Fame & Consequences

by Reese A. Stephens

  He seems sincere, but the truth is, I’m angry, at myself, him, Carter. I stand, making him fall back to the ground, landing on his butt. I can’t even look at him right now.

  “I’m very angry.” He doesn’t respond. “And now the media thinks I want Carter over you. That won’t go away. It makes me seem like a two-timing hussy.”

  “First, you aren’t cheating on me, nor would you ever. But, no, it won’t go away. Carter is your best friend, and you love him. I get that. He loves you, but he loves you different from the way you love him, and that is a little scary for me, especially now.”

  My anger fades slightly as I turn back toward him. “Somewhere inside me, I do love you. I also know that Carter is only my friend. Actually, to me we’ve just started to talk again, so this is really strange for me on all sides.”

  “I understand that, I really do. I haven’t shown it well enough though. I’m really sorry Carter and I fought,” Elijah tells me.

  “I forgive you both. I’m sure I haven’t helped. I mean, I am more comfortable with Carter right now. Like you said, I’ve known him my whole life. He’s always been my best friend. I’ll try to do better with that.” I’ve betrayed him unknowingly. I let another man help dress me. Who does that? If it wasn’t for me, none of this would have happened.

  Elijah shakes his head. “No, you don’t need to change anything. You worry about getting better. Okay?” I nod and he kisses the back of my hand. “Let’s get you inside. It’s getting pretty hot out here.”

  We walk back to my room to find Jared and Carter sitting in two of the chairs waiting on us. “Hey,” I say as I climb into the bed, suddenly exhausted.

  “Hey,” they say in unison.

  “How are you feeling today?” Jared asks.

  “Better. I’m ready to get out of here.”

  “The nurse came by and said the doctor is about to do his rounds. I was going to come find you,” Jared says.

  “I hope he says I can be released.”

  I glance at Carter who hasn’t really looked up at me at all. “Carter?”

  He peeks up, but doesn’t fully look at me, but I can see his lip is busted. It's not as bad as it appeared on TV. “I’m sorry, Sophie.”

  “I forgive you.” He walks over and sits on the edge of the bed, finally meeting my eyes.

  “He got you pretty good.” I reach up and touch his face.

  He rolls his eyes. “Lucky shot.”

  Elijah snorts. “Uh huh.”

  He opens his mouth to respond, but the door opens and Doctor Greene walks in. “Good morning. How are you feeling today, Miss Parker?”

  “I’m feeling like I’m ready to go home.” Well, at least out of this place. I don’t really have a home.

  “Good. I think I’ll let you, but there are a few things we need to discuss.” He pulls up a chair and sits beside Elijah. “With you living in California, I’m assuming you were planning on flying?”

  I watch Elijah for the answer. “Probably,” he says tentatively.

  Doctor Greene nods his head. “That’s what I figured. For a person with a head injury, flying could be detrimental to your healing. The cabin pressure could cause severe headaches, and even swelling. The swelling is the concerning factor. It’d be better if you could drive, stopping as often as you needed.”

  “We can do that,” Elijah tells him. He looks at me. “I could rent an RV or something roomy for us to drive. We could stop as often as you needed.”

  “I’m okay with that,” I agree. Anything to get out of here.

  “Dr. Sanchez, the doctor I’m referring you to in San Francisco, is aware that you may have to take longer to arrive in the state, so he’s given me his personal phone number for you to call him if you have any issues. If, for some reason, you need to go to the ER, be sure to have them phone him. He’s already gone over your chart,” Doctor Greene explains.

  “Does he think I’ll get my memory back?” I ask.

  Doctor Greene kind of scrunches up his face. “That’s really hard to say, but he doesn’t see anything that would make him think there’s permanent damage, but he’ll want to redo some tests. He’ll be able to tell you more once you go to your appointment which is scheduled for next week. If it ends up taking you longer than six days to arrive, give him a call.” He stands, reaching his hand out to me. I take it. “Good luck to you.”

  The guys talk a little more, as they make arrangements for the trip. It’s funny, I’ve always wanted to drive across the country. I guess this is my chance. I only hope we make it to San Francisco without being noticed by anyone. That’s all any of us need.

  15 Leaving

  L eaving the hospital wasn’t as dramatic as it could have been. We exited in the hospital parking garage reserved for the physicians so no one other than them had access to the lot. Doctor Greene really went above and beyond for us. Once back at the hotel, I go straight to bed. I’m so exhausted from having woken up so early and not sleeping well in general that I don’t bother with anything. When I wake up, Elijah is sitting on the bed against the headboard working on his laptop. He’s wearing glasses and looks deep in concentration. I stare at him for as long as I can before my brain forces me to speak.

  “What’re you concentrating on so hard?”

  He jumps a little then laughs. “I was messaging our realtor about the house we liked.”

  “Oh.”

  “Sorry. I should have asked before I sat in the bed with you.”

  I shake my head and sit up to face him. “It’s all right. I know things are different for us, but I don’t want you to change your normal responses.” I rethink that. “I mean, I’m not ready for anything physical. I need to get to know you again, so try to act as normal as possible. It might help me remember.”

  “Whatever you need, baby.” Elijah calling me baby makes my insides flutter.

  I blush, but I ignore my burning face. “So, what’s the plan for getting home?”

  His smile tells me he noticed my flaming red face. “We’ve rented a tour bus. It has the most room and there’s a bathroom. We can also park at an RV park overnight, or whenever you need.”

  “How long will it take to get across the country?”

  “From here to San Francisco it’s forty-three hours, but with stops and overnights we’re just planning on four possibly five days. Then after your appointment we’ll go home.”

  “Where’s home? I don’t have an apartment.” I can’t believe I’ve never thought to ask that before.

  He looks a bit uncomfortable. “No, you live in a hotel.”

  This shocks me. I remember wanting to find an apartment after Australia. “Why?”

  “At first, because you were traveling a lot and didn’t have time to look. I’m not sure why after that. I’ve been trying to talk you into moving in with me for a long time. You finally agreed after we got engaged.”

  My brows pinch together. “Really? That doesn’t sound like me.”

  Elijah grins cheekily. “Well, you only agreed if you had your own room until we got married. That’s why we are looking for a house. That way you can get it fixed up like you want, then after we’re married, I’ll move right in.” He winks.

  “So, I was only going to stay with you until we bought our house?”

  He takes my hand in his. “We hadn’t decided that yet, but I was going to offer you my spare bedroom. I’ve been trying to get you to stay with me for a while. Though I’ve never pushed, only offered. You can do whatever makes you the most comfortable, but I can assure you that I’ve always respected your physical boundaries, and I’ve never pushed you for more than you are able to give.”

  I’m glad I haven’t given in to living with him before we were engaged, even in separate bedrooms. I’m not sure what to think, knowing that I was willing to buy a house and move in before marriage. I won’t think about what that means to me now. Him talking about our physical boundaries though, makes my face heat. I have no idea what I’ve been willing to give him
physically. I close my eyes tightly for a moment, then glance down at our joined hands.

  “What have I been willing to give you?”

  He raises his hand to my chin and pulls my face up to meet his. “Hi.”

  “Hi,” I say mortified. But he smiles, giving me a wink. Which gives me butterflies in my stomach.

  He runs his fingers over my heated cheek, pausing at my mouth. “These.”

  His fingertip traces over my slightly parted lips. My heart races at the contact. He leans forward very slowly, giving me time to object. I should object, but truth be told, I’ve wanted to kiss him for so long, since I was a teenager and watched Equestrian Club. Realizing that we’ve kissed before my accident makes me even more curious. So, I let him press his lips against mine. The sensation sends goosebumps all over my body. My hands, of their own accord, wrap in his hair, tugging as I pull myself closer to him. He in turn wraps his arms around me, pulling me to straddle his lap at the same time his tongue sweeps over my lips, making me gasp as he explores.

  I’ve never been so consumed by a kiss. It’s like he’s everywhere all at once, invading my senses and taking over my brain. I’m so overcome with emotions and sensations, dizziness sets in, forcing me to pull back gasping for air, breaking our heated moment.

  “I’m sorry. Are you okay?” He looks completely panicked.

  I nod my head, trying to catch my breath. “Sorry. I think I forgot to breathe.” I shrug.

  He chuckles. “It’s okay.” He brushes my air behind my ear. “Was that okay?”

  “Yeah. More than okay.”

  “Remember anything?” He asks, shyly.

  I frown. “I wish I did.”

  “I didn’t figure you would, but I’m an actor, we have tons of unreal expectations.” He bops my nose with the tip of his finger.

  I giggle. “I wish it worked like the movies. I’d definitely want you to be my Prince Charming.” I cup his face in my hands. “I do think my heart remembers you. You feel safe to me.”

  He pulls me into a hug. “Oh, Sophie. I love you. You are everything to me.” He kisses my forehead and we sit like that for a long while, but as all things do, it comes to an end when Carter barges into my room.

  “Whoa! What the hell, man?”

  Elijah snorts derisively. I move off his lap and turn to Carter. “Don’t you knock?”

  “I was coming to wake you up. Dude, we talked about you pushing her,” Carter says to Elijah.

  Elijah stands from the bed and gathers his laptop and phone. He ignores Carter and turns to me. “I’ve got a few things I need to take care of before we can leave here tomorrow. The room service menu is on the nightstand if you want something.” He kisses my forehead then turns to leave, shoulder checking Carter on the way out.

  “Why can’t you just leave him alone?” I ask my meddling best friend.

  He grunts then flops down on the bed beside me, laying his head on my lap. “Not gonna happen. Way I see it, you need protecting from him.”

  I shove his head off me as I stand up. “How do you figure that? He’s my fiancé.”

  “Whom you don’t remember, Sophie. I won’t let anyone take advantage of you, or make you think you owe them something. He has a lot going on for himself. He could easily persuade you into doing things you wouldn’t really do.”

  “Are you talking about sex?”

  “Yes, and no. I’m talking about everything. He waltzes into your life, tells you all these things you have planned, things you’ve done with him, and then you are obligated to pick all that back up just because you don’t want to hurt his feelings.” Carter stands up from the bed, glaring at me.

  “What’s wrong with that?” I cross my arms over my chest and glare back at him. It’s not true. I don’t feel obligated to do anything, but I want to know exactly what he’s thinking.

  “What’s wrong is you don’t remember him. He’s virtually a stranger to you. You need to pretend you’re back at day one with him and get to know him, so you don’t feel pressured or forced. I know you, Sophie. You’re a people pleaser. I’m only looking out for your best interests.”

  Carter leans over and grabs the menu and starts to browse it over as I stew on what he’s just said to me. He acts like he’s not just jumped down my throat. Maybe he’s right. I shouldn’t let Elijah kiss or touch me. I should start over. I stare at my ring. I can’t marry someone I know nothing about. If I don’t remember, then I have nothing to base this relationship on. I move toward the door.

  “Peaches, where are you going?”

  I turn back to him. “I need to talk to Jared.” I continue out the door and find my brother sitting in the living room with Elijah and Danny. “Jare, can I talk to you for a minute?”

  He stands, his eyebrows creased in concern. “Sure, what’s up?”

  “Can we go in your room?” I point to the door behind me.

  “Yeah.” He leads me into the room beside mine and shuts the door. “What’s wrong?” My eyes start to tear up and my lip starts to quiver. He pulls me into a hug. “Hey, tell me what’s going on?”

  “Carter thinks I should break up with Elijah until I get my life sorted and remember more.”

  He pushes me back. His eyes are wide in shock. “He said that?”

  “Not exactly, but he alluded to it. Is he right? Should I start from scratch with Elijah?”

  “I can’t tell you to do that. You have to follow your heart." He taps my chest on the left side. “What’s it telling you?”

  I stare at my brother. “Please don’t repeat any of this to anyone.”

  He holds up his hand in the scout salutes. “Scouts honor.” I grin. He’s never been a scout, but I know he’ll keep it to himself.

  “At first, I was really uncomfortable with Elijah. I felt like a fangirl stalking him even though he was the one coming to me. It was surreal and strange, but then everyone told me we were engaged, and there’s this huge beautiful ring.” I hold up my hand for emphasis. “There are pictures of us together, even at Gran’s and the hot-spring. It was like I had to be in a relationship. I had to accept that he was in my life as my fiancé. Then we had some time to talk, just the two of us, and he knows me so well. He’s so sweet and loving. He tells me how much he loves me, and he’s affectionate. He’s the opposite of Carter.”

  His eyebrows pinch together in confusion. “What do you mean, opposite?”

  I walk over and sit on his bed. “Carter was always affectionate with me, but it was always for show. Like he only did it when people were around, or he was trying to get me to sleep with him. Even now he seems to show most of his affection to me when others are watching.”

  “That’s because Carter is an ass and has and always will be a horrible boyfriend for you. He’s only semi-suited for a friend.”

  I roll my eyes. I’ve heard the same thing all my life. It won’t change anything. Carter is my friend. “But what if he’s right?”

  Jared snorts derisively. “Carter’s rarely right about anything. I’m telling you to follow your heart. I can tell you that you really are head over heels for Elijah. I can tell you that you guys shared a room at Gran’s and Poppy’s. I can tell you I walked in on him feeling you up twice,” he holds up his fingers for emphasis, “but none of that matters, if you don’t remember it, if you don’t have a connection to him.”

  My mouth drops open. “Feeling me up?”

  He nods. “Hand on your boob, under your shirt.”

  I blush. That is unexpected. I’m embarrassed but I make myself meet my brother’s eyes. “Was that before or after we got engaged?”

  “I saw it after, but I don’t know what you did before. I hadn’t seen you in a few years, remember?”

  I wave him off. It’s not the topic I need to talk about. “Right. Anyway, I do have a connection to him.”

  “Then go with that and don’t do anything rash. And for Pete’s sake, stop listening to Carter. He’s an idiot.”

  I giggle. “I’ll try.” I hug my
brother. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime, baby-cakes.” He kisses my head right where my injury is, and I wince. “Sorry,” he mumbles in apology.

  We head back out to the common area, and I walk over and sit beside Elijah. “Everything okay?” he asks.

  “One day it will be.” I smile, but he doesn’t seem convinced.

  “You can talk to me about anything.” He takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles.

  “Thank you. I’ll try.”

  He gives me a wink, then turns back to his laptop. I give him his privacy, but he turns the laptop toward me, showing me the email from the relator.

  “She’ll show us the house as soon as we get back. It’s not technically listed yet, but the owner is willing to wait until we view it and give us first choice.”

  I’m taken aback by this. “Wow, is that normal?”

  “I don’t know about normal, but the owners agreed to hold off until we get back. In this neighborhood, houses go insanely quick, so if you want it, we’ll need to jump on it.”

  I sigh. “It’s up to you. You’re buying it.”

  He shakes his head and turns in his seat. “Sweetheart, this house will be for both of us. Once we’re married, everything I have will be yours. Me buying it is really not a big deal.”

  I’m really uncomfortable talking about this. “I’ll go. I just can’t promise anything. This is hard, Eli. I’m lost and confused. I don’t know that I can make a decision like that right now.”

  He nods sadly. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I was being pushy. We’ll go to the viewing, but if you don’t absolutely love it, I won’t buy it.”

  “Okay. Thank you for understanding.”

  “Always, anything for you.”

  He kisses my cheek, giving me another wink. I think he may do that on purpose. He probably knows exactly what it does to me. Jared is right, I’m going to follow my heart. If Carter can’t get behind me on this, then so be it. My heart won’t steer me wrong.

  ~*~

  The next morning, the hotel suite is a flurry of activity. I’ve had my shower, dressed, packed my bags, and now I sit on the sofa watching the guys bustling around. Elijah has been pacing back and forth for the past thirty minutes on the phone with the police officer on my case. Carter has been cursing at his laptop over something from his office. Jared and Josh have started to take everything down to the RV or tour bus, whatever it is, and Danny and Hutch have been in and out, doing whatever it is they do. I’ve been banned from helping with anything, so I sit, watching the chaos.