Walking over to the bed, “You need to try and eat.” I said as I tried to gently wake him. He moaned again, and when he opened his eyes, I stared in to the endless sea of deep blue. Of course, he couldn’t open them all the way due to the swelling. I brought over a bowl of oatmeal and held the spoon in front of his mouth. This way, he didn’t have to worry about sitting up. His head was slightly elevated from pillows and that would be high enough.
“Come on handsome, open up.” I bumped the spoon to his lips just as I did with Austin when he was little. It worked, he opened and I quickly put the spoon in his mouth. We repeated this until he had eaten the whole bowl. Taking two pills from his Percocet bottle, I grabbed the glass of water from the tray. “Open up.” I said, and when he opened his mouth, I placed the tablets on his tongue and stuck the straw in his mouth. After he swallowed them, I went to the ice machine and filled the bucket. I put some ice in a washcloth and held it to his eye until he fell fast asleep.
Moving over to the table, I started to eat my breakfast even though it was already cold. As I used my nebulizer, I knew today would be bad. I needed to rest all day or risk the chance of getting sick. After taking a shower, I fell back asleep on the little brown sofa.
Chapter 7
What the Hell Happened?
Ah, my face hurts. What’s wrong with me? Trying to move, I felt weighted down. My bed didn’t feel comfortable and the sheets were rough. Where am I? I tried to remember if I had went home with some chick. Surely if I had, I wouldn’t hurt this much. Oh God, I hurt! Why? My mind wondered back to the bar. I paid the bill and walked outside to call Seth, then… nothing. What happened? Where am I? Cracking my eyes open to slits I tried to look around. It appeared to be a hotel room. Moving my head, I moaned aloud. Hearing someone coming, I tried to see who it was. Then, leaning over me I thought I must be in heaven, because she looked like an angel with long wavy auburn hair and the greenest eyes I’ve ever peered in to. Smiling, she said, “I see you’re finally awake.” She gently rubbed my forehead with her hand and it felt so good. Nobody had ever tried to soothe me before and this felt nice. While she was rubbing my forehead, the pain in my face lessened.
“Wher…” Clearing my throat. She grabbed a cup of water and placed the straw in my mouth. Taking a drink, I tried again. “Where am I?” I rasped out. Her face looked concerned, but then she smiled and it felt like warmth in the middle of a blizzard.
“You’re in my hotel room. You were badly hurt and I didn’t know what else to do. I’m sorry.”
Hurt? I tried to think back but could only see pieces. I didn’t understand what exactly was going on. “What are you doing, why are you here?” I didn’t know who she was but I regretted asking her that question when I saw sadness and tears fill her eyes.
She smiled and then quietly said, “Just like you, I’m trying to survive.” The back of her hand swiped her face to remove a stray tear. She shouldn’t cry. Angels should never cry. “I’m going to order you some lunch and then give you more pain medicine.”
I wanted to tell her not to, that she shouldn’t trouble herself, but I couldn’t find my voice. All I could do was stare at the gorgeous woman in my line of sight. I heard her on the phone but then I must have fallen back asleep.
“Wake up, lunch is here.” She gently shook me. Feeding me vegetable soup, I ate it like a toddler. Embarrassed, I tried to look away. After I finished she placed some pills on my tongue and told me to swallow. The next think I knew, blackness engulfed me.
Opening my eyes the next morning, I noticed the sun streaming through the window. My eyes, they were more open today. Everything started to rush back again. Not only did I remember the alley where three men attack me, I remembered the woman telling me it would be okay and making me stand and walk toward the street. Turning my head, I saw her sitting there watching me. She smiled. “Good morning. You look much better today.”
Clearing my throat, “Thank you, I feel better…I think.” She walked over and handed me some water.
“I ordered you breakfast. Would you like some more oatmeal?” She went to get it but I stopped her.
“No, I’m not that hungry.” Her smile faded and she stood there and looked at me for a moment, like she was hesitating.
“Listen, I’m sorry that you were hurt, and I’ve tried to help you but I have to go home today. My plane leaves in an hour and I have to leave soon. Is there someone I can call for you?” She looked at me with sympathetic eyes.
What on earth was she talking about. She has to go home? What did that mean? Maybe my mind was still fuzzy. Who could I call? “Matt, you can call Matt.” He would help me without judging. Yes, Matt would be good.
“Okay, do you have his number?” She asked with such sincerity that I almost believed she didn’t know who I was and who I hang with…almost.
“555-1937.” I saw her grab her cell phone and I almost laughed. Of all the ways to be able to get in touch with me, this was new. I watched as she tapped her screen and then put the phone to her ear.
“Hello? Is this Matt?” I listened to her side of the conversation. This should be good. “I found a man almost dead in an alleyway. He is finally awake and is asking that I call you.” I waited to hear more but I must have fallen back asleep, that is until she touched my shoulder.
Looking at me, she said, “Your friend said he’s been worried sick, and he’ll be right here.” She sat down and started running her fingers through my hair as if she’d done it a million times before. When she realized what she was doing, she looked horrified and jerked her hand back. “Sorry.” She muttered.
“That’s okay, it felt good.” Actually, it felt better than good, it felt… comforting and that was a new concept for me.
Fifteen minutes later, someone knocked on the door. I heard her answer it and then Matt stood looking down at me. “My God, you look like shit! I almost didn’t recognize you. What the hell happened to you?” Matt asked as he sat down on the bed.
“I think I got jumped coming out of a bar.” I rasped out.
“The clinic doctor thinks it was a mugging. They couldn’t find a wallet or any personal belongings. Here is his bottle of pain medicine.” She handed the bottle to Matt as we both turned our head to stare at her. “Sorry, I didn’t know his name so I just made one up.” The lady said to Matt. For the first time I noticed her suitcase packed by the door. “I have to go, or I’ll miss my flight. I’m already late.” She peered down at me and said, “You need to be more careful.” Smiling, she turned and grabbed her suitcase then headed out the door.
“Who was that?” Matt asked as he watched the door close behind her.
“I don’t know but I’m sure she’ll call you soon enough and ask for my number.”
“You’re an asshole, you know that? You’ve been missing for three days and apparently she’s been taking care of you and that’s all you can say?” He truly looked disgusted.
“Wait, what do you mean almost three days? What day is it?”
“January 2nd. You missed everything, bringing in the New Year, the Gala, everything. I’ve been calling around and searching everywhere I knew, but you were nowhere to be found. Now I know why.”
“Oh no, I bet mother is pissed.” Moaning, I covered my eyes with my forearm.
“I don’t think pissed is the word for it. That mini me is even worse. Why would you even agree to go out with her?”
“I didn’t, remember? Mother asked and she jumped on it.” I sat up now that I was feeling better. The room was small with just the bed, and small sofa, a chair, and a bathroom. Where had she slept? I didn’t remember her being in bed with me. Surely, she wouldn’t have slept on that tiny sofa.
“You need to get dressed so I can get you home.” I looked down and noticed I lay here in just my underwear. Where were my clothes? What had she done? She probably took pictures so she could blackmail me. I give her a week to contact me for money.
Matt came walking out of the bathroom carrying a bag. “Man
, these are your clothes but there’s no way you can wear them.” He said while peering in to the bag.
“Why not?” He pulled my shirt out and I felt the blood drain from my face. It was covered with blood, and I didn’t mean a little either.
“I guess she wasn’t kidding when she said you were almost dead.” He pulled my pants out and they looked just as bad as my shirt. “You stay here, I’m going to run to the gift shop and get you something to wear.” Matt said before leaving.
I needed to use the bathroom and as I tried to stand, the room spun around and I almost fell. How had I used the bathroom the last three days? My mind repelled any thoughts that tried to enter and I shivered. I wasn’t going to even think of what might have happened. Holding on to the side of the wall, I slowly walked to the bathroom and propped against the wall while I relieved myself. Exhausted, I slumped down to the floor and just sat there, and that’s where Matt found me.
“Dude, what are you doing?” Matt asked, finding me on the floor.
“I had to take a piss.” I peered up at him, still exhausted.
“Let’s get you dressed and I’ll have the doctor meet us at your penthouse.” Matt spent the next twenty minutes helping me get dressed and walking me down to his car. My mind wandered back to the woman who had cared for me. How had she possibly moved me? Maybe she had help, probably someone to help her blackmail me.
Arriving at my penthouse, I greeted Dean as I walked through the door. He looked alarmed, maybe slightly horrified at my appearance. I did feel like shit and leaning heavily on Matt. He helped me until I was happily lying in my own bed, exhausted. “Thanks Matt.” I murmured at the same time the doorbell rang.
Matt left to answer the door. “Thank you for coming Dr. Harrison, he’s in his bed.” Matt showed him to my room. After Dr. Harrison’s examination, he confirmed that I did have a concussion and gave more instructions to rest. After showing him out, Matt came back in. “As bad as you are now, I can’t imagine how bad you were in the beginning. You should have seen a doctor!”
A doctor… hum, I did see a doctor… I think. “I think I did, I have pain medicine.” I wondered where I went. I didn’t really remember much.
“That’s right, let me get your pill bottle and I’ll see who gave it to you.” Coming back in, he read the bottle. “It says the prescription is for Jake Smith.” He kept looking it over. “Hmm, it was given to you by a Dr. Sutherland. I’ve never heard of him.”
“Neither have I. I wonder where he works.” I couldn’t think about it anymore. My head was throbbing and I just wanted to sleep. I must have nodded off because the next time I opened my eyes it was dark outside. Looking around, I was alone so I thought I’d try to get up. I really needed a shower.
Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I pushed my body up to a sitting position. The room spun around so I sat still letting it right itself before trying to move again. I slowly made my way to the bathroom, which went much better than the last attempt. Holding on to the sink, I peered at myself in the mirror. Still slightly swollen, I touched my eye and then winched at the tenderness of it. Half of my face was dark purple from the bruising. I also sported several cuts and one laceration that five stitches held together. Running my hand through my hair, it dawned on me that there was no blood… anywhere, not even in my hair. The mystery woman must have bathe me. Great, more pictures.
Turning on and stepping in the hot shower, I couldn’t help the moan that escaped my lips. The water felt good on my sore body. I just stood there and let it run down me before finally washing. Drying off, I found my pajama bottoms and even though I felt exhausted again, I was determined to sit up for a while. I found Matt on the couch watching TV.
“Well, you look better. Still look like shit, but better shit.” He laughed. Asshole!
“Thank you.” I said with a grimace.
“That chick has called you several times today. Your mothers called twice. The last time I told her you was hurt and had been unconscious for the last three days. She of course didn’t believe me, called me a liar and hung up.” Matt sat there with his feet propped on the coffee table eating popcorn. He never did care what mother thought of him.
“What did you tell Cruella?” I slowly lowered myself down in the recliner. It felt good to be up.
“That chick is mean. You need to watch out for her. I answered your phone and she threatened me if I didn’t put you on. I told her you were sleeping but I figured it was none of her business. Speaking of which, what the hell happened to you?’
“The only thing I remember was coming out of the bar. I had my cell and was about to call Seth when someone grabbed me and dragged me down the alley. I know there were at least three of them. I vaguely remember the hospital or wherever it was, but not much else.”
“You should have known better to go out by yourself. You’re well known, especially being voted the most eligible bachelor in New York and someone probably targeted you when they noticed you were alone. Probably thought it would be easy money. Hell, your watch was worth a small fortune.”
He was right. I have been living so careless that I opened myself up to this kind of attack. I was a millionaire and had everything I could possibly need and want, and after the magazine that came out last year proclaiming me the most eligible bachelor, my life had become more public. Only my parents could destroy me with their influence and connections. I was thirty-five years old, and it was time to start acting like it. I was fit, but I wasn’t twenty-two anymore. “You’re right Matt. This has certainly opened my eyes and I think I need to hire a bodyguard.”
“Finally! I’ve been telling you that for years.” And he had. I only took dates to social events and went to clubs with Matt and Dave. I spent the rest of my time working. Matt had talked to me repeatedly about the need for a bodyguard, stating that I was worth too much to take a chance going off by myself. I always felt I could defend myself but I guess I was wrong.
“I’ll set up interviews as soon as I’m better.” Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes.
Chapter 8
Heading Home!
As the plane took off, I looked out the window as I left New York behind. Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes. I felt so exhausted and my coughing was now much worse. Not that my mystery man would have noticed, thankfully. He had spent three days healing and sleeping which I was glad. On normal days, I could clear my lungs out and not really cough much during the day. I was able to keep my disease hidden very well that way. I really hated coughing all the time because I usually got looks from people, the kind that said, stay away from her or you might catch something. When I coughed like that, people would never believe that they couldn’t ever catch anything from me, but I could catch everything from them. Their cold was my pneumonia. However, here I sit coughing and getting the dreaded stares. I just wanted to be home.
Walking off the plane, I heard the sweetest voice. “Mom, over here.” I looked up to see a smiling Austin. Walking over to him, he immediately took my bag and wrapped his other arm around me. Looking down in to my face, his smile faded. “You don’t look so good.” I just smiled, I didn’t feel good.
“Well, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” I leaned in to him as we walked out of the small airport. He led me to his jeep, and after climbing in, we headed home.
“How was your trip?” He asked, grabbing my hand as he drove us.
Thinking about his question, I burst out laughing. He looked at me curiously when I said, “I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
I preceded to tell him everything that happened. “Megan and I had a great time but half way into our trip she had to leave. Her mom had a heart attack and she wouldn’t let come back with her. So one night after seeing a comedy show, I was walking to my hotel and heard a man call out. He was badly hurt and I couldn’t just leave him. He looked like he might not live. I ended up taking him to the clinic and taking care of him for three days. He just woke up this morning
and I called his friend for him.”
“You’re fucking kidding me right?” I turned, surprised by the anger in his voice.
“Watch you language.” I said with my stern mother voice.
“You were on vacation. Why didn’t you just call an ambulance? Grandma and Grandpa paid for you to have a good time but instead you spent it taking care of someone else and now you’re sick.” Why didn’t I call an ambulance? I asked myself, but I already knew the answer. Calling an ambulance never even entered my mind because I didn’t want him to be alone, and he would have been because he wasn’t awake.
Sighing, I patted his hand, “I’m glad I’m back, I’ve missed you.” We drove in silence for a while before I asked, “How was New Year’s Eve?” I saw his mouth tip up in a half smile.
“It was good.”
“Just good? Come on. Tell me.”
“It’s nothing really, I just went to the party with Kaitlyn and we brought the New Year in together.”
“Really? How?” I said with a mischievous smile. I absolutely loved embarrassing him, and he secretly loved it too.
“Mom!” He turned a nice shade of red and I laughed.
“Please tell me you used protection.” I wasn’t stupid, he’s eighteen and I refuse to be one of those mother’s that think their sons are saints.
“Mom, please.” He begged with a slight smile.
“Well, I’m waiting.”
“Yes. Are you happy now? I swear you’re so weird!” He burst out laughing but retained his shade of red.
“Huh, I guess you’re glad that I spent the holiday in New York.”
He slid his eyes sideways as he said, “I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me to honey.” A few minutes passed, and my grin returned. “Sooo,” I said slowly, “Did you enjoy it?”
Trying to Survive (The Kiser #1) Page 6
