

I still have cake...

Please reply I look like a loser

Tired of Noah reading the messages and not replying, I called again. This time, I left a message after calling.

I sat up in bed after the tone, and started blabbing on, changing about a hundred positions as I talked.

"Hey, uh, maybe your phone is being weird? It says you're seeing my texts... but you haven't replied. Weird, right?" I laughed dryly, lying on the floor.

*

"Yeah, so," I said, scratching my forehead as I sat on top of my island, "I'm sorry. For everything. This would be much easier if you were here."

*

"Fine, don't answer," I snapped as I stretched out on the couch.

*

"Noah," I groaned in the message as I sat with my back against the fridge, "please answer me."

*

"If you don't call me back, I will literally write on your Hummer in Sharpie," I threatened and then stopped myself.

"I sound crazy," I mumbled under my breath, smoothing my hair back.

*

On my bed in a ball under the covers, I left another message.

"Okay, I should've introduced you to him! I know that, but I didn't, and I'm sorry. You don't understand what it's like with him or my parents. Just, let me explain. Or at least let me know you're okay and I'll be fine with the silent treatment."

An automatic voice came on the next time I tried calling. "Sorry, the mailbox is full and cannot-"

***

I was ready to go golfing with my parents. And William, I guess. Well, I wasn't ready but I was dressed cute and just wanted the day to be over with already.

It was very early in the morning - a Hellish hour to be active, in my opinion - but I should've been used to it.

Never thought I'd say it, but I miss work. The Playroom is a lot of things, but sometimes it's an escape, and boy I wish Courtney would call me and say I had to come in today.

Just as I reached for the handle, my parents walked in. Mom first, then Dad and Will.

She barged in and looked at the place, seeing if everything was up to her standards.

"What are you doing here?" I whisper-yelled at them, "I said I'd meet you at the course!"

"Oh, hush, this way we can grab something to eat first," Mom stated, having the men agree.

"You look beautiful," Will said, trying to stand close to me but I rolled away and grabbed my things from the kitchen counter.

"Where are the flowers I got you?" he questioned.

My eyes wandered to the trash can where the bouquet was stuffed inside.

"Well then," Mother cleared her throat.

"I can get more," Will suggested, smiling smug.

"Whatever. Let's just go before someone sees you up here," I snarled, leading the way out before them all.

Once the three of them were walking to the elevator, I finished locking my door and turned. And who was there? Noah.

God, what did I do to deserve this? Don't I have any good karma?

"I-I don't even know what to say," I struggled to spit out. I looked down at my shoes and palmed my forehead.

"You don't have to say anything. Looks like you're going out, have fun golfing," he said, "another thing I wasn't invited to."

Mom scoffed and gestured me to hurry down as the elevator was closing, but they let another group get in.

"Do you want yo come? You can!"

"No, thanks."

"But I'm inviting you," I frowned.

"It's okay. Golfing's lame," he said and stared down William. "Obviously."

I laughed quietly. "We can talk later?" I asked, hopeful.

"Doubt it," Noah said, walking away. I could tell he'd been out all night, probably drinking. I didn't want to assume anything so I figured he'd tell me if anything notable happened.

Mom snapped her fingers, still rushing me to join them. I put my finger up to signal I needed another second.

I smacked my lips at Noah. "We'll talk later," I insisted and watched him walk to apartment 305.

"See ya, Brooks," he said lowly.

Sigh.

He never calls me Brooks anymore, he hasn't since we grew closer. That was a friendly/sisterly nickname he gave me and I don't appreciate it trying to make a comeback. Ever since we took things to the next level, it was just Brooklyn, Girl or even Baby. I don't like this at all. . .

"BROOKLYN," my mother called for me a final time.

"I'm coming!" I glowered, sulking over to them.

***

All day Mom had been ogling over William, saying how good of a man he is and that I should give him another chance. The only positive thing I could say about him is he was good at golf.

At the country club, Mom sat on the porch and fanned herself.

"What a lovely day," she gawked, staring at the men cutting the grass.

"Not as lovely as you, Dana," Will charmed, sipping his tea.

"Oh, go on," she giggled, her cheeks blushing.

Meanwhile, my father sat in a rocking chair off to the side and read the paper.

"You're not an old man, stop acting like one," I said when I got up to stand by him.

I peered over the rail and stared out at the many acres of fresh landscape.

"Michael, I'm taking Dana for a walk around the pond. Want to come?" asked Will, his arm liked with my mother's.

"No, I'm going to stay right here, but thanks. Have her back by five," Dad joked.

Will nodded. "Lynn?" he asked me if I wanted to tag along.

What I wanted to say: I'd rather eat a jean jacket.

"No," I said instead.

They walked down the white, wooden steps and laughed at something one of them said.

As their sounds become more quiet, I sat down on an antique rudder under my father's feet.

He sighed and removed his reading glasses.

"What's up, Brook?" he started the conversation.

I shook my head, my chin in the palm of my hand.

"Mom really likes Will, huh?"

"He's a great kid, I like him, too."

"Of course you agree with her," I rolled my eyes and stood, trying to walk away.

Dad followed me, standing at 6'5", almost hitting the slow-spinning outdoor fan.

"Brook, he really is a nice guy. However, that doesn't mean I want to see you with him."

"You don't?" I questioned, furrowing my naked eyebrows.

Dad shook his head and walked us along the wrap-around porch.

"I would if I thought you wanted him, but you've been avoiding him like COVID all weekend," he chuckled and I joined in.

"Why can't Mom see that, can you talk to her?"

"She's stuck in her ways, Brook, I've tried. She just thinks she knows what's best for you, all parents do."

"Not you, though," I smiled.

He beamed down at me and softly nudged me. "No, not me. I'm a cool dad, see? Just wish you could see more cool dad instead of-"

I cut in to say, "Always busy, never-stop-working, doesn't-make-time-for-his-family Dad?"

"Well I was just gonna say busy, but yeah, that."

I laughed. "So, I guess I have to ask."

"Ask what?"

We stood at the high point of a bridge over a stream and peered into the distance.

"What do you think of Noah?" I wondered finally.

Dad swallowed, grooming his scruffy beard. He normally didn't want facial hair as a professional man but since he was on vacation.

"I would need to see him more," Dad said easily.

"Well, you can! Just, no more dinners, please, I'm stuffed."

Dad laughed at me. "That's too formal anyway, I hate to sound rude, but I don't think he's that type of guy."

"It's not rude, you're right. But he loves to eat, just not at five star restaurants in a suit and tie."

"Well, I can do burgers and fries, too, you know?"

I smiled. "You, me, Rick, and Noah; how 'bout it, burgers and fries, on me!"

"I think we can pay, but it sounds good, kiddo. Hey, how'd you get to be so cool?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, but y'all are lucky to have me in your lives, though!"