Healing Inc.

by Tarbox, Deneice

  When he tried to explain the nature of sex to her and the needs of any red blooded male she had accused him of being immoral and taking advantage of those women knowing the sexual encounter would not evolve into a meaningful relationship of any kind. She had then asked him if that’s the way he wanted men to treat her. Her little lecture haunted him, even when he tried to fulfill his needs far away from his little angel’s presence, rendering him useless in bed. With that, he had decided to set an example for her; at least until he could get her off to college.

  They would soon be heading for England. This was his supposed other land of origin as his mother’s side of the family often reminded him. He wasn’t quite sure which bothered them more; the fact that he wasn’t full blooded Italian or that he was a bastard. He had never met his father and often wondered if he was the true reason for the rift between him and his maternal family. They’ll get over it…someday. He and Evy planned on picking up Cecile now and then to join them at his hotel there. Evy was dying to meet her.

  His thoughts went back to Evy as they always did. Being in love made it difficult to complete boring tasks such as the one before him now but he wouldn’t trade this feeling for the world. She was currently down in the kitchen learning how to cook some of his favorite breakfast foods. The head chef was very arrogant and usually wouldn’t allow anyone in his kitchen, not excluding his boss, Tyler. Somehow Evy had managed to soften him. It would appear she has a gift for that. He felt the need to keep his eye on the handsome, single chef and was paying the sous chef to do just that.

  It didn’t escape Tyler when the bold employee persuaded Evy to start taking her meals in the dining room where he would come out to their table at the end of each meal and ogle over her. Tyler was very familiar with the look the chef gave her as he had given it to her a thousand times himself.

  The chef wasn’t the only one enchanted by Evy. The rest of the winter staff had taken to her as well. She had introduced them to some of her favorite music and now they all played it, listening and dancing to it while they went about their responsibilities.

  Her two favorite staff members were Antonia and Adelina, the two girls who had come to their room soon after her arrival. On more than one occasion he had walked by an open room to find her teaching the young maidens dance moves. He had observed in silence, acknowledging the way she made the slightest of movements look so sexy. On those occasions he had to exercise extreme discipline to keep from kicking the girls out and taking her right where she was.

  His staff was happy for once and had actually become more efficient in her presence. He could only wonder what affect she would have had if the hotel had been fully staffed.

  What Tyler didn’t realize was that Evy had changed him as well. The staff couldn’t get over the difference in him. They had always dreaded his annual visits, knowing he would show up barking orders at everyone, barely looking anyone in the eye. This year he had been worse than ever the first week. Within hours of Evy’s arrival he had morphed into a completely new person, speaking kindly and even calling his employees by their given names. They were going to do everything within their power to make sure this lady stayed around.

  The ringing of the phone next to him for the umpteenth time that morning encroached on his thoughts. It was barely eight but he had already been inundated with calls.

  Abby was the first to call, waking him up and trying her damndest to talk him into encouraging their daughter to spend Christmas with her. He found it odd that she was up making phone calls so late at night but then again she was odd. She had grated on his nerves so badly that for once he was glad Evy had left the room early so as not to witness his growing dislike toward his ex-wife. He wasn’t ready to share his new relationship with Abby knowing she would find some new way to make his life miserable over it. Even though they had been divorced for over fifteen years she maintained an air of jealousy about everything he did.

  “Moriatti,” he answered gruffly on the third ring.

  “Tyler, this is your Uncle Nathan. We need to talk.”

  For a moment, Tyler thought he had heard wrong. His Uncle Nathan, mafia king, never called him. “Uncle Nathan? What can I do for you?” he asked curiously.

  “It would appear you have a problem,” he stated bluntly.

  Again, Tyler was surprised. “What kind of problem?” he asked. He always remained respectful to his uncle, even when he wanted to blast him for what he and the rest of the family had done to his mother. He did have to admit, they had always stepped in whenever he felt threatened. Knowledge of that fact made him even more inquisitive about the current phone call.

  “One Miss Evelyn Stone purchased a first class ticket to Venice Italy on the first Friday of November. She departed from Will Rogers World Airport the following Sunday morning with a two hour layover in Boston. From there she landed in Treviso, Italy. Her trail stops there.” His voice was matter of fact.

  Tyler felt his heart stop. He sat in silence as the meaning behind his uncle’s account of Evy’s travels sank in. Someone was using some serious connections to either locate or follow her. “Do you know who it is or where they’re out of?”

  “Well, from what my guy tells me, Detective Marcus Cole of the Chicago PD is trying to locate her, although it’s not clear what he wants. He not too long ago made the connection between her current name and her former names, Mindy Johnson and Rachel Evelyn Stoneland, we believe by use of her social security number. He was able to trace her to Oklahoma where Rachel disappeared off the face of the Earth until Evelyn decided to buy a ticket to Italy.”

  Guilt set in as Tyler recalled desperately encouraging her to come with him, not stopping to think that it could alert the wrong people. He had had his suspicions but this drove them home. “So you’re saying this detective might be trouble?”

  “I honestly don’t think so. He seems pretty clean. I think the problem is the people who’ve been tapping his phone. I have a feeling I know who they work for because the trail on them leads back to my neck of the woods. But, I can’t really tell you until I’m sure of it. In the meantime, I’ve arranged to have someone plant a bug in the young detective’s ear advising him to check his phone. As for you, I need to know how you really feel about this woman.”

  “Why would you need to know that?” Tyler asked confused.

  “Well, seeing how you’ve kept your distance all these years never asking me for anything to suddenly request that I protect her I can only assume you plan to make her part of the family.”

  Tyler didn’t respond right away. He had been thinking about it but wasn’t sure if Evy would think him mad to ask her so soon. “I haven’t asked her yet.”

  “Well, I suggest you consider marrying her before you buy anymore plane tickets or leave Italy. Then you can have her change her name at the Embassy and purchase all your tickets as Mr. and Mrs. Moriatti. Unless those searching for her know she’s with you this should make her disappear for a while, even when you get back to the states. I have friends at the Embassy who will help you do it all on the down low. Make sure you have the marriage license so she can continue to use her passport. They don’t keep track of their usage so much.”

  Tyler was moved by his uncle’s actions. After so many years of feeling like an outsider he finally felt like part of the family. “Thank you Uncle Nathan.”

  “No thanks needed. I don’t care how you came about or that you have Brit blood running through your veins, you’re still a Moriatti. No one messes with us. Make her one of us and we’ll make sure she’s protected as well. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. Goodbye.” He hung up before Tyler could get another word in.

  Tyler walked out of his office and over to the large picture window, not really seeing the great view beyond it. He was piqued at the thought that someone was really trying to cause harm to his precious Evy. He stood staring out with his hands in the pockets of his casual Dockers. Have Evy with me forever, for the rest of my life? The thought of it made him so gi
ddy he became weak in the knees and had to sit down. He just hoped he could get her to agree to it without alerting her to what was going on. As far as he was concerned, her safety was his responsibility. Hers was just to be happy.

  Which brought up his other concern, she deserved a large wedding as this would be her first marriage. Abby had demanded a large wedding, wearing white and all regardless of being pregnant with Cecile. How was he to convince her to forgo such a thing without coming off as a cheap bastard?

  Pulling himself together, he swung into action. First he emailed Miguel in Chicago, who he had become good friends with after meeting at the homeless shelter. He let him know that he could trust the detective and that he needed to keep his and Evy’s relationship a secret. He also instructed him to consider having his phone and other devices checked for surveillance gadgets. He took caution with the subject matter and in the use of her name knowing Miguel would understand the meaning behind it. With that done, he notified Cecile that they would be arriving in England a week later than scheduled but would definitely be there before the American Thanksgiving Holiday.

  He sent word to his new partner that his time away from the States might be prolonged but he would try to have someone greet him and get him settled when he arrived in Oklahoma City. Last, he dialed the number to the front desk. His next steps required the assistance of some of his Venice hotel staff who he knew would do anything for Evy.

  ***

  Evy was welcomed into the suite she currently shared with Tyler to candlelight, the sweet scent of roses and soft romantic music. Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries sat on the coffee table of the sitting room. They had just returned from the dining room where the chef had prepared a delicious five course meal especially for the two of them. Tyler had taken her to various restaurants that week but as far as she was concerned none compared to his own chef’s cooking. She was really enjoying this time with him and all the sweet little surprises he kept giving her.

  “I hope we’re in the right room,” she teased turning to him.

  “Yup, my internal GPS is working fine dear,” he bantered back. He took her hand and led her to the sofa. “I just thought it was time for us to discuss a few things.”

  “Like what?” She could feel her guard go up as she sat beside him on the couch.

  “Oh, just us and what we plan to do tomorrow…and the next day…and the next.” He could tell by the look on her face that she wasn’t following him. This had been easier with Abby because she had told him, ‘I’m pregnant, let’s get married.’ He would have done it anyway but she had spared him the potential for rejection and the nervousness that went with it. “Evy, you know how much I love you right?”

  “Sounds like you’re breaking up with me.” She was joking but in his nervous state he took it to heart.

  “No, no, no! It’s the opposite.” He slid off the couch, bringing himself to one knee. Retrieving the black velvet box from his pocket he opened it to reveal the largest diamond shaped solitaire sapphire she had ever seen. Just then, the song Always and Forever by Heatwave started to play.

  Not sure of what to do, Evy’s wide eyes kept shifting from the ring to his smiling face. “Tyler, are you seriously asking me to marry you?” Her mouth remained partially open.

  “Not just to marry me, I’ve done that before. I want you to become my wife and truly, truly remain a part of my life forever. With all my money I had nothing but Cecile until the day we crossed paths in the consignment shop. I now know that day was your birthday but believe me when I say I’m the one who received the utmost present that day. You’ve been on my mind nonstop every since. For the first time in my life I feel like a real man, like I can accomplish anything with you by my side, and I dare not go on with my life unless you are completely a part of it. It’s only because of you that I know what real love is, what it’s like to actually be in love and I want to give it all back to you. I can’t go another day without knowing whether you’ll be my wife or not.”

  Evy cried. Once again this man had shown her the true meaning of love. He was looking at her, not what her talents could gain him, not just what her body could do for him but her. She had no doubt of his love or the wonderful future she’d have with him. In his presence she felt a new sense of freedom and she loved it. Most of all, she loved him.

  “Of course, I will.”

  He placed the ring on her finger, pulling her close as she showered his face with kisses. That part went well, he thought. Now it was time for the next surprise.

  “Just to clarify babe, you are saying yes right?”

  “Yes, Tyler. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!” she shouted excitedly.

  “Perfect!” He stood up and walked over to the entrance door, leaving a flabbergasted Evy sitting on the couch watching him as he retreated from her. He opened the door and shouted, “She said yes!” To which the small crowd responded in a resonating cheer causing Evy to bark with laughter. He then turned to Evy, “I’ll see you in a bit.” He blew her a kiss and left the room.

  The next thing she knew, Antonia and Adelina were ushering her into the bedroom helping her out of her outfit. They turned on the shower for her and kept busy in the bedroom laying out undergarments, hair accessories and makeup while waiting for her to finish. She kept trying to get the girls to tell her what was going on but they just kept reassuring her to trust them.

  Once she finished showering and put on the satin and lace white camisole with matching thigh high fish net stockings, the two women busied themselves with her hair and makeup. Antonia applied a sparkly white eye shadow to her lids that made her deep brown almond shaped eyes stand out. The lipstick of choice was the cherry red that Tyler loved on her.

  Adelina, the younger of the two, was intrigued with the texture of Evy’s hair. Antonia admonished her in Italian a couple of times for playing with it, bringing Evy jubilant laughter from their obvious bickering. The young woman managed to pull it back into to a French braid laced with baby’s breath flowers. Evy was impressed with their cosmetology skills. They finished by spraying her with a light perfume that reminded her of the ocean.

  “Okay, this is a bit much for an engagement celebration,” she joked.

  Antonia and Adelina exchanged a knowing glance. It was time to let her in on the secret. “No, Signorina Evy,” Antonia started. “This is for your wedding tonight.”

  Evy was dumbstruck. Adelina walked to the sitting room, returning with a large white garment bag. She laid it on the bed and unzipped it. Together, the two women gently lifted its contents from the bag, laying it out on the bed for Evy to observe.

  Evy’s hand went to her mouth as she gazed upon one of the most beautiful wedding dresses she had ever seen. It was simple, yet elegant with a satin strapless bodice drawing in to show off her slender waist. Small diamond inlays trailed down the front. The bottom portion was designed to hug her feminine hips as the long fishtail back flowed to the floor to trail behind her. The front of the gown was simple and would stop at the top of her feet. The gleaming white would definitely make her chocolate skin stand out.

  “For me?” she inquired unable to believe her eyes.

  “But of course Signorina! Singor Moriatti awaits you downstairs. You are to be his wife tonight. We hope you like it all. He had us help pick it.” They couldn’t wait to see it on her.

  Evy was touched, anxious and happy all at the same time. “Boy, he really does get what he wants, doesn’t he.”

  “That he does, Signorina. That he does.”

  ***

  The Wedding…

  The expansive dining room of the hotel had been rearranged with an aisle down the center flanked by two rows of chairs. An older woman, who Tyler started to suspect was partially deaf, sat at the piano waiting for her cue. He stood at the front of the aisle dressed in the black tie event tuxedo that he kept on hand at the hotel for special events.

  To say he was nervous was an understatement. He hoped Evy would go through with this seeing how he
had given her little choice in the matter. He wished he had been allotted the time to at least fly Miguel in to give her away and have Nita be her maid of honor, knowing she would have wanted it that way. A reverend waited in front of him and the sous chef, who Tyler trusted more than the head chef for the task, stood beside him as his best man.

  The extent of his uncle’s power was phenomenal. All that should have taken several days to do had been completed within a few hours at the mention of his name. Nathan also called the Reverend Rizzo, who was obviously a close friend of the family. He insisted that all Moriatti weddings must have his blessing if the marriage was to succeed.

  Adelina stepped through the dining room entrance and gave a thumb up, indicating the ceremony could begin. The lady behind the piano started to play an offbeat version of Back at One by Brian McKnight. A moment later, the two young women appeared in the entrance dressed in simple soft peach bridesmaid gowns flanking Evy who looked stunning in the wedding dress and veil they had chosen for her. Both women had insisted on being the one to give her away. Tyler was captivated by her beauty as the lyrics to the song played in his head. They had never rang truer for him than they did at that moment as he watched his lovely bride advance toward him. The smile on her face reassured him he had done right by her, pushing all anxiety aside.