by C Renee
Typical.
“Now the doctor has recommended you see a psychiatrist at least twice a month. Here are the forms with all the information you’ll need. I hope you have a speedy recovery Louise. You are free to go home.” The Nurse hands me the rest of the forms and she leaves me standing in the room alone with Alex.
“Alright, you’ve got your forms. Let’s go get some lunch and then to Steph’s.” Alex wraps his arm around my waist; he brings me in for a side hug.
I could get used to this.
Before he lets go, I feel his lips again but he has kissed the side of my cheek.
I could die right now.
He moves past me and is out of the room before I can catch my next breath.
He comes back into the room with a wheelchair.
Oh God.
“Hospital rules, you have to get in or we don’t leave the hospital.” He points to the chair and I pass him my bag before sitting down. I feel so embarrassed.
“I think this would be the perfect place to have our second date. What do you think Louise?” Alex turns the car off. We have stopped in front of this little restaurant in the middle of LA. The place looks old, maybe built in the 1950s. It has this retro old school feel about it. It has a little veranda out the front with white small round tables that seat four people. It has a lot of green potted plants hanging everywhere. The place is beautiful.
“Welcome to Garden Haven, I found this place when I was drunk in my early twenties. It has the best Thai food in LA. I hope you like Thai food.” Alex takes my hand and leads us through the white gates.
“I love Thai food.” I squeeze his hand in mine.
I think I’ve found my haven.
Alex opens the door for us and I’m blown away from the inside. If you thought the outside was overtaken with plants then you have another thing coming from the inside.
It is fucking brilliant.
In the middle of the room there is a water fountain, with a flowing river going towards the back of the restaurant.
The inside looks like a greenhouse, with the native Thailand flowers; I spot a few that I know.
Around the fountain I see a huge Beaumontia hedge in the shape in an arch going over the fountain. It looks incredible.
In hanging baskets they have Ixora Thai Flame growing over the sides, it brightens the place up.
Mandevilla Amabillis are in pots placed around the room, and I look down at the floor and it’s real grass. How on earth can they keep this grass alive and so green? That’s when I look up and see the ceiling is replaced with glass so you can see the blue sky above.
Wow.
My mind is blown.
“You’ll have to take your shoes off.” Alex tells me while he’s taking off his shoes and socks.
I take my sandals off and follow him towards a table near the fountain; the tables and chairs are the same from the ones we passed on the way in. Alex and I take a seat opposite each other. I look around the room again and I’m blown away with how beautiful this place actually is.
I feel a little tired and sore from being in hospital but the beauty of this place is keeping me going.
“What can I get you both? I’m Anada and I’ll be serving you today.” This lady comes up to us and she is holding a pen and paper. She places two glasses down filled with water. Anada must be the waitress and she is wearing what looks like a Sabai. The dress is a pale purple with gold embroidery.
“I would like the Gaeng Keo Wharn.” Alex orders first while I look over the menu once more before I decide.
“I’ll have the pumpkin coconut soup please.” We hand back the menus to Anada.
“I can’t believe you found this place Alex, it is truly amazing.” I take a sip of my water.
“Neither can I at times, but I’m glad I did. You know you are the first girl I’ve ever taken here?” How can he be serious?
“Are you sure about that? You don’t seem the type to hold out on your dates.” Holy shit, did I just say that?
“I’m being serious. This place is special to me and I wanted to share it with someone special.” I feel my face getting hotter and sweat is dripping down my neck, did I just blush? He just continues to melt my heart.
My thoughts go back to that kiss and my face grows even hotter. I put my hands on my cheeks to cool it down.
“Having a hot flash Louise?” Alex gives me a smirk before he takes a drink of water. I watch as a small droplet of water slip past his lips and he snakes his tongue out to catch it.
I’m going to get myself in big trouble, especially if I’m going to be staying with him for a while.
I need to talk to Steph as soon as possible.
“I just want to thank you for bringing my family back and saving me from Matt. I owe you my life.” I look around the room again, trying to avoid looking at him.
I heard Alex mutter under his breath “You’ll owe me in good time Precious.” Whatever that is supposed to mean.
“So what do you do for a living Alex the mysterious?” This time I look at him, I want him to tell me what happened that night of the accident and I think today is as good as any.
“Well, my father owns Knight Enterprises. When it’s his time to step down it will most likely go to me. I’m the oldest between my brother Damon and I. I don’t want to own the company but he hates my brother. Then there is my full-time job as a paramedic. When Tiffany died, I vowed that since she was gone I would try my very hardest to save lives and that’s when you came into my life Louise. That night I was on call in the area and got a 9-1-1 call. They gave me your location and that’s when I found you upside down in that car.” I watched him shudder at the memory. I reach my hand across the table to hold his.
“Go on, it’s okay. I want to hear it.” I give him a weak smile and give his hand a squeeze.
“The car was totaled. We were taught that in cases like yours to expect the worst. Death. So I went in and tried to locate the body and when I found yours, you were alive. Barely, but you were alive. I started barking orders at the other men and as soon as you heard my voice you opened your eyes. I saw those amazing grey eyes for the first time and it felt like you could see into my soul. That shook me. Then you closed them; you didn’t wake up until you were back in the hospital. I’m not allowed to check up on outpatients of ours so I couldn’t have known if you lived but here you are. Beautiful as ever.” I feel a tear slide down the side of my cheek; I never knew Alex felt like this about me.
I’m glad I’m not the only one.
“I’m glad it was you Alex.” I was just about to lean across the table to give him a kiss but the waitress Anada came out with our food. Perfect.
We ate our food in silence and it was amazing. The best Thai food I have ever eaten in my life.
“Are you ready to leave?” Alex asks me when I’ve finished off the last of my water.
“Yep, let’s go and tell Steph your idea.” I chuckle when he gives me a frown.
Chapter Six
Alex
WE ARRIVE AT STEPH’S apartment. I know she’s home because Louise was texting her the whole way there.
“Are you ready to tell her?” I look over to Louise when I’ve parked the car. I can tell she is really nervous about telling Steph that she will be staying with me for a while. It could be longer or permanent if Steph chooses not to move apartments.
“Ah, yeah. I’m a little nervous. I know she is going to make it a huge deal.” She looks back down at her phone to type something.
“Well, let's get this over with.” I get out of the car and Louise follows me to the building door.
I’ve never actually been to Steph’s house but I know the building she lives in. I think I’ve slept with a girl name Suzie here. God, what have I done?
We reach the inside of the building and it hasn’t changed since the last time I was here. I don’t even remember when that was or what Suzie looked liked, all I know is that she was a very kinky girl and wanted to try things I haven’t e
ven thought of before. She was fun.
The elevator ride up to the third floor wasn’t as awkward as I thought it was going to be. It was quiet but I felt the sexual tension in the air. I did kiss her earlier and it was amazing.
I have been thinking about kissing her for a long time and I wasn’t sure if the hospital was the best place to experience our first kiss but I thought ‘Fuck It.’ It was definitely the best decision I have made lately.
“Here we are. This is it.” Louise’s voice seems nervous about bringing me here. She has nothing to worry about, Steph will agree and I get to take her home.
The door opened and there stood Steph, she squealed at the top of her lungs. “YOU ARE HERE!” My ears hurt now.
I watch as Steph gently hugs Louise and they both start laughing at each other. I can see why Louise is very fond of Steph. They make a good pair. They are the human Ying and Yang.
“Hey Alex, come in.” I follow the ladies into the apartment and close the door behind me. The apartment is styled in a modern way, it is clean and everything has a place of its own. It’s a very professional environment.
Steph leads us to the kitchen table where she has set down plates full of cheese, dips and cookies.
“I hope you guys are hungry.” Steph sets water filled glasses down next to Louise and me.
“Oh, you didn’t have to do all this for us Steph, but we actually ate lunch before we came.” I look back and forth between Steph and Louise they both look tense.
“It’s alright, I’m still a little bit hungry. Thanks Steph.” I grab a plate full of food. I have no idea how I’m going to eat all this. Going straight to the gym tonight. I can just imagine Reece pissing himself laughing. Where is he when I need him the most? These next few minutes or hours could be excruciating.
“Thanks Alex, for everything you have done for Louise and for bringing her back home. I’m so glad to have her back.” Steph reaches her hand over to Louise’s and gives it a squeeze.
“Ah, that’s exactly what we have to discuss.” I look over to Louise, she gulps down her water. She looks over at me and those grey eyes sparkle with joy. I’ve never seen her this happy before.
Her brown hair has gotten longer, she has tied it up today but I wish she would leave it down. It flows perfectly down her back in natural waves.
Just rip it off like a Band-Aid Precious.
“I’m staying at Alex’s for a while, I want to have a family meeting in a few days and that includes you. I have a few matters to discuss and no, I won’t tell you now.” It’s like she heard me, my girl is making me proud.
“Are you sure about that? I mean you’ve known this guy for FIVE minutes. No offense Alex. Are you sure?” Steph looks guilty with trying to keep her friend away from me. I would probably do the same thing for Reece but she was the one who wanted me to keep Louise happy and this is the only way.
“Yep, he makes me happy and I think I need this.” Louise reaches across the table and grabs my hand. I’ve never felt my chest expand from my heart exploding in my chest.
This girl right here is everything.
“If that’s what you want, then I’ll support you.” Louise jumps out of her seat and climbs on Steph’s lap.
“Thank you, thank you.”
I was about to tell Louise to pack her bags when my phone starts ringing. I pull it out and the caller ID is Mom.
“Hey mom, is everything okay?” I know she has been ringing all day yesterday and today but I wanted to focus all my time on Louise.
“It’s your father, he wants to see you right now.” Mom hung up before I could ask her why.
Shit, this isn’t looking good.
I get up off the chair and make my way around the table. Louise tenses up on Steph. They are both mirroring my expression, shock and sadness.
“I have to go, mom called. I’ll pick you up tonight Precious, have your things ready.” I lean down to kiss her on the forehead. I hope I get to take her home tonight.
“See you then Alex.”
I head out the door, wishing I could take her with me but she doesn’t need to be there for this.
Whatever this may be.
The drive to my parent’s house couldn’t have come quick enough. So many thoughts are swirling around in my head and I can’t seem to get Louise out of it. Whatever song played on the radio, my thoughts would turn to her. I know that something is majorly wrong with my father but I can’t seem to get this woman out of my system.
She is my weakness.
I know now that my life won’t be worth living if she isn’t in it. I can finally breathe, I can be the man I need to be and I won’t let her fall.
She is my light at the end of the dark tunnel.
I pull up at my parent’s gate and this dark wave of sickness washes over me. Fuck.
The last time I had one of those was before I got in the car with Tiffany to take her away, so many years ago.
“Hey Jack, you don’t look so good.” I know he isn’t the reason for that sudden bad feeling. I know it’s about my father.
“I’m fine son, go see your family.” I walk past him to enter the house and I get this eerie feel about the place. It is quiet and no staff is around. This is bad.
I walk past the kitchen and Helga isn’t there, no food is cooked and left out. The living room isn’t filled with businessmen or maids trying to clean the already clean room. I walk up to the stairs and try to hear anything but I get more silence. Fuck!
I quickly take the stairs two at a time, I reach the top of the stairs and I double over, I’m trying to catch my breath. This knot in my stomach won’t go away, it’s only getting worse the closer I get to my parent's bedroom.
I get another breath in before I stand up straight; I send a quick text out to Louise, wishing I were with her now.
Turning my phone off, I make my way to the master bedroom. The last time I was in there Dr. Sin was going to tell us about the test results for dad. I can’t believe I left without knowing, what kind of son am I?
I am a son who is madly in love with Louise.
Shit.
Did I actually admit that to myself? I can’t have her taking over my thoughts right now but I feel lighter and my head is clearer now that I know my true feelings for her.
I have my hand on the door ready to knock when it opens and Damon steps out. He closes the door behind him, he turns to face me and his face is streaked with tears.
Fuck!
“Brother, it’s not good.” That’s the only thing Damon says before he grabs me for a hug. I can feel his body shaking against mine. I feel numb.
This can’t be happening.
This isn’t how it’s meant to be.
I can’t lose my dad.
I just… can’t.
“How bad is it?” I pull back from Damon and wipe my face from the tears. He looks like a mess but I’m glad he’s home.
“Just go and see Alex.”
I walk in the room and I see everyone there. I’m standing there frozen looking at my family, the staff and dad’s business colleagues.
This can’t be happening.
“Whaa… what is happening.” I finally get out, this is going to harder than I thought. I’m grateful I didn’t bring Louise into this mess; she doesn’t need another dark cloud over her head.
“Honey, go sit by your father.” Mom comes up next to me; she takes my hand and leads me across the room to the bed where dad is lying still.
“H… hey son…” My dad coughed up blood before he could finish his sentence. Fuck!
“It’s… it’s going to… be… okay.” I sit down on the chair and take his cold hand. This can’t be happening.
“Here… my note… just say… yes.” He takes deep breaths from his oxygen mask. I’m not ready for him to go.
I’m not ready to be alone.
“Yes, whatever is it. Yes dad. Please don’t go.” I put my head on our hands, and begin to cry. My body is shaking uncontrollably.
&
nbsp; I feel two sets of hands on either shoulder; I’m assuming its mom and Damon.
I hear three more faint breaths before I look up.
I see everyone in the room crying, leaning on their loved ones and then my eyes land on the bed.
My dad’s gone.
This can’t be happening.
I just want to yell, to get angry and to throw things but I can’t. I have to be the man my dad was proud of.
The note is burning a whole in my hand, I’m not sure if I want to read it now or later.
I can’t think.
I can’t move.
I just want my dad back.
I don’t even know what was wrong with him.
Fuck!
“Son… honey… come on.” Mom is shaking me on the shoulder, I don’t want to move. I don’t want to leave him here all by himself.
“Alex lets just go downstairs.” Damon is helping mom lift me off the chair, so I let them.
I don’t want to think.
I don’t want to feel.
I follow mom and Damon downstairs where I see Helga in the kitchen and she has covered the counter with so much food. I can’t even think about food right now.
“Alex come here sweets.” Helga opens her arms up and I walk right into them. She knows the right amount to squeeze me and for how long to hold me.
“You’ll be okay. You’re a Knight, you’re supposed to survive.” She kisses me on the cheek before patting me on the ass.
I walk over to where Damon is sitting on the lounge chair, he doesn’t look any better than I feel. I don’t think I have the strength to look at mom.
“I’m glad you’re here Damon.” I take my seat next to him and I’m contemplating whether to look at the note now, while Damon is here or wait until I’m alone.
“What’s the note dad gave you? He didn’t give anything to me or mom.”
“I don’t know, I don’t want to open it yet.” I flip the note over and over in my pocket, not sure when the right time to open it is.
“I think you should open it now.” He tries to get the note out of my pocket.
