The Interview: New York & Los Angeles Part 2

by Sandi Lynn

Something was up with her. I felt it ever since we got here. I was sure it had to do with tomorrow.

  “You’re right. It’s just rain.” I kissed her head.

  The sky fully opened and the few raindrops I felt just moments ago had now become a downpour. We sat there, getting soaked as a chill settled inside me. If this is what she needed, then this is what I’d give her.

  “Will you dance with me, Laurel?” I asked as I pressed my lips against her head.

  “Really?” She lifted her head and looked at me.

  I stood up, pulled my phone from my pocket, and put on the song “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur. Holding out my hand, I smiled. “Really.”

  A small smile crossed her lips as I helped her up and we began to dance in the grass, in the pouring down rain, on Cherry Hill, and I began singing the lyrics to her.

  “How do you know this song?” she asked.

  “It reminds me of you, so I listen to it often, especially when we’re not together.”

  She swallowed hard, then looked down as she began to cry.

  “Sweetheart.” I pulled her into me.

  “I’m so scared, Wyatt.”

  I held her head against me as we swayed back and forth, and the rain continued to soak us.

  “I know you are, baby. But everything is going to be okay. You’re going to be okay. You’re the future Mrs. Wyatt Coleman, and you have no choice but to be. Do you understand me?” I asked as I placed my hands on each side of her face.

  She slowly nodded her head as she stared into my eyes.

  “You’ve fought your whole life for everything. Hell, you fought both me and Craig for those interviews. This is nothing compared to that.” The corners of my mouth curved upwards. “The one thing I know about you is that when someone or something comes after you, you don’t go down without a fight.”

  She let out a light laugh.

  “I love you, Wyatt.”

  “I love you to the moon and back a thousand times over, baby.” I brushed my thumb across her lips before leaning in and kissing them.

  “I think it’s time to go home.” She smiled.

  “I think you’re right.”

  We gathered up the soaking wet blanket and picnic basket and walked to the limo, where Ryan was waiting for us.

  “You both are soaked,” Ryan spoke as he held an umbrella up and opened the door.

  “It’s only rain, Ryan. It’s only rain.” I smiled as Laurel and I slid inside.

  The moment the elevator doors opened, I scooped Laurel up in my arms and carried her up to the master bath.

  “We both need a hot shower.” I winked as I kissed her lips.

  I set her down, started the shower, and we both stripped out of our wet clothes. Opening the glass shower door, I stepped inside and she followed behind. The hot water streamed down our bodies, warming us up from head to toe from the chill of the rain. Our lips were locked in a passionate kiss as my finger dipped inside her. She gasped as she wrapped her hand around my hard cock. My tongue grazed her neck before making its way down to each of her breasts, where her hardened nipples begged to be sucked.

  My finger explored her as her hand moved up and down the shaft of my cock, giving me great pleasure. I wanted to be buried deep inside her and feel the warmth of her wrapped around me. I pushed her up against the shower wall and picked her up as her legs wrapped around my waist. My cock thrust inside her as pleasurable sounds escaped both our lips. I continued thrusting in and out as her breasts bounced up and down in front of me. She let out a pleasing howl as she came and the warmth of her come coated my cock. I wasn’t far behind as I fucked her with long, smooth strokes, taking in every bit of space inside her. Grunting sounds plagued me as I slowed down and released myself inside her.

  “God, you feel so good.” I brushed my lips against hers.

  “So do you. I want to stay like this.” She smiled.

  I kept myself buried inside her until my cock softened.

  ****

  We both got dressed, for Craig and Maddy would be arriving soon.

  “How do I look?” Laurel asked as she twirled around.

  “Gorgeous as always,” I spoke as I went to grab my suitcoat from the bed and Coco jumped on it.

  I sighed as I picked her up and set her on the floor.

  “How bad do you think my hair is going to look after the surgery?”

  “It’s going to look fine, sweetheart. You could be bald and I’d still think you were the sexiest woman on earth.” I winked.

  The penthouse phone rang, and Roger alerted me that Craig was here.

  “Send them up.”

  “I can’t wait to see them.” Laurel smiled as she walked out of the bedroom.

  She seemed to be doing much better than earlier, but I knew she was still struggling.

  Chapter Thirty

  Laurel

  I stood in front of the elevator and waited for the doors to open. When it did, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

  “Look who was on our flight.” Craig smiled.

  “Jamieson.” I grinned as I hugged him.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I asked him to join us for dinner,” Craig spoke.

  “Oh my gosh, no. I’m thrilled you’re coming.”

  I hugged Craig and then Maddy. Wyatt walked down, gave Maddy a hug, and then shook both Jamieson’s and Craig’s hands.

  We invited them into the living room, where Wyatt poured everyone but me a drink before we headed out. When I walked into the kitchen for a bottle of water, Jamieson followed me.

  “How are you doing, Laurel? I want you to be honest with me.”

  “I’m scared, Jamieson. Really fucking scared.”

  He pursed his lips and gave me a sympathetic look.

  “I would be worried if you weren’t. How are the headaches?”

  “They’re manageable as long as I take my pills. This morning when I woke up, it was probably the worst one I’ve ever had so far, and it made me sick. I took my pill and went back to sleep for a while.”

  “It’ll soon be over with,” he spoke.

  “Are you two ready to go?” Wyatt asked as he popped his head in the kitchen.

  The five of us climbed into the back of the limo and Ryan drove us to the address that Craig gave him before we headed to the restaurant. We climbed out of the limo and stepped inside a vacant building that sat on the corner of East 56th Street.

  “Welcome to Rosie’s.” Craig grinned as he held out his hands.

  “What!?” I asked with excitement.

  “You finally decided,” Wyatt spoke as he patted him on the back.

  “I did. I’m doing it. I’m opening up a Rosie’s here in New York City.”

  “I’m so excited!” I hugged him tight.

  “The last time I was here, I checked it out but didn’t want to say anything until it was official,” Craig spoke.

  We climbed back into the limo and headed to the restaurant. The news that Craig was opening up a restaurant here made me so happy. We were all gathered around the table, and since I couldn’t drink because of my surgery in the morning, everyone else opted not to drink. They were all talking as I sat there while a funny feeling washed over me. I couldn’t exactly describe it, but I felt like I was in a tunnel and the voices were getting further and further away.

  ****

  Wyatt

  “Laurel, Craig asked you a question,” I spoke as I looked at her.

  “Laurel?” Jamieson snapped his fingers as she stared blankly at nothing.

  She tried to speak, but the couple words that came from her made no sense. Her right arm began to twitch, and Jamieson jumped up from his chair.

  “She’s having a seizure,” he spoke as he pulled her chair away from the table and knelt down in front of her, placing his hands firmly on her legs. “Laurel, can you look at me?”

  He looked at his watch and then at her. I started to panic as I stood up and placed my hands on her shoulders from behind. Scared was far
from what I was feeling.

  “Laurel?” Jamieson snapped his fingers again.

  “I’m not feeling so good,” she spoke.

  “It’s okay, sweetheart.” I kissed the top of her head.

  “Have you been taking your anti-seizure medication?” Jamieson asked her.

  “I think so. I don’t remember. I can’t move my right arm,” she slowly spoke.

  “You just had what’s called a focal seizure, and I’m admitting you into the hospital tonight.”

  “No. I can’t go tonight.”

  “Laurel, it’s not an option.”

  “Sweetheart, you have to do what Jamieson says. He knows what’s best,” I spoke as I clasped her shoulders.

  “Why can’t I move my arm?”

  “It’s from the seizure. It’ll go away in a few hours. We need to go now. Does she have a bag packed?” Jamieson asked as he looked up at me.

  “Yeah.”

  “Listen, Wyatt, Maddy and I will take a cab, go back to the penthouse, grab it, and bring it to the hospital.”

  “Thanks, Craig. It’s in our bedroom on the chair by the window.”

  Laurel was feeling too weak to walk, so I picked her up from her chair and carried her to the limo.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Laurel

  Wyatt helped me undress and change into the hospital gown. I couldn’t exactly tell you what I felt at that moment. Being here, one night early, stressed me out. This wasn’t the plan. The plan was to go home with Wyatt and snuggle against him the whole night, feeling safe in his arms. I didn’t feel safe at the moment. I felt cold and numb because this was really happening. Tomorrow morning, Dr. Jamieson Finn would cut my brain open and it terrified me no matter how strong I tried to be.

  I climbed into the bed and Wyatt took my hand.

  “You need to call George,” I spoke.

  “I will. What about your family?”

  “There’s no need. They’ll be here tomorrow morning anyway. I don’t want to worry them. In fact, there’s no need for me to even be in here at all until tomorrow.”

  “Actually, there is,” Jamieson spoke as he walked into the room wearing dark blue scrubs and looking as handsome as ever. “You could have another seizure and it could be worse. If that happens, it’s better that you’re here, surrounded by a medical team.”

  I sighed and rolled my eyes.

  “Hey, don’t roll your eyes at me. Remember who’s cutting into that brain of yours.” He smirked.

  “Hello, all.” A young male nurse strutted in with a smile on his face.

  “Laurel, this is Kyle. He’ll be your nurse for tonight.”

  “And probably tomorrow as well. I’m pulling a double,” Kyle spoke.

  “Nice to meet you, Kyle.” I held out my hand.

  “Nice to meet you too, Laurel.” He grinned as he took my hand and held it up. “Girl, you have amazing veins.”

  “Thank you.”

  I liked him already.

  “I’m going to check on a few things,” Jamieson spoke. “I’ll be back in a while to check on you.”

  Kyle started the IV and Wyatt walked out of the room.

  “I’ll be right back, sweetheart. I’m going to give George a call.”

  I looked at him strangely because he could have called George in the room. His face turned kind of pale when he saw Kyle prepping the IV.

  “Is that handsome man your husband?” Kyle asked.

  “Soon to be. We’re getting married next June.”

  “Lucky girl.” He winked. “Relax, doll. You’re in good hands.”

  “I’m trying to,” I spoke.

  “Please, you’re only having brain surgery. Isn’t that on everyone’s bucket list?” He smirked.

  I gave him a smile, and when he was done with the IV and drawing some blood, Wyatt walked back in the room.

  “George is on his way. I told him you’re fine, but he wants to be here.”

  I glared at him as I bit down on my bottom lip.

  “What?” he asked.

  “You’re afraid of needles.”

  “No I’m not.” His brows furrowed.

  “Yes, you are. That’s why you ran out of here so fast.”

  He stood there for a moment as silence swept over his lips.

  “Fine. I’m not a fan of needles. Never have been and never will be.”

  “How did I not know that about you?”

  “I don’t know. It’s not like we ever discussed it. Did you just want me to randomly say, hey, by the way, I’m afraid of needles?”

  I couldn’t help but let out a light laugh.

  “What do you do when you need to get your blood drawn?” I asked.

  “I don’t. The last time I had blood drawn was when I was a teenager, and let me tell you, it didn’t go well.”

  “Wow, I never took you for a baby, Mr. Coleman.”

  “I’m not a baby, sweetheart, and that’s the tumor talking.” He winked.

  “No, trust me, it’s not the tumor talking. When the tumor is gone, I’ll still think you’re a baby.” I smiled.

  “You two are killing me.” Kyle laughed. “I’ll be back in a bit to check on you.”

  A few moments later, George and Eric walked in and George immediately hugged me.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I’m fine. I just had a small seizure and now I’m stuck in here all night.”

  “Better to be safe than sorry,” Eric spoke as he walked over with a sadness in his eyes and took hold of my hand.

  “Eric, I’m warning you!”

  “Don’t worry, kid. I got it under control this time.”

  “You two didn’t need to come here,” I spoke.

  “Yeah, Laurel, we did. If it was one of us, you’d be here too.”

  The feeling in my arm was starting to come back and I could slowly move it. George, Eric, Wyatt and I talked for a while and then the two of them left.

  “We’ll be back in the morning before you go in for surgery,” George spoke as he kissed my forehead. “Don’t be giving the staff here any trouble.” He smiled.

  “I’ll try not to. But, you know me.”

  “Yeah, we know you alright.” Eric smirked. “Get some rest, and before you know it, this will all be over.”

  As soon as they left, Jamieson walked in.

  “All your labs look great, Laurel. I’m going to be staying in the staff room tonight. So, if anything arises, which it won’t, they’ll page me. You hanging in there?” He grabbed my hand.

  “I’m hanging in there.” I gave him a small smile.

  “I didn’t expect anything less from you.” The corners of his mouth curved upwards. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  He walked out of the room and I glanced over at Wyatt as he sat in the chair next to my bed.

  “You should go home and get some sleep,” I spoke. “It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”

  “I’m not leaving your side.”

  “Wyatt.”

  “Laurel, shush. I said I’m not leaving your side,” he spoke in an authoritative tone.

  “Really? You’re going to use that tone with me right now?”

  “Yeah. Actually, I am. You’re being stubborn and you’re not winning this one. Got it?”

  “Got it,” I yawned.

  “Handsome Dr. Finn asked me to give you a mild sedative to help you sleep,” Kyle spoke as he walked into the room and injected it into my IV. Are you staying tonight?” he asked Wyatt.

  “Yes. I am.”

  “I’ll go grab you and pillow and a blanket. That chair reclines all the way back.”

  “Thank you, Kyle.”

  Wyatt took off his shoes and his suitcoat and climbed in next to me. He wrapped his arms tightly around me, and instantly, I felt relaxed.

  “Go to sleep, baby,” he whispered in my ear and then began softly singing “Say You Won’t Let Go” in my ear.

  ****

  Wyatt

  It was
n’t too long before she fell asleep. As soon as I carefully got up, Craig walked in. I brought my finger up to my lips to alert him that Laurel was sleeping, so we both stepped out into the hallway.

  “Sorry for the delay. I had an issue at the restaurant I needed to deal with, and then on the way here, there was an accident.”

  “It’s okay. Thanks for bringing this. I really appreciate it.”

  “No problem. Man, that was scary at the restaurant. Thank god Jamieson was with us.”

  “I know.” I sighed. “I’m going to be happy when all of this is over with and that tumor is out.” I patted his back.

  “Me too. She looks like she’s resting peacefully.”

  “Jamieson gave her a sedative to help her sleep tonight. Where’s Maddy?”

  “I told her to stay at the hotel. She was really tired from the flight earlier. Plus, we’ll be here early in the morning. Are you staying here?”

  “Yeah. I can’t leave her. There’s no way.”

  “I wouldn’t either.” He lightly smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Thanks again, Craig.” I gave him a bro hug.

  I pulled my phone from my pocket and called Sammi to let her know what was going on.

  “I’ll be there tomorrow morning before she goes into surgery,” she spoke.

  “By the way, I’m taking Laurel to the ranch when she gets out of the hospital for a while. It’s what she wants.”

  “That’s a great idea, Wyatt. It’s quiet out there and full of nature. It’ll do her good to recover out of the city.”

  We talked for a while longer, and after I ended the call, I stepped inside the room, took a seat on the edge of the bed, and lightly held her hand for a moment while she slept.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Laurel

  I opened my eyes to find Kyle standing over me.

  “Good morning, sunshine.” He brightly smiled.

  “Good morning,” I moaned.

  “Headache?” he asked as he took my vitals.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, those nasty headaches will be gone soon.”

  “Where’s Wyatt?” I asked as I looked around the room.

  “He stepped out for a minute to grab a coffee. He’ll be right back.” He grinned.

  “What I wouldn’t do for a coffee right now and a fucking pill.”