From this point, the scene moves on fast forward, leaving Laura dazed. One of the EMTs goes to retrieve the stretcher, and within ten minutes, Nathan is on his way to the closest hospital. Sighing in relief, Laura looks at the remains of their romantic dinner and sits down heavily on the bed. Per her last communication with the Winchester, one of the hotel supervisors will be up soon to see her, so she needs to stay put. Scrolling through her phone numbers, she sees a familiar name and one who can provide some insight to this dilemma.
“Amy?”
“Hi, Laura, how are you? It’s been ages!”
The two unlikely friends had bonded over the past year. Laura’s café was close to the hospital where Dr. Amy Mathews practices as a pediatric surgeon.
“I know. Listen, I have a rather important medical question for you.”
“Is everything okay?”
“I’m hoping you’ll tell me it is.”
Laura proceeds to explain the disastrous evening to which her friend calmly tells her she did all the right things and that Nathan will no doubt fully recover. They are close to ending their conversation when a buzz and rattle catches Laura’s attention.
Unnoticed in the chaos, Nathan’s iPhone sits on the edge of the desk. Unsure who might be waiting for him, she watches the mobile and waits to see if the device will buzz again. Randomly finding a small amount of romance in the gesture, she realizes he turned his phone on silent so their time together would not be interrupted.
The phone buzzes again and Laura decides she needs to answer. After all, Nathan is in a foreign city and no one knows where he is or what has happened to him.
“Hello?”
“Who is this?” A male voice asks.
“Laura. Who is this?”
“I’m Nathan’s friend Keith, where is he?”
At this question, Laura bursts into tears. She’s been good this evening at holding herself together, but the question is her final tipping point. Through her sobs, Keith is able to get the gist of what’s happened.
“Did you drive to the hotel?”
“No, I took a taxi over.”
“And you’re at the Winchester?”
“Yes.”
“Stay put, I’ll come to get you and we can go see him.”
“I’m not sure he’ll want to see me – I forced him to go to the emergency room – he stopped breathing!”
“Trust me, it will be better for the both of you.”
“When will you be here?”
“I’m coming from Century City, so it’s going to take me a few minutes.”
“I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”
After speaking to Ethan from the hotel, Laura goes through Nathan’s luggage and pulls out a spare set of clothing for her forlorn date to change into. Without meaning to, she inhales the clean masculine scent of the garments and begins tearing up again, sobbing for a perfect first date gone hopelessly wrong.
CHAPTER FIFTY
July 28, 11:11 A.M.
An obviously exhausted Nathan walks through the door and pauses in the doorway. The Winchester has been kind enough to let him extend his stay for another night and he’s got enough clout with his airline that he’s been able to rebook the flight for free. Housekeeping have neatened the room, taken the food away and reset the furniture. It’s like yesterday didn’t happen.
Keith has taken an unprecedented day off work to keep an eye on his friend, now released from the hospital.
“You don’t have to do this. It’s not the first attack I’ve had, nor is it going to be the last.”
“Just shut up. If you keep badgering me about being here, I’m going to book you time at the spa.”
“Fine.”
“Now, are you sure you’re okay to travel tomorrow? You can crash with me until the weekend.”
“I’m fine. Seriously. Anyway, I have to get home to Peanut.”
“That mangy dog is still alive?”
“He’s not mangy and yes, he is still alive. He just prefers to sleep most of the time.”
Keith sits down on the large leather chair and says, “Well, I guess if you’re going to recuperate, this isn’t a bad place to do it in.”
Taking a seat on the couch across from him, Nathan answers, “No.”
“So, are we going to talk about your behavior last night?”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. I’ve known you too long.”
“You don’t like what I said to Laura?”
“It was uncalled for.”
“She almost killed me.”
“She saved your life!”
“Because she had to after almost killing me! Do you now see the cause and effect of this situation?”
“Dude, you have no clue how devastated she was.”
“How do you know?”
Keith pulls a hand through his short salt and pepper hair and replies, “You were so out of it last night you don’t even remember. I called looking for you to check in and see how things were going and she picked up. Apparently she had taken a taxi over to the hotel, which by the way, I shouldn’t have to explain what that decision meant.”
“Really?”
“Really. I talked her into going with me to the hospital to check on your sorry ass. Due to some traffic on the way we were in the car longer than expected.”
“So what?”
“So, she’s an incredible woman who feels terrible about what she did. When we finally got to see you – after waiting an hour, the first thing you said was, and I think this is an exact quote, ‘Thanks a lot’. Real smooth, buddy.”
“And then what happened?”
“She ran out of the room crying and I followed her. When I got back you were already passed out.”
“So I’m the dick?”
“Yes. And now you need to call her and apologize.”
“Why should I do any such thing?”
“You’d be an idiot to let someone like her slip through your fingers.”
Nathan crosses his arms and mumbles, “If you like her so much, why don’t you marry her?”
At this comment, Keith stands up and says, “I’ve got my own issues to work through. When you feel up to acting like a man, call her and apologize. Text me if you need anything.”
Keith leaves the room in silence.
Nathan stares at his phone and begins pacing around the room. Muttering to himself, he opens his laptop and begins writing preliminary notes on his experience at the Winchester (leaving out the part where his life was in jeopardy). Unfortunately, after writing three words, he looks at the nearly blank screen and closes the document. Pulling up his e-mail, he scans through to see if there are any interesting upcoming assignments he can apply for. Nothing particularly catches his interest, so, out of procrastination and deliberately not wanting Keith’s words to affect him, Nathan widens his search and sees a full time position that looks interesting. One of the main Los Angeles magazines is looking for a travel editor. Nathan keeps the tab open to consider the possibility. Leaning back in the chair to consider applying, he notices his browser still has a tab open to Laura’s Sweet Stuff. Without meaning to, unable to stop himself, he looks at her website again and remembers the previous night, before everything went to hell.
Getting up, he leans in to smell the roses Laura didn’t take with her.
Walking back, he sits at the desk and dials the front desk.
“Yes, Mr. Rourke? Are you feeling okay this morning?”
“Yes, I’m much better thank you. Now, I’m hoping you can help me.”
“Our pleasure.”
“Where did you get the roses yesterday?”
“There’s a small boutique store around the corner – they provide the entire hotel with flowers.”
“Can they make a delivery?”
“I’m sure they can, Sir.”
“Excellent.”
“And do you know a good driver?”
“Of course, Sir. What sort of car will you be needing?”
“A nice towncar should do. Now, here’s where I’m going to need some help…” Nathan proceeds to give lengthy and detailed instructions, hoping his gambit will pay off.
“Will that be all, Sir?”
“Yes, I think that should do it. You’ll call me if there are any issues?”
“Of course, Mr. Rourke.”
“Thanks for your help!”
Hanging up the phone, Nathan decides he’s earned a nap and falls asleep for a few hours – not before carefully setting his cell phone alarm giving himself ample time to prepare.
After a dead sleep, feeling like a new man, Nathan wakes up and showers, he calls to the front desk and asks, “Any progress?”
“We’ve arranged everything you’ve asked, Mr. Rourke, but,” the woman at the front desk drops her voice, “there’s no way to know if Ms. Pendergrast will show up.”
“I know and you’ve gone above the call of duty today. Can you have the driver call me if she does show up?”
“Of course, Sir.”
Nathan hangs up the phone. His idea isn’t the most original plan, but he hopes the amount of groveling he’s putting forth will inspire Laura to give him another chance. He resists the urge to text or call her, trying to give her space to decide if he is worth a second chance.
As the minutes tick by, he begins to lose hope and begins packing his suitcase for his return trip the following day. He doesn’t receive a call, but a knock on the door. Realizing who is on the other side, he opens it and looks at his guest speechlessly.
“I didn’t think you would come.”
“I told the driver not to tell you.”
“Will you come in?”
“I guess.” She walks through the door, trailing the same scent as yesterday – vanilla and flowers, and adds, “Thanks for the roses.”
“My pleasure.”
She sits down on the couch, crosses her legs, and says, “I believe there is something you would like to tell me.”
Dropping to her side, he clears his throat and answers, “I wanted to apologize for my behavior and also, I never got to thank you for saving my life.”
“Anything else?”
“Up until my allergic reaction, last night was one of the best dates I’ve ever had. While I was slipping out of consciousness, do you want to know what I thought?”
“What’s that?” Her green eyes widen.
He takes one of her hands in his, and says, “I honestly wasn’t sure if I was going to live and do you want to know what my biggest regret was?”
“No, I don’t.”
His voice drops even lower and he says, “Not doing this…”
Cupping her cheek in his hand, he watches as she closes her eyes and all but holds her breath. Bringing her lips to meet his, he kisses her tentatively at first, waiting for any positive signal. Finally, she grants his wish and shifts herself towards him and leans forward, intentionally brushing some of her generous cleavage against his chest. Nathan needs no further encouragement and places a hand behind her head, bringing her closer, enjoying the feel of his hand in her soft hair. Although his body is urging for closer contact, Nathan forces himself to enjoy their embrace.
Somewhat breathlessly, she ends their kiss and says, “So, you can die now?”
“I suppose.”
“I guess I could just go then…” She fiddles with the strap of her purse.
“I’d like it better if you stayed.”
“When do you fly out?”
“Tomorrow morning. Any chance you’ve got a convention or reason to visit Texas some time soon?”
She looks at him wistfully and answers, “My restaurant keeps me super busy. I haven’t had a vacation since I opened it.”
“That’s a shame.”
“So why did you call me yesterday? Really? Was interviewing me some sort of angle for the article you’re writing about the Winchester?”
“Not at all. After eating every baked good in sight, I had to meet you.”
“Even if I almost killed you,” she laughs nervously.
“Even if you almost killed me.”
An awkward tension fills the space between them. Nathan wants nothing more than to have Laura stay with him – even if they spend the whole night talking and nothing further physical happens between them. He watches her, struggling with the decision to stay or leave, when suddenly she digs through her purse and pulls out a small branded box.
Handing it across, she requests, “Open it.”
He unties the green bow and opens the lid, revealing a perfect chocolate colored strawberry inside. He smiles and comments, “Looks delicious.”
“Taste it.”
Not taking his eyes off of her, he places then entire strawberry inside his mouth and starts chewing, surprised there is a hidden amount of cheesecake within the fruit. It’s one of the most amazing mouthfuls he’s ever had. In thanks, when he kisses her, she tastes the sweetness and is glad she gave Nathan another chance.
“So what made you come back? The way I treated you, you could’ve just never seen me again. I’m not entirely sure I deserve you here this evening.”
She laughs and says, “Would it surprise you that I don’t date much?”
“Someone as lovely as you? I don’t believe it.”
“Flatterer.”
“I have to try something to get back to where we were yesterday.”
“And where was that exactly?” Laura asks, her green eyes gleaming.
“I’d like to think it was potentially on its way to that room over there.” Nathan points to the bedroom.
“You would like to think that.”
“Would I be wrong?”
Laura considers her options. While she cannot deny she is highly attracted to the man in front of her, she is not the type to hop into beds of men she has more or less just met. At the same time, it has been a very long time and he is flying out tomorrow. Not allowing herself to over think the situation, she forces herself be in the moment. Standing up, she takes Nathan’s hand, and says, “You are not wrong.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
August 5, 1:03 A.M.
Michael Bennett paces nervously in the darkened suite. He can’t sleep, which is unusual for him. As a dedicated swimmer and mentally busy all day with meetings, he usually falls right to slumber every night. Tonight, however, sleep escapes him. Later this morning, he’ll be interviewing for a promotion at a new company.
Michael knows whom he’s up against. The list is short, the competition is fierce. The list includes colleagues and one member from his MBA program.
Tomorrow he meets with the CEO and the shareholders of his prospective new employer.
No one at his current company knows he is in Los Angeles.
No one in his division, nor the other senior managers have a clue he could be jumping ship in a matter of months. They all think he’s taken a last minute anniversary trip with his wife.
He’s been at his current company for years. After a few years of sleepless nights, he completed his MBA, lucked into a job at a decent company and steadily worked his way up.
He can already hear what they’ll say. No one will understand why he wants to make the change, why he would want to move his family and take a risk, but he thinks life is too short. If they can’t understand his decision or be excited for him, that’s their prerogative and one he personally doesn’t give a shit about. This isn’t about the bigger office, an increased expense account or stock options. This is about becoming senior management – a role he honestly believes he was put on this good earth to do.
When the head-hunter he had been networking with called and asked if he would be interested in the role, he leapt at the chance.
He’s survived two phone interviews and one video conference.
In his mind, he’s already walking into his boss’s office and handing in
his letter of resignation.
He can see her reaction. She’ll be upset. She’ll ask why and when and how long this has been in motion.
It’s not about the money or the package, or the stock options – it’s about getting out of the never-ending rut that is his life.
He knows he’s more than just a middle manager from Ohio.
Michael Bennett can play and work on the national level.
He wants to call his wife. Sara can soothe him and has been his greatest cheerleader through this process. Even if she initially wondered if a new hobby might be a better reaction than uprooting their family, but ultimately she has been his rock of support. As he glances at the clock, even with the time difference, it’s still a few hours until she’ll be up.
Where will they live? Will they have celebrities for neighbors? A million thoughts go through his head.
Having been sent a packet of sanitized business financials prior to the interview, Michael pulls out his notes on the company. With reports of corporate espionage earlier in the year, the company had no choice but to watch as their major competitor surged forward in the market.
Michael firmly believes they can recover and gain back the market share that has been lost in the past few months.
He moves to the closet and looks at his suit, hanging peacefully. After the first call from the head-hunter, he had splurged and bought a brilliant black Armani suit, which fits his 5’10” frame perfectly. When he wore it, he felt like a million dollars – or at least capable of managing millions of dollars. Running his hands over the silk blend, he looks to the fitted white shirt and silk tie in place hanging next to the suit.
What would his new life be like in Los Angeles?
He has a few colleagues in town, but the move would mean starting over. Is this new opportunity something he can force on his children? He and Sara have kept any reference of the move or his interview at a minimum. He doesn’t want to upset or stress their nine year old or the seven year old twins. They can wait until the holiday break. Although the timing is bad and they’ll be apart, the six months will give Sara time to sell the house and him to get into the position without distractions. It’s not ideal, but they’ll make it work. She’s his rock – without her, he begins to realize that none of this would be possible. Perhaps before he starts his new job, they can have his parents come and stay with the kids and take the trip to Hawaii like they’ve always talked about doing.
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