Predestined Hearts

by Kelly Elliott

  “What else do you remember?” Gael asked as he took a bite of his sandwich.

  I thought about it. “I remember you, mostly, giving me medicine, being in the chair. Some vague conversations about how I was doing. That’s about it. Why?”

  Gael shrugged. “I was just curious. You were pretty out of it.”

  Not able to tell if there was a specific reason and beginning to feel tired, I put my tray on the coffee table Gael had moved close to me. Not eating for three days had suppressed my appetite after a few bites.

  “I think I’m going to rest.” Then, I remembered something. “Was anything ever published about our confrontation with Harris in the street?”

  Gael shook his head. “No, there wasn’t anything. Harris was still here as of last night where he attended a benefit dinner that was in the paper. Other than that, he’s not making his presence known throughout most of the day.”

  “I wish he’d go back to New York and leave me alone.” I hated the thought he was still in the same town as me.

  Gael’s voice took on an edge. “Me too. I don’t like the fact that he could run into you at any time and me not be there.”

  I yawned, too tired to talk about Harris anymore. Leaning back, I pulled the cover up as Gael’s lips touched my forehead. “Goodnight, I’ll be in the other room catching up on e-mails.”

  Nodding, I let myself drift off to sleep.

  A couple of days had passed and I was nearly at full-strength again from the flu. Gael was in the shower after a morning of cooking. Pushing back from my desk, I sent the final e-mail to an urban store located in Manhattan I’d finished a website for. The doorbell rang and I got up to get it as Gael called, “I’ll be down in a sec.”

  As I passed the table, I smiled at the flowers Amelia and Steven had sent yesterday. Opening the door, my best friend and her husband yelled, “Surprise!” at the same time.

  Stunned, I couldn’t believe who stood on the front porch. It took me a moment to process that Steven and Amelia where here. In Savannah. On my doorstep. I threw my arms around them. Belatedly, I spoke, “What are you guys doing here? I didn’t know you were coming!”

  I had missed my best friend.

  Gripping me tightly, she told me. “I told you I was coming. I missed you and needed a best friend fix. We figured we’d give you a surprise visit.”

  I heard Gael coming down the stairs. Releasing me, all the attention moved to my boyfriend. Coming to my side, Gael put his arm around my waist. “Gael, this is Amelia and her husband Steven.”

  Gael extended his hand to shake Steven’s as they exchanged pleasantries. Amelia, of course, gave him a hug. She was dressed stylishly in jeans and a sweater that hung off her shoulders with her brown hair in a ponytail. Gael’s hair was still wet from his shower and my ever-growing libido needed attention. Gael still hadn’t given me the clean bill of health. I was about to start playing dirty.

  Amelia whispered something in Gael’s ear, then pulled back. He nodded and smiled. Then, louder, for everyone to here, Amelia said, “It’s nice to finally meet you after all our talks.”

  Talks? I looked between the two and Gael gave me a wink. He explained, “Amelia had called a few times while you were sick. I called her back so she wouldn’t worry. As we talked, we planned this visit as a surprise.”

  Standing there, I know my mouth hung open. Amelia closed it with her forefinger. “Don’t be too stunned. Your man has impressed me as he kept me informed and nursed you back to health.”

  I snickered at Gael wagging his eyebrows at me from behind Amelia and Steven as they looked at me. Happiness radiated through me as I spoke, “I’m so glad to have you here. I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too, but now I can see why you’ve been so preoccupied. You’re forgiven by the way.” Amelia bumped my shoulder as she spoke.

  I blushed, while Steven, who was medium height with dark hair and eyes, lovingly rolled his eyes at his wife. Amelia and Steven were one of those couples that looked like they went together.

  Gael chuckled beside me. “I made some lunch. I figured you guys might be hungry,”

  I turned to Gael. “That’s why you were cooking all morning long. You are such a sneak. I love it. Thank you!”

  Giving him a quick kiss, I wanted it to turn into more, but kept it in check considering we had an audience and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stop myself in my current status.

  Amelia responded, “We’re famished. We got up early and had to run to our gate to catch our connecting flight.”

  Bringing in the two medium-sized bags, we closed the door. Gael took their coats and hung them in the closet while Amelia rehashed parts of their trips such as the elderly woman in the concourse that made eyes at Steven. Through all the jovialness, Amelia still watched Gael and I closely. Her family had always been fiercely protective of me.

  “How long are you here?” I hoped we at least had a couple of days.

  She huffed. “For two days and then we have to head back. Stupid work and only two weeks of vacation sucks.”

  We laughed as we made our way to the kitchen to eat the pasta Gael had made this morning. It warmed me that Gael was getting to meet the other two people I held most dear in my life.

  I had brought the last dish into the kitchen to help Gael clean.

  “Why don’t you rest? I’ve got this.”

  Raising my eyebrow, I gave him my best no-nonsense look. “You cooked and planned this wonderful surprise. I’m better now, I can help, but someone refuses to give me my clean bill of health.”

  Gael picked me up and spun me around. I squealed in delight. As he sat me down, he nibbled on my earlobe and seductively whispered in my ear. “You just want sex.”

  Leaning back my head, I gave him access to my neck which he kissed. The water continued to rise as the bubbles multiplied in the sink. “Yes, I do. I miss you.”

  Gael’s hands fisted my hair keeping my neck exposed as he worked his way up to my jaw. “I’ve missed the feel of your body, Ashlin.”

  “I need you, Gael.” It embarrassed me how out of breath I sounded, but the throb neared unbearable.

  I felt the tip of his tongue trace my jawline. The stairs made noise as Amelia and Steven came down. Gael let go of me and gave me a chaste kiss on the mouth. “Tonight. I hope you can be quiet with our guests.”

  “I can.”

  Gael’s hard on was evident. I giggled and he adjusted himself. Right on cue, he stepped to the sink, turned off the water, and rinsed the dishes as if he hadn’t been about to maul me in my own kitchen. I grabbed a towel to dry as I tried to slow my breathing down and buy some time to get the flush out of my cheeks.

  Amelia and Steven came into the room. “Did you guys get settled all right?” I asked from over my shoulder.

  Steven strode to the fridge to get himself a drink before sitting at the bar. Countless times both Amelia and Steven had come with me to see Aunt Leelyn. This place was like a second home to them.

  Amelia responded, “Yes, we did. It’s like I remembered it. I miss Aunt Leelyn.”

  “I know. Me too.”

  I stopped drying the dish and turned. Amelia came and put her head to mine as we hugged. I asked Amelia, “Are you upset I didn’t call you while you were on your honeymoon? I’m so sorry. I didn’t want you guys to have your time ruined or come back early.”

  Amelia took a couple of steps back. “I would have done the same thing if it was you. It’s been a walk down memory lane being back here. I miss her. I think I’d like to visit her grave if you’re okay with it.”

  “I’d be more than okay. We can go tomorrow if that sounds good.” I hadn’t been back to the grave since the burial. It was probably time to take some fresh flowers.

  “Perfect.”

  Gael finished rinsing the dishes. His phone vibrated and he looked at the phone. “I need to get to the restaurant. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  “Is everything okay?” I was still on edge wai
ting for Harris to strike.

  Gael walked toward me. “It will be. I’ll be back as soon as possible. My bartender quit. I’m seeing if my backup can come in.”

  Giving me a kiss, Gael whispered in my ear. “I’m officially giving you a clean bill of health. Dr. Stowe will be back as soon as he can.”

  “You better hurry.” It was hard not to jump with the victory of knowing I’d be having hot sex tonight.

  Steven stood. “Mind if I join you so the girls can catch up for a bit?”

  Gael sounded pleased as he responded, “Yeah, sounds good. I’d like the company.”

  Waving bye, they both left. The bad feeling only worsened as I looked toward the front door.

  Amelia looked at me. “Is everything okay? You look worried.”

  Still staring at the door, I tried to shake the unease. “I don’t know, but I have a bad feeling. Harris is still in town.”

  Amelia had her lips pursed when I turned to her. “If I see him, I cannot be held accountable for my actions. He’s such a cocksucker. We’ll text the boys if we don’t hear from them soon. I bet everything will be completely fine.”

  Optimism, hopefully, paid off. “Okay, sounds good. Why don’t we go curl up on the couch like we used to?”

  Amelia was already walking out of the room. “Now you’re speaking my language. Girl talk.”

  We made our way to the couch. Before sitting, we grabbed the big quilt we always used from the trunk that was in the corner of the room. Sitting shoulder to shoulder, we laid our heads back and looked up at the stained-glass window that covered half of the room. I started. “You and Steven seem happy.”

  “We are. Marriage suits me better than I ever imagined. We’re going to start trying for a baby in January. I got off birth control last week.”

  I hugged Amelia to me. “I’m so excited for you guys. You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”

  She gave a solemn nod as we laid our heads back and looked at each. “If it happens. You know Mom had a hard time conceiving, but I’m trying not to stress about it. Steven said as long as he has me, that’s all that matters. That helps, but I still want a baby, Ashlin. About a week ago, something switched within me and all I can think about is having children. I’m scared.”

  “I know, sweetie. I’m here for you, but you’re young and healthy. There have been no signs of any endometriosis like your mom’s. Just because your mom had problems, doesn’t mean you will.” Trying to be positive and truthful, I tried to ease her fears with my words.

  Simultaneously, we tucked the quilt up around us again. Amelia watched me as she spoke, “We’ll see. So, how long have you been in love with Gael?”

  I sat ramrod straight. “I’m … what … why … Amelia.”

  She patted my leg. “It’s okay, you still haven’t admitted it to yourself, but I can see it between both of you. He’s not your father or Harris, Ashlin. He’s not going to leave you. I know I’ve just met him, but I also know what true love looks like.”

  Laying my head back down, I stared up into the sky watching cloud formations. My body was hot like a flash fever had gone through it. “I’m scared too, Amelia. I almost pushed him away the other day when Harris came to visit. Then I got sick. I told him why I was scared in the shower when I felt better. He was worried about pushing me away because he had stayed with me to take care of me. I hadn’t meant to make him feel insecure. I’m afraid of how consuming it is. I don’t know Amelia … it’s so fast.”

  Sitting there for a few minutes, Amelia waited for my breathing to return to normal. “You know, Ashlin. It may be fast, but love isn’t on a timeline or a schedule. Do you remember how fast Steven and I got together?” I nodded. “Well, you told me the same thing and I’m glad. I’m not saying you have to declare now. Wait until you’re comfortable. If you get scared about all the what-ifs you’ll never really know. Who cares about if people say it’s insta-love. It’s your life. Your story. Live it how you want to.”

  We grabbed each other’s hand.

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too, I needed some Ashlin time.”

  It had been a few hours since the boys had left. Amelia was taking a shower and I decided to call Gael to make sure everything was okay.

  The phone rang and rang. Right before voicemail picked up, Gael answered. “Hey, sweetheart. I don’t have much time. It’s pretty busy.” Stress laced his voice, though I knew he was trying to hide it.

  “Is everything okay?”

  Dave’s voice sounded in the background before Gael could respond. “I’m working it out.”

  That was an evasive answer. Dave continued to give serving orders above the clatter of the pots and pans. It was odd for him to be in the kitchen with Gael. I pressed on. “You’d tell me if something had happened out of the norm, right? Please don’t keep me out of the loop, Gael.”

  He took a deep breath. “My head chef and over half the wait staff resigned shortly after my bartender. We were almost shut down due to someone falsely planting evidence with the health inspector here, but we were able to prove it. Dad and Mom are here helping. Steven offered to tend bar since he worked at one in college. I’m cooking and my every step is being monitored. I gotta go. I’ll call as soon as I have half a second.”

  The tenseness was palpable as Gael lost any and all pretenses.

  Quickly, I let him go even though I had more questions. “Okay, keep me posted.”

  “Will do.”

  The line disconnected. I had a feeling Harris was behind this and I was livid. The incident was too close to him being here and too big of a coincidence that all this would happen in one night. Asshole. I needed to get to the restaurant to help out and do whatever I could. Bastard. Hopefully, I was wrong. With it being Friday, they were about to enter their busiest time of the week within the next two hours. It was going to be a madhouse.

  I yelled up the stairs. “Amelia, I need to go to Gael’s Place. Harris has struck again and I need to do what I can to help.”

  She yelled back down from her bedroom. “I’m coming too! Let me throw on some clothes and you can catch me up on what’s happening on the way there.”

  Putting on my shoes, I grabbed my Aunt Leelyn’s car keys from the hook. Amelia came running down the stairs fully dressed as she dragged a brush through her hair. We dashed to the car and I filled her in on what all happened as the late afternoon sun set.

  The only thing I could think of was getting to Gael and helping however I could. With each stoplight we hit, nervous energy radiated at me from not knowing what else was going on. I wondered if Harris sat somewhere watching the scene unfold. He was the definition of a bastard.

  Amelia fumed in the passenger by the time she was caught up on everything. “When I get back, we’re getting your stuff out of that shithead’s place. Ashlin, I want to get Daddy involved. We are disconnecting all your ties to that jackass fuckwad.”

  Amelia’s father, Winston, was a highly respected lawyer in New York City. He had helped Harris go through his inheritance and explain everything when he first had acquired the beginnings of his empire. At the time, Harris hadn’t trusted all the suits his father had as lawyers since they were corrupted by money.

  My, oh my, how the shoe fit him now.

  Harris once told me that he never wanted to be on the opposite side of Winston in a court room. Apparently, Winston aimed for the jugular. I only ever knew him as a loving guy who welcomed me into his family. Hopefully an order to get my stuff returned would knock some sense into Harris that I wasn’t playing around.

  I had been wondering how I was going to get my stuff back without having to speak to him. “There’s only a few things I need from there.”

  She was furiously texting on her phone. “Give me the list and we’ll have it put in the order. Daddy says he’ll do it as soon as I give it to him.”

  “All of the boxes in my office that have my client files, my computer, and the pictures of my parents.”

&nb
sp; Fingers flew across her phone. “Got it. Dad is on it. He’ll be served as soon as possible and they’re going to have it delivered to my house. I figured that’d be easier and take you out of the picture in case Harris tried something.”

  A car slammed on the breaks and I stopped, cursing under my breath. All I wanted to do was get to Gael as soon as possible. “Sounds good to me. Thanks for all your help. Your family means the world to me.”

  Amelia continued to type on her phone. “Well, my family loves you like a daughter. Harris is fucking with the wrong person.”

  The parking lot came into site and I quickly parked the car, relieved we were minutes away from being at the restaurant. We jogged to Gael’s Place. Walking through the doors, people bustled about, intent on their task at hand. Clearly, with the patrons already in there, the staff was spread thin. I approached the hostess who was normally a waitress. She recognized me. The nametag on her shirt said Leslie.

  She spoke as I made it to the podium while marking on the seating chart. “Gael’s in the kitchen cooking with his dad. The health inspector is back there watching their every move. I don’t know if it would be a good time to go and see him.”

  A group cheered from the bar as Steven set five beers down. “Leslie, I’m here to help. What happened?”

  Leslie wiped off her seating chart and started making new x’s. I felt bad for taking her away from work, but I needed an idea so I could help the best way possible.

  Dropping her pen and counting the menus she responded, “A bunch of us were approached to work at a new restaurant that opened downtown. There was a significant raise and a signing bonus. Most people left.”

  I gave a sweet smile. “If you don’t mind me asking, why did you stay?”

  Handing the menus to a waiter, she responded to him first, “Can you seat them here?”

  Leslie pointed to the seating chart. The guy nodded, then walked to the patrons Leslie had pointed to on the char before continuing our conversation. “Gael’s always been good to me. He gave me a job when no one else would. I had no money, no nice clothes and was five nights away from spending my first night on the street. He helped me get on my feet and find a place to live. There’s some things that money can’t buy and my loyalty is one of them.”